Great Grandma and Her Great Grandson

My mom has been coming to my house on Thursdays.

She has a WONDERFUL time playing with Baby Boy.

And, he has a WONDERFUL time playing with her.

Here he is fascinated by the buttons on her shirt.

She also read him a story.

He LOVED that too.

After awhile, Great Grandpa came, and Baby Boy would not let him leave until he participated in several games of Pat-a-cake.

Baby Boy thinks his Great Grandparents are two of the greatest people on earth.

I would have to agree.

I OWN it!

Yes! This is my favorite fiction book of all time. Elizabeth Goudge's "The Bird in the Treel".

I ordered it from Amazon. I have been looking for it for YEARS in thrift and antique stores. I've found many other novels of hers, but never this one. Even on line it was hard to find. And, as Oldest Son discovered, you cannot even find it in England, where Ms. Goudge hailed from.

Over the weekend I finished up "The Poisonwood Bible". I liked it. Although I'd have to add that the missionary men I know are loving husbands and fathers who aren't bent on forcing their way of thinking on other people. Although I did attend a weeklong seminar once and was horrified at the stories I heard there from missionary children, who felt abandoned in much the same way the book portrayed.

Last night, since I had such a sore throat I couldn't sleep, I read "Shipping News" into the wee hours of the morning. I liked that. Such a different style of writing. Anyway, I'm a huge fan of anyone who can write about people without centering the popularity of the characters around how beautiful they are. I tend to like stories about ordinary homely folk who have the ablity to remain interesting even when their lives are not.

So, all that said, I'm now ready to begin reading "The Bird in the Tree". I do hope I like it as much this time (about my forth reading) as I did all of the other times.

Baby Boy comes at 10, and my mom at 10:30. I've floors to vacuum, furniture to dust, a chicken salad to put together and a dining room table to clear...oh, and cookies, I wanted to make cookies...

That first chapter will still be there tonight, when I clammer eagerly up the stairs to my comfortable reading chair with the matching footstool...a warm kitty on my lap, a quilt up to my chin...(my fantasy life is rich).

Guess What Day It Is?

Today is 'drop things so grandma has to pick them up' day!



Today I tip my hat to whomever it was who invented the Exersaucer. What a marvel! How I had three children without an Exersaucer, I'll never know.

It's "Show and Tell" Time

A post I read today made me think that I should keep you updated on the blogs I like to read.

I made a decision, based mostly on the fact that I am computer challanged, not to include blogs in my side bar. I've learned over the two years that I have been blogging that those I thought were so wonderful would sometimes have hateful things to say. I have enough hateful things in myself that I don't need to borrow bad thoughts from other people. Hence, only my two other blogs appear in my sidebar (and sometimes i wonder about me!).

These are my daily "must read" blogs:

You just may enjoy them also!

www.debrasotherthoughts.blogspot.com It was her post that reminded me that I need to do this more often!

www.unretouchedphoto.com This is Mel. She's a hoot, and my favorite writer of all time.

www.brandywinebooks.net Phil and Lars. They write about books and bookish things. They have fabulous links in their sidebar to other book and bookish things blogs.

www.turkeyfeathers.typepad.com I spend a lot of time here. I've not seen a thing on this blog that isn't delightful and beautiful. The blogs she links to are all creative and inspiring. I'm hooked on this one.

So, now you know why I don't have a long list in my side bar. But, I'm THRILLED to send along links to those who truly have something great to bring along to "Show and Tell".

(oh, and i'm feeling a bit better today. when i cough, i no long begin singing 'bend and stretch, reach for the stars, there goes jupiter, there goes mars..." but, i'm still soooo very tired!)

Baby Boy

Thankfully, Baby Boy's weekend trip wore him out considerably. This is helping me, as I am still sick. Although today I must report that I do not feel any worse. No better, but no worse.
He has been so content just to play quietly with his toys and look at his books.
I asked his mommy what he enjoyed most at the zoo. She said it was the dolphin show. Not so much the dolphins, but he loved it when everybody clapped! Ahhh...his dream come true, a whole room full of people playing pat-a-cake! Hopefully we will both perk up a bit tomorrow.

More Zoo for You

Baby Boy tries on the gorilla size shirt.

Scenes from Baby Boy's Trip to the Brookfield Zoo

Baby Boy and Son-in-law view the zoo.
Peaceful primates.

Baby Boy Goes to Illinois

Son-in-law took these pictures while he, Daughter and Baby Boy were visiting Oldest Son and Daughter-in-law this weekend.

The dog is Oldest Son's dog, Lily. The horses belong to Daughter-in-law's mom.

Son-in-law planned the trip as a surprise for Daughter.

It was four years ago today that he asked her to marry him. It was seven years ago today that they officially started to date.

Still in My First Childhood

I'm beginning to build a doll house family!

My friend Debra graciously sent me a doll house and I am excited to begin putting it together.

Until that happens, they are in temperary housing in a glass bookcase.

They seem happy there.

Charley. And Why I Haven't Gotten Another Dog

Charley spent the weekend with me.

I love dogs.

I love Charley.

But Charley is a very active dog.

He likes to do things like chase sticks, which requires sticks to be thrown.

Charley barks. Alot. At everything.

I am sick today. That cold I thought I had has turned into something more sinister. It is causing me to cough up 'wrought iron' even though I am SURE I haven't been breathing in any. Still. Also, if I bend over, as in picking up a stick to throw to the dog, it feels like a vise is tightening around my neck, about to pop my head off. That's when the stars come out. And, when I breathe (which is still quite often, thankfully) I make an annoying squeaking sound. At one point today I thought I was hearing my cat meowing, but no. It was just me, breathing.

So, THGGM took Charley home. His family will be back soon.

I think my cat and I will just grow old(er) together.

Max and Niki. I miss you. So does Charley.

Thrifting vs. Antiquing

Just one example of the difference between thrift shopping and antique shopping.

These blocks.

I paid either 50 cents or a dollar for all sixteen of them at the thrift store. This are very nice and Baby Boy plays with them all the time (so do i).

I saw twelve of these very same blocks, although in much dirtier and worn condition, at an antique store last weekend. Each block was one dollar.

Although I do have to admit, there are times that I find things for much cheaper at the antique store than I do at the thrift stores. But mostly not.

Random Saturday Happenings in Reverse

Let's see. These are some of the things that happened today.

I worked tonight.

I'm typing this with a beagle attached to me. I have his leash around my ankle. So, wherever he goes, I go. Yes. I'm Charley sitting tonight.

Since it's Saturday, I played "Doctor Pills" over at my dad and mom's. They were doing very well today.

THGGM and I went antique shopping. I found a couple of doll house dolls. a pattern for felted slippers and a hundred transfer patterns. That is all.

THGGM and I napped in the livingroom. He is tired because he works hard all week. I am tired because I have a horrible cough which wears me out. This means that I am taking frequent naps.

We went to two thrift stores. I did not find much there. That could possibly be because I went to the very same thrift stores with my sister yesterday, and we pretty much cleaned them out. I did find two shirts for me and two pairs of pants for Baby Boy.

THGGM, Youngest Son and I went out for breakfast. Just the three of us. Daughter and her family went to the Brookfield Zoo today, and then on to visit Oldest Son and Daughter-in-law. This is why there is a beagle attached to my ankle. He is lonely. My cat is shut in the basement screaming out curse words at him. They HATE each other. At this very moment, I'm not pleased with either of them.

I got up early and went to work.

THGGM went to get a haircut.

That was a random little bit of our day. Somewhere in there we got ice cream cones. Mine was blue moon. I LOVE blue moon.

Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone, without a cone of my own...

Four Months Until Christmas!

Okay. It's time. Get out your favorite Christmas books and start planning!

For years I've used the last page of whatever journal I was writing in at the time to record what did or did not work each year.

I also kept track of what gifts I gave, and also what dimwitted ideas that sounded good in August fell flat on Christmas day.

And, I highly recommend this Christmas book by Susan Branch. It's a cookbook, but actually much more than that. To me it is pure inspiration! I've only used a few of the recipes, but her gift ideas and her families memories are fabulous. Nobody, and I mean nobody (and, i am an authority, you know) can paint with watercolor quite like Susan Branch (she has a web page, too - google her!).

And, anyone who gives me more ideas on things to collect...

Well, I will be loyal to them for life!

"Christmas from the Heart of the Home" is sixteen years old, yet I just saw it in Barnes and Noble.

What are you waiting for? Run along and get out YOUR favorite Christmas books and get inspired!

My People

These are the people I spent my day with today.

Baby Boy and my mom.

Baby Boy delighted us by being absolutely adorable.

Yesterday he was not. No. Believe me. Yesterday I put my sorry self to bed at 8:00. That is because I held him from 10 in the morning until 3, when I was finally able to slide him on to a blanket asleep long enough that I could use the bathroom. He was NOT a happy boy! I slept until 5:00 AM and woke up feeling rested.

My mom and I ate salads while Baby Boy entertained us by blowing bubbles with his sweet potatoes, and by opening his mouth and saying "AAAAA" on command.

He really enjoys having someone else besides just me to look at all day.

My mom and I looked through cookbooks trying to find things we can make on Thursdays and put in the freezer until Christmas. She cannot follow a recipe on her own too well anymore, but she can still keep a baby happy while I do! Or, at least I'm willing to give it a try.

My mom used to be my rubberstamping buddy. Today I had all kinds of fun stuff out at my dining room table, but she no longer shows any interest in it. I'd been hoping for a few years that I could get her back into it, but nothing I've tried works.

BUT, enter Baby Boy, her one and only great grandchild and she can focus right in on him. And, he ADORES her!

Today she did have one moment of confusion, when she looked at him and said, "Now, is that the baby Daughter's been taking care of?" I looked at her and said "I certainly hope so! He's her's!"

That made us both laugh. Laughing helps get her back on track too.

Well, she's in the right place for that!

My dad had a good lunch out with friends, and looked more relaxed when he came to pick her up. Of course, Baby Boy had to go through his whole routine of tricks for great grandpa! He also LOVES his cane. Great grandpa had to fight for it when it was time to go.

I sort of have a feeling that I will be in bed by 8 again tonight........

Oops. He Did It Again!

Comments Made from the Backseat

My memory will occasionally recall the interesting comments I've heard come from the backseat of our car...

These deep insights came from the lips of Youngest Son.

Out of the blue, while driving home from church one day - "I saw a man at church who has a pink head." (i have no idea why this stuck with me for so long, but it still makes me laugh - and we DID have a man with a pink head at church.)

While talking with a kindergarten friend of his who had just told him that his mom is a nurse. "So. MY mom can go into the boy's bathroom!" (still can. still don't want to.)

At the age of seven. This was said in a very mournful way - "I don't think I'm EVER going to get married." (me, 'why not?') "Because I don't know any girls who are the marrying kind!"

Again, on the way home from church, after a sermon by a guest speaker. "I'm going to be a pastor when I grow up!" (me, 'oh?, and why is that?') "Because they get to yell at the grown-ups!"

Our Seven Hour Vacation, 50 Miles from Home

THGGM and I quietly slipped out of town today.


We went on a seven hour mini-vacation.


It was lovely.

At 8:30 we could be found at Perkins having a leisurely breakfast.

At 10:15 we were gazing at the beautiful splendor of Lake Michigan. This morning it was a deep deep blue.

At 10:30 we were in a pew in a big old barn-like structure singing praise songs and breathing in the heady smells of a cool summer Sunday on the lake shore.

In the afternoon we strolled aimlessly through three lake shore antique malls. I found a few simple things I've been looking for.

Buttery yellow colored buttons, to match the yellow of the wool blanket I recently found.

The blue bird salt and pepper shakers, in the post below.

Two small Madame Alexander dolls. Both in 'flower girl' dress, which reminded me of our adorable little friend who was Daughter's flower girl.

A box of very very old 'Old Maid' cards. Some in extremely poor taste; others, charming.

The child's hankie, above, which will serve as a 'cape' to Baby Boy's little friend, Jack.

And a black clutch purse with metal beading, made in India. It's found a home amongst the hat heads in the front entryway.

At 3:30 we arrived back home.

It was a beautiful day.

Shake It Up, Baby

Aren't they cute? Little blue bird salt and pepper shakers.

Hopefully, I will turn them into something soon.

When I do, they will appear in their new form on my Inky Fingers blog.

Then later, on my Plethora blog.

They might even appear in the background on my Grandson's blog.

Who knows.

The Book Meme

1. One book that changed your life.

ONE book? I cannot think of just one book that changed my life. Maybe the FIRST book that changed my life then. Larry Crabb's book "Inside Out".


2. One book you have read more than once.

Again, ONE book? "A Bird in the Tree" by Elizabeth Goudge. Excellent fiction. I think this one changed my life also, as so many books have.


3. One book you'd want an a desserted island.

Oh, I think I'd best have a Boy Scout handbook. Besides that, I'd want to have Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest.


4. One book that made you giddy.

That would have to be an anthology of short stories. I just bought one this weekend. You cannot have too many of these, in my humble opinion.


5. One book that you wish had been written.

"THGGM for Dummies".


6. One book that wracked you with sobs.

The children's book, "Goodnight Mr. Tom".


7. One book you wish had never been written.

Hitler's "Mein Kampf".


8. One book you are currently reading.

Really, now. One? "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver


9. One book you've been meaning to read.

"The Brother's Karamazov", which SHOULD be the one I take to an island, as that is probably the only way I will read it.

Is It Just Me?

Anyone know what is up with Blogspot? I cannot log on to it. I can by going through Blogger, but not Blogspot. And on Blogger, I cannot use my "Enter" key. I can everywhere else, but not while in Blogger. Since I'm not a huge fan of the 'run on' paragraph, I will leave you with this thought. My parents are driving to Holland, MI today. I offered to take them, but they would have none of it. I worry more about my parents driving all over the state than I do my children. This might be because I've never known my children to require multiple naps on any given day. And, from my perch on my couch, I can see THGGM swinging Baby Boy to sleep on the front porch. It is SO sweet. They are clearly in love with each other.

Just Before He Exploded

You Can Thank Me Later for Not Posting the Picture

Oh, but I DO have a picture.

This has NOT been my day.

Really. I've lived long enough to know that there was plenty in my day to rejoice and be glad about. So I will.

AFTER I post, for the record, that days like this DO occur.

I woke up with a headache. The good news is that I woke up. That means I slept. (see...i'm seeing the GOOD in that...)

THGGM left for work and I sat down with a cup of coffee when my beloved cat entered the living room doing the 'butt walk'. That's all you need to know. Oh, and that the living room wasn't the only room in which he did this. My head throbbed as I cleaned it up. My stomach turned.

Baby Boy was very fussy today. He usually is not. When he passed a very large hard stool which caused him much pain he seemed much better. I thought the rest of my afternoon would be a breeze (a breeze would have been nice).

But, no. That wasn't to be.

Youngest Son and I were both commenting on how quiet and content he was sitting in his exersaucer batting at his little toys and saying 'doooof' and 'cleees'. So quietly did he sit there, that I began to wonder what that splashing sound was that I was hearing.

And, then I looked. He was dancing around in a thick pool of something brown.

Splashing in the brown.

One of his legs was completely brown.

There was brown between ALL of his toes.

He was very peaceful and calm about this.

Of course, being the person that I am, I grabbed my camera. But, I won't post it. There should be laws against that. I did send the picture to Baby Boy's daddy, and to THGGM.

It took a tremendously long time to clean up Baby Boy. Youngest Son made a beeline out of the room while making gagging sounds. He was NO help at all.

Baby Boy had so much fun splashing his feet in it, that he thought it would be equally fun to splash his hands in it. Needless to say, nether of us are wearing the same clothes we started the day in. I have a huge load of laundry that is on it's second time through. Three will be the charm.

Stool softeners work. Trust me.

And, if that isn't enough, there is a mouse in my lazy susan. I heard it laughing at me.

"This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

I will.

I'll also call it like I see it. This day was a poopy day.

Today...

Youngest Son took great care of Baby Boy today while I took my parents to their quarterly doctor's appointment.

We figured some things out with their medications. Switched a few to generic, and moaned about how most of my mom's are not available in generic, and it doesn't look promising that they will any time soon. But, two could be switched, and were.

Both of my parents were fantastic today. You would not have known at all that my mom struggles with dementia. She answered every question correctly, and agreed that she is too tired to do much.

But, health-wise, they are doing excellent. Or, in very good shape for the shape they are in.

Their doctor is a wonderful human being, who treats them with so much dignity and respect I am amazed. I left with a bag full of free samples and a name of a place to call to get them help with understanding their insurance situation and other things that have been confusing to them (and me).

He thinks they are tired due to side effects of their medications, and that they need to push past it and keep walking.

I came home with a migraine. Baby Boy is being absolutely charming today. As I write this, he is playing peek-a-boo with me over the top of my computer screen.

Here it is, 4:00. Daughter will soon be coming for him. I'm trying to decide if I should take the medication that will cause me to sleep for hours, or the medication that will keep me wide awake into the wee hours of the morning.

Oh, decisions, decisions!

Alrighty Then...

This was my purchase from last Thursday.

You wouldn't know it from reading my blog, but I am not much of a shopper.

Don't like grocery shopping. Hate shopping for clothes (always have - not just because i am fat).

THGGM has always loved to shop. If we go to a mall, it must have a bookstore in it, or a craft store close by.

Because that is where I will be. THAT kind of shopping I can do.

We have always loved antique shopping. But this thrift store thing is relatively new to me. Before THGGM lost his job six years ago, I would NEVER go into a thrift store.

But, once I did and discovered that they were full of books, I began to adore them. Except only the book part. Wouldn't touch anything else in one. Seriously. Would not touch it.

How the mighty have fallen!

Let's just say that I turned into a REAL shopper on Thursday. Baby Boy was seeing the heart specialist, so I did not have to consider his needs. My sister came in early, so we could get to the thrift store, where everything was 50% off, right when they opened. We actually got the last parking spot in the lot.

I didn't actually run, but went as fast as I could, ripped the tag off of this lovely buffet and paid for it before anyone else could. Yup. Me. I did that. My sister even noticed and was duly impressed.

THGGM has had his eye on this for several months now. It's lovely. Very well made. It now sits in the front entryway.

I don't think THGGM is a big fan of the styrofoam heads, but I like them there. I have even more hat boxes, but they were beginning to overpower it. I'm sure I will play around with it a bit until I get it just right.

But really. I am not much of a shopper.

Summer Camp for Grandmas

I always loved going to camp in the summer.

When I was growing up, my church joined together with three other churches for summer camp at a lovely camp ground outside of Jackson, Michigan. I loved it. All of it. The lake, the creek, the craft cabin, the games, the songs, seeing the same friends year after year.

I think I need that.

I want to go to "Grandma Camp".

And while at Grandma Camp this is what I would want to do...

Get up at 7:00. I like to get up at seven. The great outdoors smells it's best a seven.

Flag pole. Yes. I always loved flag pool and the goofy exercises that ensued there. Prayer time at the flag pole to give thanks to God for the lovely weather, whether or not it seems lovely to the camper. Good training, that.

Breakfast. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is best when someone else has to clean the pan

Cabin Clean-up. Knowing that you are about to be judged on all matters of neatness and order. What a great way to start the day

Activities! Oh, the activities I want to participate in!

Grandma Arts - Creating art from our grandchild's handiwork or photographs

Grandma Crafts - Making things out of our grandchildren's handprints, tips on embossing finger and nose prints permanently onto windows and mirrors

Grandma Games - Spin the baby. Kiss him before he spits up

Grandma Sports - Lessons in understanding the rules of sports that you didn't understand when your played them, nor when your children played them...

Grandma exercises - How to sleep sitting up holding a baby without dropping him even though your arms are both numb

Grandma Song Time - How to change the lyrics to all your favorite tunes so they center around the grandchild's name

Lunch - Lunch for grandmas will consist of peanut butter and honey on whole wheat toast. Carrots and cheetos (so you can practice fooling the grandchildren that carrots are actually just harder less flavorful cheetos) and apple sauce. Cold milk is served in a sippy cup, just because ALL cups should be sippy cups

Grandma Reading Time - The camp library will be well stocked with books and magazines for our reading enjoyment. Special attention by the staff will be given to grandmas who need help with doing 'voices' of popular children's book characters

Grandma Nap Time - This just naturally follows grandma reading time. Staff will be on hand to gently remove book from grandma's hands, remove her glasses and cover her with a quilt

Grandma Coffe Time - For those grandmas who are still asleep, staff will main-line coffee

Grandma Shopping Excursion - This is the only trip off-site. Pile into yellow bus to travel to local thrift stores. Staff will express-ship your packages home so campers may still win cabin clean-up

Dinner. After the day's activities, Grandma will be to tired to eat. Cans of Slim-fast will be passed out to those who still have the energy to swallow.

Inspirational Speaker Time - A different speaker every night, but with the same timely message that since your grandchild was born, other children who are equally cute, smart and interesting have also been born. There will be time given for repentance of forgetting this

Second Chance for Dinner - Soup/Salad bar

Grandma Campfire - Grandma campers will sit around campfire and recount stories of their own grandmas. Every grandma worth her salt will continue to honor and respect those who came before her

Lights Out - 11:00. Mini-reading lamps are allowed

* * * * *

No cell-phones may be brought to camp. If you, or someone in your family dies, camp staff will contact your family.

Camp nurse is on staff

The Weekend

I'm TIRED. I'm not complaining. Just stating the fact.

Baby Boy spent the weekend at our home while his parents went to a baseball game in Chicago.

Oldest Son and Daughter-in-law came in town to go to a wedding.

Baby Boy and I slept together on the couch last night.

Oh, he has a bed here. And he is usually fine about sleeping in it. But he has a cold and is struggling with having a stuffy nose. This makes using his pacifer tricky.

So, I held him all night. HE slept fine. Really. HE slept fine. I slept sitting up (this seemed to help the stuffiness) and as long is I held VERY VERY still, he stayed sleeping.

My arms are tired. I've had enough coffee today to give me enough energy to run a power plant, yet I fall asleep the minute I close my eyes.

Anyway...

We had a wonderful time! Baby Boy loves to sit up and also roll all around. He does not crawl, as he prefers to be on his feet.

Of Babies and Long Long Ago...

Long long ago in a time far away from now there lived a boy of two and his little sister of one.

Their mommy was expecting a new baby. They knew all about babies, as they were practically still babies themselves.

Yet the mommy wanted them to be prepared, as life would be much different for them when a new baby joined the happy chaos.

So, like a good mommy should, their mommy talked to them a lot about what they could expect when the new baby came.

The little sister got a doll for Christmas so she could have a baby to take care of while mommy was taking care of the new baby.

The children got the Fisher Price nursery set. In it was a baby! This baby was SO well loved. He was talked about as if he were a member of the family.

He was named "Baby Brady" because that is what the new baby was to be called. When Baby Brady wasn't going somewhere with the two year old, he was hanging precariously out of the mouth of the little sister (don't try this at home, as these little people are now considered choking hazards).

The mommy failed to remember that it was the daddy's turn to name the baby. Even though he got to name the little sister, he still insisted on naming this baby, too. The mommy got to name the first baby, after his daddy.

Soon the baby arrived, with a different name. The toy Baby Brady remained a favorite. But, somehow, in the business of life he got lost. Once, he spent the winter buried in the snow and mud in the driveway. He never would come all the way clean after that harrowing experience. Yet again, he got lost. This time never to be found.

Travel along many years. Many many years. The little sister (and now a big sister) has a real baby of her own. Without any recollection of the Fisher Price baby she liked to carry in her mouth, she names her baby the very same name! Of course, she does not give him the nickname of Brady, but the name remains the same as was chosen for her baby brother. She has no memory of this, or of ever hearing the name before.

Come on the journey seven months from the naming of her baby.

The old mommy cannot sleep. She receives an email from that once two year old boy who sends her pictures of Lego men he is bidding on at eBay.

eBay!

A quick search for Fisher Price Little People, and YES!, the baby is there! Of course, the one on eBay is clean and new looking, but give it time, and surely the REAL Baby Brady (who is NOT repeat NOT called that, except by the former two year old) will fix him up good.

The mommy intends to keep a close eye on this baby. And the other one too. Even the grown up ones, as they allow.

And maybe, in a time long long to come and far away from now, those children will gather together and talk about how Baby Brady finally arrived safely to their family. And the toy one, too.

Enjoy!

Aren't these beautiful?

They were given to me as a gift 26 years ago.

I did some typing for a missionary from my church who had spent the majority of her life in the Congo.

Reading "The Poisonwood Bible" reminded me of this.

I did some freelance work for her, and meant for it to be 'free'. But, she said she had two pictures from the Congo that she wanted me to have.

This woman lived through unspeakable horror, but you would never have known it from her quiet ways. In her last years she suffered from dementia and would be found by nursing home staff hiding behind doors in fear as her mind relived the horrors of war-time Congo.

Even though before her death her memories were eaten away, she left many of them with me.

All I know of the artist is what she told me. She had done some work for him, and this was her payment from him. She said he was a famous artist in the Congo.

I should hope so. There is such beauty in his work!

I have done nothing with these for 26 years, except take them out from time to time to gaze in awe at them. It's time now to share them with you! I hope you like them as much as I do!

My Last Summer Play Date

Sadly, today was my last summer play date with my sister. Her summer vacation ends this week.

But, what a wonderful play date it was!

Great sales at both of our favorite thrift stores! One of them is having 50% off everything in the store Th-Sat and the other has hardcover books for 25 cents and children's books and paperbacks for 10 cents.

I picked up a like-new paperback copy of Peterson's "The Message" for 10 cents for Youngest Son. I found another paperback for him, but the name escapes me at the moment.

For myself I bought two hardcover short story anthologies, one from the 30's and one from the 90's.

I also got "Black Mutiny" which was the main historical reference for the movie "Amistad". I've been wanting to read it.

For the curious historian in me I bought "Anne Frank Remembered" by Miep Gies, which brought back a lot of memories of me taking Oldest Son and his friend Laura to see the documentary in the theater. I loved it. It was so well done. I don't think they liked it at all, even though Laura has relatives who were actively involved in the Dutch underground. I also found John Hersey's "The Wall" which is about the Warsaw Ghetto. I own several copies of Leon Uris' "Mila 18" which is on the same subject and is one of my all time favorite books. I'm interested to see how they compare. I also found "Until We Meet Again" which is a Scholastic book on the same time period. I do have to be careful reading these. When Oldest Son was in 9th grade we read everything our library had on children and the holocaust. Both of us became SO depressed that I'm surprised we survived three more years of homeschool.

I also found "Words from a Fearless Heart" which is a collection of quotes taken from the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I have all the books these come from, but it's nice to see what someone else pulled out of her writings.

Lest you think I am through, I found a small blue copy of the Apocrypha. Since I was young I have been impressed that there is a book in it baring my name.

And, I found a teeny tiny black embossed hardcover copy (the 37th edition) of John Wesley's "Christian Perfection". This one has many many things underlined in the first few pages, and then the original owner must have either become perfect himself, or given up on it completely, as nothing else in the book is underlined. I wonder what John Wesley would say were he able to see England today?

(is anyone still reading this rather dull account?) I was also able to pick up a replacement book for one that was stolen from our church library. I get really happy when I can replace books this way. Oh, the people I know who have gone on to mission work in foriegn countries whilst harboring books not belonging to them!

I bought a few random volumns of fiction too. And, two delightful books for Baby Boy.

I'm nearly on my way to bed. Too tired to carry all of these with me (on the recommendation of Daughter-in-law, my oldest sister and Heather I am presently reading "The Poisonwood Bible").

Those are just the books I bought. Easily purchased with my meager pocket change.

My sister and I had our last summer lunch at Hunan.

Play dates are over, until next summer.

Baby Boy

Baby Boy saw the heart specialist today.

Everything turned out to be within the range of 'normal'.

They didn't do the echogram, because it would require sedation, which is a higher risk than the heart murmur.

Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, comments and emails.

This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef

Seven days ago I put two roasts into a crock-pot.

Silly me.

Only THGGM and I were at home. Youngest Son was at camp. Youngest Son usually likes to eat roast beef. THGGM has lost over 40 pounds by limiting his carb intake, so he eats roast beef. I like it too.

But why I put two of them into the crock-pot is just weird. I cooked cauliflower, because being diabetic, I no longer eat many potatoes, and THGGM replaces potatoes with cauliflower and insists that he cannot tell the difference. That was dinner. Roast and cauliflower.

We didn't like it. Oh, it tasted good and all that, but after it had been so hot, roast just wasn't what we wanted.

We never actually wanted it.

It has been used in hot beef sandwiches, eaten cold, turned into soup - you name it. I feel like the woman in the Bible who had the oil that would not run out. This roast will NOT run out.

I still have a bowl of it in the refrigerator. I will have to dump it, as it has been around too long - although, it has had several thorough cookings. Tonight, Barb the cat will have it offered to him, but I think even he has had enough.

Tomorrow, this little piggy goes to market.

And this little piggy will have none. At least not roast beef.

I've Got a GREAT Idea!

Oh, yes. I must be feeling better. Because I had an 'idea'. I haven't had an idea in days.

And, this idea just may help the unemployed court artists, now that cameras are allowed in courtrooms more often than not.

They could become WEDDING ARTISTS!

Oh, this is SO necessary!

Have you noticed that some weddings seem like the entire event is just a stage for the photographer to produce a wedding book to sell for unfathomable amounts of money (which will, if you are me, be misplaced).

What would it take? A nice pad of drawing paper, a #2 pencil and a cupful of colored pencils.

Really. How unique would that be? The details could be added later.

No flash would be required.

Adjustments could easily be made.

It's time has come.

This needs to happen.

Court artists of the world, unite!

(is there a union, or could i just do this?)

Of course, I'd have to start somewhere.

YOUR WEDDING, IN STICK FIGURES.

It just might catch on.

Does This Happen to Other People?

I've had this strange thing happen to me many times throughout my life.

I will get a STRONG memory that I cannot shake. It's not anything bad, usually it's something enjoyable.

For years we have gone to an antique mall in Wisconsin. It's in an old school building. I don't even have to close my eyes, and I can go there. I see EVERYTHING just how it was the day the memory first stuck. I've been there since, and it has changed some, but I can ALWAYS see it just how it was that first time.

Last week, while wandering around in my hot kitchen, I had a memory of my former kitchen. It was a particular day. A humid day. In my memory I was smacking open the cupboard doors from the inside, because they would stick when it got really humid. I could see myself lining up all of the stuff I had just bought at the grocery store. A dog and cat tripping around my feet. It is UNBELIEVABLY detailed. The lighting, the smell, how everything looked - but it never varies. The sharply recalled memory only goes so far, I cannot make it go farther ahead, or reverse it.

Another one is from this house. Back when our bedroom was a very light shade of green. Daughter and I were taking pictures, I'm not even sure why. Maybe we had just painted it. Whatever the reason, I can see her sitting on a white chair at a white little table in front of the window. It's almost as if I could reach out and touch her right now. We are both laughing about something. I can still hear her laugh.

I'm interested in what makes what seems like such a random memory stand out from all the others.

If I were Emily in "Our Town" are these the scenes I would return to?

I have wonderful memories of our wedding (although i still have not found our pictures!) but the most detailed memory I have is from a few hours before, while I was home alone getting ready while my parents were at the church. My Great Uncle Sid came to drop off a wedding present. I had the most pleasant conversation with him. I remember it so clearly. But, HOW I actually got to the church, I haven't a clue.

Now that my mother is struggling with dementia it's become apparent that her memory isn't so much a sequence of events as it is a flat plain with everything in her memory jumbled up altogether. She seems truly astounded sometimes that I don't know people that she knew long ago.

What is it that keeps my memory of the antique mall, my old kitchen, Daughter and Great Uncle Sid clearly divided?

Someday will Great Uncle Sid appear at the antique mall? Will Daughter enter the scene just before the wedding, even though she wasn't born yet?

I wonder.

Did YOU Ever Make a Really Dumb Suggestion?

My mom and dad stopped over today to see Baby Boy. He and Great Grandpa both have colds, are a bit fussy, and require multiple naps.

There is one thing you need to know about my immediate family.

We like to show off 'boo-boos'.

Well, THGGM isn't as big into this as I am, but I always feel that if I am in pain already, I might as well have something to show for it and clutch the sympathy close to my heart.

Anyway.

Last week while playing beach volleyball with some friends, Daughter got a skinned knee. In our family, we used to call them 'signs of spring' as they seemed to appear on everyone's knee once the bikes came out after winter.

So, trying to make meaningful conversation, I suggested that Daughter show her grandparents her banged up knee.

Oh, how I wish I could take that suggestion back.

Look at the looks of horror on my parent's faces!

And rightly so.

Daughter removed the bandage and revealed what looked like some sort of primordial ooze.

I've learned my lesson.

Well, only sort of. I like to feel the metal plate in Oldest Son's leg. I just will be sure not to ask my parents to feel it.

I'm forty eight. When, oh when will I grow up?!

My Life

Hooray! Hooray!
It's cooler here today!

And, I could not be happier.

Our home has an attic fan. It is so powerful that I often (way too often) joke about how I have to get up every morning and pick the neighbors off the front screens.

It's 68 degrees in here as I write this. That's still three degrees higher than I keep it all winter, but it feels WONDERFUL! Have I mentioned lately that I just cannot stand the heat?

Anyway.

Many good things are happening here.

THGGM did not have to keep his appointment with the sleep clinic. Losing over 40 pounds did the trick. He no longer snores in that way that had me plotting evil against him.

Oldest Son and Daughter-in-law are in Aruba. He has great pictures up at his blog www.oxfordblues.blogspot.com

They will be visiting us this weekend. We do not provide deluxe accommodations. But, we will have Baby Boy staying with us while his parents take in a Tigers/White Sox game in Chicago.

I think I just had my first really clear thought since all this heat and humidity and horrid hormones attacked my brain. It's saying something about cleaning up this house... I'm not sure... It's not really all THAT clear...

But I'd best heed it, THHGM is starting to get that wicked arch to his right eyebrow.

Baby Boys Gets a Trim!

Daughter deemed Baby Boy in need of a haircut.

Grandpa had a hand in it too.
Baby Boy has had trims before, so he didn't shed any tears.
It's not everyone who gets a waitress at Applebee's to trim their hair!

I thought this was the finished product - but, this is still a work in progress!

Baby Boy sees the heart specialist on Thursday for an echogram.

Please pray. No one seems to think it will be anything too serious, but then, it isn't THEIR Baby Boy!

More Thrift

The wool blanket I found for $2.00 has two lovely labels on it. I'm such a label junky. I plan to make something with that corner of the blanket that will preserve the labels.

I have quite a few hot pads in red and white - the blue and white makes a great addition!

The cake topping stuff is so quaint! The little blue boy holds a candle. I found him irresistible. Especially since no one holds a candle to Baby Boy.

Why So Much Thrift/Antique Shopping?

THGGM and I were hoping to go to Traverse City for the weekend.

But, we didn't.

All that heat and humidity last week knocked me flat.

So, we stayed around here, thrift and antique shopping, yet close enough to home for me to crash when necessary. And crash I did.

Anyway, we DID have some fun!

THGGM found a fabulous old end table (it's not in a good spot for photographing yet) and a loveseat (which i've posted on my 'plethora' blog).

I just found a bunch of little treasures. This 'occupied japan' figurine is one. I think she has the cutest face! She came with a boy figure also (both for 3.00) but he isn't so cute.

Why all the pictures? My mind just isn't in a good spot right now. Oh, it's still in my head and attached to my shoulders, but not functioning at full speed right now.

Maybe later.

Small Treasures

I found another Dutch kids plaque!

And, a wool blanket. I've been looking for a wool blanket to use to make the felted baby shoes and more stuffed animals for Baby Boy.

This one, in a lovely shade of faded gold, was $2.00.

The Whole Loaf (found in an old cookbook)

And All This, Too

Oh, looky!

The book on the left is by E. B. White's wife.

The cookbook on the right has such a great graphic!

They were 50 cents a piece.



And, then these!

Doilies and bits of crocheted edging

Two little yellow blankets

Blue blanket binding

Bright magnetic alphabet letters

Word cubes - how cool are they?!

And, these three books.

I've already started on the Abigail Adams biography.

How Dear to My Heart

Are the Scenes of My Childhood

Thrifty Thursday

This is our latest thrift store find! I first saw it while thrift shopping with my sister one Thursday. I was sure THGGM would love it, but by the time we left it had a 'hold' tag on it. When I brought THGGM back on Saturday, it had a 'sold' tag on it.
Boohoo. Anyway, two weeks later the tag was off and it was back for sale again. We thought about it. We decided no.
But then we changed our minds again. THGGM bought it.
This is one solid chair! I actually would have paid the price of the chair and footstool for just the charming little footstool! So, I'm looking at it as "Buy One Footstool, Get Chair Free"!
So. You've noticed that it is in my living room, and my living room carpet is pink? Yes. I've noticed that too.
I want it in our bedroom. It would match up there nicely.
But, I haven't won that battle yet. THGGM has the ability to pretend orange and green go with pink.




Last night Son-in-law picked it up for us in his pick-up truck.
Poor poor Daughter! As Son-in-law was getting it out of the truck, Daughter was coming up the front steps looking all forlorn.
She looked me square in the eye and said in the way only Daughter can do - "Well. Don't WE look like a bunch of red-necks! Riding down the street with an ugly flowered chair in a pick-up truck!"
I told her I thought she should have sat in it 'miss america parade style' and waved to people.
It didn't help the look any that Son-in-law was shirtless and Daughter had a skinned knee.
Oh, well.
Our chair is in the living room, all's right with the world.