Those Crazy Roses

That is what my daughter calls us.  That statement could be well founded as I have wondered many times in the past few weeks.  It all started when we got a wild hair and decided to fulfill our dream as I had previously posted. Since our purchase we have had some interesting adventures.  Of course we haven't actually been out, but we are learning a lot.  I shared with everyone at work that we are practicing camping at Bob's place, which is where we have our trailer stored.

Our first "outing" involved remembering how to connect the trailer to the truck.  How many Roses does it take to do this, well evidently more than we have.  It only took us half an hour to get part A connected to part B and remember whether part C needed to be actually locked into part D.  It took a little longer figuring out how to get the trailer to release the truck so we could leave.  It was holding us hostage and I was beginning to think we would have to leave the truck attached and call for a ride home or the alternative was to take the trailer with us. After shaking, backing, pulling forward, praying and pleading the trailer decided to release us from captivity.  We were exhausted!

Twice now we have attempted to take some measurements to buy things for the trailer.  The first time we forgot the measuring device and the second time we forgot the keys to get into the trailer.  It is really a good thing we have until next spring to prepare ourselves for travel.  I do believe it will take us that long to get it all together.  I must say though we are having a good time and having a good laugh at our own expense.  Crazy or not we are happy little campers and are making plans for our first real grand adventure.  For the moment though we are content with practicing at Bob's place.

Fulfilling a Dream

Let me tell you about the past month.  We have long considered and dreamed of joining the RV world.  We have debated over and over whether to buy a motor home or a trailer.  Well the decision was made.  We first went looking with the intentions of buying a small enough trailer to pull with my Trail Blazer which meant it would be about the size of roomy closet with very small amenities.  Lovely as they were we just couldn't commit.


Then there was a huge sale on vehicles at the fairgrounds, so we went to just look.  Well that led us farther down the road, approximately 90 miles or so, to a car dealer in a small Idaho town that sells vehicles all over the US.  We found the perfect truck to do the job.  We were most proud of our new purchase which meant we could find a bigger and better trailer.  Our venture began. 

We called, searched the Internet and visited many many many trailers.  Front bath, front bedroom, slides, two doors, one door, so many decisions.  Brown, blue, purple (yes, there is no accounting for taste).  It was dizzying to say the least.  It is like buying a second home so we wanted to be sure we had just the right one.  It had to be just the right size for the truck, but it also had to be just the right size for us and one that we felt would feel like a home away from home. 

We had worn ourselves out with the search (and  unmentioned others).   Even when people just looked at us like we had lost our minds and expressed that they thought so, we persevered.  We finally narrowed it down to what we thought were the best two for us.  Still we just couldn't make that commitment.  Then we happened upon "the one."  It was perfect.  Things I thought I didn't want suddenly seemed like a good idea and things I thought I wanted seemed not so important.  It felt comfortable and seemed like perfect fit for the two us and for any company that might breakdown and decided to tag along.

Then we had to prepare for the arrival.  It was a torturous week.  We had not considered the parking issue or the fact that we didn't have any experience.  Fear set in immediately.  I started calling to find a winter home for our little arrival.  Prices were ridiculous and then there was the issue of having enough room to maneuver.  Then the nightmares started.  I parked trailers every night in my dreams over and over.  I woke up with dread and fear that I couldn't do it.  But, then I met Bob.  Bob had just the right place for our us to winter our home and a lot of room to maneuver and park.  I finally had peace, well momentarily.  Then there came the mirror issue as we realized we couldn't see around the big square box that would be trailing behind.  Many calls later we found a place to purchase them and was quoted a reasonable price and just come on in we will take care of you they said.  Right.  Got there and the guy was horrified at the price I had been quoted and said he didn't know where they got their information.  He quickly changed his tune when he saw my look of exasperation and what could have been water works in abundance.  No man likes a crying woman and I was trying to hold it together.  It had been a hard week.  I didn't even have the energy to get angry and demand they honor the price.  Instead I just looked at him and stupidly repeated what I had said and that we had been told the same information twice.  He caved and gave us a great deal.  I was one happy lady.  Finally, I could give a sigh of relief.  Mission accomplished.

I have finally been able to sleep again at night because I know that I am perfectly capable of learning to park and I realized that we have had a dream come true.  We will have hours and days of pleasure on the road doing exactly what we love to do more than anything, travel.  It is even better now because we can stop where we want and when we want.  Now, if we can just make it to retirement everything will be perfect.  Albert has already got our first major trip planned for 2011.  He is a great planner and I know our itinerary will be full of interesting finds.  Watch out World's Biggest Ball of Twine here we come. 

A Thing of Beauty

This is my husbands first tomato for this year.  There is a story to this tomato. I have to begin by saying that Albert farmed for many years.  Because he farmed, he doesn't know how to do things in a small way.   

One year we had so many squash we were taking 5 gallon buckets to the Union Gospel and blessing all our friends with our bounty in addition to a freezer full of beautiful yellow squash.  Then there were the green beans.  Again we fed the Union Gospel Mission, all our friends and finished filling the freezer with beans.  I snapped beans until my fingers were green.  Then there were the Potatoes.  Oh my, I think he got about 250lbs that year.  I dreamed about spuds.  Don't get me wrong.  I love fresh veggies, but there are only two of us in the household and we can only consume so much.  Part of his over production is because he has a generous spirit and particularly loves to share with those in need.

Last year because he was so ill and in the hospital at planting time, he didn't get to "farm" anything.  Well, this year he decided to go into the tomato business.  He purchased 24 plants (yes you read right) of various lovely fruits.  He carefully shopped for the right potting soil to mix into the garden and purchased just the right fertilizer.  At first we thought the cool weather and rains were going to finish them off, but then the rains abated and the sun came out.  If we have as many tomatoes as we have blooms, we will have a bumper crop of tomatoes.  I am sure I will learn to use tomatoes in many many ways.

He proudly came in yesterday and announced he had a $500 tomato on the vine and it was nearly ready to pick. It is a thing of beauty to my green thumbed farmer husband and I love to see him puttering around in his garden lovingly taking care of each one.  It isn't always about the money you spent, but the joy of watching something you have nurtured come to life and watching someone you love take a little pride in what he has done.  Thank you God for the sunshine that has brought a chuckle from my husband and given me the joy of having him well enough to grow $500 tomatoes.

Happy Birthday!

My Mom, Opal Jones, is going to be 93 on Sunday, July 11.  That is something to celebrate!  I think of all the things that have happened in my life time and can only be amazed at the things she has seen.  I keep telling her she will make 100 and if she does what a celebration that will have to be. 

4th of July

I hope all of you are spending your 4th weekend doing something fun!   I on the other hand am in the middle of a kitchen remodel.  There are upsides and downsides.  The downside is my life is not in order and I am a creature of habits, many habits.  The upside is there are no dirty dishes in the sink, because there is no sink and I don't have to cook.  Don't get me wrong.  I love to cook, but sometimes you just need a vacation from everything.

It is going to look really good when it is done.  I have labored over every decision.  I got new floors first.  That only took 3 years to decide to do and to save enough money.  Then there was the process of selection.  Albert made the comment that I could buy a car in 30 seconds so why does it take so much shopping and agonizing over floors and counter tops.  My theory on that is cars are disposable (well for me anyway) and a kitchen I have to be happy in every day at least twice a day.  My surroundings are a reflection of how well I cook.  Well not really, but it sounded good.

Anyway the decision was made and I love love love my new floors.  Then I decided I really could use a new stove with convection of course.  That led to new counter tops because the old looked really old with the new stuff.  Now I will have to refinish the cabinets themselves because they look worn next to the new.  My husband is hoping I just get it right the first time, unlike my car buying.

I will have to post pictures after it is all done.  Albert just informed me it is lunch time so I guess I better give him my order for pickup.  Oh the luxury of a day off.

Bragging Again

Yes, I just have to mention that I am Grandma again. Wyatt Jace was born April 19, 2010, 5lbs 12 oz and 18 inches long. He was a little guy because he came a month early. He was just destined to be born on the 19th. My son and daughter-in-law each have their birth date as the 19th and they were married on the 19th. Their due date was May 19th, but Wyatt had another idea and of course it was April 19th. God does have a sense of humor.

I can hardly wait to go see him. As I previously posted, we live 2000 miles away. We are packing up Grandpa, grandma and auntie in October for a trip to Texas. I haven't been home in many years and actually am looking forward to it. You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take the Texan out of the girl. I will always be a Texan no matter where I live. Yes, I am one of those who think there is no better place on earth and my pride is enormous. I get chided for it all the time. I always have a Texas story to tell. But, I see nothing wrong with having a little pride in something that is worth having pride in.

I also get to see my Grand-daughter this month for her first birthday. I can't believe that little cutie is a year old all ready and of course she is still beautiful and smart! No pride there. I am most blessed with 4 beautiful grand-children and they each are absolutely the best!

Mile Stones, Miracles and Moves

It is hard to believe that Zori is soon to be six months old! She is still the most beautiful baby in the world, to me. We have managed to squeeze in two visits and it has been more amazing each time. I do wish I could be there to watch her grow day by day, but we have learned to Skype. I will probably be 'computer Grandma' to her most of her life, but I will take what I can get.

Albert and I were able to visit the first of October for one last time. I had the distinct honor to be there when she found her voice and our visit was filled with the sounds of squeals and laughter. She is just such a happy baby and if she cries I never got to hear it. I think she just knew her Grandma was there and was on best behaviour. We took a ton of pictures and she will also probably grow up thinking we have these big black growths on our face. But, that too is ok because I love the subject and will continue to make her my little model. We Skyped recently and she was the cutest thing. She is now a growling baby girl. It was too cute for words. We got a really good laugh from it because her Dad use to say "Err" a lot, really a lot and she sounded just like him. I didn't realize those things were inherited and can't wait to see what else she comes up with.

One evening while I was holding her and talking to her, I got a phone call from my son in Texas. He hardly ever calls unless there is news (good or bad) so I was prepared for something. My first thought with the economy was that he was no longer employed. Was I relieved and over joyed when he said that they were pregnant!!!! What a perfect time to tell me. I got so excited that Zori probably thought her Grandma was losing it. Laying there in my arms and hearing the excitement in my sons voice, just made the news a little sweeter. She is due in May. My daughter-in-law has had a hard time and a lot of issues so I feel this baby is a real miracle. My son wants a girl so I am hoping he get his wish, but baby boys and just as sweet.

Unfortunately, they live 2000 miles away and have no internet. I am going to have to do a lot of praying so we can at least be 'Computer Grandma' to this one too. I will be doing a lot of traveling. I can see one on the way down to the other or even better maybe I can get them both to come to me and have a little family reunion. It has been many years since I have had all my children in one place at the same time.

My other news is that my daughter has finally found a home of her own. It is absolutely adorable. She found a condo with the perfect view of the mountains! It is all new and I am so proud for her. I am sure she will be bloggin about it soon. I was sad, but very glad to see her move. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy her company, but it was time for her to get a real life! Now she can have friends over and is fortunate enough to live a place that has a lot going on as a community. I think she will be very happy there for years to come.

I am one happy Mom and Grandma right now. This is a time of miracles and I have had my fair share this year. A husband who has been healed, two new babies and a home for my daughter. All is well with my kids and in this joyous season what more could you ask for than that!

Ok, I might be just a little proud, but this is a picture of the most beautiful child in the world! Meet Miss Azoria Marlae who made her entrance Tuesday, June 16, 2009 and her father Beau.

Need I say that he is a proud Daddy. She will definitely be a Daddy's girl. I think she already has him wrapped around her little finger.

Unfortunately, I have not had the privilege to meet her in person as she lives 8 hours away. I am however traveling as soon as possible. I already have plans to visit just about once a month until the snow starts. I am in hopes we will have a very very late winter. Of course judging by the past two, that won't happen.

I hope she isn't camera shy as I will be taking a lot of picture for posting.

My daughter and I had so much fun going shopping for baby things. They are just soooo cute now. I can't wait for her to grow into them. I think I will help her become a clothes hog for sure.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

I have been giving a lot of thought to how I look lately. It isn't only the weight issue, but an age issue also. As I peer into the mirror, I am often surprised at who is looking back. After much thought I have concluded that I need to focus more on what the world really sees instead of just the superficial.

In today's society it is our looks that count the most. We are constantly encouraged to focus on ourselves and how we appear. This has become the focus of everything we see and hear. We are pressured from others, from advertising and by our own self image, to look as good as we can. The measure of who we are and what we are worth is placed in how we look.

But these things are nothing compared to how we really look on the inside. We may shine from without, but our inner person may for the most part be filled with all the ugliness of the world. Our whole nature may not be a pretty sight, but there is hope. There is a small part in each of us that remains enough like our creator that with some effort can push it's way to the outside to be revealed as God's shining glory.

It begins by admitting we have those things within us that are unpleasing to our Lord and accepting Him into our life. With the presence and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we are then ready for the process of becoming the beautiful person God has always intended us to be. Not a superficial beauty, but a deep beauty that goes to the very heart of our souls. One that others will see and want.

Much like plastic surgery, it can be a very painful process at times, but the end product is magnificent. The mighty surgeon carefully cuts, snips, tucks and in the end all the junk of the world is slowly cut away leaving a fresh new you. This is an ongoing process which slowly restores us to what we were intended to look like from the very beginning.

We must be careful not to let ourselves become artificial in the process. Don't think you can get by with making yourself look good forever. God knows your heart. You can put on a good face, but it is what the Spirit has done on the inside that truly counts.

As the Word of God says in Proverbs 31:30, Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Overload

Actually I should start this out by saying that I have miraculously lost another 2 lbs. Yeah for me. It has been hard, but at least there was a small reward at the end so I won't complain, well too much.

If nothing else, I have learned this past week that my body doesn't really really like fried foods. In a moment of 'I am too tired to cook,' we went to a local fish place to eat. Of course this place specializes in good ol' fried fish and chips. I not only ate 'fried' fish and chips, but because of a generous young man in the check out line, I took full advantage of the 'All You Can Eat' coupon he shared with us. Did dieting cross my mind? NO. All I could think was I am hungry and I get all I can eat. So I did. I did manage to get control of myself somewhat and stopped when I was really full instead of really really full. It wasn't until we were headed home that the reality of what I had just eaten hit me.

It didn't hit me in the fact I had just eaten a billion calories and fats. It hit me where it hurt. It was a good thing the family went to bed early so they didn't have to listen to my moans and groans. Was I sorry? Yes. Will I do it again? Probably because I am just a little stupid that way. Of course it won't be right away, but enough time will pass that the call of the greasy fried food of some sort will call my name and off I will go because it is the easy way out.

However, I am proud of myself that just last night I did not succumb to my weakness. My husband and I had a night alone and were going to go out for dinner. The more I thought about it the more I just couldn't think of a thing that sounded that good out there. We stayed home and I cooked a healthy dinner and have healthy leftovers for lunch. Pat on the back for me. I might actually get the hang of this yet. It has only taken me 40 years or so.

I do wish it would come off faster, but then I didn't put in on in a week. Slow and steady. Keeping the rules (well most of the time). I have to read my own blog to remember what they are. Maybe eating healthier will help my memory too. That is another story.

Week 1

My intentions are always good and as always I started my diet on Monday. My goal was to focus on Rule 1, cutting the carbs. For the most part I succeeded until Thursday. Thursday was Mac and cheese day. Need I say more? Well I will anyway. I found myself not paying attention as I was talking with the family at the dinner table and mindlessly helped myself to small seconds and thirds (maybe even fourths). New Rule - Pay attention! Old habits are hard to break!

Regardless, I did manage to lose 2lbs. Not too bad and I am happy with that. I didn't put it on over night and I am certainly not going to lose it over night. So I am going to work harder on Rule 1, Rule 2 and New Rule 5 this week. Once I conquer those then maybe it will be warm enough to start on Rule 3.

OK, I admit that yes I am using the weather as an excuse because I do have a treadmill which is in a nice warm place. I know it is more than a clothes rack and a whatever happens to land it rack, since it is in my husbands office, but that is the other major thing I need to work on "commitment." I love walking in general and walk fast as a norm, but there is just nothing appealing about walking and not going any where. It faces a wall! Who in their right mind wants to mindlessly walk facing a wall! If I open the blinds on the window all I can see are trees, which is better than the wall, but you still don't get than free open feeling. Between the drone of the treadmill and the wall it just isn't a pleasant experience. So I justify my inactivity by complaining about the weather and using it as an excuse not to do anything. Guess I need a new rule about that one too.

Back on Program

Well, I have discovered something about myself since the first of the year. I really am commitment phobic and I really don't like the word diet. Think about how it is spelled die-t. I concluded that is because you feel like you are dying while on one. Well not actually, but I am starving and I know that isn't right either. And I know I am not really starving, but there is just something about that word that instantly makes me hungry. I am just caught in a vicious circle.

I have always used the WW program, but the last time it didn't work for me. My daughter lost 35 lbs and I actually lost 12 lbs then started gaining. We live in the same household so I know we were eating the same food. I was even exercising. Most times I left the meetings in tears and could find no answers to what I was doing wrong. Well after months of spending my money for nothing I quit, as I always do. I talked with several people about it and did a little investigating on my own to try and figure out what was going on. I narrowed it down to one thing, menopause. I found that I can't eat like I did when I was 50 or even 55. I had always made the statement that if I had lost the weight by the time I was 60 then I never would, well guess what I was more prophetic than I ever knew. Here I am 62 1/2 and still fluffy.

But, now I look at it as a different kind of challenge. What I have discovered is that your whole metabolism is just goofy now. I know that has always been an easy cop out, but unfortunately for us that have made it to this glorious age (whoever coined the phrase golden years needs to be shot) now have a whole new set of rules to play by and eat by. Portion becomes very important, but also what kinds of foods we eat.

New rules:
1. Cut the carbs
2. Portion control
3. Exercise
4. Prayer

Ok, so they aren't really new rules, but I am actually determined to follow them. Rule 1 is the hardest. I love my carbs and I don't mean the good kind. In studying I have found that everything has carbs, but not all carbs are good. I love my pasta, potatoes and white rice. So we have converted to healthier versions of those three. They take getting use to, but I guess they will have to do since I don't want to live totally without them. Rule 2 naturally follows, especially with the carbs. I did learn something interesting when I watched the Doctors last week. They revealed an interesting thing about women when they get married. They tend to eat the same portion as their husbands. I had never thought about what that was doing to me over the years or even that it was part of the problem. Fluffy girl was the result. Of course I have to be honest that sometimes I just ate more because I wanted it. But, we just set ourselves up for disaster by doing that since our bodies don't metabolize the same. Proof being, it takes me 3-4 weeks to lose five pounds when he can lose that in a few days. Grrrrr! That brings me to Rule 3 - exercise. As I previously wrote in my blog about the snow shoveling, I felt better and was getting in shape. Snow went away and after a few days I went back to old habits. Here again the husband works hard all day so he keeps fit. So I have to get with the program and get moving! Rule 4 - Prayer. I believe prayer helps no matter what your situation in life. I know God listens and answers, but I have to be willing to do my part too.

So here I go again with the new program and my 4 rules that I believe I can live by. I know I have said it before, but I will say it again until I actually believe it, I can do this. The next time I post a picture, it will be an after with fewer chins!

Shopping with the Kids

Since it was a holiday for us all, I decided to pickup Mom and take all the "kids" shopping. Now shopping for a 91 year old kid is an adventure and is also limited to Shopko. Why Shopko you might ask. Well it is familiar and not so overwhelming for the kids. they can always be assured Mom (me) won't be too far away.

The "kids" (husband, daughter and 91 year old) start the trip off by immediately invading each other's space. I respond with I can't take you anywhere, keep to your own space, no hitting, no arguing or spitting out the tongue. I add a "don't make me come back there" just for effect. Right, like that every really worked.

Lesson number one, don't turn the daughter loose with 91 year old in wheel chair. After wheelies in the parking lot, daughter is corralled, 91 year old is calmed and husband mans the basket. We are off to shop. Keeping them together lasted about as long as it took to get in the door. Daughter and 91 year old headed for the clothing and husband disappeared to who knows where. Husband suddenly appears when I actually start looking at something. The purses got his attention. First he looks at the price tag, not noticing the sale sign of 40% off, and decides immediately it doesn't suite me. Now I accept a lot of fashion advice from many people, but husband who picks one color of shirt and sticks to it no matter what wouldn't be one of them. I advise him it is perfect as I can carry my lap top with me if I wanted. Husband immediately advises me it would never fit, this from a man who can't measure anything correctly the first time. Husband wins for the moment, I will come back without him.

I find daughter and 91 year old in the clothing. Show the 91 year old anything purple and she is instatly in love. It is easy to become fixated on one thing when you are 91,, but what is husbands excuse? Oh I just got it if they are all alike there is no right or wrong. How could I have not figured that on out sooner? Daughter is mortified when I pick out a sparkled animal print blouse and announce I want it to wear to church. I love messing with her mind, it keeps her guessing as to my true mental stability. She already thinks dementia has set in and it gives me the opportunity to toy with her. She didn't think much of the shiny gold blazer with the white pants either. No fashion sense. Sad for her.

I announce to hubby I am going to go shop for sports bras for 91 year old and he instantly disappears. Hmmm, should have used that one back at the purses. I will have to make a mental note to pull that card when needed.

We make the round of the store and the kids are getting restless and whine for lunch so it is time to leave. We arrive at destination and daughter again does wheelies in the parking lot with 91 year old (she actually loves it). We get her inside, parked at a table and reassure her we are coming back. We go to order food. After fifteen minutes of gazing at the menu produces nothing but confusion for hubby we finally order. He insists on changing one of his sides for extra hushpuppies instead of coleslaw which is fine. When he gets his order he then asks, what is a hushpuppy. Now most people would want to know that before ordering extra, but no I guess it sounded better than the alternative so why not go for it. We enjoyed the meal an decided we had worn the 91 year old to a frazzle. As you leave you are suppose to ring the bell if the food was good. 91 year old did not think ringing the bell was a very good idea so daughter rings it and 91 year old nearly has a heart attack. Hubby had to ring the bell just for good measure. I finally got them loaded into the car and off we went.

After getting her home I was ready for home myself. I got back into the car and it was suddenly an issue that hubby's empty cup was taking up space in daughter's domain. Oh my goodness when do they grow up! Settled them down and headed for home. I also made a mental note not to take them all shopping at the same time too often. I think I enjoy them better one or two at a time. Family, you gotta love'em!

Brutal Honesty or Just 91

Because of all our bad weather, we were unable to spend time with my Mom at Christmas. I fretted over that for a day or so and then realized that because of her dementia she wouldn't realize we weren't there anyway. So as soon as the weather cleared some, the sidewalks thawed and the streets were decent for travel, we picked her up to have second Christmas.

After her initial confusion, it was fun watching her open her gifts. She is so child like in her excitement that you can't help but get caught up in the moment. She got something pretty to wear, something that smelled good and best of all my daughter gave her a memory book. She was a little confused even with the names written below each photo, but she thoroughly enjoyed each one. Each time she saw a picture of me, she thought it was herself. She remembers herself differently from what she actually sees and is always a little surprised by the old lady that looks back from the mirror or pictures. I look forward to the day when I am 91 and can forget what I actually see and remember only how I wish I looked.

Her second time through the memory book she came to one particular photo and upon taking a closer look made a comment that she was really heavy in that one. My daughter was very prompt to remind her that it was actually a picture of me. She takes an even closer look and says well "it still stands." She has a tendency to be brutally honest and outspoken no matter who is within hearing. She isn't mean spirited, just 91 one with a few dementia problems so you always expect the unexpected. Sometimes it's quite funny and this time it really was and we laughed heartily. I also know from past experience to sit her facing away from people, give her the great view of the scenery or distract her when someone catches her eye so as not to chance an off handed remark, thus embarrassing her daughter as well as the recipient of the comment.

If the comment had come from anyone else it could have hurt my feelings, but as you already know from previous writings, I have vowed to find the thin woman within this year. This just gives me a little more determination to search a little harder for her. I am working more diligently, however, that not so thin woman within is just vain enough that just in case she is only allowing pictures from the shoulders up this year. The next memory book will have head shots only just in case.