A Night at the Airport...

Last night my honey returned from his week long visit to Utah. He had a great trip.

The drive to the airport was fun in its own rite. With my left arm mostly non-functional, a pouring rain, and an idiot truck driver weaving in and out between cars already going 70 mph in that rain, I was extra grateful to pull in the parking garage at Cincinnati's airport.

I entered baggage claim which is the level where you can first meet your returning passenger. Then I checked the board to be sure which baggage claim area his stuff would come to. That is when I noted his plane was about 15 minutes late. No problem, I found a chair, whipped out my Sudoku book and settled in for a bit of quiet.

That is when I became aware of life when the airport is closing down. I've seen this before but it was amazing to watch it again. We're all so familiar with life during the day in businesses we frequent. Sometimes we don't remember that many of those same places of business have a different flavor when the guests leave.

The first thing I noticed was the guy riding the lawn mower type vacuum/carpet cleaner. I'm musing...I think that might be a fun job. He definitely had a certain pattern to his work so he knew where he had vacuumed and what was left. I also noted he was really cruising on that vehicle. He had his head tilted to one side and it stayed that way the entire time I was in the airport. Made my already sore left side more so. Still, I think that might be a cool job.

It was closer to time for Claude's plane to land so I tucked the Sudoku book in my purse and headed to the escalator to wait. There was another couple there so I picked a spot to stand on the other side of where you step off the escalator.  They were a bit more fidgety about their guest getting there than I was. They kept walking back and forth to that board to be sure the plane was still landed and then to the baggage claim to see if the bag got there before their family member. In addition there were two limo drivers with their little signs at the ready to pick up their charges. The big guard was walking around with his clipboard checking off things.

I was a bit alarmed when I saw all these bodies coming to the base of the escalator and stepping on to ascend to the baggage claim area. They looked like a military unit. It made one wonder if something was amiss at CVG.  Then it came into context. Claude's was the last plane to land. They had just finished parking the plane. They were the ground crew. They had a much more robust personality to their group than those on the cleaning crew. Maybe part of it was their shift was over and the cleaning crew's shift was just beginning. I was relieved there was no emergency.

Then...enter my dream job...

In Terminal 3 there are four escalators. Two coming up from the underground walkway and two going down to the underground walkway. On either side of each of these sets of escalators there is metal framing about one foot wide. This shiny metal surface is at foot level. It needs to be dusted and polished. How to do that you might ask?  A strapping young man with a dust mop places said mop on the flat metal surface, steps on the escalator, and while the escalator ascends he holds down the dust mop. Then he gets on the first down escalator and repeats the process. Now is that a cool job or what?!?!?

Meanwhile the lawn mower/vacuum/carpet cleaner is looping around the carpets at the escalators. Such a ballet of cleanliness. I just grinned while watching it all happen.

Soon my honey was at the base of the escalator grinning as he ascended to a very happy wife.

I was able to report to him that the doctors office called. My X-rays, taken that morning, revealed no broken bones in my shoulder. Yeah!!  It is severely strained and twisted and needs about 4 days rest to start its healing process. If it is not better in that amount of time, I'm to head back to my doctor.

Life is now back to whatever is normal of Claude and me. He is off to the Family History Center with Papa and I'm awaiting the arrival of my annual piano tuning with Daniel Kidd.

Splat!!!

I had a great Sunday morning until...

I've said this before and I'll say it again, my worst fear as I age is falling. So, what did I do today...

We had great meetings today at Church followed by a good choir practice.

With choir practice over, I was walking around the front of the stand and did not notice the little step for kids to stand on when they speak. It is covered in carpet just like the carpet on the floor of the stand. I wanted to practice the organ for the bi-stake choir practice tonight. I was looking up and not down.

I stumbled and began to fall and could tell there was no way to stop it. I stretched out my left arm it hit the floor first. I heard a little pop sound. Then I realized I was stretched out across the stand in front of the chairs where the bishop and his counselor would sit during meetings. Geez!!!

Fortunately I wore a long skirt today and I was still covered.

Unfortunately I immediately felt nauseous. The last thing I wanted was to be stretched out there and hurl in front of everyone.

Immediately there were many people there to help me. I assured them I was most concerned about my left arm and just felt like I was probably in a bit of shock.

Someone took the books of music I was carrying. Then I slowly tried to stand. I tried putting pressure on my left arm and realized that was not a good idea.

Standing brought the men around. There were several offers for a priesthood blessing. That was so very sweet. I declined until I could tell if I was really hurt.

I went to the organ and tried to take off my shoes so I could play the pedals. Hmmm...that hurt. I also realized I couldn't lift my left arm to the swell keyboard. Well, I could but it was extremely painful.

Kathy Alexander came over and asked me a few questions. She is a nurse by profession. I had pretty good range of motion so we thought I may have just pulled something.

I practiced the organ using the great keyboard for my left hand so I didn't have to raise it. I also eliminated playing the pedal. That was just too much to watch out for as I tried to practice.

I finally said 'uncle' and headed toward my car.

Putting on my coat was not easy. I put my left arm in first and that helped. I carried my purse and my bag with my stuff to teach with my right arm. Out into the rain I went.

Driving was okay if I remembered to use the right arm for just about everything.

I visited Mimi and then headed to Papa's. We picked out songs for Wednesday. I headed home feeling queasy and sore.

My evening plans have changed from driving to Lexington for the choir practice to staying home and not moving my left arm any more than I have to.  A triple X sweatshirt was easier to pull on. I'm just staying tucked in my home until tomorrow when I may call the doctor.

To type this I have pulled the laptop close in front of me so my left are is bent but not raised.

Well, that is why this Blog entry is titled 'Splat'. That is what I did. I did it gracefully though!!

Sandi Reflects...

A few months ago, I awoke with a bit of sun coming between the curtains in our bedroom. As I began to roll over the sunlight struck my wedding band. My arms had been wrapped around my pillow and my wedding band was just barely within range of that ray of light. But, for some reason, the flicker of brightness off my wedding band seemed larger than life.

It is a simple plain gold band. It is the most perfect wedding ring ever. Never having a desire for a diamond engagement ring, my wish was always for a plain gold band. That is what I wear, a plain gold band, now a bit scruffed after 41 years of marriage.

As I looked at the light reflect off my ring, a phrase pop into my head, "A band of gold as I grow old reflects a life well spent".  This phrase struck me as very powerful.  I fumbled in my nightstand for pencil and paper and wrote the phrase down. Then I continued to try and really wake up.

As I got ready for the morning I felt the urge to build on that phrase and write about my feelings. I carried the paper in my notebook as we made a trip. I did not added to it. 

Over the past few months I did jot a note or two more. Today I have finished my thoughts and will record them here on my Blogger Journal.

Sandi Reflects

A band of gold

As I grow old

Reflects a life well spent.

Little fingers on a tiny hand

Lay within my worn palm

And speak of generations bound by love.

A bookmark placed to mark the spot

Of a journey of mind and heart.

The note of a melody pitched just right

For my voice to sing as it lowers with years.

The scent of a flower,

A breeze full of memories,

Bare feet on grass or sand,

Unmindful I am singing aloud

As daily life moves on.

Needles, hooks, thread and yarn

Crafted is some gift for another.

A treasure displayed from my past,

A reminder of heritage

And hope for a legacy left for others.

Traveling or safely inside our humble home

With my eternal companion.

Moments sometimes difficult, sometimes tender,

The strength of his arm will protect, care and love.

Children to laugh with, cry with, appreciate with,

To cherish their strengths and achievements,

And be grateful they call me ‘Mother’.

Grandmonsters with energy unbounded

Fill my cup to overflowing.

Parents who lived so far away

Now to spend their last years close.

True friends near and far

But always close at heart.

The love of my Savior confirms my reason for life,

Gives me purpose and direction.

Mine is a full life, a happy life, a blessed life.

Today I feel peace.

Thanksgiving My Way...

Claude really wanted to go visit his mom again this year. After perusing our calendars for the perfect time, we hit upon a Thanksgiving visit.

Many years ago we did this for Mother's Day. I visited my mom in Louisiana and he visited his mom in Utah. It was a great way to spend Mother's Day. So doing that again for Thanksgiving seemed like a great idea. We polled our kids and found that none were going to be able to come for Thanksgiving so I set to work finding flights for Claude.

This meant I had a Thanksgiving to fill as I pleased. I invited Papa out for dinner and also the missionaries from our Church. Papa would feed Mimi lunch and then pick up the missionaries and bring them out our home for the afternoon.

I had a morning in a clean home to putz at cooking as the day progress.  I had my menu plan all out and I wrote times beside each item so I wouldn't have to think about when things needed to be in the oven. This made for a very relaxing start to my Thanksgiving.

I set the TV on Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Turn the volume off on the TV. Set up Christmas CD's to play in Claude's office. I got lots of little things accomplished while I cooked and even made it through some reading for my Sunday School lesson.

Somewhere in the morning I realized I haven't cooked a turkey in 50,000,000 years. Claude usually smokes the turkey for Thanksgiving. No Claude here and I don't run the smoker. I felt a bit of panic and then realized I had peanut butter on the shelf. If worse came to worse with my turkey roasting, we could always have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!!

Claude also left me a recipe for a pomegranate glaze for the turkey. That ended up being a great recipe. I've kept it for future use. I'm sure that glaze would be good on some other food as well.

Charlene was supposed to join us but she has diabetes and it kicked in big time and she felt she needed to stay close to her home. 

One of the missionaries, Elder Stephenson, lived in Hawaii. I had my Hawaii trip album out and the CD's of pictures and we started our visit with a quick trip to Hawaii.

When it came time to finish off the meal preparation (gravy, stuffing & potatoes all need help at once), I set my visitors to work.

Papa wanted to drive the missionaries back to Georgetown on the back roads. They left about 5:15pm with full tummies and left overs to enjoy.

I cleaned my kitchen and talked with Charlene. Then settled in for an evening of finishing a Christmas gift for a friend and watching some movies Andie gave me to give to Katelyn.

It was a very nice Thanksgivings...Sandi Style!!

If The Shoe Fits...

Monday started early, very early, for Claude and me, 5am.  Claude was flying to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with his mom and family. He drove to the airport in a driving rain. Forturnately my return trip only had rain until I reached where I-71 leaves I-75 and heads to Louisville. It was good to get back home and be able to stay inside while the rain poured in Sadieville.

My day was spent completely two Christmas projects, getting all my mailing caught up, and sorting through some things in my home. It was a good productive day and I left home in the afternoon with a good to do list for the rest of the week and things in pretty good order.

My first stop was in Frankfort, Kentucky to visit my dear friend, Laura Carter, her daughter and her mom. I truly appreciate the wonder that is friendship. It fills me and uplifts me and I am grateful for good people in my life.

My destination Monday evening was the Marx home. Miss Bailey was to have her Thanksgiving Program at St. John's Preschool Tuesday morning. I was going to LaGrange the night before so I didn't have another very early morning to get there in time for this big event in our little one's life.

The Marx family had an evening at Gatti-Town. I arrived at their home before they returned from their outing. This gave me time to unpack my car and settle in. Even got a little crocheting done.

Those Mini's were very happy to see me. It was great to read them stories before bed and have a bit of snuggle time.

Tuesday morning I awoke with a gentle tapping on the other side of the wall in the guest bedroom. That is Hayden's signal letting me know it is time to wake up. There is nothing quite like Hayden first thing in the morning. He awakes with a plethora of things to tell you and lots of hugs.

Not too much later Miss Bailey gave a little tap on Hayden's bedroom door. She was all grins as she entered her big brother's bedroom. She climbed into his bed on the side opposite me and gave him a huge hug. He hugged her right back. My heart was full.

Michael headed to work and Hayden to school. Now it was time for Andie, Bailey and me to get ready for Bailey's program.

When it was time, we got in the car and headed to Hayden's school to take him out to see the Thanksgiving Program. Yeah us!!! We were 2 minutes ahead of Andie's plan leave time. As we pull out the drive Andie comments on this and wonders what will happen.

As we pull up to the school, Andie turns around to Bailey who is strapped in her car seat. It was then Andie learned why she would need those extra two minutes. Miss Bailey was dressed and coiffed perfectly. However...she had no shoes on those little feet.

Andie got Hayden and headed back to her home to get Bailey's shoes. Then we quickly drove to St. John's Preschool. The rain was pouring. The kids donned their raincoats, umbrellas were opened and puddles were splashed in as we hurried to the door.

We dropped Bailey off at her classroom first. She washed her hands.

Then Bailey's teacher put her pilgrim hat on her and we were off to find seats in the sanctuary.

Hayden was looking for teachers he knew. He found Ms. Joy, his first preschool teacher.

Michael was in the sanctuary waiting for us. Andie brought Hayden binoculars to use for the program. Great choice!

Soon the classes were beginning to file into their assigned pews. Andie headed back to get pictures of Bailey.

Bailey age group moved to the stand. Andie and Michael joined the other parents in the aisles and along the front to take pictures.

Bailey's group sang "Thankful", recited their turkey poem, and ended with singing "Our God is a Great Big God".  Bailey enthusiastically performed. She grinned and did all the hand motions. One of my favorite moments was when she yawned.

Know what a little girl wants most when she finishes her performance. A big hug from her daddy assuring her she was the 'best one on her row'. Absolutely priceless.

The remainder of the age groups performed. Then Pastor Dan gave the benediction.

The Marx family gathered after the Thanksgiving Program for a quick family picture before Michael headed back to work.

Hayden is sporting his first brush burn. He and Bailey were playing and he rounded a corner and through a doorway. when he fell he got this lovely brush burn on the side of his face. I have a stack of get well notes his class wrote to him that I'm going to scan for Andie.

Lunch was provided in the gym. Hayden took Bailey by the hand and led her to the gym.

Andie's contribution to the dessert portion of the meal was these adorable pilgrim hat cookies.

The cute thing about lunch was Hayden finding Claire. His teacher his final year of preschool had her baby the day of his graduation from preschool. Hayden took my hand and walked me over to meet baby Claire. He could only grin from ear to ear as he looked at this little tike.

We took Hayden back to school. Andie left Bailey and me at the house and she went to run errands for the afternoon. Bailey and I found lots to play and enjoy.

One of my fun experiences with Bailey that afternoon was playing hide-and-seek. Bailey hid first while I counted.

Then she informed me I was to find a really good hiding place. She headed to the living room to count to ten. I looked around, opened the door to the basement, stood on the top step, and closed the door till it was almost completely closed. Bailey finished her counting and came looking. She kept calling 'Ma, Ma'.  I remained quiet on that top step peeking out the crack of the door. Bailey went upstairs and looked and finally came back downstairs. She went back through the family room calling for me. Then she looked that the door to the basement. She tiptoed over and peeked in the crack. Then we both laughed and I came out for a big hug. Who would have thought at age 61 hide-and-seek could be so much fun?

The other fun experience has to do with make-up. Bailey loves to put on make-up. Lots and lots and lots of makeup. I had permission from Andie for her to play. We headed up to the kid's bathroom and Bailey brought my ditty bag. She pulled over the step stool while I took out my eye shadows. Bailey then went to town coloring her eyes. I asked her if she wanted some lipstick. Of course she wanted lipstick. That was in my purse so I went to get it. When I came back this is what I found...

I assured Miss Bailey she was doing a magnificent job of putting on her makeup. She looked at me and in a self-assured voice told me it was her beak. I asked if she was a bird. Yep, that is exactly what she was creating. I asked what kind and she told me she was a Blue Macaw!! I have a cute video of this but it is too long for posting.

Soon it was time to retrieve Hayden from the bus stop. He was so happy to have us meet him. We came back to the house and the kids finished watching Toy Story 3.

I received a phone call from Katelyn. She is in the middle of some project at school and needs two costumes. I sent her pattern links and she was responding to the links. Pencil and paper in hand I wrote down the pattern she chose. She sent me a picture of Claude in a blue shirt that was the color she wanted her dress to be made.

As I took pictures off my camera and put them on Andie's computer, I noticed Bo in protest mode about their upcoming trip.

Andie returned and I quickly loaded my car and headed to Frankfort to the fabric store. As I'm cruising down the highway I got a call on my cell phone. It was Andie. It seems Hayden walked to the breakfast table and said, "Aren't these Ma's shoes?" Hmmm... Andie called and sure enough they were mine and I left them at their home. Andie said it was a theme for the day -- No Shoes!!

I hurried to Frankfort, found pattern, fabric and notions, made my purchase and hurried out the door. I was in Frankfort and my Spanish class was to start in 10 minutes in Georgetown. No way was I going to be on time. I would just have to be there as quick as I could drive safely.

I ended the day with my Spanish class, dinner at Fazoli's and a quick stop at Walmart. Home by 10pm.

It was a fun trip.

Today I prepared a Jell-o salad for Thanksgiving dinner, cleaned my home, and sang at the nursing home with Papa. It's nearing bedtime. I'm ready as I can be for a nice Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow with Papa, the missionaries and a new convert, Charlene Stamper. Should be a nice day.

An Occasion for a New Dress...

Claude received an invitation to Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.'s 25th Anniversary reception and brunch. He accepted for the two of us. I asked the appropriate attire and he said, "Business Attire". Hmmmm...Where I work (in my home) it is jeans and a sweat shirt at the current moment. I knew that was not what Claude was calling "Business Attire".

Knowing we were really representing Sadieville, I pondered over the next week or so what I might wear that would be appropriate. Then, on Wednesday, between visiting teaching appointments and visiting my mom and dad, I had an extra hour and I was already in Georgetown. My little red Buick sped to the Outlet Mall and parked in the lot in front of the Dress Barn. Just maybe I could quickly find the perfect 'whatever' to wear.

I did find a really cute black knit dress. Many years ago I had a maroon knit dress that I loved with my black boots. As I've aged, I haven't had the courage to try on a knit dress from many years. As I eyed this dress, my heart said, "This is the one."  My keen intellect said, "Maybe not."

About the time I was have this mental struggle, the sales lady came by and asked if she could help with anything. For some reason I was quite frank with her and said, "I really love this dress and I'm sure it will go over my hips but not so sure about my tummy." She very promptly said, "I think it will be fine. Why don't you try it on and see?"  With that bit O'encouragment I headed into the dressing room.

Did I say I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY liked this dress?  Did I mention I usually only buy what I see on sale? Well, my courage boosted by a very polite sales lady, I tried on this lovely article of clothing. It fit perfectly!!! Yeah!!!  The deed was done and I walked out of the store with the perfect dress for the Toyota Reception and Brunch.

I told Claude when I finally got home that evening that I treated myself to a dress shopping experience and had the dress to end all dresses for our Saturday date. I did not show him the dress until I was ready to go this morning. He had a huge grin on his face and pronounced it beautiful. That was just what I wanted to hear.

We were off to Keeneland's Entertainment Center in Lexington for the 10:30am reception.

We drove the Jeep this time. It is such a great vehicle for parking in whatever spot one can find. Imagine our surprise when we drove behind Keeneland's Entertainment Center to the parking lot and found the only parking was valet parking. I'm diligently trying to learn a few more Spanish words from my "Spanish for Gringos" textbook. I was surprised when I looked up and realized someone was coming to open my door and I was not prepared to get out yet. Claude looked very uncertain about giving the steering wheel to someone else. Can you tell, we NEVER use valet parking?  Such silliness. They took the Jeep and we entered the Entertainment Center.

The Entertainment Center is built like a horse barn. Now, unless you have lived in Kentucky, when someone says 'horse barn', you might think of a rough looking building. Not so in the Bluegrass State.  Horse barns here are amazingly beautiful buildings, some even have chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. The front patio area of this center had tarps covering the openings. These tarps had windows in them. There was a bluegrass band playing in one corner. There was an open bar and people passing around trays of elegant little hors d'oeuvres. At the far end of the patio they had a reception line to meet important Toyota people: Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, Fuji Cho and his wife, Chairman of Toyota Manufacturing, Kentucky, Steve St. Angelo, President of Toyota Manufacturing, Kentucky, Wil James and his wife, Corporate Advisor Toyota Manufacturing, Kentucky, Osamu Ushio and his wife.

Claude enjoyed the hors d'oeuvres, we mingled and went through the receiving line. Then the trumpeter for Keeneland entered in his official trumpeter duds and played the piece they do for the races. We were welcomed and invited to enter the Entertainment Center proper and find out assigned tables for brunch.

We were to sit at table 4. It was right in front of the stage. Claude and I both figured someone made a mistake. Seated with us was an official of Toyota and a lady I assume was his wife, the Mayor of Georgetown, Everette Varney and his wife, the Mayor of Lexington, Jim Gray and a man who must be his aide. It was a nice table for conversation and enjoying an absolutely wonderful meal. While we dined there was a slide show projected on screens around the room of events during Toyota's history in Georgetown, Kentucky. There was even a slide of them presenting the check to Sadieville for our Rosenwald School.

After the meal I suddenly felt like I was on a cruise and in the major dining room. Suddenly there were people in black pants and white shirts clapping and singing "Celebrate good times, come on" and moving around all the tables. Eventually all these singers ended up on the stage. Turns out they are the Lexington singers. They next sang "Stand By Me". 

Wil James took the stand and began the remainder of the program. He introduced the government leaders in attendance, which included Claude. Amazing!

Steve St. Angelo spoke. Martha Layne Collins spoke. She was Governor when Kentucky won the bid to have Toyota build its first plant in the United States. She even has a highway named after her in Kentucky. Checks were given to four non-profit organizations that Toyota supports and a Toyota Camry was given to Bluegrass Pride. Wil James spoke and then turned the microphone over to Fujio Cho. He actually lived in Kentucky at the beginning of Toyota being here. He is a well loved figure. He ended his talk by saying, "I'm glad to be back in 'My Old Kentucky Home'". This produced a rousing round of applause.

The Lexington Singers returned to the stand and we all stood as they sang "My Old Kentucky Home".  This song always touches my heart. I've lived in 5 states. I know they all have a state song. But I can't remember a single one of them. Kentucky has this grand tradition of standing to sing their state song at major events. They usually have a vocalist sing the verses and the audience joins in on the chorus. It is just moving to be a part of that connection. I found a tear welling up in my eye as we sang the chorus together. It was just neat today, as it always is.

We would leave and get in the line for the valet to bring our bright yellow Jeep back to us. When I went to hop in the front seat I was surprised to see a gift sitting on the front seat. Could it be that all this valet parking was so each guest could quietly receive a gift?  I opened it as Claude pointed the car to Versailles Road. It was a beautiful piece of pottery made in Louisville with the Kentucky logo of a horse head with mane blowing in the breeze.

From the gorgeous flowers, to the delicious food, to the quiet elegance of the morning, this was a most delightful affair to attend. Toyota always does things just right. It was a pleasure to go to this event in my new black knit dress on the arm of my honey.

Now, I want to add one more comment. 

In America today we are always strongly recommending 'buy American' and we should. I do not disagree with that idea. However, before anyone is quick to reject a Toyota made product because its owners are Japanese, I would submit, from my seven years of living in Kentucky right up the road from their first manufacturing plant in the United States, that Toyota is one of the best business partners a community could ask for. In their 25 years they have given back to the community $52,000,000 to organizations (like Sadieville's Rosenwald School restoration).  When their plant was shut down for production because of all the auto hubbub, they allowed their 7,000 employees to take paid vacation or provide hours of community service for which they were paid until they could restart production. They are a good neighbor. They care about their employees and treat them well.

It seems they are not going to make my Buick's after 2012. As I ponder where to turn in the auto market when I have to replace my current Buick, I must admit a Toyota product might loom in my future.  I know it is a good product in and of itself.  But more than that, I know they are good people that care about our community.

So, there you have it. I had a great morning with my hubby. Thanks Toyota for that!

Again...and again...and again...

When I was in the third grade, my parents sought out Mrs. Arlene Herring to teach me piano lessons. She was a propery lady. She always sat in her chair by her piano in a dress to teach her lessons. (My mom was a pants kind of lady so I found Mrs. Herring interesting in a dress at home.)

Mrs. Herring had a piano recital each year at the end of the school year at the Cumberland Baptist Church. Her students were all dressed in formal attire. This meant my mother made me a new formal dress each year for the recital. This is me dressed for my first piano recital in June 1960. 

By the time I was in fifth grade I was learning three hymns each week so I could play the piano for Sunday School at Church. The congregation was patient with me. I loved playing for Church.

Eventually our little Church building purchased an organ.

We did have one young mother who took organ lessons while at college. Bibbitt Pierce taught me the 'spider crawl' up and down the keys.  This is necessary as the sound on an organ ceases as soon as you release the key. If you want the sound to stay you must keep your finger on the keys. I went back to learning three hymns each week on the organ so I could play for Sacrament Meeting (worship service).

My piano skills were eventually good enough I could accompany a choir. (It seems I did that a lot.) 

One of the ways Mrs. Herring taught us to improve our playing was with ten pennies. You place ten pennies on one side of your piano. On the places in a piece of music you are having trouble, you play it through, slowly, one time. Then you can move one penny to the other side of your piano. Each time you play through the place that is giving you trouble, you move another penny over.  After ten time through, you are usually playing that tough spot in the music a bit more smoothly, if not, do it again and move those ten pennies back to the other side of the piano.

Yesterday I went to the Family History Center at the Lexington Stake Center with my hubby and father. They covered their shift and I headed to the chapel to practice the organ. We are having a Bi-Stake Christmas Concert in December. One of the choir numbers is to be accompanied on the organ. My task, is to learn that piece on the organ.

I sat for 3 1/2 hours practicing that one piece of music. I found myself after about 2 hours thinking I should search my purse and find ten pennies. Then I just chuckled at life lessons still applicable at 61 years of age.

I realized my skills are not near where they were when I was younger. My fingers are full of arthritis. My hands ached when I finished and I wondered if I would have use of my hands for anything else during the day.

But I'm tenacious if nothing else. I'll get there and it will be the choir they hear and not really the organ. The organ is to assist the choir and the reality is the choir will already know the music by learning it with the piano first.

I believe for me, it is the process of working and accomplishing the playing that is the fun. I didn't have ten pennies but I did practice the right hand many times, then the left hand many times, then both hands many times, then the pedal many times, then both hands and the pedal many times.

Thanks Mrs. Herring for teaching me and giving me a gift that I still enjoy today.

Homemaker...Retired...

I've had several occasions lately to fill in cards for different things. I've entered my employment as 'homemaker' and 'retired'. While speaking with someone on the phone this week when canceling an appointment, they asked when I had to be at work. Hmmm...

It has given me pause.  I found myself explaining that I was retired and did not work outside my home. I am a homemaker; however, that doesn't mean I have a lot of free time.

I was struck once again, with that feeling that one can get from society, that a homemaker is not work. You have tons of free time since you would appear by the 'title' to be in your home all day, every day. Somehow what you do is not as good as a 'career' outside your home. 

I found myself balking at that idea. I found myself wanting to shout out how important being a homemaker is. The best place to shout out today would be to post something cryptic on Facebook.  I didn't do that. Thought about it, but didn't do it.  I decided to ponder my feelings a bit before blasting to the universe via my Blog.

I was blessed to be married to a man who wanted to provide so I could be home to raise our children. We went without a lot of extras so this could happen. We neither regret that or the fact our kids didn't have every toy or article of clothing that 'everyone else' had. We were a happy family. Claude and I respected each other and the contributions we each made so our family could be a family as we believe it should be.

I had a miscarriage when Jake, our youngest, was 4 years old.  It was very tough for me.  I handled it fine but it left a hole that I needed to fill.  I was not finding the right filler for that hole.  Enter that Big Guy, Clauda.  He knew they needed a part-time helper at the Bishop's Storehouse not far from our home, someone to help the secretary with her mounting work load. Claude felt like that kind of service outside our home would be what I needed to get fully back on track.

My best friend, Cindy Axtell, had three kids my kids age. Her youngest and my youngest were the same age and very good friends. Cindy agreed to watch Jake for me a couple of afternoons a week so I could help Bobbie at the Bishop's Storehouse.

It was good to be out and do something for others that was positive and useful and needed.

After all my kids were in school I went to work delivering Johnny Appleseed bags. These are bags filled with coupons that you hang on doors of homes. It required a lot of walking. The exercise was good. It could also be done while my kids were in school and I was home to pick them up.

I also helped as a teachers aide at the middle school as the kids got a little older.  Again my schedule meant I was home when my kids were. I was happy with that.

Another thing I did was teach piano lessons in my home. I couldn't teach anyone to be a concert pianist or all those nifty technical things I really didn't care for, but I could teach them to play a hymn for church or a piece of music for fun. My students and their parents knew this and I had a brisk business of kids learning to play a little piano. I even opened my own checking account so I could establish some credit history for myself. Lessons were taught in the afternoon and evening and I was at least in my home in case my kids needed me.

Eventually I began to hold full-time, out-of-my-home, jobs.  Nothing I ever intended to make a career. I was a cosmetologist, a secretary, an administrative assistant, a sales manager, a director of operations, a temporary office worker between jobs, and ended my work-outside-the-home life as an executive administrative assistant.

When it came time to 'retire', I was ready, more so than Claude. He prepared so he could retire at 55. But when the actual time came he was more concerned with what he would do with himself to stay a busy person. He was still a young man at 55 and not really ready to sit on the front porch and drink lemonade for years. Knowing my hubby, I was sure he would find something that challenged him a bit so he learned something still and kept him moving but fit his schedule instead of dictating it. My only concern for him was if he found something that was a paying type job that the teeny tiny check might throw him for a loop. We talked about all these things and trusted that Claude would do just that, find a new course of activity that challenged him and allowed him to learn at mostly his own pace.  It is interesting that Sadieville provided that opportunity for him as a city commissioner and then the Mayor. Now he sits on boards that number in the teens and has a very full life and knows lots of people in our community.

Now, back to me and retirement. Like I said, I was ready on all levels: physical, mental, and emotional.  As I look at it, I believe that having worked in our home for so many years as a full-time homemaker, I knew that would fill my time nicely. To it I wanted to add my Church service, my family, and some form of involvement with my community. I felt no need to earn a paycheck. I had years of experience knowing that 'homemaker' is a full-time job and a very fulfilling one at that. So I didn't have the worry about retiring that Claude did.

The other thing I want to make note of it service in our Church and the training it gives me.

I have only attended one day of college in my life. I went with Claude to his sociology class when he was in college. Other than that my level of education is listed as high school . I also graduated from Vera Nell's Beauty School and was a licensed cosmetologist (beautician).

The bulk of my training in how to work was done through callings at Church. I learned to teach, to speak, to prepare large meetings and banquets, to lead music and accompany choirs and congregations, and to produce newsletters. There are so many ways we serve and from each of those bits of service we take away a bit more training and skill. I attribute a lot of my 'education' to Church service.

The end of all this diatribe is that I believe I am a well-rounded individual. I have lots that I enjoy about life and living it. I'm pleased to be a 'homemaker'.

I sincerely hope that every young mother today can feel good about filling in those blanks on forms with 'homemaker'. They are doing the most important work of all. It is the stuff that makes a better world for everyone.  It is a work that molds and prepares the next generation to lead our world. Just think of the importance of last sentence for good or ill in our world today.

Yep, I'm happy and full of the best kind of pride that I'm a 'homemaker' and that I have three great kids that are now productive, honest, hardworking adults in their own right. I have a hubby and a home that we both still love to come to everyday of our lives. It is a home, not a pretty show house, but a home that you can feel love in when you walk in the front door.

That is the work of a 'homemaker' and, as my father used to say for fun, "I are one!!"

He's a Lumberjack & That's Okay...

How does a 'veteran' spend his Veteran's Day? Here is my pictorial journey of a day long process for my resident 'lumberjack':

Claude had already cut down several of the dead trees when I made it out on the deck to take this picture. I loved this view of him leaning on his faithful steed (a.k.a. tractor) as he surveys his progress. 

He had one more tree to cut down. He hacked away at one side with the axe. Then he proceeded to finish up with his chain saw. 

After felling the tree, he started to haul off the debris. Lots of limbs and twigs to get rid of. How to do this??? Back to the trusty steed (a.k.a. tractor). With the aid of a nice strap he was able to tie the tree truck or big limb to his tractor and drag it over to the woods on our empty lot. Then he drug the limbs into the woods. Maybe the deer will make a playround out of them this winter!?!? Claude said cleaning up was the hardest part.

When all was said and done, he enjoyed a nice respite on the altar he made several years ago. I brought him a bottle of water and he relaxed a bit while I gathered a few twigs and took a few pictures.

This is the wall Claude is building up and filling behind with dirt. His intent is to build a path down the hill that he can drive the tractor down and we can also walk down. This will be a retaining wall for part of that path as it curves down this hill.

I love the view down the hill with these trees gone. We can see the creek again. It'll be fun when the snow and ice comes this winter to watch it fall on the creek.

This was a lot of hard work for Claude but he persevered and accomplished it. It is no small feat when working on a hill like ours. It would be hard work on flat ground but adding a hill only makes the job a lot harder and more strenuous.

Happy Veterans Day to my favorite veteran and lumberjack!!  Great job!!

I Always Wondered...Now I Know...

As I left the nursing home this evening, I pulled up behind a car at the stoplight. The traffic was trying to turn off Broadway onto Pocahontas. They were having a really hard time making that turn. I couldn't understand why...until...

This is where I learned when you can tell it time to quit driving...always wanted to know...here is a big hint:

The little elderly man who drove up behind me wanted to make a left hand turn onto Broadway. He pulled up by the car in front of me as though there was a left turn lane there...there is not, never has been, and, unless they make Pocahontas wider, there never will be. So the poor drivers trying to get their turn at the light from Broadway to Pocahotas were struggling to be sure they didn't ding their car or this little elderly man's car.

There you have it...when you start creating turn lanes with there are none...QUIT DRIVING!!!  I must remember this as I age gracefully.

The "Eye's" Have It...

Okay, Claude found this interesting recipe and showed it to me the other day. It was for Eye Ball Pizza. He just said, "I really think the kids need to try this one."  I heartily agreed.  From that conversation it ended up being the main course for Hayden's birthday lunch on Saturday.

We've had a bit of an issue keeping our hands on the recipe. It came with the Deseret News we get each week. Claude showed it to me and I left it laying on the kitchen counter. When it came time to gather it for our trip I couldn't find it. Amazingly an extra copy of the Deseret News arrived at our home that day with the recipe in it. I tucked this one down in my craft bag so it would be with us when we left on Friday morning.

When we got ready to make the Eye Ball Pizzas, we couldn't find the recipe at Andie's home. She placed it on a back counter. We eventually found it and made them for lunch.

When we got ready to go home, I remember mentioning we wanted to be sure and get that recipe. We heard Andie say something about it being in a bag hanging on the door. When we got home we didn't have that bag or the recipe. Andie eMailed us the recipe.

Here are directions. It is very simple to do:

Thaw Rhodes frozen rolls. Then roll out each roll in a 4 inch circle. In the center of each circle place a slice of pepperoni, 1 teaspoon of spaghetti sauce, 3 cubes of mozzarella cheese, and another slice of pepperoni. Pull up the sides and squeeze them together to form a ball full of your ingredients. Place each of these balls into a muffin tin that has been sprayed with Pam so that the squeezed together side in on the bottom. Baste the top with one egg that has been beaten up. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes (Till golden brown on top.). Let cool for a couple of minutes. Then make a tiny hole and insert 1/2 of a green olive for the center of the eye. Drizzle spaghetti sauce from the olive to look like red veins in the eye (I used a ziplock bag with the spaghetti sauce inside. I cut a tiny little hole in the bottom corner to squirt the spaghetti sauce out.)

That is it folks. They are good. We made 2 dozen and had lots left over. I think Andie was going to try freezing them and see if that works to have for a quick meal some time with the kids.

This is a good recipe and we'll save it to have with the other grandmonsters some day.  In fact, we both agreed it would be super great with the brain jello mold we own. Silly old people!!

Someone Turned 7 Years Old...

Friday Claude and I left Sadieville early to go to Louisville. We enjoyed a session at the Louisville Temple. Then lunch at Cracker Barrel followed by a grocery run to Walmart for lunch supplies for Saturday. Then we reached our final destination...the Marx home.

Bailey was very happy to see Pa and Ma come into her home. We had just enough time to change into play clothes before heading to the bus stop to meet Hayden's bus. Hayden too was happy to see Pa and Ma.

Claude and I realized this visit that the Marx kids are getting older. I took turkey cookies to share and their friends joined them on the front lawn to eat a cookie. Then they were off to play. They shared their roller skates with Addie, a friend from down their street.

Soon Hayden was at a friends home playing. That is how you can tell they are getting older. Used to be they stayed very close and only wanted the two of us to play with. Now they are off and running with friends. It is fun to watch these changes as they get older.

Bailey did enjoy some time with her Pa. These two have a fun little bond. She called him her tree. Looks to me like Claude makes a good tree.

Andie and Michael would get a date night while we watched the Mini's. That entailed Hayden and me watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire upstairs and Bailey and Claude watching Rio downstairs.  I earned this privilege by finishing the Goblet of Fire before this visit.

We figured the kids would be in bed and asleep before Michael and Andie returned.  That didn't quite happen. But it was funny trying to get it there.

Bailey's movied finished before Hayden's. Claude took Ritz crackers and the cheese you squeeze out of a can to share with the kids.  Hayden and Bailey enjoyed crackers and cheese while we finished Harry Potter.  Poor Bailey kept saying, "I don't want Harry Potter to die."  I kept telling her, "He is the lead character and there are at least  three more movies for him to be in. Harry is not going to die."  Quick little kid. She said, "Will he die in the last movie?"  Hmmmm...nope, I don't think so...however, I haven't read that book yet.

Now it was 8:30pm and the Mini's needed to be in bed. For some reason that initiated a major stall tactic that Ma and Pa could not resist.  I mean really, are they gonna fire us for being free baby sitters, I don't think so. 

Bailey broke into poem mode. She learned a poem at school about a turkey and favored us with it while I made a movie of it.

Then Hayden sang "The Monster Mash" will performing the actions as he learned them from YouTube.  Again, I made a movie.

Then we quickly got teeth brushed and headed to bed. Claude to dance with Bailey before turning out her lights. Me to be sure Hayden was tucked in. As I started to adjust the blinds so no light would come in when morning came I saw a car turning into the driveway. Michael and Andie were home and the kids were not asleep.

I turned to Hayden and told him his parents were in the driveway. He scurried down under his covers and I made sure hugs were given and lights were down. Then I raced to the door to the garage from the family room.

I was standing in that doorway grinning from ear to ear as Michael and Andie got out of their car. They saw me shutting the blinds. They thought it was Hayden. We had a good laugh. Andie tiptoed into Hayden's room to be sure he knew his routine for Saturday morning.

Saturday morning Hayden had his Edge class.  Andie and Michael had errands.  So Claude and Sandi had Bailey duty.  That always makes it about even. Or, at least one would think it would.

Bailey and I made a lot of puzzles. We kept looking for one without a piece missing. We did finally find one.

Andie is collecting stuffed animals for the school's carnival so her home if full of boxes and bags of stuffed animals for her to clean. Hayden and Bailey love stuffed animals. Bailey found a HUGE, by any standards, stuffed fish. She carried that fish around all Friday and Saturday. Saturday morning she found her little stuffed Nemo and played with it and the big fish. Then she found her Nemo costume and played with the big fish. She sat on it to watch Hayden and a friend play Wii. Claude and were not sure how Andie was going to get that big fish back into the stash of stuffed animals for the schools carnival.

I took the opportunity to get myself dressed and ready for the day while Bailey watched a Wildkratts show. Then I told her it was time for her to get ready for Hayden's birthday celebration. She was eager to do that. She quickly got dressed. Then I wanted to comb her hair. She insisted she wanted to have curlers and she wanted to wear them for a very long time. She told me where to get the curlers and stood still so I could curl her hair. She wore the curlers for the rest of the day. 

For Hayden's 7th birthday lunch, Claude found a recipe for 'Eyeball Pizzas'.  Hayden wanted pizza for his birthday lunch and he felt good about having these for his birthday lunch. (I'll post about the Eyeball Pizza in my next blog.)

After lunch Bailey brought in the cake and sherbet. Andie out did herself again. She made Yoda's out of lime sherbet and Chewbacca's out of chocolate cake and icing.

Hayden was a very happy camper. He loved his lunch and his cake and sherbet.

The party moved to the family room for Hayden to open presents. I have lots of pictures but one of my favorites is Hayden opening his gift from Bailey. They love pillow pets. Bailey had a big unicorn, a little unicorn and a baby unicorn you can clip to your belt loop or back pack. Hayden has given her at least one of these.

When it came time for Bailey to choose a gift to give Hayden, there was no question. He needed a little penquin pillow pet just like his big pillow pet. Bailey was right on target as you can tell by their faces.

Hayden would spend the afternoon working on each of the three Harry Potter Lego sets he got. He started with the smallest first (Dobby), then the Quidditch game and finally Hagrid's Hut. I was still reading directions and he was already snapping pieces together. He'll have hours of fun with those games.

Hayden and Bailey would wear some of their costumes including the Jedi Knight one Hayden got for his birthday. He even managed to put a Gryffindor robe over the Jedi Knight costume.

Then it was time to point the red Buick toward Sadieville. A good time was had by all. Hayden enjoyed celebrating his 7th birthday a day early so Pa and Ma could be there. We had fun watching the kids so Andie and Michael could enjoy a quiet dinner together. It was a win, win all the way around.

Happy Birthday, Hayden!!