Merry Christmas Everyone - An Update on My Mom

Hi everyone! This is Ernestine's daughter, Jamie. I wanted to let you know she is OK and at home recovering but not up to being on the computer right now (she also needs new glasses).

She had a bad UTI and a bit of pneumonia the weekend after Thanksgiving and got very sick. She was in the hospital a few days and then at a rehab center in Nashville for a week. She is now at home.

She wanted to tell you she appreciates you all so very much and is so thankful for you!

If you would like to send her a card, please email me at jamiereeves@yahoo.com and I'll send you her address.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Snow

Sprinkling of snow
so cold - like 15

Candles lit
Camera used

Mozart playing

Must eat
and gain my weight back

Missing family

Will write later

Hope helper can arrive later
and Therapy nurse who is so nice

Onward

Cold and turning colder

Morning with errands and doctor appointment

who in the world wants to hear about the pain

Shot in knees, helper held my hand - helped

Pain, getting worse as predicted
like they told me "you're nowhere leaving the planet." 

On to grocery, she drives, brings in groceries and we share putting them up

Thankful for helper's return from her trip to the mountains

I smile
when I find

my granddaughter Sarah "the chef" and her friend's image on Instagram
taken in my wood on their visit last week from Nantucket - made a wonderful lunch
for me
and I like Jackson, a plus

Calling for maybe snow tomorrow

Fall In All Its Glory

27 degrees at dawn, minutes ago when taking this image from the deck
it was covered with ice.

Memories continue to surface
remembering when my first granddaughter was born
call from her father and I headed for Memphis to the hospital
When I saw Jessica the new mother again
I thought she was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen.

So life continues with
so many blessings.

New Life

My precious new great-grandson is here

All are well

Thankful I am

Trying to post a picture
and seems I have messed up my picture file on the computer
will try and find someone to make it right.
\
Maybe my computer son-in-law can help me........

Another cold and rainy day

Life Continues

Leaves are finally turning
but do not like it dark at 7:15 in the morning.

A lot going on in the family, baby due any day, nurse daughter not well at the moment
and this one hanging on :)

The aging process not easy at times.

Home health with exercises beginning soon.   The young woman who talked to me for my qualification
shared her aunt was 106, oh my
please Lord
not me.

So wish I felt better
but with pouring rain guess to be expected,

Beautiful

Here it is almost November
and this beauty is blooming for the second time.

My second great grandson is now due any day
to meet the world.

Jessica, you never leave grandma's mind.

Love you

Happiness

Happiness is your first great-grandchild going to a party.

Look at that smile

and soon I will have another great-grandson.

Jessica, love you
Grandma

Fall

Feels likes Fall
No colored leaves as of yet
but soon

Now have Shingles shot and truly was uncomfortable, did not want it but decided too as such a bad case on my face
18 months ago.   I also received the flu shot.

First time burning cone incense, such pretty patterns

n

Time at the doctors' office yesterday
trying to find the least I can take with a lot of pain. and arthritis.   Have never taken strong pain medication
but started, when you do not have a knee replacement and now too late it sure causes a lot of pain
with your stairs but vow to just keep moving.

Being truthful
do not like what is happening
but then
the body does not last forever.

Sunday Morning

Oh my
it felt like Winter last night cold and in the '30s
but warming up to '60s

On Instagram an image of that young granddaughter who is expecting my second great-grandson in a month
and she is bowling :) and this one can no longer pick up a gallon of milk.

a memory picture visiting her grandma (me)

Now my last few days, blood pressure up and down, dangerously, no sleep last night and thoughts of the emergency room.  Will write about it but no sharing with my busy children who live to far away to
hug me, pat the hand of this childish one.

The thoughts go on and on along with prayers and searching for wisdom.   So here I am again
sharing what I tell myself to not do.  Do I stop writing, but it is in my blood, need to stop grieving over what is not going to happen, need to accept and difficult to do and so life just continues in a way
I cannot change, it is ending and only my creator knows when.

Sun is shining, everything leveled off, helper girl helped me prepare Salmon Croquess, turnip greens and twice-baked potatoes last night, could not eat then but no helpers today and do have something to eat that I like for two days.

After seeing Jessica's post
I had to share and for others's better to just share with my writing then a phone call.

Enjoy this day and hope the sun is shining in your area like it is mine.

Incense Burner

A birthday gift from my helper girl or assistant is a better title
for this unusual incense burner.   I usually burn incense in the Fall and Winter months.

It looks at home among my plants

The weather is delightful here by the woods, no leaves turning as of yet.

Today, end of birthday visits.  My youngest daughter and youngest granddaughter
came and treated me to lunch and helped me with some business.

A while ago, I turn my bed down and see a note posted on the headboard
it said

"When you read this
always remember
that I love you"
Amelia

this is that young granddaughter.

Needless to say that it brought tears to her grandma,'s eyes'

A Story

SUCCULENT PLANT FR0M 2 OLDEST GRANDCHILDREN - HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA


There was one who was born in her grandmother's bed, delivered by a local doctor to an 18-year-old young woman.   The baby born, a girl weighing 5 lbs.

At that time the mother cared for her daughter and the baby and did not let her get out of bed
for several weeks.

In a short time, the mother of the baby came down with Scarlet Fever and the baby girl
double pneumonia.   All was not well with a sick mother and sick baby

Time continued, the mother and her young husband, who she had met in the park and married 3 weeks later,  struggled as it was the end of the depression
and jobs were scarce,

The baby continued to grow and was a frail little one

Enough shared
as the story goes on and on.

That little baby was me

born 85 years ago and quite a life I have lived.    Never really like anyone else in my family
and can remember my mother commenting many times that I was so different and really
quite smart and if I had not been born in my grandmother's bed she would think they had given
her the wrong child in the hospital.

So this one on an early October morning is doing something she said she would not do,
she is writing and sharing some experiences, joys, sadness, and achievements.

They are typed and sent out into the world and she wonders why does she love to write.

A beautiful day in-store, the sun will shine, I will eat, have tea, pray, look at my flowers
and once again thank my Maker for so very much.

Much I am experiencing at this time, I do not like and with this many years of experiencing
this is the way it should be.   Just do not like the ending time happening.

Just seems time has gone by so quick and probably will not last much longer

Thank you to all who read my rambling and help me on my way

One Woman with wonderful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, one who has
experienced in her lifetime Joys that overflow and also much sadness,

Wonder how could this one
be given so many blessings

My daughter nurse just wrote to me and said

"This is the story of a Survivor"

and I say how true.      thank you my Beth

My Night Time Visitor

Nighttime

visitor
he is under my rose bush...

BLESSINGS

Jamie, my youngest daughter with her daughters, my oldest granddaughter holding my first great-grandson, my grandson and wife and my oldest granddaughter's husband.

All met for lunch in New York
what a special time
and is it alright
if I look at this image sent me
and my heart is so full of love for all of them.

To think this one has, even more,
my son, daughters,  another granddaughter. and son inlaws.

Hope I am not forgetting anyone
forgive me if I have.

New Blooms

A friend shared this Iris with me, it blooms twice a year and what a pleasure it is now blooming
in October when most plants are ending or have ended.

I count 4 blooms and 8 buds.  Also, 2 other colors budding and look forward to their blooms.

It looks like wonderful rain today on my very dry land surrounding this cottage.

Once it is daylight I hope to see it, may go stand in it :)

Not looking forward to the time change as days short and night long and dark

Happy Sunday to all visiting.

My youngest daughter and 2 granddaughters on a long weekend treat for them, a trip to New York.

Safe and enjoyable travel wishes for my 3 girls from grandma.

Friday and CBD Oil

Not a good night, a lot of errands and my special driver available.
Stop at Post Office, Grocery, Bank, gas in the car
I sat in the car and directed him

Nothing sounded good for lunch, need to eat and need to gain weight
so onward to a special Mexican Restaurant, I was told about.
Eat half, the other half tonight.

Fish Taco, best Tortilla's they make, filled with fish, side of Pico De Gallo and sliced Avocado,
also side of rice and beans, so good.'

This friendly waitress, wish I could bring her home with me.

New CBD Oil delivered
stronger because it cost more and will last me longer less inexpensive
Having difficulty figuring out the dosage I need.

Taking the drops from the bottle my daughter gave me, fewer milligrams I took more,
what I ordered, more milligrams, the reason that it will last me longer and cost less.

First daily drops, not enough to help all that is affecting my body, next day that dose more
oh my - no pain, could have danced, so too much, it truly unsettled me and my helper laughed
at my overdosage results (glad came off within an hour).

Just now took a lower dose-finding this difficult because you take this CBD OIL by the dropper and so careful as you drop
it in a teaspoon.  I am taking after my lunch as b/p medication and Tylenol with breakfast
and evening snacks.

Have called company representative twice, embarrassed as I try to figure it out, I know I will.

So bottom line, it is good, very good.

A question, do I take with Tylenol I take, told I could, continue to take blood pressure medication
has nothing to do with the pain or anxiety.

Will continue and report, do know I will take but trying to figure out how many drops a day

If you buy this at places I see everywhere selling you are probably not purchasing the pure oil.

I would say, this is the best, you can read about it online
 "Half Hill Farm"

I hope I make sense as I try to figure out for this one.

Thrift Store Shopping

Thrift store shopping once a month, driver and I take off.
Good just to get out and picked up lunch to bring home, will last for 2 days.
Weather horrible at close to 100 degrees, ready for some Fall weather.

Pricey cashmere sweater, do not have this color & $10, it is light blue, small china dish
for bathroom soap, blue silk scarf and

small china pumpkin

A good day
writing soon about CBD oil
mine really works, need a small dose
use fewer drops.

Unusual pumpkin on header gift from a friend who brings me eggs, her son raises so many
unusual pumpkins, Lana, thank you.

Dinner Tonight

Fettuccine Alfredo  with Truffle sauce and some mixed greens
my dinner tonight

Welcome October
but you came mighty fast.

Trying

Trying this CBD oil
a lot of research and looks like this is the best and ok'd by the government

Writer daughter wrote about it.

I called Hafl Hill Farm
and asked a lot of questions.

If anyone curious
you can look up all of the information on their web site

Arthritis pain is horrible for this one

Growing Family

This one going through old pictures, pictures before computer and camera I now use.
Make me smile, cry and they touch my heart deeply.

Images were taken on this property at a different time in our lives

These two young ladies, my granddaughters, one is a chef in Nantucket and the other
a school teacher in New York and soon to present me with my second great-grandchild in
November

my grandson requested to visit me when I sold the home where he sits on the porch, it is on this
property, at his feet a dog he loved Babe.   He wanted to visit before I made another move.
Such enjoyment and especially when he wanted to visit his grandma.  Now a businessman
who continual emails show him in other countries and I thank him.

Now everyone so busy there are not many visits to this one in a cottage by the woods  But
it is the way it is supposed to be as time moves on and seemingly at a rapid pace

The love overflows for everyone in this family and thankful for the computer where there
is continual touch with one another.

Another cool morning which is wonderful and now a warmer afternoon.

Maybe grocery, small amount as difficult to go up the stairs with them.

I wonder why 12 years ago building this small home and thinking I thought of everything for
my future aging years - I did not think of some of the stairs,

Guess I thought all would remain the same forever
and my son
reminds me
"Nothing remains the same"

Have a good day
and thank you for continual support and keeping in touch.

Books

What is your passion, have had many and in the past, a well-known individual told me I had an
eclectic personality,

Books are piled by my chair, on tables and many in bookcases.  Need to be sorted and arranged
differently, but I like them like this,

Some read, over and over
others I am reading, always more than a book at a time.
Many waiting to be read.

I underline and have bookmarks in many

In the past, my gardening, flowers, remodeling homes were on my list
now those are part of my past

Oh the temperature in the '50s this morning, how delightful.

Life continues at a slower pace
but all is good.

Have to Eat

Returned from having car serviced, a market stop
fixings for stir fry either tonight or tomorrow

using fish instead of beef
Love these Mozella balls in olive oil and herbs.

Now prechopped veggies are new for this one ( new at the market)
but
it will be closer to portions for 2 meals for this one

Always loved to cook
but for one not all that easy, but doing it.

Many compliments on the image I posted on Instagram
so will share.

Me, 2 years ago going to lunch with my son, wearing a 20-year-old cashmere sweater that he
gave me for Christmas 20 years before.

Always taking care of these sweaters, hand washing and blocking on a towel, they last forever

What"s Going On

We all share some of our worlds, most have never met in person, all aging, but guess this one
who is the matriarch probably beyond many of you?

My problem at this time is severe Arthritis, but lucky not until the late '70s was it sometimes unbearable.  Maybe knee replacement would have helped, never offered and just shots in the knees, it progressed to fluid
being taken off.   The procedure is done almost 3 months ago so it is resurfacing.

A busy life, very little medication ever used, wanted to go the healthy route.  With aging, just
the natural decline in areas that I thought would not happen.  Not to a healthy diet, exercise,
yoga person.    Well it is not missing the lady by the woods

Today a painful day and I still am trying to take the easy route, really a painful year and most started with my tooth being pulled by a beginner, my doctor in surgery, with results from it is still painful on the right
side of my face will never go away, nothing can be done and not noticeable to anyone but this one
and my sometimes rosy complexion looks rather nice :) Shingles you are horrible, especially on the face.

From this a heart attack, pacemaker put in and I still after it has been explained many times
"where did this come from?"   Weakened me and many go home soon but I live solo and insurance
covered 3 weeks in the best place in Nashville, so I went.

When I share with my son he just tells me the body wears out.  My nurse daughter wants me
to go to some other specialist for arthritis and I just am weary of doctors.

I am changing my simple medication routine, now take blood pressure medication morning and night and it took months to get the right dose and finally now fine.   Went through nightmares, not sleeping, intestinal issues but they have all left.

Now arthritis body pain, do some simple exercises, breathe as my son tells me, meditate
and Tylenol and find now 1/2 of a Hydracodine with it  helps tremendously and it is 1/2 of the smallest dose
and told this is nothing but I did not want to take it.

Now checking into CBD oil, writer daughter sent me some from the best supplier and I talked to them
on the phone yesterday for more information and my doctor said it is fine: take it
trying to see what dose would be best.   The lowest dose just once a day placing the oil under the tongue gives
amazing relief.  So have started this
but
the mind does not want too but with the 80's rolling by quickly and if this gives me relief may
continue.

In my heart just do not want to be the oldest writing online, but then the mind lags far behind
the chronological aga and mind says I am much younger, told this is normal, do not know anyone my age :)

My past of creating homes and gardens, running a corporation is finished, I direct another, but they come and go.
Article in the New York Times (son sent me and I saw it today in the paper) on a home with a natural garden, I might do but would worry
about snakes, ticks and other critters.  So I see more changes that may arrive so better accept and adapt.  There are all kinds of beautiful grasses,   Just miss me out there with a hoe in hand.

My special driver friend arrives home tomorrow from 2 week trip in Florida, will check with the doctor on the biopsy and pray all went well.

So without my writing, camera, now on Instagram, my books piled everywhere, where would I be.

Never thought of aging until last few years ago and know family is weary of my sharing
so they do not need to ask.

A beautiful day, cool mornings and life goes on but without loved ones and most cared for friends.

Don't forget your flu shot, tomorrow my car serviced, busyness never stops and seems not much appetite lately, need to gain a few pounds.

Little One

A fruit, yogurt, muffin, tea, and coffee 65-degree morning, litte one get out of the soybean field.

think the hummers have left, seems early, maybe a prediction of early winter.  Remember many years they are here into October, maybe they are still sleeping :)

Good Day Arriving

How can you not begin a day with a smile
when you receive a picture your son took while walking the beach in that far away land and sends
it to his mama

Thoughts, miss him, wish I was there and thanks to him for making me smile on a cooler morning

My helper girl came through surgery with flying colors, so thankful, now Christy heal and change
some unhealthy habits.

Writer daughter my Jamie spent most of the day with me on Tuesday, hair wash, blow-dry and feels so good, picked up fish taco's, so good brought home.  Seems at this time of life do not like noisy
eating places and just like to pick up something twice a week and bring it to my cottage.

Look at her recent image and still difficult to accept we are not cat people, guess it changed,
she adores him. 

Yesterday a horrid experience
license time to be renewed
thought I would be smart and renew myself
3-hour wait
was not good for this one.

So all you share their words with me
thank you and take care of yourselves.

Been a While

Yes it has been a while since I shared and have hesitated too as so much going on
Here goes, some of it.

My special helper and driver on errands not comfortable for me noticed a swelling on his arm about
3 weeks ago.  Thought it was an insect bite, possibly a spider bite.  It never went away and became
bigger, after much urging from wife and because they were planning a trip to Florida she went with him to doctor, he looked at it and immediately took him to the surgeon in the hospital.   Cancer and
now awaiting biopsy of a large section.

Next, young woman, I am so pleased with after weeks of searching for someone to be with me a few
hours on the weekend, she is just 48 and was having pain in her chest, ER, test, moved to the best heart
hospital (where I went) in Nashville and has 8 blockages, so more test for her tomorrow.

On and on, good friends for years, older sister in her 90's lives in Jacksonville, Florida, she visits
her family here in Tennessee about 6 times a year, she is amazing, recovered 2 years ago from Hip surgery, had a fever, tests being done, she has been moved to rehab and who know where this will
go.  She is amazing, beautiful, smart, so concerned over her.

Her 2 surviving sisters in 90's also, one finishing a handicap home next to the home she lives in.
and her twin showing signs of dementia, so on and on.  I listen, pray for them and when sitting, counting breaths I send good wishes and healing  to all  of these

All of this and I am told all is well.,   Someday will write what changes as you age.
Do not like any of this and trying with all my strength to keep moving, doing, eat and on and on.

The main issue is arthritis pain, nothing will restore me to what I was like 5 years ago, then Shingles
that still affect the face and heart attack you may never be the same.

I am using walker, sometimes cane and sometimes nothing and oh how I miss walking in the woods, my yard and working in the garden.

So please forgive me if this sounds like complaining, not so - just how it is in soon middle 80's.

What a pleasure in my nature surrounded cottage holding my camera,   I miss my baking and cooking, so thankful a good mind, will probably be trying to accept until the end.

I never had help, but now is necessary for a few hours to do things I use to do and love the
company. 

Being in rehab several times and with much figuring it is less expensive this way than a facility.
I will stay in this home if I have no one but surely miss some of the perfect people I found\
and they will return but it will be a while

My special girl, first t help me still with me for a couple of hours some evenings, loves my flowers
waters, weeds and my feeders if not for her would not have the hummers and other birds.

Also, lack proper words about my special children and grandchildren, not near, all so busy
son calls from Thailand weekly, writer daughter has 2 teenagers, one college next year
and I smile about my youngest granddaughter in a magnet school and choose a language in Chinese.
Another daughter, my nurse helps me with thoughts, that granddaughter in Nantucket a Chef,
and my oldest in Florida, all that is going on with her is difficult for her as she remembers maybe more than the others of an independent talented mother who would tackle anything and I have changed, age and closer to the end does change us in many ways and we are not the same, another great-grandchild is due in November and on and on

So my life continues and may a long time and have to learn to tolerate the pain and walk with a cane.
and count my blessings, read and carry my camera, such is life at the edge of the woods.

Hope and Pray I have not left out anyone, forgive me if I have.....

60 degree morning

Have a wonderful weekend.

So nice to have doors open

and hot tea on the screen porch.

New tea warmer, only use a tea lite candle
love it.

Keeps your tea or coffee hot.

Dawn

Peaceful view at dawn

Beautiful day
and now some
Butternut squash soup
and toasted - my pimento cheese sandwich.

LIFE

Cooler weather has definitely arrived and I love it.   Can finally sit on the screen porch and eat lunch
and enjoy a book.

Started reading again and such pleasure, sometimes looking at the dates of years gone by and the
special words I have underlined.    Will share some in the future.

It has been another difficult past week,  Tests at the hospital, transportation inconvenience for some
as I have to travel to the local big city hospital, the one my nurse daughter recommends. Also, this is near my two daughters.

A lot is different but will not begin my day sharing, will another time with thoughts who in the
the world wants to read all of this unless they are at an advanced age and may learn something.

I do know that this independent, always doing and creating, needing no help is now different, life changed
little by little and maybe I did not notice but I know it now.

Life after 80 began to change drastically, I fought it with meditation, prayer, natural healing
and kept pushing but now continual thankfulness for their words "you are fine, rest more, keep moving"

So a slower pace is trying to take place, not good at it and will be honest but onward I go.

A lot of rain, leaves are falling and everything growing is lush and green.
An early Fall is what my heart tells me.

A GIFT FROM ONE OF MY ORCHIDS

A wonderfully cool 6:00 morning.

Busy medical week.

Will share some soon.

Thanks to all of you
for being who you are.

Have a wonderful day

Seems like an almost Fall morning...

I smile as I look at my Orchids and see one with 9 buds, a gift to this one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER

LOVE, MAMA

THEN AND NOW

MY ALMOST NIGHT TIME VISITORS

5 FEMALES
AND 2 BABIES

A LUCKY SHOT
THEY USUALLY SCATTER
WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR
TO TAKE A PICTURE

Morning Fog

Fog finally lifting
love this little red wagon
when I struck out alone with my 4-year-old
I hauled wood inside the big farmhouse for my daily fire
those were the days.

Left the big city corporate world
remodeling an old farmhouse, baby calves I fed with a bottle, gardened loved this gravel road out in the middle of nowhere.

Not that way now
grown children in other states and countries
big city, all with wonderful careers.

Now cannot imagine
one of the youngest grandchildren checking out colleges for next year
and this is really something
youngest granddaughter
now in a Magnet school and when I inquired what language you are taking
she replied "Chinese"

Oldest granddaughter expecting my second Great in November
another
a chef in Nantucket
and another cannot even begin his accomplishments

So better begin my day
fog lifted
school bus on the road

and this one
so many blessings

hope I did not forget anyone
if I did
forgive me
it is early
and need to begin my day

Something New

Returning home yesterday from the big city
we headed for my smaller local town
which is certainly growing.

Instruction to one driving
go to the new coffee shop on our local Historical Square
read on Instagram their specialty this week.

Oh my
been a long time
a Rueben

This one on Sour Dough bread


Do generously
Corn Beef layered with Swiss Cheese
or Guyre Cheese, Sour Krout (drain, squeeze dry)
and Thousand Island dressing

Toasted to perfection in my grandmothers iron skillet
so good and may reproduce here in the cottage kitchen;

Thoughts of ordering a small Panini Press, but enough small appliances I do not use already in this kitchen.   So small iron skillet serves the purpose.

Opened the doors this morning
and a storm with high winds must have passed through.

In the yard, rocking chair, small table, rug, and flower pot
had blown off.

When someone arrives will have them replaced
that is off of my to-do list at this time.

Beautiful 68-degree morning.

Tuesday

A  day of errands

still results of  DNA test not in.

A stop in my favorite Thrift Store
and spotted this flower pot. 
Unbelievable. buy

So heavy, helper had to carry and put in the car for me.

will come in handy
when plants are brought inside
before Winter arrives

They love an upstairs room
heat rises and when watered
they really grow

Shool has started
oh my seems Summer went by so quickly.

Monday Continuing

Breakfast

Protein cereal with almonds, raisins, and banana
liquid yogurt and the creamy kind
green tea, apple juice (son says no - it has sugar]

I do this once a week, cook oates a morning and  scrambled egg with a slice of bacon and toast
one morning, usually rotate.

The nurse called and coming later in the day.
I read, do research and now antibiotics are not working for me
medication given to me makes me sick for a while.  Still sick and going to stop taking it.

I get up early, always have, up and rining and then 3 hours later - crash.

So I am truly an imposter if someone reads my rambling early.

Truth at the moment
I am crying
not accepting aging as early I think of what I  cant do, will do and cannot do it as I grab my cane and
sometimes the walker.

Arthritis I do not like you could use a more explicit word but will not\
Also do not like people who lie,   Recently one who I did much for her, older than this one promised
something and did not follow through.

Arthritis attacked those before me
ane one shares "not me"
I think how I thought the same thing with all of my good habits
So I think "good luck."

I wanted to get out'
big deal
go to market
just to get out, hold onto the cart
and always see someone I know.
Buy very little and they put in the car
driving fine but tricky getting out
seems the Universe is looking out for me with blessings
as always someone passing on and hands me a cart
and then I can fly.

So, one woman
what did you think
that aging would be easy?

It is not
and all will face it, but our personalities all different as others just sit, nap and I complain.
Seems strange that my helpful son can give me answers and I smile and say you are right on target.

Mama we are not meant to  last forever and when I am at my worst and say
"maybe I am dying"
he simply replies
"Mama, we are all dying"

Now you tell me
why do I smile when he gives me these answers.

I say "bless him"

Almost lunch, no appetite and think I will make a batch of  Pimento Cheese.
Easy, I have some good Cheddar, Pimento, hot sauce and the good Mayo.
It is easy with my small processor.
A nice big tomato on hand and will toast my sandwich.

Later will finish my spaghetti
so  am all set

Thanks for listening.

Morning

A quick note on this wonderfully cool foggy morning, it is 67, strong wind and some needed rain
at dusk, some plants were blown over and cushions in the yard and helper will have to tend to that
this evening on arrival.

Up at 5:00, a long prayer time
excited for my youngest granddaughter
her first day at Magnet school, it is in downtown Nashville
mom has a distance to drive.

Back to my morning
after much going through my mind and some meditation
I begin my usual 15-minute bed Yoga
stretches and use the smallest weights
not like years ago when I walked a few miles with 5 lb weights in my hands.

Practice what I have tried to change to no avail
I turn on the computer
a lot of information is forwarded to me from my Jamie on the magnet school my youngest is on the way to this early morning, some emails, turn that machine off and the day begins.

It is foggy, deer in the front Soybean field, strange they look towards my cottage as I begin to
raise all the blinds.

So as the day begins, always bed made the first thing.   I have always told my children they can tell when
I am very sick as the bed will not be made.

Thankful new H/A man came and put up ceiling fan on screen porch
have missed it.   This cottage built almost 12 years ago and it seems some now needs replacing.
It is evident nothing lasts like it did in many homes I have lived in through the years.

The nurse arrives this morning, checks b/p and hoping DNA test is back, do not like this UTI, so pleased that my insurance
ok's this weekly visit.   Like Jana so much and a plus she is a neighbor.

So pleased that my daughter in Tampa called yesterday, granddaughter and that first great-grandson
visiting.  Missed not talking to my Jessica, she is expecting in November.  My family growing.

Busy family.

Enough shared...............

Hummers and Spaghetti

They are everywhere
and yesterday saw a baby, so tiny

All of a sudden
a craving for Spaghetti

addition of my Basil and Oregano and this one loves Garlic.
Might add that I am beginning to cook more, just simple recipes but so good

Where do memories come from?  I began to think of Anna, loved her.  She was an Italian war bride.
I have her recipe, similar to what I prepared but she had meatballs.
Her husband a master of creations, so talented helped me with several homes, a charmer, everyone liked him but  a ladies man,  a scoundrel.
My time with them over 50 years ago and memories of he broke her heart.

I often wonder if that is the way it was in another era or maybe still is.

My best friend after high school was Ginnie, I tried for years to locate her to no avail.   Worked with
her at the corporate office at Ford Motor Company in Michigan after I graduated from High School. Loved visiting her and the hugs her mama would greet with.
Her Italian food was supreme.  So different from my background of Southern cooking.
Have always been drawn to Italian people, a dream was to visit Italy and have a number of books
I have read based in that country.   May reread them as they always give me a warm feeling.

Notice lately so many  past memories arise in my mind, some wonderful and warm my heart
and others remember they broke my heart and I quickly try to erase them.

Home

Up and see my Jamie's email
they are home from a week trip in Florida, her girls each took a friend.

What a surprise, I prayed continual for a safe trip home for them during the night, kept thinking they would be in
tonight. 

Her busyness begins from this much-needed trip, orientation for one going to a new school is today and the other one continued education search will be going on.  Plus she is a writer who works from
home and know her desk is piled with paperwork and many emails that will need attention.

Thankful for her email.

Will welcome her visit next week
it is her Birthday.  My youngest, born 3 weeks early and so tiny.
Such a blessing she is to her independent mama who now seems to need some help in areas.

Thankful that my helper arrives early this morning and I want to begin planning another small
a place for flowers lost so many over the last 2 years.

This one still problems with ongoing UTI, will not share much
but seems most antibiotics not working and a DNA test was taken to see what can help.
Makes me feel really rough but just keep moving.

So just continuing on and almost have lost faith in the medical profession and will not expand on
that.

Did not share when she was on this needed trip and daughter who lives in Florida has had
her daughter and that precious great-grandson visiting and another one due in November.
Family is growing.

I miss everyone, but it is what it is - for lack of better words.

Hot weather is here and wonder if any rain in August.

So wherever you are enjoying your August maybe it is better in your location.

Magic Lilly Ttime

One minute they are not there
then you look
and they have arrived

This vine invasive
but I like you
Cyprus vine
with your tiny red blooms
as a lot have finished their season of blooming
you add some color