Dad

My dad passed away yesterday. He now is at peace. No more pain.

Bowl Me Over

For Heidi's birthday we did several things last night with family and friends. One of the memorable ones was bowling. At least memorable for my body. I don't suppose I have bowled in 20+ years. By the fifth frame I was feeling every bit of all those positions my body doesn't do. By the end of the game I was hoping not to strike or spare so that I didn't have extra balls to roll. Even at all that, I scored the next to highest. But at 102, that's not saying much.

Birthday

Thirty years ago today we had a wonderful addition to our family--Heidi. Happy birthday!!

The Movie Is Not a Talkie

We took our granddaughter to see Alvin and the Chipmunks yesterday. Before we left the house I kept reminding her that in the movie house she could not talk. If she did, they would throw us out of the place. I think she finally understood what I meant. Then all of a sudden she said she did not want to go. So we called to talk it over with her mom. I could hear Tootsie telling mom that she didn't want to go because at the movies you can't talk or they throw you out, but it was alright to laugh if the movie was funny. (It's hard for Tootsie NOT to talk.) Her mom said something about getting all the popcorn she wanted to eat and maybe something to drink, so Toots said okay. We arrived in plenty of time to order the tub of popcorn and one large drink. (Last week 3 adults did not finish off the corn, but she did!) I sent Papa on in to find seats near the back. She was excited. In and out of the seat, more corn, more drink, and they hadn't even started the previews. Then some young man sat directly in front of her. She was not happy because then she couldn't see anything. So Papa found her a booster seat. Now she had something else to play with until the movie began. Once the movie started, she sat and watched. She reminded me a time or two that we couldn't talk or they would throw us out. At one funny part she turned and said it was funny so it was okay for us to laugh out loud. We only had to go to the bathroom three times. But she fell asleep on my lap, near the end of the movie. When we woke her up, she reminded me that she didn't talk in the movies!

10 for $10

Why is it that a major food store advertises 10 items for $10. Many people think that in order to get that price, they must buy the 10 items. The food store further advertises that one can mix and match to reach the 10 items. I have passed shoppers with 10 boxes of crackers in their carts, and I have seen shoppers with the mix and match of 10/10 items. This same store also advertises 2/$2.50, regularly 1/$1.50. Again, one must only purchase one of the items to get the sale price. Isn't this dishonest advertising?

Just Do It

I cleaned on my house again yesterday. I know, you dust and 6 months later you have to dust again. Cleaning is not my forte, but was one of my goals for Christmas vacation this year. Actually, it is a goal every vacation, but I never seem to get around to doing much of it. Well, this time I mean it! I started upstairs where we seem to carry "stuff" to store it. Surprising what a little bit of organizing what I want to keep and pitching the junk will do in the progress of neatness. Our downstairs is beginning to look much better too, as I clean, store, and pitch. I was actually proud of how my house looked when I had a friend over to help me cut diapers. Little did she know that the place is usually piled high with stacks of "stuff." I am keeping Tootsie today, but hope to be able to continue my quest of cleaning. My next task is my two-shelf bookcase. I have so much just stacked in random piles that I can't seem to find anything without digging for 10 minutes. I know it won't take long to do; I just need to do it.

Sign of New Life

As I got out of my van at my dad's house yesterday, I found a dandelion in bloom under his clothesline. We have had lots of snow, ice, and hard freezes in the last month, so to find one of my favorite wildflowers in bloom was a sign of new life. As my father hovers near death in his life on this earth, it makes me think of the hard freezes, snow, and ice of his life, especially this past year. Soon he will pass on to where flowers will be found in bloom forever. Soon he will be living again, only this time in Heaven where there will be no snow, ice, hard freezes or pain.

I'm Coming Home

Merry Christmas, one day late. I was unable to blog yesterday because I had the privilege of taking care of my father who is bed-fast and in rapidly declining health. I spent the night with him on Christmas Eve. When I checked on him at 2:30 a.m., he looked up at me and said my name. That meant so much to me as he has been confused so much of the time, and he is legally blind. When I got up at 4:30 a.m., (yes, my usual time) he said he wanted to go home. He thought he was in another part of the world, China. I teased him that he might be Santa Claus going around the world and now it was time to come home. He grinned ever so slightly. Throughout Christmas day my father received many visitors, all family, who wanted to wish him a Merry Christmas. He was aware and pleased with each person, but most pleased with the littlest one, our granddaughter. She lovingly patted his hand and just smiled at him. My dad is in so much pain that just moving the thin, down comforter on him causes him to yell out in pain. But with the little girl's gentle touch he just smiled. One day soon God's gentle touch will take him home where there will be no more pain or suffering. Then dad will truly be home.

Musical Brings the House Down

It was an exciting morning during worship service at our church Dec. 23. As the adult choir began singing their opening number to their Christmas musical, a crack was heard, followed by the bulkhead falling on people. Wood, lights, speakers, ceiling tile, and wallboard showered several rows of the 600 worshippers. Our emergency team went into action immediately, treating the injured and getting the others out of harms way. At first, it was believed that the balcony was falling. And it was reported as such, with fatalities. But, praise the Lord, only minor injuries were incurred. Our church made the news both on TV and in newspapers. At least we had the opportunity to advertise our Christmas Eve services to be held in another building tonight. My guess is that service will be full of thankful parishioners.

Happy Anniversary, Dear

Today is our 35th wedding anniversary. Thanks for the memories.

Rush Hour

I went to Wal-Mart yesterday to pick up a few things I had forgotten. While I pushed my granddaughter around in the cart, I soon realized that there should be traffic rules, stop lights, and stop signs. We experienced many near-collisions with other busy shoppers. It makes sense to travel on the right side, no matter which direction one is pushing the cart, but when it is time to cross the intersection, that is where the travel becomes hazardous. With all the merchandise out on the end caps I had to creep out into the intersection to look both ways only to screech to a halt to avoid a collision, especially with the second lane, the one just after all the stuff that sits in the middle of the aisle. Well, we made it safely through and then out of the store. Here is hoping I don't have to return now during rush hour, because if I do, I am taking my own personal traffic cop with me!

Do Like That, Mimi

Our granddaughter came for a visit last night. Besides eating, she loves to play with small objects such as the wooden nativity that we have out. She took the whole scene and placed it on the floor so she could play. (I know, my children, you were not allowed to touch it.) Then she patted the floor and asked me to play with her. I answered that I could not get down on the floor. No problem. She assumed a pushup position, up on toes and hands. She then told me I could do like that. I just now get what she meant. By being in a pushup position she wasn't touching the floor which is what she thought I meant when I said I couldn't get down on the floor. Such a sharp mind for her and an old body for me.

Have a Piece of Birthday Cake

Yesterday was my birthday. I am approaching the big 60, but that is fine with me since the alternative is not living. My class spread the word at school yesterday morning so I was wished a happy one and sung to by many of the children in the school. For my birthday treat I brought in fruit cake for the children to taste. Months earlier they had said that they had never tasted it and were interested in knowing what it was. All morning long they waited with salivating anticipation until lunch had been consumed. When they could wait no more, I sliced the cake into small pieces for each to try. The treat was accepted with expected responses--gagging, running to the waist basket, spitting out the cake, ugly faces, and words of disgust. One boy said it was like eating the bark of tree, a pine tree. Later he said that it was like the fruit cake paralyzed his tongue. Needless to say, the children did not like the cake, well, except for one girl who ate 4 small pieces. We decided that since we had some leftovers, we should share with one of the other fourth grade classes. (Just imagine, one pound of cake fed 41 people.) I cut the remaining cake into small bites and took it to the teacher, Linda, who was celebrating her 1/2 birthday. She gladly accepted and shared the fruit cake with her class. My class waited with glee at our door anticipating gags and groans to float from that room. My kids were not disappointed. Then Linda invited all of us in to see their reactions. One boy berated me for playing such a dirty trick on them. (No one made them eat cake.) Only the teacher enjoyed the treat. Her father was a mail carrier and always brought home literally tons of the cake from his route, which she willingly ate. It will probably be months before any of the children trust my contributions. I can't wait to give my granddaughter a piece of my birthday cake.

Only Six Shopping Days Remain

I went Christmas shopping yesterday for several hours and never left our small town. Between Wal-Mart, two drug stores, and several grocery stores, I was able to find many of the things I needed. As I traveled up and down the aisles of each store, I found it interesting to see those items that are only out at Christmas time. (Wonder where those items are stored till the next Christmas?) One such item is the Chia pets. I wouldn't mind getting one of those as a gift. I could always take it to school to grow in the window for my students to watch. Another item is the clapper. My dad has one and has found it to be quite useful. Another item is the ornate gift bag filled with soaps, perfumes, lotions and whatnot. The display is quite lovely and enticing, but I am not so sure about of all the products. And we can't forget to mention the fruitcake. Not one student in my class has tasted one so I promised them months ago that I would bring one for them to try. Somehow I doubt that it will be a favorite with any of them.

Bonus Day

Today we have a snow day due to the winter storm that didn't meet the weatherman's predictions. It snowed, rained, froze, then snowed more. So even though the snow totals are not what were forecast, the layer of ice makes the going worse. I will count this day as a bonus day. With minimal travel, I will be able to finish up some of my shopping and will also be able to finish some of the jobs needing attention here at the house. I'm wondering if I should be tempted to bake several kinds of cookies, or should I NOT tempt myself with baking then eating them? Oh, such complex decisions.

Warning--Snow Cometh

All weekend we have sat in our house awaiting the storm than was predicted. The one with 10 - 17 inches of snow. The one with high winds. The one with intermittent ice and freezing rain. The one that will keep us home bound until cabin fever takes over. The one that will close businesses. The one that will close schools. The one that will cause us to make up the missed school days. So why am I sitting here disappointed that those predictions have not come true? We have some snow, ice, and blowing winds, but nothing like what was predicted. I should be jubilant but feel as if Santa did not bring me what I wanted for Christmas. Maybe this feeling will pass. Maybe it will snow more.

Four Days and Counting

Speaking of school (read previous blog), yesterday was a wild and crazy day. As we approach the holidays, the children become more wound up. It becomes difficult to continue the learning process. Because I have taught numerous years I know the pattern that the kids will follow. So I was more creative this week and planned ahead. We were able to finish some of the big tests this week before they are completely out of control for the last week before Christmas break. It won't be easy sailing, but will be much more productive grade-wise. Next week I will have to keep reminding myself of this piece of wisdom!

Go West, Young Man

While teaching Social Studies in fourth grade this week, I realized why we in the Mid-West are called Mid-West when we are not even half way to the West. When the colonists from the East coast began moving West of the Appalacian Mountains, they were moving to the West. At that time the West stopped at the Mississippi River. Thus the name West worked. But when people moved further West our area could not be called West anymore. (Are you still with me? That's okay, neither were the fourth graders.) So our area was renamed Mid-West. I just love it when some item of interest comes to me in this way and after all these years. You are never too old to learn.

Here We Come A-Caroling

I received this on an email and thought it worthy of passing on. Don't know the author to credit. Christmas carols for psychologically challenged:

1. Schizophrenia---Do You Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices?
2. Amnesia---I Don't Remember If I'll Be Home for Christmas
3. Narcissistic---Hark, the Herald Angels Sing About Me
4. Manic---Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and...
5. Multiple Personality Disorder---We Three Queens Disoriented Are
6. Paranoid---Santa Claus Is Coming to Get Us

Samaritan's Purse

If you have a little money left over this Christmas and want to use it for a worthy cause check out this site. For a very small donation you can provide so much for children. And you don't have to wrap it.

Survivors Include...

I've spent the past hour composing the obituary for my father who is near death. I have always enjoyed writing, but this task was very draining. How do you condense a person's life, loves, and accomplishments in a narrow column? I decided to err by including too much information on my initial writing. The obit can always be reduced to fit the requirements of the newspaper. Only God knows the hour my dad will pass, but I do have relief in knowing the last words about his stellar life are saved on the computer to be changed and retrieved as needed.

On Sale Now

Why do stores like CVS and Wal-Mart send out their magazine flyers every week so that we receive them on Friday or Saturday, but their sales do not begin until Sunday? When I receive the flyers, I have time browse through and mark those I items that I really need. But then I must remember to save the flyers because the sales have not begun. If you look on my counter and/or coffee table at any given time, you will find not one copy of each store but double copies for each week. And you will find multiple weeks within the pile. Bifocals and juggling are needed to find and read the dates of the current sales. So I usually wait till I can't stand the piles any longer, then wade my way through, sort, and recycle. This helps, but we have been known to find the recycle bag and dig our way through till we find that one ad we should not have pitched because I need that item.

I Don't Know

Question: If you have more than one computer mouse, would the plural be mice or mouses?

O, Christmas Tree, Why Do You Have This On You?

If you have been reading my blog for this month you know that I have spent nearly a week decorating Christmas trees and finally finished the large one inside my house. And if you are like me, you spent considerable time selecting just the right spot for each of the ornaments. Well, we kept our granddaughter, Toots, last night while her parents attended the company party. Toots, the one who helped decorate for five minutes then declared she was done. She spent all evening undecorating the tree, ornament by ornament. First, off came the little red wagon along with 10 questions as to why it was on the tree. Then she picked off three stuffed animals to ride in the wagon. She was so cute as she bent way over to pull the handle on the tiny wagon. Next were the ballet shoes which were her aunt's. I asked her to put those back to which she replied that H would be coming and she was going to hold them for her cause her would want them, right? I won't bore you with all the other items, but by the time her parents picked her up, there were numerous things to return to there "special" place on the tree. So at 11:15 p.m. I gathered the menagerie, proceeded to the lit tree, and placed them at any opening, knowing full well that Toots will return to re-arrange the tree soon and ask W-H-Y.

Hello, Can You Hear Me Now?

Coming home last night with my granddaughter in her carseat was a joy to hear. It was just Tootsie and me in the van. I was just finishing a conversation on my cell when I heard her tell me to stop talking. She was going to use her pretend cell phone. Here is how her pretend cell-phone conversations went. Tootsie: Mimi, stop talking. I'm on the phone. Mimi (me): Okay. Tootsie: HELLO. Can you hear me? Drake? You talk to me! Drake? Tootsie to me: Him won't talk to me. Mimi: Tell him to talk, that's not nice. He should talk to you. Tootsie: Drake, you talk to me. Tootsie to me: Him still won't talk to me. Mimi: Call one of your other boyfriends. Tootsie to me: Okay. Tootsie: Hello, Brody? Drake won't talk to me. Will you talk to me? Brody? Tootsie to me: Him won't talk to me either. Tootsie pretending to her mom: Hello, mommy? Are you coming to Mimi's house? I've got candy. Me going to eat candyland (a candy cane) at Mimi's. You want some? You have to be good. What? I'll put you in time-out and you don't get any candy until you are good. Right, Mimi? Mimi said you have to be good. Are you listening to me? Okay, no candy for you. Tootsie to me: Her say her not being good so her don't get candyland. Right, Mimi? Right?

Light the Christmas Tree

It's finally completed, and it is gorgeous. It only took us a week, but then I just worked on it a little at a time and waited for a time or two that my granddaughter could help. As I went through the boxes of ornaments and other decorations, I decided not to use all of them. Boy, what a relief that gave me. You see, I am a person who feels compelled to keep and use whatever is given to me, even if it does not go with the decor or my tastes. (Like the giver is ever going to come into my home and declare that s/he does not see the gift in use!) And I am one who attaches value and significance to items that belonged to a relative or ones that were made in school by my children. I still have most of them and still display many of them to the chagrin of my kids. But that's my job as mom.

Sound the Alarm

Our alarm clock is one of those fancy ones that plays radio, CD, has dual alarms, flashes colors when the power has been off, snooze, weather alert, etc. Also it displays LARGE digits so I can read it during the night without my glasses. Hubby sets it for me, just in case I should sleep-in past my usual 4:00 to 5:00 can't-sleep-I'm-too-hot-my back-is-killing-me-get-up time. I usually try to remember to hit the button to turn off the alarm so he isn't awakened at 5:45. I did remember yesterday, but the alarm has 9 silver, similar buttons on top of it that I can't read in daylight without my glasses let alone in the darkened bedroom. I try to feel for the right shape of the button, but alas, I pushed the wrong one. Music came blaring! I quickly pushed more buttons making the face turn several different colors and mine too. Finally I found the right button. Or so I thought. Sometime later I heard the music meaning the alarm was accidentally placed in the wrong mode. I hurriedly crossed the bedroom and frantically searched for the right button. No success so I unplugged the temperamental thing. An hour later while preparing for my shower, I heard this loud beeping coming from the unplugged alarm. Alarmed myself, I scurried to find the correct button to stop the noise from the powerless contraption. Success, but too late. Husband was awakened. (He doesn't get angry, but I do try to be considerate.) By the time I am in the shower, I begin laughing right out loud at the whole scenario. Even without its power source the stupid alarm doesn't give up its job. So together hubby and I decide to relieve the fancy machine of its duties and replace it with the old, simple, but reliable alarm clock. I am satisfied because now I can use the CD player in another room where I have light and bifocals. Well,...during last night's repose I hear our cat meowing loudly next to my bed. Groggy still, but awake, I hear the beeping noise again. It's 12:30 a.m.!!! I leave my bed in search of the noise and find it is the CD alarm in another room! Man, this thing doesn't give up. I search to see if it is plugged in. I search for a button to push until it stops. Then I search for batteries to kill it. Satisfied that it will not disrupt my life again I retreat to my bed. The only good news about the whole situation is that I know I have an alarm cat who can awaken us in the event of a catastrophe. Unfortunately he believes that his hunger pains qualify for this.

Christmas Wish List Revisited

I didn't know that two of my children read my blog until they were discussing my Christmas Wish List, particularly the item about wanting more grandchildren. I always have a few items on my wish list that are never purchased/received, but I do hope that more grandchildren will be strongly considered as an appropriate gift for me.

Have You Been Good This Year?

Have you been good this year? We use that at Christmas time to bribe/threaten children to exhibit good behavior. Don't know if it really works. If it works, can we use it all year long? Nope, I didn't think so either.

Christmas List

Happy December 1! Have you made your Christmas list yet? Last year my husband made an extended list. He wished for things he would love to have or places he would love to go, but knew those things were not within reach. For instance, he asked for tickets to the Daytona 500. He got them! He asked for tickets to the Rose Bowl, but alas he was one week too late in asking because H could have gotten them. Wonder what his wish list will be this year? I know that my list will include all the things that I have dreamed of but never thought I would get, such as a short trip to Alaska, new house on a lake, new or pre-owned vehicle (Santa Fe), sofa recliner and love seat, maid, retirement package, personal trainer, and more grandchildren.