Meditations on the Next Phase

New Blog site

2009-05-25T09:09:00.002-07:00

I can no longer update blogs on this site, so I've moved...http://bettyjf1.blogspot.com/ Not sure How to get the word out since these aren't updating.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T07:36:00.003-07:00

I don't like talking politics on my blog. But I will today.

I was always a republican.. Except for that time in the 70's when I voted for Jerry Brown for President.. I was raised a republican pretty much. My mom was a democrat and voted for John Kennedy while my dad voted for Nixon. I liked Kennedy because he was young, handsome and had a kid about my age. Mom converted and ours became a republican household.

When I met my husband, he was a democrat (labor democrat), but after we were married (by chance) he never voted democrat again. He's since re-registered as a republican.

I've evolved over the years of my life. Mostly I was a moderate Republican. I'm VERY pro life as I believe life is from God and Only God can give and take life. I'm also against the Death Penalty for the same reason. Societies are judged by the way we treat our most vulnerable members. I'm thinking our Society cannot come out very well under that scrutiny.

I became a believer in the Unions, because I saw first hand the way companies take advantage of their employees.

I was a supporter of George Bush, twice. I'm not sure anymore how I feel about that now. I liked him and he became my hero after 9/11 and the way he led this country after the nightmare of of that day. He was no coward, throwing out the first pitch at Yankee stadium a few short weeks later. However, I'm not sure how I feel about him anymore.

I voted for Obama in the last election. And I think McCain was a true American leader when he made his concession speech.

I watch 24/7 news channels a lot. I've started watching with a new eye. FOX is NOT fair and balanced, on the other side MSNBC is too far to the left (in my humble opinion).

CNN--- Why did I believe all that about them being too far to the left? Of the three, they seem the most unbiased. Just saying. Their tribute to "our fallen" today is something else and got me thinking....

I re-registered this year as a Democrat. So I guess now, I'm a moderate Democrat. A little fearful these days but very hopeful.

I'm writing this post today, and spilling my political guts in tribute to all the young men and woman, who've died protecting my Freedom of Speech, since the beginning of our country's story. Such promise they had, and the families who mourned them; what sacrifices they made. It's the least I can do for them.. To exercise the rights they died to preserve.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

What's up with this

2009-05-22T14:17:00.001-07:00

Has anyone else been having troubles with Blogger? I can't see my updated posts from my other blog! This is so not o.k.

Take a Picture!!! It'll last longer!!!!

2009-05-22T13:45:00.004-07:00

Today was a great day in the world of Sabby, little miss pink could hardly contain herself walking to School this morning. Last day of School, Half Day friday. She nearly skipped across the street toward her last day of school in AZ. (Hardly hunched at all when Gran, unable to contain HERself, yelled across the street.. "I LOVE YOU SABBY SMITH").

Remember the expression, "Take a Picture! It'll last longer!!" We'd say that if some one was staring at us. So I did. I Memorialized Miss Sabby Smith's last day of 1st Grade. Her last day of School in AZ. Instead of beginning 2nd grade in 105-110 degrees in early August, she will proceed to the second grade, in September, in the crisp cool air that is Lake Tahoe in September. I'm happy for Sabby today.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Making her way to the cross walk

Crossing the street

Getting Closer

SUMMER'S HERE!!!

This is my view, Everyday on the way to or from School

"Gran, Now you're being silly"

Hugs for her Pappys

Pappys is reviewing her report card. Sabby is unconcerned.

Family Gathering

2009-05-20T04:56:00.002-07:00

Not too long ago.. last week, I went to a going away party for Katie's boyfriend Adam. His family had a big gathering to say good bye. I just love his family. They are all so nice and welcoming to Katie and Sabby. They're very funny too. Since I don't have anyone's permission, I can only post pics of Kathie (my sister, Katie, & Sabby) here. Kathie was my date that night since Paul had a meeting he had to go to.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

A Beautiful Couple 2

2009-05-19T18:11:00.003-07:00

I had a lot of fun last week, with a young couple who were recently engaged. This young Marine and his fiance' were a bit shy and it was pleasure to help with Engagement and Wedding Photos for them. All my best Steven and Jalena!!! Thanks for your service Steven. I took over 300, deleted about 100 for various reasons and played enough that the remaining 200 became many many more than that.

Not REALLY liking being up that tree but excellent sports

They were a wonderful young couple, in love, happy, nervous about his next years as he serves in the Marine Corps. Reminds me of the years of my youth. Different war, different days, but the future was ours and while our choices didn't always seem like our own then, I remember them as good days. Jalena and Steven, I hope you have a good and happy future, lasting well into the next 4-5 decades.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Some times you JUST CAN'T Win for Loosing... Like NOW

2009-05-18T06:18:00.004-07:00

This week we were trying to get new tires for Paul's Big Truck. $400.00... I scraped that up using some wedding money etc. The tires were 479.00 and Paul spent 80.00 at Walmart.. So, we put off the tires.. That gave us a couple of extra dollars until the end of the month... So I'll put the rest of the wedding money into the business account?

NOT.. Saturday Morning Ricky called... In his driveway.. IN HIS DRIVEWAY... Some one had stolen two tires COMPLETE with the rims.. right off his car. Paul, who'd been planning on spending his day off at the Phoenix gun show Yes, the Phoenix Gun Show.. at our brand new convention center in Phoenix, left and spent the entire day trying to find used rims to put the new tires, we now have to buy (yeah, I see the irony) for Ricky's neon.. The neon is in both Ricky and Paul's name.. And Ricky had just given us his car payment in cash.. Which of course still has to be paid today... So, since Ricky is scraping together the money to move back to CA.. He's broke.. We have to use the car payment money to get his tires replaced.. Yeah we have insurance.. Our comp has a $500.00 deductable.. I've told Paul for YEARS that we cannot come up with $500.00 out of our butts anymore.. I'm not working. But he handles the insurance stuff... I digress.

Paul spent the very hot May day, going through junk yards in Phoenix, Avondale and Buckeye looking for used rims..

Needless to say, our couple of extra dollars; this pay period turned into, hm... I need to get the deposit I have ACTUALLY INTO the bank today.. Early..

Paul and Ricky decided to go ahead and go on their planned trip to Sedona today. Their only day off together before Ricky moves home to CA.. UNTIL.

Until Paul noticed this morning, that the air temperature in the main part of the house, Yes, the part that our larger AC unit (we have two) cools, wasn't reading correctly.. And so it is, that on a week we have NO extra dollars in our piggy bank; Our A.C. is not working.. Warranty be damned, there WILL be a house call and WHATEVER the problem is, I'm pretty sure it won't be covered..

That's o.k. really because the AC servicing folks said they couldn't get out here until the 26th.. Today the temp today is suppose to be 107.. When Paul told the nice man on the phone that his wife has M.S. and heat is one of the worst things for it, he said he'd try to speed things up.. So maybe on the 23rd?????

I'm working on getting all those chemicals I bought trying to get rid of the unexpected algae problem in the pool, yesterday (though we were low on funds) to actually work today, finding an umbrella and sitting in the pool, under the umbrella... Of course there was lightening and rain last night.. This week I probably should NOT risk it; not this week.

On a future post, I most likely will rant, rave and curse at the audacity of worthless, YES WORTHLESS, punks who think it's fine and dandy to go ahead and TAKE from someone else what they want. Thus, putting that kid, who plays by the rules, over the edge, financially.. Him or his parents.. But I'll save that for another day.

Thanks for taking the time and energy to read my blog today.

P.S. Thought I'd catch you all up.... I just double checked my bank balance and see that an UNauthorized debit to my account has been made by Panda-- internet security. for renewal charges, I didn't ask for, authorize or want.. I'm not going to ask if this day can get any worse. It's only 7:00 am.. and it just might.

Family Web Page

2009-05-17T09:40:00.003-07:00

Because I don't waste enough time in front of a computer everyday, I've started a family web page. One of the items I post every month is a slide show of the previous month in pictures. I just finished Aprils.. It's not too long so if you want, watch and Enjoy. About 2.5 minutes

Going out to clean the pool!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Saturday

2009-05-16T10:17:00.003-07:00

I've been a little busy trying to edit some engagement photos I took earlier this week, visiting with Katie's boyfriend's family and getting to know all these great people a little better, and visiting with Julee and some other co-workers from my last job.

So it's been a great, busy week. This morning I've finished editing all the photos from the last few crazy days. Hope you're all having a great weekend.

Here's of the CLEAN pantry!!!! YAY!!!!

How does the Pantry become such a place of Memories?

2009-05-13T07:16:00.006-07:00

The fabulous 4

Eleven years ago, when my Mom was in the hospital dying, days after burying her husband, before she went into a coma or constant unconscious phase, she sat in her bed with most of her children standing or sitting around her. One irreverent son (RICHARD) said o.k. mom, now tell us... who's your favorite?? I hear she smiled looked around the room and said "I have no favorites, you're all my favorites". I missed that particular moment but seem to have that memory now as though I had been in the room. Like my mom, I have no favorites, and they're all my favorites. Katie has many many times accused me of being a different person when "my other kids are in town".. I've told her that's because they're visiting....

To my point...

All these weeks of knowing Katie was moving, I've been pretty much o.k., From a desire to steal my grand daughter and go into hiding with my sister Kathie, to meeting and feeling "O.K." about him, to liking him more and really liking his family and developing a bit of trust and hope that Katie has found the "right guy" I changed my conversation from NO WAY!! to more thoughtful silence and then to ... "I want her to know she can come home" to Katie, the first year will be hard - Men can become critical ONCE you're together to .. Yeah honey, he's great BUT protecting Sabby is everything... To it won't be so bad to be away from everyone honey. I think maybe my own mother guided me through these last few months.

Yesterday, I think it was the pantry or more likely the old container I pulled out to store Sabby's raisin boxes in a more convenient spot for her, that did it, I sat down and cried, and was still crying an hour later in the shower and 30 minutes after that when Katie came home and caught me.

I'm tearing up as I write this! Katie is moving in a few weeks, her two rooms here are all but packed up. Friday most of her stuff goes up to Tahoe 1,000 miles away, with Adam, the rest to go up with Katie and Sabby the middle of June. I will miss Katie so much and want to thank her, for everything, for being my child of hope who grew up to never give up hope in her life. Who could get that wheelchair out of the car, load me into it and get us to the public restroom at the gas station faster than anyone alive!!! I'm proud of you and who you are Katie.. Just be CAREFUL.

Ricky's moving back the last weekend of May to California, my child of honesty and argument since he learned to talk. I love you Vegas Baby.

I am finding myself alone again, with my best friend, but we're alone, with no need for a special container of raisins within Sabby's reach, so far from the people that have given our life it's joy and hope and laughter. I am trying to think up ways to ensure Paul and I stay in-love and happy and me sane.. together. Paul loves AZ - has NO desire to back to CA. I finally realize that my kids won't all eventually live here with us and need to find other ways to be who I am in Buckeye, AZ.

Right now, I need to dry my damn eyes.. I'm REALLY a very unattractive crier!

And get ready to walk Sabby to school!

Later I'm going to Mesa to take pictures of a young couple just engaged. That will be fun.

Thanks for taking the time to read my self pitying blog today.

2009-05-13T04:35:00.000-07:00

The Art of Avoidance

2009-05-12T09:57:00.003-07:00

I'm avoiding the job, today, of cleaning, and organizing my pantry. We moved in nearly 3 years ago and Makayla, Sabrina and Madi all "organized" Gran's pantry.. I could never tell those precious babies I needed to re-do it so it stayed that way, cans mixed with boxes, mixed with jars and bowls and small appliances.. It's an awful mess. I mean to do it today, but so far I've been pretty good at NOT doing it..

I'm sitting at my computer, making sure there is not ONE MORE thing I need to do for any of my photo jobs or lack of them.. So I decided to blog a bit before heading out to the kitchen.. Earlier I thought I'd even make time to make the new curtains in the color green I like, brighten things up a bit.. Yeah, Who am I kidding? No one that knows me; that's for sure.

I'm not feeling particularly enlightened though so I can think of NOTHING brilliant to say. So I guess I'll head out to that kitchen... I'll probably find stuff I forgot I had....

I hope you're all well and happy. Thanks for taking the time to read my "blog" today.

Lasagna at Aunt Kathie's

2009-05-11T16:37:00.004-07:00

On Saturday, we went to Aunt Kathie's house. She'd invited everyone over to meet Adam again (Katie's boyfriend). He was able to attend but we went anyway. Julie and Emilee met us over there but didn't stay long. Emilee was very tired. Hopefully Julee, you've gotten some rest since then. They're on the way to Disneyland today for a 2 days stay. We're going to try again on Friday.

Kathie always puts on a good spread.. complete with appetizers! This dinner was Lasagna, a favorite of mine. Afterward we enjoyed a board game. We're going to try and do this more often. Sabby enjoyed climbing their Orange Tree.. And of course... I got some pictures of the day. Hope you all had a great weekend. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Julee's Coming!!!

2009-05-07T16:10:00.003-07:00

Julee is coming to town next week. I've been very excited and hoping to get a night with her. While most of her family is in WI, all of her immediate family is in the Phoenix Valley, along with a lot of friends. I know I'll see her a few days and next Saturday we're shooting a wedding together. Julee kept me 'going' when Katie and Sabby moved away for a while a couple of years ago. I've told her she needs to move back so she can "save me" again with Katie and Sabby moving away next month. Not a chance... timing is off anyway.. It's now beautiful in Green Bay and 100+ here.... Darn.

I'll be posting a lot of photos of Julee and Emilee over the next week. I remember a Cinco de Mayo a couple of years ago at work. Had a great time. It was a good time at work in those days. I miss them.

I've had the flu for the last two days, an exploding head, fever and because I was in bed, muscle spasms that felt like someone was ripping my legs apart from the inside. Two days in bed and a couple of muscle relaxers have really helped and right now, I'm feeling about 85 % so I'm ready for you Julee.

If I'm not back before then, I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

The Last Couple of Weeks

2009-05-04T18:18:00.004-07:00

I've blurred out faces of some of the kids

My perfect 6

It's been pretty crazy around here - sort of- I'm posting pictures of Sabby's 7th birthday party two weeks ago. She turned 7, little Sabby did and had a great birthday party complete with a Jumper. Katie gave the party ---- we showed up.... Well Paul cooked the bbq - which was delicious. Sabby you're growing so fast and so beautifully. I'll miss your wisdom on our walks to school every day.

This weekend Rob and Carla came out to Phoenix again, this time to paint and do any fix up necessary on their rental in Avondale, just outside of Phoenix. Paul stopped by to get the key Friday and was shocked. He was there 30 seconds and didn't touch anything. He wouldn't come in the house with the same shoes he'd worn in the house. The house wasn't dirty it was unlivable. The house was new when they bought it six years ago as a long term investment. The owners had cats who didn't know about litter boxes and the house was filled with what should have gone into a litter box. That's only ONE thing they saw. Outside on in the front if the garage door was open, the smell from the house was overpowering. How people WITH CHILDREN can live like that and do some much damage to someones house is beyond me.

They couldn't do anything Saturday except pull weeds in the front so the neighbors don't have to look at them. They're mulling over their options now and as usual for them, are keeping a positive attitude going. They aren't wealthy landowners, they don't have an extra $30,000 sitting around doing nothing, to make the place livable again. They made an investment for the long haul.

On the bright side, since they came home earlier than expected, we had some family time.. Carla's sister has done "flip work" on a house before and she came out to help, so I got to know her even better this weekend. I'd been the designated baby sitter for Conner and Madi.. THANK Goodness the kids didn't go over there.

On a different level, I can't get over how people have such a sense of entitlement that they would destroy someones house and leave trash and old furniture AND mold for someone else to clean up. That some people can live in such filth AND have children living there too is beyond me. The laundry couldn't have worked.. The pictures showed that that is where the cats did a lot of their business, as well as the tops of kitchen cabinets. AND they weren't nice people apparently either.

Please keep Rob & Carla in your thoughts as they meet this "unnecessary" challenge.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Buried in Photo editing!

2009-04-30T13:37:00.003-07:00

I stood in the fountain to get this one!

Hope everyone is doing well. I've been buried beneath a 1000 photos from Saturday. Which to use? Which to delete? Which to Photo Shop? The wedding was beautiful. Haven't downloaded Sabby's birthday Party yet. It's taking me longer to do things this week. Including visiting my blog friends.

Katie is definitely moving to Lake Tahoe. I want her to be happy so I'm working with it.

I posted a quick wedding photo.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Fun with the Grand Kids

2009-04-20T18:30:00.004-07:00

The last few days have been busy and fun with extra grand kids visiting. Sabby turns 7 next week and her birthday party is Sunday. Saturday Carla and I are doing the photography at a wedding. We're really excited about that. So I'm resting up for all the excitement coming.

Meanwhile, I'm posting a few pictures.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

April 16

2009-04-18T17:26:00.004-07:00

Aunt Kathie with Izzy & Sabby (Aunt Kathie let them wear lipstick!)

Thursday night we had a Small dinner party - sort of- We met Katie's friend - the one moving to Lake Tahoe. Aunt Kathie came over at my request and couldn't help herself.. Putting on a crown and letting the girls wear lipstick. Uncle Rob came of course too. They behaved reasonably well... Better than I did. During the course of the evening, I told Izzy to change her clothes - She turned around, pointed her chubby finger at me and told me to "top it".. I'll cry when she can say her S's.. So the guy seems like a nice guy and didn't flinch when I told him I don't trust him with my grand daughter... Welcome to my house.

Thursday started out with a day at the park, meeting a blogger friend. Michelle, My world. I don't know how to do the link but she's on my list of blogs I visit. She's an amazing young woman with three little ones. They are adorable. It was cold Thursday morning and I'll never forget Diego, without his jacket because he offered it to his little sister. Michelle, stay with the photography. You have a gift --- to say nothing about the camera I wanted to steal from you! I love your pictures. Your babies are a great reflection on you... (hey!!! didn't Bill Cosby say that years ago on one of his records?).. dating myself.

It's not often you meet someone who turns out just as you'd hoped they would. I'm also looking forward to meeting Michelle's family. Her dad, Jose is also on my blog list.. Joe Cool's blog. Their family is enjoying California right now! Hope they're having fun.

How will I say good bye to you little Red.

Yesterday, after preparing for hours for an appointment with a young couple about to be married... they cancelled... So... I took a nap. Today was spent meeting Lyndsey in the middle of nowhere with Izzy and Makayla. I'll miss those guys. They're coming out next weekend for Sabby's birthday party.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Gran & Pappys have a full house; for now

2009-04-16T08:15:00.005-07:00

Pappys is teaching Makayla how to play baseball

Izzy meets the "boys"

We had a full house last night and it'll be fuller tonight. Katie's cooking for a friend and her Aunt Kathie and Uncle Rob will be joining us along with Ricky.

In June, our home will be much emptier. Ricky is moving home to Ca late May and in early June, Katie is leaving us to move to Lake Tahoe.

Yep, Lots has been going on in the background these last few months. I'm not sure how I'll say good bye to Katie and my Red Head. Hopefully you won't read about me in the news... kidnapping my grand daughter and going into hiding. Sabby is excited because she's going to live in the snow. Gran only worries.... and grieves

P.S. What a difference 31 years makes.. We celebrated 31 years together yesterday!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

P.S. No trip to Sedona this week after all

Three Grand kids this week.

2009-04-14T07:20:00.003-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter at Carla's mom's house; wonderful day, views and people to celebrate with. True to form, Izzy and Sophie's Easter Dresses were stained with punch or markers before we even left Lyndsey's house.

We came home yesterday with an extra two Grand daughters. We're planning some fun and craziness this week and hope to go on a picnic up in Sedona - at Red Rock State Park. I've seen it in the summer, the winter and now the spring. We've arranged to take Sabby out of school a couple of days this week too. One of my hopefuls is to visit a fellow blogger nearby and take the kids to a park nearby. I may not be posting or visiting as much as I'd like for the next few days. Hope all is well with everyone and that our Easters/Passover Celebrations were good.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

P.S. the ones we brought home... Makayla and Izabella. This summer, we'll be brining Madison and Conner out. Sophie just needs to get a little older first.

Easter and EAsters Past

2009-04-10T02:04:00.004-07:00

1982 - I made those dresses

Easter 1981

Easter 1986

Holy Thursday use to be spent at a special mass. Beautiful service, celebrating the last supper, the institution of the priesthood and all. Well I don't do that much these days.

In the morning, Katie, Sabby and I are headed off to CA to celebrate Easter in Southern CA.

I am so glad today is over, I should be sleeping but I think when I go back to bed, I will sleep o.k.

I'm looking forward to spending a beautiful Easter Afternoon at Carla's mom's house chatting with friends and family. I'll miss Ricky and Paul.. I did (at Ricky's insistence,) prepare an easter basket for him. It sits on my kitchen counter where he'll see it when he comes in to have Breakfast with Paul before they both set off to work.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today. Have a wonderful Easter, Passover, great spring weekend.

Update on the Dogs

2009-04-08T07:08:00.004-07:00

Since this picture was taken two months ago, it's not necessarily a good representation of the current size of the collies. Shane, our border collie, is the black and white, Barney, is in the blue Collar and Hondo is in the red collar. I'll preface this post by saying two things. First,We love our dogs VERY much, the antics of Barney and Hondo have brightened up our lives beyond measure. Shane is our wonder dog.... Really he is. Second... I have to question, pretty much daily, our sanity in acquiring TWO collie puppies on the same day - brothers no less, and to ask daily, What the hell were we thinking!

The puppies are house broken now.. (probably shouldn't say that) but as far as being in the house unsupervised, uh NO.. They are continually getting into one waste basket or another and bringing out whatever they find.. NOT o.k.... Barney (who still falls when trying to jump up on the bed - which is against the rules now) will grab the toilet paper on the roll and walk all over the house, pulling the paper with him, literally emptying the roll. They have chewed up ALL of our patio furniture, I'm talking the not the cushions which I knew about and knew I could fix, I'm talking the wicker - the backs and bottoms of all the chairs. One of them - the one with the brown nose - digs.. Never had a collie that dug.. We sat outside Monday evening, until I was SO p.o'd at the damage I had to go inside.. Barney - living on the wild side, tried to chew on me as I sat on a chair he'd already chewed to destruction. I know Sandie, we should have used hot sauce to keep them from chewing.. Who knew they'd go beyond the pillows.

I'll end with a story on how awesome Shane, our border collie is.. This is not the first time he's done something like this, rather it was just the confirmation of what he has been doing.. Yesterday, I was at my computer doing work on some photos. My computer is at the opposite end of the house from the kitchen, down two long hallways.. Shane came up behind me "whining" and bumping into me trying to get me to move. I ignored him after patting his head.. About 10 minutes later, I heard Paul scolding the collies (yet again) and went out to find out what their latest terror was. . They'd gotten into the trash - Paul's fault for not closing the door and pulled their treasures all over the family room.. Our Border Collie, Shane, had been in my office trying to get me to come out to stop them.. Isn't he a fabulous dog! Now I know for sure, when he's barking like crazy facing the house, he's really telling on Hondo for digging...

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

P.S. We really do love Hondo and Barney, we really really do and it's o.k. (I guess) that our once nice backyard, looks more like a junk yard lot now. With holes and dirt where grass once stood. Really

Shane is exhausted from policing these two.

Happy Birthday Makayla

2009-04-07T14:48:00.003-07:00

Gran and Pappys Love you we love you we love you we love you!

We can't wait until next week when you and Izzy come to visit.. Pappys has a WHOLE lot of plans for your visit.

Happy Birthday honey!

Gran

The Wall

2009-04-05T09:31:00.005-07:00

The moving wall arrived in Buckeye this week, at Verrado (a master planned community here in Buckeye) High School. Paul went to see it in CA several years ago and wanted to see it again. It wasn't quite as big as the wall he saw in Orange Co and didn't include the casualties from 65-67. There were other war dead remembered, including the thousands we've lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. Paul's orders were changed 5 days before he was leaving for Vietnam in a political move by Nixon. He along with 5,000 other men had their orders changed from Vietnam to Germany. My brother went, my brother in law went.

Paul doesn't want me posting his feelings about this on my blog and I'll respect his wishes... I'll post my own thoughts.

Walking by the wall, looking at all the names, and thinking of the 58,000 dead young men, the children they never had, the grand children they never had was a bit overwhelming and brought back a lot of memories along with my own tears. What a waste of life.

I came of age during the war. The back ground music of my life was also the background music of the war. Listening to those songs yesterday, looking at the dates on the wall, My senior prom, my graduation date. While I was growing up and experiencing high school, these boys were dying. I can still see my mother saying goodbye to my brother during a rainstorm at El Toro, the week before Christmas in 1967. That memory was burned into my brain and as a mother, I wondered how she got through that day and the next 18 months. My father didn't say much during this time; but in the days before 24/7 news, dinners consisted of Walter Concrite (sp) Chet and David, etc. as though by watching as much of the war news as he could, my dad would keep my brother alive. In the spirit of full disclosure, let me say that we were republicans and I believed that crap about the domino effect... I felt guilty being a girl.. Safe from the draft.. My brother volunteered. So did Paul.

Today we say thank you to young men in Uniform; my husband talks about getting out of uniform as soon as possible when on leave, not wanting the abuse of the "Peaceful" war protesters. A friend was spit on at an airport, interrupting his first meeting with his 12 month old daughter. Hearing the words baby killer, butchers were not uncommon at airports. Seemed to me people would go to airports JUST to do that.

Peaceful? Not to me.

I believe those years and the years that followed were dark days for America, whether we believed in the war or not, we treated our Vietnam war veterans horribly. I was glad in the 80's when Jane Fonda finally had to give up her tour of American malls with her work out clothes, I think because the war veterans for the first time I was aware of, fought back and demonstrated at every mall. I was struck yesterday, with the understanding that while Americans were ignoring their plight, "putting the war behind us", Our veterans were taking care of each other when possible.

On a strange note (to me anyway), On a sign with myths and facts about Vietnam,I read, 1,072,000 young men served in Vietnam, over 13,000,00 in the 2000 census claimed to have served "in country".. Now I wonder, why so many who did serve don't talk about it, feeling shamed by their fellow countrymen so many years ago (John Kerry), and so many MORE who did not serve, talk about it all the time..

Sorry to be political, though it really isn't political to me. It's the indecency of the way we treated young men (boys some of them) who's only sin was joining the military (or being drafted).

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

The Elusive Family Photo

2009-04-04T07:03:00.007-07:00

For most of my adult life, I'm been in search of a family photo. Over the years, we've had a lot of attempts. This first one was taken on Easter 1960 in Torrance California by a family friend. It's the only one I know of, taken of all the Welstead kids with Dad. Every Easter and Christmas, Dad would get one of mom and us kids - either on the stairs or on the bridge in front. This is one of only three photos that I know of, of the "Entire" Welstead clan.

The family grew by 17 new people before my parents died in 1998.

Family is fluid, growing and shrinking with each new marriage or divorce, the birth of children, then grand children, the death of family members. I've learned in my quest for the perfect family photo is that 1. Paul wouldn't go to a professional studio for years - (in fairness - it was expensive) so most of our family photo efforts involved Paul and the kids. I've added three by marriage kids and one is no longer a part of the family. I've decided to ask "significant others" to stand at the side of photos, making it easier to eliminate them when the time comes.... We'll see. I thought I'd share a few attempts at family photos with you.

This one is from Knox Log ride in the late 80's or early 90's. It's not really a family photo since Rob wasn't there. but I found it in my search and it made me laugh so I'm posting it.

This one I used for our Christmas Card in 1998 Paul would go along with a prof photo in Tombstone.... Go figure

Christmas cards were almost late in 1999. I got this family photo at our family christmas Party at Kathie's.

This family photo was taken at Lyndsey's wedding so I could use it for our Christmas Card in 2004. Some of you may notice there's an extra child in the front next to Madi.. That is my beautiful niece Brianne. One of the worse things you can do is ask a child to get out of a picture. I sent Christmas Cards out that year with an extra grand daughter on them! Since this was taken, the guy on the right is no longer part of "our family". I can't delete him without deleting Sabby and that I WONT do. Just an observation... No one notice Paul's sunglasses and two.. Weddings aren't really all that great a place for family photos.. Who dresses up like that on a regular basis.

This was a lame attempt on Christmas 2004. The kids are cute, Paul, Victor and I am missing. Several family members have their eyes closed.

Here's an infamous one.. Sun Spots KILL a picture; My sister Kathie took 50 and only a few came out.. What is so hard about getting 13 people to look at the camera at the same time.. You'll notice... It's NOT just the kids looking around. On a great note, Rex made it into this one.

This one is a favorite of mine; and includes all of our grand kids.

Here's another favorite.. Sophie's changed a lot though.

Some day I will post all of our Bella Union background photos from Tombstone. This one is a favorite one from 1998.

There are more of course. Several I took of all four kids over the years. I've had a LOT of tries at getting all the grand kids together, most of them not so good.. (collages maybe?) Maybe I'm late to the table, but I've finally learned that families, like our family photos are fluid - growing and shrinking over the decades of a "family's existence"; then splitting off into new branches.. I'm not on drugs (don't think) but it's boggling my mind today and I thought I'd share it.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

April Spring is here

2009-04-02T07:15:00.003-07:00

Spring Flowers on the side of I 10

Now is the season, to sadly put away my favorite clothes. Jeans, Sweaters and my boots and pull out the summer stuff. It's too hot for jeans in AZ beginning sometime in April-May through September. I want to go find some lightweight and cheap summer type skirts and shirts.. Then I remember my weight and how'd I'd look in them... Sooooo, I guess I'll just sadly put away my winter clothes ... except until July .. for trips to Southern California where it's very cool at night. heavy sigh...

That's the sound of me bracing for 4-5 months of 100+ temps...

I know many people still have snow in their yards.. But I'll sigh heavily and pout anyway.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

April 1st... What a GREAT DAY

2009-04-01T06:01:00.004-07:00

April Fools Day... For me, at least for the last 28 years... doesn't mean Practical Jokes, It's Lyndsey Annemarie's (Annie Ree)'s birthday. When you were two you told my boss to shut up, now your kids are telling you. Makayla has your love of drama, the wizard of oz and many TV shows you two share together. It's also like being in the room with you again on Christmas Morning with her excitement at hers and everyone elses gifts. Izabella has your precociousness and I like to call her Gran's Revenge! Sophie has your stubbornness and your beautiful smile.

My April Fools Day Baby and such a big part of my life's joy. Happy Birthday honey.

Love Mom

Beautiful Weekend

2009-03-30T17:58:00.004-07:00

I didn't do much at all on Saturday but Sunday I drove with Sabby to a park over in the East Phoenix Valley, in a town called Gilbert. The Freestone Park is quite a place. Sabb's and I went to take pictures of an old work friend. She's soon moving to Dallas with her husband and kids. I enjoyed seeing Amy again. I think she'll love Dallas though.

Here's a few pictures of a great day with a great family.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog toay.

I hope she's not the one to pick my Nursing Home!

2009-03-28T11:47:00.004-07:00

Ah, Sabbs, Sabrina, Sabinski....

Whitewashing a statement doesn't occur to her.. I'm hearing more and more.. "I'm just saying.." from this soon to be seven year old.

I offered to watch this red head for my daughter today and tomorrow. Katie has class today and a date tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I'm still o.k. with that.

Earlier this morning, she was busy cleaning my office around me.. when I heard... "Gran you need to take a shower today." "Wa? What?" "I'm just saying, it's been a while and you need to be clean... " Well, I haven't been feeling well the last couple of days and well, I guess MAYBE personal hygiene may have taken a back seat.. O.K. so I shower..

After my shower, I checked on Sabby and after giving me a quick once over, reported that "YOU don't match Gran, that's not something you should wear".. "Yellow and Brown go well together, I replied in self defense." Was offering to watch Sabby this weekend, really the best thing for my sense of self?

While making Sabby's lunch just a few minutes ago, I grabbed a diet coke for myself and heard, in her squeaky little voice..."GRAN you shouldn't drink that !!!! It'll just make you fatter"... Wa What??? I answered? "I'm just sayin" replied the red head.

I'm hiding in my office until her mom gets home.....

Thanks for taking the time to read the blog of a smelly, non matching, fat old lady.... And yeah, I REALLY hope she's not the one to choose my nursing home some day.

Sleepless in Buckeye

2009-03-27T02:46:00.004-07:00

I wish I could sleep. I wasn't feeling well today, really awful and slept all day. Then I fell asleep early tonight and well here I am...

Ricky is going back to California to live. I've been expecting it since he moved to AZ; occasionally, I'd think, maybe he'll meet someone here! He lives in a great area for single guys! Right near Westgate! But no; He's going home, in May, in time to avoid another one of our hideous summer's that will just nearly kill him with his migraines. He told me he'd be here on Mother's Day...He waited awhile because of his dad and me but it's time. He got a work transfer so there'll be no job hunt when he gets home.

I'll miss him and my heart is really heavy tonight... While I don't sleep. Tomorrow morning, or later this morning ; he and his dad are going for a hike. Paul will really miss him. Ricky's trying to get in all the Mom and Dad, Katie and Sabby time he can, while he's still here.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

More Pictures from the Weekend

2009-03-24T13:18:00.003-07:00

Just taking some time to catch up on other posts from other blogs, catching up on some photo work and editing photos from the last week or so. Hope you are all well and happy.

Actually, this is from last week, with Mary at Sedonna, AZ

Me, before the Splash ride

Afterward, in my "new" clothes

Robb, as Blue!

Pappys Reading to Izzy.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

How I spent my 57th Birthday.... By Betty Flocken

2009-03-23T04:06:00.003-07:00

Just a couple of things... I was soaked LONG before this HUGE drop at the end where this photo was taken. (my shirt gained 20 pounds on this ride).... And Paul was once a private pilot and did some aerobatics. When you go down dramatically you "grunt" to avoid passing out.. I guess old habits die hard!!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Not Sleeping and Getting Older

2009-03-20T01:04:00.005-07:00

Well now!!!! , it's 1:01 am and I'm not sleeping. I'm also not in CA. Paul and I were worn out this afternoon and I had a "great idea" to take a nap and leave first thing in the morning, drive straight through to Disneyland. I didn't nap and after a couple of hours of sleep, I woke up and here I sit, with the "Ace of Cakes" on T.V. catching up on blogs and wanting to sleep.

I'm thinking of getting another year older... Not for another hour yet.... While I'm very blessed for many reasons, celebrating another year on this earth being only one of them, I really hate getting older, watching gravity take hold. If I ruled the world, I would bannish large mirrors from bathrooms ESPECIALLY when they face your shower!!! O.K. TMI..

In my head, I'm oh, maybe not 18 anymore, but I sure don't feel wise enough to be 57. Grey enough yes, but not wise. I've learned something this year. If I could do it all over again, I would. I would certainly marry Paul and Robbie, have my kids, move when we did etc.. I would also handle my money like I did; smoke like I did, EAT like I did when I quit smoking, work where and how I did --- I know this because I've continued to make the same mistakes Over and Over and Over. Pretty much that's o.k.

I've continued to click off the items on my "Bucket List" and there's really not much other than that drive up Highway 95, (from Key West to Maine) that I haven't done that I wish I had. Doesn't seem now that we'll be doing that drive anytime soon.

If I had Only ONE do over, it'd have been NEVER to have set foot in a casino EVER. Otherwise, I've gotten past that part of my life and learned from it. Learned compassion, and Empathy, and in the end self forgiveness.

I think, I'm really lucky for all the reasons, I bather on about daily, and that I'm 57 and really happy with my life and the way it's turned out. I know I'm lucky - I think that's a gift too. I am even glad I almost died 4 years ago. Gave me an appreciation for life and although I don't like thinking about that big LIFE REVIEW waiting for me on that day, I'm really not too afraid of dying.

All in all, as I face 57, I'm glad I'm not 59 like my sister Peggy will be on April 19th.

Kathie, Happy Birthday!!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Here are a few more photos from last week in Southern CA

Lyndsey at San Diego Wild Animal Park

Mic at the Animal Park

Izzy and Conner, They Play non stop all day at Lyndsey's

Sophie and her Daddy

Carla's "self portrait" LOL

Madi & Sabrina

My son Rob, getting a kiss from Conner & in the background is the depths of Chuck E. Cheese Hell

Lyndsey, Showing Sophie the baby elephant.

A few more photos of the Craziness of Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Parlor and More of the Wild Animal Park

It's been ages! A lot going on last week!

2009-03-19T06:21:00.005-07:00

I left "early" last Wednesday... well two.. and headed west on interstate 10. I was driving when I took this picture. On the sides of the road.. Spring/Wild flowers are starting to bloom. The drive is really colorful and beautiful. I'm going to have to start writing memories down, since I keep forgetting them. I do remember Sabby telling me about her dream (which lasted all night Gran so I'm not done yet) until my eyes began to cross. Love you little Sabbs.

Thursday, we didn't do much while I vegged out and rested from the drive. Friday, we went to SanDiego Wild Animal Park. Lyndsey has a membership and free passes. So lots of walking on Friday. This little guy, was born a few hours before I took this picture. Weighed in at 256 pounds.

The kids LOVED him. He's really a cutie.. well in elephant land.

Conner was so intrigued by all the sights, Gran and Pappys bought him his own membership to the park and zoo for his birthday, so he can always go when Aunt Lyndsey goes.

Izzy and Sabrina on the tram ride.. (tired old Gran's favorite part)...

Gran and Sophie, who's VERY active and bossy these days. Makayla and Madi, You may not be in any of these photos, but when Gran posts again, you WILL BE.

Saturday was spent at Chuck E. Cheese for Conner's birthday.. More pics to follow. Conner had a wonderful time running and laughing. It was so much fun to watch him.

I drove home Sunday and caravaned with my sister, Mary, back to Phoenix. Mary stays busy and I tried to stay up with her! We went to Sedona on Monday, the airport to meet her friend Gail on Tuesday. Yesterday I did paperwork for an appointment today and tried to catch up a little on photography stuff..... So I've been busy. Have had a great visit with my sister. Hopefully she hasn't been too bored. Sabby's been loving her visit with us and I worry, she'll have Mary's eyes crossing soon too!

Today, after my appointment, Paul and I head out for So Cal again, with a trip to Disneyland on our agenda for tomorrow. I get in free on my birthday... Since the scooter rental is almost as much as a ticket, I may do the walking thing.. Paul's knees are bothering him (middle age is GREAT isn't it?) he suggested we both rent scooters and travel along hand in hand.. :)

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today....

Kathie, since I won't see you until after tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!.......

Off to California, AGAIN

2009-03-11T03:12:00.003-07:00

My Perfect Six

I'm off today, to California after getting my blood (thick or thin?) test. Conner is turning 4 on March 13th and we're having a family gathering on March 14th. I'm coming home with my Sister Mary on Sunday morning and we have a lot planned during her trip to AZ. Mary hasn't been to my house on the West Side, so I'd like to tidy up a bit this morning before I leave for CA.

This might be my last post for a while. But I imagine, I'll be posting photos of Red Rock State Park, Mary, and Chuck E Cheese(a children's pizza palace) when I'm back. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in CA this week. I haven't seen Mary in AGES so I'm looking forward to that! We're going to caravan back to Phoenix together on Sunday.

And, What are you doing after Mary's visit Betty???? Well, I'm GOING TO DISNEYLAND! It's free on your birthday so we signed up and Paul and I for the first time EVER, are going to Disneyland alone, together! SACRILEGE!!! Back in our youth in Southern CA, Disneyland was a great date place. Now the Molecule ride is gone (great make out ride) but we'll have fun anyway! I am a little worried about the kids' reaction when they find out Gran and Pappys are going to their favorite place WITHOUT them! Life's a budget though these days and the $300.00 to take them all isn't there AND they've ALL been recently.. I learned that the scooter I'm renting is about as expensive as the ticket amount I'm saving.. Oh well.. I may be going in a motorized scooter, but I AM going. I remember with great fondness taking Marie (my mother in law) on Space Mountain when she was 70.. Her head was down after the ride and I thought.. OMG I killed her!!! She brought her head up and I'll never forget that enormous smile on her face! Great moment! I'm looking for a great fanny pack to fit my camera, ATM card and I.D. so my hands are free!

Anyway; first, I'm looking forward to seeing my family in Temecula, and seeing Mary this weekend.. Then I'll rest a day or two and look forward to Disneyland! So... Have a great Week everyone!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

March Celebrations

2009-03-10T12:38:00.004-07:00

The Con Man

1955 or 56?

Kathie & Betty 1969

Kathie & Betty 1968

Kathie Richard and Betty (pregos with Lyndsey) 1981

In March, we celebrate a lot of anniversaries and birthdays. March 7th is Brianne's Birthday she turned 8; She is my great niece and a real sweetheart - One month to the day older than Makayla. She calls me Gramma and I don't correct her. I would love for her to be my Grand Daughter so Gramma works for me. March 10th is Brodie's (my sister Peggy's grand son) he'll be 4 and from pictures and phone conversations, I want to eat him up. March 10th is also my brother's birthday. Richard, for whom my youngest was named. I won't go into Richard's age. He was my older brother and hero while I grew up.

March 13th is CONNER'S Birthday! He's going to be FOUR! I can't believe it! Seems like my con-man was born only weeks ago. He's really a character. Conner is our only Grand SON so I call him my favorite Grandson.. don't tell anyone Conner but you'll probably always be Gran's favorite Grand Son!!!! March 20th is when Kathie and I celebrate? our birthday. I've always shared my birthday and like the arrangement Kathie and I made. We call each other but reserve the right NOT to schlup to the store and get each other a gift.. We've spent a few of our birthdays at one casino or another.

:) Good Times......March 31 is Sandi and Jim's anniversary.26 years.

So, here's to being Born in March!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

A Couple of Red Heads

2009-03-10T04:00:00.006-07:00

Sunday Night, I got the opportunity to see my Grand Niece and My Parents' first great grand child. Devyn was born in 1988. Suzzanne is Rob's oldest daughter And is Devyn's Mother. Kathie helped raise Suzzanne therefore she(Suzanne) is my niece. She's a wonderful person and I miss her face. She's been in Germany for a couple of years now with her husband who is in the Air force serving our country. Time passes so quickly I cannot believe Devyn, Suzanne's oldest, is already a young woman about to graduate from College. Sabby was intrigued .... ANOTHER RED HEAD IN THE FAMILY???

Although, Her Grammy, Kathie, my sister gave me the O.K. to post Devyn's photo, she would not give me the o.k. to post HER picture with her husband Rob and Devyn.

Devyn, You make me think I'm talking to your mom. You look like her except for your red head, and you have inherited her best traits.

Love you!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

P.S. Kathie gave me the o.k. to post this picture of her, Rob & Devyn.... and Jose, Sabby and Devyn are family but do not have a blood relationship. :) But you're right they sure do look related!

Imagine

2009-03-07T09:32:00.003-07:00

I'm not a fan of palm trees. This is a king palm. I really don't like those. They're also not native to AZ. Growing up in CA I got use to them but I don't like them. However, the site above is beautiful and the rows of Palm trees add majesty to it. This is where a fantastic couple will be getting married in April. Carla and I are so lucky to play this small role in the first day of the rest of their lives. This will be a fantastic back drop to a wonderful moment. I can't wait to capture all their very special moments with Carla in April.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

My Red Headed Hip Hopper and other Memories of the Day

2009-03-05T15:39:00.005-07:00

Today is March 5th, My late mother-in-law's 101st birthday; it's also one year since we adopted Shane and This Morning, Sabby came in to say good bye looking like my hip hopper in Pony Tails.

Because she was so cute, I waited while her Mommy walked her to school (usually my job) and got a picture of her as they passed by my window.

Cool today -- :) only in the 70's..... I know I'm an ass. I'll pay for my words in July when it's 118!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Waking up the Family

2009-03-05T06:12:00.006-07:00

In October, after loosing Rex, I decided we should let Shane, our Border Collie, up on the bed with us. Not my brightest move. Well that was 5 months ago; In January we got the Collie Pups and for a while, Shane would jump on the bed during play time with his "brothers" and torment them from above. Now... The puppies are big enough to jump up on the bed. I find this a very nice way to rouse everyone in the morning... Paul is under there somewhere.. This morning.. He paid me back, while I dozed off before he left for work. All you can do is scream and cover your head. That's how he said good bye to his poor old wife this morning.This also works for Sabby when she just doesn't want to get up.. Hondo is a bit ahead of Barney, the blue collared collie, and was able to reach her on her "top bunk". Barney, tired of trying to climb up there and started chewing on other things... He's under the bed.

I think it's beautiful the way Sabby usually wakes up with a smile on her face. Even when my means of waking her up aren't all that gentle.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

March 2 and the Memories it brings

2009-03-02T18:29:00.004-07:00

Carla was a pretty girl; she's turned into a beautiful woman. Thirteen years passed between the picture above and the picture below. 13 years ago today, we celebrated the wedding of Rob and Carla. The years between then and now seem to have melted away when I look back tonight. Carla has school tonight and Rob had to spend the night up north of here for a job. I'm happy though tonight; because I know my son is married to his life's partner. His Wedding was beautiful but it pales next to the marriage and life they've built together.

I'm glad Rob found Carla and glad she said yes when he asked her to marry him. She's a wonderful wife mother and Daughter in Law. I gained a lot that day 13 years ago when I got a new daughter!

Happy Anniversary Rob and Carla. I love you both.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Spring already?

2009-02-28T17:53:00.002-07:00

Well, I'm back here "on line getting ideas for engagement photos I'm taking tomorrow" and got side tracked reading posts and so now that I'm done reading posts, I thought I'd post something myself. Not much to say today; Except that Spring has sprung here in the valley of the sun. Out of nowhere; from sweaters to cooler cloths.. So I'm saying good bye to boots and sweaters for another year.. heavy sigh......

EGBOK

2009-02-27T06:47:00.005-07:00

Sophie's eating eggs

During my working days, in CA, I had long commutes; VERY long. During the very early 80's I listened to Ken & Bob from KABC 570 in L.A. They were fun and they gave us the "word" Egbok.. Everything's Going to be O.K. This was during a difficult economy 20% mortgage rates come to mind. These were the years I became hooked on Talk Radio; The days before the "Hosts" were either WAY to the right or left. I would spend my lunch hours in my car eating and listening to Michael Jackson ---- the REAL one. He'd have all kinds of guests and was a real gentleman. I felt like I knew these guys and missed them when they were gone.

I still have talk Radio on but my local station, other than "the nearly famous one Barry Young", offer only right wing Loud Mouths and leave me trying to figure out how to use the I-Pod I bought a while ago for an outdoor party, in my car. I miss the days of the very gentle Michael Jackson (not the one you may be thinking of) and Ken Minyard, his son, and Roger Barkley, and Bob, his first partner.

So In keeping with my theme of yesterday, EGBOK fellow bloggers, EGBOK.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

20 shots for ONE good Photo - Family Ties

2009-02-25T11:54:00.003-07:00

These photos were two among about 50 tries on two poses in October 2007. I wanted a family photo along with one of all the children. Sophie wasn't here yet. I was pretty irritated when I first downloaded the photos as there were so many taken and yet we didn't really get ONE good one of the whole family. Katie denied to the hilt that she EVER looked away from the camera. Why do that when I'm looking at photos of her looking off into space? I cut and pasted for our yearly Christmas Card and vowed NEVER AGAIN.. As it turns out, I smile more when I look at all these missed shots than when I look at the cut and paste on the Christmas Card.

My point today...

I've read other blogs and hear in the news an awful lot about the state of our economy. It pretty much is in the toilet right now I guess and things could get worse. Paul and I have survived the worst in years past and I worry things might get that bad again. BUT maybe I'm older and a bit wiser than I was or maybe I've got my head in the sand or up my.... but I'm feeling more like Singing... "No Worries, be Happy". Let me be clear!; I'm not threatened right now that I'm going to loose my home as others are these days. Due to being on Medical Disability and Paul changing jobs last year, things have been rough; I've lost my credit rating and I won't be getting that big screen T.V. any time soon but for now, I'm in my home. I won't say I haven't stayed up at night once or twice worrying about the fact that we didn't plan this pension thing well and if Paul does go before me; Well lets just say it won't be on Easy Street that I'll be living. But I'll be o.k.

Maybe families will pool resources and live together if the days ahead are darker? We almost lost Katie 31 years ago; I nearly died 4 years ago. My kids are wise NOT to tell me of their close calls so I don't stew in worry. I learned 13 years ago amidst a ruinous financial time for us that we'd be o.k. We were o.k. and we survived to thrive again, which we did. Probably fair to say we didn't learn a lot from mistakes made back then.

And the Lottery still ranks high in my retirement plans.. if only I'd remember to play!

My kids should probably worry; since my back up financial plan is to live with one of them... :) but I don't worry. If they lost their jobs or means of support, we'd be a little crowded but we'd make it together.

I think America is strong; and I believed Obama last night when he said we'd come through this time.. We will get through this and if the worst happens, we'll survive to rebuild. Maybe even look at what's really important in our lives. Our families, our health, our spirits; our souls and not at our material goods.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Happy Birthday Dad

2009-02-24T10:30:00.009-07:00

I made this for Dad's Memorial 1998

Blake Circa 1920 ( I think)

Blake & Geraldine Welstead May 23, 1945

Dad and Friends WWII My dad is on the left

My Mind is slipping. Typically, each year, I mark each day around this time. Today is my Dad's 90th Birthday. I didn't realize that until the date on my web site jolted me.

Happy Birthday Dad.

I've spoken here about my dad and mom.. adnauseum (is that a word?). Today, I'll only share what I consider to be one of the most remarkable things among so many remarkable things about this man.

He was born February 24, 1919 in AR.. (didn't care a lot for those AR jokes after Bill Clinton's election). His parents were divorced shortly after he was two. His mother moved back near her family in IL or WI. His father came and took Dad and his brother for a weekend and never took them home. Uncle Tommy went back to live with our Grand mother but my dad did not.. not for a long time. The story goes that my grandfather was a sales man (fuller brush?) and traveled all over the country. My father wanted more for his children and he and mom owned only two homes in their life together. My father was raised in the traditions of the south during the 20's and 30's and to a certain extent was a product of his up bringing. He wanted more for his children and again, changed his ways for them. We were raised to understand that all people are equal. He wanted his children to be better than that. We were pretty shocked, in our twenties, to learn he was a product of his upbringing. His beliefs about race didn't really change all that much until much later in his life, and this change came from the love of his grand daughter. I remember his quiet anger once when I related a story of bigotry of a boss I had in the early 80's. In a way; we returned the favor he gave us as children; when we reached our twenties and his belief system did change.

I've always marveled at his ability to accept certain things and yet, want his kids to be better and to raise them *us* the way he did. I never really said Thanks Dad for the way you raised us.

I think he knows now how grateful his children are, to have been raised by two of the greatest, from the Greatest Generation.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Sabby's Weekend included a ride on a Whale

2009-02-23T11:30:00.004-07:00

Katie took Sabby to Sea World this weekend with a friend from California. The little miss was in rare form this morning while I urged her on in her morning routine for school. She'd gotten a new outfit this weekend and seemed to think she was little miss Hip Hop. On our walk to school, She reminded me of walking down the long hallway that is my house with my three dogs walking in front of behind and to my side, all the while me trying to to trip over her and all the while, chattering about dancing and school and it looked just like mommy farted while sitting on Shamu (photo shamu only)..

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend, Sabby certainly did and how I wish I could bottle her exuberance for life and the day ahead of her.

Oh yes, and even after marking the date a while ago... I forgot Friday that it was one year ago on Friday that I started my blog. I'm so glad I did.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Friends!

2009-02-22T08:59:00.003-07:00

Thank you Rudee for including me in this award! I've copied and pasted below and am passing it on to some fellow bloggers!

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

http://coachaholic.blogspot.com/ Michelle, My World

http://juleevuckovich.blogspot.com/Julee V.

http://joecoolsblog.blogspot.com/ Joe Cool's Blog

http://lyndsey27.blogspot.com/ Well I'm New

http://thestaabfamily.blogspot.com/2009/02/birthday-boy-balloons.htm Tonya

http://carlaflocken.blogspot.com/ Carla's Blog

http://bluffareadaily.blogspot.com/ Tricia's Blog

Sorry everyone, I still don't know how to pass on awards properly!

Have a good day and thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Thanks Tricia!!

2009-02-21T15:31:00.002-07:00

Tricia from Bluff Area Daily passed this on to me and I'm passing it on to 7 more. Thanks again Tricia!

http://nursingpurls.blogspot.com/ A Knitting Nurse

http://dustyducktales.blogspot.com Sandy's Blog
http://1951daysofmylife.blogspot.com Brenda's Blog

http://coachaholic.blogspot.com/ Michelle, My World

http://juleevuckovich.blogspot.com/Julee V.

http://joecoolsblog.blogspot.com/ Joe Cool's Blog

http://lyndsey27.blogspot.com/ Well I'm New

Saying Good Bye to Rex

2009-02-18T18:35:00.003-07:00

In October, as I've mentioned, we lost Rex, our Collie. It was pretty rough. Today, we drove up to Red Rock State Park, near Sedona and Oak Creek. It's not legal here to spread ashes on the ground or in the water. This is Oak Creek. We didn't spread his ashes in the water but buried them. It's a beautiful place; my favorite; and I want a little of me left there some day. I think Rex would have loved this place. We still miss him a lot. No matter how bad his pain was, when Paul got home every night, he'd drag himself up and greet him at the door.We were here last summer. Today was quite different with no leaves on the trees but no less beautiful. Oak Creek is one of the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Red Rock State park is only one of many places to enjoy the creek.

Thanks Sandi & Jim for coming with us

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Dealing with the City

2009-02-17T15:33:00.003-07:00

I realized last week that I hadn't paid the traffic ticket I got when I was in the fender bender last month and by then it was too late to go to traffic school.. Besides, Traffic school cost more than the ticket AND I'd still have to pay the ticket!

Today, was my court date, so bright and early this morning, I set out to Buckeye City Hall, Court House. I worked for the Federal Government right out of high school for two years; after that I worked in the private sector for over 30 years. The customer was king or queen and always, customer service was our main focus... Either our clients or our vendors.

So today, was quite the eye opener. The courthouse in Buckeye is small and was not very crowded this morning. I went into the wrong building; walked up to the counter with a smile and was immediately asked by an unfriendly, unhelpful girl if I'd pulled a number. I had and there was no one ahead of me. When I told her yes, she nodded over to a pack of chairs and told me to wait there until my number was called.. Okey dokey.. After about 5 minutes, I decided I may be in the wrong place; I was in the Department of motor vehicles. Hesitantly, I approached the desk again.. Excuse me? Is this where I pay my ticket? NO - go across the walk way.. Okey Dokey.

I walked into the Right place and waited, and waited until a woman about my age, walked over and asked if she could help me.. Well then, some service! No I couldn't make payment arrangements; yes they'd take cash and my ATM card.

She then asked another employee if she was busy-- I guess the second girl did the receipts. YES the girl was busy! Now this is the cashier department of the court.. So collecting payments? Wouldn't that be her job?

Anyway, she took my money, then while I waited, she stood there, talking to her co-workers in the office about her weekend, before processing my payment. I looked back at the woman behind me in line who burst out laughing.. Unable to believe that an employee of this office would keep a "client" standing there while she related to her co workers the details of the accident she'd been in this weekend. During my working days, I'd have been written up or fired for treating a customer like that. Her supervisor, simply looked over at her annoyed. I'm not just her customer! As a resident of Buckeye, and the community of Sundance, I pay about 300.00 a month extra on my house payment every month to pay her salary!!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Still trying to upload this video

2009-02-16T11:25:00.003-07:00

I'm expecting the error signal as I write this. This is a long video and my many attempts to reduce the size to the early part of the video have been unsuccessful. If you choose to watch this video, you only really need to watch the first two minutes or so as this is the part that so explains Izabella Rose. Izzy is two in this video and having trouble coming to terms with her sister having a birthday party when she's NOT. Big sister Makayla was clearly enjoying Izzy's pain and Clearly, Izzy ruled the roost in April 2008 or wanted to.

Thanks for taking the time to read my second blog today

Hockey, Valentine's Day and How was YOUR weekend

2009-02-16T08:25:00.002-07:00

I LOVE Hockey. Ricky got tickets to the Coyote Game Thursday the 12th. We had seats in a suite! He's got connections :)
Seats were great and this time I took my "big camera" with telephoto.. Of course my bag was searched and the woman, who did the searching, clearly wanted more power in her life and told me I couldn't use my wide angle lens... Why? Because it was "too professional"... I'm glad I never served on a PTA board with her. Even the other guard rolled his eyes with that one. I USED the lens by the way..

True to my hopes a fight broke out.. See the lady on the upper left side? She was taking pictures too.

Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. Paul surprised me with Roses.. AGAINST the rules but I loved them. I hoped all day yesterday for customers who got engaged on Saturday.. No luck but I did join Face Book while waiting. I'm glad I joined. My niece Suzanne lives in Germany and now I can keep up with her and her life... I've missed her since her husband was transferred to Germany.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

What a Magical Place

2009-02-12T14:43:00.005-07:00

Last Week, Katie took Sabby to Disneyland. She used some of her tax return and they had a wonderful time. Part of the trip was staying at a hotel near Disneyland so they spent two days there. February is a good time to go to Disneyland. They did get rained on one day but the rain didn't dampen their time.

I LOVE the first picture; It shows the magic in Sabby's eyes. She really thought Cinderella was a real princess.. I didn't mean to, but I spilled the beans, telling her someday she could play the Mermaid Princess with her red hair.

They have "Breakfast with the Princesses" now and Katie and Sabby went to that. Sabby got many autographs that morning.

Somehow, when Sabby came home (to Aunt Lyndsey's for the party), she brought a little of the magic of Disneyland with her. She does that a lot; filling our home with Magic everyday.

By the way, she promptly got busy cleaning up Aunt Lyndsey's house. Lyndsey stood at the sliding glass door for a minute, looking out at her patio and asked... "Sabby?, did you clean my patio?".. Yep AND she made Aunt Lyndsey's bed and cleaned up the girls' room so Makayla would come home to a clean room.

Who needs the magic of Disneyland, when You have the "Magic" of Sabby everyday?

Or the Magic of Madi, Makayla, Conner, Izzy, and Sophie for that matter. I hope very soon to be able to take ALL six to Disneyland... thus confirming, I'm crazy.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Pictures of the Fiesta

2009-02-11T15:40:00.005-07:00

The people were wonderful; the food was awesome and the music fantastic. Despite the heavy rainfall, so many people were there to celebrate Sophie Monique's 1st Birthday. Even Aly, Saul, Kat & Ema were able to make it. Rosa (Victor's Mother) is famous for her fiestas and cooking... For good reason!

Here are just a very few of the many pictures I took this weekend.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

I'm Home Again

2009-02-10T15:03:00.003-07:00

For over 20 years (approx) I've driven without an accident or ticket. Now it seems I shouldn't leave my house. Since December, I've received three tickets and had one accident. While driving home from CA today, an exhausting drive by the way), as I approached Blythe (the border city between CA and AZ) I came upon two police cars. I knew as I passed them I was going to get a ticket. My first clue...? The white police car made a U turn and was coming my way. The lights coming on, with my second clue...

A Very nice CHP officer reminding me that the limit in CA was 70; and I was clocked at 86.. I think my speedometer is off. I thought I was doing 80.. Anyway we had a nice chat and now I have two tickets to pay.. I already paid the Camera ticket.

I need to catch up around here; download photos from Sophie's party (a fantastic fiesta by the way) and Sabby is getting out of school in a few minutes. I also want to find out how all my blogging friends are doing since I haven't read any posts for some time.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

I don't get it

2009-02-06T09:19:00.001-07:00

I don't get Wheaties and I'm a little irritated at them for their non renewal of Michael Phelps' contract. Yeah they have the right; but I can't help wondering how many of the decision makers there have smoked pot in their own lives. I am not a pot smoker, but I DID INHALE a few times when I was younger. I've been told that Pot will help with symptoms of M.S. but don't like the idea of inhaling anything into my lungs... After years of smoking.....

Some one I love uses pot to help with severe migraine headaches he's had since he was three years old. That's ALL that has helped him. Drug addiction should be treated as a health problem and not a crime. The smugglers, and sellers are a different matter. But we wouldn't have that problem if we made pot legal.

O.K. I've said enough.

I've got sixteen million things to do today before leaving for Sophie's birthday party in CA.

I haven't been to visit blogs much this week so will catch up with all of you soon.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Only a FEW of the photos from this weekend...

2009-02-05T12:17:00.007-07:00

We really did have a great time Saturday night. I don't remember taking all the photos I took or had taken but apparently we had a VERY good time.

The morning after....

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

WARNING LONG Remembering... And all sorts of Musings

2009-02-04T13:38:00.009-07:00

The end of January and early days of February bring me different memories and emotions. My niece, Aly, was born February 2nd. A time mixed with excitement, profound love, pain, hurt and determination. My sister brought Aly to us after an awful day (not in a bed but on more of a emergency type of bed)... on her back, with back labor, and a doctor who left town for a day of golf AFTER learning Kathie was in labor. Mom was there with Kathie, but the days, weeks and months before Aly's birth

Aly and her Aunt Betty, March 1975

were filled with discord as to Kathie's choices and her decision to keep Aly. Raise her, herself and not risk to chance the environment her baby would grow up in. Our parents disagreed with that choice, out of love, but in the months leading up to the birth of Kathie's baby, it would seem, often, that we stood alone together. We lived with each other then and both of our lives would change. I wasn't much help to Kathie in the early days. Of course, once you were out of diapers, Aly, I had you with me all the time. Kathie worked hard to support Aly and had to work a lot of overtime to make ends meet. There was no child support. Over the years, of course, life would change as our parents fell in love with Aly and fully supported (emotionally) Kathie. Dad loved her so much and once when Aly lamented in front of Grampa Eny that she had no daddy, he offered to be her dad. It was Kathie though, who bore the joy and burden of being sole support to Aly until she married Rob, when Aly was nearly 9 in 1983. You did good Kathie.... (cont... below)

Mom and me at my wedding shower, March 1978

Aly, the night before my wedding, Grampa Eny (my dad) took this picture with his new telephoto lens

My dad and me on my wedding Day He was really a handsome man

My dad, with my daughter Lyndsey in 1983.. "Sharing his wonder with her"

My parents in February 1983, Celebrating Dad's birthday at Kathie's condo

Me, and Kathie on her wedding day, 12/31/83. When Rob became Aly's daddy and always took good care of her

Dad with my girls at our family Christmas Party, at My sister Mary's house. Mary would always make the parties and holidays so beautiful. This was in 1984

Dad, 1995, Mom and Dad's 50th Anniversary

Mom and Dad, May 1995 50 years together.

January 24th 1998 started out so happily, we were moving into our new home. That evening while I laid on the couch, wiped out, Kathie called and my world changed again. Dad was dead. Mom had been sick and getting weaker for years. She had emphysema and had been in the hospital a couple of times since Christmas. She woke up from a Nap and Dad was gone; no warning; no goodbye; no thank you for all you did for us and meant to us all of our lives. Just gone. We buried dad on January 30th or 31st, and the following day, Mom would go back into the hospital and died on February 5th.. 11 years ago tomorrow. I believed and still do; that their death, so close together, was a reward from God for a life well lived. Those 12 days between January 24th and February 5th in 1998 were hard, as we sat in disbelief and watched our mother die. Six of us, middle aged by then; but unable to accept our mom and dad were gone. So life changed a lot early in 1998 and because of problems during and shortly after this time, my parents' children have never been together all of us since.

Blaike, Mom and Dad's first Great Grandchild would turn 4 on February 6th so we celebrated the fact she wouldn't share her birthday with such an anniversary. Aly was married on March 7th, 4 weeks later. We celebrated her new life with sadness and joy... and a sense mom and dad were there, and stayed with her during the struggles she would face for the next 10 years. Aly, I think they were in Maui in July :)

So tomorrow is 11 years; I still miss them, I will occasionally still cry when I think of them. They were remarkable, even among their fellow members of the greatest generation... They stood out. That is not just the ramblings of their daughter; This knowledge was shared by people we'd never met before, at their funerals. I regret they never met my 6 grandchildren; but I sense they enjoy them from heaven. Last year, our youngest grand daughter, Sophie nearly died on the 10th anniversary of Dad's death, of Jaundice so bad she needed a transfusion. I knew dad was there and she'd be o.k.

So on January 24th, I remember with fondness, Paul and I celebrating getting into that house on Primero; and sadness at the memory of the shock later that evening. On February 2nd, I celebrate Aly's arrival into my life and I remember the struggles of my sister Kathie to raise her to the beautiful woman she became. On February 5th, those twelve days each year come to an end for one more year, and I remember that Blaike, who was named for her great grand father, is getting older every year!!!

I've learned during my 56 years that the book of Ephesians is right in the bible, or the Birds were, when they sang Turn Turn Turn. There is a time for joy and a time for sorrow.....

Happy Birthday Ground hog baby, I love you every day!!! Happy birthday Blaike; Happy anniversary mom and dad, we'll see you soon.

Thanks for taking the time... if you're still reading!.... to read my blog today.

What a Weekend

2009-02-02T11:38:00.002-07:00

Carla and I celebrated this weekend that the wonderful family's who's wedding celebration we photographed were very happy with the end result. We struggled all week to make the Friday Deadline I'd set for us by promising proofs in 7 days.. Having them like the pictures, made us very happy.

While saddened by the late in the fourth quarter win by Pittsburgh last night, WHAT A GAME.. The weekend was crammed with activity and we didn't get home until late last night. Poor Paul, I think it was only my snoring that kept him awake on the drive home.

Aly, Saul and a friend of theirs threw an incredible party Saturday, where I was 'Over served'. Carla and I did a lot of WHOOOOing, but I don't remember much after the first Margarita. Paul, Robbie and Carla do remember and are taking great pleasure in reminding me of the entire evening. Fortunately when I was woken by Lyndsey at 3:30 am. IN my niece's bed, there were many others around the house passed out. Some people can't handle their liquor.. Lyndsey and I are two of them. Carla, honey, if you post those pictures..... Like I said.. You'll learn what I look like on a broom stick!

Anyway, I'm pretty sure it'll be another 22 years until I'm "over served" again. Yesterday was busy and what little I had left of my voice was used up on cheering/screaming on the Cardinals. Our Grand kids at Lyndsey's learned some new words yesterday. I hope they do not use them at School.

I am still a loyal and happy Cardinal fan today. Still Love Kurt Warner, and Larry Fitzgerald!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Crazy Days

2009-01-28T10:52:00.005-07:00

Gosh it's been a long time since I've visited blogs and even longer since I've blogged. This last weekend, I worked with Carla helping on a wedding in Phoenix; for a wonderful family. Friday night, the Rehearsal and Dinner and downloading together until all hours. Poor Carla finished after I went to bed and instead of hitting Save; Yes... She hit cancel. Then the day and evening of the wedding, followed Sunday with Downloading and editing; We got punchy and had many moments of laughter and I got plain silly. We had a great time though and I look forward to helping her with many more weddings.. I've been editing since then.

This morning I went for my bi-weekly Protime and now it's high, thin blood which is better than too low. I stupidly asked the nurse about this weekend... I'm going to a party at My niece's house in San Diego Saturday, then the Super Bowl on Sunday.... (Alcohol raises the protime level --- thins the blood) After a second's hesitation, she smiled and said...well.... Feeling like an idiot I went on and on to say.. well I NEVER drink..... On my way home from the doctor's office I picked up this beauty!

Meanwhile, I continue to edit edit edit and edit....

GO CARDINALS. Kurt and Fitz.... As a funny friend of my niece, named Jennifer, once said.. TAKE IT TO THEM.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Thanks Joe!

2009-01-22T14:28:00.003-07:00

Joe from ttp://joecoolsblog.blogspot.com/ Joe Cool's blog gave me this award. I'm suppose to write a post telling why my blog is special.

Well, It's special because I've met so many wonderful people from all over the world and right here in my home town through it.. That's why!!!

Thanks Joe

You should check Joe's site out. His links are on the right side of my blog.. Actually he has two. Arizona, It's a dry heat and Joe Cool's Blog!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.. Ok Joe, did I do it right?!

A Morning With Sabby

2009-01-21T08:21:00.003-07:00

Sabby was up early this morning, Paul made her an early breakfast so she got an early start to her day. She helped clean up the kitchen, made my bed, made her and mommy's bed and got herself dressed AND fixed her hair. We have lots of back and forth over her hair... She puts it in a pony tail and at times there are several rubber bands going down her short pony. The back's not quite right but she won't let me re-do it for her. This morning she told me "That's how little kids wear it Gran".. Ok then.

The purpose of this story...

She had a few minutes extra this morning after "doing all of Gran's work for me" so she went out to spend a few minutes with the Puppies, while Gran read posts from my blog list and reviewed some practice photos I'd taken this weekend.. The one above was a practice of getting the photo at a window without a flash . An exposure setting... She's showing off her newly painted nails by the window.

ANYWAY

At 8:05 I started down the long hallway that is my house calling out to sabby to get her back pack, this, while she was running inside to tell me kids were starting to get to school... (We live across the street from her school.. Our back yard faces the school and she could hear the school bus).

The little miss then tells me to get dressed,

to which I replied, I am...

To which she replied.. "NOT IN YOUR PAJAMAS AGAIN GRAN" (I have a tendency to walk her to the corner in pj bottoms and a sweat shirt)..

I Responded that I was NOT wearing PJ bottoms but regular pants..

SHE yelled back,, "Come here and let me check"

I walked to her bedroom door and said "See!"

She looked at me a few seconds, sighed and told me to change my sweater...

"I just want you to look pretty Gran", she sighed again. I held firm.. I promised to change it later!

To the four "children I raised" I know, this is NOT the same woman who raised you.. However, Sabby does remind me of my youngest Daughter Lyndsey and all her helpful advice to me while she was little...

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Friends Award

2009-01-21T07:34:00.002-07:00

"The Friends Award isn't about being the most popular blogger or having the most read blog. It is just because you are a friend." Here is the cleverly written text of the award: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

My Good Blogging Friend Brenda passed this on to me. She also passed it on to others who I would have sent this to. So, Here's my list... Thanks Brenda

Ann from Bluff Area Daily

Carla

Lyndsey

Joe Cool

Michelle, My World

Julee

Terrell Texas in Pictures

A Most Historic Day

2009-01-20T08:23:00.004-07:00

Say or think what you will about President Bush, I'd like to start my post today saying I admire him in his extreme attempts to make the transition smooth.. Unlike when he took office and all the w's had been removed from the computer keyboards.... I know he's glad to go home and I wish him well. NO ONE has more class than Laura in my mind anyway.

On to history being made today. Politically, I'm more of a conservative that grew into a moderate and today I hope I'm wrong. I voted for Obama, first democratic vote since the 70's. Today is a truly historic day. As a child I remember the protests and marches.. I remember my own home town of Torrance CA (along the southern CA Coast) where there were marches to allow African Americans to be able to buy homes that were sold only to whites. I remember the I have a dream speech. A speech, who's meaning would only become clear as I grew older.

In the 70's A special child was born into our family. (they're all special) Her father was african american and absent. Her dad, began raising her when she was already 8. I worried every day someone would hurt her.. feelings or physically. So things got more personal for me.

What an incredible day for America. Not just because Barack is interracial which DOES bring a new day to the world, but we seem a more united country today (hopefully it will remain so) and as bleak as things are today, I believe and pray things will be better in the year to come. I intend to sit and watch history all day.

Gotta Say it... God Bless America! and Yes We Can.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

GO CARDINALS

2009-01-18T12:19:00.003-07:00

Yeah Yeah, I'm new on the band wagon, but these guys are awesome!!!

Go Cardinals!!!!

Large Doses of Reality

2009-01-17T17:57:00.003-07:00

In November 2008, I had another exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis. While in the hospital receiving the Solu-Medrol (sp) they asked WHY I HAD STOPPED TAKING THE COPAXONE. Um... I Lost the injector? I broke my leg and was getting enough shots? I'm a big baby and they hurt afterward? Because I don't like doing it every day? How does one remember where they last injected? How do I reach my arm or Butt? With Copaxone shots you need to rotate daily where you inject.

Well, I agreed I needed to go back to Copaxone. The side effects of Avonex, Beta Seron & Rebif are like having the flu and they never got better. Quality of life issues here.

So this week my brand new shiny Auto Injector came and I started back on the shots. Paul gives me the shots and they only hurt afterward for a few minutes... So there ya go; all grown up..

Then yesterday, The Nurse from my insurance company called to discuss my Congestive Heart Failure issues.. Damn That's too much REALITY for this old broad in one week!

I find it easier to live in Denial and try not to worry about what may come. I'd much rather live there. Way too much reality this week. I'm tired, I don't feel good and I'm grumpy about being home alone tonight while Paul works.

I will say... GO CARDINALS!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Happy Birthday Miss Pudge

2009-01-15T07:56:00.006-07:00

My Birthday Girl

Oh what a difference a Year Makes. Happy Birthday Little Sophie. It's been quite a year and you've grown into a beautiful little one year old.... Pointing your finger at me while you scold me in a language I can't understand. Mommy was 100% for McCain.. Daddy was for Obama.. Your first word?? BAWAAK.. Pointing your finger at her on Election Night. Gran Loves you baby Soapy!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Quiet Day

2009-01-14T14:12:00.004-07:00

Today is quiet. Paul's home but after washing both cars and starting to clean out the garage (our job today), he's watching a western. I've been making follow up calls to leads who never take or return my calls.. Kind of depressing.....

So, Here are some pictures of my weekend.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Karma.. You HAVE TO LOVE IT/ Love the Buckeye PD

2009-01-13T12:10:00.005-07:00

A Couple of things today... GO CARDINALS.. Did you see those catches of Fitzsimmons'. This weekend will be a crazy one in the Phoenix Valley. Barett Jackson, A Horse show, a Marathon AND the Cardinals will be playing at home for the right to go to the super bowl.. You GO Warner!

I Love Karma.. My bank is in a community in Buckeye known as Verado. The streets are set up like old fashion down towns. You park at an angle toward the building. I probably should drive a smaller car. I drive a commander. I don't have a back up camera but an alarm system if I'm ready to hit anything.

I came out of the bank and got in my Jeep. Looked back, looked through both side mirrors.. Clear. I slowly backed up. SUDDENLY I hear a horn being slammed down and I stopped. I didn't feel the impact and did minor damage to both vehicles.. As I got out of the car I heard the driver (little convertible beemer) Slamming his door TWICE. I walked back and asked if I'd hit him... He had one of those phones in his ear.. You know the type?

He started yelling and cursing ... OF COURSE.... YOU HIT ME.... OF COURSE THERE'S DAMAGE.. I told him to stop yelling.. OK? His response at the top of his lungs was to yell it was NOT OK.. I told him as I would tell my grand daughter.."It is not ok to yell at me" My son and husband were close by so while getting my ins information, I called Paul and he and Ricky came over. I asked the jerk if he wanted a police report.. He said THEY'RE ON THEIR WAY ... Oh by the way.. He had NO PROOF OF INSURANCE and NO REGISTRATION IN THE CAR...

The police came as my husband and son showed up..(which is good as Ricky was a little hot headed about some a.... yelling at his mom). Buckeye has what I think is a great Police Department.

After all was said and done. I got a citation for unsafe back up.. and the officer told me the other driver was receiving a couple of citations.. LOVE KARMA.. He drove that little beamer out of there MAD. I can go to traffic school on line.. It's going to cost him money!!!

Yep, My car probably has more damage than his.. NOW the back up alarm is working FULL TIME; I got a ticket.. BUT he got two!!! Life is good.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Back to School?

2009-01-08T11:36:00.003-07:00

Well, I just applied for Mt San Jacinto College in CA. They are the ONLY place I could find where I could take a class to better use my camera and work on Photoshop. The class is close to where my kids live and so we'll see if 1) I get accepted 2) I can afford it & 3) I can do the trip down weekly without ending up sick again..

Even a few classes would be fun.

OH here are a few more photos of our babies. Yes We WERE crazy; they are a handful, especially with Shane who wants only to run them down and play.. Once they're bigger, it'll be worth it.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Meet The Boys!

2009-01-07T18:11:00.007-07:00

We settled on names... Barney and Hondo.. I can't tell the difference other than their legs. We've already got name tags for them.. They're brothers from the same litter and they arrived from Portland last night. A Collie Breeder called looking for homes as he was having trouble selling his last litter. Why 2? I don't know. Shane is crazy for them and wants to herd and play with them constantly.

Sabby was busy running around squealing.. "Little Rexs" Little Rexs!!!! Rex was our Collie.

She's beside herself in love but being very careful to give Shane his loves too.

Fresh off the plane

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

2008 What a year

2009-01-05T10:47:00.004-07:00

2008 was quite a year; Filled with Great times, Hard Times, Sad times. The birth of a new grand daughter, started our year; then we nearly lost her when she was a week old. She survived and is doing great as we are only weeks away from her first birthday. We adopted a new dog in March, a few months before we lost our beloved Rex (our collie). Birthdays, A Wedding and anniversaries were celebrated. Visits to California were frequent and fun. Family visits from CA were frequent too. I survived a broken arm in September and an M.S. exacerbation in November. 2009 starts out with me feeling ok and ready for some New Year's Resolutions....

I started this slide show of 2008 days ago and it took days to delete pictures so a. this would fit on my blog; b. It would fit to the song I used & c. So that it wouldn't take too long to watch. I take way too many pictures.

My family, my friends, my blogging friends; you've all lifted me up this year; I hope I've done the same for you.

I hope, if you take the 4 minutes to watch 2008, that you enjoy it. I hope 2009 is a wonderful year for you all.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Happy Christmas

2008-12-29T12:59:00.004-07:00

Uncle Rob on Saturday Morning, Trying to establish order to pass out the presents

Paul and Rob at the Park (we were trying to run the energy off the kids)

Uncle Ricky watching a movie Sunday

Despite Carla and Lyndsey both being sick on Saturday and Lyndsey still here sick, We had a wonderful family weekend. Christmas lasted several days. Christmas Eve, Uncle Ricky Came and spent the night; we had a delicious prime Rib; Christmas Day Aunt Kathie was sick so she and Uncle Rob couldn't make it. Aunt Sandi and Uncle Jim came and we had a quiet but nice Christmas.

Friday brought Lyndsey, the girls and Rob and Carla with madi and Conner.

Saturday was quiet with all our "sickies" but it was nice to spend it together. An "almost" perfect holiday.. Of course I wasn't sick, so it was perfect for me.

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday too.

Thanks Michelle

2008-12-29T09:53:00.002-07:00

Michelle Gave me this award http://coachaholic.blogs

Thank you Michelle!

Here are the rules for the award:
"You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award.
The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas.
Link back to the person who gave you the award.
List 5 things that you love about Christmas.
If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space!
Pass the award along to as many people as you like.
That can be 1 or 50. It's up to you!
But keep the Christmas cheer going!
Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment.
Also, link back to the person who gave you the award

1. Memories of Childhood Christmases that come flooding back while trimming the tree

2. Memories of my children trimming the tree

3. Paul and I taking turns reading twas the night before Christmas and the Nativity Story

4. Memories of playing with some of the kids presents while we wrapped them

5. One Year, Robbie and I did a "I'll tell you one if you tell me one of mine"

6. The Christmas Songs

7. The excitement in the smiles of my children and my Grand Children

8. Thinking about the changes this little child would bring to the world

9. Midnight or Dawn Mass

10. Family Gatherings

11. Driving by homes lit up for the holidays

And I will gladly pass this on to my daughter Lyndsey and Daughter in law Carla

Back to Church

2008-12-23T10:32:00.005-07:00

Church was a big part of growing up for me and from what I understand, it was for my kids as well. I'm Roman Catholic. About 12 years ago I left the Parish I was involved in and joined a Parish nearby. During the years at the first church I was heavily involved in their RCIC program. ( I directed the Program) Sacrament preparation for kids "behind" on their sacraments. I had my breaking point one afternoon and evening over the Pastor's refusal to Baptize three young girls over paperwork. The Bishop intervened because of their social worker. The politics and dare I say it.. B.S. in the office and the knives in the backs of good people.. Well I had my breaking point. I went to a neighboring parish where it was about the same AND I was different. After I lost my parents, in 1998, For reasons I'm not sure of; I stopped going to church. I believed, but I didn't go to church anymore.

Sabby is 6 and Katie wants her Baptized and to go to Religious Education and Church.

While I was glad she was getting Sabby "into church" I smiled last weekend and told her I was still not feeling well enough to go to Mass. She went alone with Sabby - who just wanted to know when Mass would be over and WHAT IS MASS anyway? This whole thing came up because Sabby's best friend said that if you don't believe in Jesus you'll go to hell.. Well, Gran's mouth got in the middle of things and so Katie decided it was time. Despite our reputation, and the way things are in other parts of the country, my West Coast Catholic upbringing was far from rigid.

AND by the way... Catholics KNOW how to party... And I was taught NO ONE could say who was in hell. ONLY God Judges and he judges with love ... yikes I hope so...I got sweetly into Sabby's face to tell her that her friend is WRONG.

I digress.

I got a call from Ricky last week asking me to go to mass with him and Katie and sabby and how important it would be for Sabby's sake... Whhaat? Ricky use to go to mass with me every day back in the day (but I think he was in it for the donut I'd buy him afterward) Over the years, he'd stopped going as many young people do. I agreed and learned this Sunday 3 things...1) He remembers and ?believes? what I taught him as a child; 2)God is alive in his life since he'd been at quite a party the night before and still made it to the 9:00 am Mass; 3) When I asked him about Christmas Morning mass (now that we're going to mass for Sabby), he flashed that grin of his and said.. Mom.. I thought THIS would count as Christmas.. So it wasn't really all about Sabby..

I liked the church, the priest seems nice; Rick said if he could make it to the 9:00 am Mass after that party, he could go anytime (we'll see); Katie's committed; (Sabby... we'll see); so it appears that this branch of the Flocken clan are going back to church. St. Thomas in Avondale beware; Sabby's joining up! Gran... well I'll be going but NOT getting involved with any Religious Ed Programs or anything else.

Merry Christmas Everyone. I hope your hurts are healed or forgotten for a while; your hearts are filled with love and family. If you celebrate Hanukkah, I wish you the same. I wish you all a 2009 filled with love laughter, joy and Hope!

Thanks for Taking the time to read my blog today.

Christmas Pictures; Past & Present

2008-12-22T16:09:00.006-07:00

Christmas 1956

Aly & Robbie 1978; They just finished decorating it at were admiring their work. You can't see the Christmas Smile on Aly's face. Katie was still in the NICU

Aly, Gramma, Katie & Robbie Trimming the Tree 1982

1989

1987

Pappys and Sabby finishing up the wrapping this morning

Cowboy Christmas Tree with Presents for Our California "Kids"

All Set and All Ready

Christmas Smiles

2008-12-20T16:01:00.005-07:00

Even when I didn't take a lot of pictures, I took them on Christmas and Easter. The one above here captured Katie's extreme excitement, Christmas morning as she ran to the bag Robbie is holding in the picture below.... the first time Santa Left his bag at our house
In 1981, I took this picture Christmas Eve and have treasured the picture of Katie's extreme Christmas Eve excitement. Robbie was being cool and Lyndsey didn't know or care what all the fuss was about. This was our first Christmas Eve that we couldn't go to Nana & Grampa Eny's (my parents). I thought Christmas Eve would be awful, and yet it was one of our best.

Christmas Eve 1984. The kids always opened one present Christmas Eve. (I tried to make sure it was the Pajamas Grand Ma gave them every year. The photo below, is Paul reading twas the night before Christmas. He'd read that every year, After I read the Christmas Story from the Bible.

Christmas Eve 1985. Lyndsey had the magnificent Christmas Eve Smile

Christmas Eve 1986 at Nana and Grampa Eny's house. Katie still had The extreme Christmas Eve Excitement.

Christmas Eve 1989..

Christmas Eve 1989 at Nana's with Father Tom

1989 and Rob was taller than Grampa Eny

It was only the 13th... last week when I took this snapshot and Conner wouldn't come sit under the tree. So I don't have them all under the tree and it's two weeks early, but I could see the excitement in their eyes as Christmas Approaches. Sophie's smile.... Well, she's learned early to smile beautifully for Gran.

We did our best while our children grew up to keep in their minds the true meaning of the Day. They all yelled Happy Birthday to Jesus when they woke up (sometimes at 5:00...2 hours after we got to bed). Mass was part of Christmas Eve or Christmas morning most years and we had the advent cradle... Ricky still insists on holy Christmas music being played here around the holidays. We could have done much more in retrospect to have kept Christmas as a holier Day.

Now a days (while she's under the tree, counting her gifts) Sabby reminds us that Christmas isn't about the presents (yeah right), it''s about Jesus' Birthday!

I know that Sabby; and one of my glimpses of heaven is in the eyes and smiles of my children and grandchildren during this special time. They've been there ; those smiles; during the slim and flush years.

I'm a really lucky Gran that even when it's not the actual date, we still have our Christmas Eve with everyone and our own Christmas morning.. the 26th, 27th.. close enough.

Thanks everyone for reading my long winded blog today.

The Holidays are HARD But filled with beautiful traditions

2008-12-18T08:48:00.004-07:00

We've been busy and not getting much done. What once took me an hour now takes me nearly all day! I Must be getting old. Despite the fact we were "making" gifts for each other and the kids and one gift for each grandchild, Paul keeps bringing more gifts home... And to think all these years he's blamed ME for overspending... I tell ya.

I'm working on slide shows for Christmas cards and gave up including them in most cards.

Something special we did this weekend was to drive to CA and attend services in Chula Vista for Our Lady of Guadalupe which is observed on December 12th. Catholics (I) believe this is where Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego. We have yet to get there in time to actually get into to the church, it's so crowded; but even being outside is special and an important part of my Grand daughters' heritage. We had Sabby with us so My daughter's mother in law bought her outfit too.

I'm planning on visiting all my blog friends today; meanwhile, here are some special pictures.

This is a yearly tradition I'm looking forward to again.. Only next year we NEED to get to Chula Vista on time to actually make it inside the church!!

Making cookies on Saturday!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Rawhide

2008-12-10T18:50:00.004-07:00

Christmas at Rawhide

For the first 4 years we lived in AZ, Paul worked for Rawhide, a Local Western Town. He started as the Receiver and when he left, was the Retail Supervisor. Paul's a huge Western Fan. He would most likely support a National Holiday for a)Wyatt Earp or b) John Wayne. In fact, I owe the fact that we make our home here in AZ to the fact that many years ago, Paul took Ricky to see Kurt Russell in Tombstone while I was at a baby shower for my niece. After that day in 1994, Paul read everything he could find on the old west. All of our vacations were spent in AZ. Tombstone was our family gathering place

Tombstone 2000

So, to work in a Western Town was a great thing for Paul. Gunfights, purchasing for the stores and dressing like a cowboy everyday... WHAT could be better! Politics and changes helped Paul make the decision last year to leave Rawhide and use his Retail background to get a job at a local Sports Store.

In the years, since we moved to AZ, Paul's NEW love is hiking and backpacking so that all works well.

I miss our Family Christmases at Rawhide though. It was a wonderful place, especially at Christmas. The kids loved it and many of my favorite memories are of the girls running to hug their "Pappys" on the streets of Rawhide.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Remember the "Good Old Days" ?

2008-12-05T12:08:00.004-07:00

Well I do. I remember back when it was a "fair fight".. When you sped, you looked out for aircraft enforcement and the typical hiding places of the Highway Patrol. Of course this was back in CA when the CHP could NOT hide--- they had to drive the roads.. Per our then Governor Jerry Brown Jr... If you did get pulled over, you then had the opportunity of "talking your way out" of the ticket. Once when I was young, I accidently ran a policemen off the road and was able to talk my way out of a ticket. Of course I was younger, cuter and still had a figure.. Basically, It was a fair fight so to speak. Honer between the driver and the CHP.. You knew the rules; you both followed them.

Things have changed, at least in AZ. They have cameras up and Not enough warning that they're ahead. Then, there is no talking your way out of it.

You not only get your ticket in the mail giving you NO options really, but I swear the photo those stupid cameras just west of Buckeye add 30 pounds to you... At least this one didn't catch the four letter word that escaped my lips when the light went on...

I miss the the good old days.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Coming up for Air

2008-12-02T06:35:00.005-07:00

Sophie wants OFF of her Pappys NOW

Thanksgiving was a day for Betty to sleep I guess; Ricky, Katie, Sabby, Aunt Sandie and Uncle Jim all came. Paul, did the cooking and I slept or sat on the couch most of the day. BUT it was great to be home and with Family. Lyndsey and her girls came out Friday; so while I slept through a lot of their visit, when I'd get up, I tried to get as many pictures of the girls as I could get.

Two Wheels!!!

Little Miss Sophie is ready to walk

Izabella, Well, What can I say!!!

There are so many things/people I'm grateful for this year. My blogging friends I didn't even know last year; my kids; their kids; my family; PAUL. My friends who are like my family. I'm grateful for that shiny new walker I came home from the hospital with. . BECAUSE I won't be needing it for much longer.. Paul keeps talking about that Billy Crystal scene with a walker.. I don't remember but he gets a kick out of it.

It was a great weekend; Hope you all had a good one too. I'm planning on visiting blogs today to catch up.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Good To be home; so much to be grateful for

2008-11-26T20:03:00.003-07:00

Ok will I'll quickly post then go to bed. Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts. I'll be catching up in the next day or two on on the posts I've missed. I'll also be posting a list of things I didn't know I didn't know!

Meanwhile, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! So much to be grateful for. ... Including my new walker!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Gone for a few days

2008-11-22T06:47:00.006-07:00

This is Katie, Betty's daughter. I just wanted to let you know Betty is in the hospital for a few days, on I.V. drug treatment. Just seems to be a minor M.S. problem.

Thanks,

Katie

Ok Jose, This is for you

2008-11-18T09:09:00.003-07:00

I think I have this right. Per Joe Cool's (blog link on my page here) I'm suppose to go to my sixth folder and post the 6th picture, and tag 6 other people. I, like Joe, don't usually do these... MUST be the Vertigo and that you asked Joe!

This is literally #6 photo.. One of my earlier scanning projects. Took me over 2 years (I think) to get all the photos I'd ever taken scanned) This was taken of Aly & Rob on Christmas Eve 1979 at Nana and Grampa Eny's house. Not the best one from the night, BUT it is #6.

Aly, I remember that you were never too impressed with the trees Nana and Grampa had. These were NOT the trees from my child hood. The ornaments were from their two years in Japan. Christmas Eve at Nana and Grampa Eny's was a HUGE part of Christmas during those years. I remember the excitement of all you guys... cousins... running around.

Thanks for the memories Jose.

I'm tagging. Brenda, Sandy, Rudee, Lyndsey, Carla & Julee... As Jose said, if you're busy or having computer problems no worries.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.. I'll be back to visit later.

Oh No Mr. BILL!!! or Fun with Photos

2008-11-17T09:05:00.003-07:00

So, What do you do when you have a bad case of Vertigo and can only be upright a few hours per day until the room starts to behave as a Rubox Cube and spinning? How do you spend those valuable hours? Well, I Played fun with photos from the Grand Canyon!!!!Turns out the Vertigo is probably from inner ear issues from a cold I had last week and is clearing up.. Doesn't SEEM to be related to M.S. No harm no foul!

Anyway, It was CARLA's Idea!!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Silly Me

2008-11-13T15:52:00.004-07:00

I thought my computer wasn't working... I had it hooked up to the wrong network.. Silly me. The last few days were very reminiscent of the old dial up days.

Here are some photos Carla, or Rob or Ricky took during their Grand Canyon Adventure.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Wednesday Update

2008-11-12T10:46:00.002-07:00

I'm having real problems with my computer these last few days. Signal is low and everything is slow. Not sure what it's about or what to do.. Already tried the rebooting thing... SO after 20 minutes, I've given up posting photos from Rob, Carla, Ricky & Paul's trip to the Grand Canyon. Carla took most of them and they are AMAZING... (She's on my list at "God's Blessings".. Not sure if she's had a chance yet to post.

This weekend I learned a bit...

Conner LOVES locking doors and keys to the door do you NO good if they were left INSIDE the room.

It's ok to knock your little brother off the bed IF you barely touched him...

Carla can sprain her ankle badly, 1.5 miles into a hike down the grand canyon and keep going, telling no one; AND get back up to the top three days later.

Paul's sons and daughter in law WILL make fun of him if his legs stop working well half way down the hill. They will also photography Ricky helping him into his Sleeping bag.

Rob has NO manners once inside the small tent with Carla and Most of the other Campers can hear you when You tell your husband that THAT WAS JUST WRONG.. NO MORE BEANS

Carla is as bad as "the boys" when it comes to... well most things.

Sadly, We also learned that Cody didn't really get on well with other dogs, especially not Shane, so yesterday, with a broken heart, I went with Paul to take him "home" to his foster family.... Shane seems a little down but more relaxed. Cody almost got him a couple of times. Our search for a puppy to give a forever home to, continues. Out of respect for Cody, Paul wants to wait a bit.

Hope everyone has had a great couple of days. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Updates from the Grand Canyon

2008-11-09T09:03:00.006-07:00

It's day three of the marathon hike for Paul, Rob, Carla and Ricky through the Grand Canyon.I Indian Gardens trail. They left Friday morning at 4:30 am and I've been getting updates from a little gadget Paul got for Christmas last year.. We programed it before he left and I get We're OK and their location. If they have a problem, I'll get an e-mail "Send Help".. If it is an emergency, this little gadget will get help via 911.. It really is a great little invention.

It's been kind of crazy, I was down all day yesterday with a cold/flu and poor Katie handled three kids and three dogs. THANK GOD for Katie! Today I'm trying to stay upright and help her out as she now has a cold. I'm looking forward to all the pictures. Carla took the camera!!!

Hope everyone's weekend is going well.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Meet Cody

2008-11-07T04:47:00.004-07:00

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about us loosing our beloved Rex. It took a while but, Meet Cody, our newest family member. He is a rescued Collie and we are his "forever family". This is very exciting on two levels. We have a new family member and he is out of Foster care... (He'll be wanting to go back soon I'm afraid, if Shane doesn't stop getting in his face. He and Shane are NOT behaving real well and with very little sleep, Paul, Ricky, Rob & Carla, just left for their big Grand Canyon Adventure (more on that later), so wish me luck!! We also have Lucy the Wonder Pug, who is in heat, visiting us this weekend.

They laughed as they left me this morning telling me to have fun this weekend while I watched two extra dogs and my Madi and Conner.. My response.... At least, I'LL have indoor plumbing!!

Have a great day everyone and thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-05T07:43:00.002-07:00

Scott forgive me and keep loving me!

One more time I'll go political here. So many people I love and care about didn't vote the same way I did yesterday, but I can't keep the smile from my face this morning, anymore than I could keep the tears from my eyes last night, while, first Watching John McCain's eloquent concession speech, and then watching one of the great moments in American History take place in front of me on TV. I voted for Obama for change, for Labor - after a lifetime of being taken advantage of by bosses (until my last job); for Medical coverage for us, after being covered my entire life by insurance only to have them refuse to pay for the M.S. Drugs when I needed it. I saw his announcement speech in 2007 and thought, wait, I agree with this liberal? Impossible! I watched him hold on against the Clinton Machine! I didn't like the Reverend Wright thing; I was put off by "share the wealth". Then again this last weekend I heard OBAMA speak; not his pun dents, who bugged me to tears; I heard him, and said oh Yes this IS the guy for me.

I didn't vote based on his Race; but oh last night I rejoiced in it; a new day; I day I've wanted my whole life arrived last night, and a flash back to my early childhood when I heard the words of John F. Kennedy, speaking of service, sacrifice and a new day for America; filled with Hope and Unity. Not just racial, but Blue and Red, and male and female. And I believed again that we WILL get through these horrible economic times and all would be well... NOT due to one man, but due to all Americans working together. President Elect Obama was not elected by Black Americans, President Obama was elected by the Majority of Americans.

Forgive me this drama, but damn.... GOD BLESS AMERICA.

And baby girl... your Madrina LOVES YOU.. This day is yours too!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

It's VOTING DAY!! And a day for History

2008-11-04T03:35:00.006-07:00

Election day in the U.S. Wow. What a tradition. I remember my first voting day. (as a note, my mother in law, born in Texas, was taken back to Germany and raised in 1910 and came back to the states to live when she was 18. She use to say she'd gone voting or was going voting.. THAT is where I picked up this somewhat unusual way of saying I'm going to vote. :) Another bit of unnecessary information about me..

I digress; My FIRST "VOTING DAY" was in 1972, the laws had changed, allowing me to vote at aged 20. So I voted for Nixon, ok - lets move on. It was the year, California voted on the death penalty and I found myself unable to vote yes on it once I got inside the polling place. That was an eye opener. I've experienced other such moments in voting booths over the years.

In 1980, my sister Peggy, drove out the 30 miles from her home to watch the election results with me. We'd voted for Regan (I wasn't a real fan -- Ford was my choice in 76 and I still blamed Regan for the his loosing) ANYWAY, by the time she got out to my house, an hour before the polls closed, Carter had conceded.. We were both pregnant and so we sat and ate the goodies anyway.

Before I could vote, as a child, I remember the first Catholic, Irish American, John F. Kennedy, to be elected. I wanted him, because he was younger and had a little kid. AND he was a Catholic, like me. Now I laugh because Sabby wants Obama, "Cause he has a little kid like her". She did announce yesterday that Obama would cost us too much money so she's for McCain now.. This from our 6 year old. These decisions she makes, are based on conversations with friends. All very wise 6 year old children.

Today, History will be made, one way or the other. Our first President with an African heritage or our first woman V.P. I'm excited and believe either way, we'll be ok. I'm interested and amazed when I hear how much other countries follow our politics here in the U.S.

We're taking Sabby with us this morning so she can begin to experience the whole thing and in theory, be a regular Voter when she reaches 18.

Happy VOTING Day Everyone!!

30 Years Ago Today

2008-11-03T08:14:00.008-07:00

One Week Old

It was a hard pregnancy, during a very hot summer, right after Paul and I were married. I was pregnant the first month after my wedding. Nana, thought people might talk since our wedding was so quick. :) ... They did. On Halloween, The doctor put me in the hospital. I had Toxemia. I was ok, you were not. After 2 days, they told us they were transferring us to UCI medical center in Orange County. IF you would survive, it would be there. I cried that night and told Daddy, 30% chance just wasn't enough odds for you. Daddy responded in the way I would learn to expect from him, we're going with they won't have to take you.

Today, early, 30 years ago, they transported me to UCI, from the ambulance, I could see the front of daddy's z car as he followed us. Your Aunt Sandie came down from Concord and beat us to UCI. They learned right away that you were dying and your ONLY chance was a C-Section. You had less than a 1% chance of survival and a normal life. By 2:00 EVERYONE was there; Nana Grampa Eny, Aunt Kathie, Aunt Mary Aunt Sandie, They took you at 2:10 Friday, November 3rd. You weren't due until 1/25.

They expected a 2lb baby, you were smaller. My dates said 28 weeks, RIGHT on the border of viability in 1978. You turned out to be 25 weeks. You weighed less than a two pound box of Sees candies that Father Tom brought me.

Your first three days were a blur to me as the hospital worked to get my blood pressure down. Turns out, you weren't' doing very well. I asked Father Tom, who was there every day, to baptize you. He did. That marked the beginning of your turn around. From declining, to maybe surviving. The nurses wondered and Father Tom, smiled and told them it was the Irish Whisky he used for the Baptism.

It was a very rough 75 days that followed Kate. Marked by improvement and decline. Bowel failure, Liver failure and constant "Septic Episodes". God taught me a lot during those days. He taught me patience when you HAD to tolerate food or die. Every three hours, I called or was there to make sure you had tolerated your "last feed". We could only look 3 hours to the future. I learned to pray in December, when they said you would probably not make it. I learned to pray not for what I wanted but for the strength to get through it; to accept it. To be a good mom to your brother Robbie through all this. I still hadn't been allowed to hold you December 1st when they told me you may not make it. I asked the Blessed Mother to hold you for me if I couldn't. During that 75 days, I saw so many mothers loose their precious babies. I heard the sobs and could almost feel their tears.

January 17th, 1979, you would come home to us. For three years I couldn't buy your birthday cake without crying; for joy. Every hard time in our live would be measured by the fact that Katie lived, this is NOTHING to worry about. We survived our worst moment(s), our biggest challenge as parents and as a married couple, 6 months after our wedding. NOTHING could really be THAT bad after God's most precious gift to us.. YOU.

You are my child of hope and of faith and of joy.

You would get irritated growing up, when I would tell you to STOP being negative, you had a responsibility to cherish and LIVE each moment of your life.. but you did learned to hope. You have come through a lot of rough times since our victory 30 years ago, you keep hoping, you never give up. You are a marvelous parent to Sabby. EVEN THOUGH, Dad and I keep TELLING you this or that.

Thank you Kathleen for ALWAYS being such a fighter and for 30 years of joy. (Even when you brought that guy home with a black widow spider tatooed to his arm; or accepted all those collect phone calls ---$400.00;... Ok I'll stop)

In the Growing Nursery Jan 1979

With Your big brother Robbie May 1979

You were finally as big as the doll Aunt Mary bought you, September 1979

Easter 1980

Backyard in Chino

Bonanza, on your wedding Day with Dad

You are a wonderful Mommy! Keep looking upward honey!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.. Sorry it got a bit long and had too much drama! :)

November, Already?

2008-11-02T11:58:00.005-07:00

The Fabulous 6!!

So before leaving for California I wrote on my blog about some of the propositions. I got feed back. Some agreeing, some disagreeing, and some downright ugly and rude. I was taken aback, because I assumed (my bad) that the people who read my blog are good guys; the ones I hear from, certainly rank among my favorite people. I thought at first, No more blog, or no more opinions on my blog. I also thought I'd delete the comments before my daughter, who was the target of the ugly comments, would see them. I couldn't get them off so I fired off my opinion of people who take a legitimate argument and turn it personal and ugly. I changed my mind about removing the ugly comments as they stand in stark contrast to the legitimate argument I heard from people I love and care about who disagree with me. I REALLY understand the goodness in the many people who are for the propositions I am against. The beauty of our country, our system, is that presidents and laws are changed, or made without violence. That we vote and the majority wins. I won't let small or vicious people cower me into not speaking my mind. I don't want my blog about politics, never did, but I won't be backed down by ANYONE who makes ugly comments from the "darkness" of anonymity. SO THERE.

On a happy note, we had a wonderful Halloween. I have some great pictures of Izzy, our three year old Witch, starting and finishing.. In much disarray and a broken hat. We missed signals with Aunt Carla so we only got 4 of the six at Picture People..

I got an awesome Haagen Daas Ice Cream Cake then couldn't eat any :(

Hope you all had the same great time we did.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

It's that Time of Year Again

2008-10-30T07:47:00.004-07:00

Well, after saying I was staying in CA for the week, Ricky called to say he was leaving Wednesday instead of Tuesday, so I hitched a ride... Ok I DROVE.. home with him. As I age, I don't like being away from Paul and home. So I'm visiting Blogs and doing a quick post, thus avoiding the call of re-packing and laundry before we leave for CA tonight.

This time of year has always been an exciting time for me, especially since the early days of my life as a parent. TWO of my pregnancies coincided with Elections.. 80 & 84 and I didn't work so Paul and I would "go Voting" together in the morning just after Halloween and Katie's birthday. Since this all followed Halloween which really is the beginning of the Holidays, I was always excited AND we'd often go Christmas shopping after we "went voting"!!!!

This election, I can walk so I'm looking forward to walking around the corner and voting with Paul. I'm not sure who I'm voting for (A HUGE FIRST FOR ME) but I'm pretty sure Paul and I will be a split ticket this year.. first time ever.

There are also some very important Propositions on AZ's ballot so while, I'm ambivalent about the Presidential race, I'm really nervous about some propositions I SO don't agree with.

I was raised a certain kind of Catholic.. I like to call it.. West Coast Catholic :).... While I don't practice much, I still believe.. What I believe is that God Loves ALL his children and I don't like the "You can't get married if you're gay propositions".. THERE I got political on my blog.. and I will be out to vote against AZ's.. I noticed while in CA that the NO on these propositions are advertising so differently. But either way, I can't get behind the Yes.. Lyndsey almost got us both killed while taking me to the hospital this week. We drove by some Yes on 8 (CA's You can't be married if you're gay law) demonstrators, and she just couldn't resist honking and yelling against them as we drove by...

I'm a little more reserved and prefer to watch the cars ahead of me.. AND they have the right to speak out too.

On a VERY good note this year, all but 1 of my four are registered to vote and very knowledgeable and very eager to cast their votes this year. One wasn't able to register due to a need for his driver's license in THIS state, and the DMV being shut down on the last day.. Well, if you wait for the last day... But The Our Clan will mostly all "go voting" on election day!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Greetings From The Patch

2008-10-28T13:59:00.003-07:00

A Quick hello from CA. I hitched a ride down to Southern California with Ricky Sunday Morning. We decided to go to the Pumpkin Patch yesterday and while we missed Sabby, we had a good time. It's one of those wonderful Patches where there aren't a lot of rides; but there's a Corn Maze, Pony Rides and Pig Races. I started feeling kind of crummy though and Lyndsey took me to the ER, where they pronounced my tests showed nothing amiss but I would need to spend then night THEN I was left in the Hallway where finally after a Night from Hell, I signed MYSELF out. Today has been mostly for sleeping. It's still pretty warm in Southern CA so I'm fairly certain it was the heat. Ricky left this morning; and I'll wait for Paul to come down Thursday night and we'll head home together Saturday. So Much for quick trips to Southern California.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today! Tomorrow I plan on visiting blogs.

Poor Shane

2008-10-24T09:01:00.005-07:00

Shane is not doing very well today; actually since Monday. Sunday night, I took him into our bedroom and kept him in with me while Paul stayed out in the family room with Rex. Rex kept Paul's hand on his head through the night; and Shane was frantic to get to his buddy Rex. (just a note here.. Don't tell Shane but Rex didn't like him a lot) Shane new something was wrong and was frantic from the moment Rex fell. All night he cried and lunged at the door trying to get out of the bedroom. But Rex was in too much pain and Shane is still so puppy like; we couldn't let him get to Rex.

The last two days; this is pretty much how Shane has been.

This is an older photo, taken when I let Rex out and kept Shane inside to give Rex a break from his "little brother"

I've been busy on line - Volunteering to help out in Collie and Border Collie Rescue. Providing local transportation in emergencies and Maybe Fostering collies while they're waiting for adoptive homes. Paul's not too sure he can give them up when it's time so we're talking about it...We're going tomorrow morning to meet Cody, a Standard (lassie type) collie, who is up for adoption. Paul thought it would be disloyal to Rex but I'm saying that Shane needs a new buddy badly and we honer Rex if we help Rescue a dog.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today

Best Friends

2008-10-23T07:07:00.003-07:00

Carla took this of Izzy at Picture People

Conner and Izabella are 5 1/2 months apart. They're both Three years old now and before they could walk or talk, we could tell they were building a bond. Once they could walk we really knew. They played together so well without saying a word. At Izzy's toy Kitchen or in one of Conner's little Trucks. I've even seen Conner part with one of his most treasured cars for a few moments so Izzy could play with something. They will fight (but not that much) and play and look out for each other in ways I haven't seen a lot of in this age. Aunt Lyndsey has Conner now for the 5 hours Carla works during the day, every week day. I worried they'd really start fighting, but other than a few incidents everyday, they continue to play like the Pals they are.

It amazes me and I can't wait to spend more time just watching these two play.

It's a terrible thing to say, but it won't surprise people who know me well, I hope they can celebrate together (with a designated driver) well and long when Izzy reaches 21. I hope they're in the same during their College years; AND that they're still looking out for each other way into their middle and golden years.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today.

Tuesday

2008-10-21T08:20:00.003-07:00

Rex, Lyndsey & Makayla, 6-02-02

We lost Rex yesterday. We had a lot of hope initially when the vet gave us all the options, depending on x-rays. Lots of meds available these days for hip dyspepsia and such. When we got a call from the vets office less than an hour after leaving, to come in and talk, we worried the news was bad. It was, real bad, Rex would probably never walk again, the arthritis had gotten so bad the hips were no longer in their sockets and his knees wouldn't be strong enough for alternative treatment. Any attempt to keep him going would be for us and not him. I didn't know, dogs don't show pain until it's excruciating. Something from when they were wild; to show weakness makes them prey. So it was hard to comprehend how much pain he's been in for so long.

Paul's having a real hard time today. Shane, our border collie, is looking for Rex constantly, I'm ok. If we take on the responsibility of "owning" a pet, we have such a benefit, of the love, devotion, loyalty, fun and all the other wonderful things that come our way. Until Dogs can live as long as humans, we also have to accept they won't be with us forever. I shed my tears yesterday when I comforted him until he was gone. As hard as it was to learn how much pain he's been in for so long, it makes it easier knowing he's out of pain now. I really do hope "All Dogs go to Heaven".. Believing that makes it easier today.

For now, I'll just say, You'll ALWAYS be the #1 dog Rex.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today