Happiness is an unexpected hug.

Thank-you for all the hugs I've received!!!

Diane....Jan. 29th I can't think of any other place I would like to be than seeing Linda and Pete.  Well, maybe I was a bit hasty in saying any other place but it will be exciting to see them again.  It has been a very long time since we met last.  We just finished watching the movie "Amelia Earheart".  She certainly did like to fly and with no fear of doing so.  I love to fly but with someone else in the cockpit, so I can sleep.  Well, here it is almost 2011.  Lets see, what are my "New Years Resolutions" going to be.  I can only think of one and that is I never make a "New Years Resolutions" and I think it will be the same for this year.  Now wasn't that easy, because I know I won't have any trouble, keeping this promise, for the whole year.  This last year has brought some new challenges for me but all in all it has been a wonderful year.  I feel truly blessed for all the new friends I was able to meet along with half of the Drs. in the Tri-Cities.  Also for all the support I have received from family and friends.  In all my years I have never received so much attention as I did in 2010.  Now I don't expect to receive that much attention this year and that is OK.  Everyone, have a wonderful New Year.  I know I will.


A BLONDE'S YEAR IN REVIEW
JANUARY
Took new scarf back to store because it was too tight.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Joy Out of Sadness
As time rolls onward
And leaves the past behind
There is much I counted sorrow,
But proves that God is kind.
There is many a flower I longed for,
Had a hidden thorn of pain,
And many rigged by-paths
Led to fields of ripened grain.
We must live through the weary winter
If we would but value the spring,
And the woods must be cold and silent
Before the robins sing,
And the flowers must be buried in darkness,
Before they can blossom and bloom;
For the sweetest and warmest sunshine
Comes after the storm and the gloom.
The heart, in its hardest trials,
Gains the purest joy of all,
And from the lips that have tasted sadness,
The sweetest songs may fall,
For peace comes after suffering,
And love is the reward of pain,
So after earth comes heaven,
And out of our loss, our gain.

Diane....Well, I decided to add chocolate to the ice chip diet.  The chips just weren't helping with the endorphins.  It really is a good combination.  My girls spent the night last night and I don't think they slept a wink.  I can remember those days, when we were young, and we could stay up all night and all day.  That must have been a long time ago because I really don't remember it all that well.  We spent a good part of the day taking down Christmas decorations, cleaning, sorting, throwing away things and organizing.  I love to organize.  We still have a bit more to do but we wore ourselves out.  A while back I went on google to see how to make a dog bed and I found a very simple idea that didn't cost a thing.  I took an old quilt and tore it into four pieces and then I took a flannel sheet and tore it into four pieces and then pinned the sheet to the quilt, sewed then together, turned it inside out and I am now going to stuff them with newspaper.  The article said dogs love to hear the sound of the paper when they lay down onto the bed.  I will finish my project tomorrow and let you know how it turned out and if our dogs really like their new beds.  Bill said he has a funny to add tonight.


FUNNY (sent in an email from a friend)
I just finished talking with my friend in Minneapolis, and he said that
since early this morning, all his wife has done is look through the
kitchen window and the snow is nearly waist high. He says that if it
gets much worse, he may have to let her in.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The man who says "It can't be done" is interrupted by the man who is doing it.

Diane....wow two funerals in one day, that's a tough one.    Well,  Kareen and Chandler are spending the night and we have been eating and watching movies and I noticed it is getting late and I hadn't done my blog. so I figured I had better get going before it was too late, so here it is.  I got up rather late this morning but once I awoke we went to the gym and only worked out for 30 min.  I can work out a little harder if the time is shorter so I was able to get my heart rate to 103 and that is good for me.  When I first started I could get it to 81 and slowly I am moving up the scale.  Feels so good to have the energy to work out like this.  I love it.


Brevity is next to confusion in the insurance business.  When a client died, her daughter told our agency that she would cancel the home policy the following week, once her mother's belongings were removed.  simple, right?  Here's the note that was placed in the client's file.  "Deceased will call next week to cancel moving her things out.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.
Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds.

Diane....We down-load our books from Barnes and Noble and it goes on the Nook.  Every book is a different price.  We will bring it to the luncheon on the 8th. and we will read every one a little story.  :-)  Just kiddin.  We will also bring pictures from the cruise.  We worked out this morning on the treadmill.  We prefer to go into what's called the, dark room, and watch a movie while we are on the bike or treadmill or the elliptical machines. This way we can work out longer because we get distracted and not noticing, so much, how tired we are or hot or sore, until we stop.  It's a very, very, large screen and at midnight a new movie is put in for another 24 hrs.  Then we went to Target, Winco and then home.  We picked up some containers, at Target, with drawers for organizing some things.  I think we will take down Christmas decorations tomorrow, or at least part of them.  We don't put up a lot so it is so much easier, when it is time, to clean up. 


When I asked my friend if she was planning to attend church, she just shook her head.  "I haven't gone in a long time," she said.  "Besides, it's too late for me.  I've probably already broken all seven commandments."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

Diane....I know what you mean by the clothes not fitting.  I am going on an ice chip diet.  You know it is the rage now.  It is cold, refreshing, goes down easily, no calories and the crunch is amazing.  I will start tomorrow or maybe the next day, we will see.  Today was a stay at home day, which felt very nice.  Bill has a new book, on our nook, and that is what he did most of the day, read, read, read.  He says it is a very good book, hard to put down.  It is called "Unbroken".  True story, he says.  I have a book on there also but I don't think I will be able to finish it until Bill gets his done first.  We love our nook, it makes reading so much more fun and easy.  I have a lot more laundry now that Kristene, Nicole and Andrew are living here so I did a lot of catching up today.  Going up and down the stairs, to do laundry is good exercise.  We were going to go to the gym today but we didn't make it so we plan to go tomorrow.  I really need to go. 


Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?
(And rap music will be the Golden Oldies!)



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.
   John Wayne

The end is coming, of a wonderful day.  I had my, coming out, party today.  I will explain;  I went to church, for the first time, without my wig.  I felt a little exposed with nothing, on my head, but hair.  I also felt a little colder.  I may just have to wear a hat now and then just to keep warm.  I sure wouldn't like to live back east, during this time of year, with the bad storms that they keep having.  The weather west is much easier to handle.  We went over to the Law's for dinner and took the leftover prime rib.  They didn't complain even though it wasn't as rare as Fri. night.  Kevin, Kareen and Eric sang to us while Kevin played the guitar.  It was a lot of fun.  They sang so pretty.  Most of the Law family sing very nicely.


After I reviewed engine parts, gears, and dashboard gauges, it was time for my nervous driver's-ed student to take the wheel for the first time.  But as I reached for something in the backseat, I felt a pop in my shoulder.  "Do you know where the rotator cuff is? I said, wincing.  "Under the hood? he asked.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

Laughter is the shortest distance between friends.

Diane....we sure hope Larry is feeling better and yes the prime rib did get done, just right,  I was told.  We figured the problem was we cooked the meat in our cooker last year and everything was OK but it was a small roast and this year it was much bigger.  Nobody seemed to mind waiting because it was so good and we had a lot of fun waiting.  That picture is a little goofy of me. Wished my hair would have been longer, by now, but it is growing very slowly because it takes about a year to get the chemo out of ones body.  I do like the curls though. 


My husband is Irish and I'm Scottish, so communication problems abound.  One evening, he switched on an old film as I left the room.  When I returned, I recognized one of the actors.  "Is that Stallone?" I asked.  "It's only just started," he snapped back.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A story of two brothers
A father died, leaving two sons.  One son lived on a hill and had a large family; the other, a bachelor, lived alone in a valley.  One night the son in the valley awoke.  He said to himself,  "Did my father's equal division of his property between us give my brother a just portion?  My poor brother, living on the hill, is weighed down by the responsibilities of a large family, and here am I without responsibilities and obligations.  Tonight I will take some of the sheaves of grain my father left me and quietly put them in my brother's barn; otherwise he would not take them."  That very same night, the other brother, on the hill, could not sleep.  He said to himself, "I can see my father did not treat my brother and me equally.  I m surrounded by a loving wife and family, and my brother lives alone.  I'll take some of the sheaves left me by my father and, unseen, leave them in my brother's barn, because he would not accept them knowingly."  That night, the two brothers met, halfway between their homes, their arms laden with sheaves, and when each realized what the other was doing, they wept with tears of understanding, of brotherly love.  This love between relatives, neighbors and friends across the world is the true spirit of Christmas.
   Ralph Jones

Our whole family was here this eve. for our annual Christmas dinner and present exchange.  It was such an amazing eve.  Tonight I did the unveiling, of my hair, by putting a large sack over my head, that Kareen had made, and I was positioned in front of the Christmas tree and with a drum roll the sack was taken off.  In front of me was my entire family, cameras in hand, and flashing.  I felt like a movie star.  I had purchased a sm. string of lights with a battery, to light them, and Kristene placed the lights amongst my hair with the battery on the back of my head.  So when the bag was lifted, off my head, these little rice lights were aglow, on my head.  It was a lot of fun.  We expected the prime rib to be done by 3:30 but for some reason it wasn't, so we played a game.  Now this game anyone can afford because it only consists of a large, brown bag.  It goes like this by putting the sack in the middle of the floor opened up.  The object is to bend over using one leg bent and picking the sack up with your mouth, using no hands.  After picking up the bag you tear off the part that you picked up with your mouth and this goes on until the last person is standing.  The hard part is, at the beginning of each round, the bag is shortened a little so it gets harder and harder.  I only made it to the 3rd. round.  The meat still wasn't done so we decided to open gifts, which we usually do, after dinner.  If love could start a fire then our living rm. would be all in ablaze with sparks flying.  I am so truly blessed with an amazing family.  This has been such an incredibly, wonderful year with so much love and support for Bill and I.  We give our love and thanks, all the way to the moon and back, to everyone that has made this journey with us and supported us all the way.


Answers to questions:
9)  Gene Autry              10)  Sinter Klaas


A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through an automated radar post in Dewitt, NY. A $40 speeding ticket was included.  Being cute, he sent the police department a picture of $40.  The police responded with another mailed photo of handcuffs.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There's something  unique about being a member of a family that really needs you in order to function well.  One of the deepest longings a person can have is to feel needed and loved.  

    

We just got back from visiting Diane and Larry, at their very, cute, home.  It was nice to see Larry doing so well.  They have the cutest little Shishu, named Jacob.  He sat next to me the entire time we were there.  He knew I love dogs.  We worked out this morning, at the gym.  I used the bike this time and rode 7 miles.  No wonder my legs are a bit sore.  I found this recipe, on line, on how to make applesauce.  It looked so good that I have been wanting to make it, for a while now, so this evening I got the apples ready, put the ingredients in the pan with the apples and let it simmer for 30 min.  We put it all in the blender and...wa-la, it came out applesauce.  It is the best applesauce I have ever made, so, that recipe is a keeper.  We are now going to wrap presents.  Have a very Merry Christmas.


Johnny walked in the door from school and I asked him how his classes went.  "How about math?"  "Terrific."  "Did you get them all right?  Were you speedy?"  "Yes"   "Quick--what's eleven take away seven?"  Johnny thought a moment, then replied,  "That's the only one I need to work on."

Answers from yesterday's questions
7..c) Runner               8...d) Alabama

9)  Who first recorded the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?
a)  Burl Ives                   b)  Gene Autry
c)  Bing Crosby             d)  Perry Como

10)  In New  Amsterdam, now New York City, what was St. Nicholas called?
a)  Santa Klaus               b)  Kris Kringle
c)  Sinter Klaas               d)  Hey, you



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Among the greatest of gifts is the gift of Love.

My little piece of pink hair fell out so I had Dawni (hair dresser) put one back in right where the other one was.  I had saved my hair, when it fell out, so this is what she used.  She had to bleach it and then color it pink.  I plan on keeping a strand of pink hair in for a year and who knows maybe longer, we will see.  After that we picked up some groceries so I can do some cooking tomorrow.


Answers to questions from yesterday.
4...Washington           5...Boston
6...A college professor

7...Which was not a reindeer name in "The Night Before Christmas"?
a...Donner                 b...Vixen
c...Runner                 d...Cupid

8...Which was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday?
a...Massachusetts                 b...New York
c...Virginia                           d...Alabama


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE PRICELESS GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
is meant just for the heart
and we receive it only
when we become a part
of the kingdom and the glory
which is ours to freely take.
For God sent the Holy Christ Child
at Christmas for our sake,
so man might come to know Him
and feel His Presence near
and see the many miracles
performed while He was here.
And this priceless gift of Christmas
is within the reach of all,
the rich, the poor, the young and old
the greatest and the small.
So take His Priceless Gift of Love,
reach out and you receive,
and the only payment that God asks
is just that you believe.
    Helen Steiner Rice

Growing old is ineviable, growing up is optional.

I had my nails done this morning and then we went to lunch, at our favorite place, located at Marine Land Village.  We were going to go to a movie but there just wasn't anything on, that we wanted to see, so I guess that will have to happen another day.  We went to Walgreen's to pick up an item we needed and as the lady checked us out she asked if we were ready for Christmas.  I stated I was and she said she wasn't ready yet, and that things were so hectic she never really enjoys Christmas.  Each year she says she will do better next year and then next year comes and it's just the same for her.  Of course I had to give my spiel on things she could do to cut back on the hecticness.  Of course she won't do these things unless she really wants to. 


Answers for the quiz from last night
1...Thomas Nast                2...Dedication
3...White Christmas    

4...Which American General used Christmas as an occasion to attack the enemy?
a)  MacArthur      b)  Patton    c)  Grant    d)  Washington

5...From 1659 to 1681, Christmas was actually outlawed in what American city?
a)  New Amsterdam   b)  Boston    c)  Providence    d)  Philadelphia

6...Who created Kwanzaa?
a)  The NAACP    b)  A college professor    c)  Bill Cosby    d)  Martin Luther King



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
May the peace and joy of this Christmas season be in your hearts and homes as we celebrate the birth and mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bill just gave me the news that he has been keeping track, of all our expenses, since we found out I have breast cancer.  The amount has come to just a little less than  $142,000 so far and, the best part is, we haven't had to pay even a penny of this.  Now that is one huge blessing  I can  add to my many others.  I now will give you a quiz on things pertaining to Christmas.  I will only do 3 tonight and give the answers tomorrow night.

1...Who created the American image of Santa Claus?
a)  Thomas Nast                  b)  Benjamin Franklin
c)  Walt Disney                    d)  John Adams

2...What does Hanukkah mean in Hebrew?
a)  Gift                                  b)  Blessing
c)  Deliverance                      d)  Dedication

3...What is the best-selling Christmas song of all time?
a)  Silent Night                       b)  Winter Wonderland
c)  Deck the Halls                  d)   White Christmas


After Aaron had been playing outside for a long time, he came in and I said, "Well Aaron, where have you been all my life?"
 He answered, "In Heaven mostly."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
  (Room for Love)
The door is on the latch tonight,
the hearth-fire is aglow,
I seem to hear soft passing feet,
The Christ child in the snow.

My heart is open wide tonight,
For stranger, kith or kin:
I would not bar a single door,
Where love might enter in.





    

The weather man was way off track this time.  No new snow last night but theirs still hope for a white Christmas or a rainy one.  Guess it doesn't matter either way.  I love Christmas, a time when people are thinking of others and how they can help someone in need.  We went to Janene and Kevin's ward today because a couple of our grandchildren were singing in the choir.  A brethren was giving a talk about his memories of Christmas.  He said something had recently happened to him that had never happened before.  He was at a drive-in, in line, waiting for the person in front of him, that was taking way too long.  When he got up to the window he was told that the person in front of him had paid for his meal.  He said he was overwhelmed with gratitude because of the kindness of a person he had never met.  He reminded us of the many times we have the opportunity to be kind to others, whether it be a clerk, someone on the phone or any situation we are in.  Five more days until the unveiling.  I am really nervous about this because I have worn hats for so long I really feel funny without one.


We were on our way home after a fun evening with friends, and each of the children had a balloon I had given them.  Emily's popped and she burst into tears.  Johnny responded,  "Good thing it wasn't mine!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
They were hoping for a king
A man of wealth and might
But God sent forth a baby
A child to give us light

I looked out the window and what did I see ....a lot of beautiful, glistening, white, snow.  That was entered this morning and now it is after 7:00 and the snow isn't so glistening or beautiful but I hear we will have more snow this eve. and then we will have beautiful snow again, for a while.  Should be nice if it would stick until Christmas.  Having a white Christmas is pretty.  We had lunch today with our group.  We always have lunch out at Christmas time instead of in our homes.  It was extra special because one of our friends turned 91 today.  I keep forgetting to put down how many more days until the unveiling.  A total of 6 days or I should say nights.  We just finished watching a very cute Christmas movie focusing on the belief of miracles.  I believe or I should say I know we all have miracles happening to us, all the time, we just have to watch for them and know it isn't just by chance, something happened, that it is a real miracle. 
Have a wonderful day!


Katy and I were driving in the car, and she said,  "Let's sing a song from Annie."  "Okay," I said.  "Shall we sing "Tomorrow?"  "No," she said .  "Let's sing now!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The best classroom in the world, is at the feet of an elderly person.

A rainbow right in our living room!

It's a bit chilly out and we have heard there is a chance of snow coming this week-end.  It can snow, just this week, and then it can be over, for now, until next Dec.  Next Tues. is our 47th anniversary and the first day of winter.  It is also the longest night of the year.  :-)  Dec. is a special month, for us, in many ways.  Bill was in the Air Force and stationed in Alabama and since we had gone together for four yrs. in High School we were very sad to be apart, so we gave our parents two months to plan our wedding.  Bill flew home and after the wedding we drove to Alabama via Disneyland.  It was a very nice wedding, held in the Episcopalian.Church, located  on 10th street.    I really didn't do a lot today after our busy day yesterday.  We only went out once, and that was to Rite Aid, to pick up some meds.  Remember the reason we celebrate the birth of our Christ this time of year.  Don't call it the holidays, or Xmas.  When we do this we are taking Christ out of Christmas.


One afternoon I came home and was very upset to find a terribly messy front room and kitchen.  I began to scold all the children in sight.  "Look at this mess! Books on the floor! Crumbs everywhere! An apple core on the piano!"  Aaron spoke up.  "Well---don't just look at it that way, Mom.  Look at all the clean places there are!  See---here's a clean place!  And there's a clean place!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Well, I hear it is supposed to snow this week-end, we will see.  It may just rain.  I guess we will take what we get.  It would be fun though if we had snow on Christmas.  Have you ever had Christmas in Hawaii?   A few years back we were there in Dec. and it seemed so weird because it was so warm.  I guess it will never snow in Hawaii anyway, I hope not. The amazing smells and the daily rainbows make up for no snow.  Janene and I went to many shops today and it was amazing how much money we saved.  It was a fun day.



I stood in the ice cream parlor watching in amazement as the girl behind the counter piled one mammoth scoop of ice cream after another onto my cone.  It was so huge, I began to question whether she'd heard my order.  "Excuse me," I said.  "Is that a small?" 
As she poured on the topping, she replied, "Not yet!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps you in touch with your children.

Today felt like the lazy, hazy, days of summer or should I say winter.  I did a lot of laundry.  I have more now since Kristene, Nicole and Andrew have moved in.  Good thing I like doing laundry.  I know she could do her own laundry but I'm pretty possessive with my washer and dryer.  I am so excited, I went to bed at 10:30 last night and I got up at 6:30.  I feel so much better when I do go to bed earlier and get up at a decent hr.  Janene called and asked if we could pick the boy's up after school and of course I said yes and then we talked a while.  Well, when we got through talking I completely forgot about picking  the boys up, until we received a phone call wondering where we were.  I tell you, if I don't write it down it just doesn't get done, for the most part.  Well,  "Elf"  is on now so I must see it for the third time.


One of our visiting Italian students at Sheppard Air Force Base said he wouldn't be able to fly that day.  "Why?" his teacher asked.  Marshaling all the English he knew, the student pointed to his ears and explained,  "It's my fallopian tubes.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.

Diane....What does Larry do three times a week?   That is such great news about the Torrey's moving back.  Hope they are planning to go on the cruise.  Are you walking the dog at the mall or outside?  I assume outside.  I had my hair styled today, by one of the volunteers, at the cancer cntr. I didn't think it could be styled while it is this short but she was able to and she did a great job.  She used a round brush which took a lot of the curl out.  I love it!!!  It just gets better.  Janene called a while ago and asked me if I wanted to do a couple of errands with her so I stopped writing and went with her.  We were only gone a couple of hrs. and now I am back and it is later and I am trying to go to bed earlier which, at this time, is 11:00 instead of 12:00 or 1:00.  My goal is 10:30 and I am almost there.  I feel so much better in the morning when I get to bed at a better time.  Less T.V. also.


My father was telling his young nephew about fighting in Vietnam.  "Are you a hero?"  Jose asked.  "Nah," said Dad.  "Did you ever shoot anyone?"  "No.  All I did was aim at 'em."  Pause..."Who's Adam?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.

Diane....So are you still going to have a Birthday party for Larry?  I hope all went well this afternoon with Larry's appointment.
This morning I got up at 5:00, just coudn't sleep, no real reason.  At 8:30 we took Kristene's dog, Suzy, to the Vet.  She has been having problems with her ear, like it really smells and we couldn't see inside at all.  The Vet. pulled out a big hunk of wax and then took a special pair of scizzors to her and twisted it and pulled out a lot of hair.  Then he took long Q-tips and kept cleaning her ear.  This whole time she just stood there, and then finally sat down.  When he got real deep she pulled away a couple of times and then he was done.  He said he usually puts animals to sleep when they have to work on their ears.  He couldn't believe how good she was.  She really is a sweety.  After that we brought her home and then I had an appointment to have my port flushed to keep it cleaned out.  Only takes about two mins.  No big deal.  We ran a few errands and then came home.  Rest of the day was doing whatever.


Medical transctiption requires a keen ear for technical jargon.  But one applicant insisted she was singularly qulified for the position.;  After all, she wrote in her cover letter, "both of my sisters are nurses, and I watch the cable shows Dr. G: Medical Examiner and Trauma: Life in the E.R.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Constant and determined effort breaks down all resistance and sweeps away all obstacles.

Diane....I love Choc. covered peanut butter cups.  I have a recipe but I don't dare make them now, cause once I start I won't be able to stop.  I just can't have Choc. in the house now or I will eat it all.  I am very weak when it comes to sweets.  It was wonderful at church today to listen to the beautiful Christmas music.  I am so thankful for our Savior, and his atonement, so we can live again, with Him.  Kristene has been looking for a new cell phone because her screen went bad, when someone stepped on it, in the snow...go figure.  Today she went on Craigs list to see if she could find a good one for less money, and she did, so we went to the person's house, that was selling the phone, to see about it and what shape it was in.  It turned out to be a purple, flip phone, with many features and was 7 months old so we offered her $40.00 instead of the $50.00 she was asking and she agreed on the price.  It also came with three chargers, two for the car and one for home use.  She came home and registered it and now she has a phone that she can see who is calling and texting.  She is now a very happy camper.  What ever did we do without our cell phones.


I stole a couple of minutes from work to give my wife a call.  She put our two-year-old son on, and we chatted a while before he ended it with an entusiastic "I love you!"  "I love you too," I said, with a dopey grin plastered on my face.  I was about to hang up wen I heard him ask sweetly, "Mommy, who was that"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.

Some of my penquins are helping decorate the house.

Well, this is the day after the sleep-over.  We had a great time with the grandchildren.  They did such a great job decorating and it seemed they were having fun.  I hope every one is having a stress free time, planning for Christmas.  What a funny day for the weather, first snow and then rain and then slush.  I hope the roads don't freeze over.  My cousin Denny called this evening and we talked for a long long time.  He lives in San Diego and I saw him four years ago for the first time since we were kids.  It was so good to talk to him.
Drive safe!


The elementary school was honoring local veterans.  The students were a bit intimidated and didn't know how to approach them.
"Start by introducing yourself," I said.  "Then ask what branch of the military they served in."
One student walked over to a vet and promptly asked, "What tree are you from?"

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Dare to be different....   "Save money"

Our grandchildren decorating the tree.

The train is always a favorite with the grand-children

Robin asked me to write her blog for her tonight.  It has been a busy day starting with Janene and Kevin coming over and helping me move furniture to get ready for our big night with all our younger grandchildren coming over to decorate the tree and have a sleep over.  We got the tree up, but the lights didn't work on the top section.  We didn't have time to work on them as Robin had an appointment with Dr. Fischer at 11:30 for a follow up on her arm surgery.  All is going well, it just takes time.  When we got home we made fudge and then it was time to fix the lights on the tree.  I checked all the lights and changed the fuses in the plug, but nothing worked.  So, we decided to take that string of lights off and replace them with a new string.  You know they really put those lights on good not wanting them to come off.  We finally got them off and I rested for awhile before putting the new lights on.  Kristene always decorates our mantel for us and as she was finishing; the rest of the grandchildren arrived.  We had our traditional dinner of sloppy joes and then started on the tree.  The children always do such a great job with trimming the tree.  When all the decorating was done, it was time to settle down and watch a christmas movie.  Tonight it was The Santa Clause with Tim Allen.  Soon it will be time for bed and they all sleep in the living room with the Christmas lights on.  It's been a great day.



Marriage is the only union that can't be organized - both sides think they're management.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Love talked about can be easily turned aside, but love demonstrated is irresistible.

Diane....I had over 20 lymph nodes removed when I had surgery so it is very important I do everything I can to avoid lymphedema, not lymphoma.  Lymphoma is cancer in the lymph nodes, which is why they removed the ones they did.  Lymphedema is swelling and pain and the legs and arms due to the lack of lymph nodes.  I do certain exercises every day to help because when one  gets it, it won't go away.  My main issue is getting my arm better, for when I fell.  It is getting better, it will just take awhile.  Our weather here is so much fun, we just never know what the next day will bring.  It could be snowing one day and the next day raining, or very cold one week and then, like now, in the 40's.  Never boring.  Now there is fifteen more days until the big event.


A man in church enters the confessional and is pleasantly surprised to see a fully stocked bar with Guinness on tap.  On another wall is a dazzling array of the finest Cuban cigars and a high-defination TV set.  "Forgive me, father, " he says.  "It's been a long time since I've been to confession.  But I must say, the confessional box is much more inviting these days."  The priest replies, "Wait a minute!  You're on my side!" 


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Some people plant blessings wherever they go.  They leave behind smiles that blossom for miles and more gratitude than they know.

"I figured you should have breakfast in bed on your

birthday.  Can you reach the stove okay?

Diane....Your right I'm not going to PT for my arm but still for my lymphoma.  My arm still gives me a lot of trouble but I was told, it would, so I just keep doing the exercises and I am sure it will get better.  If not, in a year, I will just have to cut it off.  :-)  It seems hard to imagine, but in Feb., it will be one year, since I was told I had breast cancer.  It has been a very good year with all the support from friends and family.  I can't imagine going through this alone.  Now to talk about my unveiling Christmas Eve.  I am doing the count-down starting tonight.  As of tonight I have  sixteen  more days to be excited about doing this.  It might be a little hard, since I have been, wearing hats for so long, I feel real funny without one on my head.  This is such a wonderful time of year, that we can celebrate the birth of our Savior.  Even though, we know, he wasn't born on Dec. 25th, we still honor Him on this day.


With fire alarms blaring, at my mom's apartment complex she grabbed her favorite bathing suit and ran out.  "A bathing suit?"  I said later.  "Of all the priceless things in that apartment, that's what you chose to save?"  "Material things come and go," she said.  "But a one-piece suit that doesn't make you look fat is impossible to replace?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Without faith, nothing is possible.  With it, nothing is impossible.

Nan and Neil we got your Christmas card today.  It was wonderful to hear from you and to get the picture.  You guys look great, never aging.  Nan, how do you ever get done all you do.  Five concerts in one month on top of everything else.  Congratulation on the birth of your first great-grandchild.  Yes, they are very special.
Everyone, we have known Nan and Neil since we all lived in Cheney, in 1972, when we joined the church.  They were a very large part in our conversion, for which we will always be very grateful for.  They are professional musician's.  Plus their children play instruments and grandchildren.  They all play more than one instrument. Their son, Barry Van Wie, plays the Fiddle and I have two of his CD's.  He is amazing.  I could go on but just wanted to give a glimpse into their life.  They live in Peoria, AZ.

I got my nails done this morning and then Kristene and I did a little shopping.  I got a couple of Christmas presents so, I only have two more people to buy for and then I will be done.  Tomorrow night Reese has a concert and then Thurs. night Emilie is in a play.  Fri. night we have our annual sleep-over and decorating of the tree.  Fri. morning I have a Dr's. appointment with Dr. Fischer, for my arm.  Just typing, all this down, makes me tired.  Good thing it is all, one day at a time.  This eve. I went to Janene's ward for a gift exchange.  It was a lot of fun and I actually walked away with a nice gift.


My grandmother told me how she ended up marrying Grandpa.  She was in her 20's and the man she was dating left for war.  "We were in love," she recalled, "and wrote to each other every week.  It was during that time that I discovered how wonderful your grandfather was."  "Did you marry grandpa when he came home from the war?"  I asked.  "Oh, I didn't marry the man who wrote the letters.  Your grandfather was the mailman."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Never trouble another for what you can do for yourself.

Sure is cold out, especially when the wind is blowing.  Every day we get closer to Spring, flowers blooming, warm sun shining, lots of green, weeds...ugh, happy day any way.  Today was a very sleepy day, had to take a nap, which I haven't done in a long time.  Oh well, one has to do what one has to do, life is just that way.  I do feel much better though.  Not a whole lot to report today, just got with our group and Bill gave the lesson.  Oh, I forgot we did go out to Costco and got some dog food, we were completely out.  Other than that we just did the usual mundane things around the house.
Enjoy your day.






A wife is scrambling eggs when her husband burst into the kitchen.  "Careful," he cries. "Careful!  You're cooking too many at once.  Too many!  Scramble them! Now!  We need more butter.  They're going to stick!  Careful!  Now scramble them again! Hurry up! Are you crazy?  Don't forget to salt them.  You know you always forget to salt them.  Use the salt.  Use the salt!  The salt!"  The wife turns and asks,  "What is wrong with you?"  Her husband calmly replies, "I wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Life is not the way it's supposed to be...It's the way it is...the way we cope with it, is what makes the difference.

Time is traveling way too fast.  It seems the closer we get to Christmas the faster it goes.  I'm just not sure how that phenomenon works, but it is amazing.  A couple we know are serving a mission in Indonesia, where the earthquake was.  They have a driver and the three of them were on a quest looking for a town but they couldn't find it but they did come upon a village that had been totally forgotten.  The people had no water or food.  Those people weren't meant to be forgotten, and it was by, a miracle that they were found.  Every day we experience miracles all around us, that we are not aware of, it doesn't always have to be big and obvious.  I have had many big and small miracles in my life.  I just have to be aware of them.  I pray you will have a miracle in your life today.  I know if you look for it, it will happen.


Three guys are talking about what constitutes fame.  The first guy defines it as being invited to the White House for a chat with the president.  "Nah," says the second guy.  "Real fame would be if the red phone rang when you were there, and the president wouldn't take the call."  "You're both wrong," says the third guy.  "Fame is when you're in the Oval Office and the red phone rings, the president answers it, listens for a second, and then says, "It's for you."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.

Diane....So glad you came today.  You know you always have to come to lunch, no matter what. :-)  Today was a whirlwind of fun, fun, fun.  First breakfast at Janene and family's Ward.  Great entertainment with some of the teens in their Ward.  Especially our two grandchildren, Kareen and Eric.  They sang several Christmas songs.  Then lunch with our classmates and that is always wonderful.  Kristene and I spent some time going from store to store and not totally finding what we were looking for, but had a good time.  At five we picked up Emilie to take her to our Ward's party.  She even let us take a picture of her with Santa.  Afterward she told me she figured out that Santa wasn't real.  Last year she knew that her parents bought the gifts.  She is very astute in her thinking process.  Guess I had better shut down for the evening.




Nice 2-bedroom home.  The owner has noted that there are termites that have done some damage.  Selling house 'as is.'  Don't Wait.  This Wonderful Property Will Not Last Long."




THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open.

We are sitting here watching a movie called "Sorcerers Apprentice",  with Janene and family, celebrating Reese's birthday.  We had a very nice dinner of beef stroganoff, Reese's choice.  The kids
always have a choice of what dinner they want, on their birthday's.  It was a very nice evening.  All we did today was run a few errends and get ready for the party.  Oh, I forgot we also finished trimming our Cocker, Sandy.  Tomorrow we have a breakfast at Janene's ward.  Then a lunch with our classmates.  And then a dinner at our ward.  Between lunch and dinner Kristene and I have a few stores to visit.  I don't think we will get bored.


My five yr. old son and I were discussing some of the differences between his childhood and mine.  I pointed out that when I was young, we didn't have Nintendo, cell phones, computers, or even digital cameras.  I realized just how difficult this was for him to comprehend when he asked, "Did you have fruit?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Courage is not the lack of fear.  It is acting in spite of it.

We just finished watching the cutest movie called  "The Santa Suit".  I love it when so many Christmas movies are on T.V., this time of year.  They're always safe for the whole family to watch.  My girls came over for lunch today.  They just make my day more wonderful.  Chandler got stuck backing out of our driveway, so we had to give her a push.  The first push didn't work so she kept rocking the car and it finally broke loose.  It's funny how the main roads are bare but the side roads are so slushy and a mess.  Now that it has finished snowing, for a while, maybe we can wash our car, it is so dirty one can't even tell what color it is.  I don't think it has ever been this dirty.  Reese's birthday is tomorrow and he is so excited because he is turning 13.  He says he will be a teenager and with that comes change.  He is so funny. 


A woman is brought to court after stealing from a supermarket.  "Mrs. Krupnick,"  says the judge, "what did you take?"  "Just a small can of peaches," she answers.  "There were only six peaches in the can."  "Six peaches...hmm...I sentence you to six nights in jail, a night for each peach."  The woman is crushed.  She's about to collapse to the floor when her husband, seated in the gallery, leaps to his feet.  "Your Honor," he shouts, "she also stole a can of peas!"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you.

Diane....We didn't know Dan Johnson has cancer.  I remember we were friends in High School but we haven't seen him since.  Actually, Bill just reminded me that we saw him, a couple of times, a long time ago.  Bill just called and is talking to Dan right now.  I will report as soon as he gets off the phone.   Bill said Dan has prostate cancer and is in California for treatment.  He is having photon treatment (don't know the spelling). He said it is like radiation only more precise because it can control the depth, to eliminate damage to good cells.  He does this for 45 days and has 39 to go.  We will keep in touch with him to find out how he is doing and keep everyone informed.  Bill said he and his wife will be vacationing in Florida next winter and....wait for this....they are talking about going on the cruise with....all of us.  Now wouldn't that just be exciting, or what.
We are nearly finished with Christmas shopping, just a couple more gifts to go.  I did quite a bit on line shopping, so just waiting, for the items to come in. 
 

A gnome is in the garden busily destroying some bushes when a house cat appears.  "What are you?" asks the cat.  "A gnome," comes the reply.  "I steal food from humans.  I kill their plants, I make annoying music at night to drive them crazy, and I love mischief.  And what, may I ask, are you?"  The cat replies,  "Um, I'm a gnome."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.

Diane....The best place to walk, at this time, would be the mall.  I imagine there are a lot of people there walking and having a good time and how convenient to go  shopping afterwards.  It is always fun to get something for half price.  We will see you Sat. with your new purse in hand.  This morning I had my last P.T. appointment, for a while,  with Sara.  I am really doing well,  just have to keep up with the exercises, for a long time.  After that we went to the movies to see "Red".  We all have different likes and dislikes, about movies, but for Bill and I, we won't recommend this one.  Our Granddaughter has asked for the doll, Lala Loopsy.  So far we haven't had any luck in finding one but we still have plenty of time.  Sure wish it had snowed today instead of rain.  Now it will freeze tonight and tomorrow the roads will be scary.  Hope everyone drives safe.


A brother of a student of mine showed me a photo their father had sent from Iraq.  In it, his dad is sitting atop a tank.  On the back of the tank is this bumper sticker:  "My son is an honor student at Clear Creek Elementary School."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing life is made up of little things.

Hello all!  I don't know about everyone but we are trying to stay in, with the roads so slippery.  We did go to our friends home, to meet with our group, which we do every Monday.  We read that we will be getting more snow or rain.  If it has to be, I prefer the snow.  Bill made a wonderful soup for dinner.  He really is a pretty good cook, he just likes to hide this fact.


As my sister relaxed on the couch, her head comfortably leaning against the crook of her husband's arm, her cell phone beeped.  It was a text message from her husband:  "Move."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.  It could change your life forever.

Diane....with three dogs, and $50.00 a whack, we attempt at doing the grooming ourselves, but is much to be desired.  Good thing our dogs don't care what they look like.   We will be putting our tree up the 10th.  We have a yearly sleep over and the kids to deccorate the tree.  I always look forward to this time.  We hope all goes well with Larry's appointment.   Today was real laid back, church, nap, dinner at Janene's, home and now watching a Christmas program. 
Careful driving on these roads.


Every year on my Birthday, I looked forward to my Aunt's gift. a scarf, hat or sweater knitted by hand.  One year, she must have had better things to do because I received a ball of yarn, knitting needles, and a how-to-knit book.  Her card read, "Scarf, some assembly required."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you follow your dreams, the money will come.  Follow the money and you will lose your dreams.

This is Bill and I am writing for Robin as she is trying to do some trimming on the dogs.  Today seemed to fly bye like most of them.  We went out this morning and did a little Christmas shopping.  Robin picked out her present from me as this has been a tradition for many years now.  So I will wrap it and get it to her on Christmas eve.  It won't be a surprise, but she always gets what she wants.  It was really nice to have snow here for Thanksgiving and hope to have a white Christmas.  I enjoy using the snow blower and helping some of our nieghbors. 


After I spoke at a grade school assembly about veterans, a student asked, "Were you ever in a war?"  "Yes, two," I said. "World War II and Korea."
The girl's follow-up question:  "Which war did you like best?"


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

We are safely home, and all is well here.  The best part about going places, is the coming home.  We had such a wonderful time, I'm glad we tackled the roads.  There were mostly trucks on the road today, big trucks.  If there ever was, a truck strike, we would be in big trouble.  Guess I will take down my Thanksgiving dec. tomorrow and put up a few Christmas dec.  I really don't dec. a lot, because I know, in the near future, and I will have to take them down.  Remember to keep Christmas simple so you can enjoy the Holiday.


THE PERFECT MARRIAGE
She has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker.  She said  "There are too many gadgets, and no place to sit down!"  So I bought her an electric chair.
   Red Skelton

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.  Either you control your attitude or it controls you.

The table is set - bring on the food

Well, now we are in beautiful downtown McMinnville, well close to downtown anyway.  It's not a very big town so I think everyone lives close to downtown.  We had a wonderful feast today, with dishes I have never eaten before.  The food just melted in ones mouth.  Most of the recipes Barb hadn't made before, so she used all of us as Ginnie Pigs.  We are very happy little Ginnie Pigs.  I didn't have any of the deserts because I'm supposed to stay away from sugar, but they all looked Heavenly.  There were many hrs. put into our Thanksgiving Feast and I am very thankful Barb and her niece love to cook.  We are staying here tonight and going home tomorrow.  We have had such a great time.  It has been a very long time since we went out of town for Thanksgiving.  Maybe we will make a habit of this.


As we were puting out cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, I accidentally dropped one. "No problem," I said, picking it up and dusting it off before placing it back on the plate.
"You can't do that," argued my four-year-old.
"Don't worry, Santa will never know."
He shot me a look. "So he knows if I've been bad or good, but he doesn't know the cookie fell on the floor?"

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The best classroom in the world, is at thefeet of an elderly person.

My nephew's boys - Forest and London

Well here we are in beautiful downtown Portland.  Just joking, we are actually at my Brother's and Barb's home.  We got here by 10:30 this morning.  The roads were pretty icy to Biggs Junction, but after that it wasn't bad.  We made it here in 4 hrs. so that's not bad at all.  Mick's son and family ( Holland, Rosa, Forest 9 and London 7 ) came from Cal. and it took them 13 hrs.  The worst part was when they got within an hr. of here and, because of the traffic, it took another 2 hrs.  Very frustrating for them But they arrived safely so that's what really counts.  Forest was named after Mick's and my dad.  We went to the IKEA store and if you have never been to one of these stores you have missed out on a lot of fun, but plan to stay at least 3 hrs.  It is amazing!!! 
Now, everyone, have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving.  It's the best Holiday of the year.


BOOKSMART
Scene:  A bookstore
Customer:  Can you help me find a book?
Me:  Of course.  Do you know the author or title?
Customer:  Well, I was at the beach and I saw this girl reading a purple book.  She looked like she was really enjoying it.  I want that book.
Me:  Ma'am, you're going to have to be more specific.  There are a lot of books with purple covers.
Customer:  Can't you search on your computer for purple books?
Me:  Unfortunately, no.
Customer:  In that case, I'll take my business to a bookstore that has better computers.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you follow your dreams, the money will come.  Follow the money and you will lose your dreams.


                                
  





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No picture tonight because Mr. Blog here won't let me post one.


Diane, we are leaving tomorrow morning early, anyway 6:00 is early for me.  This way we can take our time.  Once we get out of the Tri-Cities, the roads should be fine.  We have 4-wheel drive so that helps and Bill is a very good driver, it's those other people, on the road, I worry about but we will just stay out of their way.  I had a nail appointment with Gini today and it was so nice, because my last appointment, I had to cancel, because of my back.  It is, soooooo, much better now.  Kristene is coming down to take care of our house and animals.  It is much easier for her and this way our animals can feel better, being at home.  Speaking of animals, please don't leave them outside and make sure they have plenty of water.  They have a coat but not for this kind of weather.  We have a doggy door so they can come and go as they wish.  This has been a wonderful investment for us, since we have one dog that likes to go in and out, every 10 mins.  Thurs. night I may be at a place that doesn't have WiFi  so I may not be able to do my Blog that night so don't worry about me I will be back in action the next night.
Please be safe.


A devastated-looking....man knocks on the door of a woman known for her charity.  "Please, ma'am," he says when she opens up, "can you help this poor, tragic family down the block?  The father just lost his job, and his wife is too ill to work.  They're about to be turned out into the cold streets unless someone can pay their rent."  "That's the worst thing I've ever heard in my life!" says the woman.  "May I ask who you are?"  "Their landlord."


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A good goal is a dream without a deadline.

Bill wishes he had the canopy on.

We opened our side door and we were really surprised to see so much snow piled up so high on the door.  Bill shoveled this walk three times today.

WOW!!!!!!!  I can't believe all of this snow, in just 24 hours.  Sure wish it would have waited,  just one week though.  I hope this isn't a sign, of things to come, for this winter.  It will probably last all week because, according to the weather man, it isn't even going to get into the 30's.  I guess it's time to put the lawn mower away and get the snow blower out.  Our dogs don't want to go outside because it is so cold and wet.  We have to force them out.  I really can't blame them.  Is anyone going to Black Friday?  I went once and that did it for me.  I don't care what price things are, nothing is worth going through the rush for.
Be real careful driving.  Take your time and don't go out unless you have too.



Two born-and-raised New Yorkers take their first trip to the West Coast, arriving in L.A. just in time for a heat wave.
"Man, it's hot here," says the first New Yorker.
"What do you expect?" says the second.  "We're 3,000 miles from the ocean."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even you.

Diane thanks for the email with the cute story I used below.  Today was a good day as Sundays always are.  We went to church and later went to Janene's for dinner.  We had turkey, mashed pototoes and gravy, corn, jello, peaches, and cheese biscuits like they have at Red Lobster.  Very good as always.  Bill, Kevin and the boys had a meeting at church after dinner so Janene brought me home later and it's snowing, it's snowing.  I'm really hoping the roads clear up because we are going to Portland for Thanksgiving to be with my brother.


Matt..18:4-5

"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And who ever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. "

Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their cat.
He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back To the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water.
She called out, "Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!"
Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought about that before he joined my church.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I Believe...
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.