HAPPY NEW (WHATEVER)

Looking back on 2010, I can't help but think of the many experiences that have occurred.  


Ween has taught me a lot - Resting is good; eating is good; potty is good and then go back to resting.  (She's very wise).  I have also learned - Plans are flexible; don't hold onto "things" too tightly; cherish your friends and family; dream a little dream occasionally; and, by all means - ENJOY WHERE YOU ARE, NO MATTER WHAT.


My life has changed so drastically that I don't really know WHO I am supposed to be.  At one point in my life, that would have freaked me out.  As my sister-in-law has said, "I am in a holding pattern.  Just hang on; God is working."  She's right.  I am also learning to be patient.  For me, that has been a hard lesson; one I am still trying to learn.  


I don't know a lot of things - where I am headed; what will happen; and, I could go on forever.  One thing I do know -  I am truly blessed and I thank God for that.  

Different

It seems that daily I experience changes in my life, and this holiday season is no different.  Instead of meeting with all the family on Christmas Day, we spread it out over 3 days.  Trying to get schedules together is more than I could deal with. I gave up and decided to feed "WHOEVER" and "WHENEVER" they showed up at the apartment.  It does elongate the gift giving but to a certain extent it is very tiring.  I used to be able to "throw" a party together with a moments notice. (Ah, the good old days.)

Elder son, Tom, made it out of DC just in time.  My sister-in-law and niece also made it here.  Now the trick - get back home.  Lila, my sister-in-law, is leaving tomorrow.  It is especially sad for me when she leaves.  She has been a wonderful mentor and prayer partner for many years.  I so appreciate her.  But, for now, she has to go back to Nashville.

Tom is in St Pete visiting friends after being here for several days.  He brought his dog, Luke, and decided to stay at a motel close by.  Luke and Ween's altercation was unreal.  Wiener was high pitched, running around, yelping and barking.  Tom said Luke thought he got a new, battery powered squeaky toy for Christmas.  That IS what she looked like "flying" around the living room.

(This is the tree that my friend Vicki bought me, even delivering it.  I have unbelievably wonderful friends)

Ween needs to go to obedience school, per Tom, and he's probably right, but Luke WAS in her home and she didn't like it. Either pooch would have been fine by themselves.

We exchanged gifts; not so much this year.  And, I am so glad.  None of us "NEED" anything.  I was personally glad to see the reduction.  My only sad part was that Edward and Betty were not here.  I miss them so much.

Tom is leaving some time this week; not sure exactly when.  I hope I get to see him on his way out.  And, next week, all will quiet down again.  

Best wishes and prayers to all who read this.  God bless.

CEL-E-BRATE GOOD TIMES; COME ON

This time of the year is always filled with emotions for me.  Happy, sad, up, down, and definitely remembrances.  This is one of the times I miss living in my house.  Lots of room to decorate; lots of decorations.  PICTURE THIS - the 90s (1990s)  OCTOBER 30.  For me, the start of the REAL holidays.  In School, get out the turkey pictures, fall colors, etc.  At Home, dig out the bins of decorations. Not only decorating, but food - cookies, candy; YES, even fruitcake; pumpkin pies, Farm Store's Eggnog (the only kind to have), and, of course,  more food.

I don't decorate as large a space now.  That isn't an issue.  I've pared the boxes down to 10 from over 20, so I feel good about that, but I miss all the chaos and clamoring - Christmas cards; Boys at home, school out for two weeks; having money to buy lots of presents; even Tom fussing about so many decorations.

I remember one year so clearly.  As most everyone knows, Tom and I were divorced for 3 years and then remarried.  This particular time was, I think, the first Christmas we were back together.  It was very special and I wanted everything to  be perfect.  Unfortunately, I caught the flu from one of my "cherubs" at school and came home on Monday before Thanksgiving, deathly ill.  I looked at all the decorations I had out, our trees were all real at that time, and I had not purchased it yet.  I slowly turned and went into the bedroom TO DIE. Tom came home, saw me in bed, asked about me, and he slipped into his "servant" mode.  (He started using that aspect of his personality with me after we remarried)

He went to the store bought ginger ale, crackers, cheese, bacon, and some other items.  (He remembered that I always want bacon when I'm sick.  Who knows why that is; it has just always been.)  I don't recall the rest of that day, and most of the next.  I was starting to come out of it on the third day, which was Wed.  I smelled the bacon cooking, and "STAGGERED" out of the bedroom to follow the smell.

My wonderful husband had cleaned the house, purchased a tree, decorated it and the rest of the house, and fixed me a large plate of bacon, and had even set the table.  I couldn't stop crying.  And so that you will know how REALLY special this was, if you haven't already, for the first 10 years of our marriage, Tom did not want to celebrate the holidays.  (Most of his memories were not as happy as they could have been)

Things are different now.  As I sit here on the couch, watching my partly decorated "real looking" tree flashing all the lights - the memories are so real. If the good Lord allows, I will make many more.  I look forward especially to this year - new start; new tree (not real this year but bought just for me by a wonderful friend) and I definitely can't wait to see all my Family.

Having "OPEN HOUSE" this year Noon until . . . Come join us.  Call for directions. EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE.