ok, I'll admit it. I was having a small "pity Party" one day. It's really been a weird winter and lot s of drama going on in the world and also in my own personal world, so I crawled under the covers one afternoon last week and turned on Dr. Phil. Of course, it was a rerun, but why should this day be any different that any other. It was three couples, the wives complaining about their husbands never doing anything around the house. Two wives had outside jobs, one was a stay at home wife. Dr P made me laugh right at the onset when he said something to the effect that he saw no problem here and what did they want from him. Robin laughed too. It went on from there and he sent the husbands to the 'kitchen' to clean it and make their wives lunch. They also threw in three mechanical babies.
This got me t hinking. Help--just a word, but what a word. What help do you want, must it always be successful, who should give it, who should get it--lots to consider here. Wayne and I had a good marriage, way too short , but good. It gets better the longer he has been gone. I think that 's because we choose the remember the good and fun things, and not the tough times. Oh yes, back to the word help. I guess we never drew lines, He helped me and I helped him.
One of the first things I remember is him holding a screaming Dawn on his lap from 6 to 7 each night with his headphones on listening to the tv. I think we only goti 3 channels at that time. I was busy sterilizing the bottles and making formula for the next day. Tha t was help. There were times when He was unable to find a job, having lost his due to downsizing, and I was working. He called me one day to ask how I made my pork chops, I told him. We had pork chops for dinner the next 7 nights in a row. I think the same happened with meat loaf. I also remember when he decided to make bread for a school project--7 lbs of flour later he produced two loaves of bread. Had I been so inclined either one could have been used as a lethal weapon. And i helped him too. I crawled under many a car to help "fix" it. He used to call me his "rear end expert" After I had the mastectomy, the dr said to remove the bandage in 10 to 14 days. I didn't want to know what I looked like, so day 10 went by, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and Wayne came in and ripped off the bandage. Another kind of help.
So, I guess what I was trying to say was THANKS DR PHIL for letting me focus on memories too often pushed aside to struggle thru every day living. Yes, I did fall into the toilet several times.l He did think some days i just ate bon bons and watched tv (which was true) I'll admit it, I hated cleaning house. It was so nice to let it get really messed up and then clean, and it got noticed. One time I cleaned up everything but his mess, so when he got home, he got the message.
There was a time when I took all 4 kids to Milwaukee by train. Prior to t hat I had gotten the lecture on "every ligh t in the house was on and there was jelly all over the table" We were gone about 10 days when I got THE phone call, saying he missed us and all the lights were on and there was jelly all over the table.
thru good times and bad help each other, like the time I was folding laundry and the kids all lined up to put their own clean laundry away, and Wayne stood in line, too. Even Eileen, who was barely walking. I gave her about 4 diapers (not disposable) and she promply threw them in the toilet. HAVE A GREAT DAY LOVE YOU ALL
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, June 16, 2011
OMG
This was definitely NOT my day. Probably one of the most frustrating, humiliating, embarassing days of my life
There was a board meeting for the mine scheduled for noon today. It's hot and windy out and I am really not in the mood for a meeting, but it's the first one in several months, and an important one, to boot.
We lost power for about 30 seconds this morning, our power company changed our meters to digital ones and while that was successful, it was off long enough to shut everything down, clocks computors, coffee pots etc.
I could not get my tv back on and had to call cable to walk me thru it. I have a different tv than I had last time and did not know I had to use t hat remote as well. OOps, let's back up a little.. Before the power went off I had taken a shower. I had put on a housecoat and was just letting my hair dry. It took a while for Cox and I to solve the tv/cable problem so time is getting close.
I also had been reading a book this morning and was withing 30 pages of finishing it, watching the clock and juggling my time. I was sitting at the dining room table, reading and the phone range. I reached for it and the next thing I knew I was on the floor. The casters on the chair slipped and tipped me over. I ever so gently headed for the floor. Now anyone who knows me, knows that once I am down, I cannot get to my knees and get up on my own. I have had that problem for years. OK now what do I do? "help, I've fallen and can't get up takes on a whole new meaning. Can't reach the phone either and the screen door is locked. I can reach my cell phone tho, so I try scooting on my bottom to find a place that I can pull myself up on. Nothing. Now, remember all I have on is a housecoat, no teeth, no underwear and wet hair.
My cell phone rings, it was Clyde from the mine. Let me know when you get here and i will come down and open the gate for you. Not coming Clyde, I fell, am on the floor and can't get up. I am fine tho. Ok Jim and I will come rescue you. Thank you. 10 minutes later the cell phone rings Clyde--what is your address. I figure Jim needs it and give it to him. 5 minutes later, knock, knock, hello, this is the fire department Expletive (mine, but it was silent) NHow remember the screen door is still locked.l FD do you have a key ME yes, but I can't get to it. More bottom scooting. I told the fd that I would scoot to the door and unlock it. FD how close are you, as I threw the door open and said I'M HERE. He is squatting down trying to see in a nd there I was in all my glory. They came in, made sure I wasn't hurt and lifted me up to my feet.
I was soooooooooooooooo embarrassed and they were so nice. Just one of those flukey things. First thing after I peed, I got dressed, then finished my book. All's well that ends well. See you at my next adventure
There was a board meeting for the mine scheduled for noon today. It's hot and windy out and I am really not in the mood for a meeting, but it's the first one in several months, and an important one, to boot.
We lost power for about 30 seconds this morning, our power company changed our meters to digital ones and while that was successful, it was off long enough to shut everything down, clocks computors, coffee pots etc.
I could not get my tv back on and had to call cable to walk me thru it. I have a different tv than I had last time and did not know I had to use t hat remote as well. OOps, let's back up a little.. Before the power went off I had taken a shower. I had put on a housecoat and was just letting my hair dry. It took a while for Cox and I to solve the tv/cable problem so time is getting close.
I also had been reading a book this morning and was withing 30 pages of finishing it, watching the clock and juggling my time. I was sitting at the dining room table, reading and the phone range. I reached for it and the next thing I knew I was on the floor. The casters on the chair slipped and tipped me over. I ever so gently headed for the floor. Now anyone who knows me, knows that once I am down, I cannot get to my knees and get up on my own. I have had that problem for years. OK now what do I do? "help, I've fallen and can't get up takes on a whole new meaning. Can't reach the phone either and the screen door is locked. I can reach my cell phone tho, so I try scooting on my bottom to find a place that I can pull myself up on. Nothing. Now, remember all I have on is a housecoat, no teeth, no underwear and wet hair.
My cell phone rings, it was Clyde from the mine. Let me know when you get here and i will come down and open the gate for you. Not coming Clyde, I fell, am on the floor and can't get up. I am fine tho. Ok Jim and I will come rescue you. Thank you. 10 minutes later the cell phone rings Clyde--what is your address. I figure Jim needs it and give it to him. 5 minutes later, knock, knock, hello, this is the fire department Expletive (mine, but it was silent) NHow remember the screen door is still locked.l FD do you have a key ME yes, but I can't get to it. More bottom scooting. I told the fd that I would scoot to the door and unlock it. FD how close are you, as I threw the door open and said I'M HERE. He is squatting down trying to see in a nd there I was in all my glory. They came in, made sure I wasn't hurt and lifted me up to my feet.
I was soooooooooooooooo embarrassed and they were so nice. Just one of those flukey things. First thing after I peed, I got dressed, then finished my book. All's well that ends well. See you at my next adventure
Sunday, December 5, 2010
HE'S GONNA FIND OUT WHO'S NAUGHTY OR NICE
DECEMBER 5th, an important date in my childhood.
I don't know if this is still celebrated in Milwaukee anymore, but when I was growing up, it was just part of the Christmas season. St. Nicholas nite. All the dime stores advertised it, you could find children all over the area being very well behaved. I don't know the whole tradition of it, just what happened in our home.
I don't know if this is still celebrated in Milwaukee anymore, but when I was growing up, it was just part of the Christmas season. St. Nicholas nite. All the dime stores advertised it, you could find children all over the area being very well behaved. I don't know the whole tradition of it, just what happened in our home.
On the evening of Dec. 5th, we would all hang our stockings up. We had no fireplace, so ours were thumbtacked to the window sill. Not Christmas stockings, mind you, just one of your stockings you wore on a daily basis. Ours were long (hated) white ribbed stockings. (side note: not sure how we kept them up, but pinning them to our underwear seems like a safe bet) anyhow, sometime after we were asleep, St Nick would sneak into our homes and fill our stockings. In the toe there was always a tangerine or an orange, followed by nuts (still in the shell) some Christmas hard candy, and a small toy, or maybe barettes for our hair. Then we knew we were on his "nice" list. I remember one year when my Dad had to have been very, very naughty, he found his sock (a regular man's white sock) hanging from the chandelier filled with COAL, the real stuff like we had in the basement.
Then back to the North Pole lickety-split to get all the toys and reindeer ready for Christmas.
Now begins the nightly radio shows (15 minutes each) starting with Billie the Brownie from Schusters (local dept. store) led by Captain Larry. Santa also had Metik the eskimo who took care of his reindeer. He kind of looked like the guy in Dawn's photo of Snow, Las Vegas style. No, not Chip, the other photo. Following that was The Gimbie and Ellie show sponsored by Gimbels dept store. Ending with Santa's big night of leaving the North Pole and visiting all the good boys and girls.
HAPPY ST. NICHOLAS DAY
Friday, November 19, 2010
NOVEMBER, A TIME OF SADNESS AND THANKSGIVING
As most of you know, November is not my favorite month. 23 years ago today I said goodbye to my best friend, my husband of 35 years, my kid's daddy and my grandbabies "haha". Bittersweet, because we had a good marriage. (altho, I do believe it gets better as years go by) you seem to forget the lows and really remember the highs. November, we celebrate Thanksgiving and get ready for Christmas, probably one of the busiest times of the year.
My dad died on Nov. 30th, just a few days after Thanksgiving. We had turkey day at our house and as usual my folks thanked us and gave me a kiss. Unusual tho, my dad also gave me a hug and said it was the best thanksgiving he had ever had. Those were the last words I would ever hear from him, as the next Tuesday morning when my mom went to get him, he had slipped off to meet Jesus sometime during the night. They even had reservations to go to Las Vegas later that week.
My sister died on the way to a hospital on Oct. 30th, (close enough to November for me) Numerous other family members also left us in November.
Yesterday, two of my grandchildren lost the only Grandpa they ever knew. Jack Dukes, Robert Sahinbas' stepdad. My thoughts and prayers are with you Wayne and Alyssa. Our very good friend, Sherri (my adopted daughter) flew to Boston last night along with her granddaughters and Nichoel to be at the bedside of her daught Penny who is losing her battle with cancer. When Penny goes to meet her Savior, she will leave behind two daughters who are in their late teens and who really need their Mom, but God has other plans for them.
Several years ago I mentioned to my friend Sandy about hating November (she too does not like it much). Any how on Nov. 1st she called me and said meet me at the curb, I'm on my way to a meeting, so I walked outside and there she was with a basket of flowers "to make my November better" They survived about two weeks and then they too were gone. How thoughtful is that .
I had forgotten I had even mentioned this to her.
Yes, Nov is a tough month in the Webb household, but it also has it's bright spots. Erick and Shannon are in New York (so I can relive memories of my trip to the big apple thru their visit)
Alyson and Mike and the boys will be here for the holiday and we will celibrate Bennett's 2nd birthday while they are here and Beth is planning to come for his birthday.
To all my family and friends who have gone before me to be with their heavenly father know that I know GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN AND ALL'S WELL WITH THE WORLD. I miss you all and am grateful to have had you in my life.
My dad died on Nov. 30th, just a few days after Thanksgiving. We had turkey day at our house and as usual my folks thanked us and gave me a kiss. Unusual tho, my dad also gave me a hug and said it was the best thanksgiving he had ever had. Those were the last words I would ever hear from him, as the next Tuesday morning when my mom went to get him, he had slipped off to meet Jesus sometime during the night. They even had reservations to go to Las Vegas later that week.
My sister died on the way to a hospital on Oct. 30th, (close enough to November for me) Numerous other family members also left us in November.
Yesterday, two of my grandchildren lost the only Grandpa they ever knew. Jack Dukes, Robert Sahinbas' stepdad. My thoughts and prayers are with you Wayne and Alyssa. Our very good friend, Sherri (my adopted daughter) flew to Boston last night along with her granddaughters and Nichoel to be at the bedside of her daught Penny who is losing her battle with cancer. When Penny goes to meet her Savior, she will leave behind two daughters who are in their late teens and who really need their Mom, but God has other plans for them.
Several years ago I mentioned to my friend Sandy about hating November (she too does not like it much). Any how on Nov. 1st she called me and said meet me at the curb, I'm on my way to a meeting, so I walked outside and there she was with a basket of flowers "to make my November better" They survived about two weeks and then they too were gone. How thoughtful is that .
I had forgotten I had even mentioned this to her.
Yes, Nov is a tough month in the Webb household, but it also has it's bright spots. Erick and Shannon are in New York (so I can relive memories of my trip to the big apple thru their visit)
Alyson and Mike and the boys will be here for the holiday and we will celibrate Bennett's 2nd birthday while they are here and Beth is planning to come for his birthday.
To all my family and friends who have gone before me to be with their heavenly father know that I know GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN AND ALL'S WELL WITH THE WORLD. I miss you all and am grateful to have had you in my life.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A NOTE TO WAYNE AND ALYSSA
DISCLAIMER: This is not my usual blog. It is meant for two of my grandchildren who are very young and have a lot to learn about life.
Alyssa, Words cannot express how disappointed I am about the way you choose to image yourself on facebook. I am not sure if the disgusting status was aimed in my direction, or not, but it really doesn't matter. It was out there for the whole world to see--and knowing t he world I know--the world will judge. No, they wont be judging me or whoever that post was referring to, but they will be judging YOU. As I told you before, you are a beautiful young lady until you open your mouth, or set your fingers to the keyboard. That certainly changes the image. It is obvious that you have little or no respect of others, but I would hope and pray that you have some respect for yourself, and once you do tha t you might find others respecting you more. I love you very much. I know I have not played a big role in your life once your parents separated. I regret that. I never had any living grandparents in my life, but once t hey split, I thought it best not to interfere. I am sorry for that. But, you and they , have never ceased to be in my prayers and I want only what is best for you. Please think about these things. We all love you but are unhappy with your life choices.
Wayne, I have been talking with your mom and reading bits and pieces in facebook about the upcoming events in your life. I strongly commend you for wanting to stand up to your responsibilities. The only thing I ask is that you make sure they are YOUR responsibilities. While I know that it is possible to conceive a child after only one night in bed, that and the length of time between hearing from your girlfriend, tend to make me suspicious. For your sake and for the sake of the child, please make sure. That little one deserves to know who his daddy is if only for medical
history.
Know that I love you both very much and will be there for you. Are you the first grandchildren to turn my hair gray.
No, but perhaps the most public.
Alyssa, Words cannot express how disappointed I am about the way you choose to image yourself on facebook. I am not sure if the disgusting status was aimed in my direction, or not, but it really doesn't matter. It was out there for the whole world to see--and knowing t he world I know--the world will judge. No, they wont be judging me or whoever that post was referring to, but they will be judging YOU. As I told you before, you are a beautiful young lady until you open your mouth, or set your fingers to the keyboard. That certainly changes the image. It is obvious that you have little or no respect of others, but I would hope and pray that you have some respect for yourself, and once you do tha t you might find others respecting you more. I love you very much. I know I have not played a big role in your life once your parents separated. I regret that. I never had any living grandparents in my life, but once t hey split, I thought it best not to interfere. I am sorry for that. But, you and they , have never ceased to be in my prayers and I want only what is best for you. Please think about these things. We all love you but are unhappy with your life choices.
Wayne, I have been talking with your mom and reading bits and pieces in facebook about the upcoming events in your life. I strongly commend you for wanting to stand up to your responsibilities. The only thing I ask is that you make sure they are YOUR responsibilities. While I know that it is possible to conceive a child after only one night in bed, that and the length of time between hearing from your girlfriend, tend to make me suspicious. For your sake and for the sake of the child, please make sure. That little one deserves to know who his daddy is if only for medical
history.
Know that I love you both very much and will be there for you. Are you the first grandchildren to turn my hair gray.
No, but perhaps the most public.
Monday, May 31, 2010
AN EMPTY PLACE AT THE TABLE
MEMORIAL DAY brings back lots of memories--back to OUR days in the service of our country. Yes, I said OUR, and that was brought back so vividly yesterday.
Sunday, the day before Memorial day--Got up in the morning (a beautiful Nevada day, no wind) got ready, made sure my Memorial Day poppy was securely fastened to the zipper on my purse and went to church. We celebrated Trinity Sunday with a rousing version of Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty and ended the service with America the Beautiful.
Later that afternoon I was invited to a bar b q at Amanda's. Reality is about to strike. We had a great dinner with the American menu of Hot Dogs, hamburgers, chips and dips, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob
and 4 desserts as only Amanda can make them. there were about twelve of us there, all good friends, but something (or should I say someone) was missing.
James should have been there. He is Amanda's husband, and Brianna's daddy. James was deployed in January and has spent these past months on Okinawa. He should be coming home sometime in July and then he will probably be deployed to Afghanistan or some other choice spot. You see, James is a United States Marine. Yep, one of those guys who has devoted his life to seeing tha t we keep our freedom.
We were somewhere between dinner and dessert when we heard a funny noise. Brianna, age 2, heard it too and ran running to the lap top yelling DADDY, DADDY DADDY. It brought tears to my eyes, she was talking to her daddy via skype, showing him her latest dance, telling him she loved him, and saying Daddy come home. You see our servicemen aren't the only ones who serve our country, their families and their friends who wait at home also serve. I know how I felt when my husband of 2 months spent the next 18 months in Okinawa. We didn't have Skype then and a phone call on our first anniversary cost $12 a minute so let me say
THANK YOU TO JAMES AND ALL THE JAMES'S EVERYWHERE AND TO THEIR FAMILIES WHO STAY AT HOME AND WAIT AND WORRY. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FALLEN HEROES. YOU ARE ALL HEROES TO ME AND BECAUSE OF YOU I CAN SAY MY PRAYERS AND SLEEP PEACEFULLY TONIGHT
GOD BLESS YOU EVERYONE
Sunday, the day before Memorial day--Got up in the morning (a beautiful Nevada day, no wind) got ready, made sure my Memorial Day poppy was securely fastened to the zipper on my purse and went to church. We celebrated Trinity Sunday with a rousing version of Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty and ended the service with America the Beautiful.
Later that afternoon I was invited to a bar b q at Amanda's. Reality is about to strike. We had a great dinner with the American menu of Hot Dogs, hamburgers, chips and dips, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob
and 4 desserts as only Amanda can make them. there were about twelve of us there, all good friends, but something (or should I say someone) was missing.
James should have been there. He is Amanda's husband, and Brianna's daddy. James was deployed in January and has spent these past months on Okinawa. He should be coming home sometime in July and then he will probably be deployed to Afghanistan or some other choice spot. You see, James is a United States Marine. Yep, one of those guys who has devoted his life to seeing tha t we keep our freedom.
We were somewhere between dinner and dessert when we heard a funny noise. Brianna, age 2, heard it too and ran running to the lap top yelling DADDY, DADDY DADDY. It brought tears to my eyes, she was talking to her daddy via skype, showing him her latest dance, telling him she loved him, and saying Daddy come home. You see our servicemen aren't the only ones who serve our country, their families and their friends who wait at home also serve. I know how I felt when my husband of 2 months spent the next 18 months in Okinawa. We didn't have Skype then and a phone call on our first anniversary cost $12 a minute so let me say
THANK YOU TO JAMES AND ALL THE JAMES'S EVERYWHERE AND TO THEIR FAMILIES WHO STAY AT HOME AND WAIT AND WORRY. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FALLEN HEROES. YOU ARE ALL HEROES TO ME AND BECAUSE OF YOU I CAN SAY MY PRAYERS AND SLEEP PEACEFULLY TONIGHT
GOD BLESS YOU EVERYONE
Monday, April 26, 2010
SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS
Hmmm, not exactly sure I want to write this blog today. I am so afraid I disappointed so many people this weekend,maybe disappointed isn't the word, maybe p o'd decribes it better, but I will tell my story and when I am done, I will decided whether to post it or not.
This weekend was "Women of Faith" weekend here in Las Vegas, also Saturday night was t he night of our annual fund raiser for the mine. Having never attended WOF I was eager to go. I knew it would be a very busy week-end, preceded by a rather busy week(for me, anyhow) of Dr''s appts as well as a bone density t est and mamogram. Just
routine tests done annually, but none the less time consuming.
This weekend was "Women of Faith" weekend here in Las Vegas, also Saturday night was t he night of our annual fund raiser for the mine. Having never attended WOF I was eager to go. I knew it would be a very busy week-end, preceded by a rather busy week(for me, anyhow) of Dr''s appts as well as a bone density t est and mamogram. Just
routine tests done annually, but none the less time consuming.
The Friday session of WOF started at 10 am and ending at 9:30 pm, followed by Sat session at 9 am ending at 5:30 pm, with the gala starting at 6 pm. Sound busy yet? While my mind said " you can do it" my almost 80 yr old body was laughing so hard. Kind of sounded like God laughing when I tell Him my plans for my life.
We arrived at the Thomas and Mack stadium with time to spare. Those of you who have visited the T & M know that you take the escalator or stairs to the concourse at the top and find your aisle and enter there and find your seats.
Praise the Lord, our aisle #118 was just across the concourse from the front doors. I just knew we would have to walk completely around the arena, but no we were right there. The aisle starts at row Z and goes straight down, and I do mean straight down. Those of you who know me well, know that I don't do that straight down thing well Oh, did I mention our seats were in the A row? Yup, you guessed it AwwwwwwwwwwwwwL the way down. Grasping tight to the railing, I was prepared. The railing lasted for about 3 steps and then a break before the next railing started. Oh trust me I was not the only one not liking this. I finally got down to A and decided neither hell nor high water was going to induce me to make that trip again.
The morning was inspirational. The worship team was great, speakers Sheila Walsh and Marcus Buckingham were motivational, had a great sense of humor and inspiring. Lunch, which several members of our group went and picked up was OK. We had a great dinner planned, so lunch was just something to tide us over.
Now it was time for the afternoon session. Of course, right POTTY TIME. Can I hold out for 3 more hours, be reasonable, I AM almost 80, sometimes it's hard to hold out from the bedroom to the bathroom, 10 steps. Of course my friends from church told me about the tunnel out of the arena to the elevator, which would take me back up to the concourse for the bathrooms. I dont understand why row A is NOT at the floor level, but there are at least 10 more rows below A. No, sorry I don't know what they are called. I walked down the rest of the stairs In my aisle they had a railing, in other aisles they did not and I understand on Saturday someone (not from our group) actully did fall down some of those last stairs and was ambulanced out of there. Fortunately I had a rail and used it wisely. A very looooooooooong walk thru the tunnel and winding around the hallowed halls I did find the elevator, manned by a character who was a cross between Rip Torn and Captain Kangaroo. He told me he was a 70 year old going on 39 and i countered with I was a 79 year old going on 40 and as I left the elevator he said "I love an older woman with a sense of humor"
Ok back for the end of the session. Now it was time to climb up those stairs so when you get to the top you can go down to street level again. Make sense? Yeah, sure!
Our group had decided to go to the Hofbrau House for dinner Did I mention there were about 60 of us. The HH had reserved tables for us and we had our own menu. Delicious. But during the course of the meal I knew I could not to the steps at the Thomas and Mack again that day, and decided to save my energy for Saturday.. We had lots of time between sessions, so Wendy drove me back to my car (parked at church) and I went home which was a good thing because I hate driving at night.
getting up t he next morning was a real project, every bone, every muscle told me I am not a kid anymore. I called my friend and said I was not going. I absolutely could not do that again. Besides, I had the gala that night.
Well, to make a long story short (a short pause for a long laugh) About half an hour before my friends were coming to pick me up the that event, I called them and begged off.
So my friends, if you are disappointed or even mad at me, please at least applaud the fact that i know my own limitations. I love you all an d I am thrilled when people tell me I don't look my age, but please understand that sometimes even tho the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. I think someone much wiser that me said that once.
Love you and God bless!
Monday, February 1, 2010
COME CELEBRATE WITH ME.........................
It was a rough close to 2009, and so far no better in 2010. I lost many good close friends this past year and
heard many heartbreaking stories of people suffering. I was not sorry to see last year go. I looked forward to
the fresh start of a New Year. I was looking forward to helping Carter celebrate his 3rd birthday at Disneyland and to see our Katie tu rn two. Our friend Nichoel and her boyfriend planning a wedding at the Wayfarer's Chapel, located on the Pacific Ocean, with McKenna and Gavin serving as flower girl and ring bearer.
All these events are happy events and went off as planned. Had a great time in Anaheim with a couple of tours to Corona to see Luke, Maggie and Gavin, as well as the parents, but the Biegers had to cancel due to some sort of bug that had infiltrated their household. We were sorry not to see them, but were happy they were not willing to share their germs. Carter and Bennett and parents and grandparents enjoyed two days at Disneyland, while Greatgrandma, that's me, vegged out at the hotel, sat by the pool, and even ordered up room service one night. I loved it. After a week of rain it was wedding time and thank you God, the w
eather was clear and bright, too bright, the sun created such a reflection on the ocean, pictures with that beautiful setting were impossible. Didn't darken the spirits of the bride and groom tho. The wedding was beautiful, the
reception was fun and the food was good. McKenna and Gavin danced the night away. Another good weekend.
BUT............And there always seems to be a but, in these few short weeks since Jan. 1st, I have lost several good friends, attended memorial services (or missed them because I was in Calif.) learned of two more people diagnosed with the big C and just this past weekend got downed by some bug of my own (feeling better tho)
oh yes, my TV developed a mind of its own turn it on and it will kick in anywhere in the next 24 hr period and then shut off whenever it feels like it. Dawn and Chip graciously donated their bedroom tv to me ( I think they want to get a flat screened one) and came out and hooked it up. Sure enough, I felt so lousy I stayed in my room and watched the little one most of the weekend. This morning my first e mail was to notify me of another friend's passing and the second one was warning me if I didn't read the whole thing and forward it to all my friends bad things would happen to me. I deleted it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, you are probably wondering why I am celebrating?
I was sitting here feeling pretty sorry for myself, when I looked at my calendar, and thought hmmm, I should change it, it is February, yo u know. February 1st and my mind drifted back to another
February 1st, 1982. 28 years ago when I had a radical mastectomy and God has seen fit to keep me cancer free all these years and I realize God does have a plan and who am I to question HIM.
I love him and he loves me. Lord, thank you for my life and thank you for my friends and family.. I know you have aplan for all of us and I ask that you receive my friends into your loving care and comfort those who have lost friends and family and hold my friends who are battling illnesses in your healing hands. AMEN
heard many heartbreaking stories of people suffering. I was not sorry to see last year go. I looked forward to
the fresh start of a New Year. I was looking forward to helping Carter celebrate his 3rd birthday at Disneyland and to see our Katie tu rn two. Our friend Nichoel and her boyfriend planning a wedding at the Wayfarer's Chapel, located on the Pacific Ocean, with McKenna and Gavin serving as flower girl and ring bearer.
All these events are happy events and went off as planned. Had a great time in Anaheim with a couple of tours to Corona to see Luke, Maggie and Gavin, as well as the parents, but the Biegers had to cancel due to some sort of bug that had infiltrated their household. We were sorry not to see them, but were happy they were not willing to share their germs. Carter and Bennett and parents and grandparents enjoyed two days at Disneyland, while Greatgrandma, that's me, vegged out at the hotel, sat by the pool, and even ordered up room service one night. I loved it. After a week of rain it was wedding time and thank you God, the w
eather was clear and bright, too bright, the sun created such a reflection on the ocean, pictures with that beautiful setting were impossible. Didn't darken the spirits of the bride and groom tho. The wedding was beautiful, the
reception was fun and the food was good. McKenna and Gavin danced the night away. Another good weekend.
BUT............And there always seems to be a but, in these few short weeks since Jan. 1st, I have lost several good friends, attended memorial services (or missed them because I was in Calif.) learned of two more people diagnosed with the big C and just this past weekend got downed by some bug of my own (feeling better tho)
oh yes, my TV developed a mind of its own turn it on and it will kick in anywhere in the next 24 hr period and then shut off whenever it feels like it. Dawn and Chip graciously donated their bedroom tv to me ( I think they want to get a flat screened one) and came out and hooked it up. Sure enough, I felt so lousy I stayed in my room and watched the little one most of the weekend. This morning my first e mail was to notify me of another friend's passing and the second one was warning me if I didn't read the whole thing and forward it to all my friends bad things would happen to me. I deleted it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, you are probably wondering why I am celebrating?
I was sitting here feeling pretty sorry for myself, when I looked at my calendar, and thought hmmm, I should change it, it is February, yo u know. February 1st and my mind drifted back to another
February 1st, 1982. 28 years ago when I had a radical mastectomy and God has seen fit to keep me cancer free all these years and I realize God does have a plan and who am I to question HIM.
I love him and he loves me. Lord, thank you for my life and thank you for my friends and family.. I know you have aplan for all of us and I ask that you receive my friends into your loving care and comfort those who have lost friends and family and hold my friends who are battling illnesses in your healing hands. AMEN
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
CHRISTMAS PRACTISE
Christmas is such a busy time of year, and so much gets lost in the shuffle. I like staying home for Christmas, I am comfortable at my own church, and this year I will be doing the power point at all 5 Christmas Eve Services. The comment was made that even the pastors don't do all five, but as I pointed out, (no pun intended) they have to stand and speak, I get to sit and hit a button. Dawn and Chip will be going to New Mexico for Christmas and so I decided to go to So.
Calif to practise Christmas there.
We (I) picked a weekend and it was compatible with all concerned, so I decided I would drive down to Corona on Saturday and come home on Monday. Driving was pretty much the only option as I had so much to take with me, and the airlines don't like that so drive, I will. I planned to leave on Saturday morning and we would all get together for dinner on Saturday nite. As usual, the best laid plans, etc, etc, etc. The weather chose not to cooperate. Remember, I have to drive thru the Cajon Pass, which can be tricky in bad weather. It had turned cold earlier in the week and we had an all day rain (unusual for our area). It cleared up later in the week, but a big storm was predicted for Saturday, so on Thursday, I decided I would leave on Friday and avoid the storm.
I planned to leave around 9 AM, but again, fate stepped in and I was still in Henderson at 10:30 am. Not too bad, got rolling and it was cloudy and threatening, but by the time I got to the state line the sun was shining and it was beautiful. A tad chilly, but good driving conditio ns. So with a Christmas CD and God in the passenger seat, we had a good trip. Got to Barstow and the clouds ahead were very threatening, but I pushed on. Darker and darker as we approached Victorville, with a murky looking bank of fog (smog) on the horizon. There is one really steep downgrade coming down from the pass, where we literally passed thru the clouds, it was a brief
period of time, but it was so eerie --almost like slow motion and weird--and then those clouds were hovering over m y head. No rain, but strange. Others must have felt the same way I did as everyone was driving rather slowly and I did not see even one crazy person. T hank you God. Got in some stop and go traffic between the 60 a nd the 91, but truly again, no nuts. Must have been no California drivers on the 15 that day. Arrived at Beth's in Corona about 2:45.
Mel and the kids came and got me and I went over and had dinner with them. Beth and Tony had a Christmas party to go to. Melanie made a pot roast with potatoes and we had a really good visit. Such fun seeing the kids and their parents.
Saturday morning Beth and I went back to Melanie and Brian's as Beth was babysitting. We had fun with the kids and Beth even taugh t them a new game. She put her I phone on a timer and
we had a contest to see if luke or gavin would keep quiet the longest. Luke won, he went over 8 minutes.
We came back for dinner later on Saturday and the Biegers came over (they actually picked up the dinner and brought it with them. Three delicious pasta dishes, salad and bread. the kids were anxious for presents, which Santa had brought while we were babysitting and that silly man in the red suit dumped them in my trunk so we had to bring them over.
I believe I forgot to mention that the weatherman called it correctly and it rained all day Saturday, sometimes a light rain, but of course everytime we had to be out in it, it was pouring.
After dinner the rain had let up a little bit and the kids wanted to go carolling. Beth, Melanie and Shannon took McKenna, Luke and Kyla and Gavin and went to the neighbor's houses, singing for them and then leaving them gifts. Of course the further away they got, the harder it poured, so they had to give up and come home. Our house was the last house they carolled at and they were so cute, singing their hearts out and looking like drowned puppies. Maggie came and stood next to my while the sang her song "Tinky Bells, HAY!" (Jingle Bells) Oh what fun. Poor Mags had lost her voice, so she could only "shine" her eyes were shining, her smile was shining and she was just enjoying the whole thing.
Now, it was present time. The girls got bracelets and the boys got roadbots and lots of candy.
Maggie can tell you that you cannot take a giant gumdrop and put it in your mouth all at one time, you have to take bites. Kids were place in new pajamas (getting out of their wet clothes)
Dessert time for the grown-ups, some photo ops, kids worn out from carolling and grandma looking like she had been out in the rain way too long, but love filling the air. Even Katie looked at me this time, didn't smile, but didn't look down either.
Where does the weekend go? It's Sunday already. Beth and I met Sherri for lunch and then met Melanie an Gavin at the Menswear shop where Gavin was measured for his "suxedo" He and
McKenna are going to be in Nichoel's wedding in January. I think Melanie is still in "sticker shock over the price of renting a tuxedo.
Sunday was a beautiful day, and promises of good weather to come. I planned to go home on Monday, and was able to get away on time. 9AM was the plan and I was home and had the car unpacked by 12:40. Very little traffic and very little wind.
Thanks for sharing our Christmas Practise with me, Now we are all prepared for the REAL thing
and GOD BLESS US EVERYONE
Calif to practise Christmas there.
We (I) picked a weekend and it was compatible with all concerned, so I decided I would drive down to Corona on Saturday and come home on Monday. Driving was pretty much the only option as I had so much to take with me, and the airlines don't like that so drive, I will. I planned to leave on Saturday morning and we would all get together for dinner on Saturday nite. As usual, the best laid plans, etc, etc, etc. The weather chose not to cooperate. Remember, I have to drive thru the Cajon Pass, which can be tricky in bad weather. It had turned cold earlier in the week and we had an all day rain (unusual for our area). It cleared up later in the week, but a big storm was predicted for Saturday, so on Thursday, I decided I would leave on Friday and avoid the storm.
I planned to leave around 9 AM, but again, fate stepped in and I was still in Henderson at 10:30 am. Not too bad, got rolling and it was cloudy and threatening, but by the time I got to the state line the sun was shining and it was beautiful. A tad chilly, but good driving conditio ns. So with a Christmas CD and God in the passenger seat, we had a good trip. Got to Barstow and the clouds ahead were very threatening, but I pushed on. Darker and darker as we approached Victorville, with a murky looking bank of fog (smog) on the horizon. There is one really steep downgrade coming down from the pass, where we literally passed thru the clouds, it was a brief
period of time, but it was so eerie --almost like slow motion and weird--and then those clouds were hovering over m y head. No rain, but strange. Others must have felt the same way I did as everyone was driving rather slowly and I did not see even one crazy person. T hank you God. Got in some stop and go traffic between the 60 a nd the 91, but truly again, no nuts. Must have been no California drivers on the 15 that day. Arrived at Beth's in Corona about 2:45.
Mel and the kids came and got me and I went over and had dinner with them. Beth and Tony had a Christmas party to go to. Melanie made a pot roast with potatoes and we had a really good visit. Such fun seeing the kids and their parents.
Saturday morning Beth and I went back to Melanie and Brian's as Beth was babysitting. We had fun with the kids and Beth even taugh t them a new game. She put her I phone on a timer and
we had a contest to see if luke or gavin would keep quiet the longest. Luke won, he went over 8 minutes.
We came back for dinner later on Saturday and the Biegers came over (they actually picked up the dinner and brought it with them. Three delicious pasta dishes, salad and bread. the kids were anxious for presents, which Santa had brought while we were babysitting and that silly man in the red suit dumped them in my trunk so we had to bring them over.
I believe I forgot to mention that the weatherman called it correctly and it rained all day Saturday, sometimes a light rain, but of course everytime we had to be out in it, it was pouring.
After dinner the rain had let up a little bit and the kids wanted to go carolling. Beth, Melanie and Shannon took McKenna, Luke and Kyla and Gavin and went to the neighbor's houses, singing for them and then leaving them gifts. Of course the further away they got, the harder it poured, so they had to give up and come home. Our house was the last house they carolled at and they were so cute, singing their hearts out and looking like drowned puppies. Maggie came and stood next to my while the sang her song "Tinky Bells, HAY!" (Jingle Bells) Oh what fun. Poor Mags had lost her voice, so she could only "shine" her eyes were shining, her smile was shining and she was just enjoying the whole thing.
Now, it was present time. The girls got bracelets and the boys got roadbots and lots of candy.
Maggie can tell you that you cannot take a giant gumdrop and put it in your mouth all at one time, you have to take bites. Kids were place in new pajamas (getting out of their wet clothes)
Dessert time for the grown-ups, some photo ops, kids worn out from carolling and grandma looking like she had been out in the rain way too long, but love filling the air. Even Katie looked at me this time, didn't smile, but didn't look down either.
Where does the weekend go? It's Sunday already. Beth and I met Sherri for lunch and then met Melanie an Gavin at the Menswear shop where Gavin was measured for his "suxedo" He and
McKenna are going to be in Nichoel's wedding in January. I think Melanie is still in "sticker shock over the price of renting a tuxedo.
Sunday was a beautiful day, and promises of good weather to come. I planned to go home on Monday, and was able to get away on time. 9AM was the plan and I was home and had the car unpacked by 12:40. Very little traffic and very little wind.
Thanks for sharing our Christmas Practise with me, Now we are all prepared for the REAL thing
and GOD BLESS US EVERYONE
Friday, November 27, 2009
A STOLEN THANKSGIVING POEM
They caught me by surprise one night
and oh my heart was full of fright!
They threw me in a big old pot
And boy, the water was very hot
I knew I would have a very short night
Oh Oh, here comes the knife
But, it stops and they say "grace"
Now here it comes, finally at last
and all the pain is long gone past
It's now a battle I have lost
along with corn and cranberry sauce
THE END
and oh my heart was full of fright!
They threw me in a big old pot
And boy, the water was very hot
I knew I would have a very short night
Oh Oh, here comes the knife
But, it stops and they say "grace"
Now here it comes, finally at last
and all the pain is long gone past
It's now a battle I have lost
along with corn and cranberry sauce
THE END
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NOVEMBER/THANKSGIVING
I guess everyone has a month in their lives that they would like to skip over each year and get it over with. November has long been that month for me. It is a bittersweet month for me, one in which I lost many people I loved very much. Oh yes, I have lost people in other months, too, but November is the one I don't like the
most.
I LOVE holidays, so it doesn't seem fair, but that's why it is "bittersweet" I am grateful for my life, my friends,
and most of all for my family. God has been good to me and blessed me in so many ways. In a recent visit to
Idaho, our relationships with many of Wayne's family were renewed. Our facebook relationships, too, have taken us to a new level with being able to communicate more closely with family and friends separated by miles, yet connected thru the internet.
I am always reminded at this time of year of those I miss so very much. Let me tell you about two Thanksgivings that come to mind:
The first was in 1982 (I hope I got that year right) It was Thanksgiving, and everyone had gathered at our house on Shipman to celebrate the holiday. Not too much stands out in my mind about tha t Thanksgiving being any different from many others, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. It was the Tuesday following the
holiday that I got a frantic call from my mom, saying "Dorothy, something has happened to your Dad, can
you come over?" Yes, my Dad had slipped away quietly during the night. Thinking back to the T hursday
before, I recalled my dad and mom leaving our house and Dad kissed me good-bye, Not unusual, we always
kissed when saying good-bye, but what was unusual, he also hugged me, and said "This was the best Thanksgiving ever, Thank you" I never spoke to my dad again.
Then a few years later, another Thanksgiving is etched in my mind and heart. My wonderful husband of 35
years had just passed away, the week before the holiday. It is ironic that this year, 22 years later, the calendar is identical to 1987. On the 1st of November, an ambulance came and took Wayne back to the hospital. His cancer was winning.l It was a tough 19 days, with many calls to t he family that today could be
the day. Rev. Box, the chaplain at the hospital said, just t ake it one day at a time, look forward to Thanksgiving, but in my heart I knew that was not going to be. On Thursday, the 19th, one week before the
celebration of Thanksgiving, I had been at the hospital all day, as I had been the other 18 days. Beth and
Henry decided to take me out for dinner to give me a break, and said they would bring me back to the hospit al
later, if I wanted to come. We went to Coco's, a place Wayne and I had gone a lot, and the manager came up
and asked us where Wayne was. We explained the situation to him and the next thing we knew the waitress came up and told us the manager had paid for our dinner. Henry (always thinking ahead) said where can we go tomorrow nite and do the same thing.
most.
I LOVE holidays, so it doesn't seem fair, but that's why it is "bittersweet" I am grateful for my life, my friends,
and most of all for my family. God has been good to me and blessed me in so many ways. In a recent visit to
Idaho, our relationships with many of Wayne's family were renewed. Our facebook relationships, too, have taken us to a new level with being able to communicate more closely with family and friends separated by miles, yet connected thru the internet.
I am always reminded at this time of year of those I miss so very much. Let me tell you about two Thanksgivings that come to mind:
The first was in 1982 (I hope I got that year right) It was Thanksgiving, and everyone had gathered at our house on Shipman to celebrate the holiday. Not too much stands out in my mind about tha t Thanksgiving being any different from many others, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. It was the Tuesday following the
holiday that I got a frantic call from my mom, saying "Dorothy, something has happened to your Dad, can
you come over?" Yes, my Dad had slipped away quietly during the night. Thinking back to the T hursday
before, I recalled my dad and mom leaving our house and Dad kissed me good-bye, Not unusual, we always
kissed when saying good-bye, but what was unusual, he also hugged me, and said "This was the best Thanksgiving ever, Thank you" I never spoke to my dad again.
Then a few years later, another Thanksgiving is etched in my mind and heart. My wonderful husband of 35
years had just passed away, the week before the holiday. It is ironic that this year, 22 years later, the calendar is identical to 1987. On the 1st of November, an ambulance came and took Wayne back to the hospital. His cancer was winning.l It was a tough 19 days, with many calls to t he family that today could be
the day. Rev. Box, the chaplain at the hospital said, just t ake it one day at a time, look forward to Thanksgiving, but in my heart I knew that was not going to be. On Thursday, the 19th, one week before the
celebration of Thanksgiving, I had been at the hospital all day, as I had been the other 18 days. Beth and
Henry decided to take me out for dinner to give me a break, and said they would bring me back to the hospit al
later, if I wanted to come. We went to Coco's, a place Wayne and I had gone a lot, and the manager came up
and asked us where Wayne was. We explained the situation to him and the next thing we knew the waitress came up and told us the manager had paid for our dinner. Henry (always thinking ahead) said where can we go tomorrow nite and do the same thing.
Well, it got to be pretty late, so I went on home, planning to return to the hospital first t hing in the morning when about an hour later I got "t he call". Of course, guilt set in, but in my heart I knew I wasn't supposed to be there, and he was in the best hands, all the nurses who lovingly cared for him in his last days. Dr. Rohde later told me that after he had passed away, you couldn't find a nurse on the floor. Several attended his funeral service. dr. R said it was an honor and a privilege to have served as his doctor. He made dying dignified.
Thanksgiving was courtesy of K-Mart that year. They had donated all the food to the hospital, and Rev Box (Ray) had thought of us.
Yes, truly a bittersweet time, sadly missing all our loved ones who have gone on ahead, but loving the ones who are still around to love. Count your blessings and and hug those close to you
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Saturday, October 31, 2009
ONCE UPON A TIME........................
It's Halloween and we have been facebooking about our "chili tradition" which got me to thinking about celebrating Halloween, when the kids were growing up. Our house was situated further back on our lot, giving us a fairly large front yard. About halfway to the street we planted two miniature stone pines the very first Christmas we moved in, having been told that these trees could be trimmed to 8 feet and never get bigger than 12 feet, well, 60 feet later we had two very large miniature pine trees with lots of pine needles littering the front yard..so, being very creative, Dad decided to use those pine needles as mounds, depicting a graveyard, with the appropriate tombstones. This was not quite enough for him, so he took one of his flannel shirts and an old pair of levis and stuffed them with newspaper,added an old pair of shoes, a ball stuffed in a pillowcase, with a face drawn on it and a baseball cap on his head, and proceeded to hang our new friend from the pine tree nearest the gate, where trick or treaters would come in for their treats.
Still not satisfied, he wired up a speaker near the tree, connecting to a microphone in the house,
where he hid behind the drapes and would talk to the ghosts and goblins who came to the gate.
The hanging man would then speak to the children. "hi Mr Cowboy, come in" What a pretty little princess, Oh my goodness, a scary pirate.. It really worked, he would ask them to help him get down, he asked one child to scratch his foot, and his footwas scratched.. Some little ones were
so scared they wouldn't even come in. Word soon spread and people were coming by in car
loads and dropping their kids off.
We continued this for a couple of years and then all the neighbor kids as well as our own, were growing up and no longer trick or treating.
Hope you enjoy this Halloween memory
Still not satisfied, he wired up a speaker near the tree, connecting to a microphone in the house,
where he hid behind the drapes and would talk to the ghosts and goblins who came to the gate.
The hanging man would then speak to the children. "hi Mr Cowboy, come in" What a pretty little princess, Oh my goodness, a scary pirate.. It really worked, he would ask them to help him get down, he asked one child to scratch his foot, and his footwas scratched.. Some little ones were
so scared they wouldn't even come in. Word soon spread and people were coming by in car
loads and dropping their kids off.
We continued this for a couple of years and then all the neighbor kids as well as our own, were growing up and no longer trick or treating.
Hope you enjoy this Halloween memory
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
HALLOWEEN
A brief disclaimer. I was asked to write a short spooky story for the mine as they will be touring
visitors thru a Haunted Mine this spooky season, so as my printer is not yet hooked up and I dont know how to forward stuff, I am doing it in my blog. Holly, this is for you
It's Halloween, a time to be thinking of ghosts and goblins and scary things that go "clunk" in the night.
We are about to enter the McCaw Mine, but before we do, I need to warn you about something---you may
not know, but miners are a very superstitious group of people. You will notice there is a horseshoe on the wall
about the portal of the mine. It it is pointing up, it holds all good luck, but if it is pointing down, all the good luck will pour out. A miner would not enter the mine, unless the horseshoe was in the upright position.
The legend of the tommy-knockers started a long, long time ago in England, Cornwall, to be exact. In the "olden
days" there was no modern equipment, and because the mines were hollowed out by hand, the tunnels were barely high enough for a man to enter. He usually crawled in and did most of his work scrunched down. Because they didn't have the equipment that they have today, the mines were not necessarily very safe. There
were many cave-ins and the mines could be filled with gasses. In any case, many miners were trapped in the
mines and died there. Being superstitious, the miners believed that the ghosts of these miners were still hanging
around the mines. They were convinced that these ghosts would play pranks on them, they would lose their
tools, their lamps would go out, lunches would disappear, they sure seemed to be full of mischief. On the other hand, it was believed that the ghosts were also responsible for saving lives and for helping the miners find the
vein of gold, or where great deposits of ore were to be found. the miners called them "tommy-knockers"
because they would hear strange knockings on the walls around them. The miners had respect for them and
definitely did not want to make them angry, for they were also known to be very mean, when they wanted to
be. In order to appease the tommy-knockers, the miners would leave them food and perhaps a pint of ale
and hoped the tommy-knockers would be good to them.
Now as far as I know, no one has ever claimed to have really "seen" one, but they all heard them knocking,
and some would see hammers pounding on rocks, held by invisible hands, seen wheelbarrows being filled with ore when no one was around, lamps going on and off for no reason, but above all, when the day was over
and the miners were going home for the day, the lunch bucket they had left for the tommy-knockers was
empty and the container holding the pint of ale was dry.
How did they get to this country. Well, when mining first started to become a big thing in this country, we didn't have very many experienced miners and they would hire miners from England. The mining company would ask the miners of they knew of anyone else who would like to mine here and they miner would usually say "well, now,
there's my cousin Jack, and if ye would pay his boat ride he would come work for you. So the miners from
Corwall would come over here, and brought with them the legend of the tommy-knockers. The Americans
generally referred to these miners as "cousin Jacks"
Now, I am not saying this is true, and I am not saying it's not true, but just to be sure, let's check the horseshoe
and leave some food.
visitors thru a Haunted Mine this spooky season, so as my printer is not yet hooked up and I dont know how to forward stuff, I am doing it in my blog. Holly, this is for you
It's Halloween, a time to be thinking of ghosts and goblins and scary things that go "clunk" in the night.
We are about to enter the McCaw Mine, but before we do, I need to warn you about something---you may
not know, but miners are a very superstitious group of people. You will notice there is a horseshoe on the wall
about the portal of the mine. It it is pointing up, it holds all good luck, but if it is pointing down, all the good luck will pour out. A miner would not enter the mine, unless the horseshoe was in the upright position.
The legend of the tommy-knockers started a long, long time ago in England, Cornwall, to be exact. In the "olden
days" there was no modern equipment, and because the mines were hollowed out by hand, the tunnels were barely high enough for a man to enter. He usually crawled in and did most of his work scrunched down. Because they didn't have the equipment that they have today, the mines were not necessarily very safe. There
were many cave-ins and the mines could be filled with gasses. In any case, many miners were trapped in the
mines and died there. Being superstitious, the miners believed that the ghosts of these miners were still hanging
around the mines. They were convinced that these ghosts would play pranks on them, they would lose their
tools, their lamps would go out, lunches would disappear, they sure seemed to be full of mischief. On the other hand, it was believed that the ghosts were also responsible for saving lives and for helping the miners find the
vein of gold, or where great deposits of ore were to be found. the miners called them "tommy-knockers"
because they would hear strange knockings on the walls around them. The miners had respect for them and
definitely did not want to make them angry, for they were also known to be very mean, when they wanted to
be. In order to appease the tommy-knockers, the miners would leave them food and perhaps a pint of ale
and hoped the tommy-knockers would be good to them.
Now as far as I know, no one has ever claimed to have really "seen" one, but they all heard them knocking,
and some would see hammers pounding on rocks, held by invisible hands, seen wheelbarrows being filled with ore when no one was around, lamps going on and off for no reason, but above all, when the day was over
and the miners were going home for the day, the lunch bucket they had left for the tommy-knockers was
empty and the container holding the pint of ale was dry.
How did they get to this country. Well, when mining first started to become a big thing in this country, we didn't have very many experienced miners and they would hire miners from England. The mining company would ask the miners of they knew of anyone else who would like to mine here and they miner would usually say "well, now,
there's my cousin Jack, and if ye would pay his boat ride he would come work for you. So the miners from
Corwall would come over here, and brought with them the legend of the tommy-knockers. The Americans
generally referred to these miners as "cousin Jacks"
Now, I am not saying this is true, and I am not saying it's not true, but just to be sure, let's check the horseshoe
and leave some food.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
VERY INTERESTING
Very early this morning, prepari ng for my day I read this little story:
A father was watching his young son in the back yard one day. The little boy was trying to move a stone that was just more than his little hands could manage. The father said, Son, are you using all your strength. The y oung son said Yes, daddy, and the father replied Oh no you are not, son I am standing right here and you didn't eve n ask me for help. Such a short story but such a powerful message. Went to church, met with friends, had some interesting conversations, came home, read my e mail, one from a friend who is tired, both physically and
emotionally and vented to me. W hen s peaking to her daughter, she was told, you are depressed get your doctor to give you some pills.
I know many of you, including myself are facing the unknown at this time, granted some to a lesser degree than others, but kind of hanging at the end of your particular rope. Grandpa
Roy Webb always said when you come to the end of your rope, t ie a knot and hang on. He was a self proclaimed atheist. But we know we just have to go to our heavenly father and ask for his help and he will give it. But more important we have to listen and to accept what his plan for us is. I guess we shouldn't really tell him what our plan is, unless we want to give him a good laugh.
I really dont like to be a "preachy" kind of person, and hopefully I try to live my life as an example to others, but I have had many failures along that line (I am sooooooooooooo human)
I guess what I am trying to say is when you can't move that stone the way you want to, draw
upon your greatest strength and let your father who is in heaven help. I love you all
My own personal problems at this time are facing up to aging. To accept what I cannot change..
I am not afraid of dying, just not ready to do it yet, but have trouble accepting other people dying es pecially those younger than I. I regret the long hikes thru the air port, but not ready to
accept the wheelchair ride. I regret listening to people talking about their ailments (which are usually mild to everyone else but them) and taking up time that should be spent comforting and listening to peole who have life threatening problems. people who complain all the time about their jobs instead of helping the person who thru no fault of his own recently lost his job, you all know what I am talking about soI AM NOW STEPPING OFF MY SOAP BOX--------------
A father was watching his young son in the back yard one day. The little boy was trying to move a stone that was just more than his little hands could manage. The father said, Son, are you using all your strength. The y oung son said Yes, daddy, and the father replied Oh no you are not, son I am standing right here and you didn't eve n ask me for help. Such a short story but such a powerful message. Went to church, met with friends, had some interesting conversations, came home, read my e mail, one from a friend who is tired, both physically and
emotionally and vented to me. W hen s peaking to her daughter, she was told, you are depressed get your doctor to give you some pills.
I know many of you, including myself are facing the unknown at this time, granted some to a lesser degree than others, but kind of hanging at the end of your particular rope. Grandpa
Roy Webb always said when you come to the end of your rope, t ie a knot and hang on. He was a self proclaimed atheist. But we know we just have to go to our heavenly father and ask for his help and he will give it. But more important we have to listen and to accept what his plan for us is. I guess we shouldn't really tell him what our plan is, unless we want to give him a good laugh.
I really dont like to be a "preachy" kind of person, and hopefully I try to live my life as an example to others, but I have had many failures along that line (I am sooooooooooooo human)
I guess what I am trying to say is when you can't move that stone the way you want to, draw
upon your greatest strength and let your father who is in heaven help. I love you all
My own personal problems at this time are facing up to aging. To accept what I cannot change..
I am not afraid of dying, just not ready to do it yet, but have trouble accepting other people dying es pecially those younger than I. I regret the long hikes thru the air port, but not ready to
accept the wheelchair ride. I regret listening to people talking about their ailments (which are usually mild to everyone else but them) and taking up time that should be spent comforting and listening to peole who have life threatening problems. people who complain all the time about their jobs instead of helping the person who thru no fault of his own recently lost his job, you all know what I am talking about soI AM NOW STEPPING OFF MY SOAP BOX--------------
Sunday, June 21, 2009
JUNE 18TH--FATHER'S DAY--STRAWBERRY PIE
what do those three have in common, they represent alsmost every father's day I can remember. Let me tell you about my Dad. He was born on June 18th and he loved strawberry pie, so every father's day we would celebrate his birthday and my mom would bake a strawberry pie. I was always very close to my dad, being the oldest and being almost 13 years older than my brother. As kids, my sister Darlene was basically with Mom and I was with Dad.
I loved it. A kinder, gentler man I have never known. He and my Auntie Alma were two people I never heard a bad word from, never talked about other people (gossiping) and were always there to listen. They were the peacemakers in the family. I miss them both a whole lot. I remember the last time I saw my dad. It was Thanksgiving of 1982 and we had had dinner at our house on Shipman. It was customary in our family to give kisses when we said goodbye, but this one time not only did my dad give me a kiss, he added a hug for good measure and said "it was the best thanksgiving ever" the following Tuesday my mom called me in the morning and said she couldn't wake dad up. If ever a person was ready to meet the Lord, I believe it was my dad. He hated arguing with my mom, and one funny story I remember was when we lived on 8th and Center and mom was mad about something and was yelling, and dad was saying now, Minnie, let's just talk thisover quietly, all the while shutting windows, so the neighbors wouldnt hear my mom, and she right behind him throwing them open saying she didn't care what the neighbors thought. Another time, he was tr ying to pacify my mom (in case you wondered she was the outs poken one) It was my sister's birthday and mom had baked a cake and my dad
picked it up saying something about helping her and wouldn't you know it, dropped it on the floor. We scooped it up, served it in a bowl witth ice cream and called it "dropcake"
On a light note, I remember one Father's day when we all went to Pomona to celebrate the dual occasion and Chip and my brother Bob were on a softball team, so after dinner, before pie we all went to the ball field for the game, then back to mom and dads for pie./ Jeff and Emery were just teeny babies. Dawn left Jeff with me while she ran to the store for Diapers. Of course the moment she left Jeff started screaming, he was hungry. Nothing would appease him and I certainly was not equipped to feed him After about 15 minutes of this, Allyn said Oh for crying out loud give hime to me. I did she promptlylet him share emery's dinner. When Dawn returned to a quiet sleeping child I told her what happened, not knowing exactly what her reaction would be, only to relax when she said I will just say in his baby book that Jeff had dinner out that night.
Go in peace, and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
I loved it. A kinder, gentler man I have never known. He and my Auntie Alma were two people I never heard a bad word from, never talked about other people (gossiping) and were always there to listen. They were the peacemakers in the family. I miss them both a whole lot. I remember the last time I saw my dad. It was Thanksgiving of 1982 and we had had dinner at our house on Shipman. It was customary in our family to give kisses when we said goodbye, but this one time not only did my dad give me a kiss, he added a hug for good measure and said "it was the best thanksgiving ever" the following Tuesday my mom called me in the morning and said she couldn't wake dad up. If ever a person was ready to meet the Lord, I believe it was my dad. He hated arguing with my mom, and one funny story I remember was when we lived on 8th and Center and mom was mad about something and was yelling, and dad was saying now, Minnie, let's just talk thisover quietly, all the while shutting windows, so the neighbors wouldnt hear my mom, and she right behind him throwing them open saying she didn't care what the neighbors thought. Another time, he was tr ying to pacify my mom (in case you wondered she was the outs poken one) It was my sister's birthday and mom had baked a cake and my dad
picked it up saying something about helping her and wouldn't you know it, dropped it on the floor. We scooped it up, served it in a bowl witth ice cream and called it "dropcake"
On a light note, I remember one Father's day when we all went to Pomona to celebrate the dual occasion and Chip and my brother Bob were on a softball team, so after dinner, before pie we all went to the ball field for the game, then back to mom and dads for pie./ Jeff and Emery were just teeny babies. Dawn left Jeff with me while she ran to the store for Diapers. Of course the moment she left Jeff started screaming, he was hungry. Nothing would appease him and I certainly was not equipped to feed him After about 15 minutes of this, Allyn said Oh for crying out loud give hime to me. I did she promptlylet him share emery's dinner. When Dawn returned to a quiet sleeping child I told her what happened, not knowing exactly what her reaction would be, only to relax when she said I will just say in his baby book that Jeff had dinner out that night.
Go in peace, and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
Sunday, May 17, 2009
ARMED FORCES DAY, 1952
Fort Lee, Virginia. We had been married a whopping 42 days and looking forward to the holiday when we got word that a few soldiers would draw duty and have to stay on the base that day, and wouldn't you know it, my
wonderful husband was one of the lucky ones. Well word came to us wives that we could get around that if we
showed up at the base stating we had come to the base from out of town just to celebrate the big day. Of course, that was the editorial "we" seeing as in our group, Wayne was the only one drawing duty that day. So
three of us paraded to the CO's office and I requested they give Pvt. Webb the day off as I had come from
Wisconsin to visit with him. It worked and he got the rest of the day off and the private who had to replace him never spoke to us again. Wayne was on KP duty and that's where the replacement went. I really didn't lie
I had come from Wisconsin to be with him, only I had arrived 5 weeks ago and was living there. Oh well!
Now, with Bryan being in the middle east, all these memories are coming back to me. I have been so thankful
over the years that the draft was abolished and that my children did not have to face the hardships and lonliness that came along with military life. Yes, I know, people live it today and I weep everytime I see soldiers being deployed or returning home. You see, it isn't only the soldier who is serving his country, it is the whole family. Ca n you imagine being married for two months and then Uncle Sam says "I want YOU" and you don't see each other for another year and a half. You just had to make an adventure out of it. Today our
armed forces consists of men and women who enlist. They choose this way of life for many reasons, and I salute them. Some do it so they can further their education at governement expense while serving their country. I applaud them. Somemake a career outof being in the service, Thank you, and others give of their
time and talents to go over there and tell these men and women that those at home have not forgotted you.
You are appreciated and loved. Thank you Bryan for giving of your God-given talent and letting our warriors know we love and appreciate them. I know Grandpa is up in heaven saluting YOU! I love you!
wonderful husband was one of the lucky ones. Well word came to us wives that we could get around that if we
showed up at the base stating we had come to the base from out of town just to celebrate the big day. Of course, that was the editorial "we" seeing as in our group, Wayne was the only one drawing duty that day. So
three of us paraded to the CO's office and I requested they give Pvt. Webb the day off as I had come from
Wisconsin to visit with him. It worked and he got the rest of the day off and the private who had to replace him never spoke to us again. Wayne was on KP duty and that's where the replacement went. I really didn't lie
I had come from Wisconsin to be with him, only I had arrived 5 weeks ago and was living there. Oh well!
Now, with Bryan being in the middle east, all these memories are coming back to me. I have been so thankful
over the years that the draft was abolished and that my children did not have to face the hardships and lonliness that came along with military life. Yes, I know, people live it today and I weep everytime I see soldiers being deployed or returning home. You see, it isn't only the soldier who is serving his country, it is the whole family. Ca n you imagine being married for two months and then Uncle Sam says "I want YOU" and you don't see each other for another year and a half. You just had to make an adventure out of it. Today our
armed forces consists of men and women who enlist. They choose this way of life for many reasons, and I salute them. Some do it so they can further their education at governement expense while serving their country. I applaud them. Somemake a career outof being in the service, Thank you, and others give of their
time and talents to go over there and tell these men and women that those at home have not forgotted you.
You are appreciated and loved. Thank you Bryan for giving of your God-given talent and letting our warriors know we love and appreciate them. I know Grandpa is up in heaven saluting YOU! I love you!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
MOTHER'S DAY
When you think about it--everyone has or had a mother at sometime in their life, except Eve and she had the
Greatest Father there is. You really have to be in some remote state of your consciousness to not know that
Mother's day is almost here. So of course, you think about it.
One Mother's day I just cant seem to forget happened when I was a little girl. My dad had given me 25 cents to
go to the five and dime to get my mother a gift. traditionally, we would serve her breakfast in bed (streusel coffee cake and coffee) and present our gifts. I was so proud. I had gotten her a beautiful box of handkerchiefs, and a card which I gave her, stoically announcing i had done the shopping myself and had money left over, which "daddy says I can keep" was there ever greater love?
One of the traditions I truly miss, and I am not sure whether it was strictly a midwestern tradition or a national one. Everyone wore a carnation, the men, women and all the children. You wore a pink or red carnation if your mother was living and a white one if she was not.
Here's wishing you all a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. You have made and impression on someone's life.
Greatest Father there is. You really have to be in some remote state of your consciousness to not know that
Mother's day is almost here. So of course, you think about it.
One Mother's day I just cant seem to forget happened when I was a little girl. My dad had given me 25 cents to
go to the five and dime to get my mother a gift. traditionally, we would serve her breakfast in bed (streusel coffee cake and coffee) and present our gifts. I was so proud. I had gotten her a beautiful box of handkerchiefs, and a card which I gave her, stoically announcing i had done the shopping myself and had money left over, which "daddy says I can keep" was there ever greater love?
One of the traditions I truly miss, and I am not sure whether it was strictly a midwestern tradition or a national one. Everyone wore a carnation, the men, women and all the children. You wore a pink or red carnation if your mother was living and a white one if she was not.
Here's wishing you all a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. You have made and impression on someone's life.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
ALYSON SAID......................
Grandma, it's your blog and you can say "ass" if you want to. Well, here goes, after 70 some odd years, I finally got the courage to show my ass at a party and for knowing when and how to do it, I
got paid $525.00. Now don't worry, it was for a good cause, The McCaw School of Mines. I had to
donate $50 for this privilege.
Now I suppose you want an explanation for this action. I could be mean and wait a few days before I blog any further and let your imaginations work overtime, but I wont. I do want you to know that
my ass was as cute as any at that party.
Yes, I did donate $50. You all know how proud I am of the mine and for my money I was issued a
paddle, two round circles glued to popsicle sticks. One side was a picture of an old prospector panning for gold (heads) and the other side was a picture of a mule's behind (tails) complete with real
hair for the tail. It was a 50/50 game. All participants were standing showing one side or the other
and a coin was tossed. If it came up tails, all those showing heads sat down. I showed my tail 3 times in a row and it came up tails, I then switched to heads, heads came up, liked tails better so
switched back again, again tails. Now there were only about 4 of us left. I again chose tails, but then decided to switch to heads, and I was the only one left. T he fund raiser earned $1050 and so
I got half of that.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY: you are never too old to have fun and this little game is the source of
many comments among the friends of THE MCCAW SCHOOL OF MINES.
the paddles were the design of former first lady, Sandy Miller. Love that lady
got paid $525.00. Now don't worry, it was for a good cause, The McCaw School of Mines. I had to
donate $50 for this privilege.
Now I suppose you want an explanation for this action. I could be mean and wait a few days before I blog any further and let your imaginations work overtime, but I wont. I do want you to know that
my ass was as cute as any at that party.
Yes, I did donate $50. You all know how proud I am of the mine and for my money I was issued a
paddle, two round circles glued to popsicle sticks. One side was a picture of an old prospector panning for gold (heads) and the other side was a picture of a mule's behind (tails) complete with real
hair for the tail. It was a 50/50 game. All participants were standing showing one side or the other
and a coin was tossed. If it came up tails, all those showing heads sat down. I showed my tail 3 times in a row and it came up tails, I then switched to heads, heads came up, liked tails better so
switched back again, again tails. Now there were only about 4 of us left. I again chose tails, but then decided to switch to heads, and I was the only one left. T he fund raiser earned $1050 and so
I got half of that.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY: you are never too old to have fun and this little game is the source of
many comments among the friends of THE MCCAW SCHOOL OF MINES.
the paddles were the design of former first lady, Sandy Miller. Love that lady
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
AND NOW......................
THE REST OF THE STORY:
When I last left you, the pharmacy had denied me a refill on my meds, stating I had to wait 30 days before refilling, but condescendingly saying they would give me the 30 tablets they had short ed me 2 months ago.
Well, life kind of intervened at this point, and due to other commitments, I just didn't get over to the pharmacy to retrieve the meds until Monday, 5 days after I had called them with the info. I bravely walked up to the window, confident because this time I had the meds container in my purse. They were a tad busy at the
time, so I was honored to have the pharmacist herself wait on my. Obviously she hadn't read my previous blog, because she was fairly nice to me. I explained that I was there to pick up the prescription that the y had
shorted me on. She quickly fou nd it and said I guess we don't charge for this, as we shorted you/ DUH! I kept
my mouth shut. Oh, just a minute. I'd better check the computer just to be sure. Hmm, I really don't get this./
Well, to make a long story short, the dummies had not only given me the 30 tabs they had shorted me, but also gave me 90 more on the refill they had just denied me. So I guess I will just live life to the fullest before
someone comes to arrest me for overdosing on cholesterol meds. Glad I waited until my Wisconsin friends
left. It would have been embarrassing to be arrested at the HOFBRAUHAUS!
When I last left you, the pharmacy had denied me a refill on my meds, stating I had to wait 30 days before refilling, but condescendingly saying they would give me the 30 tablets they had short ed me 2 months ago.
Well, life kind of intervened at this point, and due to other commitments, I just didn't get over to the pharmacy to retrieve the meds until Monday, 5 days after I had called them with the info. I bravely walked up to the window, confident because this time I had the meds container in my purse. They were a tad busy at the
time, so I was honored to have the pharmacist herself wait on my. Obviously she hadn't read my previous blog, because she was fairly nice to me. I explained that I was there to pick up the prescription that the y had
shorted me on. She quickly fou nd it and said I guess we don't charge for this, as we shorted you/ DUH! I kept
my mouth shut. Oh, just a minute. I'd better check the computer just to be sure. Hmm, I really don't get this./
Well, to make a long story short, the dummies had not only given me the 30 tabs they had shorted me, but also gave me 90 more on the refill they had just denied me. So I guess I will just live life to the fullest before
someone comes to arrest me for overdosing on cholesterol meds. Glad I waited until my Wisconsin friends
left. It would have been embarrassing to be arrested at the HOFBRAUHAUS!
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