I had one of those light bulb experiences yesterday. Know how you can use an expression for years and know what it means then suddenly have it become real to you? There’s a good reason old sayings are old sayings!
As you know--if you read me ever at all--our life is pretty challenging because of Richard’s Alzheimer’s and I adjust to that better some days than others. But a lot of little things can absolutely break me, which is what happened Wednesday.
Every day brings new experiences and a series of things--basically just Life—had happened culminating in a flat tire on my way to choir practice and it was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and suddenly I realized: I’m the camel and I’m carrying a big load and that flat tire was my last straw! For about 15 minutes I sobbed and was hugged and patted by some friends—who also tried to feed me—and soon I felt better and could go back to choir and sing.
Interesting huh? Think about youself (as camel) and what straws break your back? Although I don't think we can predict what straws do that-they change due to circumstances. Just a Friday thought.
10 on Tuesday (or Friday. Late is such an ugly word.)
10 things I’m thankful for
1. My good health
2. Richard’s good physical health
3. Kaila
4. Carter
5. Koty—where ever he is
6. Friends and family
7. A job I love
8. Enough money to do what needs to be done and a little bit more
9. That I sing and read and knit and clog
10. That I have choices
Friday, November 21, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
October stuff
Okay, so in October my mother, my Aunt Lavonna, and my Uncle Darrell all turned 80 year old. Their children (my cousins and my sister and me) decided to throw a big birthday party for them. they all go to the same church so deciding where to have it was easy, we split up the tasks and it was a really fun party! And the first time in years that the family has been together and no funerals were involved! All the first cousins were there except of course my deceased sister. This is a picture of all my first cousins on the Hern side of my family. I'm the oldest as they are so fond of reminding me!! I have a bunch more on the Russell side. I'm the oldest on that side too. Imagine that! lucky enough to be the first grandchild on both sides of the family!!
And here are the birthday people with their cakes. Aren't they cute? A good time was had by all.
Here is Carter busted with the evidence all over his face and in his hands (Oreo cookies)
I had a picture of Carter beinging a big armload of my yarn to me but I can't seem to find it now??
Oh well, later I guess toodles....Anita
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Printed Word
What I've been reading lately:
Death's Half Acre by Margaret Maron--I really enjoy the Deborah Knott stories. No intellectual value but pleasant reading.
Lie Down With the Devil by Linda Barnes--as usual private detective Carlotta Carlyle manages to get herself into trouble more than once in this book. At least she didn't end up in the hospital. There's always quite a bit of angst in her stories but in this one I noticed a possible change of direction in the story line.
Wailing Wind by Tony Hillerman--I've suddenly become hooked on Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn and Bernie too. This one was sadder than the others I've read -I actually listened to this one on cd.
Damage Control by J.A. Jance--you just can't go wrong with a Jance book whether it's Beau in the big city or Joanna in the desert. Her stories are intriguing and not too simple or too complicated. Just enough to keep me interested.
Have I mentioned the new Vicki Bliss book by Elizabeth Peters. In EP's usual fashion her stories move along at a quick pace and there is always an element of humor. My favorite book by her is Die for Love absolutely too funny! I also loved her books she wrote as Barbara Michaels but she doesn't write those anymore--too sad.
Right now I'm listening to 3rd. Degree by James Patterson one of his Women's Mystery Club series.
Waiting in the wings are Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman, The Blessing Way by Hillerman,
Body in the Gallery by Katherine Hall Page and Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart (a new series by her) one of my all-time fave authors. I'll let you know how they all turn out.
toodles and thanks for dropping by! Anita
Death's Half Acre by Margaret Maron--I really enjoy the Deborah Knott stories. No intellectual value but pleasant reading.
Lie Down With the Devil by Linda Barnes--as usual private detective Carlotta Carlyle manages to get herself into trouble more than once in this book. At least she didn't end up in the hospital. There's always quite a bit of angst in her stories but in this one I noticed a possible change of direction in the story line.
Wailing Wind by Tony Hillerman--I've suddenly become hooked on Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn and Bernie too. This one was sadder than the others I've read -I actually listened to this one on cd.
Damage Control by J.A. Jance--you just can't go wrong with a Jance book whether it's Beau in the big city or Joanna in the desert. Her stories are intriguing and not too simple or too complicated. Just enough to keep me interested.
Have I mentioned the new Vicki Bliss book by Elizabeth Peters. In EP's usual fashion her stories move along at a quick pace and there is always an element of humor. My favorite book by her is Die for Love absolutely too funny! I also loved her books she wrote as Barbara Michaels but she doesn't write those anymore--too sad.
Right now I'm listening to 3rd. Degree by James Patterson one of his Women's Mystery Club series.
Waiting in the wings are Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman, The Blessing Way by Hillerman,
Body in the Gallery by Katherine Hall Page and Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart (a new series by her) one of my all-time fave authors. I'll let you know how they all turn out.
toodles and thanks for dropping by! Anita
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Ten on Tuesday
10 Awful Things About TV Today
1. Reality shows
2. Reality shows
3. Reality shows
4. Reality shows
5. Reality shows
6. Reality shows
7. Reality shows
8. Reality shows
9. Reality shows
10. let’s see, what else? Oh yeah!
11. Reality shows.
10 Great Things about TV Today
1. Oklahoma Education Television Authority
2. Local news
3. Watching my niece (a reporter on KFOR)
4. NCIS
5. Weather Alerts (but not too many)
6. That we have it
7. ummmm, I think that’s it for me, I'm more of a book person
1. Reality shows
2. Reality shows
3. Reality shows
4. Reality shows
5. Reality shows
6. Reality shows
7. Reality shows
8. Reality shows
9. Reality shows
10. let’s see, what else? Oh yeah!
11. Reality shows.
10 Great Things about TV Today
1. Oklahoma Education Television Authority
2. Local news
3. Watching my niece (a reporter on KFOR)
4. NCIS
5. Weather Alerts (but not too many)
6. That we have it
7. ummmm, I think that’s it for me, I'm more of a book person
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Learning.....
I’ve learned:
that I have to enjoy each day for what it gives us.
that sometimes I have to search the day for something happy.
that sometimes I have to sit on the side of the bed and pretend to laugh because I haven’t laughed all day and my body needs laughter (and bodies can’t tell the difference between real and pretend laughter—true!).
I’ve got to listen to some music every day.
that I need some sort of exercise everyday even if it’s only a few minutes.
patience as Richard tries to tell me a story when the words are inside his head but won’t come out of his mouth. (need more work on this one)
that it all comes down to me in the end so I should quit bitching and just get on with whatever has to be done.
that I can ask for help.
that I can get help if I just keep asking.
that some people help even when I resist it. I don’t always know/accept what we need.
that churches may be houses of God but they are filled with people who don’t know what to do or how to help (and seem to resist efforts to get assistance) and that it’s not their fault) (this one is hard).
that even though he now doesn’t know that he doesn’t know and isn’t in so much pain, that I know and am in more pain than before.
that sometimes I feel paralyzed inside but I can keep moving forward even during those times and that feeling will pass.
that I can’t let people/friends (even though they are concerned) drag me down with their sympathy.
to say “we’re doing the best we can” and try to change the subject.
To tell myself it is what it is and go on
That I’m waiting to learn not to be angry and/or resentful which closes me up to everything.
that I’ve still got a lot to learn.
that I still don’t believe God gave this to Richard
that I wish I could quit learning
that I hope each day I am still alive in spirit and body
that I have strength to give to others even when I feel empty.
that I love my husband even more than I knew I did.
That my life isn’t over even though it feels that way
That God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called—I say this many times a day for strength.
that I have to enjoy each day for what it gives us.
that sometimes I have to search the day for something happy.
that sometimes I have to sit on the side of the bed and pretend to laugh because I haven’t laughed all day and my body needs laughter (and bodies can’t tell the difference between real and pretend laughter—true!).
I’ve got to listen to some music every day.
that I need some sort of exercise everyday even if it’s only a few minutes.
patience as Richard tries to tell me a story when the words are inside his head but won’t come out of his mouth. (need more work on this one)
that it all comes down to me in the end so I should quit bitching and just get on with whatever has to be done.
that I can ask for help.
that I can get help if I just keep asking.
that some people help even when I resist it. I don’t always know/accept what we need.
that churches may be houses of God but they are filled with people who don’t know what to do or how to help (and seem to resist efforts to get assistance) and that it’s not their fault) (this one is hard).
that even though he now doesn’t know that he doesn’t know and isn’t in so much pain, that I know and am in more pain than before.
that sometimes I feel paralyzed inside but I can keep moving forward even during those times and that feeling will pass.
that I can’t let people/friends (even though they are concerned) drag me down with their sympathy.
to say “we’re doing the best we can” and try to change the subject.
To tell myself it is what it is and go on
That I’m waiting to learn not to be angry and/or resentful which closes me up to everything.
that I’ve still got a lot to learn.
that I still don’t believe God gave this to Richard
that I wish I could quit learning
that I hope each day I am still alive in spirit and body
that I have strength to give to others even when I feel empty.
that I love my husband even more than I knew I did.
That my life isn’t over even though it feels that way
That God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called—I say this many times a day for strength.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Catchin' Up
Well, hey y'all! How is everyone? I don't know about you but I've been waaaaay too busy. September always seems to be a busy month even when you no longer have kids in school. I thought I'd try to get caught up since I haven't posted in a while. This seems to be one of those "I don't know what I've been doing but I've been really busy doing it" times though.
Well first of all, Richard's cast came off about a week ago. He drove me crazy asking how long till it was removed (short term memory issues) but finally the magic day arrived. He's still wearing a splint from time to time. I was really worried he'd go out in the garage and find a saw (in spite of all our best efforts to hide or get rid of all sharp objects) and remove it himself, but fortunately he didn't do that. He says it still hurts a little and it keeps swelling up, I'm a little worried.
I finished my Summer Shawlette, it's really cute, I'll get a picture up soon. I've started a Heartbeat Sweater of Berroco Love It Colors. It has long color sequences and is striping up nicely. Also, this time it seems much easier--I haven't frogged the other one yet so after I finish this one I may try to re-group and finish it. It's really a cute pattern from Just One More Row. I've also started a multidirectional scarf of Noro Silk Garden Sock that will be so pretty. I'm working on an entralac shrug from I think the Vogue Knitting Just Wraps book. I happened to be at my favorite yarn shop a while back when a
shipment of Silk Garden Sock arrrived and I went into sort of a frenzy and bought several skeins -none of which I needed. But then, where yarn is concerned--what's need got to do with it?
Last weekend I attended a 2 night 3 day Literacy Conference and left DH with care-givers, one of who was going to be my son and his wife. However she got sick-they thought she had a stroke! and was put in the hospital for the same 3 days I was gone, so I had to make rather sudden and different arrangements. I called my two daughters to re-arrange their part of the week-end and our good friend George to take Rich out a bit on Saturday which thank heavens he was able and willing to do. Never underestimate the power of a good friend. Fortunately Teresa is fine, it wasn't a stroke but connected to migraine headaches and they are treating her for that.
and finally on Thursday I remembered to send her some flowers!
I enjoyed the conference a lot. It was work but I was away from home on a break from Alzheimer's in a hotel room all my own by myself! If I hadn't tripped and fallen (again) it would have been perfect. RB, Joni and I had been carrying supplies into the conference center and using one of those two-wheeler cards that can fold down into a flat cart with 4 wheels. RB and I were walking back outside to get another load and she was pulling the cart and to the left of me. I decided to walk around her and look at a sign posted on the building. Well when I stopped she did too and instead of walking around her, I tripped over the cart. I went down in a series of what felt like bounces off several things but it was all cart. I hit the side of my leg which left a black and blue bruise the size of my fist and still hurts, (I'll spare you the pictures) and the front of my leg and hurt my hand trying to catch myself (had to wear an ice pack and an elastic bandage all weekend). I felt rather like a beached whale! probably looked like one too! But the worst part was that I couldn't get up! Part of me was hanging off one side of the cart, another part off the other side, and the middle of me was just sort of ...well I'm not sure but in the middle of the cart. Finally I managed to roll off and sit on the sidewalk at which point friend Joni started laughing and didn't quit for the whole weekend! I'm certainly glad to have provided her with so much entertainment....or not. Anyhow, it wasn't my best fall...my most spectacular fall was falling backwards out of the library van (see Monday, Jan. 28, 2008).
I knew there was a good reason I have a magnetic ball of yarn and needles on the back of my car--besides helping me find it in the parking lot, there are a lot of white cars! While parking the other day, a car drove by me and braked rather suddenly, then drove on and parked a couple spaces away from me. A young woman came rushing towards me and ask do you knit? me-yes her-for fun? me-yes her-me too! So we chatted a bit, compared favorite yarn shops--she didn't have one so I suggested she try mine, we exchanged names and parted ways.
I thought I'd leave you with a pic of Carter and Grandpa playing chase in the backyard.
Toodles till next time and remember to laugh every day! Anita
Well first of all, Richard's cast came off about a week ago. He drove me crazy asking how long till it was removed (short term memory issues) but finally the magic day arrived. He's still wearing a splint from time to time. I was really worried he'd go out in the garage and find a saw (in spite of all our best efforts to hide or get rid of all sharp objects) and remove it himself, but fortunately he didn't do that. He says it still hurts a little and it keeps swelling up, I'm a little worried.
I finished my Summer Shawlette, it's really cute, I'll get a picture up soon. I've started a Heartbeat Sweater of Berroco Love It Colors. It has long color sequences and is striping up nicely. Also, this time it seems much easier--I haven't frogged the other one yet so after I finish this one I may try to re-group and finish it. It's really a cute pattern from Just One More Row. I've also started a multidirectional scarf of Noro Silk Garden Sock that will be so pretty. I'm working on an entralac shrug from I think the Vogue Knitting Just Wraps book. I happened to be at my favorite yarn shop a while back when a
shipment of Silk Garden Sock arrrived and I went into sort of a frenzy and bought several skeins -none of which I needed. But then, where yarn is concerned--what's need got to do with it?
Last weekend I attended a 2 night 3 day Literacy Conference and left DH with care-givers, one of who was going to be my son and his wife. However she got sick-they thought she had a stroke! and was put in the hospital for the same 3 days I was gone, so I had to make rather sudden and different arrangements. I called my two daughters to re-arrange their part of the week-end and our good friend George to take Rich out a bit on Saturday which thank heavens he was able and willing to do. Never underestimate the power of a good friend. Fortunately Teresa is fine, it wasn't a stroke but connected to migraine headaches and they are treating her for that.
and finally on Thursday I remembered to send her some flowers!
I enjoyed the conference a lot. It was work but I was away from home on a break from Alzheimer's in a hotel room all my own by myself! If I hadn't tripped and fallen (again) it would have been perfect. RB, Joni and I had been carrying supplies into the conference center and using one of those two-wheeler cards that can fold down into a flat cart with 4 wheels. RB and I were walking back outside to get another load and she was pulling the cart and to the left of me. I decided to walk around her and look at a sign posted on the building. Well when I stopped she did too and instead of walking around her, I tripped over the cart. I went down in a series of what felt like bounces off several things but it was all cart. I hit the side of my leg which left a black and blue bruise the size of my fist and still hurts, (I'll spare you the pictures) and the front of my leg and hurt my hand trying to catch myself (had to wear an ice pack and an elastic bandage all weekend). I felt rather like a beached whale! probably looked like one too! But the worst part was that I couldn't get up! Part of me was hanging off one side of the cart, another part off the other side, and the middle of me was just sort of ...well I'm not sure but in the middle of the cart. Finally I managed to roll off and sit on the sidewalk at which point friend Joni started laughing and didn't quit for the whole weekend! I'm certainly glad to have provided her with so much entertainment....or not. Anyhow, it wasn't my best fall...my most spectacular fall was falling backwards out of the library van (see Monday, Jan. 28, 2008).
I knew there was a good reason I have a magnetic ball of yarn and needles on the back of my car--besides helping me find it in the parking lot, there are a lot of white cars! While parking the other day, a car drove by me and braked rather suddenly, then drove on and parked a couple spaces away from me. A young woman came rushing towards me and ask do you knit? me-yes her-for fun? me-yes her-me too! So we chatted a bit, compared favorite yarn shops--she didn't have one so I suggested she try mine, we exchanged names and parted ways.
I thought I'd leave you with a pic of Carter and Grandpa playing chase in the backyard.
Toodles till next time and remember to laugh every day! Anita
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wow
I just finished watching a press conference about the temporary center for evacuees from New Orleans and the surrounding area during Hurrican Gustav here in OKC. I am so proud of our City. The police department, United Way, Red Cross, religious communities, mental health, animal control, and more were prepared to help. We were able, willing and ready to take these people in. Everyone who arrived was registered and put in an internet location so family can locate them, they're running warrant reports on everyone and 3 people have been taken to jail, people with unsavory "history" are being housed other places. Pets are here and owners can visit. There are cots, food, and supplies for all. I tell ya, everything has been thought of. 400 people were expected, 1800 arrived, they are prepared for 2000, but 4000 could be housed if necessary. All who are in charge are calm, organized and prepared. Wow
OTN A Fiesta Ballet scarf, a Summer Lace Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang, a Noro Silk Garden scarf, a Fixation sock, a Christmas stocking of Encore from last year, a multi-directional scarf of Miss Priss----can anybody say UFO? Oh and I forgot the vest of Plymouth Baby Alpaca! Oh well, I guess they'll all get finished sooner or later---or not! I'm also frogging a Heartbeat sweater of Schaffer Laurel--love the yarn didn't love the pattern. I seem to need more concrete instructions rather than follow pattern till it fits. Maybe I'll try again later when my life is calmer. When one never knows what to expect it's easier to have directions that I can just follow!
I went to GY yesterday to take Nina a birthday card and visit a bit and Kay and Margie were there, Carol, Ellen and Polly all came in, and Nina and Pat after their lunch. Then DH and I went to the Arts Festival at OCCC with friends and looked at art, ate, and listened to music. It was a good day. And I think, I'll close on that note. Happy Labor Day--or in my case No-Labor Day!!! : ) toodles......Anita
The picture is my mother, a grandchild and her son-in-law aka as Richard, my DH.
OTN A Fiesta Ballet scarf, a Summer Lace Shawlette of Fiesta Boomerang, a Noro Silk Garden scarf, a Fixation sock, a Christmas stocking of Encore from last year, a multi-directional scarf of Miss Priss----can anybody say UFO? Oh and I forgot the vest of Plymouth Baby Alpaca! Oh well, I guess they'll all get finished sooner or later---or not! I'm also frogging a Heartbeat sweater of Schaffer Laurel--love the yarn didn't love the pattern. I seem to need more concrete instructions rather than follow pattern till it fits. Maybe I'll try again later when my life is calmer. When one never knows what to expect it's easier to have directions that I can just follow!
I went to GY yesterday to take Nina a birthday card and visit a bit and Kay and Margie were there, Carol, Ellen and Polly all came in, and Nina and Pat after their lunch. Then DH and I went to the Arts Festival at OCCC with friends and looked at art, ate, and listened to music. It was a good day. And I think, I'll close on that note. Happy Labor Day--or in my case No-Labor Day!!! : ) toodles......Anita
The picture is my mother, a grandchild and her son-in-law aka as Richard, my DH.
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