I Love Christmas!

There is much to love about Christmas. Not the commercialism of it and some stores decorating before Halloween has even shown it's ghostly head. Not the fighting over this or that with another customer in a store on Black Friday or the long lines associated with that day. Not even the mountains of Christmas presents under a tree. Because that isn't what Christmas is really about. But there are some wonderful qualities about Christmas to keep in mind while you're out there getting ready for this beautiful holiday.

I love the colorful lights. I love all the RED that is glowing or glittering everywhere. I love shopping on-line for Teo's presents and imagining the delight on his face when they drive down for Christmas this year and he sees the spectacle of lights and greenery both inside and outside our home. I love the idea of Santa Claus and seeing photos posted on Face book with families posed with the jolly fellow, an elf, or Mrs. Claus. I love the smell of Christmas, the fresh scent of fir trees, cinnamon candles, baked goodies, and the smoke from fireplaces. I love the happy music being played everywhere. I love the old classic movies that are brought out year after year and played over and over again, never tiring of the same happy ending. I love all the delicious food, candies, pies, and cakes. I usually gain five pounds at this time of year and that's okay.

I love the memories of Christmas as a child. My Daddy's proud face as we rushed out to the tree at dawn on Christmas day clamoring to see what Santa had brought. In retrospect, I believe those were memories he cherished to the very end.

I love the scenes displayed where Joseph, Mary, all the animals, and the three Wise Men are gathered around the manger where Baby Jesus lies with all the hope and love that represents. When I hear children's voices in perfect harmony singing Christmas carols, it brings tears of joy to my eyes. So innocent and my heart sings, too. The idea of God sending his only Son to teach us and the celebration of His birth is an occasion of joy and blessing. 

So yes, there is much commercialism involved these days, but in the right frame of mind, Christmas is a joyous, fun, beautiful, and blessed happy holiday. I love it!

Things I Learned On Our Trip This Summer

Randy, Marley and I left for Montana on July 24th and returned on September 27th - two months away from home! I believe that's a little long and I'm thinking next year, if we go, will be for six weeks instead. I was ready to leave, I believe Randy was, and I KNOW Marley was NOT! Big Sky, Montana is truly "dog heaven" - Marley lost 10 lbs., played with dozens of other dogs, ran around free as a bird, smelled everything in sight, swam in cold mountain lakes and streams, and truly had the most wonderful time of his life. Now that we're back home he is either exhausted from the three-day return trip, or a little depressed to be back in this heat. He usually wants to be wherever we are, but yesterday when I came back in the house he was on his big orthopedic bed and I asked him if he wanted to come outside with us. He looked at me as if I had grown a third arm and his eyes told me, "Why the hell would I want to do that? It's cool in here; I have this comfy bed to lie on. Uh, NO!" So inside he stayed.

Another wonderful aspect of Big Sky is the people. The population of 2,308 has GOT to be some of the happiest, kindest, healthiest group of folks on the entire planet. They welcomed us with open arms as if we were long lost relatives. Our neighbors, a young couple with a precious little 1 1/2 year old daughter named Braxie, said they were really going to miss us when we're gone. I miss them, too. Every day you see people hiking, biking, walking up hills and mountains, always exercising in some way or another. I suppose if you undertake those strenuous winter sports like they must, you have to keep yourself strong in order to be able to accomplish them. I admire their tenacity. Everywhere you go people are smiling and truly want to help you any way possible. They are a proud, independent, take care of business type of folks and I think they could probably withstand almost anything. It's the wild, wild West and I love it!

We had many encounters while on our trip but one stands out in my mind that I'd like to pass on. At the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Randy was talking to the park ranger while he paid the entrance fee and asked her about something he'd read. Apparently some people are throwing trash into the geysers and mud pots. Can you imagine? Her response was classic and true, "People are idiots." She shrugged her tiny, green clad shoulders as she said this. So now when Randy and I observe or discuss something we consider ignorant, we shrug our shoulders and say, "People are idiots." And we've been saying it frequently every since.

The last thing I'd like to talk about is not a happy topic. In fact, it is a sad situation out there and I HAVE to say something about it. We virtually drove across this entire country from south to north and back again. It took three ten-hour days, thirty hours, and we did that twice. So sixty hours of driving on highways and byways with me in the passenger seat observing the driving habits of our country. There was much to observe, too. Almost every single time a neighboring car would do something stupid; swerve in our lane, drive erratically, speed up, slow down, whatever dumb thing I noticed, whenever we passed them they were either talking on their phone, looking down at their phone (texting or reading a text, one would assume) or openly texting as they looked down at their phone. I was absolutely appalled at how many times I saw this. Does one not realize how dangerous that is? What could possibly be that important? We're talking about situations on interstates where the speed limit is 80 miles per hour and most are driving faster than that. Is that safe? Are their tiny little lives so important that they not only risk their own lives but everyone around them? And I observed this more times than you can even imagine. I would estimate that about half the people I passed were doing something else besides driving their damn car! It's abominable, outrageous and downright ignorant beyond comprehension. If any of you do this, STOP IT RIGHT NOW! From this moment on, don't use your phone in your car unless you have a speaker type system and that should be used minimally. If there is anything so important you feel you MUST respond to, at least wait 'til the next stoplight, pull over; make sure it is a safe place. Seriously, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Texting while driving is THE stupidest, most selfish, dangerous act one could ever do under those circumstances. Don't be that person.

Sorry about that y'all, but I had to say something. I hate to be Debbie Downer but there is way too much of this happening and I felt compelled to mention it. 

All in all it was an awesome trip. We had a wonderful time, ate some great food, had some fun hikes and the scenery! Ah, the landscape in Montana is outstanding and we enjoyed every moment of our time there! I hope you enjoyed the photos I posted on Face book. If you ever get the chance to visit that part of the country, don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it!

And remember … y'all be careful out there because, you guessed it, "People are idiots!" (shrug)

It's the Little Things ...

Recently I've realized how much the little things matter. The mundane, everyday, seemingly insignificant things a person uses with barely a thought of what will happen to these 'things' once we are gone. These are the items that become treasures to our loved ones. At least that is what has happened to me since Sarah passed away. 

I use her measuring cups and tablespoon/teaspoon measurers on a regular basis and there isn't a single time I don't stop and remember her and her love of whimsy. Yet, at the same time, they are very practical. The can opener she had is one of the smoothest, easiest to use I've ever known because she had arthritis in her hands and it had to be easy or she couldn't have operated it. It's as smooth as butter. 

I know this may sound silly to some people, they are, afterall, just kitchen utensils and were some of the last things Randy grabbed that no one else wanted while cleaning out her home after she was gone. I'm so delighted he saved them because thinking of Sarah always brings a smile to my face. There may be a tear or two involved as well, but I am smiling at the same time.

She had a heart of gold and was one of the most generous and kind human beings I'll ever have the pleasure of loving.

So if you ever have to clean out a loved ones things after they are gone, keep some of those dull, boring, items no one wants or needs because they just might become precious treasures. That is exactly what has happened to me.

I thought this was valuable information so I wanted to share it with y'all.  And you're welcome. ;-)

It's A New Day!

Hi Y'all!

Well, I've made it through my first day Facebook free and I have to say that after a little research and reflection, I've decided I will return to Facebook, but on a much less time-consuming basis. Here's a link to some guidelines I discovered. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-alpert/technology-addiction_b_2225232.html

The reason I am going to get back on Facebook is simple really. That is how I stay in touch with most of my friends and  especially, my children and grandchild. I can't stand the thought of not being able to copy Teo's pictures or comment on them or keep up with what is going on in his life. I live 3 1/2 hours away and therefore don't see him as often as I'd like. I feel even more isolated from him already in one day.

But I am making a pledge to myself that I refrain from being on there as much as I have in the past, or commenting or liking everything I used to. I was a very active Facebooker, y'all probably know that already, but I'm just now realizing it.

Another less important reason is that I don't want to deprive y'all of some of the magnificent photos I will be posting when we go to Montana soon. Really, it's gorgeous up there and I want to be able to share that.

I am also pledging that I write on this blog more often and hopefully there will be some funny stories I can relate as we travel and become immersed in Montana culture for two months.

The last reason for rejoining is that I can post there when I have a new post here. Hopefully, it will reach more people that way.

So, that pretty much covers it. I hope y'all don't think I'm a big ninny for being so wishy-washy, back and forth, on again off again, flip-floppy, silly, take things too seriously, nincompoop. Because that's just about how I'm feeling right now. But, oh well, at least I can admit it, right?

I'm done with you, Facebook

I deactivated my Facebook account today and feel such a huge relief. Interesting. As if a weight of ugliness has been lifted from my shoulders. Gotta listen to those "gut" instincts. Whenever I've ignored them it has always led to a mistake, be it large or small, in my life.

Once I figured out how to download all my photos that were not saved elsewhere due to computer crashes, viruses, or whatnot, that was it for me.  One of the main reasons I kept it open is because of old photos that weren't archived elsewhere.

I will miss keeping up with my family and friends' activities and their photos, but the people who know me already know how to reach me.  And if anyone needs my email address or phone # it shouldn't be that difficult to find me.  

I decided that this blog might be a good outlet for me to stay in touch and share photos along the way.  Not being on Facebook will allow me much more time to focus on my writing instead of getting bogged down in the time suck known as Facebook.  Plus it's been recently published that Yahoo, Google, Facebook and others have been monitored for several years.  Keep your noses out of my business, a-holes.

It's really the political stuff that did me in.  I just can't seem to keep my mouth shut when I believe in something.  I'm a passionate woman.  I've got strong opinions and I don't need anybody else trying to change my mind.  I am what I am - a conservative - and nothing anyone says is ever going to change that.

In conclusion, if you want to keep up with the goings on in my life and mind, check here if you feel like it ... or not.

Oh, and I think if you want to be notified when there is a new post you need to be a "Member" on this blog.

THINGS I LEARNED FROM MY DADDY

Where do I begin?  I guess with one of my earliest memories, Momma & Daddy rolling back the rug in the little house in Houston with three little ones at their feet and dancing the night away to the LP on the record player.  Us kids would take turns dancing with them and each other.  Just horsing around really.  The serious dance lessons happened later.  He would pick me up in his strong arms and spin around, giggling the whole time.  I guess you could say dancing runs through our veins.

Christmas was a special time, too, waking up before dawn and running into the living room with presents beautifully wrapped or a bicycle, wagon or new doll eagerly waiting. He proudly watched the cries of surprise and delight on our faces.  He was a loving, kind, happy man during those days.  Birthdays were always rewarding, too.  Our own special day, I still love birthdays because of it.

I’ll never forget some of his famous quotes like “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”  Or “Never pass up the opportunity to keep your mouth shut.”  I still struggle with that one!  And my all time favorite – “Pull my finger.”  You never knew if he wanted you to crack his knuckle or, well, you know!

He was the biggest teaser I’ve ever known.  I attribute my sense of humor to him.  He made us laugh!  But at the same time he was a strict disciplinarian.  I still have a healthy respect for authority, something I believe he was happy we learned. He also taught me the value of a hard day’s work. He worked long, hard days for his wife and children and my work ethic is alive and well today because of him.

I believe children learn more from their parents by watching rather than listening to them.  The most valuable lesson my parents taught me is how to love each other.  Sixty-two years of love.  Hard to believe, isn’t it?  The way they touched, held hands, the unspoken words conveyed by a knowing look, the aura of true love emanated from both of them.  It took me awhile to find him, but their actions taught me how to find my special guy.  That kind of love is rare and sacred.  I thank my Daddy every day for teaching me that most valuable lesson. 

I clearly remember the look on his face on their 50^th wedding anniversary while we were eating at a restaurant.  He looked down that long row of children and their spouses, and his grandchildren and he said, “I did all this!”  He was the proud patriarch of his family, no doubt about it!

The lessons he taught me are priceless.  There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t thank the good Lord above for allowing me to be his child.

“I did all this!” (and this isn't all of us!)