GOT A MINUTE OR TWO

  One of the blessings of the trip to see my sister, was stopping at our favorite fruit stand and bring home delicious, peaches, apricots, plums and strawberries.  There is a bakery called Old Tyme Pastries that sells "Squaw" bread.  I've never found it anywhere else.  So, I brought home a loaf, and it was the perfect toast for this country breakfast.  It's a rich brown, nutty, sweet dense bread...to die for!!  It brought back memories of living there for twenty-seven years and enjoying all the delicious fruits and vegetables.  We were joggers in those days and would run our 3 miles on the canal banks and grab a fresh peach off the tree and eat it while running, letting the juice run down to our elbows.  Oh, what sweet memories. UPDATE:  The problem with my dearest pacemaker was an old wire that had nothing to do with is current pacemaker/defibrillator.  They disconnected the old wire, and all is GOOD.   

  The other morning, we hear a "beep beep" and thought it was an Amber Alert on my phone.  Then my dearest said, "no, it's coming from me".  It was an "audio alert" put out by the pacemaker.  Called the doctor and he wanted him to go to ER, so our son Myk took him.  They were so busy and since it was not a heart attack, or blood...he waited for several hours in the waiting room.  Finally, they got him a room.  He hasn't had a hospital visit for some time and for that we are thankful.  After eleven hours in ER they determined he just needed his pacemaker re-calibrated.  He is at the doctor as I type this to have that done.  So, he's good to go...modern technology. He will be 89 in November, so every day is a gift. UPDATE:  That happened August 24th, and today it did it again, an audio alert.  Called the doctor and our daughter, Michel is taking him to the office as I type this update.  I was going to post this last week, bu...

  It was marvelous weekend with my sister, Donna. Turning 91is quite a milestone! She has health issues that anyone her age would but has a young attitude and is loving each day the Lord gives her. She has two sons, Scott who lives with her and is her caregiver, and Stewart, Scott's older brother who was killed when he was 30 in a work-related accident.  Her husband passed away a few years ago. We are so happy that Scott is single and able to take care of her. She has been the favorite Aunt of our children, and they love her like a mother.  She never missed a birthday and all but Jill who lives in Oregon was able to take me and celebrate her special day. Our son Myk, Aunt Donna, Scott, Julie and Michel. I love that my kids made the effort to make sure I was able to spend her 91st birthday with her.  A five-hour drive but enjoyed being with my children.

  I was calming sitting in my recliner when I felt eyes looking at me. We are the second story, and this guy was stopping for a peak before continuing up the tree to the roof (I guess). Since I had a bad experience with a mother possum nesting under the hood of my car with her six babies, I'm a little Leary of possums. We still wonder how long I was driving around with her and her family before we discovered her.  Animal Control took them in a sack up in the woods and let them out. Didn't know they were an endangered species.  I'm glad they didn't dispose of them.  The babies were rather cute, but mama was ready to fight for them. Our adult children and I will be traveling up North this weekend to celebrate my sister Donna's 91st birthday.  She is such a strong and lovely woman.  Been through a hard life in many ways, but she has the most beautiful attitude.  We are excited that she is well enough for a little celebration.  Up on Friday, back on S...

  It has been a long, long time since I posted anything, in fact July 11th. It's not because I didn't want too, but because life got in the way.  I had to decide where my priorities were and I just needed a break from blogging to get myself through several medical issues. I needed to remember I'm 85 not 60! HaHa   My body is ready to accept that, but my brain is kicking and screaming.  That said, I do plan to get back in the groove and even if it's not exciting news, I want to be in touch again with all of you.  I have visited you often but haven't left very many messages. The above picture was taken at Geezers Restaurant with my daughter after my appointment to get jell shots in both knees for arthritis.  One of my "issues".    Until next time!

I had the pleasure of attending a baby shower for a dear friend who has three little girls. Thank Heaven for little Boys.  Yeah, they get a boy.  Will he ever be loved by those big sisters.  It's so fun shopping for baby showers.  I added a cute pair of blue with white hearts PJs for Mama. Babies always get more than they can use before they outgrow it.   Since the theme of my blog is "B" today, I will share the kitchen towel my daughter gave me knowing my love of Butter!!! This is the motto of the French Chef I watch on YouTube ~ Pierre How do you feel about BUTTER?

+ We have a window ledge outside the front door.  I try to decorate it with the seasons.  The last time I was shopping I saw this Sunflower and thought it would look lovely on the ledge.  This can carry over to Fall. During the summer heat, we have been enjoying salads for dinner. This one is a combination of veggies and fruit on lettuce.  Topped off with boiled eggs, beets, shredded cheese and a few crackers. This one is very similar, but I added a little more protein with strips of leftover port roast, avocado, and cucumber slices.   Two other salads we enjoy are potato salad, and pasta salad.  What are your favorite summer salads.

  Since I'm still figuring out how to do things on my new computer, and since my original blog layout is messed up, I will use this lovely beach picture for my header until I figure it out.  I love this scene, as my heart has always loved the beach. We were fortunate to serve in a Missionary Church is Santa Barbara for six years.  Our youngest daughter Jill was born there.  The three older siblings were school age, so every morning when I would drop off the children at school, I would head to the beach. Put Jill under my sweatshirt and nurse her and she would fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Those are my treasured memories of Santa Barbara. Fast forward...... Jill as an adult, has always lived by the ocean, whether San Diego, Encinitas, or Brooking OR, she never lost the sound of those early waves.   I'm going to keep the picture as my header, but now you know the story behind it! picture/googleimages.com

  Wishing all my blogger friends a wonderful 250 Year Anniversary of our county.  God bless America and keep us true to Your WORD.

Our first great grandson, Issac just celebrated graduation from High School and off to college.   He is a very disciplined and devoted young man, proving it by getting a wrestling scholarship to USC San Francisco.  He will be leaving the nest soon, and we will all miss his sweet face and great personality.  Here he is with his awards, proving that he deserved the scholarship.  We will be praying for him as San Francisco would not be my first pick for him to live.  He also had an offer in Tennessee, but that would have but him so far from home. We are very proud of him, and praying God puts a hedge of protection around him, and that he will excel in the sport he loves.   

Being without a computer there is a lot of catching up to do.  Our daughter Jill and grandson Tristan were able to visit for a week in June to celebrate his 13th birthday and the graduation of our great grandson from High School. (I'll save that for another post)  Tristan is proving he is taller than Grandma.  Yes, at 13 he is taller and proving to be a great fisherman.  I've shared some of those pictues.  Our youngest daughter Jill and Tristan at the beach.  Aunt Michel took them shopping and to the beach and Uncle Myk took him bogie boarding.  They grow up so fast, and since they live in Oregon we don't get to see them that often. It wasn't so long ago, that grandpa was helping Tristan.  Now Tristan is helping grandpa to the car as we all went to church together.  That was a blessing. Jill and her Daddy.  Being the youngest she was always special, (ask her older siblings, HaHa) Also because she is the only one that got my "red hair"....

  It's quite amazing how much you miss blogging and visiting your friends when your computer dies and you lose your dashboard.  I felt so lost.  Reminded me how much we depend on technology.  I love the new computer, but I have much to learn, so bear with me as I learn how get my blog the way I want it. But for now, let me share a few pictures that I haven't been able to do.  My dearest and I celebrated 65 years of marriage on June 24th. It was a personal and private celebration since we had all been together with birthdays and graduations a couple weeks back.  We decided on lunch at Sizzler.  When the waitress found out it was our anniversary, she brought carrot cake and ice cream and took our picture.  This was my dessert before I knew we were going to get the special Anniversary dessert.   We took the carrot cake home and enjoyed it later. My dearest knows how to build a salad.  He was a happy camper. He is having his struggles, ...

  The suitcases are packed, the cookies and scones are in containers and we are ready for our roadtrip to Tucson.  I won't be posting for a week or so, but when we return I will be excited to share our trip to see friends for a lifetime.   Would appreciate your prayers for a safe journey.  Looking forward to lots of fun and laughter as the couple we are traveling with are so much fun.  Do you recognize me in the back seat?   HaHaHa

  I was looking at all the old posts I have done since I began blogging in 2007, almost 19 years ago.  My first blog title was "Brush Strokes from the Heart", as I was sharing all of my watercolors I was doing at the time. I was looking at my profile picture and said to myself, that's not me now.  I older, wiser and have a lot more wrinkles.  So this is me, happily growing older and embracing the years that show in my face and body. (no pictures of the body~~haha) I think it's important to embrace fully whatever age and stage you are in.  What a blessing to say God has graciously let me be married to the dearest 65 years this June.  To have raised four adult children and now loving and enjoying 14 grandchildren, 5 of them great grandchildren. I have also a history of loving and serving my Lord.  Raised in a Christian home.  I gave me life to the Lord at ten, and as I have aged physically, my desire would be that people have seen me grow spirituall...

  My dearest really loves his doctors, and I think Dr. Oang, our Primary is his favorite.  We've been under his care for 10 years, and he has been great in his knowledge and care and recommendations for specialists.  He takes time to listen, answers all our questions and has a delightful sense of humor.  On his last visit he ask Dr. O if he would take a picture with him.  He was very gracious. He calls Don his "Poster Child" as Don will do anything Dr. O says.  To bad I don't get the same reaction.  Just kidding.  I think my dearest looks really good in this picture.  We take it one day at a time, and listen to his body.  When he gets tired he says "I'm DONE!" and heads to the bed for a nap.  45 minutes later, he's feeling strong.  As  I've said many times, getting this old is not for the faint of heart, but we are thankful for each day, and it is my pleasure to be wife and caregiver. I enjoy his sharp mind and our times o...

We will be taking a road trip soon to see my forever friend Kris.  Our family moved across the street from the Carlson's when I was four and she was five.  Beginning of a life time friendship. This photo was taken with our favorite dolls. We went through grade school, Jr. High and High School together. Spent every day together, writing in our journals and dreaming about our future.  We attended Biola College and worked at Knotts Berry Farm as waitress to help pay for college.  That's when it was a Berry Farm, and not a Theme Park. So many memories and stories I could share, but I will limit it to one. We lived across the street from the old Turlock cemetary and that was before fences and locked gates.  We would run over than after school and play and make up stories.  There was a tomestone that was in the shape of a pulpit (probably the grave of an Pastor) and we "played" Billy Graham.  Kris stood at the pulpit and preached the gospel, and I was Cliff ...

 

  As I am typing this I am waiting for the plumber to show up! Last night after a lovely dinner of Fish Taco's I began doing the dishes and the sink started backing up.   The cartoon is a little drastic, since living in this complex a text or phone call gets help right away so I don't have to fix anything myself. It reminds me of a funny story from our years at the church up North.  My dearest can preach a wonderful sermon on a moments notice, handle difficult leaders, visit and take care of peoples needs, but....  There is one thing that was a rule:  DON'T GIVE PASTOR DON TOOLS!!! It was a common joke as my dearest was not gifted in that area.  Best stick to what you are good at!! HAVE A TROUBLE FREE WEEKEND!

  Thank you for your many prayers for my sister.  We got word yesterday that she will be seeing a hematologist for the low blood count.  I think we will now be able to find out why she is so weak and find the solution.  The other answered prayer is she will be having a wound nurse come to her home three times a week to clean and dress the wound on her elbow.  At that time they will also check all the vitals and keep a close eye on her health issues.  PTL These pictures of my sister Donna and I were taken a couple years ago when my sister visited us and we took her to the Long Beach for dinner with my girls and her grandaughter. God answers prayers, and how wonderful that He gives us the priviledge and responsibility to lift those we love to the Throne of Grace. Thanks again for your wonderful comments and prayers for Donna.

We have a very nice laundry room here at the Villa.  With 71 units in the complex and one laundry room, I try to be the first one there when it opens at 8 AM.  Because we live upstairs, it was getting difficult for me to carry down the laundry.  Daughter, Michel who is always on top of things found this Deluxe Laundry Cart that can walk up and down stairs.  What a blessing! With the three wheel cart it walks itself up and down the stairs with little effort on my part, even with a full load. They keep the laundry room clean and neat.  Most people are very cooperative in taking their clothes out of the washers and dryers promptly.    This morning I had it all to myself, and it was spick and span and ready for use.  I guess the early bird does get the "worm" or a clean and empty laundry room. We are issued a laundry card and there is a machine that will add money to the cards to be used in the washers and dryers. Washers are $2.25 and Dryers $1....