Trying to open another blog for my memoirs, and hoping I didn't mess this one up.
Yeah, Pistons!
I won't update the memoirs like I do my journal but I'm a glass is half full kinda gal so I'm gonna go out on a limb and say at the very least, once a month. Positive feedback only!
God Bless Us.....ALL
History never looks like history when you are living through it. ~ John W. Gardner
I sit in my living room, alone and watch history unfold on my television screen.
I look around at my surroundings and my mind does a quick flashback. Jennifer and Melissa weren't even born when Ronald Reagan took office.
How could it all have changed so drastically in just a few short years? It seems we've lost a moral fiber that used to bind us all together.
I reminisce in my mind about other catastrophic events I have watched through TV eyes.
I remember sitting by myself in this very spot and watching sortie after sortie fly in and out of camera view when the gulf war started.
Late one summer night in 1997, I was flicking through the channels when I learned of Princess Diana's death.
Then again on that bright clear day in September 2001, I watched with horror in my heart as America lost thousands of it's own.
And yet, when someone says, "God Bless America" I want to shout yes and Africa, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and this whole planet that He created.
Why am I so complacent?
What important and valuable things did I do during the Reagan years? What have I done to make a difference in others and my lives since 9/11?
What will I do tomorrow? If we could all learn to live by 2 Chronicles 7:14 and I don't think the ancient writers were just speaking to US citizens when they wrote, "If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Happy Birthday Jake
6/11/04
6/6/04
Parental Strategies
Melissa now has a decision to make.
1) A computer chip surgically implanted in her brain, which beams parental messages that her heart is still beating and she is not being held against her will.
2) An electrical shock device that reminds her to call home.
3) A tether.
4) A curfew. Plain and simple. My sincere and deepest apologies to all the households we disturbed, she owes you one.
1) A computer chip surgically implanted in her brain, which beams parental messages that her heart is still beating and she is not being held against her will.
2) An electrical shock device that reminds her to call home.
3) A tether.
4) A curfew. Plain and simple. My sincere and deepest apologies to all the households we disturbed, she owes you one.
6/4/04
Sweet Melissa
When did it all start to go south for you?
Well, well, now that she's a senior, I've decided I must go to work on her scrapbooks and video montage.
But before I can justify hibernating upstairs for a whole weekend I unclog the bathroom drain, pay all the bills, and clean the party porch. I'm even thinking of mowing the lawn since Mark has been in such a troubling state lately with work. He has run his 4th or 5th different route in as many days.
Hang on, retirement is just around the corner and you have 7 weeks off this summer!! Last night Melissa and I went for a walk on one of her study breaks. We got glimpses of an awesome sunset between the trees down the new subdivision road. So yeah, the Topo's/Mexican-Street-Party lights are up on the porch and the coolest kid in the world still has a whole year and half to live at home with me.
Heaven, I'm in heaven.
Well, well, now that she's a senior, I've decided I must go to work on her scrapbooks and video montage.
But before I can justify hibernating upstairs for a whole weekend I unclog the bathroom drain, pay all the bills, and clean the party porch. I'm even thinking of mowing the lawn since Mark has been in such a troubling state lately with work. He has run his 4th or 5th different route in as many days.
Hang on, retirement is just around the corner and you have 7 weeks off this summer!! Last night Melissa and I went for a walk on one of her study breaks. We got glimpses of an awesome sunset between the trees down the new subdivision road. So yeah, the Topo's/Mexican-Street-Party lights are up on the porch and the coolest kid in the world still has a whole year and half to live at home with me.
Heaven, I'm in heaven.
6/2/04
They are not long, the days of wine and roses. ~ E. Dawson
~ School of any kind should be over before Memorial Day and not resume until AFTER Labor Day!
~ Housework when done correctly CAN kill you!
Went and loitered at the beach for 2 & 1/2 hours waiting for the 2nd trip of the Lake Express on it's maiden voyage day. Ne'er a sighting.
It's never a waste of time to go to the beach. Shoot though, I wanted to see it. Why do transportation methods intrigue me? Is it the lure of being taken away from the temporal? Or this place I call home? I don't believe so. I hope not, but I could just as easily jump on a fast boat to Milwaukee, as I could not.
Something is calling me. And yet something is holding me back. Anyway, for now, I will let my imagination travel. But I've never been to Milwaukee. I WILL HAVE to travel, by train, to New York for an extended stay to finish my novel. It is necessary research. Just a head's up.
Besides the never-ending tornado warnings, we did have a lovely weekend at the family farm. More hospitality without grumbling.
Ang and Joel were there and they are always a bundle of creativity, humor and inspiring energy to be around. Ang designed a back yard sanctuary including bistro table, flagstone pathways, lattice, arbors, and fast growing juniper trees (to block out neighbors). Of course, I will add white lights and a fire pit for long lazy summer evenings of nothing.
It was a bit strange to be at grandmas without kids in tow. The apartment dwellers, (Jake, Christie, and Tom) are safely tucked away on Winona Ave. Jen has called once from camp and reaffirmed in her mind and mine: when summer comes, she belongs at Springhill. I believe all will have a summer to remember and hopefully Melissa's will include some kind of job.
I must do the mundane now. The bathtub is clogged with something Drano doesn't recognize and that can't be good. Plumbing emergencies can bring you back to reality in a nano second.
And where the heck IS summer anyway?
~ School of any kind should be over before Memorial Day and not resume until AFTER Labor Day!
~ Housework when done correctly CAN kill you!
Went and loitered at the beach for 2 & 1/2 hours waiting for the 2nd trip of the Lake Express on it's maiden voyage day. Ne'er a sighting.
It's never a waste of time to go to the beach. Shoot though, I wanted to see it. Why do transportation methods intrigue me? Is it the lure of being taken away from the temporal? Or this place I call home? I don't believe so. I hope not, but I could just as easily jump on a fast boat to Milwaukee, as I could not.
Something is calling me. And yet something is holding me back. Anyway, for now, I will let my imagination travel. But I've never been to Milwaukee. I WILL HAVE to travel, by train, to New York for an extended stay to finish my novel. It is necessary research. Just a head's up.
Besides the never-ending tornado warnings, we did have a lovely weekend at the family farm. More hospitality without grumbling.
Ang and Joel were there and they are always a bundle of creativity, humor and inspiring energy to be around. Ang designed a back yard sanctuary including bistro table, flagstone pathways, lattice, arbors, and fast growing juniper trees (to block out neighbors). Of course, I will add white lights and a fire pit for long lazy summer evenings of nothing.
It was a bit strange to be at grandmas without kids in tow. The apartment dwellers, (Jake, Christie, and Tom) are safely tucked away on Winona Ave. Jen has called once from camp and reaffirmed in her mind and mine: when summer comes, she belongs at Springhill. I believe all will have a summer to remember and hopefully Melissa's will include some kind of job.
I must do the mundane now. The bathtub is clogged with something Drano doesn't recognize and that can't be good. Plumbing emergencies can bring you back to reality in a nano second.
And where the heck IS summer anyway?
6/1/04
Carousel Of Time
In creating, the only hard thing is to begin: a grass blade is no easier to make than an oak." ~ James Russell Lowell
The human mind (and soul) are complicated, to say the least. I have been trying to talk myself out of this funk for 1/2 year now. At first I blamed it on hormones, now, believe it or not, the latest culprit I have found to serve, as a basis for the blues, is creativity.
The keys on Jen's laptop have been smoking, sometimes before I even get down to the beach, I have to pull over to the side of the road to jot down a few ideas that have literally cannon-balled into my brain. Let's talk memoirs, and I use the term lightly, random memories have been forging their way onto hard disc space and I can't seem to type fast enough.
Still, as always, I find when I "have" to work, I can't do all the things I desire and at the same time accomplish all the things I "must," in a timely and acceptable fashion. I guess Saint Paul said it best in Romans 7:15, "I do not understand the things I do. I do not do what I want to do, and I do the things I don't want to do."
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
The human mind (and soul) are complicated, to say the least. I have been trying to talk myself out of this funk for 1/2 year now. At first I blamed it on hormones, now, believe it or not, the latest culprit I have found to serve, as a basis for the blues, is creativity.
The keys on Jen's laptop have been smoking, sometimes before I even get down to the beach, I have to pull over to the side of the road to jot down a few ideas that have literally cannon-balled into my brain. Let's talk memoirs, and I use the term lightly, random memories have been forging their way onto hard disc space and I can't seem to type fast enough.
Still, as always, I find when I "have" to work, I can't do all the things I desire and at the same time accomplish all the things I "must," in a timely and acceptable fashion. I guess Saint Paul said it best in Romans 7:15, "I do not understand the things I do. I do not do what I want to do, and I do the things I don't want to do."
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
5/27/04
More To Do Than Can Ever Be Done
Sometimes I still want to type or write the year starting with a 19. It solidifies the surreal and pensive thoughts I've had of late about life and living it.
From the day we arrive on the planet, we are moving closer to leaving. Life is short. What a cliché, but yet I want to live like I actually believe that now.
The first thing I'm going to do is give up TV. I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing to gain from a mindless TV show, be it a sitcom or a reality show.
Come over to my house and I'll show you reality. Why oh why would I waste one of my precious hours watching a made up show. I can never get my hour back.
I can see certain people laughing right now with their "Oh-sure-you-have-tried-this-before-attitude". But this is something I HAVE to do. I have been complacently watching TV and tricking myself into thinking this was a form of relaxation.
There are stories to tell and books to write. There are legacies to leave. There are girlfriends to stay in touch with. There are books to read and orchestras to listen to. There are pictures to take and scrapbooks to compile. There are sunsets to catch and sunrises to beat. There are walks to take and vacations to plan. There are bicycles to ride, games to play, and gardens to plant. There are porches to sit on and wines to taste. There are recipes to try and relatives to visit. There are children to pray for and talks to have.
There's no turning back.
Here I go.
From the day we arrive on the planet, we are moving closer to leaving. Life is short. What a cliché, but yet I want to live like I actually believe that now.
The first thing I'm going to do is give up TV. I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing to gain from a mindless TV show, be it a sitcom or a reality show.
Come over to my house and I'll show you reality. Why oh why would I waste one of my precious hours watching a made up show. I can never get my hour back.
I can see certain people laughing right now with their "Oh-sure-you-have-tried-this-before-attitude". But this is something I HAVE to do. I have been complacently watching TV and tricking myself into thinking this was a form of relaxation.
There are stories to tell and books to write. There are legacies to leave. There are girlfriends to stay in touch with. There are books to read and orchestras to listen to. There are pictures to take and scrapbooks to compile. There are sunsets to catch and sunrises to beat. There are walks to take and vacations to plan. There are bicycles to ride, games to play, and gardens to plant. There are porches to sit on and wines to taste. There are recipes to try and relatives to visit. There are children to pray for and talks to have.
There's no turning back.
Here I go.
5/23/04
The Party Is Here
There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day." ~ Alexander Woollcott
The kids are home. And thus their friends are over. And why not a few of their friend's friends, also? Heck, if you see lights on and a few cars in the driveway, just stop by. We could probably make the Guinness world record tonight for the number of people jammed on a sectional.
Our kid's friends are getting married. It was a lovely wedding reception, and the weather held until about the last 15 minutes. Everyone will go their separate ways on Monday.
Ben and Jennifer will head up north to camp. I am now officially starting a new job. Mark is still being toyed with at work....last week he ran a different route each day, some he knew, some he didn't.
Melissa will reluctantly finish up the school year sans her senior friends. The doctor ordered one more test for after school is out to make sure she doesn't have kidney damage.
I have a presentation to put together tonight and a pile of bills and mail to go through.
There will come a day when I will welcome the calm and quiet of an empty nest, but that day is not here yet.
The kids are home. And thus their friends are over. And why not a few of their friend's friends, also? Heck, if you see lights on and a few cars in the driveway, just stop by. We could probably make the Guinness world record tonight for the number of people jammed on a sectional.
Our kid's friends are getting married. It was a lovely wedding reception, and the weather held until about the last 15 minutes. Everyone will go their separate ways on Monday.
Ben and Jennifer will head up north to camp. I am now officially starting a new job. Mark is still being toyed with at work....last week he ran a different route each day, some he knew, some he didn't.
Melissa will reluctantly finish up the school year sans her senior friends. The doctor ordered one more test for after school is out to make sure she doesn't have kidney damage.
I have a presentation to put together tonight and a pile of bills and mail to go through.
There will come a day when I will welcome the calm and quiet of an empty nest, but that day is not here yet.
5/18/04
No One Else On Earth
When I reach the place I'm going, I will surely know my way
And I will turn and look inside me, and bid farewell to one more day
Every life begins in darkness; every flower was once a seed
And with the sun and wind to test us, we are bound to be released
I will fly beyond this valley, I will open up the gates
And when I reach the place I'm going, I will surely know my way.
I will attend my first "Summer Celebration" concert on June 24, 2004.
Wynonna replaces Willie!
Melissa and I are so there. We will make signs that say something catchy like: I'm a little bit country and so is my 17-year-old daughter. Or, Ashley & Naomi who? Maybe something to announce to the world......... Mom 48, Daughter 17, American Idol = Wynonna!
Do they have fireworks the first night? They should.
Finally, a great reason to go downtown!
And I will turn and look inside me, and bid farewell to one more day
Every life begins in darkness; every flower was once a seed
And with the sun and wind to test us, we are bound to be released
I will fly beyond this valley, I will open up the gates
And when I reach the place I'm going, I will surely know my way.
I will attend my first "Summer Celebration" concert on June 24, 2004.
Wynonna replaces Willie!
Melissa and I are so there. We will make signs that say something catchy like: I'm a little bit country and so is my 17-year-old daughter. Or, Ashley & Naomi who? Maybe something to announce to the world......... Mom 48, Daughter 17, American Idol = Wynonna!
Do they have fireworks the first night? They should.
Finally, a great reason to go downtown!
5/17/04
The Great Lake
"The worst bankrupt in the world is the person who has lost his enthusiasm." ~ H.W. Arnold
It was like an omen. I decided to go down to Pere Marquette tonight and catch a sunset...it's time to start on my New Year's resolutions. The sunset wasn't that illustrious but I got to watch the Paul S. Friggin Huge Townsend barge pull into the channel.
This is a great lake. It calls to me.
Lighthouses.
Flags staking their claim, stating their cause, and blowing in the wind. Waves lapping the shore. Wet sand. Dry sand. Smooth unadulterated sand. A hazy horizon. Constant noise that doesn't bug me. Jagged rocks. These are a few of my favorite things.
As I round the curve and the lake that could just as easily be an ocean comes into view it never fails to calm me.
The Muslims get called to prayer 5 times a day. In the Old Testament Daniel prayed 3 times a day in his front window, even though prayer to anyone but King Nebuchadnezzar had been banned.
I will use the sunset and the lake as my Mecca. So if you're reading this---know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Now I must drive home past the Frosty Oasis...so much for New Year's resolutions.
It was like an omen. I decided to go down to Pere Marquette tonight and catch a sunset...it's time to start on my New Year's resolutions. The sunset wasn't that illustrious but I got to watch the Paul S. Friggin Huge Townsend barge pull into the channel.
This is a great lake. It calls to me.
Lighthouses.
Flags staking their claim, stating their cause, and blowing in the wind. Waves lapping the shore. Wet sand. Dry sand. Smooth unadulterated sand. A hazy horizon. Constant noise that doesn't bug me. Jagged rocks. These are a few of my favorite things.
As I round the curve and the lake that could just as easily be an ocean comes into view it never fails to calm me.
The Muslims get called to prayer 5 times a day. In the Old Testament Daniel prayed 3 times a day in his front window, even though prayer to anyone but King Nebuchadnezzar had been banned.
I will use the sunset and the lake as my Mecca. So if you're reading this---know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Now I must drive home past the Frosty Oasis...so much for New Year's resolutions.
5/16/04
Start A Love Train
These are the moments I thank God I'm alive
These are the moments I'll remember all my life
I found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
These are the moments I know heaven must exist
These are the moments I know all I need is this
I have all I waited for
And I could not ask for more
Every prayer has been answered
Every dream has come true
And right here in this moment
Is where I'm meant to be
***********
Whew! What a week. It has definitely had its highs and lows. Melissa has been battling a kidney infection (we hope) since last Sunday. Blood work, doctor's offices, labs, reports, and medicine have seemed to curtail it somewhat. We are trying to retrain her in the areas of sleeping, drinking, and eating her way to a healthier lifestyle. Slow progress.
I entertained relatives since Thursday, not quite sure if entertainment is the best word to describe it.
The Pop shows were amazing. The best one I have seen in a while. Good job kids. I could have listened to you sing and watched you dance for days.
I wish nothing but love, laughter, success, friendships and faith to all you senior friends of Melissa. And I expect nothing less than greatness to follow you down life's pathways. Let the music play on!
I am so blessed to have family in my life that takes the time and effort to come and lay their accolades on us, undeserving as we are.
To the countless friends who complimented me on Melissa's voice; your praise and adoration was sincere and effortless. You all amaze me and you know who you are! I could not ask for more.
These are the moments I'll remember all my life
I found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
These are the moments I know heaven must exist
These are the moments I know all I need is this
I have all I waited for
And I could not ask for more
Every prayer has been answered
Every dream has come true
And right here in this moment
Is where I'm meant to be
***********
Whew! What a week. It has definitely had its highs and lows. Melissa has been battling a kidney infection (we hope) since last Sunday. Blood work, doctor's offices, labs, reports, and medicine have seemed to curtail it somewhat. We are trying to retrain her in the areas of sleeping, drinking, and eating her way to a healthier lifestyle. Slow progress.
I entertained relatives since Thursday, not quite sure if entertainment is the best word to describe it.
The Pop shows were amazing. The best one I have seen in a while. Good job kids. I could have listened to you sing and watched you dance for days.
I wish nothing but love, laughter, success, friendships and faith to all you senior friends of Melissa. And I expect nothing less than greatness to follow you down life's pathways. Let the music play on!
I am so blessed to have family in my life that takes the time and effort to come and lay their accolades on us, undeserving as we are.
To the countless friends who complimented me on Melissa's voice; your praise and adoration was sincere and effortless. You all amaze me and you know who you are! I could not ask for more.
5/9/04
Girls And Gorillas Night Out
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams~ Eleanor Roosevelt
What started as a pea size scheme in Melissa's dream of proving to the world that no one should take the jr. prom too seriously, turned into a full-fledged gorilla costume. I thought she would take a digital picture to actually prove to the naysayers; mission accomplished. I guess she opted for the professional photograph, which, as soon as it gets delivered, you can bet it will be posted here.
I don't know where I got her.
What started as a pea size scheme in Melissa's dream of proving to the world that no one should take the jr. prom too seriously, turned into a full-fledged gorilla costume. I thought she would take a digital picture to actually prove to the naysayers; mission accomplished. I guess she opted for the professional photograph, which, as soon as it gets delivered, you can bet it will be posted here.
I don't know where I got her.
5/6/04
I'm OK
An apology is the super glue of life. It can repair just about anything. ~ Lyn Johnston
I am sorry I haven't been around lately...I didn't know that many people cared. But I'm back and here's a taste of upcoming attractions.
I have figured out the female mathematical equation for growing older. And you thought I couldn't do story problems. 1 hot flash = 1/2 inch around the waist. Trust me it's true.
I have been keeping up my journal; I just don't have time to post it yet. Stay tuned. The minute I decided to start my own business and actually show up for work...I had to call in sick for 3 days. It's probably some kind of stupid menopausal flu, because I felt sick to my stomach and soul. Never had that before.
Soon I will tell you about our 3-day trip to Chicago.
All kinds of Melissa stuff: auditions ACT, NHS, prom dress shopping (it went really well this time), and then helping the other two wrap up their apartment subletting and getting ready for their summer adventures at Springhill.
In the meantime I still have not whipped this house into shape. You'd think, being as small as it is, that I could do that in just a few short hours. All this while listening to more trees being felled in the back and wondering what it will be like to have neighbors. The Red Wings blew it but it still hurts.
Sick to my soul, but I will get better.
I am sorry I haven't been around lately...I didn't know that many people cared. But I'm back and here's a taste of upcoming attractions.
I have figured out the female mathematical equation for growing older. And you thought I couldn't do story problems. 1 hot flash = 1/2 inch around the waist. Trust me it's true.
I have been keeping up my journal; I just don't have time to post it yet. Stay tuned. The minute I decided to start my own business and actually show up for work...I had to call in sick for 3 days. It's probably some kind of stupid menopausal flu, because I felt sick to my stomach and soul. Never had that before.
Soon I will tell you about our 3-day trip to Chicago.
All kinds of Melissa stuff: auditions ACT, NHS, prom dress shopping (it went really well this time), and then helping the other two wrap up their apartment subletting and getting ready for their summer adventures at Springhill.
In the meantime I still have not whipped this house into shape. You'd think, being as small as it is, that I could do that in just a few short hours. All this while listening to more trees being felled in the back and wondering what it will be like to have neighbors. The Red Wings blew it but it still hurts.
Sick to my soul, but I will get better.
4/15/04
Two Things Are Certain
Hmmmmmmm for everyone's sake it's a good thing today is a nice day. I couldn't stand to pay taxes on a cold wintry like day in April.
Oh well, I got a truckload of other important things done today. Made plans for the weekend, did a little scrap booking...I should finish 2003 by tomorrow.
Cooked a couple of meals, learned how and what to do for the stinkbug infestation upstairs....thank you google.
Ordered Melissa some music for POP GO THE SAILORS.
And I got started on the middle floor today. I’m cleaning, de-cluttering and sneezing in no particular order. I put some white lights, baskets, old tins, and greenery on top of my kitchen cabinets in 1997. I took it all down today. I've come to the conclusion that being a collector is only profiting one industry. Dust. I'm done. The only thing I'm collecting any more is memories. You can't take it with you.
So yeah, there's death and taxes. Lovely. At least, I still have menopause to look forward too. Hope you all had a nice day.
Let's go Red Wings.
Oh well, I got a truckload of other important things done today. Made plans for the weekend, did a little scrap booking...I should finish 2003 by tomorrow.
Cooked a couple of meals, learned how and what to do for the stinkbug infestation upstairs....thank you google.
Ordered Melissa some music for POP GO THE SAILORS.
And I got started on the middle floor today. I’m cleaning, de-cluttering and sneezing in no particular order. I put some white lights, baskets, old tins, and greenery on top of my kitchen cabinets in 1997. I took it all down today. I've come to the conclusion that being a collector is only profiting one industry. Dust. I'm done. The only thing I'm collecting any more is memories. You can't take it with you.
So yeah, there's death and taxes. Lovely. At least, I still have menopause to look forward too. Hope you all had a nice day.
Let's go Red Wings.
4/10/04
Lost Episode
You may want to scroll down to Day 1 and read these in order; sometimes I don't make any sense when I am blogging daily...so it's kinda scary to blog backwards.
I'm not sure what day this happened but just like Christmas decorating has rules, there is a certain beach etiquette and definitely lines you don't cross!
One day on the beach, after everyone had headed to the condo pool, I was laying face down with my eyes closed; I may have even been drooling.
When to my surprise a family of 4 or 5 started to lay their blankets down within my beach space bubble...at least 20 feet around any towel grouping is no man's land. They have a couple of bratty kids that think feeding seagulls is more fun than jumping into the Gulf of Mexico.
For crying out loud, the beach is practically forsaken by the locals...move it on down. And for pity's sake, if you do invade someone's space have the decency to not stand around and yell to all your yuppie friends, "We're over here, we're over here!" They can see and hear you; you have a microphone attached to your larynx.
And why is it always the type "A" control freak, personality that has the loudest vocals. Discipling everyone's children, making dinner plans, scheduling all activities, and using his cell phone to relay every move he made to some poor soul back in Minnesota that must have been some kind of sadomasochist.
Then the biggest faux paux of all was talking business on vacation. He knew how to run fortune 500 companies, not his own, just random companies.
When I couldn't listen for one more second I gathered my things and headed up to the pool. I found an empty chair and soon I was lulled to sleep by the strains of sweet 6 and 7 year olds playing Marco_____Polo.
I'm not sure what day this happened but just like Christmas decorating has rules, there is a certain beach etiquette and definitely lines you don't cross!
One day on the beach, after everyone had headed to the condo pool, I was laying face down with my eyes closed; I may have even been drooling.
When to my surprise a family of 4 or 5 started to lay their blankets down within my beach space bubble...at least 20 feet around any towel grouping is no man's land. They have a couple of bratty kids that think feeding seagulls is more fun than jumping into the Gulf of Mexico.
For crying out loud, the beach is practically forsaken by the locals...move it on down. And for pity's sake, if you do invade someone's space have the decency to not stand around and yell to all your yuppie friends, "We're over here, we're over here!" They can see and hear you; you have a microphone attached to your larynx.
And why is it always the type "A" control freak, personality that has the loudest vocals. Discipling everyone's children, making dinner plans, scheduling all activities, and using his cell phone to relay every move he made to some poor soul back in Minnesota that must have been some kind of sadomasochist.
Then the biggest faux paux of all was talking business on vacation. He knew how to run fortune 500 companies, not his own, just random companies.
When I couldn't listen for one more second I gathered my things and headed up to the pool. I found an empty chair and soon I was lulled to sleep by the strains of sweet 6 and 7 year olds playing Marco_____Polo.
4/9/04
Trailer For Sale Or Rent
The most relaxing, rewarding, refreshing, and calming vacation I've ever been on is making its way into my memory bank.
This quaint trailer park that I have called home for the last 6 days is in actuality a curious, out-of-the-way collection of eccentric characters from all over the U.S. They come from Canada and a rash of northern states.
They start out driving their mini-vans down for the winter. The telltale sign is the variety of license plates that claim: Hoosier State, Land of Lincoln, The Garden State.
Then their plates carry the universal sign for handicapped.
The bicycles that once had two wheels now have three.
They shuffle board together.
And once a week they potluck in the clubhouse. I went to that once and dubbed it "Dinner with the Characters."
They started out as snowbird couples. Now some come alone. Life is just that way.
The population at the trailer park won't change much in the next decade. The replacements will move in and take over. It will be a gradual change. It's called the circle of life and I don't like it that much.
Heaven must surely have 3 things, no 4, for me to call it home. Beaches, sunrises, sunsets and loved ones.
This quaint trailer park that I have called home for the last 6 days is in actuality a curious, out-of-the-way collection of eccentric characters from all over the U.S. They come from Canada and a rash of northern states.
They start out driving their mini-vans down for the winter. The telltale sign is the variety of license plates that claim: Hoosier State, Land of Lincoln, The Garden State.
Then their plates carry the universal sign for handicapped.
The bicycles that once had two wheels now have three.
They shuffle board together.
And once a week they potluck in the clubhouse. I went to that once and dubbed it "Dinner with the Characters."
They started out as snowbird couples. Now some come alone. Life is just that way.
The population at the trailer park won't change much in the next decade. The replacements will move in and take over. It will be a gradual change. It's called the circle of life and I don't like it that much.
Heaven must surely have 3 things, no 4, for me to call it home. Beaches, sunrises, sunsets and loved ones.
4/6/04
Day Six And Seven
All good things must come to an end ...
Our last full day was about the most relaxing of all. We hung back at the trailer until later in the day. Used the pool, read, relaxed, and were just plain lazy.
Gram and Grandpa joined us for our last rendezvous at the beach. We shopped, walked the boardwalk, and decided to eat at the Beachouse to catch the sunset.
Met up and said our goodbyes to the Mona Shores families. The entertainment was a one-act musician that sang mostly typical songs. Carolina, We're Coming To America, Fools Rush In, Annie's Song, Fire And Rain, American Pie--bye bye.
Grandpa got up and danced by himself to Boot Scootin Boogie.
Ran down to the beach to take a few last photos, I already have the title (and subtitle) for this year's scrapbook: Julee, Melissa, and Mary's Big Adventure/ Spring Break '98. Don't ask, it just sounds better than Spring Break '04.
The next morning we got up at 6am to head back to the beach once more. Melissa said it was to look for sand dollars, but I think she just wanted to say she went every day. No luck with the sand dollars, but the sunrise was like winning the lottery.
The minute we got back M & M fell back asleep and then we hung at the pool to soak up the last rays. We defy all odds and skip the sun block. Hard core.
Before we know it we're taxing down the runway. Thankfully we did not have to sit by the cheerleader girl and her teen-age wanna be mom. While eavesdropping on their conversation in the terminal, we learned this child's schedule from the day after her spring break until her 1st child was to be born. Why can't parents just let kids be kids? I would never interfere in my child's life, like that--I would use sneaky ways of control and come around through the back door with my control games.
Besides life is too short to schedule everything. Another uneventful flight and within 15 minutes we have our luggage, pizza ordered, and heading back to Jennifer and Ben's apartment.
We catch up on American Idol, chat with Jen and my head starts to jerk back and forth like on the Paris flight. I hear my name being called over and over. Not until I finish my pizza, wash the sunless tanning lotion off my face, and tell all goodnight did I realize that is was Jen's bed calling my name. We sleep in on Thursday morning; take Jen out for breakfast, grab our winter coats and we are
Homeward Bound.
Our last full day was about the most relaxing of all. We hung back at the trailer until later in the day. Used the pool, read, relaxed, and were just plain lazy.
Gram and Grandpa joined us for our last rendezvous at the beach. We shopped, walked the boardwalk, and decided to eat at the Beachouse to catch the sunset.
Met up and said our goodbyes to the Mona Shores families. The entertainment was a one-act musician that sang mostly typical songs. Carolina, We're Coming To America, Fools Rush In, Annie's Song, Fire And Rain, American Pie--bye bye.
Grandpa got up and danced by himself to Boot Scootin Boogie.
Ran down to the beach to take a few last photos, I already have the title (and subtitle) for this year's scrapbook: Julee, Melissa, and Mary's Big Adventure/ Spring Break '98. Don't ask, it just sounds better than Spring Break '04.
The next morning we got up at 6am to head back to the beach once more. Melissa said it was to look for sand dollars, but I think she just wanted to say she went every day. No luck with the sand dollars, but the sunrise was like winning the lottery.
The minute we got back M & M fell back asleep and then we hung at the pool to soak up the last rays. We defy all odds and skip the sun block. Hard core.
Before we know it we're taxing down the runway. Thankfully we did not have to sit by the cheerleader girl and her teen-age wanna be mom. While eavesdropping on their conversation in the terminal, we learned this child's schedule from the day after her spring break until her 1st child was to be born. Why can't parents just let kids be kids? I would never interfere in my child's life, like that--I would use sneaky ways of control and come around through the back door with my control games.
Besides life is too short to schedule everything. Another uneventful flight and within 15 minutes we have our luggage, pizza ordered, and heading back to Jennifer and Ben's apartment.
We catch up on American Idol, chat with Jen and my head starts to jerk back and forth like on the Paris flight. I hear my name being called over and over. Not until I finish my pizza, wash the sunless tanning lotion off my face, and tell all goodnight did I realize that is was Jen's bed calling my name. We sleep in on Thursday morning; take Jen out for breakfast, grab our winter coats and we are
Homeward Bound.
4/5/04
Day Five
Today we partied on the beach with Larry, Sue, Amy & Casey.
That family is just about the nicest set of folks I know. I am so looking forward to cultivating some friendships, now that work does not occupy most of my time.
Those guys and the Wiseman’s are just fun, interesting, humorous, vivacious, and have personality traits that do not quit. It's like I want to date them. I know, weird!
We didn't want to crash their beach party for too long and I think Mary might be coming down with a slight case of sun poising.
So home to dinner; Mac’s and cheese, baked beans, and hot dogs, we kept it healthy for desert with banana splits.
Our evening consisted of the basketball game, a round of shanghai, and a late night swim.
To be continued...
That family is just about the nicest set of folks I know. I am so looking forward to cultivating some friendships, now that work does not occupy most of my time.
Those guys and the Wiseman’s are just fun, interesting, humorous, vivacious, and have personality traits that do not quit. It's like I want to date them. I know, weird!
We didn't want to crash their beach party for too long and I think Mary might be coming down with a slight case of sun poising.
So home to dinner; Mac’s and cheese, baked beans, and hot dogs, we kept it healthy for desert with banana splits.
Our evening consisted of the basketball game, a round of shanghai, and a late night swim.
To be continued...
4/4/04
Day Four
How could they hail him as King one week, and merciless crucify Him on Friday?
Spring forward fall back!
Slept in until 8, which was really 9. Melissa and Mary a few hours more. Grandpa and Gram head for church and my mind wanders again. (Thankfully, I've never lost my mind when it wanders!!)
The ripple effect of last night's reminiscing causes me to ponder the long reaching and everlasting consequences of a life lived for Christ, not self. All the twists and turns in my parents’ lives can only point to one thing ~ God was driving the car most of the time. They were compliantly riding shotgun. Grandpa obediently searched and questioned till he found the biblical answers he was looking for. Grandma packed up a suitcase and her parents put her on the train to Chicago. Because of her obedience she ended up rooming with grandpa's sister (Hi Aunt Evie!!) and working for the Gideon’s who have placed millions of bibles in the hands of students and hotel guests.
Oh sure, there will come a time in all our lives when we make wrong choices. God doesn't have a plan "A" only, and if you miss it, you're fired. Yes, you do have to pay the consequences, but after they're paid (or even during the payment plan) you can always toss the keys back over to Him.
I am always amazed and encouraged by the boundless and infinite love the Father has for his children. And I am forever grateful that my parents passed their legacy of truth down to me. It's more than a story; it's the gospel truth. It's a great train; you ought to get on it.
Well, by now, the church choir of birds has finally awakened Mary and Melissa and we discover that the busiest day at the beach will be today. We stay until Melissa gets a shade darker and Mary's pink starts to turn red. They are invited to the Mona Shores shrimp boil and I relax with the locals.
I pick a book from grandma's library. Titled, One Tuesday Morning, a novel about 9/11 and finding a loving God through disastrous circumstances.
M & M get dropped off around 11:00pm and the three of us lie on my bed and discuss eternity, friendships, school, and why vacations cause people to not be quite as annoying as in everyday life. We need to get some sleep; tomorrow is another day of sleeping late, lounging around, and driving to the beach.
Shotgun!
Spring forward fall back!
Slept in until 8, which was really 9. Melissa and Mary a few hours more. Grandpa and Gram head for church and my mind wanders again. (Thankfully, I've never lost my mind when it wanders!!)
The ripple effect of last night's reminiscing causes me to ponder the long reaching and everlasting consequences of a life lived for Christ, not self. All the twists and turns in my parents’ lives can only point to one thing ~ God was driving the car most of the time. They were compliantly riding shotgun. Grandpa obediently searched and questioned till he found the biblical answers he was looking for. Grandma packed up a suitcase and her parents put her on the train to Chicago. Because of her obedience she ended up rooming with grandpa's sister (Hi Aunt Evie!!) and working for the Gideon’s who have placed millions of bibles in the hands of students and hotel guests.
Oh sure, there will come a time in all our lives when we make wrong choices. God doesn't have a plan "A" only, and if you miss it, you're fired. Yes, you do have to pay the consequences, but after they're paid (or even during the payment plan) you can always toss the keys back over to Him.
I am always amazed and encouraged by the boundless and infinite love the Father has for his children. And I am forever grateful that my parents passed their legacy of truth down to me. It's more than a story; it's the gospel truth. It's a great train; you ought to get on it.
Well, by now, the church choir of birds has finally awakened Mary and Melissa and we discover that the busiest day at the beach will be today. We stay until Melissa gets a shade darker and Mary's pink starts to turn red. They are invited to the Mona Shores shrimp boil and I relax with the locals.
I pick a book from grandma's library. Titled, One Tuesday Morning, a novel about 9/11 and finding a loving God through disastrous circumstances.
M & M get dropped off around 11:00pm and the three of us lie on my bed and discuss eternity, friendships, school, and why vacations cause people to not be quite as annoying as in everyday life. We need to get some sleep; tomorrow is another day of sleeping late, lounging around, and driving to the beach.
Shotgun!
4/3/04
Day Three
Mom and Dad wake super early to drive Ardy and Ariel back to Orlando.
Man the sacrifices those two make to compensate for all the mistakes us kids make. Becoming self-employed does not provide a steady paycheck and I absolutely could not have done spring break without a free place to crash.
I can't thank them enough for semi-retiring in warmth and sun and for all their hospitality without grumbling.
Melissa, Mary, and I get to sleep in because all was quiet again by 7am. I am now a firm believer in packing light. By all accounts, for spring break you need: jean shorts, white pants, T's, flip flops, 1(one) other pair of shoes, and your swim suit. Enough is enough.
After a light breakfast, packing the cooler, and connecting with some other families from school, we wait for our ride to return and soon we're off to Anna Maria Island.
Melissa and Mary hear all the latest from the two days of school they missed, including who made chamber choir, and rumors of budget cuts. Two applications of sunscreen later, all the condo people invite Melissa and Mary up to the swimming pool...and so I am left to myself and my mind starts to wander as it so often does.
The late night talk with my sister-in-law about teenagers, boundaries, love languages, and plain old mother-child relationships causes me to reflect on how I'm doing as a parent. Better late than never.
In hindsight, and I hope somehow I've portrayed this to my kids...I did the best I could and I actually believe our parents did so also. I studied the books, listened to the experts, and experimented with Ben, sorry son!
In the end, it all comes down to one small word: example. If I made smart choices ~ they would follow my lead. If I didn't let the "sins" creep into my life; selfishness, materialism, lack of respect, pride, gossip, exaggerations (lying) ~ they would hold those areas at bay in their own lives.
If I spent more than I made ~ they would feed into that lifestyle and expect more than they deserved. If I procrastinated and got lazy ~ they jumped on that bandwagon immediately.
So in the long scheme of things I have come to believe that; #1 Children learn what they live. And #2, the sins of the father will somehow affect their children.
Later that evening, the neighbors heading back north, dropped off a spaghetti dinner and Grandpa told the girls the story of how he came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Grandma chided in with how God brought the two of them together in, of all places, Chicago! It is quite a story, and both girls were eating it up like candy. More on that later.
The NCAA gets narrowed down to deuce; strawberry shortcake for desert and that was my 3rd day in Florida.
Man the sacrifices those two make to compensate for all the mistakes us kids make. Becoming self-employed does not provide a steady paycheck and I absolutely could not have done spring break without a free place to crash.
I can't thank them enough for semi-retiring in warmth and sun and for all their hospitality without grumbling.
Melissa, Mary, and I get to sleep in because all was quiet again by 7am. I am now a firm believer in packing light. By all accounts, for spring break you need: jean shorts, white pants, T's, flip flops, 1(one) other pair of shoes, and your swim suit. Enough is enough.
After a light breakfast, packing the cooler, and connecting with some other families from school, we wait for our ride to return and soon we're off to Anna Maria Island.
Melissa and Mary hear all the latest from the two days of school they missed, including who made chamber choir, and rumors of budget cuts. Two applications of sunscreen later, all the condo people invite Melissa and Mary up to the swimming pool...and so I am left to myself and my mind starts to wander as it so often does.
The late night talk with my sister-in-law about teenagers, boundaries, love languages, and plain old mother-child relationships causes me to reflect on how I'm doing as a parent. Better late than never.
In hindsight, and I hope somehow I've portrayed this to my kids...I did the best I could and I actually believe our parents did so also. I studied the books, listened to the experts, and experimented with Ben, sorry son!
In the end, it all comes down to one small word: example. If I made smart choices ~ they would follow my lead. If I didn't let the "sins" creep into my life; selfishness, materialism, lack of respect, pride, gossip, exaggerations (lying) ~ they would hold those areas at bay in their own lives.
If I spent more than I made ~ they would feed into that lifestyle and expect more than they deserved. If I procrastinated and got lazy ~ they jumped on that bandwagon immediately.
So in the long scheme of things I have come to believe that; #1 Children learn what they live. And #2, the sins of the father will somehow affect their children.
Later that evening, the neighbors heading back north, dropped off a spaghetti dinner and Grandpa told the girls the story of how he came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Grandma chided in with how God brought the two of them together in, of all places, Chicago! It is quite a story, and both girls were eating it up like candy. More on that later.
The NCAA gets narrowed down to deuce; strawberry shortcake for desert and that was my 3rd day in Florida.
4/2/04
Day Two
Pancakes and bacon, white sand, turquoise water, sunscreen SPF 100, breezy and warm, waves crashing, clouds nowhere, peanut butter and jelly, horizontal and drifting in and out somewhere between vacation and heaven, lather, rinse, repeat for 6 days.
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