Christmas

Christmas Day is quickly approaching, and I am doing what every wife, mother, grandmother, etc. is doing this time of year. I'm wrapping presents, cooking, cleaning, and trying to make everything perfect for the time we will spend with all our family. Did I mention I'm cleaning??

So, yesterday I made my first batch of Christmas candy for the year. Yes, I did. I made some Date Candy. Geneo and I have made date logs together before, but this is my first attempt to do anything of this magnitude on my own. Should have waited for Geneo.

I followed the directions to a "T". Even used a candy thermometer to make sure the mixture got to the "hard ball" stage. However, instead of it getting hard, it started to crumble, just like sugar. Not to be outdone, I went on with the process and rolled the mixture (which included dates and pecans) in a damp towel and let it cool. When I unrolled it, WA-LA! I had a crumbled mess all over the towel. STILL not to be outdone, I poured it into a bowl. When trying to figure out what to do with it, I sprinkled it on some ice cream. Oh Yeah!! That's what I'm talking about. I have no idea what it was supposed to taste like as candy, but I'm telling you it's great on ice cream.

So, this year my first attempt at Christmas candy didn't turn out like I had planned, but I'm certainly going to enjoy it anyway. I'm thinking of other ways to use it. Maybe I will roll my Pecan Sandie cookies in it when they come out of the oven. Hmmm. The possibilities are endless.

Christmas is a time for making memories. And I think I shall never forget the Date Candy of 2011!

Seymour and Audrey II

We bought some sweet potatoes. Our intention, of course, was to eat them. And we did eat some of them, but not the whole bag. Geneo discovered there were a couple left in the potato bin. They had begun to sprout. He decided it would be fun to see what would happen if he put one of them in water. He got a fruit jar, put some water in it, stuck the potato in the jar and set the jar in the kitchen window.

In no time at all it started to grow, and grow and grow. It's amazing how fast it grows. It is outgrowing the window. It's a very pretty plant, but we don't know what to do with it. Do we move it to the larger window in the living room? If we did, would it take over my violets and orchids? I think it's too late to plant it outside. We could throw it away, but I'm almost afraid to.

It's starting to remind me of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors. I think sometimes I actually hear it say, "Feed Me!" YIKES! Has Geneo turned into Seymour? Will he be trying to feed me to it??? It has become quite the object of interest in our house. I'm trying to not think about it, but if Buddy, the dog, comes up missing, I'm moving out!!!

Baseball Game

Geneo and I went to a NW Arkansas Naturals baseball game. Believe it or not, it was a wonderful night for a ballgame. A rain shower had come through the area earlier in the day and cooled the temperature. There was a nice breeze for most of the game. AND the Naturals beat the Springfield Cardinals.

However, I did have a few anxious moments. I thought it would be wise to go to the bathroom before the game started so that I wouldn't have to walk in front of a lot of people to go during the game. I think that is a throw-back to the days when my mom would tell me to go before the show starts or something like that. Anyway, that's what I did.

Just as I got into position to do my thing, I heard the announcer say, "Ladies and gentlemen please rise for the singing of our National Anthem." Well, um, I couldn't rise. Obviously, at this point, I had no choice but to complete what I had started. I thought I would be very quiet and finish as quickly as possible in order to at least show some respect for our flag by rising to my feet.

I finished my business and rose to my feet when, you guessed it, the stool automatically flushed. Now, there is just something wrong with hearing a stool flush during the singing of the National Anthem. I was very embarrassed even though I really couldn't help it and didn't intend for it to happen. But then I thought, I'm probably the only one in here. So no one will ever know. I swished my hands under the automatic water faucet, grabbed a pull-down paper towel (I was surprised they were not automatic), and was headed out the down when I heard it --- another flush. Ahhh. I smiled. I'm not the only person who got caught with her pants down during the singing of the National Anthem. Life is good!

Hair-Dos

My middle sister's hair always looks perfect. She has the kind of hair that is thick and has a lot of body. She can do all the latest styles and it looks great. It is not at all like mine which is very fine, thin and straight. I wouldn't say that I'm jealous of her because of her hair, but I do think it would be nice to have hair that has a little more body than mine does. And I'm not sure she needs ALL that hair, but that's the way it is.

The other day I knew she was upset because she had to change her hair appointment. The appointments are very important to her. I thought I remembered which day she was rescheduled to go. "Thought" is the important word here. We had planned to go to lunch together with our other sister on the day I "thought" she was to go. That morning I asked her what time her appointment was, because I didn't want our lunch to interfere with her appointment.

She gave me the look and said, "It was yesterday." My younger sister, bless her heart, could hardly contain her laughter. In fact, I don't think she did. Of course, nothing I could say at that point was going to make any difference. I was beginning to hyperventilate... She took it somewhat well, and we had a good time at lunch.

In my defense, her hair always looks nice. I can never tell when she needs to have it done. And I realize the reason for that is because she does have it done regularly, unlike myself who waits until it looks like a train wreck before I make an appointment. And then I have to wait a while before I can get in, which means by the time I do get in, I am an embarrassment to women everywhere.

But I have learned a valuable lesson. I'm just leaving the hair issues alone. Unless I can see that someone has had a drastic change in her hair style, I'm not mentioning the hair. Maybe this experience with my sister, whom I think still loves me, has taught me to watch the hair-do comments. Maybe....

DaySpring

I thought yesterday would be an okay day. But it turned out to be an amazing day!

In 2007, I retired from DaySpring Cards after working there for 19 years. I have been working part-time for them for the past few months. DaySpring celebrated their 40th anniversary yesterday. There was a program and reception at the corporate headquarters in Siloam Springs, AR. Employees and former employees were invited to attend. Yes, I thought it would be a fun day, but I had no idea what it would be like.

People came from all over the country. I saw some I had not seen in years. Over the 19 years I worked there, I saw many people grow up, get married and have children. Yesterday I saw some of their children as adults with children of their own. As I talked with everyone, it was hard to believe so many years had passed.

At the program, a video was shown reminding of the changes that have been made in the company since 1971. There were pictures of those who have passed away. One of those ladies was my first manager at DaySpring. Many memories flooded my mind as I watched the video and later visited with former employees.

I watched the founders, Don Leetch and Dean Kerns, who started it all in a garage with dreams of spreading the word of God. I observed Roy Lessin who came along-side Don and Dean in the early years to write copy for the cards. They took in all the activities with grace and humility and never once acted like it was about them. My heart was full of love and respect for them.

Twelve years ago Hallmark purchased DaySpring. They understood the impact DaySpring has on the world through the message of Christ and wanted to be a part of that. Don Hall, Jr., along with others from Hallmark, attended the celebration. He was a very unassuming man. I would never have picked him out in a crowd to be the leader of Hallmark. It was encouraging to meet him and be reminded of the impact his family has made on the world. His grandfather started a large company with a dream to sell post cards and never gave up, much like what Don and Dean did.

The day's events were climaxed last night with a concert by Michael W. Smith for DaySpring and their guests. He did a wonderful job. It wasn't like a concert, but like spending an evening with him. He shared his life and his life's work. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day.

I didn't take a camera to any of the events (which is so unlike me). The pictures would mean little to anyone other than myself, and I have the memories etched in my mind to be brought up at any time day or night. After I went to bed last night, I thought of the day and praised God for making it all possible. He called two ordinary men to start a work for Him. And, praise His name, they answered the call never realizing that work would eventually touch billions of lives. (I get weepy just thinking about it.)

Michael W. Smith sang his song Welcome Home. I thought of how this celebration was just like a family reunion. There were so many hugs and screams of joy as we would recognize people who were parts of our lives so long ago. I think that's what heaven is going to be like. As we step on the streets of gold, our Father will say. "Welcome Home". And then He will take us all over heaven to let us see our friends and family members we haven't seen in so long. I think He will watch us and laugh with us as we scream with joy and exchange so many hugs.  Maybe then we will understand what "the exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think" means.

It's the day after that amazing day, and I say with a grateful, thankful heart "Happy 40th Anniversary, DaySpring! God is AWESOME!"

eBay

I am a scrapbooker. I occasionally go to eBay to see what is out there in the scrapbooking category. I'm not very good at the bidding game, but I have bought something.

Yesterday I bid on a cartridge for my Cricut machine. It has all the 50 states on it. I keep a scrapbook of the places Geneo and I travel to, so I thought this would be something I would really use. I placed my bid realizing the bidding wouldn't be over until 9 o'clock this morning. I thought I would check it again just before nine and try to slip in a bid if I needed to. I got an email confirming I had the highest bid.

Of course, this morning I forgot all about it until about 9:30. I was bummed, but decided to check to see how much it sold for. To my delight, it was 9 o'clock Pacific time, which meant I had another couple of hours to go. Just to play it safe, I put in the maximum I would pay for the cartridge so that I wouldn't have to keep watching it. I still had the highest bid. Life was good!

Just before the time was up, I checked on the item, and I still had the highest bid. I was excited. I watched the time elapse and the seconds tick away. Finally, it was 10, 9, 8, (I'm ready to celebrate!) 7, 6, 5 - and then the bid changed to $1 more than my highest bid and I didn't have time to respond! This nice little message popped up to inform me I had been outbid!! AWK!!!

How do those people do that??? There must be a science to eBay bidding. I went to Geneo's shop to tell him of my disappointment and his response was "hmmm; I guess you will have to try again". (His compassion was overwhelming.)

I told myself to forget it and move on, but now the bug had bitten me. Sure enough, I went back to eBay, found another 50 states cartridge and bid on it. Now the waiting game starts all over again. There is a lot of pressure to this eBay thing. I'm nor sure I'm cut out for it.

The Deer and the Dog

Memorial Day week-end was not that much different from any other week-end for Geneo and me. Being retired means every week-end is a long week-end.

Monday afternoon we went to the cemetery to decorate his parents' graves. We made a trip to Walmart and then decided to drive around Lake Tenkiller to see how high the water was. After we got there, we found many of the parks and camping areas were closed. The water was down, but the damage from the water had not been repaired. I'm sure there were many unhappy campers over the week-end.

While driving around one area, we saw a deer chasing a dog. Apparently, she had a baby in the woods, and she was keeping the dog out of her space. When I first saw her, I thought the dog was chasing her, but a couple of ladies who were walking there said it was the other way around. She was successful in her attempt. The dog did not go back near the woods. We see a lot of deer where we live, but I have never seen one be so aggressive.

The mother instinct is very powerful in all of God's creatures. I don't think I know one mother who wouldn't risk her own life to keep "dogs" away from her children. That has been very important in every generation and is especially true today. Even though my children are grown, I am still very protective of them and really have my antenna up for my grandchildren. I am totally convinced God pays special attention to the prayers of mothers and grandmothers.

Seeing the deer reminded me of the selflessness of a mother's love. And I smiled.

Country Living

Geneo and I moved to the country in 1972. After having spent most of my formative years in the big city, there was some culture shock to me. I got used to it, and we raised our three daughters just outside a small town of about 1,000 people.

I always told the girls to live other places and experience other things instead of spending their whole lives in one place. If they wanted to come back, that would be great, but "see the world". They took me up on it. They left home, went to college, married and moved away. One has moved back within 100 miles. The other two are long drives away.

I have now lived here all these years and really like the place we call home. We have worked hard to have what is here, and it was a good place to raise a family. But there are some things I have never gotten used to and are getting harder to take the older I get.

For instance, we can't even get the daily newspaper from a large city delivered to our house. We live too far out in the country. It is delivered to the library in town, and we have to go in to town every day to get it. And if we don't get there shortly after it is delivered, someone else in town gets it. So, we may or may not get the newspaper. Yes, we could read it on-line, but it's just not the same.

Speaking of on-line, we can't get DSL, because we are too far out in the country. We have a satellite dish for our internet connection. That, of course, doesn't work when it's raining hard, but neither does the TV which also uses a dish.

Sometimes we can get cell phone reception, but not always. If we stand outside by the flag pole, it's better. Which leads to the telephone usage in general. Our land line has so much noise on it when it rains we can't hear. We have been told by the phone company it is because we have a line hooked up to Geneo's shop. Funny, it only does this when it rains.

We have one grocery store in town which is part of a larger chain. The ads are mailed to us for all the stores. When we go to our store to purchase what is in the ad, they may or may not have it. It depends on  whether the store manager thinks that particular item will sell in our area. (That has caused Geneo a great deal of frustration, and he has contacted the chain's home office which has promised to do better.)

Shopping, in general, is a pain. Even the nearest Walmart is 13 miles away, and it is a small one. Any major shopping is close to an hour drive. And now that gas is so high, you certainly have to carefully choose how many of those trips you want to make, and if you forget something, well you just do without until you can plan another trip.

Don't get me wrong, there are some good things to living in the country. It's normally quiet. (Of course, there are the times the coyotes starting running through the woods at night and get the dogs barking.) It's not unusual to see deer in our pasture. We can fish in our own pond, and our son-in-law and grandsons like that they can hunt around here. We have good friends in our church, and my sisters are close.

All in all, it's not bad, and I realize there are draw-backs to every location. And as much as I miss all the amenities of a large city and the opportunities to be with my family, I always have Jesus with me. He is the hope of my future and the song in my heart. Seriously, what more do I need.

Orchid

My son-in-law gave me an orchid for Mother's Day last year. It had beautiful pink blooms on it. The blooms lasted until after July 4. It's a wonderful plant -- very low maintenance. All you have to do is water it with three ice cubes once a week.

After the blooms fell off, I got directions off the internet and did just what they said which included giving it fertilizer at least once a month during the non-blooming season. It was looking great. In February, it put out a long shoot and then tiny buds started appearing on the shoot. It was loaded with buds, and I was elated.

I kept a close watch on those buds anticipating the day they would bloom. They got bigger and bigger and turned in to small blossoms. But then, I discovered the blossoms were falling off. One by one, they began to fall off. I went back to the internet to see what could be the cause. One problem might be that it needed fertilizer. I started more frequent fertilizing, but to no avail. All the blossoms fell off.

Then the directions said to try repotting the plant. I got some special orchid potting soil, printed the directions off the internet so that I would not miss a step, got a little larger pot, put newspaper on my kitchen island and was set to begin.

I gently took the plant out of the pot on the newspaper trying not to disturb the roots any more than necessary. And then I was horrified. ANTS!!!! Millions of them were in the soil. They didn't have an ant hill in there; they had a whole city! Of course, they went everywhere. I quickly put the pot in the sink and filled it with water and started trying to get the soil off the roots of the plant (still trying not to "disturb" them). I grabbed the newspaper with the soil on it, ran outside and threw it in the backyard. Of course, the ants were going crazy all this time. They had gone all over my hands and arms. I was, literally, up to my ears in ants!

Finally, after much cleaning and washing everything down, I was able to kill the ants, repot the orchid and stop the biting of the ants on my neck and ears. The plant looks like it is going to survive the ordeal, but it will be a few more days before I know about me.

I have no idea where the ants came from. There was no trail. And I have two violets next to it that were not bothered. (I guess ants don't like violets, and I'm thankful for that.) But if they get in the orchid again, I'm pitching it. It's a beautiful plant when it's blooming, but not worth the ants.

In spite of all that, I sure have a sweet son-in-law.

Toddlers and Tiaras

I have recorded Toddlers and Tiaras a couple of times just to see what it is like. OH! MY! GOODNESS! People never cease to amaze me.

Here are a couple of examples:

The mother of a three-year-old is getting the little girl ready to compete. (However, because of where her birthday falls, she is able to compete with the two-year-olds, which the mom thinks will give her an advantage.) The dad really isn't in to all of this until he sees how beautiful his little girl is with false eye lashes. The mom thinks this makes her look so beautiful that she may just have her wear them all the time. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Apparently, some of their church friends are questioning the wisdom of this. But the mom assures everyone she just wants her little girl to have enough self-confidence to be able to tell anyone she meets about Jesus. And to prove she is serious, she has the little girl sing Jesus Loves Me. (That made me feel better about the whole situation.)

A little seven-year-old lost her front teeth just before the competition. (I think seven is about the age children are losing their teeth.) HORRORS! That will just ruin everything. How beautiful can a child be with her front teeth missing?  So, the mother has a flipper made. Fortunately, it came just in the nick of time for the competition. It was a little lose and the child had a hard time keeping it in place, but she persevered and made the best of it, with her mother's constant reminders of how she must do this if she wants to win.

The sad part about all of this is that most of the time the little girls aren't really in to all that's going on. Most of them like the dressing up and being on stage, but get very tired and cranky before it's over. (Who wouldn't? I get tired and cranky just watching.) I'm thinking; have some little girls and their moms over for a play day. Let them play dress-up with your high heels and old clothes. I promise they will love it, and you won't have to get mad at the other moms when your little girl doesn't win. (Plus, think of the money you will save.)

Oops, I forgot, how would they ever learn to tell anyone about Jesus? PLEASE!

Sisters

People who have known me for many years are wondering about my sisters. They know I was the fourth child in my family and the only girl. So, what's up with the sisters?

I was very close to my mother. She died when I was 38 years old. I missed her dearly (and still do at times), especially her female companionship, but considered her passing the normal process of life. But when I became a grandmother, I longed for someone I could share my feelings and experiences and, yes, brag to about this new phase of my life. I wanted a sister.

I started to work at Outreach Publications. There I met and bonded with two wonderful women whom I decided to adopt as my sisters. Fortunately, they felt the same way. For more than 20 years now we have laughed and cried together as we have experienced weddings, births, deaths and the normal occurrences of life.

I'm the oldest, but I don't always get to be the boss. We have the middle child and baby syndromes as well. We probably have more fun than the law allows. Now that I'm retired, I don't see them everyday, but we keep close tabs on each other and are always just a phone call or text away. I can't think of a thing I wouldn't do for either of them, and I believe the feeling is mutual.

Now you know the rest of the story.

Thunderstorms and Earthquakes

A couple of nights ago we had a very large thunderstorm. I was in bed watching a recording of Toddlers and Tiaras. Now, there's a show that will make you say, "huh?" I'll talk about that another time.

Anyway, I heard small hail and the electricity went off a couple of times. Finally, just before 11 p.m. I turned off the TV and snuggled in for a long, restful sleep. Shortly after I got settled, my bed rocked, or at least I thought it did. I couldn't figure out what happened and rolled around for a couple of seconds trying to get it to do it again. When nothing happened, I thought I must have been dreaming and forgot about it.

The next morning when I got up, Geneo asked me if I felt the earthquake last night. Wow! Was that what it was? Yes! I did feel it. He saw on the internet that we had a 4.3 earthquake about 11 the night before. It was centered in Conway, AR and felt all the way to Tulsa. Hallelujah!! I'm not going crazy. Okay. I won't go that far, but at least I know I really did feel something.

We were talking to a man yesterday about it. He said they have been doing a lot of drilling around Conway for natural gas. Maybe that had something to do with the earthquake. Who knows?  All I know is it's pretty interesting to experience a huge thunderstorm and an earthquake in one night. The good news is, as far as I know, there was no damage from either one.

Reminds me of a scripture: "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will never be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

That is so good to know. God is Great!

Recipes

My sister gave me a recipe book for my birthday. It's Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Just because she gave it to me doesn't mean I'm going to start cooking. The story is we were supposed to go to Ree's book-signing. Sis thought it would be nice if I had a book to sign since we were going to a book-signing. It turned out the weather was too bad for us to make the trip to Tulsa, but she gave me the book anyway.

Geneo does cook. He jumped right in and started reading the recipes. Me, well, I've enjoyed reading Ree's story. I'm really a good cook when I decide to do so. But Geneo loves to cook, and I don't want to put a damper on his fun.

It's all his fault. Almost 42 years ago he came to my house with a friend who was dating my room mate. I was cooking supper for my girls and me. He walked right in the kitchen and started frying the potatoes. Now, I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, but I said to myself, "Self, you need to check this guy out."  Four months later he started cooking for us permanently.

People laugh about him being the cook in the family, but I haven't met a woman yet who thinks it is a bad arrangement. It works really well. He loves to cook, and I love to eat.

Life is Good!!  ☺

Goliad, TX

We took a trip with some friends to Goliad, TX to a 25th wedding anniversary celebration. Goliad is between San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Besides enjoying the anniversary celebration, we toured Goliad. Even though it is a small town, there is a lot of history there.

We also attended a cowboy church. I had never been to a cowboy church before, so was curious as to what makes them different. They were very laid-back, their music was mostly with guitars, and almost everyone was dressed in cowboy attire. But the message was the same gospel. Different people enjoy different ways to worship. But the gospel cannot be changed.

The main thing that impressed me about Goliad was the friendliness of the people. Everyone we met was very open and welcoming. We received some comments about Geneo's OU cap, but it was done in a fun way.

We came home through San Antonio and rode the boat on the river downtown. Monday we went to the zoo. I can't remember the last time I had been to a zoo. A grizzly bear posed for the cameras, and a couple of birds rode on Geneo's head and shoulder. Thankfully, they didn't poop on his OU cap, or we would be in jail right now. The day started with a light drizzle, but the sun came out, and it was getting really warm by early afternoon when we left. I didn't realize until we got to the motel that I had a light sunburn.

I have a scrapbook of road trips, so, of course, I took a lot of pictures. It was a great trip. I would recommend that part of south Texas to anyone who is looking for a place to visit. And who knows; you might just like it well enough to stay.

Valentines Day

When we see a heart, we think of love. Actually, we should think of love when we see a cross.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Now, that's love. I would give my own life for my children or my husband. I'm not sure I would give my own life for anyone else. And I'm quite certain I would not give the life of one of my children for anyone at all, especially for an enemy. But that's what God did. He loved us so much He put His son on a cross to take the punishment for all sin. Yes, the cross, as disgusting and deplorable as it was, became the greatest symbol of love.

Happy Valentines Day to all who read this. May you know the love of the One who held back nothing to show His love for you.

Snow and Home Made Bread

It has been snowing for several hours now. I'm not sure how much we have gotten or how much we are supposed to get. But I'm thinking when you can't see the drive-way anymore, what difference does it make.

Since we can't be out and about, I decided to make some bread. When our 18-member family went to our daughter's in Tennessee for Christmas, she made this bread almost every day. Obviously, it didn't last long. It's very simple to make or I probably wouldn't have made it. I just took it out of the oven, and Geneo and I each had a slice with real butter. OMGosh! So Yummy! He said it ought to be against the law.

I'm not going to publish the recipe, because I'm not really in to cooking and that's not what this blog is about. If you want something like that, go to The Pioneer Woman's blog. She's a real woman. Seems to be able to do it all. Actually, my sisters and I were supposed to go to her book signing last week in Tulsa. But of course, the weather nixed that little adventure.

In fact, that was the second little adventure the weather nixed for us. We have tried twice to celebrate my birthday, but each time we plan something, we get snow dumped on us. I'm not sure what that means. Probably nothing except it's winter in Oklahoma. I can't imagine that The Creator sends a snow storm just to nix my plans.

With the snow falling, my tummy full and the volcano roaring, I'm feeling a long winter's nap coming on. Geneo is already snoring on the couch, and Buddy (our German Shepherd) is conked out in the living room floor. I'm outta here.

Super Bowl

Would someone please send the words and music to The National Anthem to Christina Aguilera. Good Grief! I understand how nerves can get to you and you can make a mistake, but give me a break. Is this her first big public appearance?? I read that she was so upset after her performance that she left Texas and went back to LA. Waa-Waa. I doubt anyone in Texas cried. Maybe the bowl committee had to take what they could get. Reba was probably already booked.

I didn't watch the half-time show. I don't even eat black-eyed peas on New Years Day, so I didn't think I would like them any better at the Super Bowl.

And what about those commercials. Most of them must have been designed by the same people. Lots of aliens and ET people. Geneo was excited to see a new western movie is coming out until he found it is called Cowboys and Aliens. Seriously??? It doesn't sound like something John Wayne or Lee Marvin or Robert Duvall (RD is Geneo's hero) would star in. I wonder how long it will be before the politically correct people decide this is discriminating against aliens.

But I did enjoy seeing the girl throw the Pepsi can at her boyfriend and hitting the blond and the dog smashing the door down on the guy who was teasing him with Doritos and the Chevy commercial about the retirement home (although that one hit a little close to home).

In spite of all that, it was a good ballgame. We were for the Packers. No particular reason. Just decided to like them more.

I always enjoy a game where Troy does the commentating. I think he is a good guy and was disappointed to learn he is getting a divorce. Too bad!

It was an interesting week for Dallas. The weather didn't suit the people from up north. But they should be happy next year. I think the Super Bowl will be played in New Jersey then. The conditions should be better up there. But one thing we did all learn from this experience: Jerry Jones is NOT God!

Sunday

We went to church this morning. The attendance was down, but not really as much as I thought it would be. I don't blame anyone for not making it. The backroads are still bad in spots. I have to admit I wavered about going, but a long time ago a lady told me something I have never forgotten. She said that on Sunday mornings when she started thinking she might not go because she felt bad or the weather was bad, she would always ask herself if it were a work day would she go to work. I try to remember that now when I am deciding what to do.

No church tonight, though, which I think is a good call. Everything has melted a lot today, but will refreeze when the temperature starts dropping.

After church we had a good lunch that Geneo prepared, took a nap and then saw two deer right outside our back fence. They were just strolling along eating in the fence row. Geneo said deer are so pretty, except when they are in your headlights. But that is a whole other story....

Now, we are getting ready to watch the Super Bowl. Life is good!

Sunshine

"Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy." The words to this song are very appropriate today. After four days of being inside, Geneo and I ventured out today in the bright sunshine. We got groceries, but the main thing we needed was dog food and bird seed. It's 36 degrees with no wind and feels like a heat wave. The forecast is for more snow tonight and tomorrow. I can't do anything about that, so I'm just going to enjoy today.

The words to the song above have bittersweet memories for us. Several years ago we had a friend who sang them a lot. He has passed away now, but whenever I think of this song, I think of him and vice versa. I know he would be singing it today.

I mentioned we got groceries, etc. We also had to get some prescriptions filled. I wish someone would explain something to me. Geneo called in the prescriptions before we left using the automated phone system. He left a special message for the pharmacist using the phone system. When we got there to pick up the medicine, the order was wrong.  We had to wait about 15 minutes (at the drive-up window) for them to get it right. My questions is: Do they listen to the messages or not? It was very irritating.

Geneo told me I should be thankful we were able to be out and about and to enjoy the beauty around us while we were waiting. I tried, but I was getting hungry, and I have discovered when I get hungry I get cranky. After getting the medicine and going to Walmart and Aldi, we finally ate at KFC.

KFC has a good deal for kids and seniors. Two crispy pieces of chicken, two sides, a cheese stick and a small drink for $3.99. Sometimes they throw in a biscuit, but not always. I guess it depends on the mood of the person who is filling the order. It's quite enough for us, and we get refills on the drinks when we leave. I recommend it to anyone.

Now, we are home, and he's taking a nap. Actually, I think I'll take one, too. What can it hurt??

My Diary

It seems blogging is the going thing. Since I didn't know that much about them, I looked up the word "blog". It is really the shortening of the word "weblog". I'm thinking a log is like a diary, so I'm calling mine a diary.

Speaking of that, I kept a diary when I was young. In fact, I found it not too long ago. It was locked, and I couldn't find the key. Probably a good thing. There could possibly be some embarrassing information it in. I should probably destroy it, because when I'm gone and my kids find it, they will certainly break in to it.

If you come back here from time to time, you will see what is going on in my life. Not that it will be anything special, but it will be my life.

Right now, Geneo and I have been in this house together for 4 days. That's not really unusual since we are both retired, but with 8+" of snow on the ground, we aren't able to be out and about like normal. He hasn't even been to town to get the newspaper. I know you may be wondering why we don't have the paper delivered to us instead of going to town everyday to get one. Well, the reason is they won't deliver the paper to us out here in the country.

I don't really mind being unable to be out and about so much, but Geneo is getting antsy... He isn't the type to sit around and watch Sarah Palin's Alaska.

We record almost all of the shows we watch. With all the snow, it has given us a good chance to watch some of them. SP is one of them. We watched Kate and her eight go to Alaska to camp out with the Palins. Now, I'm with Kate. I do not like cold weather. But, come on, Kate. It's Alaska. You had to know it was going to be cold. In my opinion, she could have made the best of it, especially since her eight were enjoying it so much. But not Kate. Nope, she took her kids and went to a warm house for the night. Now I remember why I never watched her with John. She was too much for me.

Geneo has been keeping the volcano (our fireplace) going. He's a good man. It's pretty amazing how God works. He provided plenty of firewood from the ice storm a couple of years ago. The only problem is getting it to the house. But Geneo planned ahead this fall and hauled it up. He's keeping us toasty.

I'm a blessed woman.