Google Garrett Matthias 5 year old in Iowa. I wish I had met this little guy. I like him so much. He can teach me so much about life. He lived his 5 years to the fullest. RIP little Garrett, may you be a superhero in heaven, because you certainly were on earth.
I see some pretty images on other blogs. I am going to work on this. I did change my layout slightly and added a picture. It makes me happy. Maybe more people will visit me.
My heart goes out to the people involved in Branson Missouri when the duck boat sank. 17 people lost their lives, including children. So sad. Hug your loved ones.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Under the Weather
At least we had a bit of scattered rain and a break in the 90's temps. For 2 days. Today, supposed to be back in high 90's. It occurred to me I could be having allergies. My throat hurts, my eyes itch for over a week now I did not realize how soon ragweed blooms. Another sign that summer is waning. I looked it up. Ragweed pollen is low, but it is starting...
I know that milkweed blooms and thistle is past its prime. It is obvious due to the bright colors and fragrance. Once the thistle starts to dry out, you will notice the birds. I hear them before I see them. The gold finches. They love the thistle. I am seeing them, but not as much as normal because we are not in our house in the city any longer and I have not been walking as much. Plus I walk later, due to the heat.
Well there you have it. I am grateful for the seasons. Before we know it, we will be freezing again!
P.S. Update since I wrote this - after last 3 days I know I am sick with a cold. I am sure I got it from the hotel. So many germs. DH had it first and now I have it. I missed work Tuesday, despite needing the money to pay off my NYC trip I charged. So, I cancelled all my Friday afternoon plans and now I will work all day Friday to get in my 40 hours. But today I am even worse. I feel a little bit guilty about bringing my germs to work with me, but it is a conundrum. I wish all employees had at least a few days of sick days that they could stay home and not worry about their shrinking pay check. Last night I took a short walk after work, my stomach is still upset and I thought that would help that a little and make my sleepy. Between my stomach and my head cold I can barely breathe. Night sweats, body aches last night. Good times. But I went to bed pretty early and slept decent. So, here's to getting through Thursday.
Anyone else get a cold this summer? Then I have the full blown ragweed to look forward to! Lucky me!
I know that milkweed blooms and thistle is past its prime. It is obvious due to the bright colors and fragrance. Once the thistle starts to dry out, you will notice the birds. I hear them before I see them. The gold finches. They love the thistle. I am seeing them, but not as much as normal because we are not in our house in the city any longer and I have not been walking as much. Plus I walk later, due to the heat.
Well there you have it. I am grateful for the seasons. Before we know it, we will be freezing again!
P.S. Update since I wrote this - after last 3 days I know I am sick with a cold. I am sure I got it from the hotel. So many germs. DH had it first and now I have it. I missed work Tuesday, despite needing the money to pay off my NYC trip I charged. So, I cancelled all my Friday afternoon plans and now I will work all day Friday to get in my 40 hours. But today I am even worse. I feel a little bit guilty about bringing my germs to work with me, but it is a conundrum. I wish all employees had at least a few days of sick days that they could stay home and not worry about their shrinking pay check. Last night I took a short walk after work, my stomach is still upset and I thought that would help that a little and make my sleepy. Between my stomach and my head cold I can barely breathe. Night sweats, body aches last night. Good times. But I went to bed pretty early and slept decent. So, here's to getting through Thursday.
Anyone else get a cold this summer? Then I have the full blown ragweed to look forward to! Lucky me!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Summer is Waning?
The other evening we were sitting outside our house (our only home now thank goodness). We were listening to the cicadas and watching the flag not move. No breeze. Just stifling heat and I was wishing for the summer heat lightening and clouds. It seems like at both our city and our country place, we have seen lots of clouds this year, but we are in the grip of a weird spotty drought. Areas close by have received regular rain this year, but not the immed vicinity.
The next morning (Sunday), we were again sitting at our picnic table drinking coffee. Right now, my favorite times to be outside are first thing in the morming (I wish I was early enough riser to say sunrise) and sunset - it is just too hot. Has been over 95 degrees a lot - since May! The cicadas seem to have diff sound in the early versus late in the afternoon. They are loud. They remind me of summer so much. More so of the last part of summer, as I have aged and noticed subtle seasonal things more. I remember being a kid and coming to visit my grandparents in the city and I remember going to bed when it was still light outside and having such a hard time sleeping because of all the sounds. At our rural home, we did not have all the sounds of traffic, other people outside, etc. I remember wanting to go out and play with the kids I could hear outside while I lay there and tried to sleep in the city. I remember the window being open and a fan in it. I hardly remember not having AC as a child. So, did my grandmother and grandfather not have AC? Maybe they just had a window unit? I cannot remember. I can't ask my mom, but I can ask what my aunts remember.
I also remark about how soon the sunset times accelerate as soon as summer solstice comes and goes. I hate doing that! Feel like I need to be grateful for everyday and not wish it by. But I noticed last night it was pitch black at 9:10pm.
For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born,
and a time to die;
a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill,
and a time to heal;
a time to break down,
and a time to build up;
a time to weep,
and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn,
and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek,
and a time to lose;
a time to keep,
and a time to throw away;
a time to tear,
and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
a time to love,
and a time to hate;
a time for war,
and a time for peace.
[Ecclesiastes 3:1-18; NRSV]
Anyway, those moments also serve as my stop and smell the roses consciousness this past weekend. DH and I lingered and took our time getting the house shut down and all our tasks we do before we leave to drive back to the city. It was nice. We hated coming back. Not much longer though, just over 2 months. It was cloudy and cooler last night, so we took a walk. I really enjoyed it. I love being outside as much as I can. Always have.
What makes you think of summer? Do you have cicadas where you are? What makes you thinking of seasons passing? Summer waning?
The next morning (Sunday), we were again sitting at our picnic table drinking coffee. Right now, my favorite times to be outside are first thing in the morming (I wish I was early enough riser to say sunrise) and sunset - it is just too hot. Has been over 95 degrees a lot - since May! The cicadas seem to have diff sound in the early versus late in the afternoon. They are loud. They remind me of summer so much. More so of the last part of summer, as I have aged and noticed subtle seasonal things more. I remember being a kid and coming to visit my grandparents in the city and I remember going to bed when it was still light outside and having such a hard time sleeping because of all the sounds. At our rural home, we did not have all the sounds of traffic, other people outside, etc. I remember wanting to go out and play with the kids I could hear outside while I lay there and tried to sleep in the city. I remember the window being open and a fan in it. I hardly remember not having AC as a child. So, did my grandmother and grandfather not have AC? Maybe they just had a window unit? I cannot remember. I can't ask my mom, but I can ask what my aunts remember.
I also remark about how soon the sunset times accelerate as soon as summer solstice comes and goes. I hate doing that! Feel like I need to be grateful for everyday and not wish it by. But I noticed last night it was pitch black at 9:10pm.
For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born,
and a time to die;
a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill,
and a time to heal;
a time to break down,
and a time to build up;
a time to weep,
and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn,
and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace,
and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek,
and a time to lose;
a time to keep,
and a time to throw away;
a time to tear,
and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence,
and a time to speak;
a time to love,
and a time to hate;
a time for war,
and a time for peace.
[Ecclesiastes 3:1-18; NRSV]
Anyway, those moments also serve as my stop and smell the roses consciousness this past weekend. DH and I lingered and took our time getting the house shut down and all our tasks we do before we leave to drive back to the city. It was nice. We hated coming back. Not much longer though, just over 2 months. It was cloudy and cooler last night, so we took a walk. I really enjoyed it. I love being outside as much as I can. Always have.
What makes you think of summer? Do you have cicadas where you are? What makes you thinking of seasons passing? Summer waning?
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Update
I called 877 number set up by bankruptcy trustee and actually got a live person who was able to find my inlaws policies and update me on status! After this going on for 9 years we have learned that both prepaid policies were acquired by a 3rd party insurance carrier and considered "paid in full". Isn't that great news? I could not wait to call my mother in law and let her know. She was very happy.
"Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake."
~Victor Hugo
~Victor Hugo
I am staying in bed at hotel today. Summer cold. DH had it last week. Oh well, our bodies tells us when to slow down. Today is it. At least we finally got a larger room! We spent 2 hours moving down from 4th floor to 2nd, larger room. We were very satisfied as we ate stir fry veggies last night. The stove in this room works!
Have you ever stayed in extended stay? What healthy meals can you make in small area? Any ideas?
Monday, July 16, 2018
Let's discuss death some more, shall we?
So late Friday I got a private message that a friend from high school had suddenly lost her husband. He was 55 and died suddently and unexpectedly. Either heat stroke or heart attack. So horrible. They have 2 children. His funeral is tomorrow, but it is 1) 3 hours, 2) during a weekday and 3) I can't afford to miss work and 4) we have a deadline at work. So, I am not driving down. Several of my classmates will represent our class and support her.
Over the weekend, completely coincidentally, my in-laws-wanted to discuss their arrangements. They had 2 sons (out of 3) and DIL present. So we discussed. I am getting ready to email our state attorney general and I will give you the backstory of why...
In the late 80's or early 90's my PIL purchased 2 prepaid funeral packages and paid several thousand dollars. My MIL methodically for several years wrote checks and kept check stubs and notes and eventually received confirmation that they had paid both packages in full. 15-20 years go by and in late 2009 they receive notice from another state that 3 companies selling such "policies" were in bankruptcy and if my PIL wanted to make a claim, they had to do so my January 23, 2010. I suggested they send their forms provided by the special receiver (trustee) via certified mail. They did so.
We have heard nothing. I am now going to follow up and see what information I can get, if any. I am going to call the number set up by the trustee in the other state and I am also going to contact the state attorney general office in the state where PIL purchased their packages. They live in a 3rd state. Are you keeping up? Confused? So are we.
Over the weekend, completely coincidentally, my in-laws-wanted to discuss their arrangements. They had 2 sons (out of 3) and DIL present. So we discussed. I am getting ready to email our state attorney general and I will give you the backstory of why...
In the late 80's or early 90's my PIL purchased 2 prepaid funeral packages and paid several thousand dollars. My MIL methodically for several years wrote checks and kept check stubs and notes and eventually received confirmation that they had paid both packages in full. 15-20 years go by and in late 2009 they receive notice from another state that 3 companies selling such "policies" were in bankruptcy and if my PIL wanted to make a claim, they had to do so my January 23, 2010. I suggested they send their forms provided by the special receiver (trustee) via certified mail. They did so.
We have heard nothing. I am now going to follow up and see what information I can get, if any. I am going to call the number set up by the trustee in the other state and I am also going to contact the state attorney general office in the state where PIL purchased their packages. They live in a 3rd state. Are you keeping up? Confused? So are we.
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Serious Family Meetings
So, having a great weekend at RH, except for the heat...and drought. I have watered well, hope my small trees will be ok.
This weekend one of my BILs was also down, visited his folks. We got on subject of funerals. It is one of those conversations that are difficult but necessary. I have become accustomed to discussing openly. Some people have harder time. Some people avoid. Some joke.
How do you handle it?
Friday, July 13, 2018
Naval Gazing
SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is ... . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 20 success is.......going all the way.
At age 35 success is . . ..having money.
At age 50 success is . . . having money.
At age 60 success is . . . going all the way.
At age 70 success is . . ..having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . having friends.
At age 80 success is . ... not peeing in your pants.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jer 29:11
I have a little nagging thought this morning. I was with a family member last night, family going through some hard times. Some fracturing in the family. Many in the family trying to deal with it head on, some trying to approach at a side angle. Which is correct? Maybe my other side of the family tendency all along, to not talk about everything, sometimes don't say anything...is that correct? Why do I always feel the need to tell my feelings, side, perspective...maybe I should just shut up and listen. Once something is said, can't be unsaid. Where did this come from in me? How do I admire and accept unconditional love if I don't have that as a value too? Maybe it is some part of my desire to avoid conflict. Do I walk away too easily...Self actualization starting here? Maybe this is something I need to delve into...hmmmmmm. Deep thoughts for Friday the 13th. OK. I am done thinking for today. Hope you have a great Friday!
At age 4 success is ... . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 20 success is.......going all the way.
At age 35 success is . . ..having money.
At age 50 success is . . . having money.
At age 60 success is . . . going all the way.
At age 70 success is . . ..having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . having friends.
At age 80 success is . ... not peeing in your pants.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jer 29:11
I have a little nagging thought this morning. I was with a family member last night, family going through some hard times. Some fracturing in the family. Many in the family trying to deal with it head on, some trying to approach at a side angle. Which is correct? Maybe my other side of the family tendency all along, to not talk about everything, sometimes don't say anything...is that correct? Why do I always feel the need to tell my feelings, side, perspective...maybe I should just shut up and listen. Once something is said, can't be unsaid. Where did this come from in me? How do I admire and accept unconditional love if I don't have that as a value too? Maybe it is some part of my desire to avoid conflict. Do I walk away too easily...Self actualization starting here? Maybe this is something I need to delve into...hmmmmmm. Deep thoughts for Friday the 13th. OK. I am done thinking for today. Hope you have a great Friday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)