I'm telling you, this year the colors of autumn have left me breathless. Perhaps it is because I have developed more of a reverence for life as I get older.
I was able to get into a neurosurgeon this week. I appreciate his perspective and honesty, for he is not one to be anxious to get you into surgery. He has suggested meeting with a pain management team to see if we can conquer the pain in my back. This week doesn't seem to be as bad as last week.
This weekend was one of the best ever. Kerry was able to take Friday and Saturday off for a special purpose - to be with me! We both worked at the temple on Friday, then headed south to Charleston, West Virginia. Each mile reminded me of some of my temple workers that make this 3 1/2 hour trip each Friday. My goodness!
We visited with some of my temple workers, most of which were fussing over who got to keep us over night. Since I was speaking at a genealogy conference the next day, we thought it best to stay with the ones who were in charge of it.
Many people think of West Virginia as a bunch of redneck renegades with no class or literacy. It was not the case. The couple we stayed with were professionals - a psychotherapist and a lawyer, who had once served a mission for our church in Hong Kong. Across the street was another temple worker - a nephrologist (kidney doctor) who they will not let retire. (She's 77 years old). She's very good in her field.
The home we stayed at was beautiful - the back yard had blooming shrubs, a fish pond, perfectly manicured with a deck to sit and enjoy it all on. Their son is a sculptor who has not always made correct choices in his life. This is one of his pieces, entitled "Shame".
It brought a lump to my throat each time I passed by it.
Saturday was a wonderful day! There were 179 in attendance - remarkable for their first seminar. Only 25 were nonmembers - a real reversal for most seminars sponsored by the church. At the one I do in Dayton each February, there may be 500 registered with 50 being LDS. I was their keynote speaker to get it all kicked off, and I followed with teaching classes throughout the day. Some of the other teachers were a bit nervous when they found out I was a Accredited Genealogist, but I told them there was absolutely no need to worry. I also learn at each class I attend - sometimes just a new way of looking at a problem..
The day was successful, and I was reluctant to leave them. Although I'm not from West Virginia, my roots run deep into the south. My mom and three sisters joined the church not far from where I was. (Dad joined later here in Ohio). I felt like I was leaving new-found family. And...I probably was related to a good many of them.
We loved our drive home. Again, the scenery was breath-taking. At one point, Kerry and I just gazed at a colorful hillside that was spotted with black cows grazing away. It was so peaceful to just look.
We had foot-long coneys at a Sonic drive-in and thought they were the best we's ever had. We came home through sunshine, rain, and a few snowflakes. We were originally going to stop at Jordan's, but decided to do it later this week.
Church was delightful with the primary putting on their annual program. These children wrote their own talks - from 3 years old up to age 11. They spoke at the pulpit, and each of their songs and messages left a spark in our hearts. Kerry and I remembered when our own children were up there giving talks and singing their little hearts out.
Last evening, Kerry and I attended an 1831 Dinner Theater at a local country church. It was one of the best experiences ever, for we were literally transformed into what Mansfield would have been like in 1831. The host and the characters were dressed and spoke as if they were characters from 1831. The food was delicious - cheese/crackers, roast beef, fried chicken, buttered and parslied potatoes, cabbage and noodles, peas and carrots, cornbread, apple butter, apple cider, and a choice of apple crisp or pumpkin pie.
The basement of their church had a room that was done in logs and chinks (imitation) and candle sconces on the wall. There were mason jars with candles burning inside anchored by sand. The performers talked all through our dinner - about John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed, who came through our area), the newly built 2-story courthouse, a new hotel, the newly elected mayor, the penalty for taking more than four cows through the town square, the Indian removal by Pres. Andrew Jackson, etc. It was history - AND WE LOVED IT!!! The main character was Rev. Paul Lintern, who when we talked with later discovered we have a common bond. He was a member of Toastmasters, when Kerry was in charge a few years ago. And, Kerry is his mailman!
This had to be one of our favorite weekends ever!
When we came home, I found several messages from my West Virginia group - they all wanted to make sure we had gotten home safely.
And, as much as I dislike Halloween, I thought I would include a blast from the past...
Aahh! The little Lauritzens...
Now we begin a new week. I hope yours is as good as ours was last week!
Love to y'all
Miss P
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Ouch!
Oh, this is has not been a very good week.
It has been beautiful enough. I haven't seen the leaves this brilliant in quite awhile. Their colors still take my breath away, and I'll never get tired of looking at their beauty.
But, I hurt.
Out of nowhere, my entire left jaw began hurting. It hurt no matter what I did, no matter what position I was in. It kept me up through the night. I couldn't get into the dentist until Thursday, and even then I couldn't open it wide enough for him to look inside. It is a bit swollen when looking at it from the outside, but the dentist wondered if it was TMJ. He has referred me to an oral surgeon.
I told Kerry I had the jawbone of an ass. Remember Samson in the Old Testament? (Killed the Philistines with the jawbone of an ass...)
I made it through my Friday activities at the temple. Betty joined Julia Hoffman and me, and she seemed to have a wonderful day.
Saturday I was able to talk well enough to do a genealogy class in a neighboring town. I had to do it, for it had originally been scheduled last year when I was in the hospital. Thank goodness for Jordan - he went through my calendar and my email and contacted lots of people for me.
But Saturday evening, I did something to cause my back to go into a fury. Oh, my goodness! I don't ever remember it hurting like this. I could barely walk, and could barely talk. There was nothing I could do to find relief. This is what will lead me into the dreaded surgery I've been talking about.
I made it through church today, but afterward people were wondering why I was moving so slow when I came down from the organ. It was pretty apparent. I talked with a friend after church that had this same surgery several years ago, and she has never regretted having it. Part of her leg is numb from nerve damage, for she ended up waiting too long. I already have that nerve damage in my feet.
Oh, my.
Later this afternoon, I tried to take Eddie on a little walk. We were doing just fine until we started to go back into the house. His leash broke and snapped back to hit me in the face - right across my cheek and bridge of my nose.
I just want to go to bed and stay there.
But, Kerry and I are proud of Mr. Erik today. He accomplished his goal of finishing a full marathon (26.2 miles) in Columbus today in 3:38. He had wanted to go 3:30, but heck! I'd be glad to get finished at all. I'm telling you, I would end up in the hospital.
Thanks to Melissa for posting this on Facebook! She and Jordan and the boys, as well as Erik's friend Oscar, braved 38 degree weather to cheer him on.
Well, I'm going to try again this week. I want to feel better. I need to feel better. I hurt.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
It has been beautiful enough. I haven't seen the leaves this brilliant in quite awhile. Their colors still take my breath away, and I'll never get tired of looking at their beauty.
But, I hurt.
Out of nowhere, my entire left jaw began hurting. It hurt no matter what I did, no matter what position I was in. It kept me up through the night. I couldn't get into the dentist until Thursday, and even then I couldn't open it wide enough for him to look inside. It is a bit swollen when looking at it from the outside, but the dentist wondered if it was TMJ. He has referred me to an oral surgeon.
I told Kerry I had the jawbone of an ass. Remember Samson in the Old Testament? (Killed the Philistines with the jawbone of an ass...)
I made it through my Friday activities at the temple. Betty joined Julia Hoffman and me, and she seemed to have a wonderful day.
Saturday I was able to talk well enough to do a genealogy class in a neighboring town. I had to do it, for it had originally been scheduled last year when I was in the hospital. Thank goodness for Jordan - he went through my calendar and my email and contacted lots of people for me.
But Saturday evening, I did something to cause my back to go into a fury. Oh, my goodness! I don't ever remember it hurting like this. I could barely walk, and could barely talk. There was nothing I could do to find relief. This is what will lead me into the dreaded surgery I've been talking about.
I made it through church today, but afterward people were wondering why I was moving so slow when I came down from the organ. It was pretty apparent. I talked with a friend after church that had this same surgery several years ago, and she has never regretted having it. Part of her leg is numb from nerve damage, for she ended up waiting too long. I already have that nerve damage in my feet.
Oh, my.
Later this afternoon, I tried to take Eddie on a little walk. We were doing just fine until we started to go back into the house. His leash broke and snapped back to hit me in the face - right across my cheek and bridge of my nose.
I just want to go to bed and stay there.
But, Kerry and I are proud of Mr. Erik today. He accomplished his goal of finishing a full marathon (26.2 miles) in Columbus today in 3:38. He had wanted to go 3:30, but heck! I'd be glad to get finished at all. I'm telling you, I would end up in the hospital.
Thanks to Melissa for posting this on Facebook! She and Jordan and the boys, as well as Erik's friend Oscar, braved 38 degree weather to cheer him on.
Well, I'm going to try again this week. I want to feel better. I need to feel better. I hurt.
Love to y'all...
Miss P
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A Sticky Situation
I have lost my mind.
Instead of grabbing the deodorant, I sprayed my underarm with hairspray. Kerry was talking to me as I was getting dressed, and absent-mindedly I grabbed the wrong can. I didn't even really notice it until I had trouble putting my arm down.
It has been a delightful week here in the Ohio. The color of the trees is splendid - and it takes my breath away each and every year. I will never get tired of the change of seasons, for each one brings its own beauty.
My week began with meeting a brand new cousin. Jean and I met Betty and Fern and Jim at Olive Garden in Sandusky, where a newly found cousin from Draper, UT was staying with Fern. He had stayed once before, and now he and his lovely wife were there. We decided we liked these relatives. We laughed and talked and shared information. I had some pictures for him of some of his ancestral line that he had never seen before.
I stayed home the next day, but Wednesday was a whole different story. Kerry took a few days off, so we joined Betty and went to a Russian Festival that she and I had been to before. When Erik was on his mission in Russia, Betty discovered this festival and off she and I went. I sent pictures to Erik and told him of our adventure. He wrote back and said he was living the Russian Festival. I've included some pictures:
Presentation of the bread and salt.
One of the young dancers in costume. I'm so glad to see them passing their heritage along to the next generation.
This is probably one of the most common dances associated with Russia. Betty and I decided we would both end up in the hospital.
All of their dances tell a story. This was of a young couple who meet while among the shipyards along the Baltic Sea.
Young children learning the art of painting real eggs.
Some of their handiwork. Yes, these are real eggs.
Some of their nesting dolls. We received many of these as gifts from the lovely Russian people Erik introduced us to.
We were able to go to Russia at the end of Erik's mission to tour the area and meet some of the people Erik taught as a missionary. They loved Erik, and expressed their gratitude to us, as his parents, for raising a fine young man such as him. I was touched by the people of Russia - and going to this festival helped me remember just how warmly they had greeted us. Bless their hearts.
After running a few errands on Thursday, we decided against going to the Loudonville Street Fair. A threat of rain had been hanging over us all afternoon. There's no use being out in the raw and the cold.
Friday was a wonderful day at the temple. I love it when Kerry is able to go with me. That only happens once every six weeks - according to his day off.
After a wonderful day at church, we rested before going to a special devotional for temple workers - both past and present. The president and his counselors, as well as former presidents of the temple, always express their gratitude for our service in the temple. It's wonderful to be part of such a wonderful group as this.
Though I love it when Kerry is home, when he goes back to work on Tuesday, I must get back into a routine. Sometimes I let things slide, then have to play catch-up later on. I have a number of things coming up that will involve some travel, so I need to get things in order.
We are excited to go to Columbus on Tuesday to celebrate JJ's birthday - though he now wants to be called Jordan. He's growing up - 5 years old! He's a sweetheart - just like all of the grandkids. In our minds, they can do no wrong.
Enjoy this beautiful week. It's such a great time to be alive.
Instead of grabbing the deodorant, I sprayed my underarm with hairspray. Kerry was talking to me as I was getting dressed, and absent-mindedly I grabbed the wrong can. I didn't even really notice it until I had trouble putting my arm down.
It has been a delightful week here in the Ohio. The color of the trees is splendid - and it takes my breath away each and every year. I will never get tired of the change of seasons, for each one brings its own beauty.
My week began with meeting a brand new cousin. Jean and I met Betty and Fern and Jim at Olive Garden in Sandusky, where a newly found cousin from Draper, UT was staying with Fern. He had stayed once before, and now he and his lovely wife were there. We decided we liked these relatives. We laughed and talked and shared information. I had some pictures for him of some of his ancestral line that he had never seen before.
I stayed home the next day, but Wednesday was a whole different story. Kerry took a few days off, so we joined Betty and went to a Russian Festival that she and I had been to before. When Erik was on his mission in Russia, Betty discovered this festival and off she and I went. I sent pictures to Erik and told him of our adventure. He wrote back and said he was living the Russian Festival. I've included some pictures:
Presentation of the bread and salt.
One of the young dancers in costume. I'm so glad to see them passing their heritage along to the next generation.
This is probably one of the most common dances associated with Russia. Betty and I decided we would both end up in the hospital.
All of their dances tell a story. This was of a young couple who meet while among the shipyards along the Baltic Sea.
Young children learning the art of painting real eggs.
Some of their handiwork. Yes, these are real eggs.
Some of their nesting dolls. We received many of these as gifts from the lovely Russian people Erik introduced us to.
We were able to go to Russia at the end of Erik's mission to tour the area and meet some of the people Erik taught as a missionary. They loved Erik, and expressed their gratitude to us, as his parents, for raising a fine young man such as him. I was touched by the people of Russia - and going to this festival helped me remember just how warmly they had greeted us. Bless their hearts.
After running a few errands on Thursday, we decided against going to the Loudonville Street Fair. A threat of rain had been hanging over us all afternoon. There's no use being out in the raw and the cold.
Friday was a wonderful day at the temple. I love it when Kerry is able to go with me. That only happens once every six weeks - according to his day off.
After a wonderful day at church, we rested before going to a special devotional for temple workers - both past and present. The president and his counselors, as well as former presidents of the temple, always express their gratitude for our service in the temple. It's wonderful to be part of such a wonderful group as this.
Though I love it when Kerry is home, when he goes back to work on Tuesday, I must get back into a routine. Sometimes I let things slide, then have to play catch-up later on. I have a number of things coming up that will involve some travel, so I need to get things in order.
We are excited to go to Columbus on Tuesday to celebrate JJ's birthday - though he now wants to be called Jordan. He's growing up - 5 years old! He's a sweetheart - just like all of the grandkids. In our minds, they can do no wrong.
Enjoy this beautiful week. It's such a great time to be alive.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Decisions, decisions
I spent most of this past week catching up. Since I was gone for a few days the previous week, I'm trying to get things back in order. Not from Kerry - from my own self!
I met with my doctor last week so he could check on my back again. He had given me a shot of cortisone a couple of weeks earlier that helped somewhat - but neither one of us is sure how long it will last. We both know this is going to end up with me having surgery - but I'm trying to put it off as long as I can. He is not one to push - he knows that I'll know when it's time.
I also met with the doctor that did the surgery for my bowel obstruction last year. When he saw me, the first thing he asked was why I was walking funny. I guess I hadn't noticed that I had been. He could tell that I'm favoring one side. He urged me to listen to the doctor who is treating me, for other things can start to be affected while I'm favoring my bad side.
Good grief. I feel like I go around putting out fires all over my body.
I joined Kerry at the temple for his shift this past Thursday. I decided to run some errands after seeing my doctor in Columbus and dropping him off. I also wanted to spend some time in the temple thinking and considering some things I have had on my mind. It's nice to be able to remove myself from the pressures of the world, the phone, the computer, etc. and just commune.
They happened to be short of workers that night, so they asked if I could help them out. Of course!
We got home late, fell into bed, and I got up and drove to Columbus again. It was my day to work. And...I really don't mind. I love the work we do there. I'm probably a better person because of my time spent there.
Our church's General Conference was these past two days, and it was wonderful. When I was a girl, we could only hear a scratchy broadcast over the PA system at the chapel. Now, we can pull it in right over the internet. How wonderful! The speakers were wonderful, and they said the things I needed to hear. Over and over, I was impressed with the emphasis of God's love for us, and His Son voluntarily took upon Himself the sins of all of us. I know these things - but I also need to hear them over and over again. You can see vignettes of the talks at www.lds.org
This week is another very busy week. I thought when we became empty-nesters that our life would be a lot less complicated. In many ways it is. Gone are the days when we were busy all day and busy all evening. But now, it's a different type of busyness. Or maybe it's the fact that it takes us twice as long to do half as much.
I don't know. I just don't know.
I have loved this crisp, colorful Ohio autumn weather. I have made soups, one-pot sausage meals, homemade bread and apple crisp and dressed in blue jeans and sweatshirts every day. It is so beautiful. So, so beautiful. I'm glad I have eyes to see the colors, ears to hear the crunch of leaves, a nose to smell the leaves and wood fires burning, the sense of touch to feel the cool air, and a tongue to taste the harvest. I have no reason to complain. No reason at all.
I've enclosed some goodies to read at the end. Love to y'all...
Miss P
"What we love, determines what we seek; what we seek, determines what we think and do; what we think and do determines who we are and who we will become!" - (Message given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Saturday morning)
"You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness. Some of the most important choices are about what you set your heart upon". By: Henry B. Eyring, "Walk in the Light&qu...ot;, Ensign, May 2008
"It requires courage to make good choices, even when others around us choose differently. As we make righteous choices day by day in little things, the Lord will strengthen us and help us choose the right during more difficult times". By: W.... Craig Zwick, "We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield", Ensign, May 2008Read
READ THIS VERY SLOWLY.... IT'S QUITE ENLIGHTENING!Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine. I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible. How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you? How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, 'How about going to lunch in a half hour? She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain.' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.. Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Jimmy toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet.... We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.. Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas.. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious.. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of roller blades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord. My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years.... I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process.. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.. Now.. go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to... not something on your SHOULD DO list.. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.. Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butter fly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask, 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.'And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi? When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift..... Thrown away... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years.. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya’ll are.
You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'
You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email.
God Bless the USA !
Keep the fire burning, redneck friend.
IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM .
IN GOD WE TRUST
THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE........ Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company. Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Willie in the mail today . Quit slamming the screen door when you go out ! Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up. Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed. Wash your feet before you go to bed, you've been playing outside all day barefooted. Why can't you remember to roll up your britches legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle Chain so many times is tearing them up. You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times there is nothing left to put a patch on. Don't you go outside with your school clothes on! Go comb your hair; it looks like the rats have nested in it all night. Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle. Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one. Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it. Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit! Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by, I need to get a few things from him. You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off. There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town. Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot. You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise. Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes. If you pull that stunt again, I am going to wear you out! Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after awhile. Wash under your neck before you come to the table, you have beads of dirt and sweat all under there. Get out from under the sewing machine; pumping it messes up the thread! Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark. Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go, we are almost out of paper out there. Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes. Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on. No! I don't have 10 cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees? Eat those turnips, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy. That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs don't stay in the house. Sit still! I'm trying to get your hair cut straight and you keep moving and it is all messed up. Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap! It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight. If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home. Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way! Soak your foot in this pan of kerosene so that bad cut won't get infected. When you take your driving test, don't forget to signal each turn. Left arm straight out the window For a left turn; left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn; and straight down to the side of the Door when you are going to stop. It's: 'Yes Ma'am!' and 'No Ma'am!' to me, young man, and don't you forget it! Bring back any Memories? Sure did for Me! I think I heard everyone of them.
I met with my doctor last week so he could check on my back again. He had given me a shot of cortisone a couple of weeks earlier that helped somewhat - but neither one of us is sure how long it will last. We both know this is going to end up with me having surgery - but I'm trying to put it off as long as I can. He is not one to push - he knows that I'll know when it's time.
I also met with the doctor that did the surgery for my bowel obstruction last year. When he saw me, the first thing he asked was why I was walking funny. I guess I hadn't noticed that I had been. He could tell that I'm favoring one side. He urged me to listen to the doctor who is treating me, for other things can start to be affected while I'm favoring my bad side.
Good grief. I feel like I go around putting out fires all over my body.
I joined Kerry at the temple for his shift this past Thursday. I decided to run some errands after seeing my doctor in Columbus and dropping him off. I also wanted to spend some time in the temple thinking and considering some things I have had on my mind. It's nice to be able to remove myself from the pressures of the world, the phone, the computer, etc. and just commune.
They happened to be short of workers that night, so they asked if I could help them out. Of course!
We got home late, fell into bed, and I got up and drove to Columbus again. It was my day to work. And...I really don't mind. I love the work we do there. I'm probably a better person because of my time spent there.
Our church's General Conference was these past two days, and it was wonderful. When I was a girl, we could only hear a scratchy broadcast over the PA system at the chapel. Now, we can pull it in right over the internet. How wonderful! The speakers were wonderful, and they said the things I needed to hear. Over and over, I was impressed with the emphasis of God's love for us, and His Son voluntarily took upon Himself the sins of all of us. I know these things - but I also need to hear them over and over again. You can see vignettes of the talks at www.lds.org
This week is another very busy week. I thought when we became empty-nesters that our life would be a lot less complicated. In many ways it is. Gone are the days when we were busy all day and busy all evening. But now, it's a different type of busyness. Or maybe it's the fact that it takes us twice as long to do half as much.
I don't know. I just don't know.
I have loved this crisp, colorful Ohio autumn weather. I have made soups, one-pot sausage meals, homemade bread and apple crisp and dressed in blue jeans and sweatshirts every day. It is so beautiful. So, so beautiful. I'm glad I have eyes to see the colors, ears to hear the crunch of leaves, a nose to smell the leaves and wood fires burning, the sense of touch to feel the cool air, and a tongue to taste the harvest. I have no reason to complain. No reason at all.
I've enclosed some goodies to read at the end. Love to y'all...
Miss P
"What we love, determines what we seek; what we seek, determines what we think and do; what we think and do determines who we are and who we will become!" - (Message given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Saturday morning)
"You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness. Some of the most important choices are about what you set your heart upon". By: Henry B. Eyring, "Walk in the Light&qu...ot;, Ensign, May 2008
"It requires courage to make good choices, even when others around us choose differently. As we make righteous choices day by day in little things, the Lord will strengthen us and help us choose the right during more difficult times". By: W.... Craig Zwick, "We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield", Ensign, May 2008Read
READ THIS VERY SLOWLY.... IT'S QUITE ENLIGHTENING!Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine. I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible. How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you? How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, 'How about going to lunch in a half hour? She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain.' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.. Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Jimmy toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet.... We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.. Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'Someday, when things are settled down a bit.'When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas.. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious.. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of roller blades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord. My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years.... I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process.. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.. Now.. go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to... not something on your SHOULD DO list.. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.. Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butter fly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask, 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow.'And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say 'Hi? When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift..... Thrown away... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years.. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya’ll are.
You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'
You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email.
God Bless the USA !
Keep the fire burning, redneck friend.
IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM .
IN GOD WE TRUST
THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE........ Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company. Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Willie in the mail today . Quit slamming the screen door when you go out ! Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up. Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed. Wash your feet before you go to bed, you've been playing outside all day barefooted. Why can't you remember to roll up your britches legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle Chain so many times is tearing them up. You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times there is nothing left to put a patch on. Don't you go outside with your school clothes on! Go comb your hair; it looks like the rats have nested in it all night. Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle. Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one. Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it. Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit! Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by, I need to get a few things from him. You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off. There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town. Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot. You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise. Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes. If you pull that stunt again, I am going to wear you out! Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after awhile. Wash under your neck before you come to the table, you have beads of dirt and sweat all under there. Get out from under the sewing machine; pumping it messes up the thread! Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark. Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go, we are almost out of paper out there. Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes. Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on. No! I don't have 10 cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees? Eat those turnips, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy. That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs don't stay in the house. Sit still! I'm trying to get your hair cut straight and you keep moving and it is all messed up. Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap! It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight. If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home. Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way! Soak your foot in this pan of kerosene so that bad cut won't get infected. When you take your driving test, don't forget to signal each turn. Left arm straight out the window For a left turn; left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn; and straight down to the side of the Door when you are going to stop. It's: 'Yes Ma'am!' and 'No Ma'am!' to me, young man, and don't you forget it! Bring back any Memories? Sure did for Me! I think I heard everyone of them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
