THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT!

We've all been there, and have awakened to something, be it a dream or some unknown source of noise. In other words, "things that go bump, in the night!" Regardless what, there are a few anxious moments as you address the problem. That's what happened to Max and me last night, or rather early this morning, about four AM! I had been up about an hour earlier for my nightly stroll and returned to bed. It always takes me awhile to get back to sleep, last night no exception. I think I was just drifting off, when all of a sudden, something went "Bump in the Night!" Sitting straight up in bed, trying to ascertain what had just happened, Max, my Lil Yorkie, awakened at the same time. He bounded down from the bed, barking his most ferocious bark and running from the bedroom. I decided this had been no dream and quietly and cautiously made my way down stairs with Max, who was still sounding the alarm!

As I went through the house, window to window peering out into the darkness, I admit to some feelings of helplessness! We checked every window on every side of the house. The neighborhood was absolutely quiet, not a movement or sound of any kind, just stillness! After validating there was nothing amiss, we made our way back to bed. It was after five AM before falling back into an uneasy sleep, interrupted by some strange dreams, like driving the car along a very dark roadway without headlights, and at the same time unable to keep my eyes open but for a few seconds at a time! Weird to say the least.

Anyway, morning arrived and we were safe, and because of our night's activity, Max let us sleep in until almost 7:30! Making another check of the premises, I could find nothing out of the ordinary. So, for now anyway, I'll have to be satisfied that it was just one of those Things that go Bump in the Night!

A Beautiful May Basket!

A banner day! My next door neighbors, Mike and Diane both play with the Phoenix Symphony. They have two daughters ages 8 and 12. Due to their special work hours, Diane's parents come to Arizona from Minnesota every winter and take care of the girls during the symphony's season. It so happened that this year they had to return home a month early, so I have helped out! And last night while I was there, I asked the girls if they knew what tomorrow was? They gave me a strange look, and said, "It's the first of May." I said, "Yes, it is." I went on to tell them that when I was growing up, this was a very special day for kids. It was called May Day, and a celebration of spring and health. One of the ways we celebrated, was by hanging May Baskets on the doors of special friends. I explained how my Mom would spend the week before creating these beautiful baskets. Then we filled them with candy and little flowers, hung them on the door knob or placed them just in front of the door of our friends home. We would ring the bell or knock and then run. You were not to let them know who left the basket.

Will guess what? I was sitting in my chair this afternoon watching TV when the door bell rang! I wasn't expecting anyone, thought maybe it was my grandchildren. . . . It took me a little while to get there. But, looking out, I didn't see anyone. Thinking that was strange, I opened the door and Behold, there was a beautiful May Basket hanging on my door knob along with a lovely boquet of flowers! What a surprise and joy for me!

No More Hi-Tech Toys!

Here I sit in one of my favorite places, Paradise Bakery! What's not to like about that? My kids left for the airport on their way back to Houston. But first, we stopped here for breakfast, and the main reason, being certain my lap top was Wi Fi ready! After two days of running updates and deleting unused and unwanted programs, I am up and running. I have a new toy! Dave said, it was an old one and he's right there. But here I am, doing something that has only been in my thinking, for a couple of years.

Another thing they worked on, was the TV. Hmmm, I didn't realize I had a dvd and remarked about the fact, and was told I did. Kris asked, "What's that box in the table there?" To my complete surprise, I found it to be a dvd and cd player, as well as a radio etc! Everything plays through the TV and the surround sound speakers! I have never used it. Dave told me, "Mom you are not getting anymore hi-tech toys, until you learn to use the ones you already have!" It's work in progress, but here I am with one of those toys! Now for the dvd!? It only takes three remotes, like I'm going to get that? Bob, family friend, came over after taking the kids to the airport and hooked up the cable for video and had it working. All I have to do is to remember which remote is for which function? WISH ME LUCK!
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HELP!

HELP!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS GOING ON WITH FORMATTING? I KNOW IT IS PROBABLY SOMETHING VERY SIMPLE, BUT I AM AT A LOSS. THE LAST TWO ENTRIES ARE REALLY MESSED UP, AND NOT AT ALL THE FORMATTING USED, ESPECIALLY THE POEM!

Home - - - -By Edgar A. Guest

I have decided to include this very important poem on my blog for future and easier reference.

It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it

home,

Aheap o' sun an' shadder, an' ye sometimes

have t' roam

Afore ye really 'preciate the things ye lef

behind,

An' hunger fer 'em somehow, with 'em allus

on yer mind.

It don't make any differunce how rich ye get

t' be,

How much yer chairs an' tables cost, how great

yer luxury;

It ain't home t' ye, though it be the palace of a

king,

Until somehow yer soul is sort o' wrapped round

everything.

Home ain't a place that gold can buy or get up

in a minute;

Afore it's home there's got t' be a heap o' livin'

in it;

Within the walls there's got t' be some babies

born, and then

Right there ye've got t' bring 'em up t' women

good, an' men;

And gradjerly, as time goes on, ye find ye

wouldn't part

With anything they ever used__they've grown

into yer heart:

The old high chairs, the playthings, too, the

little shoes they wore

Ye hoard; an' if ye could ye'd keep the thumb-

marks on the door.

Ye've got t' weep t' make it home, ye've got t'

sit an' sigh

An' watch beside a loved one's bed, an' know

that Death is nigh;

An' in the stillness o' the night t' see Death's

angel come,

An' close the eyes o

her that smiled, an' leave

her sweet voice dumb.

Fer these are scenes that grip the heart, an'

when yer tears are dried

Ye find the home is dearer than it was, an'

sanctified;

An' tuggin' at ye always are the pleasant

memories

O' her that was an' is no more--ye can't escape

from these.

Ye've got t' sing an' dance fer years, ye've got

t' romp an' play,

An' learn t' love the things ye have by usin' 'em

each day;

Even the roses ' round the porch must blossom

year by year

Afore they "come a part o' ye, suggestin'

someone dear

Who used t' love 'em long ago, an' trained ' em

jes' t' run

The way they do, so's they would get the early

mornin' sun;

Ye've got t' love each brick an' stone from

cellar up t' dome:

It takes a heap o' livin' in a house t' make it

home.

Trial and Error!

I don't know what I am doing wrong. I've been trying to edit my last blog and it is not allowing me to change anything. I've spent enough time for now, will come back to it later. Why do I make everything so difficult? Trial and Error. . .

Pictures and Memories - Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad, CA. A trip that almost was not. Although the trip had been planned months in advance, sometimes things just do not work as planned. It was a few weeks out and my sister and travel companion became ill, and was not going to be able to join me on the trip. In hopes that something would change, I did not cancel. This was one of those resorts you cannot frequent more than once in four years. I was hoping against hope. Everyone I knew already had plans for that week. At the last minute I went for a long shot, and called a dear friend in Lincoln, NE on the outside chance she could make the trip. She and I have been life-long friends, though miles apart. Over the years we have had many trips together. We grew up in the same town, attended the same church and school, graduated, married about a month apart, worked in the same office while our husbands were serving in the Armed Forces and we had our first child within a month of each other. But it was only a few years later that we became separated by miles when we moved to Arizona. But we have managed to keep our friendship intact. I wasn't able to give her much time for a decision, but after deliberating about it for a day or two, she agreed. I couldn't have been more pleased. She flew to Phoenix and then together we drove to CA. giving us lots of time for chatting. We had lots of catching up to do. The resort was beautiful, our time there was packed to the brim with activities everyday. But like all good things, it too ended. But now, we have still another memory, of time shared on this special vacation!

Black Dots - Surfers Carlsbad, CA

Wilma Carlsbad, CA

Wilma and CJ Carlsbad, CA

Wilma and CJ Carlsbad, CA

Flower Fields - Carlsbad, CA

CJ Carlsbad, Ca 2011

Someone is Hiding My Stuff!

It's been so long since I have been to my blog, I had to go through trial and error to find Dashboard. But didn't give up and here I am. What a day I'm having! Not a bad day, just really frustrating at times. This is how it started. Got up about seven fifteen, brought Max downstairs and let him outside, then I put my coffee on. When it was ready I poured my first cup and took it to the computer to check on e-mail. Went to fb first.

My daughter, Michelle sent me on my first mission by mentioning a poem, "It takes a Heap O Living to Make a House a Home." She commented not knowing the author. This was a favorite of her Grandmother Dutton's and she quoted from it often. That sent me off on the first quest, finding the book, the author, and the poem within! I knew it was in the office upstairs, and also knew it had been some time since I had seen it or even thought about it for that matter. The title : Collected Verse of Edgar A. Guest. I finally also located the poem. Helps if you know the title. I thought it was the same as the first line but not the case. It's title is just the word "Home." Of course, after locating said book and checking for that particular poem, I became interested in others and before I knew it I had been reading for over an hour! I am now keeping the book on my computer desk for further circumspection.

My next quest was not so easy, in fact, I have not found what I was looking for. This all began shortly after being on fb, because I then went to email. Yesterday, I received a video of three young Italian men, fourteen and fifteen years of age. They sang O Solo Mia (sp). Outstanding voices for being so young! My thoughts were, Am I watching what might well be the world's next renowned Three Tenors? I think I listened to the video at least three times last night and then a couple more times this morning, which brought to mind my CD of "The Three Tenors!" I carried it in the car, but couldn't remember the last time I played it. I went to the car in search of it, oh no! I opened the glove box and wanted to quickly shut it before the stuffings all fell out. That's where the story begins, by first having to clear out the glove box and go through all the STUFF! My glove box is now clean, but I found no CD's. hummmm. Next logical place was the consol box between the seats. It was almost as bad as the glove box and the CD's were not there either. Now I had STUFF that I had taken from the boxes to file, one of those things was the title to the car! After filing, my search began in the upstairs office and then continued in cabinates downstairs! You see where I'm going with this? I still don't know where those CD's are, but I know a lot of places where they aren't!

What really frustrates me is I know that sometime this past year I saw them and thought, "These CD's should be in the car." Now, if I can remember seeing them, why oh why, can't I remember where I was when I had the thought! I know someone is hiding my STUFF! And why is it that when I start some little task, it always leads to mulitple jobs?

Wilma and Linda -- Grand Canyon 2011

Grand Canyon --- February 2011

Tell Me, Was that Saint Anthony?

Since learning about St. Anthony, I find myself praying to him on a regular basis. I first learned about him on my trip home from New Jersey this past October. The airport was busy, lots of people coming and going, but I was checked in and made my way to the gate. I found a seat in the waiting area. Nothing like feeling lonely in a crowded place, but it happens. I was the only one in the row for a few minutes and then a lady sat down near the other end, and when some other folks came along, she moved over and took the seat next to me making room for them. I don't know how the conversation between us began, I generally don't talk to anyone. But I'm sure glad I didn't miss out on this. She was very talkative, and told me I'm going to tell you this story. "I'm Jewish, and I'm always misplacing things. It so happens I lost a ring and one of the children in the family who is catholic told me I should pray to St. Anthony. After inquiring about this saint, she was told he was the Saint for lost things! She said she now found herself praying to him a lot, because she was always losing things.

Now I remember, this conversation began after she made a comment about the ring I was wearing. It was a gift from one of my sisters many years ago. The gem stone is alexandrite! She informed me I should have it appraised and maybe some day I will. So, see the gift of a ring, also brought a gift of a short conversation with a total stranger. Her flight was called and I was sorry to have to say good bye. But she left me with a story of a Jewish lady who prayed to a catholic saint. And now, I find myself praying to this synonymous saint. I lost that same ring I referred to not long ago. And I was going crazy searching for it and fantasizing about what could have happened to it. I looked in all the logical places to no avail. Can't begin to say how many times I returned to the same old places checking for it. To add to my frustration, I couldn't remember the last time I had worn it. Well, I took her advice and prayed to St. Anthony, and whether or not it was him, I did find the ring! Searching a drawer I had checked several times already, I made notice of a little red cloth case. I took it out, and opened it. Low and behold, there was my ring with all the other jewelry I had taken on the trip in November to Nebraska. To say I was thankful is an understatement, when I thought about having to look for everything else that was in that case!

On that same trip to Nebraska, I had my first encounter with St. Anthony! Jan, my sister, and I took this road trip because our oldest sister was critically ill. Jan's husband let us take his truck instead of my car. It was newer and would be better if we encountered bad weather. First day out, we had stopped to gas the car and get some quick food. That was the big mistake! After eating we were back at the truck, guess what? No keys! Not quite true, we had another set, but did not include the cover for the bed of the truck. And of course, that's where all our luggage was. The only thing we could think of, was she had left the keys on the lunch tray. We returned to the scene of the crime. She checked at the counter and then approached one of the workers about checking the trash can! No keys! I remember telling Jan about St. Anthony.

We road in silence for quite some time, both wondering what we were going to do. We did have a change of clothes in a carry on so we were okay for another day. We stopped that night in Colorado Springs. We were getting ready for bed when Jan called out, I found the keys!? After changing she had just picked her jeans up and gave them a little shake before folding them and heard a noise. Looking down at the floor, there were the KEYS! Where they had been we do not know, but one thing we do know is they were not in her pockets. So, you tell me, was that St. Anthony?

Should've!?

My year of whimsicality, hmmmmmmmmm, not really off to a great start, but that means it can only get better. This is what happened.

Because I had a 30% off coupon at one of the department stores, I wanted to make use of it. So, I went shopping and and to my chagrin, found absolutely nothing, not even a pair of socks! After wandering through the store, trying on countless items, I was exhausted. Yah, for me trying on clothes is exhausting, unlike my gdaughters. They can go on for hours and if I am with them, eventurally I need to find a place to sit! What can I say, I tire easily these days! Anyway, on my way out of the store hunger was "eating" at me. I gave Subway a brief consideration and then in a moments "whim" I decided on lunch at Arriba's Mexican Food Restaurant! MISTAKE!

The food was so spicy hot, it made tears roll down my cheeks! It wouldn't have been quite so bad, but before I ordered, I specifically inquired on the level of seasoning and was told, "No, it's not very hot, there's no chilies in it!" Wrong! If they weren't chilies what were those long green things? So, you see, my whim of the day went totally awry, my coupon expired and I couldn't eat lunch and now my thoughts are fixed on, SHOULD'VE!? A phrase I am to pay special heed. . . .

Those Were the Days my Friend

Over the years I have often been haunted by a tune along with the words of a song. I awoke at five this morning with one playing in my head. Every so often something comes up and the words, "Those were the days, my friend" just pop into my mind and roll off my tongue. Why is that!? It's a common thing, I know, but it's driving me nuts!

This is a song of bygone days and you have to have lived awhile for it to have
real meaning:

Those were the days my friend

we thought they'd never end

we'd sing and dance forever and a day

we'd live the life we choose

we'd fight and never lose

those were the days, or yes those were

the days!

I am reminded of two quotes; Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life and Living in the Moment. Both sound easy, but so difficult to put into practice. The first is the title of a series of essays written by DR Wayne W Dyer. He goes into great detail of both in his book, Excuses Begone.

I do practice "living in the moment" and try not to dwell in the past, which for me, right now would be so easy, as well as not dwelling entirely in the future. I am trying to enjoy the journey! Finding the little pleasures in every day, be it a beautiful sunset, walking my little Max, chatting with a friend, enjoying a cup of coffee with my daughter on the phone, having one of the little neighbor girls running out to greet me, that's what living in the moment is about. I take this another step further to appreciate myself for who I am right now! So when I look in the mirror I say, "You look good, girl!" But those haunting words keep coming back, Those were the days my friend, oh yes, those were the days!

But in my heart I know it won't be long until "these" days will become "those" days, my friend! Let's just take them one at a time!

How Fun Will That Be?!

Recently, I was asked, "What do you do for fun?" Sounds much like those other questions I stutter and stammer over, such as, "Now that you are retired, what do you do?" And, "What's your hobby?" Why do these questions bother me? That's a better question. If you are retired are you no longer a contributing member of society? Are they stating, if you are not working, how and what can you possibly be doing to fill all those hours in the day? Do they actually want you to say, "Oh, I just kick back in my easy chair and watch the tube?" I think all three of these questions are the kind the person asking really doesn't want a real answer, much like, "How are you?"

What do I do for fun?! When I become perplexed over something, especially a word, I refer to my friend, Merriam-Webster! So, herein lies the answer. Fun l: what provides amusement or enjoyment: playful often boisterous action or speech. It also means Jest, Sport, Game, Play mean action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter. Fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

Wow, I must be having fun most of the hours of the day because most of my day lacks serious purpose! I also asked myself, "What would Jessie or Miche, (grand children) respond to this question? Without doubt, their number one response would be, "Hanging with my friends!" That would be whether or not they were at The Mall, playing sports, participating in band or color guard, on fb, on their cell phones, txting, but mainly it would just be being together with their friends. Well, I can go along with that. That is probably very close to what I consider fun, but I would also have to include hanging with family as well! It is not so much what you are doing, it's that you are with friends! Boisterous action or speech, that would be watching a good football game and hopefully the team I was cheering on would be winning, but not always the case.

When I print this for my journal, I think I will post it on my desk where I can refer to it the next time I'm asked one of these questions. And pity the poor person who asks, for they will receive a barrage, of responses! How fun will that be?!

(refer to Lesson # One: Trampoline Lesson, now that was FUN!)

New Jersey; I'm wearing those "rose colored" glasses!

Year of Whimisicality!

About this time last year I proclaimed that 2010 would be my year of adventure. It was my grand daughter Jessie that suggested that. And recently, with suggestions from she, Miche, and their Mom, together we dicided that 2011 would bring forth my year of "Whimisicality!" What do you think? Great word anyway? To me whimsical means fun, being spontaneous, and enjoying life to its fullest.

My year of adventure was just that, adventure all the way. Outstanding was the number and variety of my many trips: seven in all. They included one to Sedona, AZ last March, three to Nebraska: May, August, and November, Vegas in June, trip to Flagstaff in September, and last but not least, to New Jersey in October. That's about a trip every two months. Out of all, the trip to NJ was the most adventuresome in a positive aspect, and the last trip to Nebraska, from which I just returned was the most negative, due to the loss of my beloved sister, Donna Ruth Carman. So you see, adventures can be fun and exciting and also just the opposite. I still have several more weeks of anticipated adventure to finish the year of 2010. It will include the family being together once again on Christmas Eve. (Amother is never happier than when her children and their families are around her.) Like other families everywhere, mine is so very busy with their own families, careers, education, sports, hobbies and day to day matters, that it is amazing they can still find time to be together. But they do!

This blessed season, and always, I am thankful for my family, friends and good health; all of which I take not for granted. God has blessed me in more ways than I can count!

Thinking of you, wishing you a Happy New Year! And may you also enjoy life to its fullest! Like me, try to be a little whimisical!