My passion....

(click to enlarge)

Several of you have (kindly) asked to see some of my pottery...so, I have quickly picked out a few pictures of some of my work and made a collage out of them. As you can see, my work is quite eclectic.

My apologies, in that this may not be the easiest way to view them...but, I thought that it was the best that I could do with the space constraints. (I will try to put together another collage on a future post.)

Most of my work is hand-built from white earthenware clay. I start out with a lump of clay and through the process of slab rolling, I can create many different forms. I build all of the boxes from the ground up...and, everything that I do is hand-painted with underglazes.

As you can see, I prefer bright colors and whimsical designs. I also find myself putting a lot of "messages" of faith, hope, joy, laughter, etc. on my work.

This really makes the pottery an extension of who I am.

While walking this morning....

You know that your house is truly hot when it is almost 90 degrees outside and it feels cooler outside than it does inside your home!(P.S. Air-conditioning unit stop cooling yesterday afternoon) So, it was a no-brainer that I would take my morning walk outside today....even though it has been something that I have avoided as of late because of the oppressive temperatures.

As I walked up the street I began to hear the fenced dogs barking as I must have riled them up as I walked by. I try to think of it as a doggie serenade. (Right!)

When I came upon a neighbor with is dog out in the front yard, he began to bark quite loudly at me (the dog, not the neighbor!). As I approached them both, I tried to calm the dog down...but, it was not to be and he remained quite agitated with me (again, the dog, not the neighbor!). So, as I walked away, I laughed as the following words came spilling out of my mouth: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you so excited. I have that affect on men."

One of those moments when you want to bang yourself on side of the head and say: "What did I just say?"

On up the street I came upon a beautiful home that had been sold and resold and then put into foreclosure and sold again.

Unfortunately, the newest owners are not taking care of it the way the previous owners did. I had to laugh as I saw the sprinkler system going full blast and the huge abundance of sprouted weeds being watered profusely. I couldn't help but think how delighted these lush, green weeds must have felt to be receiving such good care!

Further down the road there is this house that is newly built. The story was that the owners took apart the old home that was on the property and donated it to a homeless family (how nice). Section by section I watched as the builders removed parts of the home and placed it on a truck.

While it was a lovely home, the new home being constructed was at least 2 1/2 times as large and much more modern.

Move ahead almost a year...and I have noticed that it seems as if the construction was stopped before everything was finished. The outside painting is not done, the drive is unfinished, and weeds are beginning to grow all over the place.

It makes me wonder if the rough economy got the better of these people, too??

When I called the A.C. service people yesterday they asked if I changed my filters regularly and if not, to change them. So, I did. They weren't too bad, but certainly in need of changing. I'm usually pretty good about doing that...however I wasn't quite as prudent this time around.

So, last night, I slept with just the fan blowing on my a.c. system and, of course, my ceiling fan going full blast. It was hot, but bearable. With today's temps projected to rise into the 90's I had my concerns about how it would be later today and tonight if we did not get it fixed before the day was over.

Well, since writing this post today, I decided to give the system one more try and turned everything back on. To my shock...cool air is coming through my vents!!! It could be that the pipes were just frozen up...or....that....

Miracles do happen..........

....but, just in case, make sure that you change your a.c. filters regularly!

Summer Celia

I came home to a very hot house (did I mention very hot?!) and probably a broken-down air-conditioning system...so, the best that I can do for today is post an incredibly joyful picture of my Celia!

Sweltering heat or not, she has me smiling! : )

(Servicemen will be here sometime tomorrow.....stay tuned.)

A bowl of cherries and me...

Monday morning...and, I am sitting here trying to make a dent in the huge bowl of fresh cherries beside me.

I love summer fruits...most especially, sweet, red cherries. So, you can imagine my delight when I found them on sale last week for a ridiculously low price! I picked out one of the larger bags, not realizing the enormity of what I had purchased until I got home and placed them in a bowl.

I may emerge from this with telltale red-stained teeth and fingers...but, at least I will have a smile on my face!

***********************************************************************

Dave and I took it pretty easy this holiday weekend in that I was still trying to get over my little viral thing that I brought home from MN and wasn't really feeling 100%. He did play golf two of the days...and he ran by his friend's lake house for a couple of hours coming home with some delicious bar b que...But, other than that...we pretty much just laid around the house like a couple of slugs.

We did watch the movie, Gran Torino yesterday. It starts Clint Eastwood and a group of other very talented actors...and, we both enjoyed it tremendously. I loved the journey that the lead character (Eastwood) took from being an angry, prejudiced man....to one of greater understanding. Nice.

**********************************************************************

You know, I comment quite often on how blogging, Facebook, and Twitter, have all changed the way we communicate with one another. Even though I am a participant in all of the above, my comments are not always completely positive as I try to make my way through this new world of ours. I worry that we will possibly lose some of the personal human contact that is so essential to our being... and to staying closely connected with one another.

Well, some of that feeling has changed a bit for me today. After reading through one of my very favorite blogs the other day, I sensed that this lovely woman was going through a really rough patch. Because of the availability of further communication via email, I took the risk to reach out to her in that way. I just wanted to let her know that I was here, and that I cared.

She wrote me back with appreciation and let me in on some of what was going on in her world...and then I did the same in an email back to her this morning.

Is this long-distance friendship going to replace the personal, close relationships that we already have? I wouldn't think so, however, how nice to be able to make these online connections to broaden our worlds a bit!

I know that I will look forward to this, and many other, blogging friendships to come.

It's a new link to the world around me...and, a great chance to learn, not only about others, but a little more about myself.

************************************************************************

One of my very favorite magazines is Oprah magazine. I find it so full of wonderfully written bits of knowledge...along with other fun things.

It is one of the few magazines that I truthfully read from head to toe. OK. In all honesty, I do read pretty much all of my People magazine! (I can't believe that I am even admitting to reading that one...but, it makes for great cocktail party conversation!)

Anyway, I digress.

So, I was reading through my May issue yesterday and came upon this series of articles about things that one can do t0 lift their spirits. The one quote that caught my eye was by Karen Bradley, a visiting associate professor of dance at the University of Maryland. She says: "Even if you are just sitting in a chair, there are things you can do to change the pace of the day in a a way that's recuperative and uplifting. Take a minute to write your name in cursive with your eyeballs, or count your teeth with your tongue,or just hum along with some music. The muscles around your eyes will relax; your jaw will relax; you will start to breather more deeply."

She goes on to warn us that all of this may not have the same calming effect on observers. (I guess so!) I can only imagine how a person would react to someone sitting alone doing the above exercises without thinking that they weren't a bit "off".

But, I decided to try the eyeball exercise in the privacy of my home.

It didn't really lift my spirits....it actually only made me a bit dizzy...

Maybe I will try to count my teeth with my tongue....or just sit and continue to eat these wonderfully sweet cherries instead. : )

************************************************************************

Whatever you choose to do...have a lovely and uplifting day!

XOXO

A letter to Owen...

Dear Owen,

There is so much that I could say about the special little boy that you are...and I wanted to take a few days to think about our time together in Minneapolis before posting this letter to you.

It was just a few months back that we were all together here in Birmingham, but, I see so many changes in you during that short amount of time. "Month to month" in "baby/toddler time" is so different than in "grown up time"! As adults we don't really notice the differences in ourselves as frequently as we do in our children and grandchildren. I guess that everything just s-l-o-w-s down when you get to be Grammie's age!

You have one of those sweet personalities that makes people gravitate to you. You love being silly and making up your own little language of words. You laugh out loud at yourself as you try to rhyme words...ending up quite often with nonsensical words that are fun to say!

You are always ready to play with anyone who is willing and able! You love balls...rolling, throwing, shooting "baskets", hitting with a bat, bouncing....whatever! And, with your nonstop energy...you could do these things over and over and over again. "Let's do it again!" is your mantra. And we abide by your cues as long as we can...though eventually you can exhaust us. : )

The joy that you carry inside of you is so evident to all who know you, Owen. There is hardly a moment that goes by that you are not singing some song out loud. Right now some of your favorites are "Take Me Out To The Ballgame", "We are the Crickets, the Mighty, Mighty Crickets (you are in the Cricket group in daycare!), "Ring Around the Rosie", "Row,Row, Row Your Boat", the "I Love You" song that Barney sings,"Old McDonald Had a Farm", etc. etc. etc. etc.

You are a definite entertainer and you don't shy away from an opportunity to perform! Whether it is with your guitar (that is almost as big as you are tall!)...or listening to the CD that your Dad made you of your favorite songs...or, during your nap before you have drifted off to sleep...music is a big part of who you are.

While watching you I can't help but step back in time to when your Daddy was a little boy. He was the exact same way then as you are now. I am so thrilled that he has passed down his love and passion for music to you and your sister. Our house was always filled with music...and, so is yours. What a nice gift to pass down...

I try not to be prejudiced (!!), but Owen, you continue to amaze me with your grasp of the English language! Your vocabulary shocks and delights me all at the same time. You don't just call the large truck, "big"...you call it "enormous"! You seem to be able to express yourself so well....and I am loving this stage of your life in that we can really communicate with each other.

Of course, with this stage also comes the "why's??" which I wrote about in a previous post. Your curiosity in everything is pretty cool...even though the questioning can go on and on. Your inquisitive nature is what will help you learn so much about the world around you! Never lose that desire to learn and grow.

Your sweetness. Now, I could write a tome about how dear you are...not only to your sister...but, to everyone. You are kind and giving in a way that belies your 2 years and 10 months of life! You are generous with your hugs...and, that makes any Grammie smile!

All of the above is not to say that you aren't quite spunky, too! You definitely have your own mind on many things...and you can stubbornly hang on to what you want to do. But, all in all, you are a real sweetheart...and, so easy to be with.

During my visit some of my favorite moments were when I would read to you. You really got into each little tale and hated when the book was finished. "Can we do it again?" you would ask....and, of course, Grammie would heed your sweet request. Many times you would almost memorize the words of some of the books and say the repetitive words with me as I read them to you. I especially loved the day that we visited yours and Audrey's old daycare and you sat down with a book...turned it so that the other kids could see it the right way...and began to "read" the story to them.

Sigh.

My sweet Owen, you bring me so much pleasure just in being you. Always keep that wonderful joyous spirit...and always know how much you are loved by me.

Missing you already...xoxo,

Grammie

Fourth of July....grandkid's style!!

Celia-----Miss Patriotic 2009 (2029?!) !!!!!!

Owen and Audrey show their pride by wearing their American flag shirts!

I know that one day these three will be able to understand the full meaning behind the 4th of July holiday...and will appreciate what it means to live in a free country.

To all of my blogging buddies...have a safe and meaningful holiday today!

God Bless America...

xoxo

The "girls"---Grammie, Mommy, Mimi, and Audrey!!

A letter to Audrey

Dear Audrey,

Well, Grammie is back home in Alabama after spending a wonderful week with you and Owen. I have so many moments to smile about as I think back on it...

So, you are now a one year old! I'm not sure that you understand what a "birthday" is all about yet, but you certainly did enjoy the delicious cake and ice cream that you lapped up in joy. Of course, most of it was smeared around your sweet face by the time that you were done...but, that is the fun part of being the one year old birthday girlie!

My dear Audrey, you are quite a "pistol" as you try and get into anything and everything. You even like to rough and tumble with your brother as you giggle your way through it the whole time. I would worry that he was "squashing" you...but, you would emerge smiling and laughing as you played together. You are going to be a force to be reckoned with one day!

When I arrived, you were walking cautiously with those arms of yours outstretched for someone to catch you on the "other side". By the time that I left, you were much more stable on those tiny feet of yours as you observed the world from a vertical standpoint....and, seemed to really like it.

I loved watching you play in the little kitchen that the grandparents bought for Owen last year. You push the buttons...pour the pretend coffee into little cups...."fry" the eggs in the miniature fry pans on the stove...etc. etc. And, of course, you taste the fake food...until you realize that it isn't very good as it is made out of tasteless plastic!

Some of my favorite moments with you were sitting quietly in your bedroom on the rocking chair...Taking a break from your bottle, you would lay your head on my chest...then look up at me and grin. I sang songs to you like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" which seems to be one of your favorites. When I would finish singing it, you would do the baby sign language symbol for "more", curl that precious mouth of yours and say "Row, row!!". I guess that at your age you haven't realized what a terrible singing voice your Grammie has! Unfortunately, one day you probably will... : )

When you hear music from a toy or CD you immediately begin to dance and bounce up and down. You are so full of joy...I love to watch your every move.

Your curiosity is unending as you explore the world around you. Your attention span is quite short right now as you get interested in one thing for a couple of seconds before moving on to another. You can single-handedly pull every toy out of the basket within minutes...always looking for something to hold your attention and delight you...while throwing the rest aside.

At mealtime you remind me of a baby bird. Sometimes we can't get the food onto your high chair tray quickly enough....sometimes we cut up all kinds of delicious treats only to have you push them away as you shake your head "no" from side to side. Hey, you know what you want, don't you!?!

Your smile reveals two tiny teeth on the bottom of your mouth...but, you are able to "gum" your food quite well. This skill may come in handy one day when you are a senior citizen without many teeth!

Your beautiful blue eyes are open wide to everything around you. Your Mimi and I would laugh when they would dart from me to her and back and forth again and again. Sometimes you looked at us like we were absolutely crazy ladies! And, you know what? You were right! Somehow grandmothers become bluthering idiots when they get around the grandkids. You will undestand one day...

Audrey, I have so many things that I want to tell you...but, I know that I must be patient and wait until you are old enough to hear and understand them. I love the fact that we now have two girls in the family (you and Celia)...The boys were dominating the births for a while...so, a little pink is nice to see! Having brought up two boys, I am anxious to spend time with my little granddaughters and talk "girl to girl" with you!

I love to look at all of the pictures that were taken during my visit...the miles may separate us...but not our hearts.

I love you so very much and can't wait until we are together again.

XOXO

Your Grammie

Starve a cold, feed a fever?

Or is it feed a cold, starve a fever?

Either way, I came home from Minneapolis with more than just memories in that I now have a virus of sorts!

It began with a scratchy throat and then spread into headaches, sniffles, plugged up ears (painful on the flight home! ouch) fever, and a cough.

So, I headed to the ear, nose and throat specialist this morning...and walked out with a Cortisone shot and prescription nose spray.

Hopefully, I am on the mend now and can post more tomorrow.

Goodnight.

As I sat down on the plane heading home this morning...

...I opened my book to begin reading...and a piece of paper fell out onto my lap.

It was one of those photo booth picture strips that I had taken in the mall with Owen and Audrey while in MN these past few days.

I looked at it, smiled and then sighed as I began to reflect on the incredible week that I had just spent with all of my Minnesota family....

Our goodbyes were said...heartfelt hugs were exchanged...and, now that I am home, I find myself walking around with a little empty space that only family can fill...

Missing you all so much...

Thank you for the joy.

XOXO

*sigh*

Another wonderful day in paradise Minneapolis with the grandbabies! Luckily, Judy (the other grandma)and I have a great relationship that is mostly filled with laughter! And, I'm talking the kind of laughter where you are "drinking-soda-and-it-comes-out-of-your-nose" laughter (that actually happened tonight!). We are a great team... and work so well together that we feel like we must have been sisters in another life! We decided a while back that we just "get each other"...and that is what is so magical about our relationship. And, of course, we share the unbelievable love for our children (who were smart enough to marry each other!) and our beautiful Owen and Audrey.

**************************************************************************

Things are running very smoothly except for one little detail...and, that is the "house showings"! You see, Adam and Jenny are trying very hard to sell the home that they are in right now so that they can move into something a bit larger....Sooooo, when the realtor calls....we listen.

Now that the kids are away and Judy and I are babysitting, it is pretty challenging to have to leave the house at different times so that the realtor can bring prospective buyers over.

That not only entails packing up things for the grandkids...but, we also have to leave the house spotless.

Tonight there was a showing at 6:30 p.m. We normally would have the kids almost ready to go to be by 7...so, that put a crimp in our plans.

Well, we bathed the kids early...and then took them out to Wendy's to eat in their pajamas!! It sounded like a good idea at the time....

But, at the end of the meal, we offered them soft serve ice cream. Yum. Sounds pretty good, eh?

Well, to say that they were "sugared up" would be an understatement. As I rocked Audrey in my arms and tried to get her sleepy after her bottle....she was so hyper and excited that she had me hysterically laughing.

She has this thing about making different noises...like a clicking sound ....or putting her tongue in and out---blah blah blah.... or inhaling while making another type of sound....or "ma ma ma"....or "ba ba ba"....you get the point, right?

She was giggling and making her sounds...and I couldn't help but laugh at her....she is so cute!

Thirty minutes later...I finally got her to sleep...and, I left her room with a smile on my face. : )

************************************************************************

The kids told us that they thought that Owen would enjoy a day at the Mall of the Americas in that they have this special thing for kids. They have these wonderfully fun rides in this carnival-like atmosphere. So, the plan is for us to take Audrey to daycare and spend some alone time with Owen at the mall riding the rides, etc.

I must say that Judy and I have some reservations about all of this...not because we are concerned about going on the rides with Owen...but, at a shopping center today we passed several of those "rides" that you put a quarter in and it slowly moves up and down or back and forth. At first Owen was all excited saying: "Can I go on the (horse, car, bus etc.)?" "Sure" we said...getting our change out for the little rides.However, once we got close to actually doing it...he changed his tune and said, "Maybe another day...!" He couldn't get away fast enough at that point....

Tomorrows "adventure" may be short lived...

**************************************************************************

The weather turned on us here in MN. While it was quite hot when I arrived last Thursday...a front came through and now the temps are very cool. I'm trying to enjoy it while I can before heading home to the heat and humidity in Alabama!

**************************************************************************

Adam and Jenny will be heading home tomorrow afternoon. I hope that they have had fun on their 11th Anniversary getaway.

I know that Judy and I are honored that they leave their precious children in our care.

I can never get enough of this...it is so joyous and memorable.

Who knew that being a grandmother could be so much fun?!?!

Grammie Heaven

Me and the birthday girlie!!!

"Why?"

As a brilliant (non-prejudiced Grammie viewpoint!) almost three year old, Owen has begun to question everything.

After every statement that is made, he comes back with a "Why?". You then answer his "why" and he follows it with another "Why?"...and so forth and so on.

I love his inquisitive nature and try to keep answering his "whys" (is that even a word??)...but, it is not always an easy situation in that some things just don't have an explanation that a three year old can grasp.

But, we keep trying.... : )

*************************************************************************

Tomorrow is one year old Audrey's birthday party! The cake has been baked, the "birthday crown" has been made, the salads have been put together,the friends have RSVP'd...and, we are (almost) ready for it to begin!

Audrey probably won't have any idea what we are celebrating...but, the adults will certainly have a great time!

**************************************************************************

Tomorrow is also the 11th Anniversary for Adam and Jenny! They will be leaving first thing in the morning on Sunday for a little getaway while the grandma's stay here and babysit until Wednesday. We can hardly wait...The "Screaming Greemies" (Grammie + Mimi) are ready to spoil them!

**************************************************************************

Watching Audrey walk in her own little wobbly way has been great! She is a real pistol and gets into everything! We don't dare take our eyes off of her for a second...because one never knows what she might be getting into.

She has learned several of the baby sign language motions....especially "more". She uses that one quite often. Today she did it every time that we finished a round of "Ring Around the Rosie". Mimi and I could hardly get up each time after "we all fall down!"...but, Audrey did the "more" sign over and over again...and, we just couldn't resist.

A couple of Advil tonight and I should be able to move my legs again by the morning!

***************************************************************************

Good night all!

XOXO

A tired, but delighted, Grammie

*sigh*

I'm here in Minneapolis...and, I'm smiling!

My son picked me up at the airport...we had lunch together...he went back to work....and then I went to the daycare to pick up Owen and Audrey!!

As soon as Owen saw me at the door he came running toward me and gave me the BIGGEST hug ever! *sigh* *sigh* *sigh*

Then on to Audrey's room where she was just waking from her nap. I was a bit apprehensive about whether she would really remember me in that the last time we were together was in April...and she was just a few months old then. BUT, she greeted me with a huge smile...! *sigh* *sigh* *sigh*

Grammie Heaven... : )

I'll see you all tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7:30 tomorrow morning I will be winging my way up to Minnesota...and, sometime that afternoon I will be giving out Grammie hugs and kisses to my "babies"! Oooooh, I can't wait...

I am "semi"-packed (trying to keep it under the allowed 50 lbs.!), bird feeders are filled, hummingbird nectar refilled, plants heavily watered, sprinkler system set, pool chemicals balanced, newspapers stopped, mail stopped, light timers set, gifts purchased, neighbors notified, bills paid (well...sort of), boarding passes printed out...etc. etc. etc.

Minnesota, here I come! : )

(stay tuned)

Hot stuff

Nice title, eh?

The heat here is really becoming oppressive. You know that when it is already 80+ degrees first thing in the morning...it's going to be a scorcher of a day!

In the meantime, my air conditioning system is working overtime...but, not in a good way. It is a very old system, but, it still cools the house unbelievably well. In fact, too well. The issue that I have with it is that the thermostat is upstairs (you know "hot air rises" yada yada!) and this keeps it running almost all of the time....making the downstairs too chilly and the basement area (my pottery studio) almost frigid! Thus, I find myself having to set the thermostat to around 84-86 degrees just to get it to shut off. Crazy.

Then, within a little bit of time, the house becomes sweltering hot! So, of course, I set the thermostat back down a degree or two....and so it goes....up and down....on and off.....!

I guess that I shouldn't complain...it could be worse...but, I imagine that my power bill this month is going to be a lot higher than these summertime temperatures...!

Aack.

************************************************************************

Well, I was one of the "crazy" people that tuned in to "Jon and Kate Plus 8" last night to hear "the big announcement".

It made me feel like a bit of a voyeur....and, it certainly wasn't entertaining....it was just SAD.

I am mostly sad for the children. Having lived most of their lives in front of cameras....they now will have the world watching them as their parents go through a painful divorce.

Of course it probably makes for "good tv" and, even better ratings...but at what cost to this family?

I say, "Enough"!

Stop the cameras and deal with your family issues privately.

Anyone agree?

***********************************************************************

So, last night I was searching in my pantry for microwave popcorn and, I promise you, it was nowhere to be found. I began to remove items from the shelves in that I knew that I still had three packs left in the box.

Now, I am getting frustrated as I continue searching around the kitchen.

No popcorn.

I'm embarrassed to say that I did finally find it....

....in my freezer!

(Yes, it did still pop....it just took a tad bit longer.)

I hope that this is just an example of "cluttered mind syndrome"! : O

**********************************************************************

Two more days until I will be up in Minnesota with some of my family!!!! I guess that I should probably begin the arduous task ahead and begin to gather items to pack. *groan*

As I try and decide what clothing to bring with me, I am thinking that heading up there might give me some relief from the hot temps down here....But, today, I found out that it is equally as warm up there right now as it is here.

Bring it on! I will be with Owen and Audrey and the rest of the clan...and, that's all that really matters to this Grammie!

Enough blogging....I'm off to pack! : )

xoxo

Subway train crash hits too close to home....

It was one of those surreal moments when my sister called this afternoon asking if I had heard about the horrific train crash in D.C. She had heard that the incident occurred between Takoma Park and the Fort Totten area.

My youngest son, Jeffrey, lives in Takoma Park, and takes this Red Line train back and forth to work every day.

Of course I immediately tried to get in touch with either him or his wife on their cells and at home. No answer on any of the phones.

I tried not to panic, but, as I watched the news on the television I was becoming more and more alarmed and concerned.

It was an agonizing few minutes before I finally heard from him--- Relief spread over me immediately just hearing his voice. It was the train that Jeffrey normally would have taken...but, he had to work a little late tonight so his wife just picked him up from his office when he was done.

To say that I was never happier to hear that he had to work late would be an understatement!

I was grateful and relieved as well as shaking with thoughts of what "might have been".

I then began to turn my thoughts to the less fortunate families of those killed and injured. My prayers go out to them as they try to make sense of this tragedy.

(As a postscript to all of this...it seems that, initially, it was thought that this was the train heading home from downtown and that the crash occurred between the Fort Totten station and the Takoma Park station. That would make it the exact train that Jeffrey takes home every day. However, later reports seemed to indicate that the train was actually heading back downtown at the time of the accident....and that the crash occurred from the Takoma Park station heading toward the Fort Totten station...)

Either way...it was way too close to home for me and my family...

XOXO

A shaken, but grateful, Mom

Father's Day 2009

Dear Dad,

Well, this is the second Father's Day without you...and, it is still so difficult...

I normally would have been on the telephone giving you the "Happy Father's Day call".......We wouldn't talk long before you would hand the phone over to Mom and say, "Here's your Mother". I didn't take offense...you just weren't "chatty" like your four daughters! How could you be? You never got a word in edgewise with all of that estrogen surrounding you!

I found this picture of you with my two boys taken over 32 year's ago. That little baby in your arms being kissed by his toddler brother are now both daddies! How did that time pass so quickly?

I know that you would be so proud of the type of fathers that the two of them have become. They are kind and gentle...and loving....and family is of utmost importance to them both.

I called both of my boys today to wish them a Happy Father's Day...and, they were spending the day with their own families...just as it should be.

Living so far away from them makes me think back to how you and Mom must have felt all of those years while I was living here in Birmingham and you were down in S. Florida...My boys were growing up and only getting to see you all on occasion. But, this was where the jobs were...and this was where we ended up raising our family and making a home....

Looking back on it now I can't help but feel some sadness at the distance that separated us all of those years...but, I knew that you understood.

Father's Day was always so special to me...I just wish that you were still here so that I could tell you how much I miss making that phone call home to you...

Love and hugs, Dad.

Chatter...

So far this morning I have checked my emails, sent a few out, read through the latest Facebook entries, scoured the AOL news updates, played a quick game of "Bubble Town" (don't ask), checked out my favorite blogs....and looked up the most recent tweets on my Twitter.

I'm trying to remember life B.C. (before computers)! Whatever did we do with all of that time? : O

*************************************************************************

Well, I am on my fifth, and, hopefully, final cordless phone set! After having issues with my first Panasonic set (phone calls cut out right in the middle of a conversation and I couldn't get very far from the base unit to get good reception)...I returned it and bought the same exact set in case it was just a glitch with the first one. It wasn't...the same issues continued.

Could it be my phone lines? I had the cable people out several times to check my phone wire connections and everything checked out ok...so, that meant that it had to be the phones.

I returned the second Panasonic and went shopping for another brand to try out...and, ended up with A T & T.

I loved the first set...the reception was excellent and there weren't any dropped calls.... but found out after purchasing them that they didn't have a headset jack. I like to have the mobility that a headset offers, especially when I am working with my clay downstairs.

So, I returned the set and ordered another A T & T set online. This one had headset jacks...but, many of the features that I liked so much on the first phone weren't there.

Back to the drawing board!

It turns out that the first phone was the newest model and that it was made to be used with a wireless headset...thus the absence of a jack.

So, I went online again and purchased the new set with the wireless headset......replacing A T and T phone number two. It is actually the same phone as the first one that I ordered...but, this one came with the wireless headset (still with me?)

So, the bottom line is that I am now quite happy with this set even though the wireless headset looks like something out of Star Trek.

At this point I am just happy that it works.

And, I thought that I only had issues with toilets.

******************************************************************

It's another hot and oppressive day in Birmingham...so I will be staying inside as much as possible trying to stay "cool"!

Have a good one wherever you might be...xoxo

...to post today!!

"twaddle"

Whenever I just write about "stuff", I am always looking for a new, and more interesting title for my post. So, today, I got out my trusty Thesaurus and under the word "stuff" I found "twaddle". I kind of liked how it sounded...thus, my post title for today.

**************************************************************************

The day started slowly as I awoke, looked in the mirror, and determined that I looked very much like the "before" picture in a make-over. *groan*

After getting over that shock, I began to use my newest toy: an electric toothbrush! It was recommended by my dentist's hygienist the other day when I went for my routine cleaning. She has been recommending it to all of her patients...so, I went and purchased one. It is the Oral B Triumph and I must admit--it is pretty cool. It times the toothbrushing for two minutes....and displays a happy face when the time is done. It also has sensors that let you know if you are brushing too hard which can be bad for your gums. The only problem that I am having with it so far is when the hard plastic part of the brush is vibrating and it touches my teeth before the brush does. I feel like it rattles my entire mouth! I-I-I/ g-g-g-u-e-s-s-s/ t-t-t-h-a-a-t/ I-I-I/ w-w-w-i-l-l-l/g-g-g-e-t-t-t/ u-u-s-e-d/t-t-t-o/ i-t-t!

*************************************************************************

Heading down to breakfast, I still found myself a bit bleary as I tried to turn on the tv with my telephone handset. (Not the first time that I have attempted that!) And, so my day began.

************************************************************************

Temperatures in Birmingham have been in the 90's lately- so my outside walks have been replaced by the treadmill which is located in the air-conditioning house. Ahhh. The heat has really been pretty unbearable...especially since it is only mid June. I can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store for us...

************************************************************************

I went to get my hair cut and colored in the afternoon...I always have the best time with my hairdresser, Caroline. I moan and groan about the wrinkles on my face and the extra skin on my neck...and, she laughs at me.

There are just too many mirrors in a beauty parlor! And, I think that the lighting should be toned down a bit. : )

I always bring her the same picture of me that was taken after she gave me the very best haircut in the world. When she saw it today she laughingly told me that she wants me to put the picture on a mug for her Christmas gift this year.

Be careful what you wish for, Caroline!

I'm just saying...

***********************************************************************

I don't know how many of you out there tune in to "So You Think You Can Dance", but, I think that it is hands down one of the best shows out there right now.

These young kids are so incredibly talented as they dance as predetermined couples to all different types of dance styles. It is totally entertaining and, many times I find myself moved to tears with some of the more emotional dances.

I find it pretty amazing to watch..and, I highly recommend it.

**********************************************************************

Off to make dinner. Dave will be here soon...... : )

xoxo

You can't be one year old already?!?!

My precious granddaughter, Audrey, is one year old today!

Where has the time gone?

This beautiful little sister to "almost-three-year-old" Owen arrived with great fanfare on this day a year ago. While we had/have visions of pink and purple, ribbons and bows...and, other girlie things...Audrey may turn out to be a rough and tumble little tomboy...! This adorable bundle is a force to be reckoned with and will certainly make her mark on the world in her own "Audrey way".

Happy, happy birthday dear Audrey...I will be there to celebrate with you and the family in 8 days!

I can't wait!

XOXO, Grammie

Waiting...

"How much of human life is lost in waiting." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Worry is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere." The United Church Observer

No one wants to get a letter in the mail telling them that their recent mammogram is showing a questionable spot that will need further diagnostic testing.

Because of that letter, the last few days of waiting have been very tense for a close friend of mine...

The letter arrived in the middle of the week. The appointment for the tests had to be scheduled for Monday......thus, she had days, and a long weekend of waiting.

The first thing that occurred was that the time allowed her imagination to run wild. Suddenly, everything in her body began to ache. All that she could think about was "Do I have cancer?" and "Will I need more tests, biopsies, etc?" As her close friend, I shared some of her stress and immediately began to peruse the Internet looking for information on "spots on a mammogram". This only served to increase my own anxiety, but, I couldn't seem to pull myself away from the computer as I looked for hope for my friend.

Interestingly, I did find out through my "research" that a high percentage of "false positives" on mammograms turn out to be just that-"false". And, even if a spot is found, many of these are benign and nothing to worry about. They can be cysts, shadows, scar tissue, areas of harmless density, etc. etc.

So, my friend and I kept reassuring ourselves that all would be fine.

Unfortunately, all of the reassurances in the world get lost in the long spaces of waiting...Even though you, the patient, might be ready to keep moving on this...appointments and schedules have to be followed...and your patience (and sanity) are put to the test.

My friend found that she couldn't eat...her stomach was a bit upset and she found that she had no appetite. I, on the other hand, was eating everything in sight. That is how I generally deal with stress. I don't even want to think about the total number of calories consumed during this period of waiting!

The weekend was over, Monday was here, and she went back to the hospital for a compression test as well as an ultra sound. Nothing was said as far as what was seen...and, she was sent home to (yep)...wait some more.

Her doctor had hoped to have some results for her that day...but, by later that night, she exhaustedly fell asleep without any news.

Calling the doctor's office in the morning, she found out that they had faxed the hospital asking them to please send the report in to them asap. So, the waiting continued...until a phone call from the dr.'s office said that the results would not be there until later in the day.

With anxiety and stress growing, my friend tried to deal with doing errands during the day...but her tension was mounting with every minute that went by.

And, me? Well, I was at home eating out my refrigerator and starting on the pantry!

Thankfully, the call that she had been waiting for finally came this afternoon...and all was well! She could breathe again knowing that it had been determined that this spot was not a mass...and that they just wanted her to have another mammogram in 6 months.

Delirious exhilaration followed this news...only to be followed by a total loss of energy. A good night of calm sleep was well earned by my friend...and, as I sit here typing this tonight, I am sure that she is sound asleep at her home...with a relieved smile on her face.

As a post-script to all of this, I question the need to make the patient go through with this period of high anxiety. I know that many hospitals are under-staffed and over-worked...and, I imagine that this same scene as described above goes on every day all to women all over the world who have gotten "the letter" following a mammogram. If you ask, most women will say that the one thing that they fear more than anything (healthwise) is breast cancer.

So, as I sit here tonight, I have to question why something can't be done to make this all a bit less stressful...without having to go through that period of anxious worrying??

Most of us would say that we can handle the news...just not the waiting.

I wish that I had the answer...but, for now, I am just grateful that my friend is going to be okay... : )

(A post-script to my post-script: Please do get your mammograms, ladies....they are still one of the best tools for early detection of breast cancer...and, can be life saving!)