A week and half ago I wrote: "The beginning of a new week . . . will there finally be at least one definite answer for us?" The only answer available is, "No, there was no definite answer for us."
Perhaps I should start at the beginning: the end of June, last year (2006), since we've been waiting for our answer since then.
Just before I left for a family wedding/reunion in Penticton, British Columbia, Larry received a call from a "head-hunter" (job recruiter), asking if he would be interested in a job (in his line of work) in Southern California--our "old stompin' grounds", where we lived for 15 years and have longed to return to. He told me how difficult the job might be for him, and wasn't sure he would want to do it, so I thought no more about it. Then I left for six days to spend time with my family in Canada.
What a nice surprise to return home to the news that he told the head hunter that he was interested, and had sent in his resume. Normally he doesn't have much interest in leaving the job he has. However, this could turn out to be our ticket back to where we eventually hope to be, so he said, "Sure!" That job kept us waiting for a few weeks, but produced no results--not even a telephone interview.
While we were waiting on that one, the head hunter called again and told Larry about a job in Houston, Texas. No way, Jose! Some of our friends advised us, "You don't want to live there--it's terribly muggy and buggy!" We were not interested in moving to Texas--or so we thought, until we began to do some studying of the area, and the economics there. We decided, "Well, how bad can it be? Perhaps, as a result of living there for five years or so, we would be in really good financial shape for moving to Southern California." Larry landed a telephone interview, and another wait began. After weeks of waiting, we gave up hope on that one too.
Then the head hunter called again with news of another job in Southern California (Irvine area) -- a job that sounded just perfect for Larry, and only three miles from his family that lives there. Wow! Almost too good to be true! Once again, the wait was very long--but the many weeks of waiting also held the excitement of three interviews (two over the telephone and one on location). We were absolutely sure this was going to happen--sometime in November!
Meanwhile, during our time of waiting, it was announced that Larry's company was being shut down by the end of the year. We thought, "Isn't this amazing? God has a new job already lined up for Larry, before we even knew he would be needing it--and in Southern California, no less--land of our dreams!" But then, the wait continued, and got longer and longer with no further word--ever.
During the last couple of months of 2006 Larry was constantly searching the web for job opportunties, making contact with people in his network of business acquaintances, getting calls from other head hunters, and sending out countless resumes--all over the country (including a few more in Southern California), plus the island of St. Thomas in the Caribbean! He had a few more interviews (some even here in this area), but more of a casual nature, which produced no results, no follow-up, and no answers.
The wait continues to this day. Most of the employees at his company were let go by the end of December. Larry was one of the lucky few (half a dozen) who were kept on the payroll until January 12th. Then his employment was extended until January 26th. As of yesterday, his employment has been extended until February 9th, although there is really nothing left for him to do, and no office to go to after tomorrow.
Several weeks ago, Larry submitted a written proposal for a new position to be created by the parent company of the company that is closing. The parent company (which remains in business) is headquartered on the East Coast, but we would not be required to move. Larry would set up an office here, working from home. We are hoping this will happen, but we are still waiting on the final approval.
We are also hoping to go on vacation for a week, hoping to leave this weekend, but we haven't made any plans because we're still waiting and hoping to hear an answer to this new job. Life for us has been somewhat on hold for nearly seven months now. And, the wait continues . . .
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Snow Day No. 2
We have been safely tucked away at home for two days in a row, due to all the snow, and bad roads, and cars and trucks spun out everywhere. But, we're not about to let cabin fever set in. Perhaps the perfect antedote for this malady is to get out and play in the snow!Have you noticed how nice everyone gets when the weather knocks us for a loop? Neighbors come out and talk to each other, kids play and adults watch (some adults play too), and everyone laughs and has fun--even with strangers!
Our son went to work very early in the morning yesterday, only to find himself somewhat stranded in Portland for an overnight, at his workplace (a college) that waited until mid-morning to announce their closure. He finally got home this afternoon, about an hour ago, and couldn't resist playing in the snow.
Larry and I had just gone outside to go for a walk when we saw his vehicle come around the corner. So we stopped to talk, and, next thing we knew, we were helping him build a snowman. What fun! Snow just brings out the kid in us!
Then our neighbors came out and decided to join us for a walk around the neighborhood. There were several snowmen to greet us as we joined their cold, cold world, with warm, warm hearts, contentedly chatting away, as we breathed in the delicious fresh, crisp air, in a white winter wonderland.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Winter Wonderland
It began snowing at 5:00 this morning. (Since it almost never snows here, this is big excitement for us.) I woke up at 6:45, got up and looked out the window, came back to bed and said quietly to Larry, "Merry Christmas, Honey." There was about an inch or two of the beautiful white fluff covering the ground and the pine trees in our back yard. What a gorgeous winter wonderland to wake up to!
After watching the news for a little bit, Larry decided there was no good reason to head out into the snarls of traffic going sideways, to try to get to the office that is practically a ghost town now anyway.
By mid-morning, all the hills of our neighborhood were covered with kids on sleds, so we decided it was time for us to get out in it for our own enjoyment. It was cold (below freezing), but no one seemed to notice. There was just too much fun to be had!
What started out as an adult version of snow fun (walking in the winter wonderland), and just watching the kids enjoy playing in the snow, quickly became a digression into my second childhood. I just can't resist a good romp in the snow! Snow angels, anyone?
Those big fluffy flakes continued to fall for several more hours, finally stopping just a short time ago. Now we have at least four inches on the ground, and the weather man predicts that it will stay for awhile--at least a couple of days or more.
"Since we've no place to go,
let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"
Monday, January 15, 2007
New week . . . now what?
The beginning of a new week . . . will there finally be at least one definite answer for us?
The new week began with church on Sunday morning (as usual), lunch after church with our friends, Karen and Jerry (a frequent occurence), a walk in the afternoon (in the cold, cold beautifully bright sunshine), and then our monthly home fellowship in the evening (something we always look forward to and enjoy very much).
Today was a work holiday for Larry (Martin Luther King Day), so we went to an aviation museum (about a 45 minute drive from here) and spent most of the day there. Our son (a big fan of anything that flies) also had the day off work, so he went with us. It was a very enjoyable day!
Oh, for those of you who have heard of the "Spruce Goose" (created by the famous Howard Hughes), this is where it is on display. It was originally on display in Long Beach, California, where we lived for 15 years, but never bothered to go see it while we lived there. Now, after living in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 10 years, we have finally gone to see it!
So now, on to the rest of this new week . . .
One of these days (perhaps this week) Larry expects to finally have a very important answer to what could come next for him, in the way of a job. We have known since last September that his job will end this month. At this point he is almost done working -- there is very little left to do there, and he has been home almost as much as he has been at the office, during the last 3-4 weeks. He will be paid through the end of January (plus some severance pay), so we won't feel a financial pinch right away. He is hoping for a new position that will allow him to work at home, and that answer could come this week.
2007 will bring a big change in our lives! We have been waiting on the answers to that change since the end of June, 2006. Oh, how we long to know what's next, but we just keep on prayerfully waiting, knowing that God's will is our first and foremost desire.
For quite awhile now, my daily prayer has been, "Lord, change my desires to match your plan for my life -- whatever that means." Whatever You want for me is what I want too. Amen -- So let it be!"
The new week began with church on Sunday morning (as usual), lunch after church with our friends, Karen and Jerry (a frequent occurence), a walk in the afternoon (in the cold, cold beautifully bright sunshine), and then our monthly home fellowship in the evening (something we always look forward to and enjoy very much).
Today was a work holiday for Larry (Martin Luther King Day), so we went to an aviation museum (about a 45 minute drive from here) and spent most of the day there. Our son (a big fan of anything that flies) also had the day off work, so he went with us. It was a very enjoyable day!
Oh, for those of you who have heard of the "Spruce Goose" (created by the famous Howard Hughes), this is where it is on display. It was originally on display in Long Beach, California, where we lived for 15 years, but never bothered to go see it while we lived there. Now, after living in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 10 years, we have finally gone to see it!
So now, on to the rest of this new week . . .
One of these days (perhaps this week) Larry expects to finally have a very important answer to what could come next for him, in the way of a job. We have known since last September that his job will end this month. At this point he is almost done working -- there is very little left to do there, and he has been home almost as much as he has been at the office, during the last 3-4 weeks. He will be paid through the end of January (plus some severance pay), so we won't feel a financial pinch right away. He is hoping for a new position that will allow him to work at home, and that answer could come this week.
2007 will bring a big change in our lives! We have been waiting on the answers to that change since the end of June, 2006. Oh, how we long to know what's next, but we just keep on prayerfully waiting, knowing that God's will is our first and foremost desire.
For quite awhile now, my daily prayer has been, "Lord, change my desires to match your plan for my life -- whatever that means." Whatever You want for me is what I want too. Amen -- So let it be!"
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Tag, You're It !
Today, by email, I received the following "friend survey" from a friend of mine. Usually I don't like to do "tag" things because they require an awful lot of time and hard thought. (The answers just don't come easy for me -- I guess I'm just way too complicated for giving quick, easy answers.) But, this fun little survey is a lot more "user-friendly" because it's quick and easy -- much more my type. Since I don't always want to do what I get tagged for, I've decided not to tag anyone. I'm just leaving it up to you...if you want to do it, then do it. Post it on your blog, or send me an email, or just pick out a few favorites here and respond to those by way of comment. Thanks!
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1. What time is it?
1:00 P.M. on the dot when I started; 1:30 on the dot when I finished!
2. What are your initials, and what would you like them to stand for?
J A D / joyful, affectionate, dependable
3. What are you most afraid of?
Boogie men in the middle of the night when I am home alone.
4. How many children do you have?
two by blood, 2 more by choice
5. How many grandchildren?
two by blood, 3 more by choice
6. Have you ever seen a ghost?
I don't think so, but when I was a kid, I used to see some strange figure all in black, with black hood, standing at the end of my bed, in the middle of the night, every Christmas Eve. I've never figured that one out.
7. Where were you born?
Pontiac, Michigan
8. Ever been to Alaska?
Yes, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway while on a cruise; also Skagway another time while driving down from Whitehorse, Yukon.
9. Ever been "toilet-papering"?
Yup, with my daughter, to TP her boyfriend's VW Bus, when she was in 10th grade.
10. Ever loved someone so much it made you cry?
Yes, but only when deeply hurt by someone I dearly love.
11. Ever been in a car accident?
Yes (several), but no serious injuries. My most serious injuries have come from bicycle accidents.
12. Croutons or bacon bits?
Usually neither, but croutons sometimes (never "Bacon Bits"), and sometimes real crumbled bacon.
13. Favorite day of the week?
No real favorite, but maybe Monday, just because the peace and quiet is so nice after a busy weekend.
14. Favorite restaurant?
Island Café - outdoors, at the end of a dock on the Columbia River (Actually, just about any place on the water)
15. Favorite flower?
Roses (red or yellow) and lilacs for their fragrance; daisies for their cheerfulness
16. Favorite drink?
iced tea, coffee, strawberry lemonade, really good (expensive) red wine, fruity cocktails
17. Favorite ice cream?
Pralines & Cream (Baskin Robbins), but because I'm lactose intollerant, I seldom go there.
18. Favorite fast food?
Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell or sub sandwiches at Subway
19. What color is your bedroom carpet?
cream
20. How many times have you failed your drivers test?
never (neither road test nor written test--I always study for a week before I take it.)
21. From whom did you get your last email?
Jennifer (my "adopted daughter) in Washington state
22. What do you do most often when you are bored?
play computer games (Sudoku; FreeCell; Spider Solitaire; Taipei)
23. Bed time?
Usually 10:00 to 10:30 (because my husband prefers that), but I'm always ready for sleeping by 9:00/9:30.
24. Who will most likely respond to this "tag" the quickest?
I have no idea! (Who wants to surprise me?)
25. Who is the person least likely to respond to it?
my son
26. Who is the person whose answers you are most curious to see?
Kinza
27. Ford or Chevy?
Chevy - Corvette!
28. What are you listening to right now?
the quiet hum of my computer's hard drive
29. What are your favorite colors?
yellow (represents sunshine) and red (represents fun)
30. How many tattoos do you have?
none - never! (Why does anyone want to do that to his/her body?)
31. How many pets do you have?
sadly, none (except for the birds and squirrels I feed in my yard)
32. Which came first the chicken or the egg?
chicken
33. What would you like to accomplish before you die?
learn to play the piano; learn to speak Spanish
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1. What time is it?
1:00 P.M. on the dot when I started; 1:30 on the dot when I finished!
2. What are your initials, and what would you like them to stand for?
J A D / joyful, affectionate, dependable
3. What are you most afraid of?
Boogie men in the middle of the night when I am home alone.
4. How many children do you have?
two by blood, 2 more by choice
5. How many grandchildren?
two by blood, 3 more by choice
6. Have you ever seen a ghost?
I don't think so, but when I was a kid, I used to see some strange figure all in black, with black hood, standing at the end of my bed, in the middle of the night, every Christmas Eve. I've never figured that one out.
7. Where were you born?
Pontiac, Michigan
8. Ever been to Alaska?
Yes, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway while on a cruise; also Skagway another time while driving down from Whitehorse, Yukon.
9. Ever been "toilet-papering"?
Yup, with my daughter, to TP her boyfriend's VW Bus, when she was in 10th grade.
10. Ever loved someone so much it made you cry?
Yes, but only when deeply hurt by someone I dearly love.
11. Ever been in a car accident?
Yes (several), but no serious injuries. My most serious injuries have come from bicycle accidents.
12. Croutons or bacon bits?
Usually neither, but croutons sometimes (never "Bacon Bits"), and sometimes real crumbled bacon.
13. Favorite day of the week?
No real favorite, but maybe Monday, just because the peace and quiet is so nice after a busy weekend.
14. Favorite restaurant?
Island Café - outdoors, at the end of a dock on the Columbia River (Actually, just about any place on the water)
15. Favorite flower?
Roses (red or yellow) and lilacs for their fragrance; daisies for their cheerfulness
16. Favorite drink?
iced tea, coffee, strawberry lemonade, really good (expensive) red wine, fruity cocktails
17. Favorite ice cream?
Pralines & Cream (Baskin Robbins), but because I'm lactose intollerant, I seldom go there.
18. Favorite fast food?
Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell or sub sandwiches at Subway
19. What color is your bedroom carpet?
cream
20. How many times have you failed your drivers test?
never (neither road test nor written test--I always study for a week before I take it.)
21. From whom did you get your last email?
Jennifer (my "adopted daughter) in Washington state
22. What do you do most often when you are bored?
play computer games (Sudoku; FreeCell; Spider Solitaire; Taipei)
23. Bed time?
Usually 10:00 to 10:30 (because my husband prefers that), but I'm always ready for sleeping by 9:00/9:30.
24. Who will most likely respond to this "tag" the quickest?
I have no idea! (Who wants to surprise me?)
25. Who is the person least likely to respond to it?
my son
26. Who is the person whose answers you are most curious to see?
Kinza
27. Ford or Chevy?
Chevy - Corvette!
28. What are you listening to right now?
the quiet hum of my computer's hard drive
29. What are your favorite colors?
yellow (represents sunshine) and red (represents fun)
30. How many tattoos do you have?
none - never! (Why does anyone want to do that to his/her body?)
31. How many pets do you have?
sadly, none (except for the birds and squirrels I feed in my yard)
32. Which came first the chicken or the egg?
chicken
33. What would you like to accomplish before you die?
learn to play the piano; learn to speak Spanish
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Just a Little Toilet Humor
We've all noticed how public restrooms have become so wonderfully automated in this "post-modern" world we now live in.
The water turns on automatically as soon as you stick your fingers under the faucet. (Unless you're like me--seemingly invisible. I frequently have to go from sink to sink, trying out several, until one finally recognizes me as worthy of water!)
The paper towel rolls down automatically as soon as you place your hands below the sensor. (Unless you're like me, having to wave and do a little dance until it finally gives in and hands me a towel!)
The toilet flushes automatically as soon as you stand up after doing your duty. (Unless you're like me and it flushes before I even sit down; or it flushes just because I leaned over it to spread a sanitary cover on the toilet seat; or it flushes before I'm even finished, just because I leaned forward to put a little more ooomph into my procedure. And, when I am finished and stand up -- it doesn't flush, so I sit down and stand up a few more times trying to get it to flush!)
In some airports, a new sanitary cover will be automatically placed on the toilet seat for you, at the simple push of a little button. (Unless you're like me . . .)
Well, yesterday I experienced the ultimate automated toilet task. While having lunch with a friend at a restaurant in Vancouver, Washington, I went to visit the restroom. While seated on the toilet, I reached for the tissue and gave it a little tug. To my great surprise, when I gave the tiniest tug on the end of the tissue (which protruded from a very large container that held two giant-size, commercial style rolls of toilet tissue), the large trap door flew wide open and a humongous roll of toilet tissue plopped into my lap! It so startled me that I nearly fell off my seat, but then broke into laughter--out loud!
What a treat! Now we have automatic toilet tissue dispensers--not just a small amount, but a whole roll, at your service! How much better can it get?
The water turns on automatically as soon as you stick your fingers under the faucet. (Unless you're like me--seemingly invisible. I frequently have to go from sink to sink, trying out several, until one finally recognizes me as worthy of water!)
The paper towel rolls down automatically as soon as you place your hands below the sensor. (Unless you're like me, having to wave and do a little dance until it finally gives in and hands me a towel!)
The toilet flushes automatically as soon as you stand up after doing your duty. (Unless you're like me and it flushes before I even sit down; or it flushes just because I leaned over it to spread a sanitary cover on the toilet seat; or it flushes before I'm even finished, just because I leaned forward to put a little more ooomph into my procedure. And, when I am finished and stand up -- it doesn't flush, so I sit down and stand up a few more times trying to get it to flush!)
In some airports, a new sanitary cover will be automatically placed on the toilet seat for you, at the simple push of a little button. (Unless you're like me . . .)
Well, yesterday I experienced the ultimate automated toilet task. While having lunch with a friend at a restaurant in Vancouver, Washington, I went to visit the restroom. While seated on the toilet, I reached for the tissue and gave it a little tug. To my great surprise, when I gave the tiniest tug on the end of the tissue (which protruded from a very large container that held two giant-size, commercial style rolls of toilet tissue), the large trap door flew wide open and a humongous roll of toilet tissue plopped into my lap! It so startled me that I nearly fell off my seat, but then broke into laughter--out loud!
What a treat! Now we have automatic toilet tissue dispensers--not just a small amount, but a whole roll, at your service! How much better can it get?
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Year-End Close-Out
Family gatherings were the highlight of our holiday season! Our kids and grandkids were here for only five and a half days--a quickie visit, but it made for a wonderful Christmas celebration! They stayed in our home, but we shared their time with the other side of their family and some of their friends in Vancouver, Washington. We savored every bit of the time we had with them, and they included us with their family visiting in Vancouver on Christmas day. We loved every moment of it! I so enjoyed everything about Christmas this year--one of the best ever!
Within just a few hours of saying goodbyes to our daughter's family, as they headed back home to Montana, Larry and I left for a weekend at the coast (the Pacific Ocean). We had great weather and one of our favorite places to get away--Inn of the Four Winds at Seaside, Oregon--all the makings for a wonderful few days! (Click here for pictures of our getaway)
This morning we finished putting away the last bit of Christmas decoration, but I was certainly not ready for it to end. The older I get, the more I love these special family gatherings--especially at Christmas time!
Everything on my humongous "to-do" list that I posted back in early December has been completed--except for one thing: Now, all we have left to do is to get back to some semblance of a "normal" life, while my husband hunts for a new job to replace the one he will soon lose (at the end of January), as we contemplate the possibility of moving again!
Oh joy! What an exciting adventure we live!
Monday, January 1, 2007
Time for a New Beginning
Sayin' g'bye to 2006 and Welcoming in 2007 !
Happy New Year to one and all !
Ringing in the new year with a smile and new courage
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Welcome December!
"Christmas is coming; the geese are getting fat . . ."
For us, the holiday busyness and festivities began in November:
2. Traveled to Montana for Thanksgiving visit with family (and snow fun)
3. Bought more Christmas presents (for both grandkids)
4. Selected/purchased Christmas cards
5. Bought Christmas postage stamps
6. Ordered holiday address labels (free from our realtor)
7. Baked Christmas goodies and 3 loaves of carrot bread (with neighbor)
8. Put up lights on house (hubbie's job)
9. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
10. Went hunting for perfect Christmas tree (real one)
11. Put Christmas tree into stand and set up in living room
12. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
13. Made special Christmas card for friend dying of cancer (any day now)
14. Wrapped and delivered loaves of carrot bread
15. Returned to store for returns and exchanges (already)
16. Finished Christmas shopping for grandkids
17. Went out to supper with neighbors (a big first for us)
18. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
19. Made more Christmas goodies and carrot bread (3 more loaves)
20. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
21. Wrapped and delivered Christmas goodies and carrot bread
22. Enjoyed visits in homes of friends (in Vancouver, WA)
23. Baked 3 more loaves of carrot bread
24. Cleaned up kitchen (finally)
25. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
26. Wrapped carrot bread in festive Christmas wrappping
27. Hauled bins of Christmas decorations up from basement
28. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
29. Attended Christmas tea/luncheon at friend's house (in Vancouver, WA)
30. Delivered three more loaves of carrot bread to friends at tea party
31. Shopped for (bought) 7 more Christmas presents
32. Wrapped one Christmas present
33. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
34. Went to Post Office - mailed one Christmas present
35. Edited Christmas letter (written by hubby)
36. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
37. Wrapped and mailed three more Christmas presents (no more to mail)
38. Began decorating the Christmas tree
39. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
40. Finished decorating the Christmas tree
41. Began decorating the house
42. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
43. Went to a Christmas presentation that featured "Evie"
44. Finished decorating the house
45. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
46. Decorated another Christmas tree (a small one)
47. Signed, sealed, stamped, & sent Christmas cards
48. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
49. Baked 3 more loaves of carrot bread
50. Attended (enjoyed) annual Christmas dinner party among friends
51. Shopped for one more Christmas present
52. Tried to get a flight to Michigan after Christmas (to share a drive to Kentucky with sis Dianne, to visit bro Tom and Dad), but failed!
53. Drank a beer to drown sorrows! (Yuk! It tasted terrible!)
54. Snacked on Christmas goodies (to chase away beer aftertaste) Yum!
55. Wrapped more presents
56. Shopped for one more present
57. Wrapped & delivered 3 more loaves of carrot bread to friends & neighbors
58. Went Christmas shopping with son
59. Taped up Christmas cards on pantry door
60. Made my list and checked it twice (actually, more than twice)
61. Shopped for husband's Christmas present (finished my shopping!)
62. Wrapped last 2 presents (all presents are now wrapped & under the tree)
63. Shopped for groceries needed for Christmas meals and family visit
64. Started the housecleaning project
65. Baked 3 more loaves of carrot bread
66. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
67. Finished all the housecleaning
68. Started the pot roast cooking for the Christmas Eve-Eve dinner
Whew! Got everything done just in the nick of time!
The family will be here in about an hour and a half!
THEY'RE HERE! HOORAY!
69. Hugs have been given and received.
70. Elli is putting more Christmas presents under the tree
71. Dinner is over (yum!)
72. Finished fixing the dinner & ate the dinner (Mm mm good!)
73. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies
74. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
75. Whole family went to son Jim's church--a very nice Christmas service
76. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
77. Opened the Christmas presents
78. Cleaned up the mess all over the family room
79. Played with all the new things
80. Ate pizza, salad & ice cream
81. Played some more with all the new things
82. Put the grandkids to bed
83. Filled and hung up the Christmas stockings
84. Played some more with all the new things
85. All adults (except me) went to 11:00 Christmas Eve service at church
87. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
86. Had fun watching the kids find (and dig into) their Christmas stockings
87. Fixed food for BIG family Christmas dinner (with son-in-law's family)
88. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
89. Enjoyed family time & dinner with son-in-law's family
90. Chatted with son-in-law's sister until midnight!
91. Slept in till 9:00 A.M.; then soaked up a day of quietness and rest!
92. Tucked in the grandkids for their last night here
This gramma, mom, and wife is soaking up lots of holiday enjoyment with all the family, and lovin' every minute of it!!!
93. Shared farewell hugs and said our goodbyes
94. Cleaned up the house
95. Enjoyed more Christmas goodies (in moderation)
96. Rang in the New Year with a grand celebration!
97. Slept in till 9:45 on New Years' morning
98. Took down the Christmas tree
99. Undecorated the house
100. Took down all the outside lights (hubby's job)
101. Put everything back in storage until December rolls around again
Now all there is left to do is:
Try to get back to "normal" (while hubby hunts for a new job to replace the one he will lose at end of January, and we contemplate the possibility of moving again!)
What a life!
For us, the holiday busyness and festivities began in November:
Please note: In none of this busyness will the real reason for this holiday celebration be forgotten or neglected. For us, all these festivities are in honor of the birth of Jesus, and it's the biggest birthday party this world has ever known (whether they realize it or not). We celebrate Jesus -- the One who is our Savior and Lord!1. Bought Christmas present (for granddaughter)
2. Traveled to Montana for Thanksgiving visit with family (and snow fun)
3. Bought more Christmas presents (for both grandkids)
4. Selected/purchased Christmas cards
5. Bought Christmas postage stamps
6. Ordered holiday address labels (free from our realtor)
7. Baked Christmas goodies and 3 loaves of carrot bread (with neighbor)
8. Put up lights on house (hubbie's job)
9. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
10. Went hunting for perfect Christmas tree (real one)
11. Put Christmas tree into stand and set up in living room
12. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
13. Made special Christmas card for friend dying of cancer (any day now)
14. Wrapped and delivered loaves of carrot bread
15. Returned to store for returns and exchanges (already)
16. Finished Christmas shopping for grandkids
17. Went out to supper with neighbors (a big first for us)
18. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
19. Made more Christmas goodies and carrot bread (3 more loaves)
20. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
21. Wrapped and delivered Christmas goodies and carrot bread
22. Enjoyed visits in homes of friends (in Vancouver, WA)
23. Baked 3 more loaves of carrot bread
24. Cleaned up kitchen (finally)
25. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
26. Wrapped carrot bread in festive Christmas wrappping
27. Hauled bins of Christmas decorations up from basement
28. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
29. Attended Christmas tea/luncheon at friend's house (in Vancouver, WA)
30. Delivered three more loaves of carrot bread to friends at tea party
31. Shopped for (bought) 7 more Christmas presents
32. Wrapped one Christmas present
33. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
34. Went to Post Office - mailed one Christmas present
35. Edited Christmas letter (written by hubby)
36. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
37. Wrapped and mailed three more Christmas presents (no more to mail)
38. Began decorating the Christmas tree
39. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
40. Finished decorating the Christmas tree
41. Began decorating the house
42. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
43. Went to a Christmas presentation that featured "Evie"
44. Finished decorating the house
45. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
46. Decorated another Christmas tree (a small one)
47. Signed, sealed, stamped, & sent Christmas cards
48. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
49. Baked 3 more loaves of carrot bread
50. Attended (enjoyed) annual Christmas dinner party among friends
51. Shopped for one more Christmas present
52. Tried to get a flight to Michigan after Christmas (to share a drive to Kentucky with sis Dianne, to visit bro Tom and Dad), but failed!
53. Drank a beer to drown sorrows! (Yuk! It tasted terrible!)
54. Snacked on Christmas goodies (to chase away beer aftertaste) Yum!
55. Wrapped more presents
56. Shopped for one more present
57. Wrapped & delivered 3 more loaves of carrot bread to friends & neighbors
58. Went Christmas shopping with son
59. Taped up Christmas cards on pantry door
60. Made my list and checked it twice (actually, more than twice)
61. Shopped for husband's Christmas present (finished my shopping!)
62. Wrapped last 2 presents (all presents are now wrapped & under the tree)
63. Shopped for groceries needed for Christmas meals and family visit
64. Started the housecleaning project
65. Baked 3 more loaves of carrot bread
66. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
67. Finished all the housecleaning
68. Started the pot roast cooking for the Christmas Eve-Eve dinner
Whew! Got everything done just in the nick of time!
The family will be here in about an hour and a half!
THEY'RE HERE! HOORAY!
69. Hugs have been given and received.
70. Elli is putting more Christmas presents under the tree
71. Dinner is over (yum!)
72. Finished fixing the dinner & ate the dinner (Mm mm good!)
73. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies
74. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
75. Whole family went to son Jim's church--a very nice Christmas service
76. Enjoyed snacking on Christmas goodies (in moderation)
77. Opened the Christmas presents
78. Cleaned up the mess all over the family room
79. Played with all the new things
80. Ate pizza, salad & ice cream
81. Played some more with all the new things
82. Put the grandkids to bed
83. Filled and hung up the Christmas stockings
84. Played some more with all the new things
85. All adults (except me) went to 11:00 Christmas Eve service at church
87. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
86. Had fun watching the kids find (and dig into) their Christmas stockings
87. Fixed food for BIG family Christmas dinner (with son-in-law's family)
88. Cleaned up the kitchen (again)
89. Enjoyed family time & dinner with son-in-law's family
90. Chatted with son-in-law's sister until midnight!
91. Slept in till 9:00 A.M.; then soaked up a day of quietness and rest!
92. Tucked in the grandkids for their last night here
This gramma, mom, and wife is soaking up lots of holiday enjoyment with all the family, and lovin' every minute of it!!!
93. Shared farewell hugs and said our goodbyes
94. Cleaned up the house
95. Enjoyed more Christmas goodies (in moderation)
96. Rang in the New Year with a grand celebration!
97. Slept in till 9:45 on New Years' morning
98. Took down the Christmas tree
99. Undecorated the house
100. Took down all the outside lights (hubby's job)
101. Put everything back in storage until December rolls around again
Now all there is left to do is:
Try to get back to "normal" (while hubby hunts for a new job to replace the one he will lose at end of January, and we contemplate the possibility of moving again!)
What a life!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Home Again After a Good Trip
We are back home, safe and sound, and (hopefully) in our right minds! We pulled in last night, mid-evening, after a 10-1/2 hour trip. It felt very good to be home, although we really enjoyed our time in Montana with my dad, our daughter and son-in-law, and our two grandkids.
There seemed to be something extra special about this time of visiting with our "kids". There were lots of fun times with all of them, in various ways -- sometimes all of us together and sometimes just us with our grandkids. Sherry and I also found the opportunity to get off by ourselves for lunch out and grocery shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving day was a wonderful time of fellowship and family fun for all of us, and especially good for Sherry and I in the kitchen as we prepared the meal together.
We stayed at my dad's house and did lots of running back and forth between his house and our daughter's house. It was especially nice to have Larry with me this time, since most of my trips over to Montana are done all by myself. I could tell that Dad was really enjoying having Larry there this time. I was totally surprised by him having a new lady-friend in his life! After a little nervous trepidation, I found that I really like her, and actually enjoyed our times together. But I must admit it was also a bit strange for me to be "double-dating" with my dad and his "girl-friend" -- and to realize that I was the married one, rather than my dad!
We have lots of happy memories of this visit! On our last day there we woke up to a brand new world! The ground was completely covered by a fluffy white blanket, and the trees were decked out in beautiful winter-white finery as well, obviously just waiting for Christmas to arrive! What a cheerful sight to the eyes of those who rarely see snow in our little part of the world. (We get lots of rain and gray skies, but rarely are we treated to snow.) Later in the day, we enjoyed lots of snow play with our "kids" in the yard that used to belong to my parents, and now belongs to our "kids". It's wonderful to see that place full of exhuberant life and noisy fun, with lots of love and laughter.
Originally we had planned to travel home today (Sunday), but by Wednesday morning the weather forecast began to sound really bad for traveling--looking worse and worse in the coming days, so we made the decision to hit the road on Saturday morning and give it our best shot. Saturday morning we woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland with about 5-6 inches of fresh new snow on top of what was new the day before! Knowing that several people were committing to pray for our safety, we stocked our car with provisions for every possible emergency situation, put ourselves in God's care, and set out at 9:15 A.M.
The drive through the mountains looked like a beautiful wintry scene straight out of a Christmas card! It was truly a magnificent, magical, winter wonderland with lots of snow on the ground and the trees all thickly flocked in glistening, fresh whiteness! The snow plows were out in full-force, trying to keep up with all the white stuff that continued to fall while we were driving. Traveling through the mountains, we saw several cars that had slid off the road, even into guard rails. One car was upside down, way off to the side of the road. It was a bit unnerving to see all that, but God kept us safe, and the trip only took us about an hour longer than usual.
We went to church this morning and then out to lunch afterwards. Our weather is rather blustery today, so we've decided to hunker down and just veg for the day! We'll both enjoy a day of total relaxation.
Wow! What a wonderful week it was!
There seemed to be something extra special about this time of visiting with our "kids". There were lots of fun times with all of them, in various ways -- sometimes all of us together and sometimes just us with our grandkids. Sherry and I also found the opportunity to get off by ourselves for lunch out and grocery shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving day was a wonderful time of fellowship and family fun for all of us, and especially good for Sherry and I in the kitchen as we prepared the meal together.
We stayed at my dad's house and did lots of running back and forth between his house and our daughter's house. It was especially nice to have Larry with me this time, since most of my trips over to Montana are done all by myself. I could tell that Dad was really enjoying having Larry there this time. I was totally surprised by him having a new lady-friend in his life! After a little nervous trepidation, I found that I really like her, and actually enjoyed our times together. But I must admit it was also a bit strange for me to be "double-dating" with my dad and his "girl-friend" -- and to realize that I was the married one, rather than my dad!
We have lots of happy memories of this visit! On our last day there we woke up to a brand new world! The ground was completely covered by a fluffy white blanket, and the trees were decked out in beautiful winter-white finery as well, obviously just waiting for Christmas to arrive! What a cheerful sight to the eyes of those who rarely see snow in our little part of the world. (We get lots of rain and gray skies, but rarely are we treated to snow.) Later in the day, we enjoyed lots of snow play with our "kids" in the yard that used to belong to my parents, and now belongs to our "kids". It's wonderful to see that place full of exhuberant life and noisy fun, with lots of love and laughter.
Originally we had planned to travel home today (Sunday), but by Wednesday morning the weather forecast began to sound really bad for traveling--looking worse and worse in the coming days, so we made the decision to hit the road on Saturday morning and give it our best shot. Saturday morning we woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland with about 5-6 inches of fresh new snow on top of what was new the day before! Knowing that several people were committing to pray for our safety, we stocked our car with provisions for every possible emergency situation, put ourselves in God's care, and set out at 9:15 A.M.
The drive through the mountains looked like a beautiful wintry scene straight out of a Christmas card! It was truly a magnificent, magical, winter wonderland with lots of snow on the ground and the trees all thickly flocked in glistening, fresh whiteness! The snow plows were out in full-force, trying to keep up with all the white stuff that continued to fall while we were driving. Traveling through the mountains, we saw several cars that had slid off the road, even into guard rails. One car was upside down, way off to the side of the road. It was a bit unnerving to see all that, but God kept us safe, and the trip only took us about an hour longer than usual.
We went to church this morning and then out to lunch afterwards. Our weather is rather blustery today, so we've decided to hunker down and just veg for the day! We'll both enjoy a day of total relaxation.
Wow! What a wonderful week it was!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Thanksgiving Time
Tonight I post from my daughter Sherry's house in the Big Sky Country (Montana). Grandma and Grandpa have had the privilege of spending the evening enjoying our grandchildren while their parents are attending a Young Life Staff meeting for the entire Bitterroot Valley region. We're here for the whole week to share a Thanksgiving celebration with them.
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We left home yesterday morning (Saturday) at 6:00 A.M. and made the 10-hour drive, arriving here at 4:30 P.M. While here, we stay at my dad's place (about 13 miles away from our grandkids' home). Since my dad is out hunting (haven't seen him yet), we have spent all of our time with the kids (the grown up ones and the little ones). We visited with them for the evening (last night), went to church with them this morning, went out to lunch after church, and then back here to their house.
It's always a special treat when we get to spend time with them, but the real fun began when the parents left about 5:00, leaving us in charge of supper time. Sherry told us all the quick, easy supper options that were available, but the kind of supper I had in mind was not to be found in the refrigerator, or in the pantry, or in any of the kitchen cabinets. We bundled up and drove to one of the nearest small towns (about 13-15 miles away), and there we dined at the Dairy Queen, enjoying a delicious vegetarian meal -- everyone got to choose whatever type of ice cream dessert they wanted. While we ate we had a fairly serious discussion about what a healthy meal we were having:
1. Dairy - ice cream made from milk (a good source of calcium)
2. Vegetables - chocolate/fudge toppings made from beans (cocoa beans); vanilla flavoring also made from beans (vanilla beans)
3. Fruit - bananas, cherries, strawberries, pineapple toppings
4. Grains - ice cream cone
Yes, we are good grandparents, and just love the job of caring for our grandchildren!
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Overheard in the bathroom at church this morning:
Little girl (6 yrs. old) talking to her grandma: "I really like using the big one (toilet stall) because sometimes I have to do a potty dance, and in the big one I have a lot more room to dance around!"
(Yup--that's my little Elli!)
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We left home yesterday morning (Saturday) at 6:00 A.M. and made the 10-hour drive, arriving here at 4:30 P.M. While here, we stay at my dad's place (about 13 miles away from our grandkids' home). Since my dad is out hunting (haven't seen him yet), we have spent all of our time with the kids (the grown up ones and the little ones). We visited with them for the evening (last night), went to church with them this morning, went out to lunch after church, and then back here to their house.
It's always a special treat when we get to spend time with them, but the real fun began when the parents left about 5:00, leaving us in charge of supper time. Sherry told us all the quick, easy supper options that were available, but the kind of supper I had in mind was not to be found in the refrigerator, or in the pantry, or in any of the kitchen cabinets. We bundled up and drove to one of the nearest small towns (about 13-15 miles away), and there we dined at the Dairy Queen, enjoying a delicious vegetarian meal -- everyone got to choose whatever type of ice cream dessert they wanted. While we ate we had a fairly serious discussion about what a healthy meal we were having:
1. Dairy - ice cream made from milk (a good source of calcium)
2. Vegetables - chocolate/fudge toppings made from beans (cocoa beans); vanilla flavoring also made from beans (vanilla beans)
3. Fruit - bananas, cherries, strawberries, pineapple toppings
4. Grains - ice cream cone
Yes, we are good grandparents, and just love the job of caring for our grandchildren!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overheard in the bathroom at church this morning:
Little girl (6 yrs. old) talking to her grandma: "I really like using the big one (toilet stall) because sometimes I have to do a potty dance, and in the big one I have a lot more room to dance around!"
(Yup--that's my little Elli!)
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Anyone, anyone ?
I'm just wondering . . .
Does anyone ever look at this blog to see if there's anything new here,
or if I'm still on break?
I've taken quite a long break. I've thought about returning to blogging, but I'm wondering . . .
Does anyone ever look at this blog to see if I'm still on break, or if there's anything new here?
If anyone is still looking, checking, reading . . . please let me know. Thanks!
Does anyone ever look at this blog to see if there's anything new here,
or if I'm still on break?
I've taken quite a long break. I've thought about returning to blogging, but I'm wondering . . .
Does anyone ever look at this blog to see if I'm still on break, or if there's anything new here?
If anyone is still looking, checking, reading . . . please let me know. Thanks!
