Dandy's Place

2010 The year for good health!!!

2010-03-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it!!! I have hired a trainer. I have been at it for two weeks now and I feel great. Sore, but great. I am actually sleeping through the night and seem to have more energy than before. Thanks to Gwen's friend, Brandi. I will miss the week of spring break, and I know that I will miss the workouts. Hopefully, it won't be too bad after a week's break.

Time flies even when you aren't having fun!!!!!

2009-09-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hi to all,
Summer is really over--temperture wise--thank goodness. Otherwise, NO!!!!!!!!!!! I did not do my usual summer house cleaning and throwing away!!!!!! I am shredding every weekend. This past weekend I filled four (4) plastic bags of shredded old papers. What a MESS!!!!!!!!! I have one more large basket to go and then I start on the file cabinet in our bedroom. If I could keep only one years worth of bank statements and tax papers I would, but I think it is safer to keep five (5) years worth. Damn it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If the IRS audited us now, I would probably say "Come and get me!" This is crazy--there are files from 1984 (that's 25 years!!!). I have to shred for about 30 minutes and let the shredder rest for 30 minutes--I don't want to burn up the moter. This is going to take me until January to finish.

2009-08-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

Gwen made me feel bad for not posting sooner--because she posted--she did not shame me into this. Things have been whirly, whirly--trip to Kansas stayed 23 days came home started school--flew back on Aug. 17 and returned Aug. 22. Whew!! Mama did not have hip replacement surgery because she has developed heart problems. Her heart doctor has put her on meds for heart arrythmia and also says her blood needs to be thinned. He wants to wait for 8 weeks before any hip surgery. She is so frail and can't walk. So, she is not doing any rehab for the broken hip right now. It is such a mess and very stressful for my sister--who has the total responsibility for her health issues. I am so sad that I am so far away that I cannot help take up the slack. Kirk and Linell are so lucky that they have each other to lean upon when they get stressed like this.

Back in the Saddle

2009-08-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Summer is over--workshops started today. A monkey wrench has been thrown in. Mama's hip surgery did not work, so the doctor has to go in a do a complete hip replacement on Aug. 18. I am more than a little worried about this because Mama has some heart issues now. EVERY TIME I THINK IT CAN NOT GET ANY WORSE--IT DOES. She is having EKG and blood work done tomorrow. Please keep us in your prayers.

Just when you think...

2009-07-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

...that everything is going pretty good--BAM! It turns on a dime. Yesterday, Mama fell and broke her left hip. She had only been home from rehab about a week--give or take a few days. She is undergoing surgery and I am leaving tomorrow morning to go up there and give Patsy some relief. I plan to just stay there until Kirk flies up on July 21. Mama will be 90 years old July 23. My aunt and cousin are going up next week, which will be a really good thing. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we weather this with Mama.

Hot Cha Cha

2009-07-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Where is the rain???? The three drops that we got yesterday, I am grateful for, however, we need more. I need to hand water my pot plants--they are gasping. It is even too hot to swim. Kirk mowed the lawn this morning and then we kept Cam and Landon--what fun they were. There is so much going on right now it is hard to keep up with it all. I am in the throes of cleaning out the closets--that got put on hold this morning, which is OK. I would much rather play with the kids. We are just waiting, and waiting for Liam to appear. We were in Garland last weekend and he is not ready yet to make his appearance. We will be sailing up there as soon as we hear something. Then we will be off to Kansas to celebrate Mama's 90th birthday. When I get back, I will be hitting the road running for school will be starting on August 11. So little time and so much to do.
Later.

The Disabled Butterfly

2009-06-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

This morning I was watering my plants in the back yard and I saw a butterfly struggling in the swimming pool. I got a net and got it out and then saw why it was struggling. It had one perfectly beautifully shaped wing and one that was deformed. I almost cried, I was so sad. This poor butterfly had a disability that it did not deserve. I got to thinking about all kinds of disabilities. I have taught children with disabilities my entire teaching career. I thought about the rest of the "normal" folks who walk around. We ALL have some kind of deformity or disability of some sort. We all have things that happened in our lives that changed us one way or another. Some of us were born to two nurturing parents, and some of us were not--but we survived.
Like that butterfly, we all have survived. We have survived because we had that extra special thing within us that was the driving force. Thank God--and it might have been God who spoke to us in our sleep and told us that all was going to be all right. Now, I do not know the length of that butterfly's life--considerably shorter than ours, but I must say that I learned something today--we come down that shoot to be born to those two people that we are meant to be born to and we have to survive and live a life that is full and special. We must make some kind of difference somehow. Like that butterfly made a difference in me. God comes to us in very simple ways--even by way of a wounded butterfly.

A New School Year Ending

2009-05-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

This week ends the school year. It has been very interesting to say the least. Keeping my job became paramount in February. Well, I did keep it, although, I am moving down to 5th and 6th grade--that's OK--I am still working. I still get to teach some good literature--thank goodness. I did not get thrown under the bus in that department. The new head of school is a literature groupie and he and I had some really great conversations about good literature. The only thing I am worried about is that his daughter is going to be in my class next year. AAAAGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!! I really do like him and I think that I am one of the few who really do. That could get sticky. We will see how it goes next year. There is so much going on right now--I spent this weekend getting ready for the bridal luncheon for Bethany. I am really looking forward to it. I have planned for a garden theme and so far the decorations are good. I think that it will be good. I have to work the week of the luncheon, so I will probably get stressed the closer the day gets--hopefully, because I have started so early, everything will be fine. It should be great.
Later!!!

Blessings

2009-05-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest most precious friends is very sick with stage four cancer, but even with that staring her in the face she is remaining positive and upbeat. She is one of the bravest people I have ever known. I have known her for over 25 years, and we don't see each other as often as we would like, but when we do, we start right where we left off the last time we saw each other. She is one of the reasons I decided to take voice lessons at age 50. She is a singer--not like me--but a trained musician. She is one of the funniest women I have ever known. I seem to just toss my head back and laugh out loud when I am with her. She has a gift of story telling and nothing is lost in the telling, if anything, the story gets better.

She is one of those beautiful, gracious women who makes everyone she is talking to feel that they are the most important person in her life. If you all are of a mind, please, say a prayer for my sweet, sweet friend, Betty. I love her like a sister.

DON'T KNOW

2009-04-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Landon's favorite thing to say when you ask him a question is "Don't know". Well, that is where I am with my job. I have a meeting with the new head of school next Monday and he will observe me in class on Tuesday. Hopefully, after that I will know one way or the other. I'll keep you all posted on the progress.

Easter Day

2009-04-12T17:42:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!!
It has been a very busy Easter weekend. Larry and Cheri were in town from Garland for a baby shower given by Jessica, Gwen, and Tracy(Hogue). It was so much fun seeing family two days in a row, we don't do that very often. It will happen again in June when Bethany gets married. We were all at Jessica's yesterday for the baby shower--little Liam's mom and dad (Larry and Cheri) made a haul!!!!!!! We all went to dinner with Cheri's Mom (Tammy) last night at "Clear Springs"--yummy, yummy!! Larry and Jessica kept us in stitches with tales of long ago when they were little and riding in the camper of Dad's and Pappaw's pickup truck. There was a time when it seemed OK to let kids ride in vehicles like that. Except when Nana was driving!!!!!!!! It got quite adventurous. We were back to Jessica's Sunday for Easter Dinner after the whole family went to church together at Travis Park. We took up two pews. It was truly wonderful. Camaryn, Landon and Cass were little champs about being quiet during the service. Vanilla wafers and Easter basket toys work wonders. It all comes back to me now--all it takes is a little jog of the memory. It was such a great day. I hope that all of you had a blessed Easter, too.

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail..........

2009-04-09T19:27:00.001-07:00

Well, tonight Poppie and I helped Rob with Camaryn and Landon while Gwen did a photo shoot. Rob is recovering from an automobile accident Tueaday night. He is pretty bruised and sore and a very lucky man to have walked away from a crash that totaled his car. The kids were in rare form tonight, for sure. It had everything to do with the FULL moon. Poppie had boiled a dozen eggs for us to take to dye. Camaryn is very methodical in her egg dying, however, Landon grabs an egg and drops it from on high which causes the dye water to splash all over the table. Then he submerges his hand in the cup of dye to retreive the egg. BLUE HANDS emerge--blue up to his wrist. I went through half a roll of paper towels just keeping his hands dried off. He is very quick with his dying jobs--then he's "done." It was quite an experience, I had forgotten how much fun it can be--however, Jessica was not as messy. Camaryn was not messy, either. Thank you, Baby. Dying eggs with Landon is very exhilarating--haven't had such fun in years. Happy Easter to all.

Home from the hospital

2009-03-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
Kirk was released from the hospital tonight at about 7:45. His surgery went very well. It was contained to the prostate and no lymph glands were involved. We are so blessed. The girls came over and helped me get him settled. He sat in his recliner, but kept popping up to check on God knows what. Gwen kept asking him where he was going. I think he was just glad to be home, was all. I got him settled in be with his pp bag and he is snoozing away. He will loose the bag next Thursday. He really did not get much sleep last night. St. Luke's nurses are just like all other nurses--waking you up to give you a sleeping pill!!!!!!!!! Not really--his nurses were truly wonderful. They were so loving and took such good care of him. His doctor is a true wonder. He is one of the most remarkable surgeons in the whole USA.
Now for some sad news--one of our dearest friend's cancer surgery (Tuesday) did not go so well. Her cancer has spread to her abdominal area. She will have to have chemo. Please say lots of prayers for "Miss Betty"--we love her so much. The girls cooked casseroles and soups and other great dishes for us so neither of us have to cook for a week. Larry is coming in tomorrow night. I think that we will all be fine in a few weeks. Please continue to pray for us and a speedy recovery.
Later and love you all a lot.

I'm Back!!!!

2009-03-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Helloooooo!!!!
I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to post. I have been trying to juggle everything and keep my emotions calm. Kirk will be undergoing prostate surgery this Wednesday. I am more than positive that he will be just fine. Prayers are floating around so I am very confident that all will turn out well. I am also trying to keep my job at St. Luke's. My job has been posted and I have to re-apply, which I have done. I am in constant contact with the new headmaster. I hope that my interview comes up this week, Monday or Tuesday. I have decided that if it is meant to be, it will happen, if not, then I will come up with a new plan. Sometimes being in a comfortable place is not what is meant to be. I'll try to be more forthcoming with posts.
Later!!! By the way, happy spring to all.

Face Book--Who'd a thunk it!!

2009-02-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I have joined Face Book. Thing is--I don't know how to sign into it or post on it. I know that it is probably the simpliest thing in the world to do--but, folks, I am NOT so good with computers. I am working on it. Ro-bear help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All of this came about because Margaurite signed me up as one of her friends and now I am friends with the Western World. I love that, at least I know that I am not all alone in the world. That would really suck. I love looking at what everyone else is doing in their lives. The only thing is that my life seems really dull compared to theirs. What's up with that!!??!! We are so excited that Larry and Cheri are having a baby boy. We get to go up in another week and help paint a room "Blue" for a boy! That will be over Valentine's weekend. I am sooooo excited. Larry is going to be such a great "Daddy" and Cheri is going to be the sweetest "Mommy". Until next time.

A new President

2009-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

We are about to embark upon a new time in the life of America. We are ONE people let's please come together and work together as one people for the good of our country. The time has come, whether you are Democrate or Republican, the time has come for all of us to work together for the entire country. Today was an historic day for us all.

2009-01-10T18:06:00.000-08:00

Come on Jake, this is how you swim. Don't be a whimp!!!!

2009-01-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

More pictures of Bubba.

2009-01-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

We said farewell to our Bubba dog this morning. My heart is so very sad. He was fourteen years old; that would be over 80 in human years. This morning, after he came back inside, he ate a few bites of food and layed down by his food plate. I went back into the living room and sat down to finish my coffee. Later, I heard him "scream" out. I went back into the kitchen and he was laying out on the floor gasping for breath. We called the vet and made an appointment to take him in. I knew what we had to do. We took him in and Dr. Walker was so wonderful. He tried to make it as easy as he possibly could. They put a catheter in so that the Dr. would not have to stick him so many times to find a vein. The tech brought Bubba back to me and I held him for a while. Dr. Walker came in and said, "You can just continue to hold him," as he gave him the injections. In a few seconds Bubba was gone. Dr. Walker walked me out and said "Mrs. Grimes I am so sorry." I looked at him and he was crying.
Bubba was a darling companion and a royal pain in the ass all at the same time. When he was out front, he went the direction his nose was pointed with little regard to whether he knew the way back home.
Once, he decided to travel and he was lost for two nights. Doggie angels were watching over him, because a loving family found him. Jessica and I made signs and posted them in the neighborhood. By the time we returned home, to print out more signs, I got a phone call from the lady whose daughters found him.
He was safe and sound and I could come pick him up. We raced over to their house--and there he was. I hugged him and then began fussing at him for running off. He looked left and then right, but never looked me in the eyes. He knew he had screwed up and I was both relieved and mad.
He loved to be held. He would come over to my chair and start whinning to be picked up. More often than not, I picked him up and held him. He loved us unconditionally. He even tugged at Kirk's heart. When he was so sick with pneumonia, Kirk was the only one who could get his medicines down him.
Why is it that animals touch our souls so deeply? Is it the unconditional love thay give us? What is it about a small ball of fur with a pink tongue that grabs your heart? Every few New Year's are sad for us. It was New Year's Eve day of 2003 that we had to put our golden, Mikey to sleep. Both Mikey and Bubba were gifts from Jessica. Mikey was a gift to Kirk because she remembered that Kirk said that he would love to have a golden retriever. She was working the rodeo and a man had these golden retriever puppies that he was giving away--well she took one for Kirk. She brought Bubba to me as present because Larry was a senior in high school and would be going away to college soon. She said that I needed a puppy to occupy my time since all of my children had left the nest. Bubba did a great job, because I did not suffer from "empty nest syndrome" as badly as my friends did.
We are going to miss him terribly. We brought him home and buried him behind the little cedar fence in the back yard. That little flower bed in going to become Bubba's Garden. It's a good place for him now because he used to crawl through the fence and lay in the sunshine. There are a million Bubba stories and periodically I will tell them. Right now...
I miss that fluffy pup.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

2009-01-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

Kirk and I spent a wonderful New Year's Eve with Larry and Cheri in Fredericksburg at Inspiration Hill. We had a fabulous dinner at August E's in Fredericksburg. WOW!! the food there was incredible. I could get used to that. My pocket book would take a beating, but every now and then, it would be a great thing to do. New Year's Day everybody came up and we played board games and drank beer and wine and ate some great food--thanks to Larry's expertise. The view from the top of that hill is spectacular. It is an artist's dream location. I told my sister, Patsy about it. Some day I would like to take her there to experience it. The location was wonderful, but what was more wonderful was the time I spent with my children and grandchildren. Our family is growing--we will be blessed with a new baby in July--can hardly wait. I hope that everyone has a blessed New Year.

I am NOT going to be Scrooge this Christmas!!!

2008-12-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!!
It has been a whirlwind year!! I got hired at St. Luke's Episcopal School to teach 7 & 8 grade English. I was interviewed one day and started the very next day. Whew!!!!!The kids in private school are so much more studious than regular public school. They really pay attention to their grades and they STUDY!!!!!!!!!!! Now, we have just had our first semester exams. The kids worked so hard, I was very proud. I am now looking forward to my own Christmas time with my own children. They are so wonderful. I always feel that they spoil me during this time. They always want a list from Kirk and me declaring our wishes for Christmas. To tell you the truth, I have everything I could ever want. I always get so much every year--it is given with such love that it almost makes me cry. I did not put a lot on my list this year, because I have so much and Kirk and the kids said, "You didn't put very much on your list." Truth is , I don't need more than what I already have. I am blessed. (This was said without being sappy!!!!!) As I get older, the things that mean the most to me are the times spent with those I love and the memories that we have made over the years. May all of you have a Blessed Christmas full of times spent with those you love and the memories that you made.

Back in the trenches--3 Weeks 'til Christmas break!

2008-12-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I left Kansas just in the nick of time. It started raining the day I left and then it turned into snow. WHEW!! Boy am I glad to be back in Texas. I hit the road a runnin' and cleaned the house all day Sunday. I did a little Christmas shopping on Saturday afternoon, though. I got up this morning torn--part of me wanted to stay here and get all of the Christmas decorating done, and the other part of me wanted to go to school. Go figure!!!!!
You all must go to Gwen's blog and see the precious picture of Landon on the pottie. He will hate that Mom took this picture when he is 18, but at almost two, it is the cutest thing I have ever seen.
Overall, the trip was fun. Mama is not doing well. She is 89. Patsy and I had a really good time, though. We drank some wine and cooked together--that is really fun when you do it with someone who is calm in the kitchen--I tend to get frazzled, she doesn't. I just love her to pieces!!!!!!! Sisters are the best. Now, Christmas is coming. Oh happy day. We have a brand new baby this year. I am looking forward to loving him and giving him presents. "It's a Wonderful Life." I'll be back soon.

Heading to Kansas for Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-19T20:01:00.001-08:00

Saturday I head north to Kansas to spend Thanksgiving with Mama and Patsy. I am kind of looking forward to some cooler weather. Gosh, we are all going in all directions this holiday. Kirk is heading to Garland to spend it with Larry and Cheri, Jessica and Emily are heading to Florida to spend it with Em's brother, Gwen will be heading to College Station to cheer those Aggies on for the traditional ATM versus the Long Horns. We will all meet back in SA and get ready for Christmas. It should be pretty wonderful with all these babies in the extended family, now. That Troy is pretty cute!!!!!!!

Cold Weather?????

2008-11-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

I WANT IT TO GET "FREEZING ASS COLD!!!!!!!!!" What are my chances in south Texas?

Banana Harvest

2008-10-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

How about this "loveerly" bunch of bananas!!! It really paid off--all that banana tree trunk wrapping we did last year. I ate one after supper and it really was good--nice and sweet. We have a total of 20 ripe ones and about 6 0r 8 green ones that we think will ripen soon. My tropical forest dream for the back yard is really paying off. I have 3 or 4 plumerias that Brian brought me from Houston that I need to pot for the winter. I am thinking that I will plant them in the ground in the spring. Yes, we HAVE bananas. I am glad that Camaryn and Landon (especially Landon) like them.

Outdoor School

2008-10-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my teaching partner and I leave for outdoor school with 24 seventh graders. God HELP me!!!! I am not looking forward to this adventure. We will be going to Rock Springs and the weather doesn't look very promising--rainy and cold is the forecast. We will be in air conditioned cabins, but that is NOT always good. The good thing is that we, Susan and I, will not have to come up with the activities for the kids--there are counselors for that. You can bet your arse that I will not be going on the "sherpa" trail(that is a rocky path that you climb up the side of a hill(mountain-like) and take a zip line down (over water). "Not I," said the duck. I plan to sit on the bank of the Nueces and watch the activities and knit. You all say a serious prayer for me on this trip. Some of you know my love of "camping". Oh, by the way, there is NO cell phone--the camp is in a DEAD ZONE. Jeez, Louise I am soooooo screwed. I will not be back to civilization until Friday. Kirk have the wine on ice, please.

The 2008 Pumpkin Patch Experience

2008-10-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin Patch photo shoot was this weekend. I am pooped. Wrangling small children is really tiring. It went well in spite of the screwy expressway closures over the weekend. Gwen and Rob are so laid back that they just took everything in stride. If things got jammed up, they just perservered and got the job done. The patch looked amazing. Rob painted part of the fence to look like a faded red barn. It looked great. There were so many great photos that I just know that the families are going to love them. I had the best time watching Camaryn and Landon this afternoon, after it was over, as they ran, climbed, and slid on their play set. Landon had insisted upon holding our hand as he slid down the slide and this afternoon, he just let go and went down without me holding his hand. He jumped up and giggled all the way back to the ladder, climbed up and did it again--ALL BY HIMSELF. He was so proud and so was his Dandy and Poppie. One of these days, I am going to call and make an appointment and have our picture made with those adorable kids. It is such a great thing to have grandchildren to play with and talk to--they truly keep you young at heart. I am so thankful. It was great getting to visit with Rob's sister, Amanda, too. She is on her way to Aman for at least a year to live. Her husband is already there working. They have rented a fabulous villa on the coast. I know that they will have a great experience living there.

Cyber Bullying

2008-10-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well, bullying has been taken to a whole new level. Apparently, My Space and other personal blogs are being used by teens to "slam" their friends and enemies. I can remember when I was in middle school (Eons ago) and signing "Slam" books. Here's how it works: You take a spiral notebook and label the front SLAM (that way no one is mistaken about what to do). Next, you write the names of friends and enemies on the top line of a page and pass it around to see what nasty, cruel, "funny" stuff can be written about that person. It is monsterous!!!! But such is the way and mind set of middle schoolers. The twenty-first century version of that is to do it on a blog. It is rampant in its existence. What these children don't understand is that all of this can come back to haunt them in a very short period of time--let's say by their senior year in high school when they are searching for that one and only "best" university to attend. Universities are looking at those blogs. Many of those universities are turning away students based upon their blog activities--party pictures, crazy nude(taken during a drunken stupor)pictures, slanderous comments made in response to a blog post, and any other written response to or about a person. This stuff can be used as evidence in court--many don't realize that!!!!!!!!!

Bottom line is don't write stupid, hurtful, cruel, words on blogs. Enough said!!!!!!!
Later folks.

I never knew

2008-09-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Just a while ago Kirk was talking to my Mary Kay Lady and it turns out that they probably knew each other back in the day. Her brother is married to one of my best friends and one of Mike's best friends was a good friend of Kirk's. Anyway, one thing led to another and Kirk told us that he played drums one night behind Charlie Pride. I knew that he played for/with Johnny Bush and a couple of other renowned Texas singers, but I don't recall ever knowing about Charlie Pride. Wow!!! Who'd a thunk it!!!!! We all have our 15 minutes of fame along the way. Just a little Kirk trivia--what a life he's lead.
Later

Expert

2008-08-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the first day was great, until-----one of my little girls stayed back after class to talk to me. She started to tear up and then took a deep breath and continued to explain. She was far behind with her summer reading assignments. She said that she suffers from depression and is on medication for it. I said "OK just keep working and I will grade whatever you can finish and turn in to me." I was so very sad. There is NO counselor, so I am IT. I called her mother to try and get a handle on the situation and the mother told me that what she told me was true. Her mother also told me that she was sad because her two older brothers were in boarding school, away from the rest of the family.CRAP! I thought I was finished with that stuff. Well, apparently God decided that I wasn't. Her parents are doing the right things by sending her to a psychologist and having her on medicine. She is really worried about anyone else knowing this about her. I assured her that what she told me was confident. I am going to watch over her and hopefully give her some kind of help. The fact that she trusts me is really big. Needless to say, I am praying daily that I have the right words to help her and the other kids that I am discovering who need special education help--from autism to emotional disturbances. Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mental suffering crosses all the economic barriers--from the Bario to The Dominion. It seems that people are people no matter their economic status. I keep praying that God watches over us all.

Off to classes!!!

2008-08-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a whirl-wind last week and a half. I was hired Wednesday was a week ago, and had to start on Thursday at St. Luke's Episcopol Schoo. Whew!!!!!!! All last week I had workshops and time in the classroom to get things ready for tomorrow. I am ready and I am not stressing over it now. I did a week ago, but I decided that I would just go with the flow. I met parents on Friday, and believe me, they told me what they were expecting from the school year. I just smiled and told them the plans I had for the year's lessons and they seemed pleased. Diplomacy doesn't belong just in the United Nations. I have mapped out what the curriculum will look like for the entire year, now I just have to plug it into the literature and grammar units I am doing. NO PROBLEM!!!!!!!! It seems to have calmed down a bit, considering how I started. I hope I can keep ya'll up to speed on things after I get into the teaching mode. Later

Appearance Matters

2008-08-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just read where a little girl was given the opportunity to sing for the Olympics but they(whoever they are) decided that she was to fat, skinny, had crooked teeth, too tall, too short, or
WHATEVER, to appear on international television. She had the fabulous voice, but, not the looks!!!! What a crock of Shit@!! There comes a time when we humans MUST accept each others talents no matter what package it comes in.

Can you say competitive swimming??!!

2008-08-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here she is swimming to the steps. She would stand up and get ready to jump right back into the water. Gwen had to remind her to stop and take a breath for a minute. She would and go right back into the water.

Big Floats and Swimming

2008-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Camaryn is showing us her big float. She has learned this in her swimming classes. She flips over and swims to the steps. She is really good at this and the more we praise her the better and longer she goes. We had a terrible time getting her out of the pool for supper.

2008-08-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is the view from Patsy's patio toward the old Pony Express route, which is now Highway 36 toward Troy, Kansas.
It is so lush and green because they have had so much rain this spring and summer. Everything looks like this. The corn is "as high as an elephant's eye" to quote that Broadway tune.

Mama's birthday

2008-08-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mama's 89th birthday last Wednesday. I made the cake (box) but the frosting was made from scratch!!!! Lordy, it was so good. Patsy and I made ourselves sick eating it. Finally, the day we left she dumped the remains into the garbage. We had a really great visit--worked in Patsy's yard--she and I transplanted 6 Forsythia bushed (small ones) so they will grow and shade the garden room windows in the summer. Kirk really didn't know how to act--having flown instead of driving. He did not have any tools(chain saw) to cut down shrub stumps, so he just mowed. He loves Patsy's riding lawn mower. All in all it was a good trip.

Exhaustion doesn't even discribe!!!

2008-07-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

We helped keep the kiddos occupied while Gwen and Rob did an summer mini shoot yesterday and today. Holy Cow, I am TIRED!!!!! I kept Cam occupied in her room pretending while the photo shoot was in progress. Today, (Sunday) I played mostly with Cam and Landon slept. Thank goodness. Landon is so much faster than Camaryn. Thank God for Poppie, who can get Landon to sleep really quickly, and today was no exception. Buddy Bear slept for an hour and a half, so all I had to do was keep Can entertained. Play-Do is such a wonderful invention, I love that person!!!!!!!!! While Landon slept, we made snow flakes, snakes, and birthday cakes with Play-Do. God, I love that stuff!!!!!!!!!! After the shoot, Kirk helped Rob transport 590 pounds of sand from their living room floor to the back yard. These people are CRAZY!!!!!! They bring in a real Santa for the Christmas shoot, real LIVE, hopping all around bunnies for Easter, and half a beach for the summer shoot. Lordy, Lordy. Gwen is thinking watermellons next year--that could be even worse!!!!! They are sticky, and gooey!!!! We will see. They are through until the Pumpkin shoot in October. It really was fun for me to get some really good bonding time with Camaryn. She is so much fun and she has such a great imagation. She even had Landon participating in her fantastic times, although he was undoing everything she started. It was great watching them interact. Until next time...check out Gwen's post for pics!!!

A Pipes Fourth

2008-07-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a calm fourth at Linell and Ralph's. It was a small party where we could really visit with each other. We swam, drank wine and beer, ate some amazing food, and generally relaxed. Small, intimate gatherings always seem better than big ones. I had a chance to think about the country that we live in and appreciate the freedoms we have. No wonder America is considered the "land of opportunity." Even, with our economy the way it is--we are lucky to live in a great country. I am back on the protein and fresh veggies--I fell off the wagon for a while and I am now paying for it. My stomach is bloated, and I feel lithargic, so I am back to eating healthy. Hope that all had a great Fourth of July. More later.

Play time with Cam and Landon

2008-06-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Kirk and I babysat while Gwen did two (booked at the same time) photo shoots. Cam had a complete melt-down just as Gwen's first customers came in the door. She spent 30 minutes in her room crying "I want my Mommy." Every now and then I would go to the door and ask her if I could come in and again she'd say "I want my Mommy." Finally, she calmed down and let me in and we sat and played "Barbies". While we were sitting there playing with the dolls she said "Me need to tell Mommy, me sorry." She got up out of the floor and started to go to the studio and I told her Mommy was not finished yet. She came back in and started playing again and when Gwen finished the shoot and came out, she jumped up and ran to Gwen and hugged her and told her she was sorry. She understands remorse and knows when she has not been a sweet girl. She tries to make up for her behavior. I was impressed with that.
We played some more and then went outside and played "Hide and Seat". No that is not a typo-that is what she calls it. It was a very interesting version of hide and seek, she shows you where she will hide and you go count. Then, you come and search for her. She is always in the same spot. She says it is her turn to count and she shows you where you should hide and then she goes and stands by a tree and counts to ten and shouts "Here me come."
We didn't stay outside very long because the heat and mosquitoes ran us inside. Poppie had fixed lunch for us, so we ate. Then it was back to her bedroom to play some more. This time, it was time for me to take a nap, so Cam "put me to bed" and said "Good night, sweet dreams", You go to sleep, now." I am thinking, gee, I really like this game. I get to lay down and rest--not so much. She is back in a flash "It's morning." To which I said, "Gosh, that was a mighty short night." She looks through her stack of books and decides that I need to read to her, and she bounces up on the bed and is squirming around and she says "Me have a wedgie," as she adjusts her underwear. I laughed out loud and she said "What's so funny?" I said "Nothing". Then she said "Is it my wedgie?" We both laid on the bed laughing. Today, Poppie and I went to watch her swim. She has it down, now. The instructer would let her go and she popped right back up, rolled over on her back and spread her arms out to her sides and floated. When she sat up and looked over in our direction, she blew kisses to us. She practiced that for a little while and then the instructer told her to swim big and she put her face in the water and took off toward the steps. She is learning this so fast. Landon is sidelined with an upper respiratory cold. He should be back on track tomorrow. He is not too keen on this swimming stuff and he lets everyone know how he feels. He would much rather be playing ball. I'll keep you posted on their progress. More later.

At the lake

2008-06-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Jessica loves me, see how she is holding on to my hand as I cling to her float. She finally gave me the float and took the noodle. I really don't do well in water that I cannot see nor feel the bottom. Of course, lake bottoms are gooshee and muddy. I had already been traumatized, what with the front end of the boat going under because 8 people were there getting beer from coolers. What a wreck!!!! What I really loved was being with my kids and grandkids. We played board games, swam, drank beer, watched the deer, went for boat rides, drank beer, floated in the lake(sort of), ate BBQ, drank beer, wrangled two small children, visited with old friends and their kids, oh did I mention we drank beer??!!!!! We had a blast.

Family Vacation

2008-06-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday we leave for our second annual family vacation. I am sooooo excited. We are staying in a condo on Lake Travis which belongs to a long time family friend. They have been kind enough to let us have it until Sunday. Last year we trekked to South Padre. This year we won't have to travel so long to get to our destination. We want this to become a family tradition. I really hope that it does, because I enjoy being with the kids. We laugh and cut up and genuinely enjoy each others company. There should be lots of pictures to post next week.
Bye the Bye: Kirk's cousin Brian will be living with us for a while. He has a new job with SW Research. We are looking forward to him being here.

Look out Kansas here we come!!!!

2008-06-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I was able to find two round trip tickets to Kansas City and a rent car for a week for $677. What a deal. If any of you found anything cheaper, don't tell me. I was quite proud of myself. Kirk and I have never flown together before, he is in for a treat--I am NOT the calmest flyer in the world. Copious amounts of wine help. I flew right after American had the problems with their jets and I had no problem asking the captain if the airplane I was boarding was good to go. He said "Yes, otherwise it would not be flying." He must have thought I was a real nut case, he just grinned and shook his head. I have to have an aisle seat, otherwise, I get really cranky--smooshed in between two people. I know that flying is proven the safest way to travel, but....... I don't envy Cheri and Larry their flight to Europe--over the ATLANTIC OCEAN for heaven sake. It takes forever!!!!!! I do envy them the sites they'll see after they get there. I need to go and water plants and find something constructive to do with my time. Later

Bird Do facial

2008-06-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Bird shit is the latest trend for facials. I AM NOT KIDDING!!!!!! It is a special bird's shit. I can't remember what the name of the bird is, I was so shocked and amazed at the "price" of beauty these days. There is NO way in bloody hell I would allow a "beauty consultant" smear bird shit on my face in the name of wrinkle eradication. I will live with my wrinkles, thank you very much. What has the world come to????!!!! I have heard everything, now.

Summer Hair

2008-06-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Southern women cut their hair for the summer time. Remember when Hillary did her summer cut when Bill was still president? I could NOT stand it any longer. My hair was always hanging in my eyes and FLAT as a flitter. It just was not me. Plus, last Sunday we were all in the pool and my hair got wet--UGH!!!! Bobs are for people like Victoria Beckam or Katy (Tom's wife) not me. I need volume and puff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only way I can get that is layers and layers of hair. Well, I think I will have it with this cut. It does need to grow out a little, though. Kirk(Dad) likes it except that it is a "little short in the back". I can't win. I LIKE it. I feel normal again. Now, I can go swimming and get wet and be OK. I was tired of wearing a "helmet". Summer is here. Later.

Texas Lady

2008-05-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

There is a very special Texas lady who will celebrate her 92nd birthday on Sunday. She is in the hospital right now suffering from a broken hip. I have known her for over twenty years. She was so accepting of me and mine when I married into the Grimes/Pipes family. Her name is Evelyn, but all of our children have always known her as "MeeMaw". Her traveling friends call her "The Sheriff ". I learned that yesterday, while visiting her in the hospital. Two of her traveling friends were there at the same time Kirk and I were and they shared that story with us. Kirk has always teased her about going out and dancing and partying. She would just laugh and say "I'm ready, let's go." You are very much loved by all of your family. Including us, who just kind of elbowed our way into your life. I hope you don't mind that we did. You are loved, Lady. Get well really soon.

Going back to Texas

2008-05-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm headed back to Texas this afternoon. I have had a good visit with Mama and Patsy. We did a little shopping and a lot of pricing and separating "stuff" for a garage sale. Patsy swears that she will never garage sell ever again. I don't think I will, either. It is sooooo much work and you get very little return on all that work. Yesterday afternoon, we loaded the big heavy stuff that was left and took it to the DAV Thrift store in St. Joe. When we got back we packed up the smaller "stuff" and Patsy will take it in on Monday. Her garage, basement, and closets look great. It has motivated me to do some more cleaning out of my house. I really want to simplify more. Our office/computer room needs a lot more cleaning out. It will help when I shred all of the old financial paperwork. That will be the agenda for me this week, as well as the "stuff" under the beds. Right now, I am hanging out with Patsy's cats while she gets some shut-eye, and Mama is getting dressed. Her minister will be coming later this afternoon. My flight leaves Kansas City at 5:00 and I will be home at 9:00. Later,ya'll.

Nell Hill's

2008-04-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Patsy and I took off to Kansas City to the new Nell Hill's store. It is fabulous!!! I had to remember that I was flying back home and couldn't buy anything that was not flat or could not be folded. The new store has so much room and so many room settings. It is just beautiful. We loved the new spring bedding and pillows she had on display. I bought her latest decorating book. Then we went searching for "Victoria Trading Company" catalog outlet store. WE FOUND IT!!! But not without many turn arounds and U-turns--remember I am directionaly challenged. We turned around so many times that I could not have explained to anyone which turn to take to get back to the expressway. I know it is a sad state of affairs. We did a lot of laughing over the whole experience. Patsy does not let it get her down, she knows her sister well. Tonight we are going to start pricing stuff for her garage sale on Saturday. OH WOE!!!!!

BBBBRRRRRRRR!!!

2008-04-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

Oh My Gosh!!! It is so freakin' cold here. It was 30 degrees last night. I went to bed wearing a sweater. Patsy had to cover her peonies. Her trees lost limbs to the ice storm they had just before Christmas, so yesterday we picked them up and put them in her burn pile. The clay flower pots that were left outside just crumbled in our hands as we picked them up. I keep thinking--IT IS THE END OF APRIL it should NOT be so damn cold. I forget that I am above the Mason-Dixon Line. In fact, I am not too far from the Canadian Border. Good Grief!!!
If I were to take out driving, I would cross four state lines and be in Canada. That same trip in Texas would probably get me from San Antonio to Abilene. I live in a very unique place. Warmer, too. Well, I need to put on a parka and help Patsy outside. BBBRRRRR!!! What fun.

Crazy Night in Kansas

2008-04-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Patsy and I stayed up and watched "Desperate Housewives" last night and Pat fell asleep in her comfy chair. I woke her up to go to bed and by the time we got back to the bedroom we were wide awake. We laid in bed and talked until midnight. We fell asleep and woke up again around 2:30ish and talked until 5:30 when I rolled over and told her I was taking another nap. I slept until 8:15 and couldn't do no more. I got up and made coffee. She was still sleeping. I think that I hear her bumping around in there. We are staying around the house and doing some yard work today. Her tulips are just gorgeous. It is cold as a frog's hair here. I'm glad I brought a couple of sweaters. More later

Going to Kansas City!!!!

2008-04-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday I leave for Kansas and a week with Mama Willa and Patsy. We plan a trip into Kansas City to the new Nell Hill's store. I have been getting the news letter from Mary Carol McGarrity, the owner of Nell Hill's, so I have a map to get there. It will be fun to just hang out with my sister for a week. I worked yesterday and will help with a group of St. Luke students on a fieldtrip to Austin and the Texas History Museum. I am really looking forward to that. I plan to make notes so Kirk and I can go back on our own. I need to go and get some laundry done, dust, vacuum, and clean bathrooms. I am trying to look at those chores as important activities--it has not sunk in as of yet. Maybe, when I step back and look at a really clean bathroom or bedroom, I can smile at my handy work!!! The Amish consider it a sacred activity, I AM really trying to look at these chores in the same way.

Dust Bunnies the size of Bubba

2008-04-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Kirk and I have been sneezing, coughing, sniffling, and feeling crappy in general, so I decided that I needed to get rid of the dust. I started in our bedroom. I emptied the wall unit of EVERYTHING and washed them down with Murphy's Oil soap, then I polished them with Lemon oil. IT TOOK ME THE WHOLE EFFING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have too much stuff on those shelves, but I got rid of some of it. Considering that the room is my sanctuary, I really need my gardening books, decorating books, and novels on those shelves. I am now going to go through every room in my house and get the dust OUT!!!! I did not pull stuff out from under the bed, so, that will be a job for another day. I will move to Kirk's bathroom next. Then, I will move on to the other rooms until I have done the entire house! Lordy, what a job. Well, gotta go.

Inspiration

2008-04-10T18:34:00.001-07:00

Last night Kirk and I watched ABC's Prime Time with Diane Sawyer. She interviewed Randy Pauche(I think I spelled his name correctly). He is an incredible human being. Several months ago I got an e-mail with the lecture that he gave at Carnagie Mellon back in the fall. He had been diagnosed with cancer of the panceas. His doctors gave him six months to live. He has lived beyond those months, however he is fading. He has a wife and three children. His children are under the age of six. I called the interview inspirational because you NEVER felt sorry for this man and his family. You felt sad that he will be leaving them soon, but not sorry. I thought that I would cry my eyes out over his destiny. I did not. I teared up a couple of times when he talked about how his children's lives will change with his death. He said that he decided to use the time he had left to create safety nets to catch them after he dies. He knows that it is going to be very difficult for them. He is the example of how to live and how to die. His faith must be huge. He believes in loving now, playing now, living now. When you really think about it, NOW is all we have. We can't change the past and we don't know the future. Now is all we really have. It makes you rethink a whole lot of things, and just move forward with what you know right now.

Race for the Cure

2008-03-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my friend Arlene and I are doing the Race for the Cure. We have done this walk for several years, now. It always means a lot to me each year, but not as much as it does this year. Sue Merrill lost her battle with cancer this year. I miss seeing her cute little convertible pull into the parking garage on Sunday morning. She was a long time breast cancer survivor. I admired her for her courage, faith, and sense of humor. I am also remembering a collegue of ours from Kirby who lost her battle. Jessica's Grandmother Nichols and Cheri's Granny was plagued with this awful disease. There are so many women who are no longer with us who were so courageous. We, the healthy women, owe these who have gone on our support and love. They are the ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We are walking for all women who might get this disease. Please help rid the world of this horrible, painful, life-draining disease. I will be walking for Sue, Mabel, Cascade, and so many others who have died. Say a prayer for us who are walking, running, and sleeping for the cure. Say a prayer for those who have the disease and are walking for themselves and others.

I'm Back!!

2008-03-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

I just discovered that it has been a month since I blogged. Kirk went to the deer lease last week and I cleaned out book shelves, closets, and planned to get under the beds, but that didn't happen. I have all kinds of projects running around in my head until I am dizzy. There is so much I want to do around here. The one thing that needs to be done is the garage--again!!!! I want to make room for Kirk's gun safe out there. I want the space to be ready when he brings it home. I want to move that thing only once. There is a lot of stuff that needs to be thrown away, given away, and/or sold in a garage sale. Thank goodness Jessica is having one in April; that way I won't have to have my stuff piled up so long. Gotta get it outta here!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why do we think that we need so damn much STUFF,anyway????????? Simplify is my new motto. Gotta go, I'm working this afternoon, all day tomorrow and Friday. Later.

Flair!!!!

2008-02-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

Today I substituted at a school for special students. They were wonderful, sweet, and very cooperative. It was a great experience for me. In the afternoon classes, there was a student who asked, " Are you going to sub again for us?" I said, "Yes, if I am asked, I will be back." He smiled and said, " Great, we love a sub with flair." I was in the presence of greatness. He was an eighteen year old who lost his mother last week. I felt blessed to have been a facilitator in his classes today. If I am ever asked to sub again for this group of kids, I will be there. These are kids who are ED, LD, and mild MR, but they accepted me unconditionaly with love and compliance. They were wonderful. God truly knows what I need to be doing, if not everyday, a few days a week. I get the same reaction from the kids at St. Luke's. They are ALL showing unconditional love for their fellow person--Me. I love them in return and am eternally grateful for the experience of teaching them. I find myself missing them, when I am not at school with them. They are truly a blessing!!!!! The problem will be to make a decision to sub for St. Luke's or The Achievement Center, if I am called to sub on the same day by both schools. Here is hoping that never happens and I am always left with a choice. Later!!!!

Finding life's purpose

2008-02-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

The book I am reading A NEW EARTH is really great. There is so much to think about. Becoming conscious of what you do unconsciously is really revealing about oneself. It occurred to me that's what Kirk does when he is working in the yard--mowing, gardening is a way in which to BE!!! The being is the secret. I think that he's got it and somehow he always has!!! My grandmother had this idea of just being down, too. It all has to do with one's ego. We are all human, but the being part is what is the most important, according to Tolle. It is a thought provoking book. I can hardly wait to go to the on-line classroom on March 3. I will continue reading. WOW.

Spring

2008-02-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

We have one more week left in February, and I can't believe it!!! Spring is upon us. I am going to wait before I take the plants out of the green house, though. It would be just like fate to romp in with another freeze before spring is really sprung. I am reading a new book called A NEW EARTH. It is on Oprah's book club list. I signed up to do an in depth study on Oprah's web. It seems that there are going to be lots and lots of people in this book study. I have just begun the book, but I am already rethinking my purpose, who I am, what I am suppose to do. The first chapter is about the "I" of you. It looks to be a very thought provoking book. I can't wait to get on line and discuss all these ideas with others from all over the world. WOW! Ain't technology wonderful. More to come later.

Roscoe at Camp Dandy

2008-02-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

Roscoe P. Coltrain discovered the fish pond and decided to "Go Fishing". He got so close to the water that his nose and ears dipped down into it. He barked and barked. If he could have figured out how to get in, I think that he would have done it. We laughed and laughed. We really enjoyed having him here. Thank goodness it did not storm. He is a basket case during a storm with thunder. He was a perfect gentleman and only fussed at Bubba once--Bubba got in his space.

Barrel Racer in training

2008-02-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

Look at this pretty cowgirl. She wanted to ride again before we left the grounds but the line was too long.

Ride' em Cowboy!

2008-02-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

"Look, Poppie, no hands!!!

At the Rodeo

2008-02-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

"How am I doing, Poppie?"

2008-02-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Sister is helping "Buddy Bear" open some of his presents. Cam had to take her shirt off, too. They are not naked completely, just from the waist up. Gwen wanted to be able to "hose" Landon down after the cake destruction(oops, eating). Gwen let him down after this and changed him into his PJ's. Cam, too. Good Mommie move, so they could go from car seat to bed with no problems, considering it was nearly 9:00pm when they left our house.

2008-02-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2008 Landon having birthday cake. He was soooooo cute. We all thought so. His official party is not until Feb. 9. We celebrated with hamburgers and the trimmings.

Tibbar, Tibbar, Tibbar

2008-02-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

Can't believe that it is Feb. 1!! I just read Gwen's letter to Landon celebrating his first birthday. He was a year old yesterday. Gosh, time really marches on, especially when it is measured by the growth of our grandchildren. I took some sweet pictures of him last night as we celebrated and as soon as Kirk downloads them I will post them. My friend and doctor is retiring this coming October. She told us in group this morning. She was a little emotional about it, of course. Every single one of us has made drastic changes to our lives over the last year and a half. One of us has even moved to Dallas. Change is a good thing. Getting stress down to a bare minimum is such a thing of freedom. Well, happy February. Later.

Substitute work is fast and furious--Need to spring clean!!!

2008-01-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

I am at St. Luke's as much as the regular faculty. They all laugh. I told the secretary who gets subs for the middle school that I needed a day off because I have got to clean my house. She laughed--she actually laughed. She said, "Why? Our houses need cleaning, too." Now the receptionest for the elementary school is calling me for sub jobs. It is wonderful to be so needed, but I need a break!!! Well, Aunt Bobbie and Steve are coming tomorrow, so I have to get up at dark thirty and get things dusted, vaccumed, and washed. They will be staying for lunch, so I need to make a bread pudding and get everything spit and polished for their visit. Believe me this house needs to be dust busted, badly. I have sh-- piled everywhere. I am ready to take several days and start my spring cleaning early. Clean out and throw AWAY all manner of STUFF. I have sheets, towels, T-shirts, just stuff that needs to be thrown out. My hall bathroom has not seen its shelves for a very long time. I am ready to get rid of stuff that I have not used in the last year. That is my time frame--if it did not get used this past year, then it is HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Same ole New Year's Resolution...but this time I really mean it!

2008-01-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, the new year is upon me and I have made the same New Year's Resolution that I have made since 1986. Lose weight---Exercise more---Get into great shape for my 61 years. I have come to the conclusion that Jessica's favorite saying "Use it or lose it" really applies here. So, I am going to muster up my will-power and start a healthy regiment of weight reduction and exercise(walking to start off with) then we'll see--maybe Yoga. I like yoga , so maybe I will stay with it--although, I am so weak and flabby that I don't think that I am going to be very graceful with my positions. Head stands are truly out of the question for me, but I am more than willing to try the other positions. So here goes. Keep your prayers coming!!!!! This is bigger than the mortal woman can do alone--I'm not kidding!!!!! Hope that all of your resolutions and dreams become reality this year, 2008. Can you believe that we are in the 2000's as years go??!!!!

Christmas, 2007

2007-12-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

Kids and grand kids gathered for our traditional official Christmas morning photo. All of the presents had been opened from under the tree, then came the photo op and finally off to attack the stockings which were hung by the chiminey with hefty bolts because Santa always puts so much in them that they are straining at the hanger!!! This year Santa got a hold of a bad batch of oranges and poor Gwen got a soft, mushy, covered in fungus orange that was stuck in the toe of her stocking. AAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!! Everyone else was lucky enough to get good ones. So at about 12:00 noon, we had finished opening our presents and stockings. Whew!! We we were exhausted. Thank goodness the Christmas festivities were not to start until 3:30. They were at our house this year. We all had a wonderful visit and dinner. It turned out to be another great Christmas Day. We are so blessed with our sweet family and friends. It is always so much fun to watch each other open gifts and this year, Camaryn and Landon were especially fun to watch as they opened and played with their presents. We are looking forward to a new year of family and friends.

Sixty-One Stinking years!!

2007-12-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

I guess it is better than the alternative. I have had a really good celebration ALL week long. Dinner out with Linell and Ralph on Sunday(her birthday was Monday), dinner out with them and Nana on Monday, and dinner out with kids on Tuesday--to the Rain Forest Cafe. It was so much fun. Landon really loved the vines and flowers hanging off the ceiling. Cam loved the animated animals from afar--they kind of freak her out if she's too close. Last night I had choir practice, came home and put on warm PJ's and got into bed. Tonight we plan a quiet evening at home. Kirk is grilling chicken and we are going to watch a new DVD he gave me. It has been a great birthday week.

2007-12-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

I just love this picture of her decorating the tree. She is stretching to put the ornaments high so Landon can't reach them. He pulls them off if they are on the low branches. She was the most determined person to put them high for safe keeping.

2007-12-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

This is a beautiful finished home for the elves and fairies to live in until Cam decides to eat the house. She left a lot of the candy sprinkles unstuck to the frosting so she could eat them. Smart girl!!!!

2007-12-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

Notice Cam's handy work with the candy decorations!!!

2007-12-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread House and Cam

2007-12-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Camaryn and I put together a gingerbread house on Monday. I glued the sides and roof together and when it dried she helped decorate with the candies. Before that, though, I told her she could lick the frosting whisk and that kid disappeared to her room with whisk in hand. She came back to the kitchen just in time to put the candy decorations on the house. Her mouth was circled with stuck-on frosting. I am going to post some of the pictures so you can see our handy work. It was so much fun. Then, she helped Mom finish putting ornaments on their Christmas tree. We got some sweet pictures of that, too.

Now Christmas can come!!

2007-12-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

I have finished with all the decorating I am going to do this year. I did more than I had planned and more than I did last year. Having grand kids makes you do crazy stuff--like creating a Christmas winter land in 75 degree muggy weather. There will be no snow any time. What can I say, we live in south Texas. Next, on the agenda is Christmas Cookies and a Gingerbread House. I'll have to fit it in this week around my substitute jobs--three of them. I am subbing for my friend Patty who teaches music. Her principal does not like movies to be shown--the teaching must go on. So, I'll be teaching music stuff on Tuesday and Thursday. Then on Friday, I will be back in my element, English. Thank goodness!!!!!!! Don't know if I can blog any other day this week, but HEY keep the comments comin'. Later!

The Christmas Countdown

2007-12-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

It is official! The Christmas countdown has begun. We have so much to be grateful for this Advent Season. Tracy and Devlon have a sweet new baby boy, Cass, in their little family. Their lives will never be the same. "Grandma Nell" and "Daddy Ralph" are still on cloud nine. Being great-grandmothers has not slowed Meemaw and Nana down one bit. We will also be celebrating Landon's First Christmas as well. All of our babies make the season really bright and wonderous!!!! Gwen and Rob were busy with their "Santa" shoot last weekend and they got some really fabulous pictures. Camaryn was very standoffish with Santa on Saturday, but my Sunday afternoon she was giving him high-fives and warmed up enough to sit on his lap and smile and not be afraid. That was a major thing!!!!!! I'm in the throes of decorating for Christmas, almost finished. Gotta go. Later!!

P.S. to Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T17:21:00.000-08:00

I didn't mention Kirk who has always been sooo loving and supportive when I have had to deal with Mama's quirks and weirdness. He is really my ROCK!!!!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T17:08:00.001-08:00

We are approching a new Thanksgiving celebration. I am truly thankful for Jessica, who kept a vigilant watch over me during my Mama's time in the hospital, Gwen and Larry, who kept in constant contact about her progress, Linell who called almost every day, even though she had her own issues with a colleague. Mama's issues with not eating will always be on going. She will probably outlive all of us. She is now home from the hospital and doing splendidly. My brother, Jackson and his wife, Anna will be spending Thanksgiving with Mama and Patsy as will Patsy's daughter, Amanda and her boyfriend. So, all is well with my family. Thank goodness!!!!!! My sister and I feel like we have experienced as she calls it " an out of body experience" as we watched Mama creator, but all is well now. Yippeeeeeeee!!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all that I love. Look upon the upcoming Advent as a time to connect to the Source of our being, the One who loves us unconditionally.

Nasty Stomach Bug

2007-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

Oh My Lord!!!! I have been so sick since Wednesday night. Today is the first day I have felt OK. I went to bed about 9:30 and got up at 12:35 really sick to my stomach. I went to the bathroom and the diarrhea began. I was standing, holding on to the counter top because I felt like I was going to throw up. I turned back toward the commode and the next thing I knew I was on the floor. I had fainted. I have not fainted since I was pregnant with Jessica. There I was lying on the floor, I called Kirk and he jumped up from a sound sleep to find me still on the floor. I remember telling him to just let me lay there--he told me that he just couldn't leave me on the floor all night. I finally got up and took a shower and got cleaned up. I discovered that I had cut my forearm(on what I don't know)bruised and scraped my shoulder, and banged my right ankle against the baseboard. Aside from being a little sore from the fall, I am much better now. I am still not so sure about eating much of anything, but I have no doubt that will change in a few days. Ya'll watch out, there is a nasty bug flying around. Jessica has it now.

2007-10-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am very sad because one of my former students was stabbed to death. He was living in California going to college out there. He and his brother lived together and they got into a fight over a computer and his brother stabbed him. I really enjoyed teaching this young man. He was witty, smart, and full of potential. He had such a sweet spirit and it breaks my heart that his life ended. Teaching kids like him was a pleasure.

Being a Baby Boomer-This Sucks!!!!!

2007-10-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well, here I sit bigger than Dallas--A BABY BOOMER!!!! My living parent is dependant upon my sister-which can be VERY stressful. Mama has been sick over the last few days, which has been very stressful for my sister. All of my friends who have living parents are in the same boat. "Dod oh Dod" what do we do now? I guess this is what our parents felt like when they reached this cross roads in their lives. I never thought that my mama would ever need anybody to take care of her. She was always so very strong and took care of EVERYTHING!!!!! She is not so strong anymore. She is afraid of things that she was NEVER afraid of before. How can I help her. She is so far away. I never thought for a million years that I would ever be worried about Mama being afraid--of anything. But, she is.

2007-10-16T14:10:00.001-07:00

I really don't know how to title this, but this has been a very strange week. Last Wednesday Kirk and I helped Gwen get hay for the "Pumpkin Patch" all day(Sat.) photo shoot. We delivered the hay and then we went up the street to Marilyn and Roslyn's house to say hello to their Mom. She was sleeping off and on, and so very frail. Neither one of us felt like she knew who we were. Later that night she passed away quietly. I know a lot of people think that I have a very strange relationship with Kirk's ex-wife and her family, but the truth is they are part of who Gwen and Larry are. They are family. Kaye and Gus were very sweet to me from the very beginning of mine and Kirk's relationship. There are unknown reasons why certain groups of people are destined to meet and grow together. I think that Ros's family are just such a group of people. I was destined to meet Kirk and become a member of his family(including his ex-family) and he a member of mine. I am richer for knowing all of these people. I know that my Jessica is richer for having them in her life. Gwen and Larry became the sister and brother that she would not have had otherwise. You pass this way once, and to live with unwarrented animosity only leads to an unhappy life. I felt blessed having known Kaye Erben and I hope that she and Gus are together in heaven having a wonderful time catching up on things.

Say It Ain't So........

2007-10-02T07:24:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I went to get my hair trimmed--yes, Jessica, only trimmed. I got my eyebrows waxed, too. While she was working on my eyebrows, she asked me if I wanted to have those pesky little hairs removed from my upper lip. I said, "I don't have hair on my upper lip--that is Kirk." She laughed and handed me a mirror---OH MY GAWD!!!! I had hair on my upper lip--not just peach fuzz, either. I have now reached the realm of Old-hood. She said, "Miss DiAnn, I can't let you walk out of here like this." AGGGHHHH!!!!!!! When I was young, I can remember seeing old ladies with hair on their upper lip and being grossed out. Well, NO ONE else will ever see hair on my upper lip, other than Amelia!!!!! Thank you, Amelia.

Locked out!!!!!

2007-09-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it is time for a NEW garage opener. Today Kirk, Jake and I went for a morning walk. Kirk put the garage door down using the remote, put it in the truck and his truck keys in his pocket. We had a nice walk--Jake was a naughty boy and left a surprise in front of someone's driveway. When we got back to the house, Kirk hit the opener and NOTHING!!! I told him that I did not lock the back door going from the garage to the patio, so we headed to the backyard. Of course, Kirk had come right behind me and locked that door--I know, I know, I am happy that he takes care of us that way. Anyway, our neighbor, Rick, came over and tried to jimmy the door open, then he asked if we had a pry bar--we did. He started to pry the door and things started to kinda split--as in the door facing. I suggested that he take the pins out of the hinges, and he began doing that. I got up and went to the front and started watering my plants. Before I was finished, he had the door open and Kirk was in. I think I need to figure out a hiding place for a spare key somewhere in the backyard. WE NEED A NEW GARAGE OPENER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Misc. & stuff

2007-09-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

We're off to see the "babies". Of course, Camaryn would say "Dandy, I not a baby!!!" We are babysitting again--such fun. I got an ad from Gold's Gym for 50% off--think I'll join. I told Kirk and he said "DiAnn, you joined a gym years ago and didn't go." This is true--I was not retired and did not have the time. This time would be different. Don't ya think!!! I've gotta do something, and I damn sure AIN'T gonna start riding a bicycle. I'll leave it to L and R to ride to HELL and back on a bike. Holy Cow!!!!! More power to them!! Well, gotta go we are leaving to keep the babies while Gwen and Rob take portraits. Later

The Falling Leaves

2007-09-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like Fall threw up all over my house. Thank you Larry and Cheri for getting married in the Fall, otherwise I would not have ALL of this Fall stuff to decorate with. It really looks good. I am done until Thanksgiving weekend. The only thing that gets me is that it is still 90 degrees outside. If we were in Kansas, like Aunt Patsy, I would feel like decorating for Fall. Oh well, I just have to live with it. I never wanted to be in a frigid zone, anyway. I'll take pictures and post them soon.

2007-09-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

I was playing on the computer Wednesday and decided to see if I could change my desktop picture and I did. I put this one of Patsy and me and it makes me smile every time I pull up my desktop. I'm getting pretty good at this technology stuff. This picture was taken on a Staten Island Ferry as we were site seeing. It was freezing cold and I (the girl from warm South Texas) nearly froze my arse off. We had such a good time that day. We walked all over New York. We walked around Battery Park and then took the sub way to Manhatten and walked around Ground Zero. Ground Zero was a very quiet, solemn place. We even walked by the church that was one of the scenes in a Nicholas Cage movie. (I think it was called "National Treasure", but I'm not sure) I could not live in New York--but it sure was a fun place to visit. I want to go back someday--hopefully again with Patsy. What fun we had. Well, I am about to bust out my fall decor--Lord knows I have enough. We were at Gwen's the other night and she already has hers out. Jessica probably does, too. She usually gets hers out on Labor Day--she says that is the official end of summer, so you might as well redecorate for Fall. I'm a little slow, but I'm old--REMEMBER. So I'm off to the storage unit to bring out the pumpkins. Later.

2007-09-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Can you believe the progression of growth during our extremely rainy summer. The banana trees and that little palm tree has doubled in size or maybe even tripled. The winter months will be very interesting, because the plants have grown so much, that fitting them into the greenhouse will be really difficult. We have slacked off on the amount of rain, so I must go water. Later.

2007-09-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Landon is getting some loving from Grandmommie in Bandera. Next year maybe he can do some fishing with Camaryn and Madie. Until then, I think that he is content to just hang out on the slab with Grandmommie. This is the sweetest picture of both of them, don't you think? This is the first time that she has seen him. A great time was had by all and some serious fishing was done, too. Until next time.

The simple life and gratitude

2007-08-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for:
-a twenty year teaching career
-a sweet, loving husband
-Three loving children
-Cheri, Rob, Emilie
-a home that is paid for
-a car that is paid for
-a place where I can sing
-healthy grandchildren
-my good health
-a good night's sleep
-faith that all will be well
-family
-my sister, Patsy
-my friends who are more like sisters
-my brothers
-my Mama
-my Bigmama who was a sage to us all
-the promise that I, too, may have inherited some wisdom

To live a simple life is to take away things--just things. Lately, I have been thinking about that a lot. Gratitude is such a humbling experience. Several years ago I began thanking God for the income we had to take care of our monthly obligations. I began to feel happier and less burdened. That one little jesture of gratitude made those burdens more manageable. I say that prayer of thanksgiving every time I finish paying our bills. An attitude of gratefulness for the things I have (and I don't necessarily mean physical things) offers contentment to my life. It has taken me a long time to reach this place. I guess wisdom does come with age. I now understand the aura that surrounded Bigmama. She knew this secret.

If it's Monday--shouldn't I be at school?????

2007-08-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am feeling really strange today. It is the first day of school and I am not there. I have had nightmares like this--where I am suppose to be someplace and I am NOT there. That is a little bit how I feel today. Loretta told me that she goes through this every year and Mama said the same thing. Isn't it strange how use to doing something a person gets and then when she doesn't have to do it anymore, it seems unnatural. I have been tearing through the house cleaning out and separating into garage sale, give away, and throw away piles. That has felt good, since I have not done this kind of cleaning in over a year--maybe even two years. I will keep myself busy all day so I don't think about school. I plan to tackle the inside freezer and throw away "stuff". I will especially toss the unidentifiable "stuff" for sure. Jessica will be glad that I am cleaning out. She says I have too much furniture and s---t. But isn't it interesting that she called me the other day to ask if I still had a learning toy for mulitiplication tables. Of course, I did and she is going to give it to Emilie. Some times it is good that I have kept "stuff" all these years. Gotta go and clean out the china hutch--goodbye old silver trays!!!!!!!

Our Future Aggie

2007-08-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

What a handsome boy he is. I love visiting with him when Kirk and I babysit when Gwen and Rob are doing the photo shoots. Landon is so layed back and easy going. Kirk bought him this little bitty ball cap(Poppie's favorite thing to do--buy new caps!!!!!) Thank goodness they are for someone else's head besides his. Ha! Ha!! Ha!! But, don't you think this is the cutest boy ever!!!!?????? Later

Back to school for teachers

2007-08-20T18:49:00.001-07:00

Well. today was back to school for teachers. So, here I sit with Bubba in my lap as I write this. He keeps nugging my hands to make me stop. Little shit!!! He will end up moving around on my lap until he nearly falls off and I just put him down. Anyway, back to what I was saying--I really felt strange this morning. I knew that Arlene, Peggy, Virginia, D'Anne and all the rest were going to school today. It really felt strange that I was not among those ladies. I cleaned out kitchen cabinets today, instead. I AM RETIRED!!!!! Lordy, when did I get so old????? Bubba is now on the floor, NO I did not drop him. Jake is laying on the rug near him. I guess it is official, now. I just clean stuff out and watch over my pets. God!! that sound soooo old and crotechety!! (sp?).
Later

2007-08-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well, blow me down!!! I think I have done it. Let's see. You will notice that there are
of the same picture. Sorry, guys. I'm still a novice at this. Later

2007-08-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Riding Out Another Possible Hurricaine

2007-08-19T12:38:00.002-07:00

We have been tracking "Dean" for the last few days. No one is making a decision about where he will make land fall. Right now he is tearing up the Caribbean and Jamaica and then will head right into the Gulf. These storms are so incredible(negative), not only do they tear up coast lines in their wake, but they throw tornadoes out all over the place and flood areas because they dump so much rain at one time. Our area has taken on the look of the tropics, no kidding. The grass is greener than I have ever seen it and my usually short banana trees are to the top of the house. The poor people of Oklahoma will not get over the drenching they took from "Erin" until
"Dean" will blow through. They are having a horrible time with flooding.

Now to change the subject, I wanted to post some more pictures on the blog, so Patsy can see them. Some of them are of our trip to her house and some are of our back yard jungle. Here is hoping that the pics appear on the blog. It is anybody's guess as to whether they will. Later

Riding Out

2007-08-19T12:38:00.001-07:00

Baby Sitting!!!

2007-08-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

We are keeping the kids again tonight because Gwen and Rob have another photo shoot. It is the fourth day in a row--what a great time we are having. I took some time today to clean up the office/computer room. I now have another desk in here. I put the printer on one end of it and the other end I will be able to put my sewing machine. I must do some shredding of old statements. I asked Kirk if we could just start a fire in the grill and dump a lot of those old papers in there to burn. I think he agreed. I just don't want to "burn" up another shredder like I did a few summers ago. I want to finish in here and get my bill paying station really cleared of the clutter and organize the "office" stuff in storage baskets and bowls so we can get to them easier. I hate to search for paper clips and the staple puller, etc. Hopefully, it will look like a really organized place when I am finished. Later

"Menopause The Musical"

2007-08-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

I laughed so much that I had a terrible headache, but that show is so funny. The four ladies who were the stars were absolutely phenomenal(sp?). Their comedic timing was great, as was their facial expressions. It was just the most fun I have had in a while. That little theater is great, too. I will look forward to more shows being performed there. If you missed Menopause, not to worry it is coming back in Sept. for another run.

"Menopause The Musical"

2007-08-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

Aunt Nell and I are going to "Menopause, The Musical" tonight. I'll let you know how it was. I went to a job fair yesterday and talked to a lot of people. You know when you are in the education business you don't realize how the rest of the world spins--really!!!! The business world is a whole new being. To get a little philsophoical(sp?), "What's it all about Alfie?" I honestly think that life really is all about the "Hokey Pokey". I told this to Kirk many years ago and he and I have had the conversation lots of times. I mean, come on, look at the stock market!!!! It has taken a nose dive two days in a row. Those business people are going crazy because the economy of the USA is glubbing down the drain. But is it really????????? Is there a Gremlin in there just stirring the money pot????? Ya think? If you own stocks hang on to them, what goes down always comes back up. Later.

The Black Hole--Garage

2007-08-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Well, wouldn't you know it, when I decide to get out into the garage and start cleaning out and throwing away, it becomes the hottest days of the summer. Just my luck. I can only stay out there a little while, so it is taking me for freakin' ever. I have divided it off into sections and I do that section and go in and lounge in the bathtub with a glass of wine for an hour. It is coming along. I'll be finished soon. I plan to have a garage sale when I am finished. I have stuff stacked up close to the door so I won't have to move it very far. If anyone wants to join me in the garage sale, come on!!!! Later