Family, Friends and "Others"?

We know "family and friends," but who are the "others"? To me, they are the ones that are there for me and probably don't know it. Sounds puzzling doesn't it? It may be that person that gives a knowing smile as I struggle and limp along, or someone holding the door as I slowly move in or out. Did I ever think this would one day be me? Never! I'm very thankful for them, the "others" in my life. No, I don't like being slow, but it has happened over time and in doing so, gives me so much more insight and a sense of appreciation. This may not be you, and you don't understand, just yet. I believe in "paying forward" so thank you in advance for all the kindnesses I am being shown.
grandma

To Celebrate Or Not Celebrate Christmas?

Why? Or maybe, why not? It is a designated "holiday", but the question is whether or not we celebrate it, and just "how?," if we do? Do we celebrate it quietly alone, reflecting on just what it means to ourselves individually, or do we join others and be a part of their celebrations? Whichever we choose, it's our choice. Either way, my hope is it's a day of thankfulness for the most precious gift ever given, Our Savior. The gifts we exchange are because of the LOVE we extend to those around us for this priceless gift. In my own mind, I have to stop and think on this as families gather for a yearly celebration with friends and much merriment. Do we celebrate a Savior, or is it something less? Let's rejoice with a celebration of "Christ  the reason for the season"!
Grandma

"T'WAS The Week Before Christmas"

I hope everyone has their shopping for Christmas finished the tree decorated and the assorted things people rush to do. Yes, I finished my shopping today and have 1 gift, on its way, my tracking it says. The few things I purchased are wrapped and ready to distribute. This is going to be one of the years the "thought" will have to go a long way with those receiving gifts from me. I believe it wasteful and not wise to buy just anything so it will be a present. A simple box of chocolates are aways good for me. When I remember the sparse Christmas's I had as a child. I am more than blessed. We were happy even though there were few presents. My dad always bought fruit, nuts and hard candy. That was enough to satisfy us. My older brother and I hung stockings for a few years behind a pot-bellied stove. As the stove heated during the night, candy melted inside the stockings. Finally, one year my mother suggested we leave dinner plates for Santa to put our candy on. That worked much better. A lot of Christmas' have come and gone for me, and along with it a lot of the joy I once knew. My grand daughter now grown and living in her own home, makes me realize how fast time has passed. She and her mother make cookies and candy as part of their gifts to me. That is so special and so good. I hope everyone has someone to give them a gift they have made. Next Sunday will be a day of families and friends getting together, enjoying that time. Wish everyone the best Christmas yet!
Grandma

A Time Of Hope

Many of us go through a lot of confusion when rushed with thoughts of what to do first. Such as birthdays, upcoming holidays, and decorating for them, fixing just the right foods for the get-to-gathers. We get it a lot of trouble trying to please others with no thought that we too, have limitations.
 Loving our families, we treasure everything about them, although we may disagree with things they may do and say. Sometimes we may dwell long on what WE may see as their shortcomings, and miss their best qualities. That would be called "judging", something we have a constant fight within ourselves about. In this season, I would encourage others, as well as myself, to pause and think of all the blessings we each have on a daily basis. It will surprise each of us, and the little things that annoy us ,will seem so small.
If you have been hurt, there are words from a song "Praise the hurt away!" Yes, give it all to God, He still answers prayer.
Til next time,
grandma

What Is It You Treasure Most?

Certainly we all have different thoughts on this. I was just reading of some things that will be auctioned on the 22nd from the Titanic. A letter from a survivor hand written caught my interest. Although they were thankful to be among the first rescuced, later in the letter mentioned an investment doing well. Seems even though they were alive and doing well, I found them untouched by the death of so many. My heart says "how can this be?" Do we not care for the suffering of others? Do we only think"'I'm doing well"? Sure I'm glad you are, if you are. Something inside of me cares, gives hope, and prays for those less fortunate. There is a phase I hear quoted less and less these days " There but for the grace of God, go I". When you tell me of all your treasures laid up on earth, it doesn't impress me at all, in fact, I wonder how much it could be doing for the Lord. Back to my question"What Is It You Treasure Most?"

Trying to get a "grip"!

Just what does that mean to each of us? Is it something to do with our health, finances, friendships, perhaps anything to help us feel more stable in our ever changing world. Those changes come daily, so we more or less, have to be able to change with them. Very hard, sometimes more than others. When we are told new medicines we need to take just to try and preserve what is fast fading from our lives, it is hard to think about, but as we age those are changing times, too. Did we as young people ever give serious thought that someday it would happen? More than likely, most didn't. Now we are faced with as many or perhaps more challenges than we ever envisioned. It becomes more and more important that we make wise decisions in all the things not thought of in our earlier years. Be thankful when someone offers help in helping you get a "grip", it can be priceless. Remember above all, Our heavenly Father will never leave you without HOPE in all things.

Fall Already!

Makes me feel like a "rip van winkle" person! Summer is gone, once again and we are beginning to see the colors of fall fast approaching and falling leaves. It is beautiful, although we may soon long for the warmth of summer days soon. The town I live in has some streets that have beautiful old trees that show a lot of color in the fall season. I always enjoy slowly driving down the bumpy brick street and admiring the neatly kept homes. Brings to wonder about the families that lived there a century ago. Who were they? What things they may have enjoyed? Did they ever think someone might one day think of them? What were they most concerned about? I'm sure many were affluent people, and probably passed down to younger generations many ideas. If you live in an old house, as I do, do you wonder these things? Makes me wonder just what can I pass to my only living heir, a grand daughter. Will she even care? A lot of questions I have, and no answers. I've put together all the genealogy on my and my deceased husbands family I can find for her. I want her to know who she is, and  that I love her with all of my heart. Yes, God loves her even more.

The Love Of A Grandma

How does one explain the love of a "grandma" when they can't begin to explain the love of a mother, nor of their children? All I know, they have a place in our hearts and lives unlike any other. Just the joy of seeing them makes us feel better, and brings a sigh of "Thank you Lord for this blessing". Try as we may, we find it hard to release them into the world never knowing what the future holds. The parents job is to guide and teach them so they will know how to make good choices. We trust we do that job, so they can be independent and will always be an upstanding example in a world in so much turmoil. Our prayers continue as long as we live for them.
grandma

DEEP in summer weather

We all know how hot and rainy it has been, so we won't talk about that today. Misleading tittle!
What I wanted to talk about was an older brother with a birthday today. Since I'm not much younger, I remember  some of what that time period was like. We lived in a one room structure when I was born. No electricity, no "running water", except when it rained. No modern conveniences at all. You may think "How awful"! Uncomfortable maybe, but do you know people "get away on vacations" today to experience this kind of life? They do take things to make outdoor cooking easier and cellphones to communicate. No, they miss the whole experience of what everyday life was like for us. We weren't going to travel back to the air conditioned house with automatic washers and dryers and fancy cooking appliances, indoor plumbing and TV"s, what is that? by the way.  We made up our games, family time was at the end of the day when our parents actually took time to enjoy us, no matter how tired they were. "Happy Birthday" to my brother that is a real survivor in so many ways.
grandma

Great weekend!

Why is it a great weekend?, you may ask. If for no other reason we celebrate our country's birthday, or does that get lost with all the hoopla about fireworks, good food and being with friends and family? Just wondering, how serious are we really about it.
I may be old or older or mature or even aged, as some might say, but in my young days we were a patriotic people. Children learned young to honor our flag and all it stood for. I am still so proud when I see it and remember the early days of my youth. The kind janitor at my little school would proudly raise the flag on the flagpole every morning and at evening would lower it. We felt proud of it displayed in our classroom and always said the pledge every morning. Our teachers taught us patriotic songs. We honored God and our country and so proud to do it. Am I the only one that notices the lack of the same loyalty displayed today? I wonder about these things, and just where we are going. My message would be  honor your father and mother, and also God and country.
Happy Birthday USA!
grandma

Time is swiftly passing

We are officially already into summer. Grass is growing, and the weeds are surely doing just as well. We've had a lot of rain, hope all the people with gardens have beautifully growing vegetables.
Vacations are probably under way or are in plans for some folks. Family reunions and dinners and friends getting together, looking like a Norman Rockwell painting of happy folks. Some of us miss those days of happy and carefree summers. As we age a lot of things have been discontinued, some of the folks moved away, or more sadly, left us too soon. Cherish the happy memories, they are treasures time cannot destroy.
grandma

The Origins of Tattoos

I find the research on the subject interesting. Then I read of what a pastor referred to in the scriptures. Do I think I want to so decorate my body in this manner? No, after reading the scriptures. Leviticus 19:28, Genesis 1:26 and 1 Co 6: 19-20. In Rev. there are also references. It is a personal choice for our culture, so what are we trying to express, or do we even know? It's interesting when you see so many displaying them as if to say, "This is who I am". Really? I think it's more like a peer pressure thing and trying to find an identity for oneself. The memory keeps coming back at an accident scene when a lady opened her car door to exit. All of her leg was so tattooed was all that consumed ones attention in that report. Is this the attention we want to attract? Hmmmmmmmmmm. We make all kinds of choices in life. Hope all are well thought out.
grandma

What is June 11th to me?

52 years ago today was my wedding day. One of the days that will be remembered only by those that hold it dear, like "forever in my heart". My mate passed 26 years ago this month and the folks that were witnesses at the ceremony have since passed also. Sometimes we feel as if we are the only ones "left standing". It has been said, and true "there are memories that time cannot destroy". I remember reading in some notes my grandmother had written many years after my grandfather passed, on a certain day, "today was my anniversary". Memories do last. May yours always bring you happiness!
grandma

Lives Ever Changing

As much as change is sometimes hard to deal with throughout our lifetimes, it is a constant. Just remembered to change my calenders to the right month, one wasn't even changed last month. Do things become less important as we age, or is it "don't sweat the small stuff" as some say.
 As we age many "downsize" and move to smaller living quarters. Leave behind the memories of children living in the same house where we call home over 50 years. The work to keep the house more updated as we have aged, and now what, it's too taxing to maintain alone. That is what I am trying to sort out now. Does it really matter where one lives? Probably not, when we realize how short life is when we have reached pretty near the end of what is a life span in years. I'm thinking "4 walls are 4 walls" no matter where I live. I have only 1 grandchild that would like to have me in the same town she lives in. Other than that, my siblings have their own to be concerned for. So, what to do? Most of all count my blessings and be thankful for all the mercy God continues to give me each day. It's back to "Pray about everything". A good time to ask for God to lead me.
grandma

Summer Days

Oh yes! Very hot with the 90's heating us each day. I love summertime and most of all the memories of my childhood. The days were long and everything was slow moving, way back then. It was days of being outdoors, going barefoot, and letting imaginations take you where ever you wanted to go. In the 40's we were concerned about getting the dreadful "Polio" after one of our school friends was afflicted. Never knowing why, and all the things we were cautioned about not to do to get it. Being children without much to entertain us, our mothers cautioned us about not playing in the dirt, as that might be a source of the disease. Medical advances have been made, whereas, we seldom hear of it in our present day.
 We had many concerns as children with  WW11 was upon us at the time. The "lights out",alerts that went on kept us in a constant fear of being maybe bombed. An overhead plane passing in the night was an alarming sound, always in our small minds, caused fear. Everyone knew or had a loved one serving in the military. I remember a soldier came to tell us "bye" before leaving for overseas. I wish I could say he came home alive, but he didn't. I see his grave when I visit my family's graves, always brings memories of how young he was and he gave all for us and  our country.
grandma

Holiday weekend!

I think of WHY we are celebrating this weekend. So many brave people have gone on, giving their lives for FREEDOM and to keep us free. Probably no family has gone untouched through the years without a memory they wish to honor a special someone. All of our lives somehow touch when we do this. I have people from the Civil War, I can never forget on this weekend, the things they did so long ago. The battles of their own personal lives as well as those for their country and rights of all of us.. Many came home, if at all, their health destroyed by the poor conditions they endured. My great grandfather was just one of my my relatives from that era. Other wars and battles have been so devastating taking from us so many serving our country without a thought of their sacrifice. Many have lived out their days feeling unappreciated for all they did. I cared back in those days and NO, I will not forget you and what you did.
Thank you,
grandma

May 26th

Hope everyone is staying safe through all the rough weather. With the numerous deaths from other communities, weather connected, leaves us all more alert to our surroundings and those we hold so dear. For instance I had to travel to Evansville yesterday for 2 MRI's. I could immediately feel the tenseness of their feelings. The person doing my tests kept checking her phone for the latest weather. As I left she checked again to assure me it was safe for me to travel. She didn't know how earnestly I had been praying the entire time.
Be safe and look out for for those less fortunate as we are all on a journey.
grandma

May 18th Already!

So time to be starting a garden, or at least thinking what is to be planted. I have no suitable soil for gardening a vegetable garden. I did manage one lonely tomato plant. Last year I tried one in a planter, no success with that! Just maybe I'll have a tomato from this plant.
So much is going on at this time, graduations, weddings and the celebrations of them. Happy occasions and family gatherings. I so much like them, and feel the excitement everyone has that is looking to the future for happy times. I wish them all well in their new undertakings of the future.
For many it is housecleaning time, if it wasn't done earlier this season. I never liked when my mother did the cleaning. She took one room at a time and everything was moved out of that room. The furniture had a thorough cleaning as well as the room, before everything was placed back in it. If she was wallpapering a room, so much more work. She was such a "hands on" person that could do everything and anything she set her mind to. Although it's been 7 years since she went to her heavenly home, she is missed daily by those she gave so much to.
Enjoy each and every day you are blessed to have.
grandma

Day after "Mother's Day"

Hope everyone had a very good "Mother's Day" with family and friends. It can be a lonely and "teary eyed" day for some, no matter how wonderful everyone treats you. Sometimes we are inclined to count our losses instead of focusing on our blessings. I do appreciate all of my loveones, but so miss those that have left me. Knowing they went to be with our Lord gives comfort in such times. Today, I feel blooming plants would make me feel better to appreciate the beauty of this life God has given me. Thanks family!

May 5th

Soon Derby Day will be here with all the excitement. I love watching the crowds as much as anything. Everyone decked out in beautiful clothes and all hopeful their favorite will win. I would be spellbound if I were fortunate enough to attend.
We are suppose to have a mostly dry day today. So many things go undone when it rains.
 Mother's Day this weekend. Must remember cards for mothers I so appreciate, for birthdays this weekend, a lot to do today. I'm not great at making lists, but this would surely be a time I need one.
I "burned" 10 copies of a CD my brother recorded on an LP some 40 years ago, this week. He will be selling some and I have permission to gift some to family and a few friends. I hope everyone will give them a "listen to", his voice was outstanding. I'm so glad his daughter took steps to get the LP put on a CD. My LP's have been put away so long ago and the player unused for so long, a day of "yore" so to speak.
If you are having sunshine, be sure to get out for a few minutes and enjoy it today.
grandma

Another month, already May!

Oh! the memories I have of May, from my youth. Very few even know how we dressed some 70 years ago or how poor everyone was at that time in our country. Just emerging from the great depression and entering into what was to be WW11. It was a time most all of our clothes were homemade and/or remade from what we called "hand-me-downs". We were blessed even to have them. Not everyone did and just had to do with whatever was at hand.
 I was going to talk about "May". The first day of May I could stop wearing long underwear and those awful heavy long stockings. Most of all, it was a custom in my family that the children could start going barefooted. School would end near the end of April so we didn't have to wear shoes again until school began after Labor Day. Of course if we we went to town or church we would wear shoes, but at home our feet were "free". We waded in mud puddles after summer rains. Mud squashed between our toes on warm sunny days, is only a dream now. Our feet got toughened, but there were always stubbed toes or stepping on a thorn or something to hurt our feet. We had a thorn tree at the northwest corner of our house, so it was always best not to go in that area. We spent our summers playing games we would make up, not requiring toys just our imaginations. It was a magic time, free of a lot of cares many children today face.
Hope you have good and happy memories.
grandma

Saturday, catchup day, maybe?

With so much recent rain it's been a real challenge to do outside work. All the shrubbery has had a real growing season, so out of control and "wild" looking. I took my "trusty" hedge trimmers to mine this morning. They may not look so neat but at least more controlled. I trimmed 3 burning bushes and 2 forsythias. I need to wait until all the azaleas have stopped blooming to trim them. I was well ready for a rest after trimming and loading the trimmings and taking them to the curb. So thankful my health has enabled me to do my yard work.
Only a few days until "Mother's Day", many mothers will get plants of some description for that day. In my mother's last years, I gave her plants to be planted in her yard. She enjoyed the azaleas so much, and they were beautiful year after year, made her little house a showplace. Not just my opinion, but was remarked on by others. After her passing the house was sold. The bushes remained until last summer when the present owners decided they must go, and go they did, robbing the yard of its beauty. I was told they were going to do some "landscaping"! Never done, but a couple of tall grasses so inappropriately placed next to the house. The dogwood was taken out as was anything that lent beauty to the yard. Not a trace of rose bushes remain. The property is "for sale" again, saddens me they destroyed the gifts my mother enjoyed and treasured. Just maybe someday new owners will restore the yard, and it will again look "homey" and inviting again.
Love and honor mothers on their special day, you'll be glad you did.
grandma

Friday, and beautiful!

Last night was a very restless night for me, instead of a nice calm night to sleep through. So, I was up and watching the Royal Wedding, something making history. I am still amazed at all the technology we have in this age, and it's constant change.
So thinking of the folks and families forever changed by the recent weather that came their way. Makes us think "what if it had happened to us?" I don't think anyone could be mentally or physically prepared to know exactly what they would do, or how they would emerge from such devastation. I pray lives can be rebuilt and  they will find peace.
I've decided to do a little yard work today. I hope to do a little mowing, after seeing the neighbors doing theirs. I'll take my time, so it may take another day. The trimming is so time consuming and is never really completed.
I hope everyone can get out in the sunshine which helps to enjoy the day.
grandma

Thursday, with some SUN!

Maybe the "Sun" word was a little too loud, but so welcome. I'm looking forward to getting back to doing yard work. I like the peaceful time of just being away from a lot of the cares indoors, and feeling the freedom of being out and seeing all the plants and yes, weeds growing. The tulips have finished blooming and the azaleas are beautiful. The irises are beginning to bloom and I have bachelor buttons soon to burst into bloom. The peonies are full of buds, soon to bloom too. I so much love the different blooming flowers. I would like something blooming all season, and I just may. There will be cone flowers and black eyed susans, and daisies later. Day lilies will be blooming, which are always so pretty. The butterfly bushes last most of the summer with their color and the beautiful butterflies they attract.
I think I have a lot to look forward to, hope everyone has something to bring them joy and happiness. Think of all you have, as it will surprise you how blessed you are! I have, now my day will be brighter.
Grandma

Rain, Showers,& Storms

The last several days have given us a lot of WEATHER! It is unbelievable the amount of rain that has fallen and all streams and rivers are far above flood stage. My area has, so far, been spared of any loss of life storm related. We are grateful for all the mercies shown us.
I think back over 70 years ago when my dad worked as a farmhand. We had no car so he walked each day to a farm to work for a prosperous farm owner. He would leave home at daybreak, or before, walking with his lunch pail for an early start on the day. At evening it would be sunset before he came walking home. Most of the farming was done with a team of horses. In my mind's eye I can still see the teams of horses he worked with. The farm owner always wanted to start the corn planting on May 1st. Seasons were quite different 70 years ago. On that morning 70 years ago my father had the team harnessed and on the way to the field, around 7 in the morning, was in an accident. Traveling down the highway just over a hilltop a semi hit the wagon and team he was driving. He had a fractured skull and broken collar bone. The nearest hospital was Evansville, IN from where we lived. He spent 3 weeks there in the Welborn-Walker Hospital, no longer in operation. My mother took care of us and kept us fed, without any resources to help us. My mother was such a remarkable woman, there was nothing she couldn't do. How I do miss her! Anyway, it was quite a time before my dad was able to do any work after returning home. I remember how weak he was. A farmhand was the only work he could get for a lot of years. We certainly lived a life without anything but the bare essentials. I had the best parents anyone can imagine, they were caring for us and providing what they could. I long for a time so simple, when people were different and caring for their families.
May all your days be good memories,
Grandma

Special weekend

Special, for many reasons and yet different, from one person to another. The tornado's weather brings anxieties to each of us, whether or not we are in it's path. We no doubt have friends or loved ones we have concerns for. May we all be safe and care about those in peril.
Maybe others are somewhat like me, when the weather is not pleasant, I am more apt to focus on things that bring me down, maybe just bad memories, or health issues or maybe the way our country is moving, or not moving. That is the time to be encouraged by someone or something that will bring to us HOPE of a better day. No, it will not rain always and the there will be bright sunny days again, just not now. HOPE does live eternal! That is what this weekend is about HOPE. I'll now face the day with a better outlook.
God bless

Good Friday

What does "Good Friday" mean to the peoples around the world? Most importantly, to each of us individually. Yes, I've heard, and read and all the things about Easter being a pagan holiday too. The same they apply about Christmas. Their arguments don't bother me. I choose to believe in the one the Bible speaks of and that is what I celebrate. The death and resurrection of Jesus frees us from sin and gives eternal life with him in heaven for eternity. Think about it! There is nothing else out there that makes such a promise that can be trusted. A lot of folks will argue about their "good works", those are only a good thing if followed by their devotion to Christ, the first step. This is a season to reflect on our lives and our beliefs for eternity. I would encourage you to seriously consider this.
God bless

Thursday, already!

Tomorrow is Good Friday, a holiday for some working folks. It will be a long weekend for some, hopefully there will be family gatherings for some, a real highlight for many to enjoy family and catch up on all the happenings since they last met. Treasure those times. As we age we see less and less of family and lose those precious connections. I remember some of those times with my family. There was always the thrill on Easter morning to find an Easter basket, although my mother made it, with a chocolate bunny and goodies. My mother was so resourceful she could do anything. If she could dream it she could do it. Anyway, I remember the Easter I was probably 4 years old. I had a new dress and shoes to wear to church. The dress was a pale shade of green taffeta with a pretty little decoration on it, and the shoes were black patent. Seemed like Easter was a time for new clothes, more than any other time.
 No more time for days of "yore", but the NOW. Many of us try to maintain our homes and yard work, within our ability. It's always best if the weather is agreeable for the outside duties. Isn't it amazing how the weather determines our outside activities! I can dream all kinds of things to do when the weather isn't favorable. Once the weather is good, somewhere I've lost all that eagerness to get at the task. Right now, I'm waiting for the weather to clear and dry the lawn. Come on sun!
Be encouraged!

Thankful!

So thankful this morning the warnings were not as bad as it could have been in my area. Electricity was off about 7 hours. I was prepared with my flashlights and a working battery radio. It may have been a little eerie but so thankful for God's protection and answered prayer. Some schools are having delays and one county had called off school as the whole county was out of electricity during the night.
Again, I'm a thankful grandma this morning.

Blue Monday!

To some it's "blue monday" whatever that is, some first workday of the week, and long ago in my memory was "washday". A time where every soiled piece of clothing, linens or "whatever" was in for a good washing. Mothers took it very seriously back then. Whites had to be boiled or bleached to make them dazzling white. It was a very long day back then, especially if there was no washing machine. What an invention that was! Beginning early in the morning, water was heated on a stove or outdoors over a fire, clothes were scrubbed on a washboard. A mother had a lot of work, I shudder to remember how difficult it was. Noon time meant she had to be sure the children were well fed. No going to the store to pick up something fast and easy, everything was made from scratch, not such a thing as "fast food". Washing took the whole day. After all of that, there was an evening meal to fix and getting the children bathed and into their freshly laundered night clothes and into the freshly washed bed clothes. Thanks to all the mothers that took such good care of us,

Really is SPRING!

The springtime storms have hit so many areas with loss of life and property. So sad to see and hear about from our news sources. Praying for all the people feeling their losses on this Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is a very precious time when we pause to remember the historic ride of Jesus into Jerusalem and  how he was hailed, just a few days before his crucfixation. A time of reflection, "What will we do with Jesus"?
I had the pleasure of talking with my granddaughter last evening. She is very busy updating her living quarters. This is a very important time in her life facing responsibilities of work and adjusting to all the newness of living on her own.
Maybe  a lot of us will remember our first jobs and for the first time on our own. Scary wasn't it? Rent to pay after finally finding an apartment, grocery shopping another new experience, being responsible for getting ourselves to work on time, no one to nudge us. Our workplace may not have been very far away, but still we had to walk, no resources to buy a car. We had to wait on the car until we saved enough to buy it, took a long time, although the price tag may not have been much, compared to today's prices. Neither was our paycheck. We were pleased with ourselves knowing with planning we could achieve our goals. What if we did sometime have a setback, we knew we had it in us to make a comeback. I miss seeing some of those things in many of our people in today's world. What happened? Did we get lazy and depend on others to do for us? Just yesterday I heard of a man out of work for a very long time, has several children. The wife works, but he has no ambition to look for employment as he gets from the government what he thinks he might earn IF he worked. Yes, ultimately the working people are supporting him and his family. People disabled, I thank our government for seeing to their needs, they no doubt worked as long as they could. We have big problems looming in our country, and no foreseeable answers. Let's get back to what America was. United lets say WE CAN!
God bless

What is going on?

I was thinking on the subject many church goers are asking in this day and age, "the end of the age", "the anti-Christ", "our economy, how is it really controlled?" If you will only Google a few persons in our government system today, it is frighting to say the least. Not to pick on anyone but a description of a man came up, so I decided to find out more about him. He was rich to begin with , another description was a Hungarian Jew. I am in no way am biased about nationalities. With that information the name "George Soros" quickly appeared. Does the public know what Google tells us? Read for yourself what it says. Betraying his own people and feeling no remorse was one thing that jumped out at me. As an American, I was shocked. He is a billionaire, so you can decide for yourself how he gets his power and following. As I said, read for yourself, there must be some truth in it.
On a lighter note, my area only had a watch for severe weather yesterday and evening. We were fortunate once more, heavy rain and wind, but no tornadoes.
Wishing you a safe weekend!
Phyllis

FRIDAY! (TGIF?)

The end of the work week for many, and others will be "catch up" time of all of the home duties, which is the REAL job. Wishing you all the best on that one. I sort of caught up on my yard work yesterday. That is a good feeling to do that myself, and be able to do it. I don't think I would feel as much enjoyment in my yard if someone else was doing the work. I managed to hang a swing on it's frame, and have the chairs and table out to enjoy the outdoors in the nice weather that is sure to come. The dogwood tree, lilacs, and tulips are in bloom, and the azaleas just waiting to burst forth. What is not to like about this beautiful season!
A loud "BOOM" brought me to attention yesterday as the last section of the old bridge was brought down. A piece of history gone. It was even older than me! The new bridge that crosses the Wabash river is so much safer for everyone traveling it. No more waiting while oversize loads have the police halting traffic for them to cross. In fact, you hardly know you are crossing the mighty Wabash River. I remember always taking a deep breath and saying a silent pray that I would safely cross the old bridge. IF only there could be a 4 lane highway to Princeton, IN, it is so heavily traveled, forget passing any slow traffic. I traveled it daily for 9 years or more making my way to work. Isn't it always like us to want something more? Really, I'm thankful for the new bridge.
Another thing in memory are the many ferries that crossed rivers when I was younger. Not many still operating. In memory, was one crossing the river at the end of 5th St. in Mt. Carmel to Knox County IN where the White River joined the Wabash River. It was operating into the early 50's, another was the the one below Grayville crossing the Wabash into IN. It ceased operation when the I-64 highway was built several years go. As a child it was always a treat to have your car transported that way.
Wishing everyone a good weekend with good memories!

A wonderful day!

The weather looks to be beautiful today. I hope to work on some things outdoors long neglected. It really makes for harder work when things are neglected.
I'm sure people in my area remember the eathquake of April 2008 as the date draws near. They will remember exactly where they were, when in the early morning hour they were shaken awake. Strange, you knew exactly what it was. I remember jumping from bed and hurrying down the hall where my son was sleeping. The phone was ringing, my daughter-in-law that was living a few miles away, was calling to check on us. Lights all over the neighborhood had been turned on. A lot of anxious folks that morning. Some older buildings suffered a little damage. Some pictures fell from the wall a few things tumbled to the floor. We are a very fortunate people. Did you know in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament mentions earthquakes? They are nothing new and something we aren't in control of. I guess all things we can't control have to be a bit scary. I think it to be a true statement more and more earthquakes are happening as never in a time we can remember. They come with such frequency rebuilding seems to be an ongoing concern. We are awakened to the basic needs of others, their loss of life and so much we take for granted. We have been a blessed nation even though in recent years there have been losses by Katerina, earthquakes in CA, the Three Island catastrophe. We need to be mindful daily of ways to help the less fortunate, and know it could  easily be us facing their plight. Smile, it will brighten the day for someone!
Phyllis

Rainy day!

How do we treat rainy days? Usually without a lot of joy unless it is dry, and the plants need a good drink. There has to be a reason as we look at the growing and harvest seasons. Usually, I will admit I'm more grumpy than usual. When I was a child, so long ago, I thought them dreary, knowing not it was necessary for plants to thrive.
Rainy and sad days come to each life as well. How we handle those days, has a lot to do with what may have happened or didn't happen to dreams we may have had. Sometimes the timing was not right and we grew too anxious to move things forward at a speed that was never meant to be. So many things we need to examine. I know I'm always happier in the sunshine. Stepping in sunshine has always been more plesant than stepping in a puddle of water.
There is a song I so much like, that says "the God of the mountain is still God in the valley". So it is with our sunny or rainy days, God has it together whether we do or not.
Love your day,
Phyllis

Times have changed !

So much has changed over my lifetime, over 3/4 of a century that has passed. Many happy ones, as well as some not so happy. I think we that grew up in a large family on a farm had the whole world to experience, or so we thought. Before and during WW11 were difficult days at best. Didn't matter, we did what we could for our country and our fighting men.
Our Sundays were spent with the grand folks, aunts, uncles, cousins and sometimes a few friends would come home with us from church. The meal was alway plentiful. God sure blessed us real good. Afternoons were spent around the player piano, such fun singing, or maybe outdoors when the weather was good playing a game we much loved, croquet. There were other games we played that didn't requre any equipment, such as hide-and-seek. Those were days we just liked to be together. I don't know any families that enjoy each other that way today.
 Being a grandparent today, a lot of time you are not included in the lives of the younger folks as their lives are just too busy. They don't spend time with games except maybe some on the Internt or a handheld game of sorts. They seem to know nothing of the closeness of family nor respect of others. If I sound anicent that is OK. I treasure the time I could share with my family more than ever. It was like I never thought those times would end.
God bless all of you, and may you be blessed with memories to tresure.
Phyllis grandmatalk