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April 26 Gone for awhile...Life is taking another pot-shot at me, and those I love, so, I will be gone for awhile.
Feel free to talk amongst yourselves and help yourself to anything you can find in the fridge or freezer.
BIG HUGS, Steph April 22 Happy Earth Day! (and) A few potty musings...Happy Earth Day! I live in a very small town that has yet to even care about recycling or helping Mother Earth.
I had saved a bunch of old batteries and when I called to find out how to dispose of them, I was told to "just throw them away."
NOT the right answer. Maybe one of these days they will catch on.
Now, a few potty musings...
I always thought that once my kids grew up I just might be able to use the bathroom alone... I was wrong. I find that cats and a puppy are just as bad as my children ever were. I can't close the door without some one having a fit, meowing, barking, scratching at the door that some how once closed must mean that there's a party of the century going on inside the bathroom. I imagine they have visions of fresh tuna and fillet mignon being served and they must surely be missing out.
At least that would explain their behavior and the little paws reaching pitifully and pathetically under the door.
Last but not least. Have you ever been so tired that you get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, not remembering that you have done so, sit yourself down, and fall asleep on the toilet? Only to fall so deeply asleep that the next thing you know you are falling, taking a header off of said toilet, being glad that there was a rug and towel on the floor to help break your fall?
Ummmmmm.... yeah, me neither.....
BIG HUGS, Steph
April 20 Another week starting...Last week was difficult. We had Mary Ann's Memorial.
They had a wonderful slide show of her life. Pictures of her as a little girl, growing up, a beautiful bride, loving mother, proud grandma, and even photos of her with her family during the last days of her life.
After the music and reverend/pastor spoke, they opened it up to anyone who wanted to get up and say something.
Public speaking has never bothered me, but, I knew I was going to cry, and told them so beforehand.
When I first met her the thing I noticed was how very kind and genuine she was. She always made me feel loved and accepted for who I was (which is something I strive for with my family and friends).
I told about our trip to California, how with both of us loving thrift shops and antique stores, that every time we would stop for a break, we would hit at least one shop or store of the area. If I had been with anyone else, they would not have enjoyed that like we did.
We took turns driving and talking (about crazy Italian families, and dealing with growing up in one).
I had a wonderful time, and even got to meet some of her family (Her sister Cookie, brother-in-law Ron, her daughter Sandy and her children.) I liked them all very much.
I said that I knew how much she loved her family, and her husband Daryl. How they were meant to be together, each complimenting the other.
When they were first married, and would have an argument, she was used to yelling, screaming, (the way her parents did, the way MY parents do). Darryl would quietly walk away and come back later when she was calm and then discuss things. She learned that he was not going to argue/fight with her that way, and from that she learned patience, understanding and a better way to communicate.
He was the calm in her storm. They were together for 49 years, a true loving team.
She loved the Lord, and would always strive to be closer to him.
To me and all those who knew her she was a wonderful example of Christian love and charity. She served others, even when she was sick and in pain. While doing so, she never, ever made anyone feel like they were a burden.
One woman told that even in her last days on earth, they called to go visit her, and arrived to find she had made a special dinner for them all.
Her granddaughter spoke about her (and made me cry). Her husband spoke and told how grateful he was to have had 49 years with her. He told that she had a rough childhood and how her finding the Lord had helped her find and receive the gift of giving/serving others.
Her daughter, Sandy spoke, her other daughter Suzie sent an email (she was able to be here and spend time with Mary Ann before she died, but had to get back to Alabama).
Her letter made even the pastor cry.
The memorial was not only a tribute to Mary Ann, but, she wanted it to be a "preaching of the word" because her faith in the Lord was so strong, she wanted to share it with everyone.
After we all got together for a meal that Mary Ann had planned. I sat with old friends and other friends who knew her and we had a great time talking and reminding each other of different stories and things that she had done.
She made you feel special, loved and accepted.
I believe it's only her body that's been left behind and that she's with Christ, but, I still miss her.
I hope to strive to be more like her, and to be a better friend and influence on those around me.
On a different note, I was asked why "hubby" was upset that I won the Nintendo Wii... it was because if he had won it, he would have not let anyone else use it, because it was HIS. This way since I won with my name, everyone gets to play it. lol
Now, for some comedy. Jade found this and I love, love, LOVE it! Who knew Engineers could be so funny and sexy! lol Enjoy....
BIG HUGS, Steph
April 15 Tax Day!Happy, "Your taxes are due and I hope you are getting a refund instead of owing, Tax Day."
Mine have been done for a long time. I know I'm going to get in trouble for saying this, but I enjoy doing my taxes. In fact I do a lot of my friend's and family's taxes too.
I know, I know, I'm weird. lol
My old buddy, Bob, loves country western music... this song playing is for him...
Well it is country! BIG HUGS, Steph April 12 Happy Spring thoughtsI am sick to death of sickness and death. Losing loved ones and friends is never easy, I just wish it hadn't been so often and close to each other.
My dear friend Mary Ann died last week. She's been fighting cancer, and the last time we visited, I asked what I could do. She told me that she was ready to go home, and to pray for God to take her. I know she's happy and no longer in pain, but the selfish part of me misses her and is feeling sorry for myself.
I could go on, there are more deaths, and serious illnesses in the family and among friends, but I'm not going to.
I hereby forbid any of you from getting sick and or dying. There now, you don't want to upset me, so, you all have to stay healthy and alive! lol
I'm trying to focus on the positive. Hence the goofy music I'll be playing on here. I hope that no one will be offended, especially by Monday's song of "Mama's got her boobs out."
Sooooo.... Today is gorgeous and should get up to 65 degrees!
Yesterday I got a phone call from my bank. I won a Nintendo Wii! My hubby is pissed because he was the one that put my name in, (after he put his in) but I won. lol
I see all kinds of bulbs and flowers getting ready to bloom.
My children are all healthy and happy.
I live in a beautiful world with friends that are even more beautiful, wonderful and loving.
Please add to my list, and tell me something positive, fun or funny. Laughter is the BEST!
BIG HUGS, Steph April 09 What the heck?I woke up this morning to SNOW on the ground!
SNOW in April? What the heck?
I blame Jane...
BIG HUGS, Steph
 MySpace Graphics April 05 Santa Rosa, San Jose, Spring BreakThis year's spring break trip was fun and sad at the same time.
My youngest daughter and I flew to San Jose, CA. rented a car and drove up to Santa Rosa. We spent most of the week with my younger son, his girl friend and their little guy, Gauge.
For those who don't know, Gauge was born 4 months early and weighed in at 1lb. He truly is a miracle baby, who's here because of God, the many prayers and faith of wonderful people all over my real world and my blog world. As you can see, he's doing great! He still has to be on oxygen at night, but, that's about it. We are blessed. He's a fantastic baby, and was fun to take care of.
I was a naughty grandma and let him really have fun at dinner times, as you can see by the photos.
Santa Rosa was in the 60's and 70's. I was running around with short sleeves and people were asking, "Aren't you cold?" lol Heck, that's sunbathing weather!
I had fun hitting some Nurseries, (bought myself a new Bay tree), and with GPS in the rental car, took advantage of just seeing the area.
When I lived in Yakima, WA, there were orchards and vineyards. I didn't realize how much I've missed them until you see those beautiful rolling hills and the gorgeous vineyards.
Every where you look it's green, lush and beautiful.
Charles Shulz, who drew the 'Charlie Brown' comics, lived in Santa Rosa. After his death they opened a Museum, and a huge ice rink. I convinced my daughter to come with me to the museum. She was bored to death, but, at least she can say she's been there. lol
We hit Chinatown in San Fran. Did some shopping, and had dinner. It's one of my favorite places. After dinner we drove to a little Italian deli/bakery that has THE best desserts.
I drove back to San Jose to spend the last few days of vacation with my father. He had been there taking care of his oldest brother, my Uncle John.
Uncle John died quietly in his sleep. He didn't want a big funeral and is buried in the family graveyard, which is near the bottom of where the family ranch used to be.
It's sad to think that of the 6 children in the family, 3 are left. My father is the youngest. It is always an eye opener that when you die, you leave behind everything earthly, and your loved ones are left with memories and deciding what to do with the things in this life that were important to you.
There was some scandal. The Philippine woman who was a live-in care giver, convinced him to change lawyers and his will towards the end, when he was not quite all there. She had herself put in the will for 1/4 of everything (which is a lot) and if one of my other aunts hadn't been around as much as she was, she would have married him, thus taking everything.
This woman then tells my father that she was not only John's caregiver but was taking care of him sexually as well...
What kind of person does things like this and then tells the person's family member?
Needless to say, shit hit the fan.
People and greed... it's not something I hope I ever have to deal with, or feel.
While we were in the area, my dad took us around and showed us the places of his childhood, (and some of mine). Then he showed us the property that was owned by the family.
The first place he bucked hay, his first girlfriend's family home, etc.
I showed my daughter the place where the ranch house used to be, and the drive way, hills and eucalyptus trees, that my brother and I would play on. I showed her, Olivera Egg Ranch. My Grandmother's family owns it. I remember going there as a child to see cousins.
I found a brick from the old chimney, and brought it home with me. I got some funny looks at the airport. They finally had me check it through (it was too close to a weapon.)
It was fun to be able to show my daughter a bit of my past. Because of my father and mother's tendency to move constantly, I'm not usually able to do that.
Enough of my rambling. The weather was great, the people were all very nice, I had wonderful visits with my aunts and uncles, and enjoyed the whole trip. BIG HUGS, Steph
Either way, I'm a happy camper. April 02 Back from Spring BreakHi, I'm back. My daughter, Lisa and I got to spend most of the week with lil (getting bigger) Gauge. It was lots of fun! I'll blog about the trip, and add pictures later. Right now I'm pooped.
We ended up flying and renting a car. The crazy lady at Hertz tried everything she could to get me to upgrade etc, but, the best thing she did talk me into was GPS... I could kiss who ever came up with that!
I drove all over the place, never got lost or worried if I had taken the wrong exit.
I found out that while I was gone, I missed my oldest daughter's first proposal of marriage... He's a young rascal, out to break a few hearts I'm sure. (He's one of the 4yr old twin brothers of a friend of hers.) It seems that Gabe is quite taken with her and proposed at their last softball game...
All went well. Talk to you soon. BIG HUGS, Steph
PS, Dragonboy has a post where he says he's craving some 80's music. He posted, Toto's "Africa", which reminded me that I liked Toto. So, my music is Toto, "Hold the Line." |
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