Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
ARE YOU READY?
Are you stressed out over the preparations for Christmas? Cookies made? Presents bought & wrapped? Christmas cards with newsletters and pictures sent out? For some people this is the most stressful time of the year. Our Pastor asked why we go to more parties and plan more activities in the month of December than at any other time? What is it that drives us to such a frenzied state? I'm wondering if somehow satan isn't behind all of this? After all, isn't it he who manages to take our strengths and twist them around to be used against us? This drive for perfection is sucking the joy of the season right out of us!
Is the answer to "just start earlier" next year? Don't we say that every year at this time? No wonder some people say they hate Christmas! What they hate is how THEY have let their joy be robbed from them at what is meant to be, a special, sacred time of the year-our reflecting on the birth of our Savior.
I was reading over at Darlene's site. Her son was in a horrible car accident coming home from a work Christmas party, please visit her site and pray for her son. Her anguish shouts through the lines of her writing! Do you think she cares about the stuff I mentioned earlier? I doubt she's watching the clock as she does her bedside vigil thinking, "I really need to get home and get those cookies baked!" NO, she's reflecting on what really matters!
http://www.dailydotes.blogspot.com/
I spoke with my folks last night. Today is 2 weeks since my brother died. They are struggling with the Christmas spirit this year to say the least. Do you think they are worried about shopping for the rest of their Christmas presents or getting things wrapped before Christmas? NO, they're remembering the ghost of Christmas'past and how there is now an empty seat at the dinner table for Christmas dinner and every other family dinner when we all gather together.
We received a Christmas card from Dave's dad this week. I looked at his signature and choked down the tears. "All my love, dad" in his, now-shaky handwriting. Kathy always sent out the cards, enclosing a little note, usually with some type of spelling or grammar error. I doubt he's worried about getting out cards and newsletters before Christmas. Another ghost of Christmas past encircles another family. What used to be, memories that bring a small smile yet haunt and hurt at the same time.
This is not meant to drag people down. I think when we are in a place of pain, we realize what is really important. Why does it take something like that to make us reflect? Why do we say to someone else, "Is that all you have to worry about, let me tell you what we're having to deal with this holiday season."
Wouldn't it be refreshing for everyone to take a moment and give thanks for the things that really matter. Have you got your health, limited though it might be? Are your parents still living or someone else that matters to you? Do you have a roof over your head, food in your stomach and a warm place to sleep at night? Why do we take stuff like that for granted? Why do we think we'll be happy if we...fill in the blank. Our pastor calls it the "If only" syndrome. If only I had a bigger house, if only I had a newer car, if only my husband would do or be....blah, blah, blah. We look right past the blessings we have and focus on what we think we SHOULD have. If my children acted as ungrateful as that, I'd take their stuff away from them; then they'd realize just how good they actually have it.
I'm amazed at the never-ending patience of our Heavenly Father. I catch myself reflecting on whether I'm acting like a spoiled, ungrateful child, always having their hand out, never satisfied. Change me Lord and help me to realize that YOU are enough!
Is the answer to "just start earlier" next year? Don't we say that every year at this time? No wonder some people say they hate Christmas! What they hate is how THEY have let their joy be robbed from them at what is meant to be, a special, sacred time of the year-our reflecting on the birth of our Savior.
I was reading over at Darlene's site. Her son was in a horrible car accident coming home from a work Christmas party, please visit her site and pray for her son. Her anguish shouts through the lines of her writing! Do you think she cares about the stuff I mentioned earlier? I doubt she's watching the clock as she does her bedside vigil thinking, "I really need to get home and get those cookies baked!" NO, she's reflecting on what really matters!
http://www.dailydotes.blogspot.com/
I spoke with my folks last night. Today is 2 weeks since my brother died. They are struggling with the Christmas spirit this year to say the least. Do you think they are worried about shopping for the rest of their Christmas presents or getting things wrapped before Christmas? NO, they're remembering the ghost of Christmas'past and how there is now an empty seat at the dinner table for Christmas dinner and every other family dinner when we all gather together.
We received a Christmas card from Dave's dad this week. I looked at his signature and choked down the tears. "All my love, dad" in his, now-shaky handwriting. Kathy always sent out the cards, enclosing a little note, usually with some type of spelling or grammar error. I doubt he's worried about getting out cards and newsletters before Christmas. Another ghost of Christmas past encircles another family. What used to be, memories that bring a small smile yet haunt and hurt at the same time.
This is not meant to drag people down. I think when we are in a place of pain, we realize what is really important. Why does it take something like that to make us reflect? Why do we say to someone else, "Is that all you have to worry about, let me tell you what we're having to deal with this holiday season."
Wouldn't it be refreshing for everyone to take a moment and give thanks for the things that really matter. Have you got your health, limited though it might be? Are your parents still living or someone else that matters to you? Do you have a roof over your head, food in your stomach and a warm place to sleep at night? Why do we take stuff like that for granted? Why do we think we'll be happy if we...fill in the blank. Our pastor calls it the "If only" syndrome. If only I had a bigger house, if only I had a newer car, if only my husband would do or be....blah, blah, blah. We look right past the blessings we have and focus on what we think we SHOULD have. If my children acted as ungrateful as that, I'd take their stuff away from them; then they'd realize just how good they actually have it.
I'm amazed at the never-ending patience of our Heavenly Father. I catch myself reflecting on whether I'm acting like a spoiled, ungrateful child, always having their hand out, never satisfied. Change me Lord and help me to realize that YOU are enough!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Sponge Bob & Baby Jesus?
I was going through some of my older pictures and came across this one from a couple of years ago. Jacey-Beth was about 17 months old and was checking out all of the Christmas decorations around the house. She was captivated by the manger scene I had and wanted to get a closer look. I brought over a small chair for her to climb up on. When I checked on her, she was jabbering away and Sponge Bob Square Pants was visiting the baby Jesus just like he was one of the shepherds or wise men! Who'd have known that Sponge Bob was a part of the Christmas Story?
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
STOVES BEHAVING BADLY!!!
How was yor weekend? Ours was insane. I know it's Tuesday and that's a question that one would usually ask on a Monday!But work with me here!
I was originally supposed to bake all of my Christmas goodies last Wed. Instead, I was helping out my folks. I decided to set aside yesterday since Laura was going to be off of work and she's done with school. This past Saturday afternoon I started baking us a cherry pie and decided that afterwards, I would start on the cookie baking. Twenty minutes after my pie went in, I checked on it and found out that my oven had shut craps! There was no longer any gas going through it and I couldn't get it to relight for anything! I called our usual repairman who is on vacation until after Christmas so I called another guy and left him a message.
I told Dave that I was going to look at Sears after church Sunday morning in case we found out that it would be better to get a new stove rather than get the nearly 14 year old one fixed. He came with me and was astonished at the prices for a decent stove! I wasn't surprised because I had looked at them a couple of years ago. I found the one I had had my eye on, it's a Maytag Gemini with the dual oven. It basically flips the broiler oven to the top only it's not a broiler and then the deeper oven is on the bottom. It's very nice and very practical, using less energy for things like rolls, a pizza, cookies etc when using the more shallow oven on the top. We got all the necessary information, left and then began to weigh our pros and cons. Sunday night we made the decision to get it. I had been told that there was very real possibility that the local guy they use would be able to get it to us Mon evening. I went in at 7AM yesterday and bought a new stove. I got the new hook up line and was told he would come after 5PM. Get this, their local delivery guy for SEARS is named, KENNETH MOORE! Get it? Ken Moore! Ha Ha!
I ran some errands and once I got home, I began making truffles and non-cookie items. I figured I would be up late last night but that I was going to be able to really crank out the cookies once I had the 2 ovens available! Laura actually went in to work for a while since one of the girls had to go to the hospital when her boyfriend was in a motorcycle accident, besides, she's mainly my cookie froster and peanut butter snowball gal. I did all of the stuff that I normally do and finished about 30 minutes before Ken Moore got there with my bright and shiny, brand new stove! I was quivering with excitement! Although I had to run Charlie down to Keller for his Bible study lesson (no guitar lessons last night) I didn't mind because I knew that cookie baking was going to be such a breeze! My old stove is now a thing of the past and my new Maytag Gemini now occupies it's rightful place. What could possibly be wrong?
"What do you mean I have the wrong size gas line?" I ask.
"Sears sells 3/8 and your connection is 1/2" I am told.
"Uh oh" says I as the handwriting suddenly appears on the wall! I can see it now, NO cookie baking for me tonight.
"I will willingly reimburse you for any of your own private stuff that's on your truck", I timidly offer.
"Maam, I only have about 18" worth and you're gonna need a good 4 foot section!"
I am ready to curl up into the fetal poition at this point and then suddenly I remember, AHA his days off are Sundays and Wednedays!
"If I purchase the new line, can you squeeze me into your schedule tomorrow after your deliveries? I ask sweetly, I'm also ready to offer up any of the candies and truffles on the altar of almost-instant gratification!
"Sorry maam, normally I could but I have had to take tomorrow off due to a death in the family"
You gotta be kidding me, not yet another death! I don't actually say this but I couldn't believe the odds!
So now I have a beautiful, shiny new stove that I can't even cook anything on, until Thursday night! I'm glad I got all of the stovetop goodies done when I did! I have decided that there is nothing I can do about any of this. Surprisingly, I am pretty unflustered. My Christmas cards go out today, finally. If they're late, they're late. Last week threw me off but some things are more important. I decided that I will wrap the remaining presents starting tonight, (all of my shopping is done), bake cookies on Thursday and start delivering trays of goodies on Friday and Saturday. It's not as convienient as bringing them when I come to clean at someone's house, but whoopdie-doo! I'll put together a tray for Dave to take into work today. It'll be a bit more limited but still be better than him bringing in nothing at all! There's only 3 kinds of cookies but they are great fillers on a tray!
There was more to our weekend, a party, church, another funeral (that was actually yesterday. Dave went to Amarillo for the contractor's funeral, the one we got the call about on our way home from the airport last Thursday) finishing up Christmas shopping, finding a "leak" around the waterbed valve that left a mess, you know, the usual life type stuff that happens! After I dial PIZZA HUT for dinner tonight, I'm going to soak in the tub. Well...only if I have all the Chritmas presents wrapped that are sitting in there (the tub is my "holding area"! Here's my nice, new, NEVER BEEN USED stove!
I was originally supposed to bake all of my Christmas goodies last Wed. Instead, I was helping out my folks. I decided to set aside yesterday since Laura was going to be off of work and she's done with school. This past Saturday afternoon I started baking us a cherry pie and decided that afterwards, I would start on the cookie baking. Twenty minutes after my pie went in, I checked on it and found out that my oven had shut craps! There was no longer any gas going through it and I couldn't get it to relight for anything! I called our usual repairman who is on vacation until after Christmas so I called another guy and left him a message.
I told Dave that I was going to look at Sears after church Sunday morning in case we found out that it would be better to get a new stove rather than get the nearly 14 year old one fixed. He came with me and was astonished at the prices for a decent stove! I wasn't surprised because I had looked at them a couple of years ago. I found the one I had had my eye on, it's a Maytag Gemini with the dual oven. It basically flips the broiler oven to the top only it's not a broiler and then the deeper oven is on the bottom. It's very nice and very practical, using less energy for things like rolls, a pizza, cookies etc when using the more shallow oven on the top. We got all the necessary information, left and then began to weigh our pros and cons. Sunday night we made the decision to get it. I had been told that there was very real possibility that the local guy they use would be able to get it to us Mon evening. I went in at 7AM yesterday and bought a new stove. I got the new hook up line and was told he would come after 5PM. Get this, their local delivery guy for SEARS is named, KENNETH MOORE! Get it? Ken Moore! Ha Ha!
I ran some errands and once I got home, I began making truffles and non-cookie items. I figured I would be up late last night but that I was going to be able to really crank out the cookies once I had the 2 ovens available! Laura actually went in to work for a while since one of the girls had to go to the hospital when her boyfriend was in a motorcycle accident, besides, she's mainly my cookie froster and peanut butter snowball gal. I did all of the stuff that I normally do and finished about 30 minutes before Ken Moore got there with my bright and shiny, brand new stove! I was quivering with excitement! Although I had to run Charlie down to Keller for his Bible study lesson (no guitar lessons last night) I didn't mind because I knew that cookie baking was going to be such a breeze! My old stove is now a thing of the past and my new Maytag Gemini now occupies it's rightful place. What could possibly be wrong?
"What do you mean I have the wrong size gas line?" I ask.
"Sears sells 3/8 and your connection is 1/2" I am told.
"Uh oh" says I as the handwriting suddenly appears on the wall! I can see it now, NO cookie baking for me tonight.
"I will willingly reimburse you for any of your own private stuff that's on your truck", I timidly offer.
"Maam, I only have about 18" worth and you're gonna need a good 4 foot section!"
I am ready to curl up into the fetal poition at this point and then suddenly I remember, AHA his days off are Sundays and Wednedays!
"If I purchase the new line, can you squeeze me into your schedule tomorrow after your deliveries? I ask sweetly, I'm also ready to offer up any of the candies and truffles on the altar of almost-instant gratification!
"Sorry maam, normally I could but I have had to take tomorrow off due to a death in the family"
You gotta be kidding me, not yet another death! I don't actually say this but I couldn't believe the odds!
So now I have a beautiful, shiny new stove that I can't even cook anything on, until Thursday night! I'm glad I got all of the stovetop goodies done when I did! I have decided that there is nothing I can do about any of this. Surprisingly, I am pretty unflustered. My Christmas cards go out today, finally. If they're late, they're late. Last week threw me off but some things are more important. I decided that I will wrap the remaining presents starting tonight, (all of my shopping is done), bake cookies on Thursday and start delivering trays of goodies on Friday and Saturday. It's not as convienient as bringing them when I come to clean at someone's house, but whoopdie-doo! I'll put together a tray for Dave to take into work today. It'll be a bit more limited but still be better than him bringing in nothing at all! There's only 3 kinds of cookies but they are great fillers on a tray!
There was more to our weekend, a party, church, another funeral (that was actually yesterday. Dave went to Amarillo for the contractor's funeral, the one we got the call about on our way home from the airport last Thursday) finishing up Christmas shopping, finding a "leak" around the waterbed valve that left a mess, you know, the usual life type stuff that happens! After I dial PIZZA HUT for dinner tonight, I'm going to soak in the tub. Well...only if I have all the Chritmas presents wrapped that are sitting in there (the tub is my "holding area"! Here's my nice, new, NEVER BEEN USED stove!
Friday, December 15, 2006
HOME ONCE AGAIN
I have went to way too many funerals or have heard of way too many deaths, in 2006. Even yesterday, riding home from the airport with Dave, he got a phone call notifing him of the death of a contractor/friend that he has dealt with for many years. The man was killed in a car accident out in West Texas. When will it end?
I have had to deal with lots of sadness or hardships through the years but nothing has ever been as tough as this. How do you console your parents while they bury their child? I boarded the plane Monday afternoon and as much as I wanted to be home with my folks, I felt this overwhelming desire to "cut & run" rise up inside of me. I knew that once the plane took off, it would become real.
I stayed with our best friends, Brenda & Charlie, borrowing one of their cars. It was too stressful on my mom to try and prepare the guest room for me and I knew that this was the best way. I got in too late to go to their house Monday evening since they themselves were out wrapping up some loose ends. I went out Tuesday morning and in spite of the dread I felt on the plane, the prayers that were sent up on our behalf, really covered me with a calmness and a peace.
Pop was doing pretty well considering all things. He talked & shared, cried & laughed and somehow we got through the day. I took them out to eat and stayed with them until 8PM. I was there when he spoke with the Lutheran Minister, sharing the Bible verses he wanted read as well as insight into my brother & his life. I was also there while he yelled at the hospital admisitrator for not releasing all of JR's personal effects to the funeral home.
My folks had visited my brother in the hospital Friday evening. He has had a lot of health problems over the last 10 years. It was in 1997 that he had a leg injury that wouldn't heal. He ended up having to have his leg amputated and was diagnosed with diabetes. He stayed with my folks during his recovery and even flew down to Florida with Pop for the Sun n' Fun fly-in. That is one of Pop's favorite memories of the 2 of them together. Two years ago, JR called an ambulance because he wasn't feeling well. He ended up suffering 8 heart attacks while he was in surgery for his heart. It was at that time that his kidneys failed and he has had to be on dialysis ever since. He just celebrated his 51st birthday in October. This latest hospital stay resulted from him having missed his dialysis due to the ice/snow storm that St Louis had 2 weeks ago. He had also been fighting an infection on his stump from where his prosthetic leg had rubbed a sore spot. My folks left the hospital around 8:30 that evening and 2 hours later, he was gone. No hint that things would suddenly go so very wrong.
The hospital din't call my folks that evening. Instead, Pop found out the next morning when he called JR's room and someone else answered the phone. What a horrible way to find out your child has died! They went down to see his body and gather his things. The hospital wouldn't let them see him because of some internal security issue but they released his wallet with all of his money, insurance cards, etc in it. Pop planned to go back on Monday to see him. Monday however was spent dealing with the funeral home and attending to details. When I spoke with Mom Monday evening from Brenda's and learned that they hadn't viewed his body I dreaded Tuesday, knowing that I would drive them into South St Louis to the hospital.
Tuesday while I was there and Pop was trying to decide whether he wanted to see his body, the funeral home called to tell him that they had picked up his body but that the hospital wouldn't release his clothing to them. Pop wanted him buried in the clothes he arrived with, his bib overalls and a tie-dyed tee shirt. This is when my dad started yelling and getting really angry. The hopital gave my folks his wallet with all of his important information but wouldn't release a couple articles of clothing! The funeral home called him back after they had received JR's clothing but also advised my Dad not to view his body. JR had expressed his wishes to Pop in the past that he didn't want to be embalmed. Due to the kidney failure, his body was terribly swollen and basically unrecognizable. Like I said earlier, how do you console your parents over something like that?
Wednesday morning I drove out to my folks house early to take them to the funeral. I offered to drive but Pop said that he was okay for now but that I might need to drive later on. When we arrived at the funeral home, his casket was already loaded inside the hearse since it was a closed casket and there had been no visitation (as per JR's wishes). We mingled with one another and then drove out to the cemetery. The hardest part of the day for me was seeing Pop walking alongside my cousins and nephews who were his pallbearers. No father should ever have to carry their child's casket!
The minister was very good and in spite of my uncertainity whether JR was a Christian I found out from my cousin Jeff that JR and he had spent a lot of time in prayer together. In fact, in the early morning hours of the Friday that JR died, he called Jeff at 3AM and asked him to pray with him. The funeral was simple because my brother was a simple man. Pop said that because of JR's giving & generous nature he believed that JR would've wanted to give gifts rather than receive flowers. My folks had bought a bunch of small flower bouquets Monday evening which Pop passed out to everyone. He said that they were welcome to lay flowers on the casket but to please take some flowers home with thm to keep. After the Minister spoke, Pop said a few words telling us that he rejoiced that JR was in heaven and that his earthly suffering had ended. He shared that he also was grieving because this was his son. Another time I ended up losing it. Pop invited everyone to lunch at JR's favorite hangout, lunch was on JR, one last time.
We visited with one another, some of us haven't seen each other in a really long time and shared stories of our family's memories. When it was all said and done I returned to my folks' house where I visited with them until 8PM. Dad even cooked steaks for us, he's always been a fabulous cook! Then I returned to Brenda & Charlie's house. I am back in Texas once again. In spite of how God provided such comfort in the midst of this sad situation this is something I pray I never have to do again!
Neuman G. Richard Jr.
Richard, Neuman G., Jr. December 8, 2006.
Dear son of Neuman G. Richard Sr., Helga Richard and the late Nancy E. Richard; dear brother of Yvonne Richard and Connie Hopkins; our dear uncle, great-uncle, nephew and cousin.
Services: Friends and family will gather at JAY. B. SMITH Funeral Home Maplewood Chapel, 7456 Manchester at 10:30 a.m. December 13, 2006. Then to Lakewood Park Cemetery for 11:00 a.m. graveside service.
I have had to deal with lots of sadness or hardships through the years but nothing has ever been as tough as this. How do you console your parents while they bury their child? I boarded the plane Monday afternoon and as much as I wanted to be home with my folks, I felt this overwhelming desire to "cut & run" rise up inside of me. I knew that once the plane took off, it would become real.
I stayed with our best friends, Brenda & Charlie, borrowing one of their cars. It was too stressful on my mom to try and prepare the guest room for me and I knew that this was the best way. I got in too late to go to their house Monday evening since they themselves were out wrapping up some loose ends. I went out Tuesday morning and in spite of the dread I felt on the plane, the prayers that were sent up on our behalf, really covered me with a calmness and a peace.
Pop was doing pretty well considering all things. He talked & shared, cried & laughed and somehow we got through the day. I took them out to eat and stayed with them until 8PM. I was there when he spoke with the Lutheran Minister, sharing the Bible verses he wanted read as well as insight into my brother & his life. I was also there while he yelled at the hospital admisitrator for not releasing all of JR's personal effects to the funeral home.
My folks had visited my brother in the hospital Friday evening. He has had a lot of health problems over the last 10 years. It was in 1997 that he had a leg injury that wouldn't heal. He ended up having to have his leg amputated and was diagnosed with diabetes. He stayed with my folks during his recovery and even flew down to Florida with Pop for the Sun n' Fun fly-in. That is one of Pop's favorite memories of the 2 of them together. Two years ago, JR called an ambulance because he wasn't feeling well. He ended up suffering 8 heart attacks while he was in surgery for his heart. It was at that time that his kidneys failed and he has had to be on dialysis ever since. He just celebrated his 51st birthday in October. This latest hospital stay resulted from him having missed his dialysis due to the ice/snow storm that St Louis had 2 weeks ago. He had also been fighting an infection on his stump from where his prosthetic leg had rubbed a sore spot. My folks left the hospital around 8:30 that evening and 2 hours later, he was gone. No hint that things would suddenly go so very wrong.
The hospital din't call my folks that evening. Instead, Pop found out the next morning when he called JR's room and someone else answered the phone. What a horrible way to find out your child has died! They went down to see his body and gather his things. The hospital wouldn't let them see him because of some internal security issue but they released his wallet with all of his money, insurance cards, etc in it. Pop planned to go back on Monday to see him. Monday however was spent dealing with the funeral home and attending to details. When I spoke with Mom Monday evening from Brenda's and learned that they hadn't viewed his body I dreaded Tuesday, knowing that I would drive them into South St Louis to the hospital.
Tuesday while I was there and Pop was trying to decide whether he wanted to see his body, the funeral home called to tell him that they had picked up his body but that the hospital wouldn't release his clothing to them. Pop wanted him buried in the clothes he arrived with, his bib overalls and a tie-dyed tee shirt. This is when my dad started yelling and getting really angry. The hopital gave my folks his wallet with all of his important information but wouldn't release a couple articles of clothing! The funeral home called him back after they had received JR's clothing but also advised my Dad not to view his body. JR had expressed his wishes to Pop in the past that he didn't want to be embalmed. Due to the kidney failure, his body was terribly swollen and basically unrecognizable. Like I said earlier, how do you console your parents over something like that?
Wednesday morning I drove out to my folks house early to take them to the funeral. I offered to drive but Pop said that he was okay for now but that I might need to drive later on. When we arrived at the funeral home, his casket was already loaded inside the hearse since it was a closed casket and there had been no visitation (as per JR's wishes). We mingled with one another and then drove out to the cemetery. The hardest part of the day for me was seeing Pop walking alongside my cousins and nephews who were his pallbearers. No father should ever have to carry their child's casket!
The minister was very good and in spite of my uncertainity whether JR was a Christian I found out from my cousin Jeff that JR and he had spent a lot of time in prayer together. In fact, in the early morning hours of the Friday that JR died, he called Jeff at 3AM and asked him to pray with him. The funeral was simple because my brother was a simple man. Pop said that because of JR's giving & generous nature he believed that JR would've wanted to give gifts rather than receive flowers. My folks had bought a bunch of small flower bouquets Monday evening which Pop passed out to everyone. He said that they were welcome to lay flowers on the casket but to please take some flowers home with thm to keep. After the Minister spoke, Pop said a few words telling us that he rejoiced that JR was in heaven and that his earthly suffering had ended. He shared that he also was grieving because this was his son. Another time I ended up losing it. Pop invited everyone to lunch at JR's favorite hangout, lunch was on JR, one last time.
We visited with one another, some of us haven't seen each other in a really long time and shared stories of our family's memories. When it was all said and done I returned to my folks' house where I visited with them until 8PM. Dad even cooked steaks for us, he's always been a fabulous cook! Then I returned to Brenda & Charlie's house. I am back in Texas once again. In spite of how God provided such comfort in the midst of this sad situation this is something I pray I never have to do again!
Neuman G. Richard Jr.
Richard, Neuman G., Jr. December 8, 2006.
Dear son of Neuman G. Richard Sr., Helga Richard and the late Nancy E. Richard; dear brother of Yvonne Richard and Connie Hopkins; our dear uncle, great-uncle, nephew and cousin.
Services: Friends and family will gather at JAY. B. SMITH Funeral Home Maplewood Chapel, 7456 Manchester at 10:30 a.m. December 13, 2006. Then to Lakewood Park Cemetery for 11:00 a.m. graveside service.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Going Home
My flight leaves Monday afternoon for St Louis and the funeral is Wed morning. I will fly back to Dallas on Thursday. My Dad is really hurting and it breaks my heart to hear him cry. I can't imagine not coming home to be with them. Even though there's nothing I can say or do to ease their pain, everything inside me of me is drawing me home.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
UNEXPECTED DEATH IN THE FAMILY!
I will be gone for a few days due to the unexpected death of my step-brother JR. Please pray for my POP as this has devastated him.
Friday, December 08, 2006
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! "GIGI" ENDORSED
Since some of my readers have younger children and then there are those of us who are grandmother's, I want to pass this link on to you. My oldest daughter Jennifer sent this link to me about the importance of proper car seats. I have to warn you, get a kleenex. Don't worry there are no disturbing photos here. A little information however, could save a little one's life. It's worth taking a look at!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
WHAT THE DOCTOR SAID
As you read in yesterday's post, Dave was seeing the Orthopedic doctor. He really wasn't able to fix the problem. Apparently, Dave has a bone spur on his hip which is causing his pain. He was told that it is usually caused by heredity or a severe injury. Now, Dave would remember a serious injury even though he has a high tolerance for pain. As for the timing of it, noticing it after twisting funny in a softball game, well the doctor couldn't really explain that at all. He said that the joint still looks good, the ball & socket are still in pretty good shape and that the only thing he, the orthopedic doctor could really do, is a hip replacement. I can only imagine the look on Dave's face when he said that!
The doctor said for as good as shape as Dave's in (otherwise) that he should take Glucosomine & Chondroitin, which he already does and learn to live with it. That eventually, his mobility would become less and less, he's already feeling discomfort when he crosses his legs. Dave asked if he should quit jogging and the doctor said, he wouldn't tell him to stop but that jogging is definitely a higher impact exercise and that he should consider doing a lot of stretching exercises to help retain his mobility for as long as he can.
If he ever considered hip replacement surgery it would only be when he was so restricted that he could no longer get out and physically do the things that he loves to do. I've long joked to him that exercise is bad for you and now I have proof! I joke but it really sits heavy on my heart. I know how active Dave is and to think that down the road, when we're much older, that he might be crippled up, tears at my heart. The bright side is that he's not anywhere near that point at this time and that IF he ever has to have anything drastic done, medical science by then will have made stuff like that as "routine" as getting your tonsils out. Notice I didn't say removing your spleen because in my own personal experience, that was anything but routine!
The doctor said for as good as shape as Dave's in (otherwise) that he should take Glucosomine & Chondroitin, which he already does and learn to live with it. That eventually, his mobility would become less and less, he's already feeling discomfort when he crosses his legs. Dave asked if he should quit jogging and the doctor said, he wouldn't tell him to stop but that jogging is definitely a higher impact exercise and that he should consider doing a lot of stretching exercises to help retain his mobility for as long as he can.
If he ever considered hip replacement surgery it would only be when he was so restricted that he could no longer get out and physically do the things that he loves to do. I've long joked to him that exercise is bad for you and now I have proof! I joke but it really sits heavy on my heart. I know how active Dave is and to think that down the road, when we're much older, that he might be crippled up, tears at my heart. The bright side is that he's not anywhere near that point at this time and that IF he ever has to have anything drastic done, medical science by then will have made stuff like that as "routine" as getting your tonsils out. Notice I didn't say removing your spleen because in my own personal experience, that was anything but routine!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
ARE YOU READY?
What a good feeling it is for me to be on track this time of year. The house is finally put back together from the major remodeling/renovation projects. The Christmas decorations are all up, except for our tree. This weekend we'll get our tree put up. I imagine we'll get it on Saturday and I will get all of the lights on it that day. I've already told the kids that we will decorate it on Sunday. Laura works on Sundays at Sonic but she will be home in the early afternoon. I'll plan an early dinner and serve the Liebkuchen for dessert. Maybe we'll watch a Christmas movie together that evening.
Dave is heading out of town for Kansas City tomorrow. He'll be home on Friday. Last week he had his annual physical. While there, he told the doctor about a pain that he's had in his right hip this year. He first felt it this Spring when he twisted funny to throw a softball in from the outfield. It finally wasn't too bothersome when he retweaked it playing kickball with a group of kids at our church's summer picnic. The doctor took an x-ray and found a fuzzy area that is plainly visable. Today Dave goes in to see an Orthopedic doctor to see what's up. He is extremely active (remember this is the guy who went skydiving for his 50th birthday this year!), jogging, hiking, etc. I've seen him limping a bit these last few months. He's not a whiner (like I am) and I figured it was his knee that was stiffening up on him. He already takes Glucosomine & Chondroitin tablets to keep his joints "lubricated" but now he's wondering if it's time to transition to bike riding.
In 2 weeks he goes back in to the Dermatologist to have another one of those pre-cancerous lesions that's on the top of his head, freeze-dried. I suspect it's from all those years being outside fishing, playing ball, etc with no sun screen and of course considering he began losing his hair in his 20's, that probably didn't help either! Getting older isn't very fun!
Signing off so I can spend some time in the Word.
Dave is heading out of town for Kansas City tomorrow. He'll be home on Friday. Last week he had his annual physical. While there, he told the doctor about a pain that he's had in his right hip this year. He first felt it this Spring when he twisted funny to throw a softball in from the outfield. It finally wasn't too bothersome when he retweaked it playing kickball with a group of kids at our church's summer picnic. The doctor took an x-ray and found a fuzzy area that is plainly visable. Today Dave goes in to see an Orthopedic doctor to see what's up. He is extremely active (remember this is the guy who went skydiving for his 50th birthday this year!), jogging, hiking, etc. I've seen him limping a bit these last few months. He's not a whiner (like I am) and I figured it was his knee that was stiffening up on him. He already takes Glucosomine & Chondroitin tablets to keep his joints "lubricated" but now he's wondering if it's time to transition to bike riding.
In 2 weeks he goes back in to the Dermatologist to have another one of those pre-cancerous lesions that's on the top of his head, freeze-dried. I suspect it's from all those years being outside fishing, playing ball, etc with no sun screen and of course considering he began losing his hair in his 20's, that probably didn't help either! Getting older isn't very fun!
Signing off so I can spend some time in the Word.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Christmas Survey
Welcome to the 2006 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends! You know the drill. Don't be a scrooge!!!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Carmel Cider with squirty whipped cream!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Mrs. Claus wraps them.
3. Colored lights on tree/house?
We have white lights on the living room tree and all along my crown molding decorations. I do colored lights in Dave's den because those are his favorites.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Nope, I get kisses from Dave anytime I want!
5. When do you put your decorations up?
I like to start on the crown molding decorations in mid-November because it takes a lot of time. I usually have the rest done by the 1st weekend in December. What throws me off though is taking vacation time at Thanksgiving or being in the midst of household repairs, like this year!
6.What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Holiday Jello Salad. It's a bottom layer of raspberry jello with crushed pineapple. The middle layer is lemon jello whipped with cream cheese. The top layer is lime jello with diced pears. It's very festive!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
We were pretty poor since my mom was a single Mom. One year though, she saved enough money for us to have Christmas with my Omi in Germany!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I'm getting so old that my foggy brain can't remember that one! It must not have been too traumatic or else I'd remember that!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
When the kids were young we'd let them open one from us, usually their series ornament from their Hallmark collection. The kids would exchange their gifts with one another so they wouldn't be overlooked with all of the BIG stuff the next morning.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
I made the decision a long time ago to have the kids collect an ornament every year. Usually there has been a series for them from Hallmark. Then when they move out on their own they have ornaments for their own trees. However, I get to keep the "Baby's First Christmas" ornament. So, those ornaments of Laura & Charlie's go on the tree. I also have souveneir ornaments I buy from a new place that we have been to that year! I use white light-lots & lots of them! Usually 700-800!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it, especially since I never get any to speak of, here in Texas.
12. Can you ice skate?
Yes I can, even backwards!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I don't have a favorite gift, I have a favorite Christmas though. It was 1985 and Dave & I were newly in love!
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Trying to grasp God's love for me that He would become totally human yet totally divine, in the form of Jesus Christ.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
I love Kaluah Pecan Pie!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
The evening we decorate the tree. I remember my Omi in Germany sending us Liebkuchen in our Christmas package. I love these little spiced cookies. I put out a tray of these while we drink hot chocolate or hot carmel cider and listen to Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music. On Christmas day, we celebrate another German tradition, we hide the "pickle ornament" on the tree. The kid who finds it, gets an extra little something special!
17. What tops your tree?
An angel on the living room tree, a rustic pine cone star on my slim tree that stays out (undecorated) all year long and on Dave's Norfolk Pine Tree in the Den, sometimes it's a Dallas Stars Car Flag!
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving?
Nothing beats giving!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
I have several:
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland
"Must Be Santa" by Mitch Miller Orchestra
"Mary Did You Know?" by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd
"O Holy Night"
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yummy! I hang them up over the fireplace mantle with all of the garland, lights, beads and bows!
Have fun with this... Now that you know your friends a little better, copy and paste this but change all the answers to your own. Then send it to your all your friends even the one who sent it to you. Merry Christmas!!!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Carmel Cider with squirty whipped cream!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Mrs. Claus wraps them.
3. Colored lights on tree/house?
We have white lights on the living room tree and all along my crown molding decorations. I do colored lights in Dave's den because those are his favorites.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Nope, I get kisses from Dave anytime I want!
5. When do you put your decorations up?
I like to start on the crown molding decorations in mid-November because it takes a lot of time. I usually have the rest done by the 1st weekend in December. What throws me off though is taking vacation time at Thanksgiving or being in the midst of household repairs, like this year!
6.What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Holiday Jello Salad. It's a bottom layer of raspberry jello with crushed pineapple. The middle layer is lemon jello whipped with cream cheese. The top layer is lime jello with diced pears. It's very festive!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
We were pretty poor since my mom was a single Mom. One year though, she saved enough money for us to have Christmas with my Omi in Germany!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I'm getting so old that my foggy brain can't remember that one! It must not have been too traumatic or else I'd remember that!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
When the kids were young we'd let them open one from us, usually their series ornament from their Hallmark collection. The kids would exchange their gifts with one another so they wouldn't be overlooked with all of the BIG stuff the next morning.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
I made the decision a long time ago to have the kids collect an ornament every year. Usually there has been a series for them from Hallmark. Then when they move out on their own they have ornaments for their own trees. However, I get to keep the "Baby's First Christmas" ornament. So, those ornaments of Laura & Charlie's go on the tree. I also have souveneir ornaments I buy from a new place that we have been to that year! I use white light-lots & lots of them! Usually 700-800!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it, especially since I never get any to speak of, here in Texas.
12. Can you ice skate?
Yes I can, even backwards!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I don't have a favorite gift, I have a favorite Christmas though. It was 1985 and Dave & I were newly in love!
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Trying to grasp God's love for me that He would become totally human yet totally divine, in the form of Jesus Christ.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
I love Kaluah Pecan Pie!
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
The evening we decorate the tree. I remember my Omi in Germany sending us Liebkuchen in our Christmas package. I love these little spiced cookies. I put out a tray of these while we drink hot chocolate or hot carmel cider and listen to Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music. On Christmas day, we celebrate another German tradition, we hide the "pickle ornament" on the tree. The kid who finds it, gets an extra little something special!
17. What tops your tree?
An angel on the living room tree, a rustic pine cone star on my slim tree that stays out (undecorated) all year long and on Dave's Norfolk Pine Tree in the Den, sometimes it's a Dallas Stars Car Flag!
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving?
Nothing beats giving!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
I have several:
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland
"Must Be Santa" by Mitch Miller Orchestra
"Mary Did You Know?" by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd
"O Holy Night"
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Yummy! I hang them up over the fireplace mantle with all of the garland, lights, beads and bows!
Have fun with this... Now that you know your friends a little better, copy and paste this but change all the answers to your own. Then send it to your all your friends even the one who sent it to you. Merry Christmas!!!
BUBBA TEETH!!!
I think Jessica & Steven are going to have to shell out big bucks for some serious orthodontic work for Jacey-Beth!
OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES
Yesterday afternoon, Jacey-Beth came over to spend the night and today is our "Gigi & Me" day. As we sat down to eat our dinner of pot roast, mashed potatoes & gravy along with corn, I decided to ask her a very important question.
"So, Jacey, whose birthday is coming up?
"Mine!" she replied. (Her birthday is in July-not even close!)
'Nooo..." says I, "It's Jesus' birthday".
"You mean the baby Jesus'?' she asks.
I told her that the reason for Christmas is to remember that Jesus was born on that day. He was born because God loved us very much & Jesus was going to grow up & teach us how to live right.
Jacey asks,
"Did you know him?"
Trying hard not to laugh I replied,
"Gigi's not THAT old!"
"So, Jacey, whose birthday is coming up?
"Mine!" she replied. (Her birthday is in July-not even close!)
'Nooo..." says I, "It's Jesus' birthday".
"You mean the baby Jesus'?' she asks.
I told her that the reason for Christmas is to remember that Jesus was born on that day. He was born because God loved us very much & Jesus was going to grow up & teach us how to live right.
Jacey asks,
"Did you know him?"
Trying hard not to laugh I replied,
"Gigi's not THAT old!"
Saturday, December 02, 2006
STOLE IT
I got this from Tammy's blog.
1. FIRST NAME? Constance
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My Mother's from Germany and there is a Lake Constance over there. My middle name, Sabrina is from the Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden movie!
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? We watched one of my favorite movies this week, "Road To Perdition" and the interaction between father (Tom Hanks) and son chokes me up.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, but only if I take my time.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Krakow, it's a peppered ham.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Oh absolutely! Humility is one of my best qualities!
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, I have always loved to write, ever since my 5th grade teacher, Sister Irene encouraged me.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope, not since I was 5 or 6!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Heck No! I could barely watch my husband and daughter go sky-diving earlier this year!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I like oatmeal with apples & cinnamon.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, I'm lazy. Unless it's my hiking boots, I'm not that acrobatic!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I firmly believe that I come from a long line of strong women in my family! I've been a single mom (twice!), lived through a rebellious child and am dealing with a chronic illness. If I wasn't strong before, I sure am now!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Pecan Carmel Quake from Schwan's. It's basically Buttered Pecan Ice Cream with carmel swirls and rolo's in it! I could eat a half gallon all by myself in one sitting!
14. SHOE SIZE? 6-6 1/2
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I am uncomfortable with silence. I tend to talk too much!
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Grandma Arra and my Omi Tandler.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No, but if you fill it out, let me know so I can come read it on your blog.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? It's early so I'm in my nightgown, robe and have my frou-frou house shoes on!
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Mesquite turkwy sandwich with provolone cheese on ciabotta bread.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Blessed silence. I do like silence early in the morning before my family is up & about.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Forest or sage green.
23. FAVORITE SMELL? Drakkar Noir on Dave and leaves in Autumn.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My bother-in-law Perry.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their eyes.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? I was just introduced when she commented on my blog but will probably add her to my morning blog reading list!
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Apricot, Iced Tea.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? My sweetie playing softball!
29. EYE COLOR? Blue
30. HAT SIZE? One size fits all! Seriously, my Columbia hat for hiking is about the only hat I wear anymore.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but man oh man, I need glasses really bad!!!!
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Seafood & Mexican!
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Given only these 2 choices, then happy endings.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter, I hate to be hot! My philosophy is, "If you're cold you can put on more clothes. Naked is as cool as it's gonna get!"
36. HUGS OR KISSES? kisses from Dave and hugs from everyone else. Granddaughter hugs especially great!
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Pecan Pie
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Bible. I've read about 14 books this year but a bit busy right now.
41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? The Grand Tetons!
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Battlestar Gallactica, the one on Sci-Fi channel! I love that show!
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? The wind in pine trees, hearing loved ones tell me that they love me.
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Neither! I like classic rock but never was into either of those groups!
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany, visiting my grandparents-Omi & Opi Tandler.
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I can juggle! Just look at my day-tiimer!
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? St Louis, Missouri
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I swiped it from Tammy's blog!
1. FIRST NAME? Constance
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My Mother's from Germany and there is a Lake Constance over there. My middle name, Sabrina is from the Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden movie!
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? We watched one of my favorite movies this week, "Road To Perdition" and the interaction between father (Tom Hanks) and son chokes me up.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes, but only if I take my time.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Krakow, it's a peppered ham.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Oh absolutely! Humility is one of my best qualities!
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, I have always loved to write, ever since my 5th grade teacher, Sister Irene encouraged me.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope, not since I was 5 or 6!
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Heck No! I could barely watch my husband and daughter go sky-diving earlier this year!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I like oatmeal with apples & cinnamon.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, I'm lazy. Unless it's my hiking boots, I'm not that acrobatic!
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I firmly believe that I come from a long line of strong women in my family! I've been a single mom (twice!), lived through a rebellious child and am dealing with a chronic illness. If I wasn't strong before, I sure am now!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Pecan Carmel Quake from Schwan's. It's basically Buttered Pecan Ice Cream with carmel swirls and rolo's in it! I could eat a half gallon all by myself in one sitting!
14. SHOE SIZE? 6-6 1/2
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I am uncomfortable with silence. I tend to talk too much!
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Grandma Arra and my Omi Tandler.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No, but if you fill it out, let me know so I can come read it on your blog.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? It's early so I'm in my nightgown, robe and have my frou-frou house shoes on!
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Mesquite turkwy sandwich with provolone cheese on ciabotta bread.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Blessed silence. I do like silence early in the morning before my family is up & about.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Forest or sage green.
23. FAVORITE SMELL? Drakkar Noir on Dave and leaves in Autumn.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My bother-in-law Perry.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their eyes.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? I was just introduced when she commented on my blog but will probably add her to my morning blog reading list!
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Apricot, Iced Tea.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? My sweetie playing softball!
29. EYE COLOR? Blue
30. HAT SIZE? One size fits all! Seriously, my Columbia hat for hiking is about the only hat I wear anymore.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but man oh man, I need glasses really bad!!!!
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Seafood & Mexican!
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Given only these 2 choices, then happy endings.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter, I hate to be hot! My philosophy is, "If you're cold you can put on more clothes. Naked is as cool as it's gonna get!"
36. HUGS OR KISSES? kisses from Dave and hugs from everyone else. Granddaughter hugs especially great!
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Pecan Pie
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Bible. I've read about 14 books this year but a bit busy right now.
41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? The Grand Tetons!
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Battlestar Gallactica, the one on Sci-Fi channel! I love that show!
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? The wind in pine trees, hearing loved ones tell me that they love me.
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Neither! I like classic rock but never was into either of those groups!
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany, visiting my grandparents-Omi & Opi Tandler.
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I can juggle! Just look at my day-tiimer!
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? St Louis, Missouri
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I swiped it from Tammy's blog!
Friday, December 01, 2006
WINTRY WEATHER
Yesterday morning wasn't too bad although I did hear the news reporter say that,
"on Wednesday, parts of the DFW Metroplex hit 80 degrees. Now these folks are waking up and it's in the 20's this morning!"
I can vouch for that. I went out to warm up my car and melt off all the ice. When I turned the engine over, the air conditioner started blowing out cold air from where I had left it on the day before! Crazy huh?
Charlie actually had school yesterday which wasn't his idea at all! The roads were only wet at 8AM. They did release the kids after noon and I got him at 1:15. He promptly turned on the Weather Channel to get his update. Then he and some friends disappeared for 2 hours playing in the ice and our tiny bit of snow.
Laura went into Sonic at 11 and was home by 2:00. They cut her early, she was supposed to work until 5 but she made almost $40 in just 3 hours! I told her people probably felt sorry for her!
Dave worked from home and I had cancelled my house. Since the yuckiest part of this storm was moving in around noonish, we decided to go out for awhile. Ashley Furniture Store was having a really big sale. Unfortunately the entertainment center we like: http://www.ashleyhomestores.com/Showroom/Item_Popup.aspx?sItemSku=W304-21&sSelectedItem=W304-21
won't accomodate the new big screen TV! (sad face) However, we did buy a new sofa table for the living room http://www.ashleyhomestores.com/Showroom/Item_Popup.aspx?sItemSku=T404-4&sSelectedItem=T404-9
and 2 Four drawer filing cabinets:
http://www.ashleyhomestores.com/Showroom/Item_Popup.aspx?sItemSku=H214-14&sSelectedItem=H214-32T.
They should come within the next 2 weeks. We got back home and Dave built a really nice fire for all of us to enjoy throughout the day. I LOVE fireplaces!
I decorated the den yesterday, got the Christmas China put up and arranged my Nativity. My best friend Brenda, collects the Fontanini Nativity pieces and she has put together a nice collection for me over the years as gifts. Brenda has an incredible amount of figures. So much so, that her husband Charlie has teased her that she no longer has the Nativity, she has the entire town of Bethlehem! I put mine on top of the roll top computer desk and once I clear out all of the containers and get them back in the shed, I'll post a picture.
It's too early to tell whether school has been cancelled. Dave needs to get into the office today, as it is, he's going to have to go in for awhile tomorrow even though the Christmas Party is tomorrow night. Yesterday we kept the TV on for quite awhile and all over the Metroplex, we were seeing images of cars that were stuck or disabled from accidents. As in most big cities, Dallas has numerous, hi-rise overpasses. These are interchanges that go up really high into the air. From on top you look down below and see 2-3 other interchanges going in different directions at different heights. I couldn't believe that TXDOT hadn't closed down these things! They freeze up and become as slick as snot on ceramic tile!
We saw where this one car was coming down and started to slide. It nearly hit 2 cars that were in a previous accident and came to a stop but only after hitting the guardrail. Then we watched in horror as a huge pick up truck came sliding down in that same area and nailed this poor woman in her car! Everywhere, the images were similiar! It made me thankful that Dave & I have the flexibility with our jobs that, not going to work, wasn't an issue!
Different topic: My platelet count was really good this week, 230,000! (Thanks for asking Connie Marie) I had wondered because we've had a lot going on in our lives and I had came down with what was probably a kidney infection, the latter part of our trip. The Oncologist said to stay where I am with my medication, 300mg a day for another 2 weeks. If I still have good numbers, I suspect he'll lower me a little bit, 200mg one day, 300mg the next, alternating. The trick is not to lower me too fast, which is what happened in the Spring and it has taken me 6 months to get back to where I was then!
Our soup last night was yummy! I had to use Campbells Minestrone Soup (3 of them) and so the soup seemed to lack enough juices/broth. I added 2 cups of water which didn't dillute it since it's so flavorful. I suppose I could've added tomato juice instead of the water, that would actually have been really good now that I think about it! Normally I use 2 cans of Progresso brand Minestrone Soup but the store was out. I sprinkled some cheddar/jack cheese on top and crushed "Tostitos" chips and it was very tasty.
My dear friend Lois has asked for 2 of my recipes from our visit over Thanksgiving. So Lois, here you go:
CONNIE'S HOT CARMEL CIDER
1 Gallon of Apple Cider
2 Tbl whole cloves
2 Tbl whole allspice
4 Cinnamon Sticks
Tie up cloves and allspice in cheesecloth and put in large pot filled with the cider and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, lower temperature and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Fill mugs and top with "squirty" whipped cream and drizzle carmel syrup over the top.
This is very easy and tastes really yummy. I store leftovers in the fridge and then fill mugs, zapping them in the microwave to warm them. This is really good when you've been outdoors and you want to warm up.
HOT SPINACH, SHRIMP & ARTICHOKE DIP
12 OZ. Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and cut up
1 1/2 cups of real mayonaisse
1 1/2 cups of shredded Parmesan Cheese
small box of frozen spinach, thawed and squeeze out moisture
Minced Garlic, (amount depends on how much you want)
Tiny Shrimp, small can, drained and rinsed
Mix together well, spoon into a greased 8" square baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until top begins to brown. Serve with a hard cracker like Triscuits or Bagel Chips, etc.
Life is good!
"on Wednesday, parts of the DFW Metroplex hit 80 degrees. Now these folks are waking up and it's in the 20's this morning!"
I can vouch for that. I went out to warm up my car and melt off all the ice. When I turned the engine over, the air conditioner started blowing out cold air from where I had left it on the day before! Crazy huh?
Charlie actually had school yesterday which wasn't his idea at all! The roads were only wet at 8AM. They did release the kids after noon and I got him at 1:15. He promptly turned on the Weather Channel to get his update. Then he and some friends disappeared for 2 hours playing in the ice and our tiny bit of snow.
Laura went into Sonic at 11 and was home by 2:00. They cut her early, she was supposed to work until 5 but she made almost $40 in just 3 hours! I told her people probably felt sorry for her!
Dave worked from home and I had cancelled my house. Since the yuckiest part of this storm was moving in around noonish, we decided to go out for awhile. Ashley Furniture Store was having a really big sale. Unfortunately the entertainment center we like: http://www.ashleyhomestores.com/Showroom/Item_Popup.aspx?sItemSku=W304-21&sSelectedItem=W304-21
won't accomodate the new big screen TV! (sad face) However, we did buy a new sofa table for the living room http://www.ashleyhomestores.com/Showroom/Item_Popup.aspx?sItemSku=T404-4&sSelectedItem=T404-9
and 2 Four drawer filing cabinets:
http://www.ashleyhomestores.com/Showroom/Item_Popup.aspx?sItemSku=H214-14&sSelectedItem=H214-32T.
They should come within the next 2 weeks. We got back home and Dave built a really nice fire for all of us to enjoy throughout the day. I LOVE fireplaces!
I decorated the den yesterday, got the Christmas China put up and arranged my Nativity. My best friend Brenda, collects the Fontanini Nativity pieces and she has put together a nice collection for me over the years as gifts. Brenda has an incredible amount of figures. So much so, that her husband Charlie has teased her that she no longer has the Nativity, she has the entire town of Bethlehem! I put mine on top of the roll top computer desk and once I clear out all of the containers and get them back in the shed, I'll post a picture.
It's too early to tell whether school has been cancelled. Dave needs to get into the office today, as it is, he's going to have to go in for awhile tomorrow even though the Christmas Party is tomorrow night. Yesterday we kept the TV on for quite awhile and all over the Metroplex, we were seeing images of cars that were stuck or disabled from accidents. As in most big cities, Dallas has numerous, hi-rise overpasses. These are interchanges that go up really high into the air. From on top you look down below and see 2-3 other interchanges going in different directions at different heights. I couldn't believe that TXDOT hadn't closed down these things! They freeze up and become as slick as snot on ceramic tile!
We saw where this one car was coming down and started to slide. It nearly hit 2 cars that were in a previous accident and came to a stop but only after hitting the guardrail. Then we watched in horror as a huge pick up truck came sliding down in that same area and nailed this poor woman in her car! Everywhere, the images were similiar! It made me thankful that Dave & I have the flexibility with our jobs that, not going to work, wasn't an issue!
Different topic: My platelet count was really good this week, 230,000! (Thanks for asking Connie Marie) I had wondered because we've had a lot going on in our lives and I had came down with what was probably a kidney infection, the latter part of our trip. The Oncologist said to stay where I am with my medication, 300mg a day for another 2 weeks. If I still have good numbers, I suspect he'll lower me a little bit, 200mg one day, 300mg the next, alternating. The trick is not to lower me too fast, which is what happened in the Spring and it has taken me 6 months to get back to where I was then!
Our soup last night was yummy! I had to use Campbells Minestrone Soup (3 of them) and so the soup seemed to lack enough juices/broth. I added 2 cups of water which didn't dillute it since it's so flavorful. I suppose I could've added tomato juice instead of the water, that would actually have been really good now that I think about it! Normally I use 2 cans of Progresso brand Minestrone Soup but the store was out. I sprinkled some cheddar/jack cheese on top and crushed "Tostitos" chips and it was very tasty.
My dear friend Lois has asked for 2 of my recipes from our visit over Thanksgiving. So Lois, here you go:
CONNIE'S HOT CARMEL CIDER
1 Gallon of Apple Cider
2 Tbl whole cloves
2 Tbl whole allspice
4 Cinnamon Sticks
Tie up cloves and allspice in cheesecloth and put in large pot filled with the cider and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, lower temperature and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Fill mugs and top with "squirty" whipped cream and drizzle carmel syrup over the top.
This is very easy and tastes really yummy. I store leftovers in the fridge and then fill mugs, zapping them in the microwave to warm them. This is really good when you've been outdoors and you want to warm up.
HOT SPINACH, SHRIMP & ARTICHOKE DIP
12 OZ. Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and cut up
1 1/2 cups of real mayonaisse
1 1/2 cups of shredded Parmesan Cheese
small box of frozen spinach, thawed and squeeze out moisture
Minced Garlic, (amount depends on how much you want)
Tiny Shrimp, small can, drained and rinsed
Mix together well, spoon into a greased 8" square baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until top begins to brown. Serve with a hard cracker like Triscuits or Bagel Chips, etc.
Life is good!
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