My Dog Nassau

Nassau is a mixed poodle. He weighs about eight pounds and he is a very intelligent little dog. Nassau is 13 years old, but everyone that sees him for the first time think he is a precious little puppy. I believe he likes to be treated as if he's younger than he is. Nassau is such a lovable creature, too. For the past week, he has been mourning for his friend Buddy, who passed away the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, 2007. Buddy was an 80-pound Labrador Retriever.

It did not matter that the two dogs were so different in size, age, or breed. They were friendly and considerate of each other until the end of Buddy's life. Nassau cried and refused to eat for at least a week. We were afraid for his life as well. Now, for the first time in 13 years, Nassau is alone in our backyard. I make sure I spend more time with Nassau now. I talk to him more, and I try to run and romp with him regularly. He seems to be coming around slowly.

This morning Nassau ate his breakfast fairly good. He did not stay in his dog house as if he's shielding himself from the world. He came out and played with me and he also played and wagged his tail with Hubby. We were estatic to see Nassau in such positive spirits. I think from this point on, he will be ok. We miss Buddy, too. He was a great friend to us, as well.


Nassau and Buddy ate and shared their food. Sometimes we watched them as they let each other eat from their bowls. Although they each had their own dog house, they insisted on sharing just one of the houses. They were different from humans, but we could have learned many lessons from Nassau and Buddy in having and being true friends.

Day of Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving Day, 2007. We have much to be grateful for. I have access to many nutritious foods. I can entertain myself in a variety of ways; reading books and newspapers or magazines, watching TV, using the internet for multiple purposes; talking on the 'phone with family and friends.

I have vehicles to ride in, I can walk a fairly good distance at a time, I can walk over to some friends in the neighborhood's homes. I am grateful for all these things and many more. I certainly do not take life for granted. Sometimes it can be really difficult. But if you continue to show thanks and gratefulness, everything will eventually become easier for you.

Being in a thankful and a joyous mood continously takes much practice, but in the end, it is so beneficial. It's a plus for the nervous system. It keeps anxieties at bay when you remain calm and peaceful under trying circumstances. Let us all start on this Day of Thanksgiving, and let's make everyday a day of thankfulness.

Hibernation Time For Me!

The Holiday Season makes me feel like I should go into hiding and not show up again until everything is over. Or maybe I'll just attempt to ignore this season and pretend nothing is going on. Of course, one can't help notice the decorations in all the stores, the hurried (or worried) look in the shoppers' faces.

Gift counters bulging to the hilt. Extra confections abound this time of the year. I'm starting to receive Christmas Cards already. Thanksgiving haven't come and gone yet.The house needs to be thoroughly cleaned, gifts to be chosen, cookies to be baked, etc. It's definitely time to hide away 'til all of this is over. This is certainly a stressful time for me. I truly like the Holidays, but I don't cope with so much going-ons too well.

I will survive, though. I will make one step at a time. I promise myself not to become overwhelmed this year. Maybe I won't have to hole up in a cave. If I utilize my organizational skills, I'll get everything done, with time to spare. Instead of corking out, I'll make it a point to enjoy the small special things about the Holidays; listening to the beautiful seasonal music, attuning in to the sights, smells, and all things that are so unique and special about the Holiday Season. This year will be the very best yet!

Fall Is Approaching!

Fall is coming at us fast! The wind is blowing around twenty-five miles per hour and is packing quite a chill with it. The gorgeously, colorful leaves are coming off the trees, pronto! I love this time of year. Things sort of come to a screeching halt. The summer activities are over for now and life is in slow motion.

Nature's color show will go on for a few weeks more before winter sets in. Then it's out with the blankets, thermals, coats and sweaters. Hot cereals and apple cider by a roaring fire will become the norm for a couple of months. Much cooking and baking of favorite recipes will take place. The kitchen premeates with wonderful aromas.

This is the perfect time to kick back for awhile, enjoy the season, and do absolutely nothing for a few days before the Holidays arrive. Relax yourself!

Eating Apples

I am now eating apples every day as a healthful addition to my daily regimen. I have heard since childhood that an apple a day helps to keep "the doctor away". Since I experienced a nasty fall in the bathtub almost ten months ago, and I have been out of sorts ever since, I decided to go with eating apples every day. That may be just the boost I'm looking for.

I personally favor the crisp, aromatic Gala Apple. These are a pale pink in color and the taste is pleasing to the palate. I also like the Golden Delicious Apple and the Mountain Apple. The Mountain Apple has a strong resemblence to the Golden Delicious Apple. There is a Red and a Green variety. I prefer the Green one. I have been on this path of eating an apple every day now for about two weeks.

I also like to eat applesauce when I am too lazy to do so much chewing and crunching, but applesauce doesn't have the fiber content of the fresh apples. Apples are such a versatile food. Tarts, pies, streudels, cakes, etc. With the Holidays upon us, I must be so careful to stay faithful to my apple eating regimen. I can't wait to see and feel the results a few months from now. The Victory should be sweet.

Nail Biting

I'm a compulsive nail biter! It has been a lifelong struggle for me to keep teeth from fingernails. I experiment with many methods to break this unwholesome habit for good. I paint my nails constantly; sometimes with two or three different shades of polish. I feel the thick layers of paint will be a deterrant from the biting. It does help, but not nearly enough for me to consider it a victory yet.

Now that I'm more in tune to the actually biting of nails, it has started to become a subconscious act. I sometimes do the bodily damage while I'm asleep! I don't realize that I have bitten off a fingernail; layers of paint and all until I feel the particle between my teeth and I taste the polish in my mouth. What to do now? I probably need to go into deep daily meditation to try and combat the nail biting while in a sleep-state.

Nail biting is definitely a form of self-abuse. Also, it is an infectious spreading habit. Throughout my life, I never gave it much thought. I knew it was an unhealthy and embarrassing habit, but I felt helpless to attempt to conquer it. Now, I'm on the warpath. I won't stop until there's an end to this demeaning habit!

Women Laborers

Women, working out of necessity, performing jobs that were once in an all -male dominated workplace, has, to some degree, been unfairly labeled as lesbians. These rumors can be very embarassing and also damaging. Women in a male dominated workplace have enough injustices to cope with; less pay, no extra gender allowances or priviledges are given to them.

Driving eight wheeler trucks, operating mowing tractors, cranes, to name a few unlikely positions for women. But, they have to live, feed, and shelter themselves and their children. Many of these females are single parents. They are doing all they can to stay afloat. Maybe in some cases, the males feel threatened in regards to their positions.

Truly there's enough work for us all. No need to resort to name-calling pettiness. If some of those same males that place negative labels on female workers would be willing to carry more of their weight at home, and do the right and honorable things for their families, more of the women could become stay-at-home moms.

Porch Gatherings

There isn't many simple pleasures to match sitting on the porch. This is the ultimate porch-sitting weather. We have many pleasant chats on the porch. Sometimes we decide to have our meals out there. Oh, we don't have a fancy porch with all the amenities, but the porch suits our simple needs. I listen to my favorite music out there on the portable DVD/CD player. I also like to watch cartoon features and comedies.

We do bird and squirrel watching; we watch the cars go by, etc. Most of all we relax and enjoy being close to nature. We have pulled off some serious napping while sitting on that porch. At times, I don't realize I had fallen asleep until I awake and stare at the clock, and it becomes obvious that an hour or more has slipped by.

I work crossword puzzles, wordsearch, read, and converse right on that porch. Porch-sitting goes way back as a necessary pleasure. A few generations back, my Mom and her Mom were
prone to utilize the porch practically every day. They peeled bushels of peaches, tomatoes, picked and shelled peas and beans in preparation for canning them. All the while we worked, we sang songs, or if we came across a juicy bit of gossip, well, then, we indulged in that, too.
Porches are fun and also very functional. They do take away some of the wear and tear from the home. When many of our family and friends come by for a visit, we can't get them any farther than the porch. Everyone and everything stops there!

Feeling Some Better

I'm grateful to say I'm feeling some better these days. To say I've been out of gear is an understatement. Extreme headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, etc. I try to exercise faith in our Health System, but when I visit each and every "Specialist" that I even remotely feel should be able to help me to feel better, but they can't, then I definitely lose hope.

Only through prayer, fasting, meditation, proper rest, and hygiene; eating a wholesome diet, and then we can hope for the very best. If you have strength in the body and mind at all, try to stay busy. Complete a small project every day. Do crafts or learn something new. Try something different; off the beaten path. Bake cookies, fudge, or make assorted candies.

Try a hand at sketching. Choose a subject that 's all around such as trees, flowers,birds, cars, etc. Who knows? Inspiration may spring like sunshine bursting forth on a dreary day. If we never put forth the effort, we'll never know what we're capable of. Go for it!

Australia

Wishful thinking regarding a vacation ; I would head off to the 'Land Down Under'. I 'm sure I would enjoy seeing the cute, chubby Koala Bears, the Kangaroo and her babies, and also, maybe the Tasmanian Devil.

Australia is the smallest Continent in land mass. The climate varies greatly, not on a whole subjected to extremes of weather. Australia is home to many species of plants not found anywhere else. Australia is also heavily forested in and around the NE Belt. The Golden Waddle has been chosen as the national flower.

I'm sure I wold enjoy the primitive-egg laying mammals. They are most abundant in Australia. Most of the native mammals are marsupals. Most of the young are nourished in the abdominal pouch. Of course, the best known marsupial is the kangaroo, in which there are about fifty species.

There are wonderful bed and baths if you wish to make your visit sort of low key. There definitely is something for everyone in Australia. One day I shall visit Australia.

Visiting the Nursing Home

My sister has been a resident of a local Nursing Home for almost two years now. She had been ill for years before she suffered a life-threatening incident. For two months, my sister was unconscious before being transferred from the Trauma Unit to the Nursing Home. She is fortunate in being in a Facility that is concerned for all aspects of her well-being.

The Dietician sees that my sister has the types of foods that she can tolerate in her condition. If a food product is not agreeable, it is taken from her diet. The Medical Team dispenses medications on time; the Physical Therapist makes sure my sister goes through the treatments that she needs to prevent stiffness and immobility. The Recreational Therapist visits regularly. She is such a joy when she comes around. Always kidding around with my sister, and all of her patients. My Nursing Home visits are so tramatic for me. I still, in my mind, see my sister as she always was in her pre-sick days; vibrant, mischevious, so full of life. It is important to see her being cared for so lovingly and unselfishly. Life takes on some dramatic twists and turns and we can never foresee them until they actually transpire. When I visit, I smile at every patient I come in contact with. I also pray for them inwardly. They are all so precious. We never know when and if we'll be taking their place. Only time will tell.

Things Are Moving/Major Surgery

From my hospital window I can see
Things that are moving all around me
Planes are flying in the sky Clouds are moving, why can't I?

Even the leaves are drifting by
The birds, the breezes are all passing by
Why, O, why can't I also fly?

After Major Surgery

The Doctor wanted to know
'Who helped you up from the bed, and put you in the chair?
Surely you couldn't do it alone, did you have help getting there?

I gave him such a puzzled look, for even he should have known
I never could have gotten up and sat there on my own!
I raised my eyes toward the sky to let that Doctor see
That God Himself had helped me up
And He will forever help and bless me!

Hitting The Dirt

When I have life's pressures nagging at me, I hit the dirt. Digging in the flowers, planting, prunning, replanting, etc, always give me much peace of mind. I let the dirt and plants consume and control my mind for the duration of my time outside in the flower beds. I don't have a large garden to maintain, but the small space I do keep up is worth so much towards my well-being.

The effort never goes wasted when toiling in the dirt. There is so much satisfaction to be gained from the experience. Dirty hands, dirt embedded under the fingernails, smudged cheeks and forehead; they are all part of the overall calm and good feeling.

I tune everything else out; ringing phones, messages being played, the time, everything. When I'm finished with the tasks I've laid out for myself to accomplish, I am always pleasantly surprised how the day has already flown by. The greatest joy of all in hitting the dirt once in a while is that when taking a stroll about the yard, I can see and enjoy the fruits of my labor, over and over again.

A Career Woman

Great-Aunt was an insurance writer and collector of payments. She worked for a southern insurance company in the 1940's and 1950's. I started to ride with Great-Aunt when I was about five years old or so. She serviced a rural route. Sometimes we rode for many miles around winding and hilly dirt roads before we saw a house.

I remember her driving a Pontiac. At this time, I haven't an idea what year or model the pontiac was, but it had to be a dependable car. I never recall it running hot or breaking down. My Great-Aunt had a funny habit of talking to "Girley", as she called her car. When the car was slow climbing a hill, she would say something like, "Come on, Girley! Good girl! You can do it. You can get up this hill!" Up the hill Girley would go. She would make it to the next house and the next.

The clients seemed to look forward to Great-Aunt's business calls. They usually turned into social calls. Food would be served. Most folks back then sometimes had home-made cakes and pies on hand especially for visitors. They would make fresh lemonade with huge chunks of ice chopped from a large block.

I remember once the client's family and neighbors were slaughtering a hog, and they asked us to stay awhile. Maybe forty-five minutes or so later, we were having biscuits, brown gravy, and the tenderest pieces pork, all cooked to perfection. What a feast that was! We didn't get food everyday on the insurance route, but when we did, that was such a treat for us.

Keeping Pounds Off!

Keeping the pounds off is hard work and dedication at first. Determination factors heavily in this equation. I lost several pounds in the last few months. My goal now is striving to keep it off and to also lose maybe fifteen pounds more.

I don't find losing weight that difficult at all. Trying to maintain the loss is the real test here. That is where determination factors in. When I am craving donuts, I determine to eat an apple instead. I always want to eat chocolate in some form, but I'm determined to substitute it with prunes or grapes or some other fruit.

Exercise is not high on my list of things to do, but I'm determined to do some walking everyday.
Even if I walk a few times around my yard, I feel as though I've accomplished something. Besides working to keep the unwanted pounds off, I'm determined to lose these fifteen pounds before the end of the year.

In getting ahead of the end -of- the -year fiasco, with all of that Resolution Hype, hopefully the loss of my fifteen pounds will be history. I'll look neater in the clothes I choose to wear, and I will definitely feel better about myself. An added incenitive; my hypertension and cholestrol should improve tremendously.

Women and Professions

Great-Grandma Mamie was a mid-wife in rural South Carolina in the 1930's, '40's, and the 1950's. She probably served an area of a thirty mile radius from her home. Great Grandma did not drive to see her patients, but her daughter, who was, at that time, an Insurance Underwriter, would often drop Great Grandma to her charges. Many of the families who were expecting another child, had several children already. Great Grandma usually prepared to stay two to three nights with the families. She not only delivered babies, but cooked nourishing meals, taught the adults and the children how to use proper hygiene, clean their homes, etc.

In those times when we all survived without running water, air conditioning, instant heating systems, electric lights with the flick of a switch,etc. Great Grandma taught me, right along with her patients, when my mother let me tag along with her on many of her rounds.

I learned to work in the other part of the house. Great Grandma and the mother-to-be would be in the largest bedroom with the door closed. She would set me up in the kitchen, either to wash dishes in the dishpan, or sometimes shelling beans or peas to start supper for the family.

Usually, late in the evening, or even sometimes later on in the night, we all would hear the new addition wailing her/his head off. We would all start to jump for joy. After some time passes, Great Grandma would emerge from the room, exhausted, but excited and happy. Another life is beginning!

The Tunnel of Life

Life is sometimes characterized as a long and dark tunnel, with many mysterious twists and turns. The tunnel ought to be straight as an arrow, then we could easily maneuver towards the clear and bright lights. The tunnel of life is never as we yearns it to be. Sometimes we can barely crawl through; things can get tight. Other times we can practically glide through the tunnel of life. Everything's going swell for a short time. Enjoy those special gems!

However difficult, we must keep moving on, ever moving toward the light. It is toward this light that we find our source of inspiration to stay focused. Never giving in to defeat, setbacks, or despair means we are constantly inching forward. When mistakes are made, we correct them. when injustices are done, we fix them to the best of our ability, and learn to forgive.

We strive daily to search for the energizing light. It is the center of our being. We settle for nothing less than the powerfully charged, vibrantly clear light at the end of the tunnel. When we come to the end of this life's tunnel, we are free to step into the next portal of existance. What surprises and delights we shall encounter!

A Stolen Relationship

My mother and I were always closely connected in many ways. After having three sons consecutively, I came along, presenting myself as Mom's first daughter. She eventually gave birth to three more daughters and two more sons; nine of us altogether. As I grew older,
Mom used to talk to me all the time. She told me her troubles, her joys, sorrows, her concerns for her family.

I was still really young when Mom first started to pour her heart out to me . I rarely answered her, and I'm sure now she either did not expect me to, or she just needed me to listen to her. I imagine this is one of the reasons why I believe I am such a good listener, even now. Sometimes Mom would start to tell me something, and then she would burst into tears. During those sad times,I would find myself crying, too. I'm sure Mom was heavily burdened then.

All of my grown-up years, and even when I married and had children of my own, Mom and I were still firmly connected in our spirits. When I would be thinking hard about her, she mostly would call me, or I would call her. We stayed close like that until she suffered a major stroke.

Things changed rapidly with our relationship then. Mom sometimes seemed to despise me. She never appeared happy or satisfied with anything I said or did for her. I was so hurt at first. I then came to realize that the illness was at fault, and that this was how things were to be. The illness truly had stolen our precious relationship. Just before Mom passed away, she still seemed bitter towards me, and I was so hurt. Time and prayer have dissolved those hurts and disappointments. Great love has replaced all ill-will. Mom was not responsible; the illness tried to win. In the end, it did not suceed. Love prevailed! I love you, Mom!

Chocolate: The Ultimate Passion

I love Chocolate! There is never enough chocolate for me. I don't indulge in it like I want to because of health issues. I constantly think of ways to enjoy eating chocolate without the added calories and weight that goes along with over-consumption. I dare not make double chocolate, homemade brownies. I can't stop at having just one serving; left to my own doings, I would eat the whole batch!

I make an attempt to treat myself to a small serving of chocolate Moose Tracks ice cream occasionally, but that little venture usually fizzles out because I can't stop at the required serving. I rationalize with myself to purchase mini pieces of individual varieties of chocolate. Of course, that doesn't work. I can't seem to manage one or two pieces. What's a Chocoholic to do?

Nevertheless, chocolate is one of the great passions in my life. There are so many varieties, flavors, and textures. Plain milk chocolate, milk chocolate with hazel, almonds,cashews, macadamia nuts, etc. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, with dried friuts, cremes, caramels, nougats, etc. The list goes on and on. So, tell me: What's not to love about Chocolate?















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What a Difference a Day Makes

Yesterday, we were sweltering in 100 degree heat! A light drizzle visited our area late in the afternoon. Now, the temps are somewhere in the low 80's for today. What a difference a day makes. I am enjoying this sudden change already. I can relax on the screened-in porch this morning and again this afternoon. I can get more birdwatching activities in, also.

Many of the species that frequent this area will soon be heading farther South. We'll miss them, for sure. The small Bluebirds, the Red Cardinals,the Hummingbirds; all make for some interesting sights and conversations, indeed. We watch as the Mockingbird try to keep all the other birds under his control. They definitely have a mean streak.

The Hummingbirds also are argumentative with each other. We have two feeders and at times, one tiny bird will try to commandeer both feeders rather than let another bird feed along with him! We say "Share alike, won't you?" The fighting goes on until even they're tired of it.

We know Nature is in control, and there's always enough food out there for all of the little creatures. When the Birds leave the area, we look forward to another visit this coming Spring.

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

There was so much going on in my life leading up to, and during September, 2001. The day before the World Trade Centers were attacked, we had just been through a most stressing day. Due to an accident my husband had gone through at his place of employment a few months earlier, we were appointed to court for the deposition in Charleston, SC. That erupted into quite an ugly scene. But with much faith and prayer, we preservered.

When I arrived at work the next morning, September 11, 2001, my Manager asked me if I knew what was going on at that moment. Of course, I said no. She then said, "Come to the Television"! I was right on time to see a plane crash into the second Tower. I couldn't, at that moment, comprend what was happening. It all seemed so surreal.

We had lived in New York for about 32 years, and I'm still very much attached to the city. Also, we have many family members that still call New York home. I started to cry as we watched the horrific events unfold on TV. I carried a terrible headache for several days after that. Nothing could have prepared any of us for what happened that day.

We all should have learned some very valuable lessons: Life is uncertain; make the most of it. Love each other every chance we get. Embrace and cherish family and friends. They are more precious than we realize and know.

Parents, Kids and Profanity

When my youngest daughter was still sitting in her high chair; she must have been about eighteen months (18) old, she used the F----- word to a family friend. He was in her face using "baby talk" to her. I would guess at that point she didn't appreciate it and she was letting him know as verbally as she knew how at her age.

The young man started to laugh at her, but I interceded. To my thinking, laughter would have been an approval. I said to my daughter "No, you can't say that! That is an ugly word. Don't ever use it again!" My little precious baby started to cry. Then she in turn said to me "Well, Mom, you says that word! So, Why can't I?" Daddy says that, too!"

I then and there let my child know that even Mommies and Daddies can be wrong about many things. That certainly was one of them! The 'Profanity' episode opened my eyes that evening. We are our children's first teachers and role models. We must be careful of what we say and do
in their presence. I realized that cursing and profanity are indeed rude and ugly. I prayed and trained myself to think before I speak.

I must say, at this point, more than thirty years have gone by, and I don't take the occasion to
use profanity. Now that daughter is 30 years old,and sometimes she'll call me to say, "Mom, I said a naughty word out of anger. Iknow it is wrong to do that! I'll be more careful next time!

A Hint of Autumn

The mornings are cooler, quieter. It is still dusk dark when I awake at about 6:50 AM most mornings. I splash my face and eyes with cold water, wash my hands, dress hurriedly, and head out the door. The Hummingbirds have all but disappeared. I miss them already. They are so tiny, but so full of life! They are probably on their way to Cancun, Mexico, or some other exotic locale for the winter months.

My dogs were always jealous when I was communicating with the birds and not to them. They always wanted to be the center of my universe. Now that the cool weather is almost upon us, the dogs and I shall feel freer to just exist and to become truly alive.

Going for walks in the early mornings, reading the Bible and the Newspapers, can all become rituals on these cool and wonderful mornings with gorgeous sunsets as added bonuses. Become a morning person. If you are a retiree, you can easily arrange for a nap later in the day.

Grandchildren

Grandchildren are Heaven sent! I am the proud grandparent of two precious little ones. My regret is that I don't live close to them. Although technology allows us to be virtually with them every day, that is still not the same thing as caring for them, holding them and sharing laughs, tears, small and large mishaps and triumphs.

Our granddaughter, who's seven years old, reads to me over the phone maybe two or three times a week. I always says to her, "If you can't pronounce a word, just spell it out loud; we'll figure it out together." We've been doing this now for about three years. I can truly say now she is quite a reader and speller!

Our grandson is seven months old and he's quite the comedian already. He knows how to recognize funny situations. He laughs heartily at his family when they are caught up in some
compromising endeavors. He is a wonderful little tyke; he is blessed to have the love of capable and awesome parents, and a loving, doting big sister.

Hot Days and Cool Lemonade

Nothing quite says 'Summer, Boy is it hot!' like a cool, frosty glass of sweetened just-right lemonade. I will walk a mile in 90 degree heat for it. Sipping the precious sweet with a sour edge brings to mind mile-high waves lapping on a far away shore; with palm trees swaying provocatively in the shadows.

The closer one gets to emptying the glass of lemonade,the farther the palm trees seem to be fading away. The imaginary breezes, the droplets of a cool mist spraying down on you,all seem to diminish as the delicious contents of the glass is depleted.

The cycle has to begin again. A tall, frosty glass of lemonade to hype away the heat and evoke images of mile-high waves lapping on a far away shore; with palm trees swaying provocatively in the shadows; while droplets of a cool mist spray all around and down on you!

Family Reunions

For families to get together to celebrate life with each other, and to have the generations come to meet in mutual respect, is so beautiful , wonderful, and rewarding; there was such an event this Labor Day Weekend.

I am blessed in meeting so many unknown cousins and other distant relatives. We acknowledged the very young and the very old. Much fun was had by all. Some of the guests traveled a long way to mingle with our clan.

We are already in the planning stages for another 'meet and greet' in 2008. We are aiming for bigger and better options each time we meet. Along the way, the Elder members try to encourage the younger generation to carry on the traditions that we are establishing along the way.

The Sandwich Generation

My Mom suffered a debilitating stroke in 1990. I was residing in New York at the time. My husband and I were raising our youngest daughter. We had sufficient income from our jobs and we were living comfortable.

Suddenly we were making plans to resign from our jobs and relocate in South Carolina to help the family with Mom . We thought Mom would be more cooperative because of all our efforts in trying to help her in her time of distress. Battling with dementia, and many other complications, Mom became really difficult to care for.

Being out of work, my husband, daughter, and I depleted our meager savings in a short period of time. We had to find employment, and fast! We found work, but the pay was insufficient. With God's help, we made things work. Caring for self, Mom, Hubby, and dealing with a preteen was difficult, to put it mildly.

Many families are caught up between generations, trying to do the very best for all involved. We did our best. At times, nothing seemed to work. but in the end, all is well.

Morning Glories Climbing on an Old Rustic Fence Next To A Compost Pile

Morning Glories

Simpler Times
Blue Morning Glories cling to an old rustic fence
A visible throwback to the simpler times of life
I recalled seeing these beauties as school would start
in September after Labor Day, the last summer holiday

I still love gawking at these morning blossoms
They bloom early, and are closed until the next morning
The philosophy of viewing the Morning Glories must
be taken as the 'early bird' gets the worm.

We must be out and about real early! Many treasures are to
be seen and cherished.

Will Wars Ever End?

Will wars as we know them ever end? Will there EVER be complete peace on the face of the Earth? There is so much beauty here. The ravages of wars are so profound; on human lives, emotions,the landscape,etc.

Wars should be avoided at any and all costs. Man wasn't placed upon the earth to destroy each other. They are here to find common ground with each other. Embrace our differences and/or learn life-changing lessons from each other.

There never was to be little I's and BIG U's. In the sight of The Creator, we are 'all or none at all'. I'm very proud of all participants of the Peace-keepers of all wars. What unselfishness and sacrifice! These are truly special persons.

The Glorious Rose

The Beauty of a Rose

Admidst an oasis of grass and debris
The Rose is suddenly there
I stood in awe, but for a moment
My senses were made aware

The Rose, with its unmatched Beauty
Has a Presence all its own
It presides there in all its glory
Like a Queen upon Her Throne

And in all Her Grand Finale
The Rose fades suddenly away

My Pets

My dogs are special! Buddy, for example, thinks he can sing! Whenever I say " Bud, sing a song for me!' he throws his head back, and, when those sounds come out, well, anyway, I call it singing! Buddy puts all of himself into whatever he's doing at the time.

Buddy is about 80 pounds of pure love and devotion. He really and truly lives up to his name, "Buddy."

ramblinon-mamie96

Things are going quite well today. My Hummingbirds are feeding right along. They are so argumentive! I never realized until this year, when I really took the time to observe them for hours at a time that Hummingbirds fight as much as they feed! Such combatitive creatures for the sheer size of them. So far, I've only noticed three varieties; amongst them being the Ruby-Throated.

Hubby and I clean and change their feeders at least three times a week. They add so much simple pleasure to our lives! I believe in a few weeks the Hummingbirds will migrate further south for the winter months. We'll miss them, of course. We still have our two dogs..................