Today, due to shortage of readers, and not much to write, I will close up or shut down this blog. Thanks to both of the readers who have kept up and commented. I appreciate your faithful following. I might open a new blog, a craft blog, later on. Keep up with me on facebook and thru e-mail, AC and Curley!
Peace,
JE
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Hiccups!
This morning in church, my granddaughter Annabelle, better known to me as Annie, got the hiccups. Towards the end of the service, Pastor Kurt came over to where we were sitting and took her out of my arms and started walking around with her in his arms as he finished his message. She stole his thunder! She cooed, hiccuped, smiles, pulled his beard and wrecked his microphone (which was fixable after the service.) She loved it and so did Pastor Kurt. He loves engaging the young in our services. I smiled until I thought my face might crack.
Ah, the joys of grandparenthood!
Until the next time,
Peace,
JE
Ah, the joys of grandparenthood!
Until the next time,
Peace,
JE
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Happy Birthday to me!
Today is my birthday! I'm 72 and feeling it! I was born on Mother's Day, so "thanks Mom, for bring me life."
Celebrate with me by tipping a glass of good wine and smiling! That's what I'm gonna do!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Celebrate with me by tipping a glass of good wine and smiling! That's what I'm gonna do!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
The Women in my Life
Tomorrow being Mother's Day, I thought I should/would write a bit about the women in my life. Let me first start off with my mom, Martha. Mom was a quiet, behind-the-scenes type of person. She never wanted attention, but just went about doing good in her quiet manner. (She was much like her own mother in that respect.) Mom was a homemaker, wife, mom and teacher. She always taught school as long as I remember. She cried over students who couldn't or wouldn't learn, and came home exhausted after a day in the classroom. No aides, no help in a room of 55 fifth-graders would tax anyone! Mom was an adequate cook. I can't say she was fabulous in the kitchen, but obviously had her specialties. And, by looking at myself, I never went hungry. Mom loved my dad with her whole heart and he reciprocated in kind. I never heard them argue, but I suppose they did now and then. Mom loved my brother and I "to the moon and back," and never hesitated to tell us so.
Next, my late wife,Pam. What else can I say but that this gal was amazing. We had 38 wonderful years together, raised two wonderful children, and stuck together in the happy and sad times, making the best of every situations. Pam was stricter with the kids than I, and that probably was the cause of many disagreements between us. Pam was loving and kind to all and was loved by many. She took her family and faith seriously, and never wavered in her commitment to either. Pam was a hairdresser by trade and loved working with her clients. In later years, she became a social worker, working with unwed moms and their children. She was a doer. I miss her!
My daughter, HJ, is an amazing single mom. She has been a single mom since her son, E, was three. With little or no help from her ex, she raised an amazing son. HJ is a go getter and so very smart. She graduated college with a BS degree while being married, working and having E. It took her a year longer that most, but she accomplished it. She is an excellent writer, artist and just a good all-around person. She constantly is concerned about today's issues and I have seen her cry over the mistreatment of humans and animals. She taught both college and high school for many years, and I am here to tell you, after sitting in her classroom a few times, students who had her were blessed. Now, she is in the Tech Service business, second in command in a small business. This gal is amazing!
My daughter-in-law is another woman in my life that just awes me. She is smart, graduating with a BS in Psych, and holds a MS in Psych and another in Education. She is a great wife to my son, and a fantastic mom to my 4 little grands. She is kind, loving and extremely patient not only with the kids, but with my son, who can be a bit "trying" I'm sure. (If he's a bit like his ol' man.) Amy had a rough early life, but persevered through stuff that would bring a less strong person to her knees. She says it was not so bad, but having a parent murdered and being passed from relative to relative would have made even the strongest person crumble. I can see that it has made Amy even stronger and I admire her immensely.
My sis-in-law is one wonderful person. She is the sister I never had. She takes wonderful care of my older brother, and always has been there for him. Together they raised two fine children, who have gone on to being smashing successes in their lives. Peggy is also a wonderful cook and I love going there to be able to try new things. She is a master gardener also, and their grounds look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. As they grow older and my brother's health continues to fail, Peg is there, doing all the good stuff to take care of him. He is a type 1 diabetic and has been for over 50 years, so he needs someone like Peg to cook right, watch over him and be there to help do the things he can't. She was definitely sent by God to be that person. They will celebrate 50 years of marriage next year. I know what God was thinking when He hooked them up.
Lastly, and there are more I could mention, but let me just say that my friend Curley has to be included in this post. She and I met several years ago at work. I liked her from the very first day we met. I wanted to introduce her to my wife because I knew they could be good friends. They were! Curley has a different kind of family. Her husband is a hard worker, has worked in the same factory for 44 years, loves to fish, hunt and play golf. Hates shopping, so that's where I come in. I love to shop and eat out at diners and dives. Curley does too, so we go do that and her guy doesn't really mind. He trusts us, and because we aren't doing anything untoward, we all get along fine. Phil even comes to my rescue when I have a household problem or need my trees trimmed, etc. But, I digress! Curley is an amazing person. She works hard at her job dealing daily with Senior Citizens. She goes home to Phil and her two adult sons, who still live at home at ages 24 and 27, and cooks, cleans, does laundry and all the other Mom stuff. I give her a lot of static about waiting on the sons hand and foot, but they waited a long time to have children so I think it is a Mom thing to be sorta overly protective and spoiling. Anyway, Curley has my respect and admiration!
(I wish I could include my mother-in-law in this list of amazing women, but I can't. Though she is now gone, and out of my life, the hurt and inward scars remain. She was an unkind person who treated her only child unfairly, was verbally cruel and mean to both my wife and I and was extremely jealous that we had a successful marriage and life and she didn't. Her negativity affected both my children, but they rose above it all and can now see it for what it was. I have a hard time believing that this woman made it into heaven, but I also know that God is forgiving. Now, it's up to me to just "let it go" but it's not easy.)
So Happy Mother's Day to all the sweet ladies in my life. Those who are no longer with us are missed and will never be forgotten.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Next, my late wife,Pam. What else can I say but that this gal was amazing. We had 38 wonderful years together, raised two wonderful children, and stuck together in the happy and sad times, making the best of every situations. Pam was stricter with the kids than I, and that probably was the cause of many disagreements between us. Pam was loving and kind to all and was loved by many. She took her family and faith seriously, and never wavered in her commitment to either. Pam was a hairdresser by trade and loved working with her clients. In later years, she became a social worker, working with unwed moms and their children. She was a doer. I miss her!
My daughter, HJ, is an amazing single mom. She has been a single mom since her son, E, was three. With little or no help from her ex, she raised an amazing son. HJ is a go getter and so very smart. She graduated college with a BS degree while being married, working and having E. It took her a year longer that most, but she accomplished it. She is an excellent writer, artist and just a good all-around person. She constantly is concerned about today's issues and I have seen her cry over the mistreatment of humans and animals. She taught both college and high school for many years, and I am here to tell you, after sitting in her classroom a few times, students who had her were blessed. Now, she is in the Tech Service business, second in command in a small business. This gal is amazing!
My daughter-in-law is another woman in my life that just awes me. She is smart, graduating with a BS in Psych, and holds a MS in Psych and another in Education. She is a great wife to my son, and a fantastic mom to my 4 little grands. She is kind, loving and extremely patient not only with the kids, but with my son, who can be a bit "trying" I'm sure. (If he's a bit like his ol' man.) Amy had a rough early life, but persevered through stuff that would bring a less strong person to her knees. She says it was not so bad, but having a parent murdered and being passed from relative to relative would have made even the strongest person crumble. I can see that it has made Amy even stronger and I admire her immensely.
My sis-in-law is one wonderful person. She is the sister I never had. She takes wonderful care of my older brother, and always has been there for him. Together they raised two fine children, who have gone on to being smashing successes in their lives. Peggy is also a wonderful cook and I love going there to be able to try new things. She is a master gardener also, and their grounds look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. As they grow older and my brother's health continues to fail, Peg is there, doing all the good stuff to take care of him. He is a type 1 diabetic and has been for over 50 years, so he needs someone like Peg to cook right, watch over him and be there to help do the things he can't. She was definitely sent by God to be that person. They will celebrate 50 years of marriage next year. I know what God was thinking when He hooked them up.
Lastly, and there are more I could mention, but let me just say that my friend Curley has to be included in this post. She and I met several years ago at work. I liked her from the very first day we met. I wanted to introduce her to my wife because I knew they could be good friends. They were! Curley has a different kind of family. Her husband is a hard worker, has worked in the same factory for 44 years, loves to fish, hunt and play golf. Hates shopping, so that's where I come in. I love to shop and eat out at diners and dives. Curley does too, so we go do that and her guy doesn't really mind. He trusts us, and because we aren't doing anything untoward, we all get along fine. Phil even comes to my rescue when I have a household problem or need my trees trimmed, etc. But, I digress! Curley is an amazing person. She works hard at her job dealing daily with Senior Citizens. She goes home to Phil and her two adult sons, who still live at home at ages 24 and 27, and cooks, cleans, does laundry and all the other Mom stuff. I give her a lot of static about waiting on the sons hand and foot, but they waited a long time to have children so I think it is a Mom thing to be sorta overly protective and spoiling. Anyway, Curley has my respect and admiration!
(I wish I could include my mother-in-law in this list of amazing women, but I can't. Though she is now gone, and out of my life, the hurt and inward scars remain. She was an unkind person who treated her only child unfairly, was verbally cruel and mean to both my wife and I and was extremely jealous that we had a successful marriage and life and she didn't. Her negativity affected both my children, but they rose above it all and can now see it for what it was. I have a hard time believing that this woman made it into heaven, but I also know that God is forgiving. Now, it's up to me to just "let it go" but it's not easy.)
So Happy Mother's Day to all the sweet ladies in my life. Those who are no longer with us are missed and will never be forgotten.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Griping About the Weather
Here I am once again complaining about our Indiana weather, which I cannot do anything about, so why not just bitch about it a little.
It's cold again today. I am wearing flannel and it's May 11. Yesterday, I sat outside in the sun (trying to raise the "D" count) in my backyard with out a shirt and in shorts. Today, well, not happening!!
Of course, Indiana is noted for "if you don't like our weather, wait an hour because it will change." LOL!
Since this is my birthday week, I was hoping that Mother Nature would celebrate it by providing my favorite temperature range of 50"s lows at night and about 72-75F during the day. Again, not happening!
Oh well, such is life. On to worrying about something I can change.
As I mentioned, I will be having #72 on Saturday. Nothing great planned. May go out for lunch with my good pal Curley, but that is not set in stone yet. My son and his good friend Joe are coming sometime that day to set my new toilet in the guest bathroom. I purchased it last week, and all the plumbing supplies to go with it. As my gift from my son and family, I just asked that he install it for me. It's too heavy for me to even think about. (You know, old back, and weak muscles!)
My daughter and her guy are leaving next week for Florida, so I told them to apply any money that they would have spent on a gift for my bd towards their trip. Bill(my daughter's guy) has a son who lives with his mother (Bill's evil ex) in Florida, and is graduating from high school, so they are going to attend that. They will also visit my grandson while they are there. I am dog sitting with the remarkable Mr. Giles, the wonder dog while they are gone. That should be fun. I love him and he tolerates me! I hope we have some good weather for dog walking. Maybe I will get inspired to exercise more since I will be walking Mr. Giles two or three times a day for his constitutional! We'll see about that.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
It's cold again today. I am wearing flannel and it's May 11. Yesterday, I sat outside in the sun (trying to raise the "D" count) in my backyard with out a shirt and in shorts. Today, well, not happening!!
Of course, Indiana is noted for "if you don't like our weather, wait an hour because it will change." LOL!
Since this is my birthday week, I was hoping that Mother Nature would celebrate it by providing my favorite temperature range of 50"s lows at night and about 72-75F during the day. Again, not happening!
Oh well, such is life. On to worrying about something I can change.
As I mentioned, I will be having #72 on Saturday. Nothing great planned. May go out for lunch with my good pal Curley, but that is not set in stone yet. My son and his good friend Joe are coming sometime that day to set my new toilet in the guest bathroom. I purchased it last week, and all the plumbing supplies to go with it. As my gift from my son and family, I just asked that he install it for me. It's too heavy for me to even think about. (You know, old back, and weak muscles!)
My daughter and her guy are leaving next week for Florida, so I told them to apply any money that they would have spent on a gift for my bd towards their trip. Bill(my daughter's guy) has a son who lives with his mother (Bill's evil ex) in Florida, and is graduating from high school, so they are going to attend that. They will also visit my grandson while they are there. I am dog sitting with the remarkable Mr. Giles, the wonder dog while they are gone. That should be fun. I love him and he tolerates me! I hope we have some good weather for dog walking. Maybe I will get inspired to exercise more since I will be walking Mr. Giles two or three times a day for his constitutional! We'll see about that.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Monday, May 8, 2017
Sunrise over the Atlantic
My oldest grandson, (now 24, single, footloose and fancy free) tired of the cold weather, futureless jobs, and generally wanting to try something new, moved to Florida. He's on the Atlantic Ocean side, down pretty far South in the state. He loves it! That being said, recently, he arose early, before work and walked the 3 blocks from his residence to the beach at dawn. This picture he took with his phone!! I wish it was larger, but if you click on it, it will enlarge (I think). I love how the waves catch the sun and bounce it back onto an oncoming wave. Also, the seagull? on the right below the horizon is magnificent. All this with his phone, and I have trouble managing my Canon!! But, I'm learning! Maybe soon I will do a photo blog!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Monday, April 24, 2017
A Very Special Day, Indeed!
To some this might seem trite, or even ridiculous, But to my family, it's necessary. Thus, the special day for this sweet, darling granddaughter of mine. She is such a beauty, and yesterday, was all smiles as she was made to feel special. The pastor, after administering the water, carried her around the church talking to her and "introducing" her to her church family. She smiled, cooed, chattered, and more or less stole the hearts of many.
Pictured here is my son,James, my daughter in law,Amy, and granddaughter Miss K (back row).
(front row) Grandma Alice(Amy's family), grandson R.J., grandson Toby, and of course, Grandpa (me). The other grandpa doesn't do church in any fashion, so he was not there for the photo. Also attending, but rooked into taking the photo was Joe, my son's best friend, and Annabelle's "Jo" namesake, and also godfather to all four grands.
It was a fun, yet meaningful Sunday morning.
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Weird stuff about me!
40 odd things about myself.
1. Do you like blue cheese? yes
2. Have you ever smoked? yes, but quit in 2000.
3. Do you own a Gun? 1
4. What flavor Kool-Aid? orange, but I was cautioned, "Do not drink the Kool-Aid!"
5. Do you get nervous before a doctor's appointment? No
6. What do you think of hot dogs? love them, with mustard, sweet relish, onion...yum!
7. What is your favorite movie? An American President and Dances With Wolves
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Black coffee
9. Can you do a push-up? Yes, probably only 1
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Wedding band
11. Do you have a hobby? Too many. You don't want a list!
12. Do you have A.D.H.D.?No
13. Do you wear glasses? Yes
14. Who was your childhood idol? My Dad
15. Name three thoughts that you have right now?I need more coffee, I need a new toilet in the bathroom, I spend too much money on crafting.
16. Name three drinks you drink regularly? Water, coffee, beer and wine. Oops, that's 4!
17. Current worries? Life, and at almost 72, how much longer can it last! Scary!
18. Things I dislike? Bad grammar anytime, snow, stewed tomatoes.
19. Favorite place to be? At home
20. How did you bring in the new year? Was in bed, alone, long before midnight.
21. Where would you like to go? Back to Montana
22. Alfredo or Tomato sauce? Alfredo
23. Do you own slippers? Yes
24. What color is your shirt? White
25. Do you like sleeping in satin sheets? Too hard to stay in bed!
26. Can you Whistle? Yes,
27. Where are you now? Most uncomfortable chair I own, at computer.
28. Would you be a pirate? No
29. What is your favorite color? Red
30. What's something you are afraid of? Dying alone
31. What are your favorite foods? Steak and corn casserole.
32. What's in your pocket? handkerchief, phone, hearing aid batteries.
33. Last thing that made you laugh? I don't remember
34. What's your favorite animal? Black Lab
35. How many siblings do you have? 1
36. How many TVs in your house? 2 (only one works)
37. Worst pain? Broken heart
38. Do you like to dance? Yes
39. Are your parents living? No
40. Do you enjoy camping? Used to, but times change.
1. Do you like blue cheese? yes
2. Have you ever smoked? yes, but quit in 2000.
3. Do you own a Gun? 1
4. What flavor Kool-Aid? orange, but I was cautioned, "Do not drink the Kool-Aid!"
5. Do you get nervous before a doctor's appointment? No
6. What do you think of hot dogs? love them, with mustard, sweet relish, onion...yum!
7. What is your favorite movie? An American President and Dances With Wolves
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Black coffee
9. Can you do a push-up? Yes, probably only 1
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Wedding band
11. Do you have a hobby? Too many. You don't want a list!
12. Do you have A.D.H.D.?No
13. Do you wear glasses? Yes
14. Who was your childhood idol? My Dad
15. Name three thoughts that you have right now?I need more coffee, I need a new toilet in the bathroom, I spend too much money on crafting.
16. Name three drinks you drink regularly? Water, coffee, beer and wine. Oops, that's 4!
17. Current worries? Life, and at almost 72, how much longer can it last! Scary!
18. Things I dislike? Bad grammar anytime, snow, stewed tomatoes.
19. Favorite place to be? At home
20. How did you bring in the new year? Was in bed, alone, long before midnight.
21. Where would you like to go? Back to Montana
22. Alfredo or Tomato sauce? Alfredo
23. Do you own slippers? Yes
24. What color is your shirt? White
25. Do you like sleeping in satin sheets? Too hard to stay in bed!
26. Can you Whistle? Yes,
27. Where are you now? Most uncomfortable chair I own, at computer.
28. Would you be a pirate? No
29. What is your favorite color? Red
30. What's something you are afraid of? Dying alone
31. What are your favorite foods? Steak and corn casserole.
32. What's in your pocket? handkerchief, phone, hearing aid batteries.
33. Last thing that made you laugh? I don't remember
34. What's your favorite animal? Black Lab
35. How many siblings do you have? 1
36. How many TVs in your house? 2 (only one works)
37. Worst pain? Broken heart
38. Do you like to dance? Yes
39. Are your parents living? No
40. Do you enjoy camping? Used to, but times change.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
I'm Back
After spending a full month in sunny, warm Texas visiting my brother, I am glad to be home. I had a wonderful visit, and am glad I went. We ate some delicious food, drank some good, and not so good, wine, and I slept very well in the California King bed, (tho sadly, by myself!) LOL!
The flights both ways were smooth and seemed to take less time than before. Maybe a tail wind was present both ways, I don't know. My daughter delivered me to the airport on my way outbound, even got a gate pass and sat with me until I boarded the plane. She was worried that, even though I have this high classed hearing device, I might miss something in the constant background noise and constant PA system messages. I was grateful to her and the company was nice while waiting. Though, on the way home, my brother and sister-in-law let me out at the "departure" gate, at my insistence, and I made it through security and onto the plane without incident. I flew "Southwest Airlines" and highly recommend them to anyone who has them available. No fee for 2 checked bags, and they have an "I wanna get away" ticket purchasing option which is very affordable, at least for me. They are a 'no frills' airline. No food, but complimentary soft drinks and peanuts, and seats are not assigned, so you might end up in a middle seat or clear in the back of the plane. The flight attendants are super nice, friendly, and joke a lot with the fliers. It was just a good experience in the air!
While in Texas we didn't do much. Both of my relatives are fighting health issues right now and didn't feel like getting out much. My brother, however, had cardio therapy each afternoon, so that did get us out of the house at least once a day. The weather was gorgeous with some days reaching into the 80s and cool nights. I spent numerous hours on the deck in the sunshine and even got sunburned on the nose and tips of my ears! Believe me, I didn't care. I revelled in the warmth.
Getting home was nice. Being around people 24/7, having the TV going from arising to bedtime, and just being in a somewhat unfamiliar environment (tho I've been there numerous times) gets harder for me all the time, especially as I get older. I get homesick easier for family, friends and the familiar. I missed my own bed and pillow and "stuff." I decided that being gone for 2 weeks at a time is my limit from now on. I came home, via having my son meet me at the airport, and found that one of my toilets was completely out of service and that the neighborhood stray cats had knocked out a foundation window to my basement and had been going in and out while I was gone. My neighbor on the East had noticed it and called me the day after I got home. I sorta wondered why he didn't take a board and some nails over and just close up the hole?? Now the window is back in place, and I am going shopping for a new commode this weekend. As a home owner, it's always something.
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Until next time,
Peace!
JE
The flights both ways were smooth and seemed to take less time than before. Maybe a tail wind was present both ways, I don't know. My daughter delivered me to the airport on my way outbound, even got a gate pass and sat with me until I boarded the plane. She was worried that, even though I have this high classed hearing device, I might miss something in the constant background noise and constant PA system messages. I was grateful to her and the company was nice while waiting. Though, on the way home, my brother and sister-in-law let me out at the "departure" gate, at my insistence, and I made it through security and onto the plane without incident. I flew "Southwest Airlines" and highly recommend them to anyone who has them available. No fee for 2 checked bags, and they have an "I wanna get away" ticket purchasing option which is very affordable, at least for me. They are a 'no frills' airline. No food, but complimentary soft drinks and peanuts, and seats are not assigned, so you might end up in a middle seat or clear in the back of the plane. The flight attendants are super nice, friendly, and joke a lot with the fliers. It was just a good experience in the air!
While in Texas we didn't do much. Both of my relatives are fighting health issues right now and didn't feel like getting out much. My brother, however, had cardio therapy each afternoon, so that did get us out of the house at least once a day. The weather was gorgeous with some days reaching into the 80s and cool nights. I spent numerous hours on the deck in the sunshine and even got sunburned on the nose and tips of my ears! Believe me, I didn't care. I revelled in the warmth.
Getting home was nice. Being around people 24/7, having the TV going from arising to bedtime, and just being in a somewhat unfamiliar environment (tho I've been there numerous times) gets harder for me all the time, especially as I get older. I get homesick easier for family, friends and the familiar. I missed my own bed and pillow and "stuff." I decided that being gone for 2 weeks at a time is my limit from now on. I came home, via having my son meet me at the airport, and found that one of my toilets was completely out of service and that the neighborhood stray cats had knocked out a foundation window to my basement and had been going in and out while I was gone. My neighbor on the East had noticed it and called me the day after I got home. I sorta wondered why he didn't take a board and some nails over and just close up the hole?? Now the window is back in place, and I am going shopping for a new commode this weekend. As a home owner, it's always something.
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Until next time,
Peace!
JE
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