I finally did it

Alan and I have been fighting over who would get to use my Kindle almost from the time it came in the door. Alan did give it to me for my birthday, and I have to admit that I haven't been sharing my gift with him very often.

After several months of discussion we finally decided to get him his own Kindle. It's so much easier to handle those big, heavy, theological books he likes to read, and most of which are free in Kindle, at least the really old ones we have in our home library are. Even Alan needs the lighter weight, I guess, rather than holding a heavy book.

So, today I ordered him his own Kindle. I'll be able to transfer the books we have purchased (paid money for) over to his Kindle, and the free ones, I'll just download again to his Kindle and take them off mine.

Also, today is the day I have been getting caught up, sort of . Still have a couple more loads of laundry to do, and half a suitcase full of clothes to put away.

My personal assistant came by yesterday and we went shopping. I had to restock the fridge and pantry, but except for the items that had to be refrigerated, I haven't put any of that food away, and there is a lot of it. So, that's something else I plan to get accomplished today.

And, I have to write several thank you notes to those folks who were so generous to us in Runnemede, and because of whom, our family reunion was a resounding success.

My brother, Carl, (I call him Dit) closed on his new home last weekend -- the weekend we all descended on the town, and couldn't get too much of his move completed in that one day of the week he isn't traveling. So this weekend, he got the rest of his furniture out of his old house, and got it into his new house.

He has a few things to do and then he will put the Williamstown house on the market. He's not expecting it to see quickly, as most homes in NJ aren't selling because of the high taxes in the state.

Phil had a great interview last week, and a not-so-great interview as well. He has a couple more leads, but he really wants the job in Kansas. God willing he will get it, and this nightmare will be over. It's been one year now. Can you believe that? I'm thinking it's because he's 41 years old and has a lot of experience in his field, and why hire someone who needs more money than a kid just out of school who doesn't. I guess experience doesn't count any more, nor does a good job record (10 years in the same job). But God knows what is going on. We don't, so we just have to wait upon the Lord.

I did a lot of praying while we were away. Alan got used to my just talking to God while I was driving. I was praying for Phil and his job situation. I prayed for safe travel every time I got into the car, no matter how far I was driving that day. I prayed that we would all be healthy. I prayed that Alan's legs would hold him up. I prayed that the weather would be good. And on and on. God was so good to us on this trip. And best of all, as I reported previously, he allowed me to be hugged without pain.

My personal assistant asked me if I was still huggable, and I said I was. I'm not really still huggable, but I knew she really wanted to give me a real hug, not the finger touching hug which we usually give each other.

I'm glad to be home. And I'm waiting for the storms we're supposed to get this afternoon. I hope I get all my chores completed before that so I can just sit out on the porch and enjoy the fireworks -- that would be God's fireworks.

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We're back home

The house where I grew up.

What an absolutely enjoyable vacation/trip back to our old digs. The folks we met while we were there, old friends and new ones, were so friendly. The family get together can't be described adequately with words that I know. It was more than fantastic.

We had some physical issues, mostly mine -- pain after doing too much, which I knew would happen, but I couldn't stop myself from "doing" things like walking.

Alan walked so well most of the time, except when he was really tired. He pushed himself and he did what he needed to do. Thanks to all the family men, especially my brother Mark, who helped me and Alan with all the lugging and lifting (including lifting Alan from various seats from which he couldn't get himself out of).

And the travel, except for the major traffic jam in Philadelphia, was wonderful. The weather was beautiful, except for one day, and who doesn't need to stay indoors at least one day in 14?

So, our vacation for this year is over. I look forward to a trip to Virginia with my sister and my cousin in October. Then maybe, just maybe, we'll do something (Alan and I) around Christmas.

I have said I will never go on another cruise with Alan, but now he's bugging ME to find out about trips to Alaska and/or Bermuda. I don't think I'm up for that. Unless I can take a hefty grandchild with me to schlep luggage, it's not going to happen.

I guess I'll sign off for now. I'm very tired, physically. Not at all sleepy, just tired. There IS a difference you know.

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Moving on

Well, we left Runnemede this morning and headed down to Wildwood for a couple of days. Alan's brother, Dave, and Dave's wife, Libby are celebrating their 40th anniversary, and Dave's sons organized this week in honor of that event. SO we're horning in, so to speak.

The weather today is cold and foggy. For a while we could see the ocean from the deck, but now all you can see is nothing. I hope it clears up tomorrow.

We'll be heading home in a couple of days and I'm ready to be home.

Our pool opens this weekend. I wonder if the weather in Northern KY is warmer than here. We ahd good weather for the past few days, but now it's cold, and there's a storm brewing off the coast that is the influencer of our weather here in Wildwood.

So, Runnemede was fondly Remembered by all who were able to attend, and now I'm back to moving between being the Fat Lady and Remembering Runnemede. You'll all just have to keep track, I guess.

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Getting there

Go to http://www.runnemederemembered.blogspot.com for updates for the next few days.

Trip updates, that is.

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The car is packed

Alan did NOT pack the car. My son, Phil, had mercy on his old mom (and dad) and came over and put the heavy stuff in the car. We still have quite a bit of small stuff -- lunch, coffee, file folder with addresses of places we're staying, etc., camera, Garmin, Kindle -- all the stuff I normally carry around with me in my walker basket -- medicines -- all those things will be shoved in the car in the a.m.

We're supposed to get t-storms overnight into the morning. I asked Alan what time he thought we should leave -- he wouldn't give me a time. He said when it isn't raining. Well, even the weather prognosticators don't know when it's not going to rain. So, I guess, I'll just get up and do my normal a.m. things and I'll be ready to go about 1-1/2 hours after I see the light of day.

I know I won't sleep tonight. I never do the night before a trip. And I won't take any sleep-inducing pills because they don't wear off (with me) for almost 18 hours. Not good if I'm driving, and I am because Alan can't.

Excitement - excitement - excitement. I must call my sister tonight. Is it too late to do that? Nah. I'll get right on that.

Good night and good bye.

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Packing

Alan was determined to have the car packed today. Well, it didn't happen.

He was so determined that he ordered me to get the suitcase packed so he could lug it to and put it in the car. That is never going to happen. One thing I don't need is for him to ruin his back even more before this trip and then have to suffer through three weeks of him suffering more than he will be suffering anyway. Does that make sense?

So, I didn't pack the suitcase. I reminded him that I had arranged for my son, Phil, to come over on Thursday night, and pack the car. He didn't want Phil to do that, and I feel like I'm taking advantage of Phil's non-ability to say "no" to mom, but Alan can't lift that case. You see, he was determined to take ONE LARGE suitcase, whereas I wanted to take two small suitcases -- easy to lift, easy to pack into the trunk, and easy to get out of the trunk. But, no, we're not doing that. If it were the two smaller bags, we could easily lift them and put them into the trunk. But this hulking big thing -- we really need a crane to get it in there, and on the other end, we're going to have to unpack it in the trunk in order to get it out of the trunk --Do you see where I'm going with this?

My personal assistant, formerly known as my personal shopper/maid loaded my hanging clothes in the car today, which was a big help. Since I didn't know what I wanted to take, and don't know whether it's going to be hot or cold, I had to take clothes for all seasons. So, I just grabbed all the hanging clothes I have, and put them in the car. Overkill, I realize, but I did get that task completed in time for someone to help. On the other end, as is my custom, and has been for several years now, I'll take out one outfit a day, which will go into the laundry after that day. No heavy lifting, just one hanger. Easy does it.

The house is sparking clean for my sitters. I hope they enjoy the clean, fresh smell and I hope that I have remembered to have plenty of paper products on hand for them in the weeks to come.

Tomorrow I'll put the kiddie stuff into the trunk along with the family heirlooms with the "D" on them for Micah Drexler's wife. I think she's probably the only niece/nephew in-law that hasn't receive any Drexler memorabilia, so I'm taking care of that.

I have my huge brown paper and crayons and markers so the kids can make a MURAL commemorating the trip/event. I want them to leave their mark and we'll pass the MURAL around from time to time so the children can see and recall this weekend at their grand-grandparent's home, and hearing about their lives (the great grands, that is) and how they were deeply rooted in their God and trained us to love Him as they did.

I have to admit that some of us love Him (God) more than others, but God is faithful to His word, and he promises that those of us who ...train up a child in the way he should, when he is old he won't leave that training... a promise we claim for those whose God is not as near as He should be.

BTW, I fit in the I don't love him enough category. I love the Lord, but I know my failing in the love unconditionally category. It's a goal I aim for. Fortunately, God loves me unconditionally, and I have to revel in that -- just wish I reveled more often.

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It's Mother's Day 2010

I have three children. And I've been wished "Happy Mother's Day" by all three, and it's early in the morning of Mother's Day 2010.

My youngest took me out for brunch on Friday. It was such a nice thing to do, and I did so enjoy the conversation with her. She was in her old talkative mode. Cyndi (my youngest) was always a chatterbox. She gave me such joy when she was growing up. Cyndi could always make me laugh.

Becky, my middle child, called me about a week ago telling me she wanted to get out here for MD, but since I'd see her in NJ, she probably wouldn't. Alan and I were seriously thinking about heading out to visit them today, but with us getting ready to travel, and having to have everything packed ahead of time so my cleaning lady can help me pack the car (head's up T!), and since I had a very bad fibro day yesterday, I didn't think we should head west, just for a few hours when I have so much laundry and packing to do. But she did want me to visit, and I wanted to visit her. Becky is the child that was always quiet. She always had a love for the Lord that shown through her and she always helped me get peaceful when I was agitated.

My son, Phil, also wished me a happy mother's day (yesterday) and I love hearing that, especially since I didn't have to prompt him. Phil was (and is) so very intelligent. I find it so weird that he hasn't found a job yet. You'd think someone would want to hone in on his intelligence. He has a photographic mind. When he was learning piano, he would memorize a page of music and then play it, rather than going note by note. Hmmm. I haven't a clue whether he has any music ability any more. I didn't push him to keep at it. Phil is the child about whom I bragged the most. He made me so proud -- and maybe my pride was a hindrance to him when he was growing up. He was just so smart.

Three children, three different personalities. I loved them all best.

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Cinco de Mayo plus one (uno)

Okay, I missed the big holiday. What holiday? CDM, that's what holiday. And I heard today that the whole holiday is a hoax and was designed by some beer company to promote their beer. Oh, well. I don't think I missed anything. Alan wore his Hawaiian shirt to Lifegroup last night, and told everyone it was his Cinco de Mayo shirt. He really looked dorky, but no one really care how he looked. He was having fun.

The missing days in my "diary" are because of busy-ness. Getting ready to leave, getting the house ready for the sitter, take time and I'm running out of it.

I still have a list a foot-long -- no joke -- and when I cross off something from the list -- task completed, in other words -- another task pops up. So the foot-long list doesn't get any shorter.

I need to have everything packed before we leave so my cleaning lady can help me pack the car. She has strong arms!

I was thinking about her today -- and I think I dreamed about her overnight. I heard her singing. She sings a lot. Her voice isn't too bad. At least she's not "pitchy". That would really annoy me. I kid her about her singing, and she just sings louder. She's really a cutey.

Alan has PT today. Probably his last one. The last time he went in they told him, their work with him is finished. They've taken him as far as they can take him. Translation? He needs to do more on his own. Or...your medicare co-pay has run out, so we don't need you here any more because we know you don't pay your medical bills in a timely manner, so we're cutting you off.

I think it's probably the second scenario.

I'm still PUSH-ing as far as Phil's finding a job goes. And I'm PUSH-ing for everyone's trip to be great, all funds supplied, no car break downs, no sick kids...that list is pretty long also.

So many pieces of the puzzle of getting everything done for the reunion are in place. Click! And I keep searching for the missing pieces and putting more in place. As I said, I'm praying, praying, praying (until something happens) PUSH.

I know God is in control and He desires to give me the desires of my heart. Well, God, knows that my desire is for our reunion to be a blessing to all who can make it.

I saw a yard full of Irises two days ago. I was so disappointed. They too early. I wanted them to be abloom when I get to NJ. Maybe the irises in NJ will be a little later than the ones out here. I wanted to see my mom's iris again. I know I'll miss the lilacs and lilies of the valley. But since the roses are starting to bloom here (also early) perhaps her wonderful rose bushes will be opening up. I'm saying all this since the last time I was at the house these plants were still in tack, but that was three years ago. Who knows what has happened since then. One can hope, right?

Well, I need to get Alan some lunch so he can work those legs this afternoon.

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May 2

It's May 2 and I was checking on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, thinking we might come back from NJ via that method, but it costs too much IMHO, so we're rerouting our homeward journey. I did notice, however, that it was 86 degrees in Cape May. Come on, it's the 2nd of May, not the 4th of July! I bet the roads back from the shore are really crowded right about now.

Here in the hills of N. KY we are having rain, and lots of it. They said we might get four inches in this 24-hour period. I know it's been raining hard and steady since about 5 a.m. But, you know, it makes all the plantings so green, even in the dim light. We're supposed to get some t-storms later this afternoon, but it's already almost 5 p.m. I haven't checked the weather since early this morning, so I don't know whether we are still going to get noisy rain.

Tomorrow promises to be a brighter day -- yeah, right. I don't believe it for a minute. I'll just go with the flow. It is supposed to get quite warm this week with highs in the 80s. For the beginning of May that's something. I wonder if it indicates that global warming is a fact rather than a theory. After this winter, I doubt the factuality of GW, because I was thinking more like a new ice age. Hey, we've had hot summers before, and they are usually followed by a cool summer, like last year. But the warm weather will be here, however, the pool won't. The pool company hasn't even drained it yet from last year.

Tomorrow is a busy, busy day. Doctor in the a.m., then scrapbooking in the p.m. and I haven't even started to get my supplies together to take with me so that I can do some productive work on Jack's scrapbook. I'm so far behind on that baby book it's embarrassing.

So, it's 5 p.m. and I haven't eaten anything yet today. I'm not hungry, and since I've been wolfing down food like there's no tomorrow in recent weeks, and my not-so-trim figure is getting even more not-so-trim, if you get my drift, I decided to not eat unless I was hungry. That is, not to eat because it was time to make Alan lunch, and therefore, it's lunch time. I hope this method works for the next few weeks.

I was thinking today, only 26 more days and the pool opens. Yippee. I love having access to a pool, and while I can't see it any more because the trees have grown enough to hide it from my view (except in the winter), I know it's there. Listening to the children (grandchildren of residents) laughing as they play in the water is comforting.

Now, I'm going to make some reservations at some hotels on the route Alan has decided we are taking both to and from our trip home. So, that's...

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It's May

This is what I wrote on my Runnemede Remembered BLOG today. I'll write something May-ish tomorrow, maybe.

Please go to this link so you don't miss it. It's not that it's literary genius or anything, just something happy.

http://runnemederemembered.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-just-bubbling.html

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