Could be the title of a song, well, actually it is but has very little barring on why I am now choosing to add a post to my blog. Lately I find I have "writer's block". Nothing seems interesting enough and, in my opinion, would bore my 1/2 dozen followers. Because I haven't really done much to encourage readership, readership has probably dropped to just me. Okay, let's get started writing something interesting. My son, Brian the writer, has his 5th book available for sale and I'm thinking of going to the schools to see if they would be interested in using all 5 of his books to encourage children to read. If I do still have readership on this blog, you can access Brian's web page at www.lunchboxstories.com He is an excellent writer and I would like to think he inherited some of that talent from his mother. All of my children have creative writing skills. Michelle writes beautiful poetry and Jason can write also but, to my knowledge, has not since grade school. I have one of his stories about a firetruck somewhere in my archives. Hopefully I can find it in all my paraphernalia.
In another 20 years, God willing, I will be reaching the end of this life. Before that time it would be so satisfying to see a book of writings prepared by my children and grandchildren. It is my desire to somehow pull the writings from this blog into a word document describing memories from the 1940's into 2031. The youngest grandchild will be 29 and the oldest 34. What exciting stories we would have.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
9 weeks..give or take a day
June 23, 2010
So far the title is not very stimulating and will probably not tempt readers to pursue the content; however, maybe with a little thought, this could be one of my best stories.
Clint Cullard picked me up at the house at 5:30 and had me to the airport by 6:05. That is quite an accomplishment for ordinary drivers but for Clint, who I think was a pilot before he received his driver's license, mastered it efficiently and didn't even scare me. He carried my luggage curbside, gave me a hug, wished me well and barreled out into the morning traffic to accomplish his day. With plenty of time to spare, I grabbed a latte and an egg biscuit for breakfast before taking the walk of suspected terrorist, guilty until proven innocent, to the check-in.
Angel and Ashley picked me up at the Portland airport at 12:30pm. Claim Jumpers was our lunch destination which pretty much threw me. Claim Jumper has a lot of really good food, most of which is not on Angel's diet. Being a little uneasy about offending my sweet daughter-in-law, I just didn't know what to eat. She has cautioned me on the evils of certain foods. Probably the more I try to not offend, I do. It was sweet that they took me there and treated me. Following lunch we were off to Newburg to pick up Taylor from basketball camp. He is such a great boy and watching him play basketball is the best. He is a natural just like his dad.
June 24, 2010
So not a part of my daily routine! Up at 6:15am to be ready to watch T play b-ball. Wouldn't miss it for the world and, by the time we arrived at the gym, I'm wide awake..well, mostly. Angel and I talked about a diet plan for losing belly fat. She printed me examples. Staying on a regiment is so difficult for me and traveling will provide a good excuse for not. Angel has been so instrumental in changing my eating habits that definitely has helped me maintain weight and reduce some of my joint and back pain.
June 25, 2010
Currently on the Martin get-up schedule. It's 7:00am and we are off to the church where Angel and Ashley are involved in"Kid's Fest". They are coaching the little girls in cheerleading. The program was very good and my girls did a wonderful job with the little ones. Angel and I ran errands in the afternoon. Both kids are at sleepovers so Angel, Brian and I watched "Lovely Bones" and now I'm reading "Trial".
June 26, 2010
Another beautiful day in the Rose City! I walked 2 miles this afternoon while Angel and Brian put together new deck furniture. Later in the day, Ashley, Sharon and I went for pedicures. Now that Ashley is a teenager, it is again time for gramoo to take second chair. Not complaining, that is the way it is but first it's my own children and then the grandbabies. Now is the time to set back, reflect and try to concentrate on all that I did right. Sure do miss holding them on my lap though and seeing all that "I depend on you" look.
We all played charades after dinner around the firepit. Lots of laughs and some excitement when the firepit got a little over heated on the wooden deck.
June 27, 2010
Reading is a vice here in Portland. Brian likes the same mysteries that I like and he has a library of mystery writers. Now if I could only remember which books I have read without reading 3 chapters first. Someone told me that comes with old age. Is it really that bad to read the same book more than once? As I read the boys are doing yard work. Well, Brian is working, Taylor is mostly complaining which is probably more work than just doing what his dad has asked. By some miracle Brian never questioned his chores, he just did them. Brian was definitely my helper. He took on more responsibility than he deserved but maybe that is why is such an exceptional husband and father.
Angel is preparing a hot dish for a cheerleading potluck at 2:00. It is very warm in Portland today so tossing water balloons was probably the most fun. Went to church at 5:00, came home and watched a bit of TV and then went to bed to read.
June 28, 2010
Finally sleeping in this morning. Have been waking up around 6 to fit in all the activity that occurs around here. Ashley left for cheer camp today.
June 29, 2010
A little slow down in activity today. Taylor hurt himself by tripping over a chair while playing outside. He pulled a muscle or tendon near his rib cage. He's pretty sore but always has stamina to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. We all like that place and we can all find the kind of food that makes us all happy. Brian and I arrived together and checked out 24 Fitness while we were waiting for Angel and T. We both noticed simultaneously that there were a dozen handicap spaces in front of the entrance. Needless to say we had a chuckle over that. Guess we just didn't think about therapy since we are in such great shape, well, at least Brian is.
June 30, 2010
Taylor and I went to the guitar store this morning and he bought an acoustic guitar with a little help from gramoo. He has an electric and is doing really well. He wants me to get one too. Maybe when I get home I'll look into it. Angel is picking up Ashley and Sharon from Cheer Camp. Taylor and I are driving Brian's truck to guitar lessons. Taylor's instructor gave me info for purchasing a guitar in Phoenix. After lesson we picked up a Jamba Juice for me and a hot chocolate for Taylor.
July 1 ,2010
Not a whole lot going on. Took T to his guitar lessons and also got info on the guitar I'm buying in Phoenix. Suggested retail price is $300.00. T's teacher seems to think that if I buy something inexpensive I won't like it and loose interest. Knowing me and my impatience I will probably loose interest if I'm not playing Garth Brooks songs and entertaining my friends in a month or two. Oh well, it's only money and, because Taylor wants his gramoo to play, I just might stick with it.
July 2, 2010
My darling grandkids and I had lunch at Red Robin and then we shopped Streets of Tanasbourne(sp) I bought a B&W blouse. Dinner was chicken Parmesan prepared by me. Taylor is spent the night at a friends for a BD party, Angel went with girlfriends to watch Eclipse. Brian, Ashley and I had a nice evening together.
July 3, 2010
Sweet potato salad is something I can make that Angel can eat. Makes me feel good to do something nice for her. She and I did some vacuum cleaner shopping at Costco before we all went to Sharon's and Carrie's for a Cul de sac potluck party. A few fireworks and good food but the weather was cold. Needless to say I was freezing. First time in a long time that I have been really cold.
July 4, 2010
Another BBQ potluck, this time at coach Jose's. More fireworks and more cold weather. Would you believe I wore tennis shoes, long pants and wrapped a sleeping bag around me to stay warm. Hey folks, it's July 4th, what's with the weather?
July 5, 2010
Back to the real world! Paying bills! Called State Farm to be sure I was covered to drive a rental. Watched the movie, "When in Rome" Kind of like reading a book, please don't ask me what it was about tomorrow. Took T to tumbling and, after dinner, packed for tomorrow.
July 6, 2010
Enterprise finally picked me up at 11:15. They always get lost finding Brian's address. It has been about two weeks since arriving in Portland and a change will probably do us all good. It was 1:30 when I finished packing the car and leaving the house. After purchasing a much needed Latte at Starbucks (no coffee since leaving AZ in 6/23) Surprising, except that I like coffee, it didn't seem to alter my perspective high or low. It is a beautiful drive through the Columbia River Gorge and like taking my time to look, admire and thank God for such an amazing creation. I arrived at Michelle's at 5:30. Alexis has won a coloring contest from Famous Daves so we ate there enjoying ribs, soup, salad and, of course, a glass of wine for Michelle and me. We visited and got to bed around 11:00. Michelle snores and Alexis can't seem to remember to sleep in her own bed so it was a bumpy night.
July 7, 2010
Michelle left for work at 9:00. Lex and I had breakfast, started the wash and put away her clothes. Now here is where gramoo begins feeling the crunch of her economic situation. Much like government, I can't seem to say no. We hit ToysRus and the mall at 11:30. We bought Zambi the elephant, kid size house cleaning stuff and books at B&N. Lip gloss and a candle at Body Works and then exhaustion and an empty bank account struck me and we went home.
That's all Folks
You won't believe this, or maybe you will, it is November 7, 2011. There is no way I will complete 2010 vacation with still over a month to go. Vacation 2011 is long gone with nothing yet recorded. Maybe when I die there will be technology so advanced that my brain can be rewound and all I have seen and witnessed will be available to whomever is interested. Oh good God, I hope not.
So far the title is not very stimulating and will probably not tempt readers to pursue the content; however, maybe with a little thought, this could be one of my best stories.
Clint Cullard picked me up at the house at 5:30 and had me to the airport by 6:05. That is quite an accomplishment for ordinary drivers but for Clint, who I think was a pilot before he received his driver's license, mastered it efficiently and didn't even scare me. He carried my luggage curbside, gave me a hug, wished me well and barreled out into the morning traffic to accomplish his day. With plenty of time to spare, I grabbed a latte and an egg biscuit for breakfast before taking the walk of suspected terrorist, guilty until proven innocent, to the check-in.
Angel and Ashley picked me up at the Portland airport at 12:30pm. Claim Jumpers was our lunch destination which pretty much threw me. Claim Jumper has a lot of really good food, most of which is not on Angel's diet. Being a little uneasy about offending my sweet daughter-in-law, I just didn't know what to eat. She has cautioned me on the evils of certain foods. Probably the more I try to not offend, I do. It was sweet that they took me there and treated me. Following lunch we were off to Newburg to pick up Taylor from basketball camp. He is such a great boy and watching him play basketball is the best. He is a natural just like his dad.
June 24, 2010
So not a part of my daily routine! Up at 6:15am to be ready to watch T play b-ball. Wouldn't miss it for the world and, by the time we arrived at the gym, I'm wide awake..well, mostly. Angel and I talked about a diet plan for losing belly fat. She printed me examples. Staying on a regiment is so difficult for me and traveling will provide a good excuse for not. Angel has been so instrumental in changing my eating habits that definitely has helped me maintain weight and reduce some of my joint and back pain.
June 25, 2010
Currently on the Martin get-up schedule. It's 7:00am and we are off to the church where Angel and Ashley are involved in"Kid's Fest". They are coaching the little girls in cheerleading. The program was very good and my girls did a wonderful job with the little ones. Angel and I ran errands in the afternoon. Both kids are at sleepovers so Angel, Brian and I watched "Lovely Bones" and now I'm reading "Trial".
June 26, 2010
Another beautiful day in the Rose City! I walked 2 miles this afternoon while Angel and Brian put together new deck furniture. Later in the day, Ashley, Sharon and I went for pedicures. Now that Ashley is a teenager, it is again time for gramoo to take second chair. Not complaining, that is the way it is but first it's my own children and then the grandbabies. Now is the time to set back, reflect and try to concentrate on all that I did right. Sure do miss holding them on my lap though and seeing all that "I depend on you" look.
We all played charades after dinner around the firepit. Lots of laughs and some excitement when the firepit got a little over heated on the wooden deck.
June 27, 2010
Reading is a vice here in Portland. Brian likes the same mysteries that I like and he has a library of mystery writers. Now if I could only remember which books I have read without reading 3 chapters first. Someone told me that comes with old age. Is it really that bad to read the same book more than once? As I read the boys are doing yard work. Well, Brian is working, Taylor is mostly complaining which is probably more work than just doing what his dad has asked. By some miracle Brian never questioned his chores, he just did them. Brian was definitely my helper. He took on more responsibility than he deserved but maybe that is why is such an exceptional husband and father.
Angel is preparing a hot dish for a cheerleading potluck at 2:00. It is very warm in Portland today so tossing water balloons was probably the most fun. Went to church at 5:00, came home and watched a bit of TV and then went to bed to read.
June 28, 2010
Finally sleeping in this morning. Have been waking up around 6 to fit in all the activity that occurs around here. Ashley left for cheer camp today.
June 29, 2010
A little slow down in activity today. Taylor hurt himself by tripping over a chair while playing outside. He pulled a muscle or tendon near his rib cage. He's pretty sore but always has stamina to eat at Sweet Tomatoes. We all like that place and we can all find the kind of food that makes us all happy. Brian and I arrived together and checked out 24 Fitness while we were waiting for Angel and T. We both noticed simultaneously that there were a dozen handicap spaces in front of the entrance. Needless to say we had a chuckle over that. Guess we just didn't think about therapy since we are in such great shape, well, at least Brian is.
June 30, 2010
Taylor and I went to the guitar store this morning and he bought an acoustic guitar with a little help from gramoo. He has an electric and is doing really well. He wants me to get one too. Maybe when I get home I'll look into it. Angel is picking up Ashley and Sharon from Cheer Camp. Taylor and I are driving Brian's truck to guitar lessons. Taylor's instructor gave me info for purchasing a guitar in Phoenix. After lesson we picked up a Jamba Juice for me and a hot chocolate for Taylor.
July 1 ,2010
Not a whole lot going on. Took T to his guitar lessons and also got info on the guitar I'm buying in Phoenix. Suggested retail price is $300.00. T's teacher seems to think that if I buy something inexpensive I won't like it and loose interest. Knowing me and my impatience I will probably loose interest if I'm not playing Garth Brooks songs and entertaining my friends in a month or two. Oh well, it's only money and, because Taylor wants his gramoo to play, I just might stick with it.
July 2, 2010
My darling grandkids and I had lunch at Red Robin and then we shopped Streets of Tanasbourne(sp) I bought a B&W blouse. Dinner was chicken Parmesan prepared by me. Taylor is spent the night at a friends for a BD party, Angel went with girlfriends to watch Eclipse. Brian, Ashley and I had a nice evening together.
July 3, 2010
Sweet potato salad is something I can make that Angel can eat. Makes me feel good to do something nice for her. She and I did some vacuum cleaner shopping at Costco before we all went to Sharon's and Carrie's for a Cul de sac potluck party. A few fireworks and good food but the weather was cold. Needless to say I was freezing. First time in a long time that I have been really cold.
July 4, 2010
Another BBQ potluck, this time at coach Jose's. More fireworks and more cold weather. Would you believe I wore tennis shoes, long pants and wrapped a sleeping bag around me to stay warm. Hey folks, it's July 4th, what's with the weather?
July 5, 2010
Back to the real world! Paying bills! Called State Farm to be sure I was covered to drive a rental. Watched the movie, "When in Rome" Kind of like reading a book, please don't ask me what it was about tomorrow. Took T to tumbling and, after dinner, packed for tomorrow.
July 6, 2010
Enterprise finally picked me up at 11:15. They always get lost finding Brian's address. It has been about two weeks since arriving in Portland and a change will probably do us all good. It was 1:30 when I finished packing the car and leaving the house. After purchasing a much needed Latte at Starbucks (no coffee since leaving AZ in 6/23) Surprising, except that I like coffee, it didn't seem to alter my perspective high or low. It is a beautiful drive through the Columbia River Gorge and like taking my time to look, admire and thank God for such an amazing creation. I arrived at Michelle's at 5:30. Alexis has won a coloring contest from Famous Daves so we ate there enjoying ribs, soup, salad and, of course, a glass of wine for Michelle and me. We visited and got to bed around 11:00. Michelle snores and Alexis can't seem to remember to sleep in her own bed so it was a bumpy night.
July 7, 2010
Michelle left for work at 9:00. Lex and I had breakfast, started the wash and put away her clothes. Now here is where gramoo begins feeling the crunch of her economic situation. Much like government, I can't seem to say no. We hit ToysRus and the mall at 11:30. We bought Zambi the elephant, kid size house cleaning stuff and books at B&N. Lip gloss and a candle at Body Works and then exhaustion and an empty bank account struck me and we went home.
That's all Folks
You won't believe this, or maybe you will, it is November 7, 2011. There is no way I will complete 2010 vacation with still over a month to go. Vacation 2011 is long gone with nothing yet recorded. Maybe when I die there will be technology so advanced that my brain can be rewound and all I have seen and witnessed will be available to whomever is interested. Oh good God, I hope not.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hump Day
Wednesday, hump day. Is that the day when the weight of the week reaches the peak and now it is downhill toward a relaxing weekend? Or is when it is the last straw that breaks the camel's back? We never know do we? Faith is that element that sustained us as we survived another week and will continue to sustain us as we strive to nurture and protect those we care about. Today I'm anxious for Michelle, Mark and Alexis. Mark is the parent this week so he and Alexis will drive together to Spokane where Alexis will have another eye examine to check pressure behind her eyes. Michelle will meet them at the doctor's office. My heart aches for the precious granddaughter that looks in awe at her gramoo as I make up stories to tell her. I love her so much. I want so much for God to heal her eyes but what about her heart. What lies behind those beautiful eyes. How broken is her heart as she sees her parents in a much different role than just two short years ago. She appears happy and content and does very well in school so we are grateful. Please, my darling, know that you are loved and that God has wonderful plans for you.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Making lists
1. 1:30pm - make bed and get dressed. Check
2. 2:00pm - mail Direct TV stuff to Carin Check
3. 3:00pm - practice guitar Check
4. 4:00pm - study Beth Moore, "It's tough being a woman." Check
5. 5:00pm - feeling humbled and being thankful for all that God has provided me. Check
6. 6:00pm - pour the wine and drink a toast to all who love me and to Kristi and Katie who read this. Check
2. 2:00pm - mail Direct TV stuff to Carin Check
3. 3:00pm - practice guitar Check
4. 4:00pm - study Beth Moore, "It's tough being a woman." Check
5. 5:00pm - feeling humbled and being thankful for all that God has provided me. Check
6. 6:00pm - pour the wine and drink a toast to all who love me and to Kristi and Katie who read this. Check
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
One of those days
Yes, I'm feeling sorry for myself this morning. Praying would probably help but I don't want to pray. Maybe because I would feel better and then I couldn't wallow in my self pity. Being alone a great deal of the time is an excuse. If only there was that special person that would say good morning and maybe touch my hand. How did I let this happen! Mostly by being selfish and making everything about me. Even now when I attempt to ease a hurt or show a friend that they mean something to me I'm hoping that it makes me feel better also. I do feel better but there is always that little voice inside that is anticipating. Where is that scripture that explains this all to me. I'm so tired sometimes. No one needs me.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Tears again or maybe still
Tomorrow will be one week since the senseless shooting in Tucson. All week it has been reporting fact, reporting speculation, reporting heroism, reporting sadness. Is it really effecting the entire nation as it is Arizona? Remembering the events of 9/11, I actually watched on TV the second plane hitting the towers. It was New York this is Washington state. I knew no one in New York. My day went on as usual except for constant conversation regarding the mornings tragedy and then constant TV coverage for weeks. The tragedy began a war and then two wars. Violence begetting violence. Perhaps the Arizona tragedy will begin the healing of America and compassion from us who call America home. Tonight the tears swelled up in my eyes again as NBC news reported on a woman who lost her baby son a few years ago and began making ceramic wind chimes she calls "Bells for Ben". She and other volunteers make them, attach a note asking for peace and love and hang them from trees all over the Tucson area. What a beautiful way to remember a loved one plus spread his love throughout the community.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1Peter 3: 9
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1Peter 3: 9
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)