WITW Day

The day started pretty cold, brrrrrr. I hate cold. Yesterday I went to Kohls and got some ear covers. I must say they work pretty well. I envy anyone whose temperature guage is more tolerant than mine. I have a short comfort zone. I think a lot of that has to do with meds I take but I certainly hate being a priss.

We had Women in the Word today. We are studying Esther. Last week, I just couldn't get into it. When I tried to read, I either fell asleep or got a headache. Today inspired me some. I've already done the first day and enjoyed it. On my way home, I stopped at a garage sale just down the street. It was neat as a pin but there weren't many things there. I found a Jewish Bible, paperback, light and small. Just what I needed. I don't think I ever saw a Jewish Bible before. Esther is close to the end of the book. I enjoyed reading it. Made me feel closer to the original.

God has been instilling me with the truth that he not only will show me favor but he says, he has shown me favor......it is a done deal. His blessing is always over my head. His goodness and mercy are following close by me each and every moment. Thank you God for your good and sure care.

Week in Review

What happened since Tuesday? It is a blur. Yesterday, I went to church for awhile to help get ready for the huge rummage sale we had today. It was fun getting together with the other volunteers. I decided I'd go home and do some baking for the bake sale booth. I made a pumpkin crunch dessert and mint filled brownies. During the night I woke and had an overwhelming desire to make homemade cinnamon rolls. So I put the dough ingredients together and dumped them in the bread machine. Then back to bed until time for the next step. I slept in too late and I had to hustle to get the rolls baked and frosted. Fortunately, Ken called and asked if I needed help..........I said YES. He hurried home from town and we got my act together rather quickly.

Ken was just sitting here making egg salad. Kico was sitting on my shoulder and decided to jump onto the table to get a better look. The crazy bird has never accepted any vegetable or fruit I have offered him. Ken gave him a small piece of egg and he wolfed it down. How funny, feeding a bird an egg. We had a good laugh.

I have concerns with some of the things going on in Washington this weekend. While I want no record of my opinions, I do wish to have you look into what I may be talking about. It is disconcerning. Ken and I sat with my dad and his wife Mary and prayed together for our nation on Friday night. It was a rich moment. Not everyone my age gets to pray with a clear headed, sharp eighty nine year old father. Oh God, thank you for such a blessing and the richness of that evening as we sat around on the sunporch discussing the goings on and yielding to the knowledge that only God can help us as a nation.

Kico and Third Graders

Today we went to the hospital lab for yet another blood test. Hopefully, it will produce good results. We ate breakfast at the cafeteria. I don't know where my hunger came from but I ate a scoop and a half of scrambled eggs, a piece of raisin toast, a small amount of cream of wheat and a bowl of grapefruit! I ate the WHOLE thing. Often times, most often, my eyes are bigger than my stomach and all though I was terribly full, I enjoyed it all.

After a trip to Starbucks, we headed home. At one o'clock, we brought Kico to Ethan's class at De Motte Christian. They are studying birds this week so yesterday Ethan called me, "Hey, Grandma.................would you, could you." Sure little buddy. The kids were SOOOO well behaved...even our little Ethan. He seemed proud as a peacock as his friends listened to me. I carried Kico on my shoulder and walked up and down the aisles. We talked about what a wondrous creator our God is. Looking Kico over, we decided God put the finishing touches on by brushing orange circles on his cheeks. Amazing.

My car is in the car hospital. Ugh. I hate being wheel less. It was supposed to be fixed by today but of course it needed another part so now it is to be tomorrow. I can't wait to get the big baby back.

Seafood Salad

I stuck around home most of the morning doing normal morning routine things. Around 12:30, I took off for town to get a few food items and stop at any garage sales I saw on the way. It was a pretty good find today. The weather is wonderful so being out and about was enjoyable. At the grocery I got some crab flakes and crab chunks. Took them home and made some seafood salad which we both love. I also made a grape salad. Yum. I bought Ken a half rack of ribs for a special treat (already cooked and barbecued). Stinks to me but he loves it.

On the street I met my hair stylist riding her bike carrying her little grand baby on the back wheel. She said she didnt start til four today. We talked about my hair, which I can't get used to and made a plan. I asked when. We both knew she wouldnt know without her appt book but then she said she had just been to the salon and they had an opening at 4:15. I snatched that up.

Somethings just work out right.

God bless your day with peace knowing he is control of all things, including you and me.

Spaghetti

I made a big pot of spaghetti this afternoon. When I talked with Bernice she and I conferred that both of us hate to cook. When Ken asks what is for dinner, I just hang my head. He is such a good sport about. Bernice's husband last evening asked if she wanted to go out for something. No, she didn't. He told her to write on a piece of paper what she wanted to do. He said he wrote on a paper what he wanted. She told him she didnt have to write, she just knew she wanted to stay home and grab what may be around. She opened Bud's paper and it said, " Cold Cereal!"

They stayed home and both were happy.

Anyway, when I saw how much spaghetti grew in my pan, I called her and asked if when we go to get Isaiah tonight, would she like us to bring our spaghetti and eat together. So soon, we will pick up our pan and go to their house.

Monday Musings

This morning I took Kico back to the petstore and said, "You have to do something about his daggers". The lady that sold him to me was working and she apologetically said, "I should have taken care of his nails before you left the store". So this time, trimming his nails was on the house. I was tired of having to wear protective gear unless I wanted him to draw blood all the way up my arm. He is much easier to handle now.

I got a response from Ken's cousin who reads the blog. She said when her sister passed away, she was heir to her sister's cockatiel. She looked up against it because of all she had heard about them being dirty, etc. She said they have fallen in love with Daffy and get so much pleasure from her. Daffy is seventeen years old.

Alex brought the other three of the grands over for their Kico time. I made the mistake of having candy in three different dishes. The four of them grazed from one to the next. I finally had to put on the brakes. It's amazing how they try to get one more out of ya. I asked if they didn't get candy at home. No, Mom said when she puts it in a bowl it disappears. Hmmmmm.

I haven't been able to put pictures on here because my battery charger disappeared. I have to get another one. Do I have to call Sony for that or can I buy one at any store?

Have a joyful day. Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth....serve the Lord with gladness.

The Weekend

Okay, so having a new baby bird takes time. He is so friendly, in fact, he doesn;t like it when I walk away. He wants to be on my shoulder all the time. He is learning to spend time in his cage without throwing a fit. He kisses me upon request. His nails are long and draw blood on my arm when he climbs up with vigor. I'm going to the petstore and ask them to cut those nails and square them off.

Yesterday morning Ken and I helped with our church's food pantry. It was such a beautiful day. I'm sure that added to the pleasure. We served 98 families with food. They got a very nice portion of food plus a couple of pieces of meat and a watermelon and muskmelon. The people looked very happy. I heard no complaints. It was fun to love them and show interest in their lives.

We spent the afternoon relaxing and taking life rather easy. Today we went to church and then taxied Isaiah home, and back to Roselawn so he could catch a ride to his travel team game. The small amount of time we spent with him was fun. We don't see him enough, but we know he loves school and all his activities. He is doing well and that makes us happy. I don't think some people in our lives understand the investment we have in that boy and our desire to see him grow to be a rock of leadership in the church and and exemplary citizen. Go God. We are so grateful that our children are good parents to all our grandchildren.

His Name is "Kico"

Dear Mama,

It's been thirty five or more years but today I had a remembrance we shared. I could have laughed and then I could have cried. Dumb head. That's what I proved to you that day. My emotions got ahead of my reality and I did something that was hilarious and so sad. I
had three small children and you always liked to get me out of the stress for awhile. (If you knew how my future went you would faint....we went from four to eight, Mom. I love them all and you would too) Ken stayed home with the kids and you and I took off to Hammond. It was such a shopping heaven in those days. Some things do change. It would break your heart, Mom.

You loved canaries........it rubbed off on me. I still love to hear a canary sing. They aren't much in vogue right now. You were out to buy one for yourself and instead you came out with two little boxes, one for me, too. I'll never forget that gesture of love. The only DQ around was in Dyer (We sometimes made special trips just so Dad could get his gedunk, remember) Well, it was on our way home so the plan was made to have our treat there. It was a lovely day. I recall sitting with the windows down, enjoying the mild weather. I had my little box on my lap and decided to take a peek. Well, the canary must have been planning it's escape. It lifted itself up and flew out the window. My stomach was tied in knots. Were you going to be mad at me. No, you laughed really hard and said we should get out of the car and see if she had found a branch somewhere. She was out of sight, but not out of mind.

When we got home, you did the ultimate. You gave your little box to me. Oh Mom, it makes me cry real tears right now. That story is probably one of the most precious I have of you and me. Being the oldest kid I sometimes felt left out while you took care of the younger three. That day you proved your love to me.

So let me tell you something, Mom. Today I got a baby cockatiel. I don't know what you know about them but they make wonderful pets. He is already sitting in my hand and on my shoulder. It would take five canaries to make up his size. God put this one at just the right place at the right time. He is every thing I wanted in a cockatiel. He is what they call a pearl. and he is a male which I was seeking. He has just been weaned so should learn to know us well. Very colorful. I understand their lifespan is 20-25 years. Ken said we probably have to put him in the will.

To my favorite bird lover, I say thank you for putting that love in me. You have been gone nearly forty years, but I still miss you and often wish I could share with you. That is why this note is to you. Love you, Mama

Labor Day

The holiday started dark and drippy. Now it is noon and the sun is shining brightly and the mood is happy. Ken is out golfing and should be home soon. Today is Scarlen's opportunity to shine. She has invited thirteen of us for a picnic at four o'clock. I'm very proud of her. It is her first year of living independently and she is stepping out with confidence. There are thirteen of us who are blessed to have invitation. I hope all goes well. I'll post the results later.

Yesterday my step sister and her husband from Colorado came for their first visit in close to twenty years. We were honored and enjoyed the reunion to the fullest.

Usual Wednesday

Where was I yesterday? I was surprised that I didn't blog yesterday. Some days just go by. This morning I woke up comparatively early and was out the door by 8:30. Several new garage sales today. It was such a beautiful morning. I didn't buy much but enjoyed the early fall air. Everyone seemed happy and renewed with this gorgeous weather. Garage sales have regulars so it is like seeing old friends when one meets up there.

After I finished, by 10:00 a.m. I dropped by Lauri's seeking some one on one time. She met me at the door with, "Mackenna is still sick and running a fever." I turned on my heels and said my good byes. It seems those kids are sick often but then there are four of them to pass things around.

I took a break from this and walked around the yard picking unusual things for the vase for my kitchen table. God's amazing creation is overwhelming. After the blossoms are mostly gone, I look for plants with awesome foliage. The sedems are so contributing. So many kinds. Then there are the painter's pallete and other interesting patterns and textures. I placed them in a crystal vase and they are beautiful. Don't under estimate the beauty of folliage.

As I watch the hummers suck their sugar water while hovering, their body part looks like a mouse. I know that isn't so pleasant to think about, but it did remind me of what a resourceful creator we have. He can take one pattern and change it just a bit and walla........a beautiful bird.
God, you are so great and I am so struck by your creative powers. I can't imagine all that ingenuity.

Tests and Doctor's Visits

I'm tired. Left at 10:45 for a visit with my defibrillator nurse. She is very nice but it makes my skin crawl everytime I walk in the doctor's office. Her report was good, at least as good as it can be.
Then from there to the echo cardiogram room. I always borrow my friend's CD player so I can turn up the praise music and zone out. Yes, I have anxiety problems. I lived through both of the tests. Soon I have a CAT scan of my lungs to follow up on that lung that collapsed. Ugh. Now it is always something I have to do or someone I have to go to see. In the middle of it all today, I looked at Ken and said, " I didn't bargain for any of this". He assured me no one bargains for their trials.

Each time I go through these days, it takes me while to calm down and get ahold of myself once again. What do I need. Just to commune with my heavenly Father who has each of my days counted and will let nothing come to me without his compassionate will. Praise Him.