Simple things are best. After all the stress and worry over our little grandson who was born prematurely, having him come home on Friday to sleep, eat, fill his diaper, cry, and then do it all over again seems like such a simple thing and such a blessing. Watching him sleep in his mother’s arms makes me smile and want to cry, all at the same time.
Tonight my mom called and asked a favor. She wants me to stop at a fruit stand tomorrow and bring her two tomatoes. Real tomatoes, with real taste, not like the hard flavorless ones from a supermarket. Simple and so satisfying.
One of my daughters called tonight to report that she had seen a rainbow, full and complete with both ends showing. And her two growing daughters had shopped for groceries and made supper! Hamburgers, chips and a chili/cheese dip. Simple, yet also a milestone in their family life.
Yes, our big celebrations and elaborate productions are wonderful. But these simple moments are the ones that live in our hearts and make our days happy.
Written in response to the prompt at Sunday Scribblings.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Bargains
Saturday, my husband and I went rummaging. I wasn’t really in the mood or excited about visiting all the garage sales that we’d marked in the paper. I even thought that going to the bookstore to sit and read sounded like a much more fun way to spend the day. But he was in the mood to roam and look at things, so away we went. And I am so glad that we did!
I found more bargains on Saturday than I have ever found when I was looking for them. My first find was an ergonomic keyboard for only $3.00—and it works perfectly! The owner had upgraded to a wireless keyboard and he didn’t like the split keyboard anyway. I use one at work and I love it. Once I started using it, my wrists quit hurting. My old keyboard at home then became more of a pain to use, especially if I was typing for a long session. Now I can type as long as I want and feel no pain. And I love the feel of the keys clicking on this new keyboard—I smile every time I use it! I know--I’m such a geek!
Another bargain was an easy-to-assemble Christmas tree for $12.50. Our old tree was the kind that needs all the branches inserted separately and it still left big gaps between the branches. Of course, by the time I had loaded it with my humongous collection of 40 years worth of ornaments, it looked pretty good! But it was a bear to put together. Now I have one that will take me ten minutes, tops, to put up, and it is so full and pretty. My husband thought I was crazy for buying a Christmas tree in May. I pointed out that $12.50 spent in May beats $100 spent in December—and it also beats the dread and frustration that I felt putting the old one together.
I found several books. A Jody Picoult for ten cents. Three coffee table books—one on living in Provence, one about Indiana, and one about the wonders of the Ancient World—for only a quarter each! I had to have those.
And I found a sweet little saucer with colorful blue and orange birds flying around the rim. It reminds me of some that my Grandma had. The finish is crackled and worn. But at ten cents, how could I pass it up?
I am pleased with all my bargains. Not bad for less than twenty dollars, huh?
I found more bargains on Saturday than I have ever found when I was looking for them. My first find was an ergonomic keyboard for only $3.00—and it works perfectly! The owner had upgraded to a wireless keyboard and he didn’t like the split keyboard anyway. I use one at work and I love it. Once I started using it, my wrists quit hurting. My old keyboard at home then became more of a pain to use, especially if I was typing for a long session. Now I can type as long as I want and feel no pain. And I love the feel of the keys clicking on this new keyboard—I smile every time I use it! I know--I’m such a geek!
Another bargain was an easy-to-assemble Christmas tree for $12.50. Our old tree was the kind that needs all the branches inserted separately and it still left big gaps between the branches. Of course, by the time I had loaded it with my humongous collection of 40 years worth of ornaments, it looked pretty good! But it was a bear to put together. Now I have one that will take me ten minutes, tops, to put up, and it is so full and pretty. My husband thought I was crazy for buying a Christmas tree in May. I pointed out that $12.50 spent in May beats $100 spent in December—and it also beats the dread and frustration that I felt putting the old one together.
I found several books. A Jody Picoult for ten cents. Three coffee table books—one on living in Provence, one about Indiana, and one about the wonders of the Ancient World—for only a quarter each! I had to have those.
And I found a sweet little saucer with colorful blue and orange birds flying around the rim. It reminds me of some that my Grandma had. The finish is crackled and worn. But at ten cents, how could I pass it up?
I am pleased with all my bargains. Not bad for less than twenty dollars, huh?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Seven Things About Me
Denise tagged me several days (weeks?) back to list seven things about me that most people don’t know. I haven’t had or made the time to write in here, yet the idea has been on my mind. I’ve mulled over the question of whether or not these seven things are supposed to be things that no one knows or just seven things the blog world doesn’t know. If it’s just the blog world, almost anything could be written, because I haven’t been blogging very long and only a few people know that I’m here. So anything that I tell the world will be a surprise. To my friends and family around here, some of these things will cause some of them to say, “Been knowin’ that!”
1. I was the first and only female journeyman pressman at the local newspaper. I always thought that they hired me as a token woman who wouldn’t make it through the apprenticeship and then they could say that they tried to make the hiring equal but women just couldn’t handle the job! Instead, I dug in my heels and made it through the grueling four-year apprenticeship and then worked there for six more years. I knew that I was in for a hard time when my first job on my first night was to carry a full bucket of ink up a ladder and pour it into the ink fountain on top of the press. The male crew didn’t really want me there, yet by the time I left, I was one of the gang. It was like having 16 older brothers who looked out for me and told me how to live my life! I think they finally figured out that I wasn’t taking the job to prove anything—I was just a single mother trying to provide a living for my children and make a decent wage.
2. I’ve always been a bookworm. From the time I could read, Mom says that when she looked for me, she always found me with my nose stuck in a book. I always carry a book with me whenever I go someplace, just in case. My favorite cartoon, that my sister and fellow bookworm also loved, shows two people sitting on clouds in heaven, and one says to the other, “I knew I should have brought a book!”
3. I have been a lurker on blogs for years. I read them voraciously and follow the bloggers’ lives and feel like I know them well. Yet, I’ve been very shy about speaking to them directly and letting them know how much they mean to me.
4. One of my favorite blogs was Texere, written by Dawnelle. I loved reading everything that she ever wrote, and when she quit writing several years ago, I was so sad. I still miss her writing after all this time. I wish she’d come back!
5. When I was younger, my house was always messy in the visible parts, yet every cabinet, drawer and closet was meticulously arranged. This used to amaze my sister-in-law, whose house was always neat as a pin, yet her closets and drawers were filled with stuff haphazardly thrown in.
6. I took a tap dancing class as part of my college education. I loved it!
7. My friends at work call me Webster, because I love spelling and reading. Any time they have a grammar question, they come to me.
I’m not going to tag anyone else, since I’ve only conversed with two or three other bloggers. And I guess that fits in with my childhood personality of watching from the sidelines for a long time before I jump in to play the game!
Good news to report--my newest grandson is doing well! He was transferred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis because he was having intestinal problems. He is healing nicely and the doctor is pleased with his progress. He may get to come home in about a week. I finally got to see him this week, and of course he is adorable! I can't wait for him to be healthy and come home so I can hold him!
More later!
1. I was the first and only female journeyman pressman at the local newspaper. I always thought that they hired me as a token woman who wouldn’t make it through the apprenticeship and then they could say that they tried to make the hiring equal but women just couldn’t handle the job! Instead, I dug in my heels and made it through the grueling four-year apprenticeship and then worked there for six more years. I knew that I was in for a hard time when my first job on my first night was to carry a full bucket of ink up a ladder and pour it into the ink fountain on top of the press. The male crew didn’t really want me there, yet by the time I left, I was one of the gang. It was like having 16 older brothers who looked out for me and told me how to live my life! I think they finally figured out that I wasn’t taking the job to prove anything—I was just a single mother trying to provide a living for my children and make a decent wage.
2. I’ve always been a bookworm. From the time I could read, Mom says that when she looked for me, she always found me with my nose stuck in a book. I always carry a book with me whenever I go someplace, just in case. My favorite cartoon, that my sister and fellow bookworm also loved, shows two people sitting on clouds in heaven, and one says to the other, “I knew I should have brought a book!”
3. I have been a lurker on blogs for years. I read them voraciously and follow the bloggers’ lives and feel like I know them well. Yet, I’ve been very shy about speaking to them directly and letting them know how much they mean to me.
4. One of my favorite blogs was Texere, written by Dawnelle. I loved reading everything that she ever wrote, and when she quit writing several years ago, I was so sad. I still miss her writing after all this time. I wish she’d come back!
5. When I was younger, my house was always messy in the visible parts, yet every cabinet, drawer and closet was meticulously arranged. This used to amaze my sister-in-law, whose house was always neat as a pin, yet her closets and drawers were filled with stuff haphazardly thrown in.
6. I took a tap dancing class as part of my college education. I loved it!
7. My friends at work call me Webster, because I love spelling and reading. Any time they have a grammar question, they come to me.
I’m not going to tag anyone else, since I’ve only conversed with two or three other bloggers. And I guess that fits in with my childhood personality of watching from the sidelines for a long time before I jump in to play the game!
Good news to report--my newest grandson is doing well! He was transferred to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis because he was having intestinal problems. He is healing nicely and the doctor is pleased with his progress. He may get to come home in about a week. I finally got to see him this week, and of course he is adorable! I can't wait for him to be healthy and come home so I can hold him!
More later!
Sunday, May 6, 2007
A Simple Sunday
Today has been a sort of quiet day--yet also a good day. We found out that they've taken our new grandson off the breathing tube, and he is still doing well. I am so thankful for that. I described my car dilemma to a friend, and her daughter suggested that we check our transmission fluid. She had had the same problem and that was the solution for her. So my husband checked it and it was low--very low! He added transmission fluid, and we're hoping that the problem is solved. We haven't tested it on the highway yet, but it seemed to help even here in town.
Today was the first day that we took our 16 month old granddaughter, Maria, to church with us. We usually take her big sister, who is almost five. Today they both came along, and Maria had a blast! She loved seeing the other little kids and being in the nursery with them. She is normally shy and reluctant around strangers. Today she jumped right in and had a good time. I think this means we will now have two little passengers on Sunday! Since these two girls are big sisters to the new boy, I'm sure their Mom will appreciate the break!
Tonight I happened to see Beach Party with Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello (1963). Talk about a blast from the past! I started watching just to see what it was like, what I'd remember, etc. Before I knew it, I had watched the whole thing. Parts of it are so corny! And it is funny in places that I'm sure they didn't mean to be funny! And Annette's hair--it was sprayed and teased and didn't even move when she was flying upside down! My husband came in and asked how I could stand to watch it. I just enjoyed seeing something that I used to love now that I've gained some maturity (or gotten older!). It definitely changes your perspective! It did bring back memories and it was fun. It made me think about how things have changed. I loved seeing Robert Cummings again. So I think it was worth my time to stroll down memory lane. I did draw the line at watching the next show which was Beach Blanket Bingo! A stroll is one thing; I didn't want to turn it into a long walk!
More later!
Today was the first day that we took our 16 month old granddaughter, Maria, to church with us. We usually take her big sister, who is almost five. Today they both came along, and Maria had a blast! She loved seeing the other little kids and being in the nursery with them. She is normally shy and reluctant around strangers. Today she jumped right in and had a good time. I think this means we will now have two little passengers on Sunday! Since these two girls are big sisters to the new boy, I'm sure their Mom will appreciate the break!
Tonight I happened to see Beach Party with Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello (1963). Talk about a blast from the past! I started watching just to see what it was like, what I'd remember, etc. Before I knew it, I had watched the whole thing. Parts of it are so corny! And it is funny in places that I'm sure they didn't mean to be funny! And Annette's hair--it was sprayed and teased and didn't even move when she was flying upside down! My husband came in and asked how I could stand to watch it. I just enjoyed seeing something that I used to love now that I've gained some maturity (or gotten older!). It definitely changes your perspective! It did bring back memories and it was fun. It made me think about how things have changed. I loved seeing Robert Cummings again. So I think it was worth my time to stroll down memory lane. I did draw the line at watching the next show which was Beach Blanket Bingo! A stroll is one thing; I didn't want to turn it into a long walk!
More later!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
No Go Disappointment!
I wasn’t able to make it to my nephew Shane’s wedding today, and that is a huge disappointment. I started off on the 100-mile trip. Before I had gone 40 miles, the car started acting up. I thought maybe the first incident was a fluke. Before I got to the next exit, it did it again. I called my husband and turned around to head home. By then, I had to get off the interstate because the car wouldn’t go over 40 miles an hour. I am so thankful that I was able to get home. Now the car is sitting and waiting until a mechanic can look at it. I came home, cried, and then “took to my bed” as all good Southern women do when life is too much. After a nap, I’m feeling much less devastated.
My husband took the car out to see what was wrong. He came home and said those classic male words that I hate to hear. “Gee, honey, I couldn’t find anything wrong with it.” I thought, “Of course you can’t find anything wrong when you take it around the block at 20 miles an hour. Try driving on the interstate when the engine suddenly roars, the tachometer whips back and forth, and the pressing forward stops!” Beginning to coast when a huge semi is on your tale is no fun!
I really hate missing the wedding. This nephew is the one who has always seemed older than his years. He and his older brother lived right down the street from us when my daughters were small. My two daughters, then his brother, then him—they looked like little stair-steps, and any time people saw us out, they assumed that all four children were mine. And they seemed like my own sons, just as my girls were Shirley’s daughters. I remember one time when Shane was about four years old. He was telling me a long involved story about something, and my mind started to wander. He reached up, placed his two hands on my cheeks, looked straight in my eyes, and said “Aunt Linda, you’re not listening to me.” Needless to say, I paid attention to the rest of the story! Shane was always coming up with some deep philosophical comment that amazed us. We thought that he would grow up to be a preacher or a professor. He has grown up to work with a Christian camp youth ministry, and he does a fabulous job.
I pulled out old family photos this evening and looked through them, remembering what a sweet little boy he was and how much fun we had. He’s brought great joy to my life. I hope that he and his new wife have a blessed marriage. And I sure hope that someone made a video of his wedding!
My husband took the car out to see what was wrong. He came home and said those classic male words that I hate to hear. “Gee, honey, I couldn’t find anything wrong with it.” I thought, “Of course you can’t find anything wrong when you take it around the block at 20 miles an hour. Try driving on the interstate when the engine suddenly roars, the tachometer whips back and forth, and the pressing forward stops!” Beginning to coast when a huge semi is on your tale is no fun!
I really hate missing the wedding. This nephew is the one who has always seemed older than his years. He and his older brother lived right down the street from us when my daughters were small. My two daughters, then his brother, then him—they looked like little stair-steps, and any time people saw us out, they assumed that all four children were mine. And they seemed like my own sons, just as my girls were Shirley’s daughters. I remember one time when Shane was about four years old. He was telling me a long involved story about something, and my mind started to wander. He reached up, placed his two hands on my cheeks, looked straight in my eyes, and said “Aunt Linda, you’re not listening to me.” Needless to say, I paid attention to the rest of the story! Shane was always coming up with some deep philosophical comment that amazed us. We thought that he would grow up to be a preacher or a professor. He has grown up to work with a Christian camp youth ministry, and he does a fabulous job.
I pulled out old family photos this evening and looked through them, remembering what a sweet little boy he was and how much fun we had. He’s brought great joy to my life. I hope that he and his new wife have a blessed marriage. And I sure hope that someone made a video of his wedding!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Birth Day!
Our stubborn little grandson made his appearance today! He was born at 1:30 a.m. weighing 6 pounds and 10 ounces, and he is 19 ½ inches long. He is on a breathing tube for a few days, although the doctor is already starting to wean him off of it. So far, I’ve only seen pictures of him. The NICU has strict rules about how many people can visit, so we have to wait until he comes out. Mom is doing fine, although she is tired and sore and worried because he has to be away from her. I understand that anxiety. Mothers aren’t at peace until their babies are within their care. Even Grandmas feel the same way! I am so thankful that he is here, and I can’t wait to hold him, rock him, and love on him.
I’m off to a nephew’s wedding tomorrow. He waited until after 30 for the right woman to come along, and now he’s found her. And I find it hard to believe that he is that old already. I still remember seeing him when he was as new born as my newest grandson. Where does the time go?
Right now, the time is zipping along past my bedtime. And since tomorrow includes a Mother-Daughter breakfast, another visit to the hospital, a long drive and a wedding, I think I’d better hit the hay!
More later!
I’m off to a nephew’s wedding tomorrow. He waited until after 30 for the right woman to come along, and now he’s found her. And I find it hard to believe that he is that old already. I still remember seeing him when he was as new born as my newest grandson. Where does the time go?
Right now, the time is zipping along past my bedtime. And since tomorrow includes a Mother-Daughter breakfast, another visit to the hospital, a long drive and a wedding, I think I’d better hit the hay!
More later!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Life Fills the Well
I've been absent from blogging for awhile, and I've been feeling guilty. Yet, after reading Becca's post today, I realized that I can drop the guilt. Just as she said, life has been busy. So she thinks of these activities that keep her away from blogging as a period of filling the well. Reading the books, listening to music, spending time with family, all serve to enrich our lives. After reading what she wrote, I felt like I could take a deep breath and relax. And guess what? After I let go of the guilt, I felt the desire to come back and connect with the blog world again!
A big part of what has been keeping me away from here has been my grandkids. Two of them are teenagers, and when their computer isn't working at home, they come to my house to do homework and use the internet. That means restricted time for me to get on and noodle around. I don't mind though. I love having them here, and I want them to do well in school. The latest project that my granddaughter (a junior) worked on boggled my mind. It was a multimedia presentation that involved a lot of research and creativity. Her topic included jazz, so I was able to share some of the poetry that William Matthews wrote and some of the CD's that his poetry had inspired me to check out of the library, Charles Mingus in particular.
Then on Saturday, I went to her house to take pictures before she went to the Junior Prom. She looked so beautiful! I look at her, and I'm amazed at her beauty and poise. She borrowed my camera to take with her, so I got to see the shots of her goofing around with her friends. I liked seeing that side of her too.
We also have a little grandson who has been trying to come into the world for the last several weeks. My youngest stepdaughter is in the hospital on bed rest waiting for him to be born. Her labor was progressing too well, even though he isn't due for another 3 weeks. Now that she is far enough along and the doctor said that she can go ahead and give birth, the labor has slowed down. My friend says that is just the stubborn little boy having his way! We went to the hospital again tonight, and again we came home. She still thinks he'll be born before morning. I think she's just tired of lying in that lonely room!
Now you know what has been filling my well lately. And with a family wedding coming up this weekend, a Mother-Daughter breakfast at church, and more trips to the hospital, I'm sure that I'll have more to share soon.
More later!
A big part of what has been keeping me away from here has been my grandkids. Two of them are teenagers, and when their computer isn't working at home, they come to my house to do homework and use the internet. That means restricted time for me to get on and noodle around. I don't mind though. I love having them here, and I want them to do well in school. The latest project that my granddaughter (a junior) worked on boggled my mind. It was a multimedia presentation that involved a lot of research and creativity. Her topic included jazz, so I was able to share some of the poetry that William Matthews wrote and some of the CD's that his poetry had inspired me to check out of the library, Charles Mingus in particular.
Then on Saturday, I went to her house to take pictures before she went to the Junior Prom. She looked so beautiful! I look at her, and I'm amazed at her beauty and poise. She borrowed my camera to take with her, so I got to see the shots of her goofing around with her friends. I liked seeing that side of her too.
We also have a little grandson who has been trying to come into the world for the last several weeks. My youngest stepdaughter is in the hospital on bed rest waiting for him to be born. Her labor was progressing too well, even though he isn't due for another 3 weeks. Now that she is far enough along and the doctor said that she can go ahead and give birth, the labor has slowed down. My friend says that is just the stubborn little boy having his way! We went to the hospital again tonight, and again we came home. She still thinks he'll be born before morning. I think she's just tired of lying in that lonely room!
Now you know what has been filling my well lately. And with a family wedding coming up this weekend, a Mother-Daughter breakfast at church, and more trips to the hospital, I'm sure that I'll have more to share soon.
More later!
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