Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you have a blessed holiday!

Snowbird

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Instant Gratification?

So I've spent the last couple days thinking about Tuesday and comments made to me since election day 2010. It seems that even though the present administration in Washington DC has only been in office 22 months, the populace expects change to happen overnight. The previous administration was in office 96 months. A lot of what the people voted for 22 months ago regarding change (if we are using an equal timetable) should happen over 48 months since we do not know whether the present administration will be in office two terms (96 months). With that said, we have become a nation of what we have pegged the younger generation of once being. Are we too looking only for instant gratification? Do we have to have everything now?

I often wonder if I could sit in Congress and change things --within the confines of the law -- as quickly as the populace would expect. I wonder how many of us understand what it really takes to introduce any piece of legislation and then make it law.

We live in a fast paced society. As fast paced as our life is, we expect the laws that may affect us for a lifetime, to be generated just as quickly as we live. Life is not all about techonology, computers, e-mails, faxes, cell phones and the like. Life is about our very being. What we do and how we do it will shape our lives for many years to come.

We need jobs in America. We all need a measure of health and a way to maintain good health. We need to keep jobs in America and not send them overseas. We need to find a way to give everyone the healthcare they deserve whether privatized or through Federal means. We also need to make sure with all we give, this is not just a handout. Rather it should be something the American people can say they have earned.

The American people do not need radical ideas and philosophies. We were a nation built on the very basic of basic ideals. We only want what is best for all.

So it is my hope and prayer, in the months to come, that Congress will work for "the people" and not against "the people". I hope they will remember that "the people" are struggling right now. There are human needs that power struggles will not cure.

I am not looking for instant gratification. I am looking for a Congress and administration that will look at healing the ills of "the people". I want a Congress that is not looking to pat themselves on the back for whatever they do or will not do. I want a "working" Congress. My tax dollars pay for you, so put your pencils to the paper and get busy. No matter how long it takes (no instant gratification needed here), work for me "the people".

Monday, September 6, 2010

Missing Daisy

Dear Daisy,

It has been eight years since you passed on this date. Thinking about how long I knew you before you left -- 36 years. Since childhood. We started 6th grade together. You left too early -- age 46. Your body could not fight.

There are days I want to talk to you. I miss your great smile and laugh. You were my Lucy that I will always owe so many nickels for listening and being a great friend. I miss you Daisy! God keep you in His loving arms until we meet again someday.

Snowbird

Monday, August 30, 2010

Helmet Liners

A new knitting project is on the needles -- helmet liners for the troops. It was an unexpected project, but a lady at my church called me one evening and asked if I would be interested in participating. So I volunteered some of my free time to knit the liners. She brought me tan wool yarn (5 balls) Sunday at church and I have one liner half done on the needles. My hubby asked how I felt about knitting for the troops and I told him it was something that I've never done before. I can remember reading articles on how knitting was done for the troops in the big wars (WWI and WWII) and have read Red Cross information on patterns offered during those periods. I will knit and think and wonder who will wear these items. It is my prayer that the troops who wear these will stay warm and come home safely.

It is my pleasure to knit for someone who would die for my freedom. I can think of only one other person who has died for me. God bless our troops and bring them home safely!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Father's Day 2010

A time to remember all the men in my life -- my husband, brother, nephews, friends and my Dad. My Dad passed in 2005. I think about him a lot and miss him so much. He was such a great Dad. He always listened. He could "read me like a book". So he said often. I couldn't hide much from him. Very intuitive man. What I think about most was how in his final years his mind could no longer hang on to life. Alzheimer's had taken a strong hold. He did remember my name on one of the final days that I visited him. That was a plus. It's my prayer that a cure for this devastating disease can be found soon.

Today, my little sister, who lives next door, brought me some freshly picked blueberries from bushes my Dad had planted years ago. It was one of his favorite summer fruits. Bunny (my niece) reminded her today that they should pick them. So over came little sister with a quart bag of washed berries for me. It made me cry. A wonderful reminder of my Dad and one of things he enjoyed in life -- tending to his blueberries.

Happy Father's Day to all Dad's and those who are not. This is a special day. May we remember also our heavenly Father whose love for us will give me the opportunity again some day to see my Dad in heaven. I praise Him for this wonderous love.

Snowbird

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Knitting - Reading Mitts


My first knitting post in a while. Bunny took a quick picture for me. I'll try to get a different picture with close ups. I made Bunny "Reading Mitts" for her birthday. You can find them on Ravelry. Easy knit and fun to make. When I have a minute I will post the "Baktus" I made Baby for her birthday. I hope you like the mitts. Bunny, I'm sure, will use them this coming winter.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Happy Birthday Bunny

Happy Birthday Bunny! I hope you had a wonderful day and enjoyed your party!
It was so much fun to be with family and to share your special day!

Monday, May 31, 2010

Birthdays!

I have been remiss and failed to post an important birthday in April so I will catch-up today. April 14th was my niece, Baby's, birthday. Happy belated birthday little girl. She is my namesake and keeps me on my toes. She has the greatest hugs too! Love you bunches. Later on I will post a picture of the lace Baktus scarf that was part of her birthday present from me.

Today is young nephews birthday. For posting purposes he is my resident weather man as that is what he is studying in college. The dilema is what name to give him for my blog. So I thought I would do a little research and see how many Greeks gods there were that controlled the weather. Guess what? There are at least three. Could be more, but here are the three I could find:

1) Aeolus controlled all the winds from his island;
2) Zeus was responsible for thunderbolts; and,
3) Poseidon was responsible for marine weather.

Which one should be his blog name? Maybe I will let Bunny, Baby and young nephew choose his blog name. He wants to be a storm chaser -- running after a tornado or two or three. But living on the Gulf Coast gives him another look at marine weather. I will let him read the blog post and help decide.

By the way, Happy Birthday my resident weather man. I hope you enjoy this your special day. Last day off before summer college courses start up again!

I need to get busy and think about my other nieces and nephews and their birthdays. Two birthdays at the beginning of the year that have passed. Both young nieces live in Michigan. Need to find names for them too for the blog as well as the others. Just keeping them all straight for posting purposes. Whew! Happy Birthday to everyone, but especially today for young nephew as this is his day!

Snowbird

Sunday, May 9, 2010

What is a Mother......

It takes a Mother's Love
to make a house a home,
a place to be remembered,
no matter where we roam.

It takes a Mother's Patience,
to bring a child up right and her
Courage and her Cheerfulness
to make a dark day bright.

It takes a Mother's Kindness
to forgive us when we err,
to sympathize in trouble
and bow her head in prayer.

It takes a Mother's Wisdom
to recognize our needs
and to give us reassurance
by her loving words and deeds.

And that is why in all this world
there could not be another
who could fulfill God's purpose
as completely as a MOTHER!

Happy Mother's Day!

This was given out at church today in the form of a bookmark along with a cloisonne butterfly.

In memory of my own Mother. I miss you and love you Mom.

Snowbird.....

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Miss You Mom

It has been one year since my Mother passed away. I think about her each and every day. Isn't the ability to have memories the most wonderful thing about our human brain? I think about all the time we spent together from a little girl onward. Some memories are good and some are not so good, but that is part of life.

My favorite times with my Mom was eating one of her homecooked meals, shopping for fabric and patterns, buying items for the house or just sitting and talking. I enjoyed listening to her life stories of growing up in the South. Most of all her thoughts relating to her children, family and friends.

Mom came from that "greatest generation" as Tom Brokaw called them. She was thrifty and practical. I watched her life change over the years and especially when age would no longer let her do the things she enjoyed most like gardening. But she could still supervise that activity. One of my most recent favorite times was sitting with her and watching my little sister and nieces prepare their container gardens under her watchful eye. Mom definitely had a green thumb.

Mom taught me how to sew, how to can and freeze foods, how to garden and how to love God, family and friends. She didn't have a Mother when she was growing up so nurturing was not her strong suit, but she loved her children, family and friends in the best way she knew how.

It is my solace that God is caring for her and she is enjoying each and every day now of her new life in eternity.

I miss you so much Mom!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Drill Baby Drill?

"Drill baby drill" has taken on a whole new meaning over the last couple of weeks since the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. I'm thinking that a few people living on the Gulf Coast wish that little catch phrase had never been said. If you live on the Gulf Coast like I do, I would like to tell a few folks where to put that catch phrase right now.

The oil spill is disastrous. As of my last reading of the news, the oil could possibly make it into the Atlantic. For now, measures are being taken to try and keep the oil away from the shores, wetlands and nature areas. There are too few measures being tried to handle such a monumental disaster/task. I believe that countermeasures in case of disaster should have been in place before drilling was allowed. Waiting until after a disaster is a day late and a dollar short.

Can you tell I am extremely angry over this? You would be too if you lived on the Gulf Coast and knew what the beautiful shorelines will soon become -- one big gooey black mess.

Apart from the oil, what about the families who have lost loved ones in the disaster? Very little has been said about them and even those who were injured.

Yep, I'm pretty angry over this as are a lot of folks on the Gulf Coast.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Health Reform

Been thinking a lot lately about Health Reform and the legislation that has passed and was signed into law today. Senate now ironing out some additional wrinkles to make sure all is a fit.

My thoughts were about 2009. What if I did not have health insurance? My medical bills were astronomical. Six figures to be exact. Lower back surgery, injections, heart tests, etc. all racked up a pretty steep bill. If I had to pay this bill, I would have had to file for bankruptcy. I don't believe any middle class American has six figures just laying around in their checkbook to readily write that big of a check. At least none that I know of personally.

Also, would the doctors, hospitals and medical facilities negotiate prices with me like they do with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to make it equitable. You know that "reasonable and customary" language. I don't think so. I would have been responsible for the full price of the services rendered -- six figures.

Overall, I am blessed to have health insurance even if I had to pay deductibles and co-pays in 2009. The prescriptions were costly too. Thank goodness for my health insurance that lets me only pay a small portion of the overall cost of the medicine.

But I do think back to a time when I was a little girl when I had to have three surgeries. Who paid the doctors and the hospitals? My Dad did. He paid for it over a period of years until it was paid in full. That was a challenge when you have a family of six that included four children. The expenses and incomes 50 years ago are not nearly what they are today, but the cost of unexpected medical expenses still put a hurt on my parents budget. They did without to make sure I was healthy. Thank you Mom and Dad. They could have used good health insurance.

So speeding forward again to the present and maybe the last 20 years. I ask myself this question: What would it have been like for my parents to be without Medicare? Who would have helped when my Dad had cancer treatments? Who would have helped when he broke his hip? Who would have paid for their medicines? Would all four of the children been able to have put all their funds together to pay for cancer treatment, broken hip and medicines. Would we (four children) have been able to afford the nursing home that cared for my Dad when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had to have constant care 24/7? Would we have been able to have taken care of the expenses when my Mom fell and broke her pelvic bone?

What about Social Security? What would my parents have done without this monthly check? They would have had to live with one of the four children because without an income, you don't survive in this day and age. Kind of reminds you of how it use to be years ago when entire families shared houses -- Mom, Dad, kids, Grandma and Grandpa and the occasional Aunt or Uncle. Understand now why houses where so big at the turn of the century. I would have made room for my parents. Kind of role reversal when you're in your golden years -- kids taking care of parents like parents once did for kids.

Then I think about all those who have lost jobs, who no longer have Cobra benefits, who have lost health insurance, who are not eligible, who can not afford health insurance, who have pre-existing conditions, and the list goes on and on. What about all these people? I could have been one of those people in 2009, but I was fortunate to have Health insurance and an employer who has built this into my benefit package. My blessing! I am thankful each and every day for the treatment I received in 2009 and the medicine I am taking daily to keep my heart health in check. I want others to have blessings too! I want others to be thankful too!

Well, I could write a book on this, but I save my thoughts for another time.

I am truly blessed! I thank God for all you have given me! Please bless others who are in need!

Snowbird

Friday, March 12, 2010

Anniversary

Today would have been my parents 61st wedding anniversary. Both have passed. I miss them a lot. Have thought about them on and off all day today. My thoughts today have been about many of their anniversaries in the past. My Dad always with the perfect gift for my Mom. He had the best taste in jewelry. My Mom had so many nice pieces personally selected by my Dad. Mom always liked practical and her gifts to my Dad reflected that on their anniversaries.

On Easter this year, my Dad will have been gone for five years. On May 5th, my Mom will be gone for one year. It doesn't seem possible. I know if she had lived, she would be worried about my health. I probably would not have told her about my heart condition. She would have worried incessantly. It was her death that made me get a physical. It's amazing the things we do when we lose a loved one. I would never have jumped through the medical hoops if it had not been for my Mother's death.

I miss you Mom and Dad. My hope is that you are enjoying your new home and celebrating big time! Please dance together again, on this your 61st wedding anniversary, like you use to do while you were here.

Snowbird

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

AHA and Coffee Drinkers

Interesting little article I read on coffee drinkers today and a conference held in California by the American Heart Association. I have always read the pros and cons about coffee drinking and heart health. This article set my mind at ease -- Coffee is Generally Heart-Healthy.

In part, the article stated:

Another study that has followed more than 3,000 men and women for 20 years found no association between coffee consumption and atherosclerosis for just about every demographic group -- men and women, blacks and whites, smokers and nonsmokers. Participants in the study included people whose coffee consumption ranged from none to more than four cups a day. "Based on these data, there does not appear to be any substantial association between coffee drinking and increased or decreased odds of developing atherosclerosis or its progression over time."

Wonderful I said to myself because I should have bought stock in coffee. I have consumed more than my share over the years. So what has caused my advanced atherosclerosis at the young age of 54? Pure genetics. No high cholesterol or trigylcerides. Just pure ole genetics. It's the "gene pool" at work. Should have seen the harbinger years ago with all the older relatives and the heart disease showing up. Just knew it wouldn't skip a generation or two or three. Thank you "gene pool".

At least I can sit comfortably and enjoy my wonderful cups of coffee every day and not worry about the health benefits. Maybe its the non-dairy creamer? That's it. Read the ingredients. That's cause for worry. Back to good ole "moo juice". Can't beat Mother Nature and straight from a "contented cow" to flavor that cup of coffee.

There is a cup of coffee at Starbucks just waiting for me tomorrow with my name on it.......

Snowbird

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day

Glitter Graphics

Olympic Hat

Yahooey! Check out Clever Knits for her version of the Olympic hat. It is also on Ravelry under Olympic hat. No offense to the original designer, but the designer hat is nowhere to be found for purchase that I can see right now. I just love how quickly Clever Knits took the time to put a pattern out there for this particular hat and for all the knitters and fans of the 2010 Olympics. May make a slight change to the cast-on part of the pattern and maybe the finishing to make it my own. Now I will wait and see when the cabled sweater will appear. There are other olympic-style patterns on Ravelry for all to enjoy as well.

Happy knitting to all during the olympics.

Snowbird

Saturday, February 13, 2010

2010 Winter Olympics - Vancouver

So I watched the opening ceremony last night for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. I was so excited by the presentation, but saddened by the loss of an athlete yesterday. Hopefully, the other athletes will proceed in their individual competition and not let his loss bring down their spirits. May the spirit of the lost athlete be with them all and may they compete safely.

I did notice something in the opening ceremony worn by the US athletes -- the knit hat. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. So I checked the designers web-site and did not see it for sale. Yes, I want that hat. Hopefully, I didn't miss it. Probably not the only one that wants that hat. Wonder if the designer has been inundated with calls and requests for the hat and the sweater. We'll see what pops up on the site within the next few weeks.

Oh well, need to check the viewing schedule to see what I can watch today.

Snowbird

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Two Year Blog Anniversary

Today is the two year anniversary since I starting blogging. A lot has happened in that two year period. Some of the events during that time period have made me take pause.

In May of 2009, my mother passed away. Definitely an unexpected loss for our family. There has been a great void in our lives since then. I miss her each and every day.

In the fall, a nephew came to live with me so that he could attend college here. I have been trying to think of a name to give him for blog purposes and so far I've come up with nothing. He has to be the New York Yankees #1 fan. Maybe something along that line. Or maybe something to do with weather since that is his focus in college. Something will come to mind.

In September, I finally had surgery on my lower back. At the time, I thought I made the greatest mistake in my life. The pain did not seem to ease up. Thankfully, young nephew was with me during the day to help me get around. He was my lifesaver for 6-8 weeks while I was recovering. He still does so much for me around the house and never complains. Now I can walk and stand again with virtually no pain. I do know when I've done too much because my back screams with pain. So I know my limitations. Goal is to walk two miles a day again.

Knitting was not the greatest in 2009, but I hope that 2010 will be different. So far I've finished a baby sweater that is a gift for a friend and there is another one on the needles for yet another friend. Also, I have a baby blanket on the needles for a friend who will be a grandmother soon. It is my decision this year to knit birthday gifts for the family instead of store-bought presents. I sure hope they like their gifts.

Hopefully, 2010 will be a great year with memories to be made and more to write about on the blog!

Snowbird

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Flashback Challenge - Book #1: Heidi

Finished reading the first book in my Flashback Challenge -- Heidi -- real early this morning. Have a real bad cold so nothing to do but sit up in the recliner to keep from coughing and read. Not a long read really -- 14 chapters.

The author is Johanna Spyri. The original title was Heidi's Years of Wandering and Learning and published in 1880 in Germany. Title was shortened later to Heidi.

What I like about the book is the simplicity of life and people. You can see the dramatic affect a change of scenery had on Heidi from the known (life on the mountain with grandfather) to the unknown (life in the City of Frankfurt, Germany with Clara and Grandmamma). Some people adjust well to changes and others do not. Her lack of adjustment was more out of love for those she left behind as well as the environment. It doesn't mean that she didn't learn to care for Clara and Grandmamma because she did. She learned powerful lessons from Grandmamma. Grandmamma helped her to adjust her thinking regarding prayer and reading. The book that she learned to read from was no doubt one based on scripture stories of the Bible. In fact, it was the story of the Prodigal Son that Heidi read to her Grandfather that changed his heart regarding people he had abandoned in the past when she returned home to the mountain. The story starts and ends with a simpler life.

Sequels to the book Heidi were published by Charles Tritten in 1958. One is Heidi Grows Up and the other is Heidi's Children. I have not read either.

So I am on to my next book. Thinking about a book I read in 6th grade and did a book report about -- Annie Oakley. Again, it should be a short read, but one that should take me back a few years in my life when I can definitely say "life was simpler".

Happy reading to all!

Snowbird

Sunday, January 3, 2010

The Flashback Challenge

If you love to read, then this is a very exciting challenge. It is not an exhausting challenge, but one that will let you revisit your childhood, teenage years and adulthood thru the memories of books that you have read and loved. Just browsing thru blogs, I found this challenge on Scrabblequeen's blog. She is linked to another blog Booklust for the signup.
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The challenge runs from January 1 - December 31, 2010. The reading levels are as follows:
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Bookworm - Up to three books
Scholar - Four to six books
Literati - Over six books
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Within these levels, there are mini-challenges! These are:
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1. Re-read a favorite book from your childhood;
2. Re-read a book assigned to you in high school; and,
3. Re-read a book you loved as an adult.
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Probably will go for the Literati in the challenge. I can think of a number of different books that I want to revisit and will probably start with the Heidi series from childhood; The Robe as a teenager plus others from literature class; and, heaven only knows which ones I will pick from adulthood as I have many on my list of favorites.
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Happy reading!

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year !

Snowbird and part of family went to the downtown festivities last night and enjoyed the music, the Moon Pie rising and fireworks! My first really big big outing in quite a while.

Today, I made my family a semi-traditional New Years meal that included: Hoppin' John, cornbread and collards. The collards were drained and patted dry from the can and buried in a pizza with turkey pepperoni, lowfat mozarella cheese, feta cheese, and tomato sauce. I thought if you can put spinach on a pizza, why not collards. Pretty much covered all that was needed for good luck and wealth in the food that was made.

I have picked up the knitting needles again after a really long absence from knitting. The surgery and recovery along with going back to work has not helped my creativity one bit. Hopefully, I can get going again with the knitting. I can think of all sort of gifts I want to knit for Christmas this year. Just need to set my mind to it and get the needles clicking.

My best to all in this new year of 2010!