kerosene lamps and stuff . . .

Who would have guessed that less than two years after moving out of our 3,000 square feet (including basement, garage, and workshop) sticks & bricks home . . .

And into our 500 square feet (including basement--yes we have a basement--and what we call the garage) fifth wheel RV . . .

That I'd still be dealing with the idea of paring down my stuff stuff . . .

This is a shot of the storage tubs Todd pulled out of the RV's basement for me this week, so I could sort through things again and see what stuff could part ways from us. I did manage to cull a full box of stuff that's headed to the rescue mission. And that's on top of the three bags of clothes and two boxes of stuff I cleared out a month ago.

It's not been the easiest of transitions for me in a lot of ways. For forty-seven years I was a collector of things. Craft things, tea-party things, cooking things, sewing things, beauty things, seasonal thing, "one of these days" things, kid things, school things, book, magazine and movie things and just "because it's pretty" things . . . and at the house on Hunter Road, I definitely had the room to store all my things! After nearly two years of living in the RV, I've got less attachment to stuff, but paring down is still difficult -- even when it's things I've not looked at or used since we moved here.

But after the devastating storms of April that left so many without power/water at best, and with nothing, at worst, I've been thinking again about what's *really* important, and what I can *really* do without.

I finished up reading The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder last night. It's the sixth in the Little House series. They experienced a dreadfully long, brutal winter -- seven months of it -- and during that time they went without a lot of luxuries and ever tougher, a lot of necessities.

One statement "Pa" made in the course of the winter really caught my attention. He said, "These times are too progressive. Everything has changed too fast. Railroads and telegraph and kerosene and coal stoves--they're good thing to have but the trouble is, folks get to depend on 'em." Really? Can you imagine living in a world were kerosene and coal stoves were what were depended on for light and warmth?

I had to laugh when I read it. We heard similar sentiments about folks becoming depended on electric power and running water during the aftermath of the storms. Shoot, we ourselves *made* those remarks. I wonder what Pa would think of our day and age?

I had to laugh again (quietly and to myself) when Brother Harold Sellars, our DOM for the Madison Baptist Association, said from the pulpit he was filling this morning, "And we've made such progress; from railroad to air to space and from kerosene to electric lights..."

I guess the message I'm getting (slowly but surely) is that from electric power to storage space to tons of clothes and *stuff* . . . the things that are truly important aren't going to fit in a drawer or closet or storage bin anyway.

Our Community Groups have been talking about The Most Important Thing. It's an interesting way for a person to share the one most important thing with other people.

Anyway, I'm rambling now. Just lots of different thoughts that appear to be heading the same direction. I'm sorting and processing. Relaying them here helps see the connections a little more clearly!

:)

on grief and guilt . . .

My darling daughter wrote a blog entry today that touched my heart. I asked if I could share it on my blog, and she graciously agreed.

To me, it was interesting to note that guilt (even in the midst of my own grief) was no respecter of persons. I've had to guard carefully against it, because it's neither healthy or helpful. Why did guilt reach for me? Oh, there were lots of angles it took, but I won't go into that here and now.

Jocelyn created her blog a little over a year ago, and at first she sporadically shared funny teaching stories and the like. Since Everett's death, though, she's been more consistent and has used it as an outlet to her thoughts and prayers during this grieving/recovering process. I often read her blog with awe, wondering how she manages to so eloquently express her deepest thoughts.

But then, enough of this proud mom's babble . . . go read for yourself . . .

Prone to Wander.

:)

technology . . .

When Todd and I first got our iPhones, back in March, I was simply thrilled! I'd wanted one, but I wasn't sure if we could afford two of them, and I knew it was really more important for Todd to have one. But then he called me and said all I had to do was pick mine up when I got off work. I was ecstatic! I went to the AT&T shop, got my phone, got minimal instruction, and hopped out to my car, where I was anxious to use my phone for the first time!

I was a little confused by the contacts list, and hadn't figured out how to make a call, so I decided I'd send a text for my first official phone act, to my daughter. Following is that conversation (my end of the conversation is in green) . . .

Needless to say, I was so embarrassed! I finally figured out what had happened; I'd inadvertently changed the last digit of my daughter's number from a "9" to a "7". Whoops. Lewis, whoever you are, thanks for being my first iPhone text. I'll never forget you.

So today, the laugh and a smile's on me.

And the to-do list post is on my to-do list for tomorrow.

:)

Gracious . . .

What a week-and-a-half it's been. In my last entry I shared how the weather was already kicking into high gear; it kicked into even high gear later in the day. We were fortunate, to say the least, and did not suffer any major damage. Even people who had uprooted trees or car damage didn't really have major damage, in light of the tremendous loss of life and property that some in our area experienced. Really, all of North Alabama is got hit hard. Several communities in our county were hit with the huge EF5 tornado that swept through Wednesday evening. If you've watched news at all over the past week, you've probably seen images. Photos can't compare to driving down roads and seeing it with your own eyes. It's heartbreaking.

As I said, we didn't sustain anything major. We were without power, but since we're in our RV (and Todd had JUST purchased a generator), we were sitting pretty. When the power went, the refrigerator automatically converted to LP and the battery kept lights shining. Todd was on shift when it all happened (it tends to happen that way), so I was up at the RV by myself. It was a wild, wild and scary evening.

James, Kim & Sawyer came and stayed with us while power was out. We were able to keep Sawyer's milk cold (and heat it) and it was lovely spending time together, and allowing Sawyer to become comfortable in our RV home! We actually had a marvelous time riding around the camp in the golf cart, exploring through Sawyer's eyes!

James, Todd, Jocelyn & Jason have all been able to volunteer and participate in clean-up efforts, and caring for those who were displaced by the storm. The donations of time and materials is overwhelmingly wonderful. A true picture of loving your neighbor as yourself.

Sawyer Graham is walking and walking and walking! I can't believe how fast it's all happened. He's gotten quite stable, although if he wants to get somewhere really fast, he still crawls. So funny! He doesn't need to grasp the concept of running just yet!

My last day of work was this past Wednesday. It's a very good thing. I'll be able to take care of the administrative side of our ministry and shoulder some of the burden that Todd's been bearing by himself. I'm excited, to say the least!

Our guild's bus trip to Paducah was canceled, due to the storms. We were under a very strict curfew, and our departure and arrivals times didn't work in the confines of the curfew times. This makes five years running that something has happened to keep me from going to Paducah!

Kim's last day of work was Friday -- and as happy as I am for her (because I know how much she wanted to be a stay-at-home mommy), I'm sad that I won't have those regular Sawyer days, once a week. Perhaps Kim will soon be ready for some "Kim time" in a week or so, and will allow me to watch Sawyer while she takes some time for her!

Quilting has mostly been on hold through all of this (for one thing, our office/quilt room is also the guest bedroom!), though I do have my finished BOM due next weekend, and a new swap project in the works. More on those next week.

And pictures. My camera has been taking a break; it'll be out and in action again next week!

:)

stormy weather and blustery life . . .

I'm sitting here, glued to the TV, watching incredibly wild weather make its way into and through our area. I heard one weather man say last night that today's weather would be "as rough as it gets." Yay. They've already delayed school openings by two hours. Lots of school systems in the area have actually closed, but the three systems in Madison County are already having to tag on days at the end of the school year to make up for the snow days they had to take over the winter. They're hoping that a delay will keep buses out of severe weather, and they'll still have time to get kids home this afternoon before the main weather event that's still predicted to come in later. Later, as in when I'm trying to get off work, get to my other job, and get home. Ugh!

And yet, while the storms rolls in all around me, I sit here peacefully. I'm so glad I know the Maker of peace!

Todd and I were invited to a free preview screening of a new movie, Courageous, last night. It was filmed and produced by the same church that did Fireproof and Facing the Giants. The new movie was the best one they've done so far -- great storyline, good acting, and good filming. Todd had already seen it at the ABREA conference earlier this year, but he went because he knew I'd enjoy it. And I did! There was a good balance of action, suspense, drama, and HUMOR! It was relatively realistic, and very well done. In addition, it had a good message that can't fail to hit home. I can strongly recommend it when it comes out in theaters in September.

I know I haven't been very prolific here of late; it's that same old conundrum - do I take time to blog, or use that time to live the life I'd blog about? We've been very busy with birthdays, Camp MACOBA, new job[less] situations, ministry (and ministry and more ministry), Easter celebrations, and a walking grandbaby! All happy things, to be sure, but *so* b u s y!

Saturday, very (VERY) early in the morning, I catch a bus to Paducah!! I will share more on that trip, tomorrow.

For now? I bid you adieu. And STAY WEATHER SAFE!

:)

double whammy . . .

Word up and weigh in. If that's not a double whammy, I don't know what is!

One of my lifestyle change decisions (not a resolution) was to become more healthy; to eat healthier and to find some way to manage exercise. I'd started this crusade last year, and was making definite headway, when the accident happened and rather up-ended my comfy little world.

I'm guessing that some weight loss would put less stress on the right ankle, and therefore make it a little less painful to bear weight on it. It's a little bit of a catch-22, though. I can't do any weight-bearing aerobic exercise, which limits me pretty much to swimming and cycling. Since we're in the RV, having a stationary cycle at home is out of the question, which means joining a gym. Ugh. It irks me not a little to have to pay for a gym membership to get on a single piece of equipment, but there it is. I need it desperately!

Of course, exercise isn't THE answer, it's only part of the answer. The other part definitely has to do with my eating choices. Ugh. LOL! What, how much, when . . . *sigh*. I wish this part was as simple as giving the gym a check and showing up daily. It'll definitely take more work and planning, but it will also bring the most benefit, too.

To this end, I linked up with A Ditchin' Time Quilts, and the Wednesday Weigh Ins! Accountability is good for me -- if I know I'm going to be recording a number somewhere publicly, I'll want it to be a good number!

So, on Wednesdays I'll be updating and getting that number over to Stephanie's blog. Yay! Lots of little steps, over a long period of time, equals progress!

I did say double whammy, didn't I? The Charming Chatter has it that 2011 will be the year of the 'word'. What word? Whichever word best suits you! The object is to choose a word that you'd like to see reflected in your life in the coming year - a word to visit periodically, and to focus on throughout the year!

Kelly, Charming Chatter blog owner/author, noted that coming up with a word was a little more difficult than she'd anticipated. She was told to be patient and that "the word would choose" her!

My word JUMPED out at me, I didn't even have to think twice about it.

C O N N E C T

I don't know the full connotations of it yet, but off the top of my head, I'm thinking . . .

. . . Connect to a healthier life style . . .

. . . Connect to family and strengthen those loving bonds . . .

. . . Connect to a deeper relationship with my Lord & Savior . . .

. . . Connect to my quilt guild by helping on a committee . . .

. . . Connect to my stitcher's group by attending more events . . .

. . . Connect to a gym. Ugh . . .

. . . Connect my ankle/heel/foot together better. LOL!

What word suits you best? Click on the Word Up graphic above to visit the Charming Chatter "Word Up" post! Everyone's welcome to join in!

:)

out with the old . . .

And let's celebrate the new!! Happy 2011! :)

Last night was a sweet night. I put Sawyer to bed not long after his mommy & daddy left, but he woke up with a bad dream just before midnight, and the typical putting the pacifier back in his mouth and rubbing his back didn't help. He was rather wet, so I changed his diaper and then rocked him back to sleep. And that's how we ushered in 2011; Sawyer's little head nestled in the crook of my neck, snuggling in and holding me tight. I prayed over him and for his parents and my family ... it was a sweet hour of prayer.

Today's been a quiet and happy day. Todd and I have just lounged about -- other than when Todd scattered corn for the deer, I don't think either of us have stepped outside today! I put white beans and a ham hock in the crock pot this morning and we'll have those with cornbread for dinner. The Crimson Tide won their bowl game today -- YAY! I've read, done a little laundry, a little cleaning, a little reading, and a little cooking. Todd's feeling a little better, but still not quite a hundred percent. Tomorrow, hopefully.

I'm looking forward to the challenges and blessings that 2011 will bring!

:)

last one . . .

I've noted this several times already, but it's the last day of the year and bears pondering again. Where did this year GO???! I can hardly believe this is my last entry of 2010. Wow.

I'm not making any new year's resolutions. I am considering making some life changes. There's a subtle difference. More on that later in the coming week.

Last night, I took my poor little Princess Buttercup (my yellow PT Cruiser) in for a *much* needed bath! I did take pictures, but I won't post them. I'm so silly! But she drives so much better when she's clean and sparkly!! Plus, she was driving us through the Galaxy of Lights, and I wanted her to look sharp!

Todd, Jason, Joc & I were going to go to dinner and then through the light show. Unfortunately, Todd's been battling a terrible sinus battle, and he was miserable. But because it was the second-to-last night of the show, it was now or never. So I met Joc & Jason and the three of us ate and headed over to the Botanical Gardens.

We met for dinner early (5ish), and then headed over to the Gardens, so the traffic wasn't too backed up when we got there.

Joc noted as we drove up, that there was an odd lack of "be ready to pay" signage. I joked that it was because it was "free!" We knew it wasn't, but I had a comp card for free entry, so we didn't know how much it was. It blew my mind when we pulled up to the money taker and she asked for $20!! I looked at her with a straight face and said, "You mean it isn't free?" You should have seen her poor face!! I quickly grinned and handed her my little freebie ticket, and the relief on her face was noticeable!

There were lots and LOTS of fun light displays. According to the program you can tune to on your radio as you do the tour, about half the light displays are the same every year. It's a fairly long drive through the Garden -- two and a half miles long, to be exact.

Both the above and below Christmas-y scenes were new this year. Love the Santa in his sleigh!

I couldn't see this one without singing it!

I don't recall seeing the Nativity Scene there before, but Todd said he though it was.

There were lots of singing groups!

This one, of the pumpkin carriage traveling to the palace, has always been a favorite of mine.

Huntsville is, after all, the Rocket City!

Evidently, we're also the "dinosaur city". Who knew?!?

These owls were new this year. Joc, who's fallen in love with owls this year, noted them right away.

Followed by Todd's favorite woodpecker . . .

Then my favorite cardinal . . .

And every one's favorite clown, the blue jay!

What? No wren?? What do these people know, anyway? LOL!

There was a fairly decent trail of cars. At some points we were driving bumper to bumper. I tried to keep it a little more spaced out, as did the guy behind me. That made it very nice!

This was the final shot before heading out of the Garden. When we pulled back out onto the main road, we could see that the line to get in was WAAAAAY backed up! Glad we got there when we did!

It was a nice night. The weather was pleasant and the night was clear, so we were able to open windows (and the sun roof) to take good pictures. One year I'd like to do the walking tour, which they offer at the beginning of the season (it opens in November). I think it would be pretty to walk through all the fun lights and take as long as I wanted to "ooooh" and "aaaaah!"

I really enjoy the Botanical Gardens. I've often thought about getting a membership; now that I have grandbabies, I may look into that -- they do offer grandparent packages. So much for the two adult grandparents and then it includes each of your grandchildren under 18! Pretty nifty!

I have to share this. In all the Kindle advertising and instructional material, it refers over and over to the "reading experience" and wanting readers to "lose themselves in the story" or to "give themselves over to the pages". I was reading in bed this afternoon (a brief foray before I napped, preparing myself for a late night of babysitting). I'm just reading and reading away, when all of a sudden, I realized I'd reached my fingers up to turn the page!! LOL! I'd say I'd definitely lost myself in the story -- way to go, Kindle!!!

Todd was to be on shift tonight, and I'd agreed to spend the evening with my darling cherub. If I couldn't spend the evening with my hubby, Sawyer was my second choice!! Poor Todd - he still wasn't feeling well this morning, so he called in. Now he'll be home alone, but I imagine he'll be tucked in bed shortly after I leave.

As I noted on my facebook page earlier . . . the joys and blessings of this year have far outweighed the trials it's presented. A toast to 2010! You ushered in a precious new grandson and the promise of another. Family and friends blessed us with their love in lavish and wonderful ways! We were commissioned as missionaries -- something I wouldn't have even dreamed possible at the beginning of the year. Our ministry in Camp MACOBA and with the Madison Baptist Association has flourished. We celebrated a special, golden anniversary of my mom & dad. I had lots of quilting firsts, retreats and finishes. We remained relatively unscathed by the sluggish economy. We've watched the marriages of both our children grow strong, blossom and mature. And I spent it in the company of my best friend in the whole world, my darling, selfless, loving husband. Here's to you, 2010!

I do count it all joy!

:)

One Week

The events of this week included my youngest finally getting her wisdom teeth out, myself having ocular migraines, rain pouring through the closed windows in our living room, and my husband traveling to be at his mothers bedside, because she is in the process of dying, despite being the picture of health a mere two months ago.


All of this seems to point to a pretty bad week, but in reality my daughter is healing well. I was relieved to find out the strange visual disturbances and pressure behind my eyes were just a migraine and not a retinal tear, as I had feared. I'm blessed with a pretty view as I sop up the water from my leaky windows. And most importantly, my Mother-in-Law in the last days of her life has brought family together who needed to be brought together. She is surrounded by people who love her and will miss her, and in the profound sadness of her passing there is tremendous grace and gratitude for her life.

one-third . . .

Had a pretty good doctor's visit yesterday. She told me that the foot looks great (considering) and that the x-rays were great too -- she can't even tell where the breaks were! Yay for healing! That was the good news. The tough news was that I'm only one-third of the way through the healing process. She said that the bones take 3-4 months to heal and then the soft tissue takes another 6-8 months to heal after that. Because my injury was so traumatic, it's going to take the high end of both time frames. *sigh* She did put me on Mobic, an anti-inflammatory, and gave me new physical therapy orders.

I only teared up a little. LOL! No really, I did. :)

On the other hand, I've made tremendous strides since the accident first happened and I need to focus on the progress I've made instead of what's still to come! For example, two months ago I would not have been able to give Sawyer a bath in the bathtub! And we had *so* much fun!

He's such a waterbaby! He would have splashed and played for hours. I was the one who had to give it a rest!

And ever the ham! Look how big his hand is! I see future Alabama linebacker material here!

One day he may give his grandma grief over these pictures! But he's so darling, I can't help it!

This weekend is free and clear of obligations! We've got a family reunion coming in Saturday at the Camp, so that should be fun. Alabama is playing their first *real* game of the season, so we'll put on a pot of chili and enjoy some SEC football. Sunday, Todd's on shift, so it'll just be me heading to and from church. Then Monday ... who knows! Perhaps I'll be able to do a little quilting!

Or, since our washer/dryer is STILL not working, perhaps I'll head over to the house and do a week's worth of laundry!

C'est la vie!

:)

times flies . . .

. . . when you're busy!

I can't believe nearly two weeks have passed since I last blogged! Life has been such a whirlwind. I flew to Maryland for a fabulous long weekend with my parents and sisters, for my folks' 50th wedding anniversary, we had Camp MACOBA's first annual Fall Jamboree the following weekend, then and add work, church, a grandbaby, physical therapy and life is . . . busy!

I have pictures, more pictures, and lots more pictures to share, but not today. I still need to go through and edit before I share!

Last night I got to babysit Sawyer. I had several first last night -- feeding him by spoon and giving him a bath! Both were lots of fun. He definitely needed the bath after eating!! And he's such a water baby. He was so happy to splash and play in the tub!

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, with my orthopedist. I have lots of questions for her. I just don't feel like I'm healing/getting back to normal as fast as I should be. It's very frustrating, and I'm tired of the pain!

And quilting? There's been no time!! I need to step up on it, though. There are projects I want to complete for Christmas!

For now, it's off to cook dinner.

Toodles for now!

:)

normal is *good* . . .

Yesterday was a GREAT day. It was normal. *I* felt normal! I made omelets and toast for breakfast, I did dishes, I cleaned the toilet, sink, and shower, I did laundry, I organized our closet and my drawers, I played in my sewing room . . .

I felt like I had my life back again!

Here's a current snapshot of the ol' foot:

Can you see it??? There's an ankle over there on the right side! Whoohoo!!! And look at how much the scar is fading across the top of my foot!!!

It's still puffy and there's still swelling across the back of the heel, and I *still* can't get it into a normal shoe, but oh my goodness, it looks *so* much better! In fact, when I compare a picture like this to the picture of this poor foot on May 21, 2010, I consider this to be a major miracle! :)

Physical therapy is coming along well. I have a reevaluation appointment on Tuesday. I don't imagine they'll cut me loose just yet -- I still have a very pronounced limp -- there's still plenty of strengthening that needs to be done. I can't balance on my right foot alone for longer than, oh, about 10 seconds, before it begins to scream at me!

You know what else felt good about yesterday? I was able to walk and hold my precious grandbaby!! I can hardly believe he's just two weeks shy of being SIX MONTHS OLD! Gracious. He's so much fun -- and *everything* goes into his mouth! And if there's not something to grab and put into his mouth, his hands will do!

In fact, it was tough getting a picture of him *without* his mouth being filled with one thing or another . . .

Okay, Grandma, here's ONE.

Oh my, how he melts my heart!

:)

What's up Doc?

Remnant #10

Hi everyone! Just popping in to touch base...

Things are still busy here. For starters, the scheduled wisdom teeth surgery that youngest daughter was scheduled for tomorrow has been put on hold due to a case of bronchitis and walking pneumonia. (Where the hell, in the middle of summer, that all came from... I have no idea.)

Remnant #11

The combination of the two have kicked her asthma back into high gear, (something we had mistakenly thought she had outgrown) ... as well as my worry, (I'm driving her nuts with my hovering). Now it's lots of ongoing meds and doctor visits to keep a check on how things are progressing. She's been a real trooper, and things are looking like they are starting to get better as yesterday she didn't need her rescue inhaler at all.

I have been keeping more then busy with other family/life details that I won't bore you with, (you are welcome!) Happily in the midst of everything I did manage to get three new Remnant pieces made, (shown through out this post, because eye candy is always good!) Stitching keeps me sane.


Remnant #12

I am also planning for an up coming trip that I think you all will find very exciting... but I don't want to give away any more information then that... at least for now. (However, I will say that it is making me both very excited and very, very nervous. Hmmm... what could it be?)

Again, I will be back when time opens up. Till then, I hope all your summer days are happy and healthy. xoxo

Slow Stitching in the Fast Lane

Is it just me, or is time truly zooming by at speeds never before seen? I don't know what exactly is happening, but each day seems to be over and done before I even got started. I feel like I am on some Twilight Zone amusement park ride which is whipping me around so fast that everything is starting to blur. Why is that? Anyone else feeling this way?


I try to slow things down a bit with all of this hand stitching. I am now in the last stage, quilting all of the 31 patches that I hand sewed on to the quilt top. Counter to the quickly passing hours of the days, it is not moving fast at all. More like crawling along at a snails pace, and despite my desire to have life slow down a bit, I can feel myself caught up in the whirlwind of time management, or lack of, and am starting to feel anxious at how long I am spending on this piece. (Truth: I'm not sure if it is possible for me to ever really just be content with how things are.)


At the same time I feel grateful for the oasis of calm and rest this quilt provides for me, and know it's good to consciously go slow at times, especially when everything around you is going so fast.