Christmas - 2012

Another Christmas come and gone. Amazing how quickly they can pass through without making a foot print. We had wonderful family to share our time with and that makes it so special. Its weird how one's age changes the way we experience and view ordinary holidays and events that we once took for granted. If only we could realize when we are young what we see so clearly as we "mature", we would most assuredly take more time to smell the roses.

"Wonderful Trip"

We arrived home two days ago(from the second trip) this summer. While it is absolutely refreshing to get away (the best part is seeing family of course), it is also good to be back home. Georgie almost had to bale the yard. Fortunately, my flowers got enough rain to survive.

Needless to say, we certainly did not stay on our diets the first part of the trip. It is not our fault though, it is the family members that treated us like royalty and took us to all these fabulous places to eat!!! Besides all the good food, we totally enjoyed our time with them.

The second leg of the trip was quite unique. Our daughter participated with our youth Church group and they had many activities including mountain climbing. Her Dad and I passed on the mountain climbing but did go white water rafting with them. If you have never done that, you must put it on your "bucket list". It was so much fun. Besides the excitement of going over the rapids, the scenery was breath taking.

Since I have accomplished almost everything on my "bucket list", I have decided to set a far away date for one of my items and that date is set for September 28, 2014 to go sky diving. And to the cubs, a family plan could probably be arranged. Georgie has already told me he isn't going, wonder why? Seems perfectly logical to me.

God has blessed me in far too many ways to count and here is hoping I share those blessings in the right way.

"Negative Blog"

I am confessing right up front that this will probably be termed to be a negative blog. I guess its to be judged from the "eye of the beholder". There is a season for everything according to the bible and for me it is my season to talk from the heart.

I am intelligent enough and after several hours of psychology in college, I have finally accepted that life is a matter of choices. It is to that cause that I am making some difficult choices.

I wonder how people can tell if they are open minded. I have always felt that I was fairly open minded. If not immediately, then give me time to look at the big picture. How can we know that we are being loving and forgiving even when others disagree. The answer to those questions would need to be answered by track records of the people involved. Unfortunately, we set those track records over the years by our actions - good or bad - young or old - I feel that is why our reputations are to be one of our most treasured assets.

The longer I live the more important God has become in my life and I try to live by his standards. Those standards - to me - mean being loving, non-judgmental and most of all forgiving.

I have said all of the above to say this: I am admitting that I am getting older, definitely more tired, and unfortunately not to healthy so my choices are going to be from this day forward to first follow my God, next use my energies to live these few last years in a positive and happy environment. That may mean making some very painful decisions and learning to accept things I cannot change along with the wisdom to know the difference. I have to learn to accept circumstances that I had no part in making and no success in fixing. You can't fix a flat tire by continually working on the wrong tire.

Please don't think this is a doom and gloom proclamation just a heart felt statement!

"Casting the First Stone"

When God stated, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" what areas of our lives do you think he meant? Where do you fit in that process. Are there areas of your life that need to be examined before picking up the stone?

Arrogance

The statement 'bases itself on a nihilistic outlook' is used because all forms of arrogance come simultaneously with the belief in oneself and an over-evaluation of oneself.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

Self Righteous

Confident of one's own righteousness, esp. when smugly moralistic and intolerant of the opinions and behavior of others.

Where do you fit, where do I fit, do we take this admonition from God seriously? If not, how can we proclaim to be living a Godly life?


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"I Knew It was coming"

Dad nab it, this is the only time of year I dread! That is taking the Xmas tree down, packing all the stockings away for another year and just in general "de-Christmasing" (new word). It always brings tears and then they quickly get replaced with the expectations of the next time our wall is covered with stockings, twinkling tree, candles, poinsettas and all the goodies that give me so much joy to prepare.

Believe it or not, I am finally getting well. The reaction to the HINI shot caused the severe asthma attack in November and untreated (we thought it was just the flu), it flared up again in December. After finally getting into seeing the doctor and getting checked instead of "over the phone", she has put me on an aggressive treatment for Asthma and after only four days I am so much better. No more of those shots for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The furry boys and I got on the loveseat and took a two hour nap this afternoon. Believe it or not, I was ready to get up before they were.

Those of you that got to visit my sister will never know how much that meant to her. She said, "I could have visited all day".

If I can continue to get stronger and stronger, we are going to put a gift that was given to us (sneakily)to good use. There is a Dr. Tony Ash that is holding a weekend retreat in Lufkin, TX in February and we want to go and it is now possible. You sneaky rascals you know who I am talking about.

The Alien and I are looking forward to this new year. For the first time, we have "time" and sometimes that is the most important commodity. Hopefully, we are going to get started on a healthier style of living. This summer we hope to be able to do some traveling and camping. Better watch, we might show up no telling where, lol

Thanks for giving us so much happiness for the holidays!!

"Its a Sad Day"

One of my grandsons said it so eloquently, except he was talking about chocolate pie and I am talking about "after" Xmas. Thanks to all of you precious people who made our holidays so very special. Each year seems so much more meaningful than the last.

We will probably start taking down the decorations next week (or maybe not, lol).

The furry boys are depressed that they have lost so much attention, although they do seem to be catching up on their sleep.

I went to the doctor yesterday and as usual, she is such a doomsayer. She told me that my lungs were not good but it is due to a severe asthmatic attack. At least I have variety. Hopefully, the medication will take effect quickly as all this coughing is really getting tiresome. Of course, I am sure George is not in as big a hurry for my voice to come back, lol. I knew I had asthma but this is the first major whamo.

Resa is sleeping in (as usual). She is enjoying her new games and movies. And for all of those who gave her money, she said, "boy they were generous and I am going shopping". She assured me she said "thank you" and I sure hope she did. Thanks for being so thoughtful of her.

Thanks for sharing your most precious gift (you) with us. Love you all.

Rigidity

I rarely read "Dear Abby" but for some reason I did today. The subject was concern from a couple that were going home for the holidays. Their extended family was large and home was very small with one bathroom so this couple had decided to get a motel room. This caused such an "uproar". Feelings were hurt and chaos ensued. Good grief what is wrong with people? They should have been so thankful the "kids" were coming home that it was totally okay with them where they stayed. Why are people so rigid that they have to get everything their way or "they will take their marbles and go home".

We are so excited that our families are willing to spend their time, vacation and money to come be with us for the holidays that we don't care where they stay. They know they are always welcome here but if they feel more comfortable in a motel, then that is just great with us also.

Okay, I will get off my soap box!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!