Just some random thoughts

There hasn't been anything interesting going on here, so I'll just jot down some random thoughts that are going through this space between my ears.

It's been too cold to spend more than a few minutes outside. The cold wind bites. By next Tuesday we're suppose to have a "warm spell". It's suppose to get up to 53°. That will feel down-right balmy. We hit our first sub-zero temperatures a couple nights ago.

My youngest daughter just got her first massage therapist job. She starts this coming Monday morning. She's excited and so is Mom. The lady told her this was not a spa... strictly therapeutic (medical).  Teresa told her that was her specialty. The owner was very impressed with her portfolio and test scores.

Bob and I are nibbling on the chocolate brownies I baked earlier. They're rich, but so good. I need a glass of milk to go with it.

My daughter that lives in Michigan called yesterday and we had a good conversation. She said she'd been thinking of me. Ahhhh... like I never think about her. Just all the time. I miss her.

That got me to thinking how things have changed. I used to be involved in their lives, hearing about almost everything they're doing. And the same with our grandkids. Now, it feels like none of them need me anymore. If something important happens (or something bad, God forbid) then they'll call. But never to just chat, or check in on us to make sure we're ok. I guess that's all part of the growing process. But I don't have to like it.

Bob found a motor home he wants. The pictures look very nice and the price isn't bad. So I think we'll be making the short trip to see it Monday.

Teresa drove down to OSU to see her son/our grandson today. He's homesick. We figured that would happen after a couple weeks. This is the first he's been away from home. So she's going back down Friday to get him, and bring him home for the weekend. Thank goodness we're only 2½ hours away. I just hope we get to see him.

I'm trying to find some new clothes. I need some new slacks. I'm tired of living in jeans and T-shirts. Yep, I'm a country girl. But now that I'm in my 60's, I think I should start looking like a woman. My problem: I can't wear double-knit or wool, they make me itch. Poplin isn't warm enough. I can't find anything that is comfortable, except denim.

Oh, great.... the local news just said we're getting sleet and freezing rain tomorrow.

A few nights ago I started reading a new book (on my Kindle). I wasn't sure if it would be my kind of story, but I've gotten just far enough that I need to find out how it ends.

On that note, I'm going to shut down and go to bed.
Wishing you a great day tomorrow.
God bless.

My childhood memories in photos

A few days ago I posted, regarding the challenge to do the favorite childhood memories, that I wasn't going to do it because all my old photos were in albums and scrapbooks.  Then a friend said she took pictures of her pictures. Oh, well... why didn't I think of that. So that's what I did. I love my new iPhone, it did a good job. You'll have to remember some of these photos are 60 years old and taken with my mother's little Brownie box camera.

So here we go.... my walk down memory lane:

1) I don't have the common "naked on the blanket" but how about a bath in the wash tub with your cousin?

2) In second grade we put on the school Easter program. I loved those bunny ears. I remember my mother working on the sewing machine for hours, making mine but several others for friends. I'm in the second row on the far left.

3) All through my younger years I had a great-grandmother I was very close to. She was a strong lady and taught me so much. She died when I was 17, but I cherish all the memories I have of her. This picture is Grandma with all us kids:  my brother, sister and me on the right.... my cousins on the left.

4) My mother loved music. Back in 1954, we didn't sit around the house watching television. We had Mom's records. So that year, Dad bought her a new phonograph. I can remember her face when they carried it into the house. She loved it. Every day she'd put on some of her records and we'd listen to Guy Lombardo, Glenn Miller, the big bands, etc. Mom would go about her housework and she'd whistle along with the music.

5)  I always loved Easter Sunday, but this year was special. The weather  hadn't been very nice that year  (see the fog in the background), so along with my new dress, bonnet and purse, Mom bought me a new coat.  We all then piled into Mom's car and headed off to church, and later to Gr-Grandma's for a big dinner with all the family. There must have been 50 people in her house on holidays. We had some good times.

6) Another of my favorite memories is my great-aunt Margie. She and my uncle owned a restaurant for many years and she was a great cook. My uncle died when I was little so I have very few memories of him. But 15 years later, Aunt Margie married Lee. He wasn't very good in the kitchen, but he loved to help her. I remember one holiday we were over to their house for dinner. She was making a huge pot of mashed potatoes and Lee wanted to help with the mixer. He had potatoes flying all over the kitchen. Instead of getting upset, he and Margie laughed so hard they couldn't move. They were such fun.

7) Several summers we spent at the lake, Long Lake, MI. I loved it there. My father had a boat and was an avid fisherman. I have several good memories of those days, but what sticks out is all the mornings my sister (in the photo) and I took scraps left from breakfast, the pancakes, and stood on the end of the dock and threw pieces to the fish. And then the day my cousin Gary talked me into going down the channel, turtle hunting with him. He was a year older than me, the boat was a big rowboat, and we got hung up. I thought we'd never get out of there. Plus some of his turtles in the bottom of the boat were 'snapping turtles' and I was barefoot. We still laugh about that day.

8) I spent a few years in the Camp Fire Girls. One summer we went to Columbus, OH, to a 2-day convention. We stayed over-night in a big hotel downtown, my first experience. We had so much fun. It's sad to say that some of these girlfriends are gone now. My bff, Nancy (front row right), died not too long ago. I'm in the front row, 3rd from the right.

9) My puppies! I can't go down Memory Lane without mentioning my puppies. I had the poodle for a few weeks when my father came home with this German Shepherd under his coat. We called him Blu. He was so much fun, ornery, got into everything but Peppe took to him right away. Those 2 would keep things interesting. I loved those dogs.

10) And for my last, my Jr. Prom. This picture isn't very good but I had to share it. The dress, my hair style and his long side-burns. We had a great time. I was dating Bob at the time. I was 16 and he was 17. That's how long we've been together!

When I got started going through my old pictures, I found each one held a special memory. That's why we keep them. The hardest part was picking out just 10. I hope you enjoyed them.

A Poem

I like this poem and thought I'd share it. I don't know who the author is. Another Day Another day is dawning Another day's begun Another day to turn to God And pray, "Thy will be done" A day to slay doubt's dragon, To know within your soul That as you give yourself to Him He'll bless and make you whole. A day to live with purpose A day to show you care When others turn to you distraught Confused or in despair A day to share God's blessings In quiet countless ways That touch the heart with hope and joy And brighten cloudy days A day for sweet rejoicing For gratitude and praise Because His love enfolds you Both now, and all your days.

Food and more food....

What a beautiful Sunday! The sun is shining and all's well in my part of the world. The air is crisp but the wind has an awful bite to it. Right now we're at 20° with a wind chill of 9! 

Today Fox News is keeping everyone informed of all the preparations for Obama's inauguration. They're giving us a run-down of what he plans to talk about in this speech. They were just talking about the "2 different Bibles" he is bringing with him. Hmmmm. I wonder which ones they are. The news men didn't elaborate. Is anyone going to watch him being sworn in for the dreaded 2nd term? I haven't made up my mind yet. 

Friday Bob and I went to Peking Chinese Buffet for supper. We hadn't been there in awhile, so it all tasted  good. I was careful and didn't over-do. Bob made a second trip to the bar. This is his plate. I love their rice noodles. Sometimes I'll mix them into the egg-drop soup. It's funny how the food can taste so good, but not be very photogenic. We had a good time, tho'.

Yesterday, I made chicken pot pie for supper. No left-overs. I also baked a loaf of banana bread and this is what's left. I'm sure by tonight it will be gone too. 

I've been thinking of doing the challenge here for the favorite childhood memories, but after looking for pictures, and seeing my favorites are all in scrapbooks, I changed my mind. I could just write up my memories, but it wouldn't be as interesting without the photos. So, I won't be doing it. 

Friday I got a very odd email from my boss. It was one of those where the writer said he was on vacation with his family in Europe. (the first red flag) It went on to say they had been robbed and could I send him some money so they could get home. (second red flag) The email came from his address that we use for business but went to my yahoo email address. (third red flag) He doesn't use that one. It's only for back-up. But the email didn't come through to my business address that he uses. Interesting. The hack is pick and choose. 

I was so sure the problem was on my end and I dreaded telling him. I worked all day yesterday cleaning up my computer, downloading a new virus protection program, doing 2 complete scans, but I still couldn't figure out how I got this from him.  

This morning I got an email from him saying he'd been hacked. He apologized for the bogus email sent to all his contacts and he hoped no one fell for it. Phew! His son Dustin is his IT, always has been, and he has remote access to his dad's computer. Dustin got it cleaned up and fixed from his home 200 miles away. So, we're good. 

I'm still working on our genealogy. Every evening I do a little research on Ancestry-dot-com, looking for missing people, but my main project right now is getting all my paperwork more organized so I have easier access to the information I have. My notebooks are a mess. After I'm gone, my children won't understand what all this stuff means. I read an article the other day written by an "expert" about an easy filing system. After a trip to WalMart to get items I needed, I'm now trying to follow some of her guidelines with a few of my own changes. I think it'll work. 

And with that being said, I will take my leave. I hope everyone is having a good day. 

Take care.

God bless.

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013

We had a pretty day today. Lots of sunshine, blue sky and big white fluffy clouds, but it was cold.... only getting up to 28° and down to 17° tonight. The forecast for next week is much colder -- single digits. Our local weathermen are calling it an Arctic blast.... the coldest we've been in 2 years. I will be hibernating for sure.

I was just watching the news about some of our local schools are going to train and arm teachers with small handguns to protect the children. I have mixed feelings, but we all know if a person has intentions of doing what happened in CT, they might not go through with it if they knew they would face another gun inside. I don't know. Our whole country is riled up over the president's plan for gun control, including my husband. I am afraid this is just the first step for our government to get full control with confiscation of all weapons. We can't let that happen. Hitler did the same thing. Several countries have banned guns and their rate of violence and murders has tripled.

My daily photo diary for today......

Working on my genealogy and snacking on Pringles. 

Our oldest daughter, Lisa, called today to tell us she made the dean's list at college this last quarter. She was dancing for joy. 

Then our youngest, Teresa, called to tell us she finally got her Ohio license in the mail today for her massage therapy from the State Medical Board. She's been waiting for weeks now, since her application and transcripts went in. One thing we can say for Ohio, the 'powers that be' never rush through anything. 

Daughter #2, Lori, lives in Michigan now where they don't require a license, but Lori applied for one in Ohio anyways, after she finished school and before they moved to Warren. Michigan has the law for requirement in the works, so when that happens, all Lori will have to do is transfer her's. She's been working at a local Massage Envy for a few weeks now in Warren and she loves it. 

I'm so proud of my 3 girls. 

Well, it's 11:30 and my bedtime. Hope everyone has a good day tomorrow. It's Friday!

Take care.

God bless.

Reporting back in....

The last several days I've kept myself busy with my duties, sort of, and with my projects. It's been fun.

Here's a couple pieces from my photo diary ....

We had non-stop rain for 2 straight days (Sat & Sun.), with 3¼" falling in 12 hours. There was flooding all around us. This is our backyard on Sunday afternoon. Then Sunday night the temperature fell into the 20's, so what didn't get drained away is now frozen.

I've been spending my evenings on my genealogy research. On Ancestry I found a very distant relative who had this photo of my gr-gr-grand-parents (Jesse Burwell and Allie Adams) taken approximately 1890. He looked a lot like my gr-grandfather and my grandmother looked just like her. The family resemblance is definitely there. 

I also found information on my gr-grandfather's brother, Thomas Nutter Adams, in the history books from Clinton Co. Ohio. He was one of the earliest settlers and the story says he lived to be 104 yrs. old, which I found other documentation to confirm this, and on his 100th birthday he split 100 rails to celebrate, one for each year he'd lived. I knew I came from hardy stock. I also found information on where the family is buried. I told Bob we are definitely going on a few road trips this coming summer. 

My week of research has proved very fruitful.

I've got a roast in the oven for supper and I'll be peeling the potatoes soon. Bob got a call this morning from one of the guys from the rifle range. They have a skeet shoot tomorrow and the range had some flooding. He went out to help pump water from the pits and clean up debris. He should be home before dark, but I still have to plan on holding his supper for him.

I hope everyone has a great week.
Take care.
God bless.

2013 -- One week old

I've been absent from my blogging for a week now, but I hope to get back into it. I'm trying to catch up with everyone to see how my friends are doing. Wishes for a happy, healthy new year to you all.

Let's see... what's been happening lately in my little world? Not much. Another reason for no blogs... too boring and nothing to say. Remarkable! Me? Speechless? Yep.

Last week Bob and I went out to lunch with his older brother and his wife. We had a great time visiting with them, as usual. We got to talking about family and some information I had for him regarding my genealogy research. Jack then told me about something that happened with their gr-grandmother and he's always wondered about it. I told him I'd see if I could find any information for him. So that's what I've been doing the last several days. I found the information for him. He was very pleased that I was able to answer his questions he'd been wondering about it for years. But I was having so much fun, getting back into my genealogy, that I got to doing more and I'm currently searching more info on my family. It's nothing for me to sit down with my notebooks and computer, and spend the whole day going through census records, military registrations and S.S. records.

Sunday our youngest daughter took our grandson to Columbus and moved him into his dorm room. It was a very emotional day for all of them. She's been crying and he was wound up tighter than an 8-day clock... excitement, nervous and a little scared of the unknown. The first grandchild to go off to college and he's been on my mind for days, wondering how he's doing, what kind of challenges he'll face, what his classes are going to be like, all that good stuff. I know he'll be ok and he's finally got the chance to do what he's dreamed of for years, so I'm happy for him. I'm still going to miss him. At least he's not that far away, he'll be coming home on some of his free weekends. His mother is giving him a couple weeks to settle in and to list the things he wished he had, then her and I will make the trip down with a large "care package".  The picture above is Teresa and Curtis with Brutus, in the commons area, taken a couple weeks ago when she took him down for orientation. I love the smile on his face.... Curtis, not Brutus.

I have been seeing all the news reports of the flu epidemic this year. The ER's are busy and the hospitals are full. It has made me nervous to get out in a group of people. Everyone is sneezing and coughing. So when I went out to CVS to get a refill on a prescription I take for my migraine, I talked to the pharmacist about getting a flu shot. I haven't gotten one the last couple years, but after talking to her, Bob and I both got a shot.

I put on a crock pot full of homemade vegetable soup this morning so when we got home, our house smelled so good and the soup was just what I needed... warmed me up. Our weather is going to change again. By Thursday the temperature in going to be close to 60°, but rain. In the meantime, we have lots of sunshine to enjoy. The warmer temperatures is slowly melting all the snow on the ground. That's good. I'll get to see our brown grass again. We haven't seen it in over 6 weeks.

Hope everyone had a great day.
Take care.
God bless.