Oh yes! Wonderful News!

I forgot to mention that one reason I was so busy, is that God has blessed me with a new granddaughter! I am posting her pix along with her brother, and maybe some others. These were taken mostly by webcam on Skype, so they have their limitations. I wish I could find my other disc of pix! Boo hoo!

Well, enjoy the pix of FAITH ELAINE EISENBERG, born July 21, 2010~

and her brother, ELIJAH MICHAEL who turns three on Nov. 15! He is a big boy, almost potty-trained now! YAY!

Getting with the Program!

I haven't written on this blog for 3 months! Wow! That is a long time. It is not that nothing noteworthy has happened, iit is just that busyness has taken its toll.

I plan on revising the way I write this blog. Lots of decisions and changes seem to lie ahead of me right now. So, I am going to commit to blogging on here once a week...on Thursday nights (usually), although the day may change from week to week as schedules change too.

I am changing the forum on this blog as well. It shall deal with the mundane day-to-day things and the lessons I learn from life through them. I intend to steer away from the controversial and politics, etc. I will even leave the "news" to the television stations for the most part. There are, however, some times when news items directly affect my life.

I guess when life brings you changes when you are in your "senior" years, (according to Ross, Denny's and Sun City, I qualify!) it can be a little daunting. And yet, what challenges lie ahead might just release some long-awaited desires.

All I know is that God has a plan! And He isn't done with me yet! (either that or Heaven isn't ready for me yet!) ha!

Well, I look forward to sharing new and exciting things. For those of you who have followed my grannypro blog as well, I am taking a sabitcal on that one for now. I have posted one last blog as a sort of explanation. I may return to it shorty, and I may totally abandon it at some point. But I will keep you informed.

I have started a new blog for sharing stories I wrote with and for my children and grandchildre, although it will take me a while to get them all retyped. I plan to post at least one a week as well. I know I have not been a faithful blogger, but I am beginning to see its value more and more.

Thanks for hanging with me!

People People Everywhere

Riding the bus around a California city that I personally am unfamiliar with is both intimidating at times, and interesting. Here I am in Long Beach, CA awaiting the arrival of my granddaughter who is teasing us with latent labor pains for days now but not progressing toward delivery just yet. It is frustrating for my daughter who is bearing all the pain. Some of her contractions are very intense. This has been verified by the monitor at the hospital on several occasions. Yet, here we are, stuck in a waiting game, for just when the "real" heavy "active" labor will be declared and she can be more comfortable in the hospital. Oh well. In the meantime, the docs say to walk, so we have been walking the streets of downtown, and taking buses to drs appts and stores.

If she did not live here, I doubt I would attempt to use this method of transportation alone. Although, the parking is limited in many places, so public transportation is popular. I really did enjoy it. I met many interesting people. Most were friendly. There was one bus which was over crowded. Many were hanging onto the standing only straps all through the bus. We came to a stop where a man in a wheelchair was waiting. Now, to accommodate these wheelchairs, the bus must sacrifice at least 5 passenger seats. People began to complain and yell about who the driver might "kick off" to make room. Some yelled they were late to work, or appts. The driver took almost ten minutes to decide he had to leave the man behind. the man, himself, was not bothered by that at all, as the buses on that route run every 12 minutes...so by now it was a mere two minutes behind us.

Momentarily that scene made me feel uneasy. I was unsure if these people were going to start becoming agitated. A few were irritated, but most just went with the flow. At the end, only a few complaints were made known and all went on as usual.
I met people of all colors and "genders". People dressed in business suits, and people in shorts. People dressed in ethnic attire, and others bedecked in little clothing at all.

Most were polite and gave us seats to my pregnant daughter and me. Some, though, scrutinized those coming aboard, to choose who may sit by them and who may not. The handicapped and children, most of the elderly, and the pregnant were given due honor and place, for the most part.

As we walked, we passed a myriad of humanity. There were several who were talking, not so much to themselves, but to someone who did not exist. There was an older man on a skateboard yelling out blessing to everyone! A woman in a wheelchair sat by her condo door and smiled at those who came by. Two men, who seemed to be together, walked single file while one of them loudly gossiped about friends to the other. A male and a female, who apparently once worked together, ran into each other in a cafe. The man rushed over to congratulate her, excusing himself for not having known she was "with child". No one had told him he said.

I nearly got run over several times by bicyclists who were riding on the sidewalk. Long Beach hails as the "Friendliest Bicycling" Community, and that is well-deserved. However, some of them disregard the rules. Only once in about six incidents of bikes on the sidewalk, did anyone say "Excuse me, please!" I turned around to find it was a child! The adults just kept on biking! Oh well. We all have our rude times! I really don't think they meant to be rude, but rather focus on nothing at all and just ride to their destination, oblivious to others.

So, I am having a good time over all. The difficulty of seeing my daughter in so much pain day after day is taking its toll though. I wanted to stay to play with my granddaughter, but she had best hurry up!

And Again, I Repeat!

Sometimes people repeat things. Sometimes people repeat things. Sometimes...Oh, I confess, I am among them! And, I think, I am among good company!

Now, I realize that listening to repeated stories can be less than interesting. But I believe that one should politely oblige, none-the-less. You see, there are many reasons why people repeat themselves. And, there are just as many reasons to be respected while doing so!

Reason #1. They have forgotten that they told the story, or info. The reason to be respected is that people who fall into this catagory are usually aging, or ailing or both! It happens to the best of us! It occurs after years of enduring the stress of child-rearing and managing households and/or businesses! We have earned the right to forget once in a while...and the right to repeat ourselves!

Reason #2. They think they forgot an important detail or fact, and retelling the story seems the only way to clarify! The reason to respect people in this catagory is that they are making a valiant effort to state truth, to get the facts straight and complete. And, they want to make sure that, if their "listener" repeats the story, the details are correct! Hey! We just want to make sure the "grapevine" is really growing grapes!

Reason #3. They weren't sure you were really listening the first time they told you! Perhaps the loud music in the background, or the screaming toddler, or the side conversation they overheard, gave them reason to feel you could not have possibly heard correctly the first time. Respect them for considering you important enough to be worthy of their repeat.

Reason #4. They consider this information, (even if it is a dumb joke) to be important (or funny) to the highest degree, and want to make sure that you, the listener, get the full benefit of it. You should feel special to be privy to such significant info! Respect them for exposing their preferences and letting you in on their humor or opinions. Not everyone shares with you!

Reason #5. They have become accustomed to repeating things to you. They have spent a lifetime finding this a necessary part of communication. The reason to respect them in this case is, that they are most likely your parent! (Or some authority figure of your past...)

So, people...humor us! Be polite enough to let us finish our repetitive statements without cutting us off, or rudely replying "You told me that already!" Perhaps we have just forgotten. Perhaps we remember...and perhaps we will not let you know which it is...just listen...it makes us feel special!

Life Goes On!

Thank God, life goes on! And how fast it goes, sometimes seems out of our control! But the method in which we travel it, can be our choice.

There is much in the news lately, that can produce fear and anxiety. Governments and politians can seemingly make choices that directly effect our quality of life. Many people choose to take what I call the "mobster train". The railroad history indicates that many people rode the rails without tickets to get to one place or another. A train travels down a given path. It has a destination. It moves many types of people, fairly quickly, and is low security. Thus, those who choose to jump on board political issues without their "ticket" (like proper info...like reading the actual bill or proposal) find themselves heading down a path, on a roll, among lots of others equally uninformed. I call this the mobster train, because without proper ticket info, we resort to mob mentality...just get on board and blow the whistle...the more the merrier! (Might want to check out the engineer!)

Some people react to disturbing news with the slow boat approach of complacentcy. "Just give it time, things will change." Oh yes, they will! Remember, not long ago, an election was won on the slogan for "change." But many are not nearly as happy with the "change" as they thought they would be. And the change goes on as well. We should be calm. We should be proactive. But we should not just go on a slow boat cruise and try to have a good time, ignorant of the changes around us. History is full of changes that occurred because people took no action. They just wanted everyone to get along, enjoy life...have a nice trip. Come along with us. Slow boats are great, and get you out to sea, so you can forget about what it happening that you don't like. And the bonus, you get to see the world! (The part that each country's government WANTS you to see, that is!) (Might want to check out beyond the ports!)

Still others approach life with the airline, frequent flier plan! Planes get people where they want to be FAST! They are high security, and relatively safe! They put you UP above the clouds of worry. They demand accountibility and pre-plannning as much as possible. Yet, some shy away from the higher ground from fear, or not wanting to be accountable, not having to prove their identity. (take that and think in allegorical terms!)

Other people just walk the walk. They trudge down the streets, taking one day at a time and putting one foot ahead at a time. They move at a natural pace. They observe the scenery and the people around them.

But the key is to walk with God. To let love and concern move you to proper action. Those who choose mob mentality rarely take the time to think and enjoy the diversity around them. Those who meander through life, focusing only on their own pleasure rarely accomplish much, and often complain about all that the world lacks. Those who take off on frequent flights, while perhaps getting some things done and going lots of places, rarely think about the steps of life. These don't mind the minor risks of flying to see the world. And seeing it from a higher perspective is good...as long as we remember to come down out of the clouds to face the reality of daily walking.

So, whatever path we choose to follow as life moves on, let us first begin it on our knees! Learning to walk with the God who created the Universe, and invented life, seems the best way to keep moving!

Proud to be in Arizona!

Arizona is in the news these days! It's all about what a bunch of prejudiced outlaws we are, wanting to profile people who remotely look like illegal aliens. Public opion on both sides is heated. I think it all is ridiculous. It is ridiculous that we have such a law. It should never have come to this. The Federal Government should have been proactive on this years ago.

I am not for illegal immigration. I know plenty of people who came here legally from many countries, including Mexico. The consequences of being in a country illegally in most other countries is swift and severe...some imprison violators for 12 years. Some just shoot them...we won't go into details there...

I realize it takes a long time, and money to come here legally. It's the same with most countries. And I do acknowledge the poverty in Mexico. I understand why people would want to come as quickly as poissible. But, coming illegally has its risks and its consequences.

Mexico and The USA had a treaty back about 100 years ago stating that BOTH governments would honor the borders. That has become a laughing point...apparently on both sides. Mexico has no consequences to their people who get sent back over from the USA. And our governments have looked the other way, offering compassion and health care, jobs, etc. Now that we have no more funds to do this, we are prejudice ignoramasses that do not have any compassion at all, but delight in profiling. That is, if you listen to the news...especially the national news.

IT is also ridiculous that people are reacting and making such rash statements against Arizona. Most have never read the law itself, but rather joined in on the mob mentality of prominent "limelight" seekers. I shall not name names! You only have to watch the news. Calling for boycotts of sporting events, conventions, etc. is ridiculous! They are taking away much needed jobs, many of which are filled by legal Hispanic Americans.

The law actually mimics the FEDERAL LAW which stemmed from the treaty I mentioned. But since the Feds, including our former governor, seem unable to help, we have taken matters into our own hands. And that, too, is ridiculous!

I wish there had been some accountibility on that treaty from day one. Both governments benefitted from the illegal traffic in the early days. Now that the economy crashed and legal residents cannot afford their own medical treatments, the idea of free health care for those here illegally seems ridiculous to us! There is no money in Arizona to continue programs for special needs kids, for domestic violence, or to keep the State parks open. Child care subsidies and all-day Kindergarten has been underfire due to the economy. Yet, many of these programs started to help Hispanics, even those here illegally.

We are not a people of prejudice! We WANT our Mexican American population! But we want the legal ones who contribute to society in positive ways. They want to have the services and opportunities we have made for them and everyone too! I am not saying we don't want anyone who is here illegally, but they really need to understand that America is a country of compassion, which is what got us in this mess in the first place. STOP trashing our country because we let you get across the border illegally...and took care of you while you were here!

I want "grandma" to get to stay here. I want the mommies who married legal daddies to get to be together. But, I cannot understand why there has not been a program in place to assist with these things all along. Or, there should have been border control so that these people never took the risks they now face. People who have been here for years should have begun the process of finding a legal way long ago. And we should have made it easier and quicker. It is a long, difficult dilemna and there are factors on both sides who are at fault. BUT IT IS NOT THE PEOPLE OF ARIZONA, whom are now being punished for the failure of our FEDERAL government!!

Janet! Wake up! You said you fought the Feds for money to control our borders when you were our govenor! Was that a lie? You now ARE the FEDERAL government and it seems like you have not come to the defense of the great state of ARIZONA!

The marches we are enduring here, should be directed to YOU! The cancellations of conventions should be publically defied from the FEDERAL standpoint! The protests we must walk around should be sent both to WASHINGTON DC and MEXICO! Perhaps if the politicians were inconvenience a bit...if their jobs were on the line due to protests of a law they didn't even get to vote on...perhaps, then things would be different! But I guess that would be only in my dreams!

As for me, I am PROUD to be in ARIZONA! At least we took action. It may be controversial action, but it is ACTION! Someone has to move the FEDS to do the right thing! Someone has to acknowledge our budget deficiet and ALL of its causes (which are NOT all related to illegals, by any means). We were the last continental state to join the Union...perhaps we can be the FIRST state to move the monumentous mountain of Washington DC!

Old Habits Are Hard to Break!

Here I go once again! Making promises to myself and others related to this blog! I really do think almost daily about things I want to share on this blog. Unfortunately, the busyness of life overcomes the desire to write and I end up having to do something practical instead.

I occasionally semi-envy some of my friends who seem to spend a good deal of their day playing Farmville or other such games on Facebook. I seem to spend my time gardening, cleaning, writing, both for pleasure and by commitment (I write children's church literature and puppet skits weekly), playing with or chasing kids, preparing homeschool lessons, walking dogs, giving piano lessons, or some other such obligation. Now, I am not saying that these obligations are overwhelming or bothersome. Most of the time, they energize me and bring me joy. But, they leave me little time for Facebook games. I will admit that I play Scramble against a friend, but other than that, I rarely indulge in such things. I love to play games. It is just that with the homeschooling, I end up planning and playing lots of games. My husband and I like to challenge each other with Scrabble on occasion also.

Sometimes friends of mine mention that I appear to have lots of energy, based on comments I make on Facebook or blogs. They say they are envious of my energy and the things I accomplish. I realize it is true that I do get a lot of things done. However, I wonder if it is more the choices I make regarding how I spend my time, than actually having more energy. It is funny that they envy my energy and I envy how they can play games and relax while I must achieve...my own requirement, no one else's. And sometimes I wonder how much I achieve in all the busyness. Maybe there are lessons on both sides here...one for me to learn to allow myself to play once in awhile and leave something undone...and a lesson for my friends too...make good choices on how you spend your time, and make limits on the amounts of time given for games. That way, you can stop inviting me over to clean your house or garage, plant your garden, etc. and enjoy doing it yourself!

Of course, I know you are teasing me. I hope you understand that I am teasing you. It is just nice to have friends to make comments on what I share on Facebook and blogs.

It seems like only yesterday that I wrote on this blog. Yet, the truth is, that since I wrote, I have gained another year of life, moved into a new house, and discovered that I am going to be a grandma to another baby girl! Wow! Where DOES the time go?

Well, I had a good birthday. Since it is, and always has been, (ha ha) the day before Valentine's, I've learned to share the moment with those I love. So we had a family dinner ON my birthday in which we also exchanged Valentine's. Most of the valentine's I received were pictures of my precious grandchildren! Nothing could be better. But my thoughtful children also gave me gift cards for Kohl's and a restaraunt. My son and oldest grandson also gave me a special gift...they helped, tremendously, in painting my new living room and office. Since this was a desire of mine, and also a daunting task, their help was considered by me to be a huge gift! I NEVER could have done it without them!

And I also discovered many gifts this last few weeks...in the form of friends and help! On the weekend after my birthday, we moved! Since I had planned on the last move, truly being the LAST, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we had acquired. We gave some of it away. We sold some of it. And we moved the rest. On Friday, a group of teenagers from our church came and helped pack up the remaining items, and clean the laundry room. This was quite a blessing, as the laundry room seemed to build up dust levels that sent my sinuses into orbit. Also on Friday evening, my husband's friend and my son-in-law came and between the three of them, moved most of the furniture into the moving van. The teenagers helped with loading the boxes as well.

Then Saturday morning, my son and grandson returned. More friends of my husband came too, and by noon, we had the entire truck loaded. It was then unloaded, reloaded partially, and unloaded again...all by 3:00 PM! Wow!

Now, my living room is lovely and completely the way I like it. My daughter-in-law says it looks like a model home! Wow! I'm sure that won't last long! The master bedroom, playroom, and family room are nice as well, although there are boxes still to be unloaded in the closets. The kitchen LOOKS good, but there is much reorganizing still to be done, as well as more boxes! The offices...mine and my hubby's...well...they're private! We reserve the right to take our time on those!

And this weekend, we plan to tackle the boxes in the garage and plot out and plow our garden! Yes, we are amibitous sorts! We will have little hands to help us, as three of our grandchildren will be spending the weekend with us!

So, all of these were gifts to me! And, then to top if off, we found out that my younger daughter, whom we knew was expecting a child, is having a girl. A boy would certainly have been great. But girls are rarer in our family, so the news is exciting to us. Having a loving, healthy family and lots of friends cannot be surpassed. They are what makes a great life! And, yes, the days and even years, roll by quickly, teaching us the value of enjoying one day at a time...each and every day...and ALL the people God puts in our lives!

Half days of School Should be Outlawed!

Well, not really, I guess! Those were my honest sentiments earlier this day. In addtion to my usual charges, I had a neighbor girl and our wonderful Kindergartener since 10:30 AM as well.

Ah, the neighbor girl. I like her. She likes the games I invent. She likes to talk to me. But I wonder about how much of a friend I can be to her. You see, the girl is overweight. So am I, so this isn't about criticizing her. I was not overweight, however, at her age. Therefore, I wonder what struggles she will have to face when she reaches adulthood. Already she is experiencing the cruelty of people. She has not developed a thick skin at all. In fact, she is very overly sensitive about the subject. For example, while jumping on the trampoline with my Kindergartener, she fell on him and he said he didn't want to play with her any more on the trampoline because she was too heavy. She took that to say he called her fat and came running in to report it. He was very defensive, not having meant at all to call her fat.

The problem that I don't know how to handle is this: She wants to eat constantly! If we are playing a game, she wants to munch on candy or popcorn. If we are watching TV or a movie, popcorn or cookies is a must in her mind. If they are playing outside, she comes in after 10-15 minutes "famished", "starved", etc. She eats when she's bored, she eats when in action. She eats most all the time. She comes in and opens the cupboards, refrigerator, etc. to see what there might be to eat. She doesn't help herself without asking, but makes it obvious that she wants something. Then she asks. My grandchildren eat at her house. She calls me "Grandma" along with them, and I have no problem feeding her. But I don't like to constantly feed her. And she asks for unhealthy things if she thinks we may have them, like brownies, or cookies, or soda. I offer apples, and juices, and sometimes milk. She'll take those, but ask for the other things as well.

I don't like it that I have a problem with this. I have tried to nicely talk to her about her choices. I have talked to her about eating just because the food is there, and requested that she play outside longer, or whatever. Most of the time, those suggestions end in her going home, if her parents are there. And if not, then she pleads and begs and almost cries that she is hungry. I don't know what to do. I feel mean if I say no, especially if my grandkids are eating. By the way, the oldest one medically needs to gain weight, and he could have whatever he wanted any time to assist with that...but he is not into sweets at all. The Kindergartener likes to munch too, but he is more into a snack or two and then off to play. He rarely grazes long, and he eats well at meals. This girl is very picky at meals, which bothers me tremendously. I will not be a short-order cook. My feeling is, I give them a choice of two, sometimes three, things and between them, they must chose one. If they can't decide nicely, then I decide. Sometimes I just announce what we are having. I cook ONE thing (main thing) and offer fruits and veggies on the side, expecting them to at least try them. She will not eat the veggies at all. And is very picky about the fruit AND the main dish. I just cannot let her eat sweets and soda pop. It is a big battle. She is not a child who throws a fit. But she sits quietly pouting and tearily mentioning her hunger.

I guess I should speak more directly to her mother. But she has just said to not feed her if she is picky. I understand and abide by it, but the begging and pleading starts within minutes after the meal is done with the other kids.

I think I will suggest that when she is staying over with us in a "child care" way, that she should bring her own sack lunch like she would at school. And then I will offer a reasonable, child-friendly snack AFTER the regular lunch is eaten. If it is not eaten, then that is what she can snack on. Am I a big meanie??

Wheeling and Dealing!

I love Craigslist! (CL)-Some people have apparently had trouble with it. But not me. I have bought and sold items there for a very long time, with no trouble at all. And now I am wheeling and dealing to change furnishings for our move.

I love yard sales! I have purchased many special items from these. I have also met many interesting people along the way. We had a yard sale last Saturday. My daughter brought her stuff too, since she lives in one of those "yard sale restricted" areas. We both did quite well. My neighbor held one too, so we had a lot of traffic!

So, here is a list of my wheeling and dealing of late:

SOLD! On CL- a trampoline for $45.00 that I purchased at a yard sale two years ago for $20.00! A brass fireplace screen---at the yard sale for $40.00 that I bought four years ago on CL for $30.00! (See how this works!) Also sold an older entertainment center on CL- for $50.00 and the same people purchased a small fountain I had not sold at the yard sale! A Christmas designed fireplace screen--for $12.00 on CL--that I bought for $7.00 at a yard sale about 4 years ago! Seems like there is something else I sold, but I cannot think of what it was right now! We still have a big desk advertised on CL which I am sure will sell before the move.

PURCHASED! My husband bought a nicer desk than the one we have for sale...off CL for $50.00...and it came with a high-back swivel office chair! Quite a deal! I bought a smaller computer desk with a hutch for books, etc. off CL for $30.00 so I have someplace for my laptop other than a TV tray...and also for my crafts.

We are still undecided about whether to sell or take our refrigerator. The new house has one, but ours is bigger. Hmmm...Well, we have two weeks to make that decision.

But, like I said, I love CL and yard sales! These are good ways to keep our hard-earned money in AMERICA!

The Move Is On!

We are moving! That is an adventure I had hoped not to face again. And once again, I shall hope that THIS is the last move! But only God knows for sure I guess. At first, I was tempted to complain loudly. After all, THIS home is where my husband and I wanted to be. This is the one WE chose together, and put a lot of time, sweat, and energy into! We like our neighbors, and as far as we know, they like us!

But alas! The economy and other circumstances got the best of us and we had to give in to reality. So, we are moving! This will happen in just two weeks! Yikes!

But I also have a sense of excitement. We are moving, not just houses, but cities as well. Moving to a place we have not lived before. It is a little inconvient as far as distances to work and places we are accustomed to hanging out. But, we shall find new hang-outs, and adjust our time for church and work travels. My husband says he enjoyed it when he had more travel time before, so he could think and prepare a little more. And, there are several routes to choose from!

We could take the main drag that angles across this area (Might be a good choice once all the construction is done!), We can take Bell Road (which is almost always busy) to the freeways (a choice of two depending on how far we want to go down Bell)
This would take us past a major mall and LOTS of businesses. We can take a choice of several "back" roads that take us through farm land and more scenic areas. The choice is ours. Traffic is busy on all the choices, at given times each day. But, depending upon my mood, I can think by my surroundings, that I live in the "country" being newly developed, or, that I live in a busy city full of shopping and office buildings. I can drive through Sun City, which is a retirement, age-limited town, or I can drive through lots of school zones.

WOW! I have LOTS more choices than I ever did here! I suspect that, at least for the first few weeks, I shall try all the routes to see which is faster, calmer, etc. and then choose daily depending on my mood and time requirements.

The house is LOTS newer! It is less than ten years old, while this old charmer is approaching half a century! May have already arrived, as I am not quite sure of the year it was built. It is strong and sturdy. It has a unique flavor. This newer home is more of a tract home. However, this older one was once a tract home too! So, the adventure begins with making it my own and charming like this older one.

I think charm comes from living happily and expressing yourself nicely and tastefully in your home. That, I can do!

I shall miss my big yard...but not the weeds I can't keep up with! I shall miss my huge pine trees, but not the mess they make, and their need for trimming! I shall make my new, smaller yard, a fascinating collage of color with a garden and pots of flowering plants. I plan to do a container garden as well as an in-the-ground one. This will all be challenging but fun and productive. I think I can keep up with this new yard a bit more easily. There is something to be said for "small packages!"

Well, the adventure has begun and the move is on! I think I shall go paint a desk!

Peace or Pieces?

Driving out in the country gives me a sense of peace. The green fields of agriculture are getting fewer and fewer in "my neck of the woods". I love to see the flocks of birds grazing in the field. I love to see a rabbit scamper across the lane. I enjoy watching the farmers plow the ground with their tractors.

One of the routes I can choose from my house to my place of employment, involves passing a dairy. The cows seem to nonchalantly swish their tails, oblvious to the passers-by. The scent in the air, however, makes it nearly impossible to pass by them without noticing their existence. I even enjoy that. It reminds me that there are still hard-working American farmers willing to live among these beasts to give us necessary products. There are many "shacks" lined up along this dairy. I doubt that I would be comfortable living in one. While the actual farmer may live elsewhere quite nicely, (I do not know) others are making sacrifices to keep the milk flowing.

Down the street just a mile or two was a field once sporting a variety of crops. I have seen it covered in alfalfa, cotton, and some type of vegetables. Then it hosted sheep. Now there is a sign saying a shopping center is taking applications for space in the soon-to-be strip mall. Another sign states that part of the field is destined to become a neighborhood park. Both those signs have been there a long time, even while the sheep and cotton claimed possession. But now, there is no cotton, sheep, or alfalfa. There are still some birds, and perhaps, a rabbit family or two. Most likely, there are lizards and possibly some snakes calling it home for now, along with various insects!

It makes me sad. Losing agriculture land for commerce when the economy cannot even sustain much of the shops we have. Yesterday, the police department laid off 100 officers. And the city is closing libraries and parks. Makes me feel like my world is falling to pieces. Could it be that we have sacrificed the peace of our culture for pieces of land to make someone wealthier?

Give me the birds and the rabbits! I'll take the alfalfa and cotton! I appreciate the cows and and the sheep! Please save our countryside! Let us live in peace!

How We Handle Rain!

Today is an overcast, rainy day. It is a much-needed rain, here in the desert! Most of us welcomed it, yet many find it quite challenging! I think that comes out the most in driving. On my way to "work" today, I observed many types of reactions to the downpour!

One driver in front of me had their windshield wipers on full-blast no matter how lightly or heavily it came down. She appeared to be staring straight ahead and hanging tightly to the steering wheel as if she felt she would be swept away at any moment.

A pickup truck next to me had it's wipers on very slow speed. The windshield was drenched and yet the driver continued to drive fast, even fishtailing. He seemed oblivious to the rain, and unwilling to adjust his driving habits to accommodate it.

Another elderly driver crawled down the road apparently fearful to be out in traffic. Her wipers were wildly flinging the water, obviously in need of adjustment. This seemed to confuse her even more judging by her speed.

Myself...I kept adjusting the speed of my wipers with the stop and go of the traffic and the rain. I kept a safe speed, and purposely focused more than normal, on the behavior of others.

I thought about the rain. And I thought about the other "rains" of life. The times that uncomfortable and even harrowing circumstances invade my life...and the lives of us all!

I think we react in vaired ways, just as the drivers did today. Some of us percieve danger even when the showers are light, not handling change welll at all. Sometimes our cheeks become damp with fear, or worry, or sadness and we star

A Different World

Today, the world is different than when I was a child, or even a young mother, for that matter. I remember growing up thinking that if I worked hard, I could have just about anything I wanted. I tried to pass that message along to my children, even though it hadn't totally been true for me.

I thought that love would conquer anything. I envisioned a family full of love, respect and understanding that could rise above all outside circumstances.

When I was a child, children were expected to "be seen and not heard". We were told to not interrupt adult conversation, to be on our best behavior for "company" even if that meant just the neighbor next door, and to have manners at all times. Manners, back then, consisted not only of "please and thank you" but giving up your seat to people older than you if needed, proper table etiquette, and holding the door for others. And that is a bare-bones list! Burbs and passing gas were to be done as discretely and privately as possible, and if they occurred unexpectedly, we were to adamantly apologize to any who may have known. Arguing with an adult was taboo! It didn't matter, in my family, who the adult was, nor how "correct" they were, a child just did not argue with them! The consequences of such behavior often hurt us where we sat down!

Since then, "professionals" have determined that such expectations and consequences somehow warped our psyches and bruised our egos and limited our development. Strangely, my generation seemed to be productive and creative individuals for the most part, who still believed in treating others respectfully, keeping promises, and paying their bills. Few of us thought the world (or America) owed us a living. We still get teary-eyed at patriotic songs and salute the flag when it passes. We take off our hats at the national anthem and sing along at sporting events.

Today I observe quite a different world. Patriotism is nearly a lost art. Politicians have slung mud around, campaigning for positions that most criticize and argue about. Respect has gone by the wayside. I attend sporting events where young people not only do not remove their hats for the national anthem, even when asked, but they talk all the way through it as well. And they yell and curse and sometimes shout obscenities if asked to show respect.

I see younger people, and some not so young, rush past elderly to get inside a store or bank, nearly letting the door hit the other person, rather than holding it for them. I see children screaming in stores and kicking their parents when told "no". I observe children arguing with authorities and refusing to obey rules. I see frustrated young mothers not sure what to do with these rebellious children, for fear of retribution if they should take an action that would "bruise" those little egos and cause someone to call the police! Sometimes this action is just a firm grip.

Parents seem to want to be friends with their children. This is well and good when the children are adults too. But children seem to expect their friends to be on the same page as they are...their peers. They want to have secrets and play silly things the same way we did growing up. My parents were not my friends when I was a child. My dad played with me a lot. We had family times and games and fun. But my friends were my own age, or close to it. Adults could be friendly and trusted and fun, but they were my parents friends, not mine. I am not sure how I feel about that. I do know that I feel pretty good about myself today and don't believe this warped me in any way. I do consider myself a friend of children...in a different way.

When I was a child, we were not sheltered from pain and reality. We were not allowed to live in a fantasy world of video games and virtual lives. Technology has become a poor parent. I attended funerals with my parents. I visited elderly people with my grandparents. I grieved over the loss of pets, without them being replaced immediately. I was told to "get over it" when someone hurt my feelings, or when I got hurt doing something childish or sporty. I got report cards with grades for behavior. I played on sports teams that lost games and counted scores. I didn't always get chosen for positions. I didn't make some teams. I won some awards and lost some competitions. My teachers told me I was wrong from time to time.

It is a different world today. I see a lot of good...a more global view at times. But I observe a lot of rudeness and disrespect and defiance of authority. No longer do children think adults are right. Maybe that is because we can't decide what IS right any more. We have removed the moral compass from schools and public events. We support "freedom of speech" without listening to the words being spoken. We sit back and let "statistics" tell us how to raise our children. We seek the good life which eludes many right now. The economy seems to be ruling the land. Hard work is not getting us most anything we want. So, many have quit working so hard. The government has taken responsibility for our well being and our families.

God bless America. God help us all!

Echoes in the Canyon- a poem

Echoes in the Canyon

Stillness, broken by a whisper,
No, a voice growing louder and stronger
Carried by the wind;
Lofty and swaying
Down through the canyon walls.

That which began in silence
Has become a resounding eloquence;
Though receding as it bounces
Deeper into the canyon,
Still, it can be heard for miles;
Faintly, strongly,
Depending on the wind.

This is the power of a spoken word.

Just as I Suspected! People Oservations!

Just as I suspected, life has gotten busy and I have failed to write here weekly. My real goal as stated before is twice weekly! But, alas! This is only the second week of January and I am behind already!

I have been busy observing life. I probably should say, observing people. Over the last week, I have had occasion to go in several stores, attend the symphony, and eat out. People were in each of these situations. There were all different types of people with all different types of looks and temperments. Let me start with the stores! The week after New Years Day! One would think that the busyness of Christmas returns and clearance sales would have settled people into a more routine and peaceful life. Yet, I observed ladies shoving one another out of the way, so they could get to the bargain. I almost got ran over by a woman pushing a huge flatbed cart at Costco, since she was focused only on getting to her intended purchase, regardless of who might be in the way. I saw frazzled moms yanking items from their childrens hands, while the kids wailed loudly. I witnessed irritated shoppers waiting impatiently in customer service or check out lines, commenting about the need for more help!

At the symphony, I observed people enjoying themselves. Music has a way of calming the beasts within us. The interesting thing to me was the variety of people attending the same entertainment. Some men were dressed in suits and ties, while others word jeans, and even bermuda shorts! Ladies displayed the same variety! In the row in which I was seated, there was an older couple dressed as if they came straight from gardening. She brought along binoculars even though our seats could easily view the stage. Next to them sat two middle-aged ladies dressed as if they were attending a high-class party! In front of me were a younger couple. He had, shall we say, "intersting" hair...blond with dredlocks and a ponytail protruding in back. She had on a nice pantsuit, with medium and very "normal" makeup and hair. He clapped loudly and seemed to be consumed in the music. She, watched the stage, but also looked around and attempted to cuddle with him on and off. I thought it most interesting that symphonic music and Broadway singers could make all of us relate!

And eating out in a restaraunt is a great place to observe people. The first person to capture my attention did so by yawning widely, with no covering of his mouth. It was a long yawn and he looked around as if to see if anyone was noticing. I was! The table next to ours was occupied by three adults. Two were men and one woman. One of the men ate more like a child, using his fingers for his fries and taking huge bites of burger. He sat with his legs far apart, straddling the chair and munched without fully closing his mouth! The woman seated behind us seemed to have difficulty positioning her chair suitably for her comfort. She kept banging it into my husband's until we actually had to move our table. Yet, overall, it was a pleasant meal with very good food! The waitress took it all in stride and kept her sense of humor and professionalism.

I hope this does not sound like ragging on huyman beings, because that is not my intent. I find it interesting that I seem to observe more closely, those who are acting inapporpriately or stand out as different. I am not sure that is a good thing. Except that I do not judge them. I find them interesting and entertaining at times. (Except for almost getting run over with that flatbed!) And I really do remember that God loves all of us the same! It's just a good thing I am not God! Have a great day! Enjoy life! Observe others with humor and enjoyment!

Loss and Gain

Yesterday we started a new year and a new decade! Most of my friends, as well as myself, shed no tears in leaving the old behind. It was a decade of challenge for most Americans, most people in the world in fact.

There were storms...rain, tsunamis, tornados,hurricanes, and earthquakes. There were disasters such as airplane crashes and fires, wars, and crimes. There was much loss.

If I look back over the sad times of the decade, I would have to mourn the loss of friends...one year alone, six friends died in various ways. I would have to sympathize with friends who lost homes to fire and foreclosures. I would pray for those who lost jobs or health or family ties.

The latter part of the decade, this last year, has seemed the worst economically for a long time. Perhaps it is just that I was too young to realize the impact of previous hard times, but I don't recall knowing so many people whose fincancial weel-being has been threatened, myself included. The greed of America has come to haunt us. The mega banks will not bend to help anyone unless there is a federal govt program to save their interest points and reimburse them. They have rigid criteria that is unbendable because they cannnot lose even one percentage rate of interest.

I find myself in a situation I never thought I would see. Both my husband and I, thankfully, are employed. But with the economy the way it is, his income is down almost $6,000. this year...that's $500.00 a month! He has had additional medical expenses, as have I. The banks do not care about that. They are unsympathetic that I no longer have a retirement fund, due to cashing it in to make house payments. Now that house has zero equity on which I had hoped to rely in the future.

So, in the near future, I may lose my home. The home we had hoped would be our retirement place...our last move. Oh, the best laid plans of mice and men! I could go on and on, complaining about the decade, the government, the banks, the economy, etc. but it would not change a single thing!

Instead, I choose to look at what I do have, as many people have much worse losses than I. I will have some roof over my head, and food in my stomach. I will have grandchildren to enjoy and a beautiful relationship with my husband. We will have each other. And we have friends...lots of them really. The economy cannot take away love and friendship. I truly feel sorry for folks who have lost their homes, no matter what the reason or where the location. I pray for and feel pain for those who have lost loved ones, regardless of why or how. There are many ways to loose people and relationships as well.

So, I am not bad off at all! There is no reason to be fearful! I can and will live one day at a time and be thankful what the good things that day holds! I invite you to do the same. It may save our health and country!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This will be a better year. Last year was the year of good intentions. My desire is that THIS year will be the year of good ACTIONS! I have laid aside the idea that making resolutions will assist in bringing this about. All that ends up happening is that the resolutions haunt me and add to my guilty feelings. However, without goals, nothing will be accomplished.

Therefore, I am making some goals today. One of those is that I will write daily. I have three blogs. I will write something on one of those daily. Therefore, at least two times per week there should be some news on each of them. Knowing myself as I do, however, I realize that this is probably too lofty a goal. I am leaving it as my goal and promising myself and my friends that I will do my best to accomplish this goal. I should have at LEAST ONE item on each blog weekly. If I achieve this, I will consider myself successful.

I am writing at least weekly for our church as well. I write the curriculum for our kids church, along with puppet skits, etc. so that really is partly why I have been so lax in attending these blogs. And I also write quite a bit for my homeschooler. Teaching him some of the weirdness of the English language often works better by writing my own stories that fit the subjects. He is much more interested in reading about topics that peek his interest, and finding those at the library takes a lot of time. Not only that, but finding interesting topics that also fit the English rules of the week, can be a daunting task! This probably sounds like another excuse, and perhaps it is...

The point is, I shall truly attempt to do better at keeping up with the blogs. The request I have from you, my friends, is to encourage me, by making comments from time to time, or at least letting me know that you are reading them. Sometimes, I am tempted to make the blogs more like a journal or diary, which, I guess, is okay. However, daily, thoughts go through my mind that may well be of interest to my readers. So, if I know I have readers, I will be more motivated to get my thoughts onto the blogs. THANK YOU!

I love to write. I love to share. I love my friends. Happy New Year!

ps- this is the only time that all my blogs will say the same thing! THAT I promise!