Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and be one traveler, long I stood
and looked down one as long as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth....

I learned this poem by force in the 11th grade..so many years ago.

But I love this poem. It is so full of meaning, but I, unfortunately, haven't been very good at using it as a guide for my life. To me, the writer has obviously spent time pondering which road to take in life. Not me..oh no, not me. I've always been a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal. You know, like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woaman. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a hooker, I just don't spend much time considering which way to go. It doesn't take me forever to make a decision--not necessarily a good thing--and I'm not hard to please. If I were, maybe it would take longer to make a decision.

I'm really bad about jumping into things long before I've thought about the consequences, and there have been consequences.

How about you? How many times have you jumped into something without attempting to look down that road as far as you could? I can't count the times myself. And I can't seem to break the habit. I could make a list a mile long of the times I've leapt before I looked. But then, just maybe, my life wouldn't have been nearly as much fun. I think you have to experience a certain amount of happiness, heartache, and uncertainty before you can feel your life is complete. Mine is just about as complete as it can possibly be.

Have a great day, and jump into something new today.

15 Minute Increments cont'd

I told you yesterday that I'd let you know how the 15 minute increments worked for me. I did get my bathroom clean--took two separate 15's, but I'm pleased that it is done. I also got most of my bills written out and a package ready to mail to my BFF for her birthday--not that it mattered, the Post Office wasn't open yesterday, President's Day. My increments worked pretty well yesterday morning, but about 5:30 yesterday afternoon, I realized they had fallen by the wayside. Still, I did get a bit done. I think knowing I'm only going to work on something for 15 minutes gives me an incentive to at least do something.

I'm not usually off, but have had a bug for the last couple of days, so I stayed home yesterday, and looks like I'm staying home again today. I've been up a while, and definitely not feeling better. I hope that reading my blog won't pass my germs along. If you think it might, please use your hand sanitizer when you finish reading this.

15 Minute Increments

Have you ever given any thought to what you can do in as little as 15 minutes? I was reading another blog and the gal mentioned that she sets a timer for 15 minutes. She stays with whatever she's doing until that timer goes off. When it buzzes, she either re-sets it or moves on to something else.

I got to thinking about this. What can you do in 15 minutes? I started out with doing some straightening up--now this isn't deep cleaning, just picking up and putting things where they belong--a task at which I'm not too good.

I've started out this morning by working on my bedroom. All it needed was to get the bed made and dirty clothes picked up and the dresser cleared off. Well, I got that done and had a few minutes extra. Normally, I would have made the bed, but then gone off in some other direction. But this morning, I stayed 'on task', and now my room is done for the day.

I may be on to something here. I've never been very good at staying 'on task'. And I've read the joke that went around on the internet at one time where the woman says she is going to pay a few bills, and ends up doing a dozen different things and at the end of the day, she still hasn't managed to sit down and write out the bills. This woman seriously doesn't stay 'on task'.

I have the same problem, but I never seem to get anything finished. My house is always a wreck. My sewing room is a major disaster. But today, I'm going to try to stay with things for 15 minutes. Whether its cleaning, reading blogs, working or whatever.

I'll let you know how it goes later today.

Is Spring really right around the corner?

During this morning's worship service, our minister talked about seeing jonquils beginning to peek out of the ground and that soon there would be blooms and then beautiful yellow and white flowers.

That's quite hard to imagine right now since it's cloudy and overcast, and the wind is gusting to 37 mph, and it's cold outside.

I for one, will be glad when Spring arrives, but just as it does, Summer will follow close on it's heels. With summer comes cleaning up from all the winter weather, cutting the grass, and mosquitos. It also has its good things like outdoor sports and BBQ'ing.

But back to the spring flowers. The minister also talked about going into the country and finding places where Easter flowers(as we always called them) grow in a field. This is a sure sign that a house once stood on that spot. Probably a 'home place' where families lived, grew their children, had happy times and most likely sad times, but a 'home place' never the less.

We had one of those. We were share croppers so the place didn't belong to us, but mother treated it like it was ours. She planted rose bushes, peonies, jonquils and anything else that others shared with her. My dad loved flowers, but he would never be bothered with growing them. His mother had flowers everywhere. She had no yard, just flowers. Every old pot, pan and tub on the place was filled with some kind of flowers.

It's nice to remember those types of things. We often forget our roots, we're all so busy keeping our heads above water that we fail to think about the old times. But they were good times, weren't they? Or is it that we just remember them better than they actually were?

Time to start Smocking for Easter

I've been smocking for years. I started smocking for my daughter #2 when she was about 2ish. And I continued until she was about 7. I kept the dresses, loaned them out, didn't get them all back, and now #2's daughters are wearing them, and they are being passed on to the newest granddaughter.

I received a piece of fabric in the mail today. It's a lavender check that I will smock for the newest granddaughter. She will be 9 months old by the time Easter rolls around. I have to have it finished and mailed by the first of March since Easter pictures will be made around the 7th of March. Man!, I've got to get busy, that's less than 3 weeks away. By the time I finish it, maybe I'll know how to post pictures here and will show it off.

I've also got to learn how to link my posts so that when I make comments to other sites, anyone who reads it can link back to my blog.

Another day.

New Dip Recipe from Conasta Club

Taco Cheese Dip

1 lb ground beef browned and drained
1 pkg taco seasoning - your choice as to how hot.
1 lb Velveeta cheese
1 can Rotel Tomatoes

After draining the beef, add the taco and prepare according to pkg directions.
Add to melted cheese and rotel.

Eat with your choice of chips.

I've been playing conasta for about 25 years with a group of ladies. There are 12 of us who pretty much grew up together. Of the original 12, 7 of us are of the original bunch.

We've been through a lot together. Birthing our children, illness, divorce, children getting married, children birthing babies, children divorcing, losing parents and all of us growing older.

We used to discuss our pregnancies, now we discuss our aches and pains, and we all hope that they will set up tables our wheelchairs will fit under so we can play conasta in the nursing home.

Having the relationship that we've all had together has been a wonderful thing for me, and I think for everyone else. Many of us see each other only once a month when we play cards, but we have a great time catching up, commiserating and just being together. We laugh a lot, and cry some. It's like having 11 sisters.

Everyone should have these kinds of friends.

I'm going to The Brunette's party.

I'm going to The Brunette's party in a few minutes. Her class exchanged valentines yesterday, but are having the party today. I know a good time will be had by all.

I took her to school this morning. She was fine in the car, and going in, but after I signed her in, she went all clingy on me and was crying real tears when I left. I hate to leave them crying, but you have to go on to work, else you wouldn't need to leave them.

She really likes her school and talks about it alot. She has learned soooo much in the few months she's been going there. And she has a best friend. She talks about her a lot too. But even seeing BF, she didn't stop crying. She knows I'm a pushover, and thought I'd take her with me, but alas!, I couldn't. My employer is good, but I don't think bringing small children for the whole day would be allowed. If so, there's about 1100 employees here and if they all started bringing their children and grand's, not much would get done. We are an instutition of higher learning, and we have an obligation to the students that come here.

Maybe one day, I'll win the lottery and won't have to work, but of course by then, the grand's will all be in regular school, and I think there's a law against not sending them to school.

I'm back from the party and have brought The Blonde One with me back to work. She has been drawing pictures for me on old desk calendar sheets. The party was fun. The kids had made things to go on their heads with antenae that said Love Bug on them in glitter. They had snacks and went back to their rooms. These are all 3 and 4 year olds.

On a sad note, The Brunette One's BFF got sick and had to go home. She missed the party.

Yipeee It's Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day. Not a national holiday(what a pity), but one of the biggest events this side of Christmas. I can't imagine how many flowers have been cut, balloons have been filled, cherries have been dipped, or how many diamonds have been bought.

However, I won't be getting any. Not that I've been bad or anything, it's just not a big deal to me. I don't have a husband to send or buy me anything, and I'd rather my kids spend their money on their respective husbands, wives and children.

I do remember valentines from the past. I remember having parties and exchanging cards with my classmates. We always decorated boxes and had contests. I don't remember what the prizes were, but that may be because mine never won anything, but it was fun. I remember looking through those cards for months. It's a shame I didn't save any of them.

Daughter # 2 has two little princesses. They have been working ov valentines for over a week. The youngest had Hanna Montana valentines. I don't know what the oldest had, but they were also putting together bags of candy and goodies for their classmates. The Blonde One was having her party today, while The Brunette One is having hers tomorrow. They will have a good time.

This is a good day to reflect on the people you love and those to whom you should have sent cards. I should have sent one to my BFF CP, and one to my other BFF MLH. I did get an electronic one from CP, and I saw MLH at lunch. CP has a birthday next week, so I have some things to send to her and I did get her a birthday card. She'd probably faint if I sent two cards in the same month. Probably think I only had a short time to live or something. She knows me too well.

A bit of trivia - Valentines day is said to have begun in AD 72 when a christian priest was being held in prison and fell in love with the jailer's daughter. He gave her a love note signing it 'from your valentine'. His name must have been valentine, else where would that name have originated. Who knows!

I hope everyone has a great day, and gets whatever they want on this wintery day of love.

My Poor Sick Grandchild

Daughter #2 called this morning to tell me that her oldest child - The Blonde One - got up this morning up-chucking all the way to the bathroom. After giving her a bath and a dose of Phenagren, she put her on the couch so her daddy could take care of her while mommy went on to work. Daddy didn't have to be at work until noon today, so he's the designated parent this morning. Daughter #2 will work til noon and then go home to relieve daddy.

Its amazing what goes through a child's mind when they are sick. She wasn't concerned with the fact that she'd made a mess in the floor, or that mommy would have to come home from work early, or that we are involved in global warming and a race for president that has gone totally berserk. She was concerned with whether she would be able to go to her valentine party at school tomorrow.

Now I realize at the tender age of 5, she wouldn't normally worry about the things I mentioned above, but I think it shows that they do worry at that age. I don't remember worrying at the age of 5. Of course, at my age, I don't remember much about being 5.

What other types of worries would a 5 year old have? Maybe which friend to play with today? I do feel that Daughter #2 and her husband have done a great job of making sure The Blonde One and her sister don't have too much to have to worry about. For that I am thankful.

But I do feel sorry for her, hope she gets better and also hope that the youngest child - The Brunette One, and the rest of the family don't get it.

Oh, yes, and I hope for world peace and that we have a warming trend soon. 25 degree weather is just too cold for me.

The Ancestor's Picture

Three of my friends and I went to see the Temptations in concert last night. I get excited about going somewhere, then when it gets close to time, I tend to want to back out. At any rate we went last night and had a great time.

The Temptation is getting on in years. When he was introduced as the only remaining Temp, the introduction said he had been a Temp for 47 years. But he still had what it took to put on a good show.

On the way to the concert, we were talking about old memoribilla, pictures, coins, etc. One of the girls mentioned that her mother had in her possession when she died an old picture of one of their ancestors. She said it was in a rather ugly frame and no one really wanted it but since it was a family member, they couldn't throw it away. So there was a delima about what to do with the picture.

It was decided a drawing would be held each Christmas to determine who 'had' to take posession of the picture for an entire year. That didn't seem too terribly bad, except whoever the lucky person was that would keep the picture had to display it in a prominant place where it could be seen by people who might come into their home.

Can you imagine how you would feel if you knew that your picture would be passed around in this manner, and that there would be such a drawing. One would hope that there would have to be a drawing to see who was fortunate enough to get the picture.

Just Another Rainy Thursday

I thought the rain was supposed to be over yesterday. That's what I get for thinking. I woke up a couple of times last night and could hear it raining each time. Our version of the Santa Ana Wind was blowing too. Only ours had rain in it rather than embers.

I'm so thankful that we've been spared from all the catastrophies that have happened in our world. We have hurricanes to the south east of us. In North and South Carolina and Georgia there has been a terrible drought. It has been so bad that Atlanta has been threatened with no water, because water has to be diverted to make sure the mussels don't die out. No further comment will be made on that situation.

The west has been plagued with fires, and all around us have seen more than their share of late season tornados. Even though we had an extremely dry summer, we have had a good bit of rain this fall and I think are about back to normal.

The interesting thing to see though is where the cotton stalks had been shredded, there has been new growth, and the new growth is about a foot tall. I couldn't help wonder if the weather stayed warm, if it would continue to grow, bloom and produce another crop. Wouldn't that be interesting?

Enough about the weather. My youngest daughter's youngest daughter embarrassed her last night. It seems they had gone to eat before church and another family from church was there eating also. One of them pointed out that Maddie had a tatoo on her hand of a pumpkin. She immediately said, 'I have another one' and with that statement, pulled her top up and showed the one on her belly. I thought this was really funny, and told my daughter that this wouldn't be the worst embarrassment she would ever endure at the hands of one of her children.

When I relayed the story to my oldest daughter, she said,' Serves her right, remember the time she wore my bra to the bank and showed it to everyone there?' Well, no, I don't remember that, but I'm sure it was quite funny at the time.

I would love a cup of coffee this morning, but alas, there is none to be had in my office, and I'm not much at bumming coffee from anyone else. But I'm cold, and it's wintery outside my window and I'm cold. I guess I'll just get to work and forget how much I'd like to have a cup. Actually there's this new coffee pot that grinds your beans and then makes the coffee. Williams Sonoma has one for $199, Bed Bath and Beyond has one for $129. I can't tell the difference in them, but since I don't seem to have an extra couple of hundred lying around anyplace, and since my bills are due, I guess I'll forgoe the nice coffeemaker and do with what I have. I just don't know why God saw fit to make me so good looking instead of rich. Doesn't he know that in this day and time, you can fix ugly.

Cooler Weather

When I got home last night, my house was cold. In the 65 degree range. I got busy making dinner for myself and with the stove going in the kitchen, I was very comfortable.

Not wanting to turn on the central heat yet(you know how it smells when it is turned on for the first time all year) I thought the house would stay nice and toasty from the stove use. I was mistaken. By the time I went to bed, the house had cooled down into the high 50's, but after finding some warm pj's and getting under an extra blanket, I was soon comfortable and ready for a good night's sleep.

And yes, I slept like a baby in my mother's arms, but when I threw back the covers this morning, I was cold once again. Where did this cold weather come from you ask. I don't know. But just like the 'no spring' we had in the early part of the year, we are having the 'no fall' now. It was in the 80's the other day and now, today, it isn't even 50.

Needless to say that when I get home tonight, it will be time to get out the long lighter, grab a flashlight and attempt to get the pilot light lit and leave for a couple of hours so the 'smell' will be burnt out and I can stay warm.

I was hoping for a couple of weeks of mild weather so my utility meter could rest a bit. I've changed out almost all of my light bulbs for the energy efficient. I'm put in energy efficient windows, and now looks like it's time to add that extra 36 inches of insulation in the attic my son has been suggesting(yes son, I've been listening).

After all this complaining, it's time for me to add that I am most thankful that I live in an area that has not been tormented with Santa Ana winds and that sees only minor flooding from time to time. We have had an extremely dry summer, and the rain we've had has been welcome.

Thank you Dear Heavenly Father for all my wonderful blessings. Please give those in need the strength to make it through these trying times. Help the victims of fire and flood find the courage to overcome this adversity and to rebuild their lives.

Sept 28, 2007 I'm way behind.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything to my blog. I haven't done any pictures, just lots of rambling.

I have a new grandbaby born June 16th of this year. She is absolutely beautiful.

All of my family is doing well and growing. The older ones stay out of trouble, and the younger ones amaze me daily with all the wonderful things they do and say. Two of them have a hard time staying out of trouble.

Ivan has become quite a handful since the birth of his little sister. I think it's that 'vying for attention' thing.

Maddie seems to be a stubborn little girl who thinks things should be her way or the highway. Needless to say, that gets her into trouble quite often. I think her problem is second child syndrome.

Enough about my grandchildren. And on to my own latest fiasco.

I came to work last Monday wearing two different shoes. Now I know that I'm 58 and maybe slipping just a little(forgetfullness and all that), but two different shoes. When I tell this story on myself, people say, 'they looked a lot alike, right?). Well, no, the only thing about them alike was they were both slides. One was a brown Earth Shoe, and the other a gray/green Merrill. The bad thing was that I had to leave the office several times. Funny thing was few people noticed unless I called attention to them myself.

I started therapy on my knee over in the Nursing and Health Care Building that afternoon. I had to sit on the side of a bed while the student checked my reflexes. A very cute young man thought it was very funny that my shoes didn't match. The instructor just about laughed his head off. How could I be so stupid as to put on two different shoes? It was daylight when I dressed. I had my glasses on. What was I thinking? Obviously about something besides what I was putting my feet into.

When I had gotten to work that morning, I'd opened the car door and stuck my left foot out. That's when I realized what I'd done. I thought to myself, 'I've worn my old shoes to work--grrreat!' Only to stick my other foot out and realize that I'd worn two different shoes.

It's a good thing I can laugh at myself, because not one single soul laughed with me, they all laughed at me.

Phone Call from Will

About 8:30 last night my phone rang. I didn't look to see who it was, but was quite pleasntly surprised to hear Will's voice on the other end. He was giggling and laughing and was in the best mood. We talked about all sorts of things. He wanted to know what we were going to do this weekend, and when the girls would be at the house. He said he was spending both Friday and Saturday nights at the house. And said he would be happy to sleep on the couch so Jeremy and Tara could have his bed.

He talked about recording The Blues Brothers movie. He's bringing it to the house to watch. We'll probably do that tonight. He wasn't sure if Tara would let Riley and Maddie watch it, since it has a few 'cuss' words in it. I told him we would have to ask.

After we hung up, I just sat and thought about how happy he sounded. I know he's glad to be home from his dad's house. He really loves his dad, but I think he missed his mom too. He brought back a picture of his great great grandfather on his dad's side of the family. It's a grainy photo of him in his WWI attire. It's amazing how much Will's dad looks like his ancestors. It actually looks like Richard dressed up as a dough boy.

Ivan, Memaw Bakes and the Mule

Once upon a time there was a Memaw, a little boy and a mule. Sounds like this is going somewhere cool, huh?

Actually the mule is a Kawasaki thing you use around the house or on a farm. It is gas powered, and is quite a lot of fun to ride around on. It is sorta like a gas powered golf cart. Ivan is a good driver. He sits, strapped in, and turns the steering wheel while the adult operates the gas and brake.

We checked on the real mules. They are Bud and Red, and made sure they had water. We drove out to the paper box and retrieved the newspaper, and generally just drove around the yard, which is 5 acres.

While I was there, Ivan called me Memaw if we were together, but if he was in a different room, he called me Memaw Bakes.

We spent time in the clubhouse his daddy built, and in the pool in the back yard. It's one of those 4' blue pools with the air ring on top. He especially likes to jump off the ladder.

Ivan is growing quite a personality. He likes for you to see that he is about to do something he shouldn't and see if you are going to stop him. Then he gets tickles. He was very good most of the time, but he has absolutely no patience, especially for a tired old memaw who has to stop and rest occasionally.

Will is finally home.

My 9 year old grandson has been visiting with his dad in Mississippi, and his granny in Illinois. He was gone a total of 8 weeks, with a week somewhere in the middle at home.

Needless to say, I've missed him a lot. Will is a very sweet young man. He says please, and thank you and is very considerate. He loves everyone, especially his younger cousins. I had been to NW Arkansas to stay with my youngest grandson this past weekend. When I came back, he was home. I went by to see him. He let me hug and kiss him all I wanted to, and says he's coming to spend the night with me Friday night.

He and his mother went school supply shopping Saturday. He has a backpack crammed, jammed full of stuff that he will take to open house later this month.

One thing he brought back with him from his Granny's house is a picture of his great great grandfather on his dad's side of the family. He is dressed in his WWI attire and if you didn't know better, you'd say it was Will's dad, Richard. It is amazing how much Richard looks like his great grandfather.

Why I Decided to Build a Blog

I decided to build a blog so I could remember the things I may someday want to tell my children or grandchildren. One of my favorite sayings is: 'A mind is a terrible thing to lose', and that just about sums it up for me. I try not to ever pass along information about someone or something, because there's a really good chance that I can't remember it correctly. I've decided in my old age(57) that there are plenty enough people who can repeat the latest talk without my help. And I don't have to apologize for things I haven't said. Believe me, I've done my share of that.

You may be wondering where the Memaw Bakes comes from. My son and daughter-in-law read to my 2 year old grandson each night before he goes to bed. One book in particular that he likes has a page that says, 'I like to go to Memaw's house' and you turn the page and a lady in an apron is opening the oven where a pie is pictured and says, 'because Memaw Bakes'. After they read this to him a few times, he began calling me Memaw Bakes. --As long as he calle me something, I'm fine with that.--

Talked to My Girls

I can only go so long without hearing the little voices of my grandchildren. I talked to Ivan on Saturday and heard all about his new fish named Nemo(what else?). He went to a Nemo themed birthday party, and each child was given a fish to take home. I know there were a lot of happy mom's that day. His dad said he was relly excited when he brought it in.

He was busy eating a tomato when I called, so he didn't talk long. I'm going to see him Friday and stay until Sunday. His mom and dad are going to a Cardinal's baseball game Saturday night, so it will just be Ivan and me. He's a great little boy, and I can't wait to see him.

I spoke to Riley and Maddie today at lunch. Maddie always sings to me when I talk to her. She likes 'You are My Sunshine' and 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'. Ivan taught us that one. The sunshine song was taught to the girls by their MeMe. Riley told me about the movie she watched this morning. Chicken Little says 'the sky is falling'. She assured me it didn't though. They will be home August 11th for a few days. That means I have to get the rest of the junk from my utility room out of the kitchen. My utility room looks great, but my kitchen is a wreck.

Touring the New Church Building

On July 23rd, we got to tour our new church building. It is totally awesome. The most exciting thing about the whole process to me is that I'm part of a new congregation and have met so many wonderful Christian people, and have gotten to know quite a few of them personally.

I participate in the ladies class on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. I help in the nursery when it is my scheduled turn. I am a member of a life group and go to different homes on a monthly basis, and I eat lunch once a month with a group of ladies who have lost their spouses either from death or divorce. Actually, I think I'm the only one that is divorced. I'm also the youngest one in the group and the only one who has to go back to work after we eat(yuk). But what a group of ladies!!! Jay Gwin is the deacon who is shepherding us in this work, and we all enjoy it so. Sometimes we have special guests. David has eaten with us a few times, and usually one of the elders or a deacon will come. It helps us to find out what is going on at the church. You know us Church of Christ folks. The women don't go to the men's meetings and are not scriptually allowed to hold office of elder or deacon, so unless someone tells those of us with no husband what is going on, we can be in the dark. So these good men keep us abreast of what is happening that we should or might just like to know about.

The interior design has been done by Lori Nichols. She has done a great job. We have lots of classrooms, a wonderful place to have fellowship and most of all a beautiful new place to lift up praises and worship our Lord.

I am so happy and excited to be a part of this congregation!

My Girls are gone - sometime.

My youngest daughter and her family have moved 2 hours away. I was used to seeing the two girls, 3 and 2 almost every day and doing things with them like going to church together, out to eat and just playing. I also babysat whenever they wanted me to.

I'm used to living by myself, but having them near was a great convenience. Now they live far enough away that I can't see them any time I want to, but they do get to come home quite often.

In fact, their dad is out of town for the week, so they are staying with me right now. They've been really busy visiting other grandparents also, but I've gotten to have them with me the last two nights. We take turns sleeping together. They are both good bedpartners, but three is too many in any bed.

The youngest has been called Maddie Bug since she was born, but this week she informed her mother she is not Maddie Bug, she is Maddie Ewese(Elise). But she lets me call her sunshine.

I visited with my grandson in NW Ar for the July 4th holiday. I started to church with him on Sunday morning, and he asked if it was far far away. I told him it was a little way, but not far far. He told me that his MeMaw JuJu lived far far away. I asked him if I lived far far away, and he said no, that I live upstairs.(This is where I stay when I visit, because I live in the same town as MeMaw JuJu.