Holding on For Dear Life

Yesterday was my day off work. All of you working moms(and grandmas; such as is my case) know that a day off work means working at home.
The laundry needs done, the floors need cleaned,
meals need cooked and the yard needs mowed. But that is not what went on at our
house yesterday. I have a friend and her husband who like to camp and they were spending the
week at Kanopolis lake. They have been after us to bring the grandkids and come
spend the day with them. So we loaded the car with kids, picnic lunch, sunscreen and plenty
of cold drinks and headed north to Kanopolis State park. This park was started in 1955 and is the first state park in Kansas. I am not much of a camping person, but it is a beautiful lake
and was lush with greenery. The drive took about 45 minutes and it was a beautiful day.
Soon after arriving we unpacked the picnic and had lunch. Then 'Skipper' Doug loaded up the
boat and we headed for the water. I am really not big into boating as I have a queasy stomach (ask me sometime to tell the story about 'the Great Barrier Reef aka Great Barrier Barf') but
the kids were so excited about being pulled around the lake on a tube. Sure not something I have ever or done or ever will do.
But, wait.......how did I get on that tube?????
OMG!
I thought I was going to die!
But it was fun....today I am sunburned, wind burned and hurt like heck across my shoulders and pecs (from holding on for dear life). We had a great time. Thanks Doug and Rozanne.

Wordless Wednesday

Just before we left for the Kansas City Zoo.

If you want to check out other WW go visit here at 5 Minutes For Mom

Ten on Tuesday

Ten Favorite Sounds

• Silence......my favorite sound of all
• Kids laughing....you know the from the gut laugh
• whispering among the kids....what are they up to?
• My car running quietly
• Anything by Celine Dion
• The humming of the fan as I drift off to sleep
• my husband's snoring...no I am just kidding
• Chirping of the birds outside early in the morning as I sip my coffee in the gazebo
• the purring of a contented kitty cat
• My grandkids breathing as they are finally asleep

Now what are your favorite sounds?
Go to Ten on Tuesday if you want to play along

“One must ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste.”

―Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY July 27, 2009..

Outside my window...
It is dark...I am posting this before I go to bed. I haven't been home from work very long. It is calm and 74F

I am thinking...
What tomorrow holds....an appointment for Darian and I am going to work.

I am thankful for...
The roof over my head in this time of so many people losing their homes. It is a struggle but we are still doing okay.

From the kitchen...
I just finished eating a slice of zucchini bread that Richard made. He is becoming quite the baker.

I am wearing...
black t-shirt and shorts....it is what I wear to bed

I am creating...
Nothing at the moment.

I am going...
to bed soon as I have to get up early in the morning.

I am reading...
Same book as last week....see upper left hand corner

I am hoping...
the rest of the summer goes well for us.

I am hearing...
Silence
Around the house...
Much to do, as usual

One of my favorite things...
Snow cones...cherry

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I work tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday and then I have a four day weekend.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

LOOKS GOOD DOESN'T IT?

Sunday Stealing

Today we ripped this meme off a blogger known as Kyddryn from Shadow and Sweetwater. She claims she stole it from someone on Facebook. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The "Leave It to Meme" Meme

1. Who was your FIRST date?
My first date was with a boy that lived across the street from my Aunt Lorene in Wichita, Kansas....I don't even remember his name. I agreed to go to the drive in with him if my sister could come to. The movie was "Psycho"....

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
Heck no I can't even remember his name either but he lived in Kingman Kansas and I was 14 and 'so in love' Lol!

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
Beer.....probably Coors..that is what we loved back then.

4. What was your FIRST job?
My first job was as a waitress in a new restaurant here in Hutchinson....LUMS...they served hot dogs cooked in beer....didn't last very long

5. What was your FIRST car?
My first car was after I was married the first time....a red Buick Riviera I loved that car!

6. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
My first time ever in a plane was just over the city of Hutchinson...small plane and I HATED it

7. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
My first best friend's name was David something or other and nope haven't talked to him since 6Th grade.

8. Whose wedding did you attend the FIRST time?
My mom's.....I was 10

9. Tell us about your FIRST roommate.
That would have been my first husband

10. If you had one wish, what would it be (other than more wishes)?
Hmmmm.....I wish for enough money to make me and my family comfortable.

11. What is something you would learn if you had the chance?
I would learn landscape design

12. Did you marry the FIRST person you were in love with?
Nope

13. What were the first lessons you ever took and why?
I am not really sure what this question is asking.....the first lessons I can remember learning is that 'life is tough'

14. What is the first thing you do when you get home?
Kiss everyone and change clothes.

Saturday Nine

Saturday 9: Fast Car

1. What’s the furthest trip you’ve taken by automobile?
Now that is a tough one....I would say from Kansas to California, to Las Vegas, to Colorado and back to Kansas

2. What’s the worst pick up line you've ever received?
I don't know that I have ever received a bad pick up line.

3. What’s the best pick up line you’ve gotten?
Will you marry me?


4. What was the last gift that you received?
Two sugar cookies with icing from someone trying to suck up to me.
It worked!

5. What was the last gift that you gave someone?
Baby monitors...girl at work

6. Tell us about the last time you cried.
Watching an episode of 'Intervention' this past week.

7. Tell us about the last time you laughed uncontrollably.
Tonight while playing in the pool with my 11 year old grandson.
He is a hoot!

8. Do you suffer road rage? What are your thoughts on it?
At times I do...especially when someone is driving 45 mph in a 65 mph and I can't pass. I think that road rage can get people killed.

9. What’s one of your favorite movie quotes?
My favorite is "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" and I have
never seen the movie. But how can you not love that quote?

Growing Old

“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.”

―Chili Davis

Friday Fill Ins

Thursday, July 23, 2009

And...here we go!

1.Not having everything is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I am cussing cause I don't like rain!

3. Home grown tomatoes tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is not the right thing to do. You got to take care of yourself too!

5. Watching a baby sleep is breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is more to life than this.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being lazy , tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to stay home but I have to work!

Go to Friday Fill Ins and do some of your own....

Booking Through Thursday

At one of my favorite blogs, Charlie and Me, I have found the Booking through Thursday meme and I have been meaning to do it. Today was a good day to start. Check it out and join in if you want.

Which do you prefer? (Quick answers–we’ll do more detail at some later date)

• Reading something frivolous? Or something serious?
• I am usually into reading frivolous things but something serious once in awhile is okay too.
• 
  
• Paperbacks? Or hardcovers?
• Since I do most of my reading in bed before I go to sleep, it is easier to hold a paperback...but I love a good hardcover book too.
• 
  
• Fiction? Or Nonfiction?
• I mostly prefer fiction, but I will read nonfiction if it is something that really interests me
• 
  
• Poetry? Or Prose?
• Even though I love poetry, mostly what I read is prose.
• 
  
• Biographies? Or Autobiographies?
• Either if I am in the mood for this type of book
• 
  
• History? Or Historical Fiction?
• I am not a big fan of either, but I would chose historical fiction.
• 
  
• Series? Or Stand-alones?
• I love a good series, but I love a good stand alone also
• 
  
• Classics? Or best-sellers?
• The older I get the more I enjoy the classics but I am a real sucker for the best sellers.
• 
  
• Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose?
• Straight forward
• 
  
• Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness?
• Plots
• 
  
• Long books? Or Short?
• I love long books the best....
• 
  
• Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated?
• non+ illustrated...I would much rather use my imagination.
• 
  
• Borrowed? Or Owned?
• Borrowed....owning these just takes up too much space. Although I own a lot of books....I never read one twice.
• 
  
• New? Or Used?
• This does not matter to me. As long as it is in good shape.
  

Why do people Visit????

Wow.......more than 9,000 visitors. That is phenomenal Who are all of you
who visit me? And why don't you leave me some comments?
I'd love to hear from you

Wednesday's Walk

It has been awhile since I have written a post for Wednesday's Walk. Please click on the picture above if you would like to join in and do a post of your own or if you would just like to read some of the wonderful memories others have.

This little guy in the boots and hat is my oldest son Danny who was close to two years old when this picture was taken. He was also about this same age, when this story that I am about to share with you happened.
We were shopping in Sears. Every time that I took him into Sears he would disappear and hide from me in those circular clothing racks and then I would have to go about whispering loudly "Danny.....Daniel...where are you?"
On this particular day he had disappeared and I was doing my usual looking for him. But much to my dismay I was not hearing him giggle. Nor was he charging out ,
trying to knock me off balance. My heart was starting to beat fast as all the images of a kidnapped kid started to form in my mind. I expanded my search a little ways from the women's department.
I continued to softly call..."Danny where are you?" It was then that I noticed the display in the plumbing department.

No! My heart fell......those were not my little ones legs swinging. Not with his little brown corduroy pants down around his ankles. It couldn't be. I quickly went to the aisle that came up beside that shining white toilet sitting on the end cap. I loudly whispered....."Danny you get off that and come here right now" And he loudly answered me back.....
"Mama, I pooped...just like you want me to....Mama, aren't you going to wipe me"
Mama, why are we going so fast? Mama I didn't wipe......"
We made a fast get away and over the years it has become a favorite story to tell. But not at that moment! Nothing about it was funny. I was so embarrassed. I am sure that my face was bright red.
However, it is his face that is red now whenever Mom repeats this story..... over and over and over.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Please join Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook if you would like to create your own daybook.

FOR TODAY June 21, 2009

Outside my window...Today the sun is shining, although there are still some dark clouds and the temperature is only 69F. Whatever became of those hot days of summer?

I am thinking...I am thinking that summer will return shortly and then I will wonder whatever happened to that 69F.

I am thankful for...I am thankful for the sun that is peeking out today. For I love the sun!

From the kitchen...From the kitchen comes the aroma of fresh baked zucchini bread as the zucchini crop has been great this year.

I am wearing...jean shorts and a red tee

I am creating...Today I am going to create a weed free flower bed out front. Will all the rain the weeds are taking over.

I am going...I am going to say prayers for brother Fred who is having surgery again in an hour.

I am reading...I am reading 'Abbreviating Ernie" a weird and interesting story.

I am hoping...the weather returns to the hot days of summer. I love summer!

I am hearing...I am hearing 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' in the background.

Around the house...I brought home boxes from work to pack up the things in the office to make room for a boy to live there.

One of my favorite things...One of my favorite things is sitting on my little garden cart and weeding the flower beds. My mind can wander and I can think what I want and just pull weeds. And when I am done the beds look wonderful!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Tomorrow I work, then I am off on Thursday and Friday and I will attend to picking one up from camp and getting the other one ready to go....

Here is picture thought I am sharing...I love the beauty of dahlias...Don't you?

A thought

Emily Nathan

A life without love is like a year without summer."

—Swedish Proverb

Sunday Stealing

Cheers to all us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The Heretic Meme

1. Who was the last person of the opposite sex you lay in a bed with?

• Ah nice of you to ask...it was my precious 11 year old grandson Darian
  

2. Where was the last place you went out to eat?

• Hmmm we do not go out to eat very often but tonight my dear hubby went to the Dairy Queen and brought us home chicken strips....so very good.
  

3. What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed?

• That would be a nice, ice cold, Natural light beer this afternoon after I mowed the grass....wait a moment, make that 2!
  

4. Which do you prefer - eyes or lips?

• Which do I prefer for what? I prefer eyes to see with and lips to speak with.
  

5. Medicine, fine arts, or law?

• I am a nurse....that would be Medicine.
  

6. Best kind of pizza?

• Supreme from the Pizza Hut with thick crust
  

7. What is in store for your future?

• It looks like I will be raising two more kids
  

8. Who was the last band you saw live?

• That would be Kenny Rogers quite a few years ago
  

9. Do you take care of your friends while they are sick?

• Only is they were a patient on the floor I worked on in the hospital
  

10. How many songs are on your iPod?

• 475
  

11. Where is the last place you drove to?

• This morning I drove to the park to watch my grand daughter play baseball. She's good too!
  

12. Where did your last kiss take place?

• In the bedroom on the lips of a 9 year old girl when I was telling her good night.
  

13. What were you doing at 11:59 PM on Monday night?

• Wow I can't remember yesterday let alone last Monday night.
  

14. Are you a quitter?

• Not usually
  

15. Who was the last person you had in your house?

• Besides those of us who live here....my brother Fred.
  

15. What do you think about people who party a lot?

• I say do it while you can cause we all get old someday
  

16. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

• Not unless it is on TV and I have two kiddos sitting there wanting answers to what is erectile dysfunction????? What does it take to get those ads off TV?
  

17. What was the last CD you purchased?

• Oh my that has been awhile but I think it was a Celine Dion CD
  

18. What are two bands or singers that you will always love?

• Kenny Rogers and Elvis Presley
  

19. Which of the seven deadly sins are you guilty of?

• Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath,Envy, and Pride.I think that about covers it.
  

20. How is your last ex doing?

• Who cares
  

A nice thought for a nice day

"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment."

―Jane Austen

Saturday Nine

Heatwave

Welcome to Saturday: 9 . What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Heatwave

1. It’s July. How has the weather been where you are?

• We have had normal summer temps here (90 to 107) until this week and it has suddenly cooled off. Only 65F right now and will be in the 80's. What's up with that?

2. What is the best way for you to beat the heat?

• I love the heat! But I cope by getting in the pool with a cold beer.
  

3. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Do you buy that?

• Yep I sure do. It can be 130F outside with no humidity and not be a bad day but throw in some humidity and you cannot take it..
  

4. Do you like hot tubs or saunas?

• I sure do!
  

5. What’s the hottest you’ve ever been?

• It gets pretty hot everyday in the nursing home cause the elders do not like A/C
  

6. How many times do you hit the beach in the summer?

• there are no beaches in Kansas...but I hit the pool 3-4 times a week...it is in my backyard.
  

7. When you were a kid, what did you do in the summer?

• played outside, went swimming, went to the movies (all of this was based on how many pop bottles I could find)
  

8. Surfing. Have you ever gotten on a surfboard? Body surf?

• Nope never been surfing...not even interested.
  

9. What’s your favorite summer song?

• Anything by the Beach Boys will do
  

Friday Fill-Ins

Graphic courtesy of Tonya!

And...here we go!

1. Bacon and eggs make a quick and easy dinner.

2. 'Abbreviating Ernie' is the book I'm reading right now. And it is weird...it is about a cross-dressing urologist who dies of a heart attack while having sex with his wife who is handcuffed to the stove in their kitchen.

3. July brings back memories of hot summer days as a child.

4. My husband's sleeping was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams you won't have them again..My dream last night was a doozy. I was at the hairdresser and I gave birth to a baby girl. And they didn't have time to do my nails due to delivering my baby!!!!!!

6.You will have to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working, tomorrow my plans include a double header baseball game of Paige's and Sunday, I want to relax !

If you want to play along go here

Todays deep thought

"If men cease to believe that they will one day become gods then they will surely become worms. " Henry Miller

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY July 13, 2009

Outside my window...

• Today the sky is blue with a few puffy white clouds. It is 81F!
  

I am thinking...

• I am thinking that summer is going by fast and we must enjoy each day to the fullest.
  

I am thankful for...

• I am thankful for so much...what we have here right now is enough. Why is it people are not happy with what they have.
  

From the kitchen...

• Tonight we are going to have Chicken Cordon Blue and broccoli
  

I am wearing...

• I am wearing shorts and a summery top
  

I am creating...

• Ah creating....only the things in my mind. I must get busy.
  

I am going...

• I am going soon to pick up my grandson and take his for his final counseling appointment.
  

I am reading...

• 'Abbreviating Ernie' so far a strange book.
  

I am hoping...

• I am hoping the next two days are slow and relaxing.
  

I am hearing...

• The normal....'All my Children' in the background
  

Around the house...

• I have started the laundry and several loads to go. And the pool needs vacuumed.
  

One of my favorite things...

• Anyone who knows me knows that one of my favorites is SUMMER
  

A few plans for the rest of the week:

• Working on Wednesday and Friday and all the rest of the week off.
  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

• We will begin getting ready to pack for camp next week.
  

Sunday Stealing

Cheers to all us thieves!

• Sunday Stealing: The Double Stealing Meme

1. If you could turn back the hands of time to correct one wrongdoing, what event would you choose and why?

• Hmmm this is a tough one...I just cannot answer this at this moment.
  

2. Are you one for tradition? If so, what traditions do you strongly believe in? If not, what makes tradition hypocritical?

• I am very traditional. I believe strongly in family getting together on holidays.
  

3. You were taking part in an event and you had to crossplay, who would you crossplay as and why?

• I have no idea.....(these questions are too hard for me tonight)
  

4. If you only had one day left to live, how would you spend your last day? Would you be tempted to live fatally if you knew you were to die the next day, and if so, what extreme measures would you take?

• I would eat what I wanted and drink what I wanted and start smoking again!
  

5. What are your top five sinful materialistic items, ones you'd expect from others including those closest to you? Why are each in the position they are in?

• I have no idea what this means.
  

6. I am...

• confused
  

7. I feel...

• tired
  

8. I see...

• a bed in my future
  

9. I need...

• love
  

10. I love...

• my grand kids
  

11. I wish...

• I was retired
  

12. I think...

• I have seen better memes
  

13. I hear...

• quiet and it is beautiful
  

14. I crave...

• chips and sour cream (think I'll have some before I head to bed)
  

15. I fear...

• mice
  

16. I hope…

• to see some good answers when I visit other blogs cause these stink.
  

Saturday Nine

Wedding Bell Blues

Saturday 9: Wedding Bell Blues

1. If you have been or are married, tell us about your wedding. If you are not, tell us how would you want it to be.

• My first wedding was a church affair because that is what my mom wanted and the second time we got married outside by the lake standing in flowers up to our knees in Colorado with only the minister, my best friends, and her kids....
  

2. What age would you encourage your children to get married?

• At least past 25....
  

3. Who got married at the last wedding that you attended?

• My youngest son...now divorced
  

4. Do you enjoy weddings and receptions?

• Not particularly
  

5. Have you cried at a wedding?

• I don't think so
  

6. Would you prefer a lavish event or a intimate ceremony?

• Intimate
  

7. Have you ever been in some one’s wedding party? If yes, do tell.

• My sister's...she got married at the courthouse.
• My youngest son...I was his best woman
  

8. Does a wedding make you happy and sentimental or grouchy and skeptical?

• Skeptical without a doubt
  

9. Why do you think our divorce rate is so high?

• Because it is too easy to get married and too hard to stay married. If the license cost the same as the divorce lawyer maybe the youngins would take longer to think about it.
  

Remembering a Simpler Life

Animal crackers, and cocoa to drink. That is the finest of suppers, I think; when I'm grown up and can have what I please I think I shall always insist upon these. - Christopher Morley, author & journalist The importance of not being too grown up Children are so convinced of their ways and implicitly trust their own instincts. Clearly if it tastes good, it must be good for you! Delight in the experiences of your youth today. Reflect upon the simple pleasures of carefree living. What can you do to indulge yourself in a healthy way? Put down the bills and laundry and have a tea party or puppet show. Take a spin on the swing set or jump on the bed. Not only will you burn off some energy, but you'll also be taken back to an innocent, worry-free time in your life. A time when you wore pajamas with feet and weren't such a big girl. Remember the importance of an occasional childlike moment. Reading this today on Sparkpeople, got me to thinking about things from my own childhood....way back before I had bills to worry about, a job that took me away from home, or kids and grand kids to love and grieve over. Oh how simple life was back then when mom would send us out the door in the morning and we wouldn't come back until we heard her whistle at night. I wonder if she was worrying about how she was going to put food on the table for five kids while I was busy playing house in the cinder block coal bin that sat outside the back door. While I was swinging on the swing set and sliding down the slide at the Victory Heights playground was she wondering where the money was going to come from for five pairs of shoes. When I was jumping on the bed and swinging my pillow at the head of my big sister was mom getting her clothes laid out and ready for work the next day? When we were racing down Cherry Street Hill on our sleds was she trying to find someone to loan her some money to fix the car? How much easier it is to be a kid and to be free of all of these worries. I take this moment to thank you, mom and I think I'll turn off the computer and go read a story to my grand kids.