Hmmmmmmm..............

There are so many questions in my mind about relationships. Like, why do people get married after being happily together for years, only to break up after only a few months? Is it because the paperwork changes things? Is it because one partner thought it was going to be "happily ever after" with picket fences and flowers, and when reality hit, they were thrown for a loop? Is it because they only married in order to get divorced, and "take" their partner for everything they have? Is it because one finds out after the paper is signed that the grass is greener somewhere else? Or is it just that they didn't take it as seriously as they should have from the get go? Rob and I have been together for 10 years, happily. Sometimes I think I want to get married, other times, it's the LAST thing I want. That tells me that even after 10 years, I am not ready. Sure, I would like to have his name. but why? Is it to prove to everyone that someone loves me enuff to marry me? Does it make me "acceptable"? I used to care what people thought. I was sort of embarrassed to be just "shackling up". Now, I don't care in the least what people think. It's what Rob and I think that counts. We are happy. We love each other. We are NOT married and probably never will be. Why ruin a good thing? But would it? What would change, other than my last name? We would still love each other, live together as a family, and take care of each other. Why does it seem to change things when people get married? I suppose I will never know the answers to these questions, nor will I ever understand. I just know that if one person has ANY doubts at all about this kind of committment, they shouldn't sign the paper. And if they do and find that they are not happy, get out of the situation. Don't linger, making each other miserable. Leave, before that love they once shared, turns to hate. Like I say... "cut your losses and move on". It's better to make a clean break, even if it cuts deeply, because that way, the healing can start. If you drag it out, arguing, and fighting, and being "afraid" to hurt someone, or yourself, you are only putting off the inevitable. And it takes alot longer to heal. They shouldn't be afraid to be alone, because chances are they won't be alone long, unless that's their choice. Well, that's what I think....but what do I know?

Life Changes

Okay. Things never stay the same. That's a given. But, do the changes have to be bad things? I know that some people only look at the dark side of things, and are so blinded by the negatives, they can't see the positives. That makes me sad. I guess because I have always been a "half-full" type of person, it's hard for me to see people sink into deep depressions, when there are so many things they can do to get out of it. I'm not talking about meds. I'm talking about making positive changes in their lives. Going to see a counselor, talking to a friend, or just writing everything down to get it off your chest. If you aren't happy, change it. You don't like the way your living your life, CHANGE IT. Everyone has choices in their lives, exercise your right to choose to be happy. Everyone gets depressed at times. It's not a rarity. Everyone has bad days. It's how you deal with those times that makes you stronger. You can sit there and say, "poor me" or you can get off your ass and do something positive. No one wants to be a quitter, although sometimes, maybe quitting a situation would be the best choice for everyone. That's just my opinion.

Awe Struck

WOW. This past week has been very informative. I have learned alot about myself and what REAL friendship is all about. I have learned that I am not alone in my troubles and concerns about life, and I have learned that even though things happen in your life, and people go their separate ways, true friendship is still there. It's that thread that hold us all together. I learned that I made impressions on people that have lasted through the years, and that they were good. I learned that people forgive and forget, and are willing to take up friendships that fell to the way side years ago. I found that people I hadn't thought about in years, not only remember me, but have fond memories. I also learned that they, too, are glad we have reconnected, and want to take up where we left off. We all have certain regrets in life. My biggest regret is the time I have lost with people that are no longer with us. It's made me realize how important everyone in our lives are, and we should make the most of the time we have with them. Take each moment, and hold it close. Learn what it feels like, smells like, and burn that memory into our hearts forever. Once it's gone, you can never get it back, but the memory will be there forever. It's God's way of giving you that loving embrace when you need it. It's there to cheer you up, make you feel loved, and most of all, fill up the loneliness. Everyone has days when they need the warm, loving feel of their parents, or brothers or sisters or friends, that have passed on. Use those memories to fill the emptiness. That's why we have them.

Another Gorgeous Day

Hi Folks! It's another beautiful day in the Adirondack Mts! The sun is shining brightly, and I am listening to the bluejays squawking loudly outside. I can also hear wild turkeys gobbling faintly in the woods. I love it here this time of year. In a few more weeks, the leaves will be changing and then the woods explode into rainbows of fall colors. The wild apples are turning red too, they are so small, (about the size of golf balls)but still tasty. The only bad thing...BEARS. The bears are getting fat for the upcoming winter. The other night, Rob was letting the dogs out for their "before bed business trip" and called me to the back door. When I got there... he asked me to tell him what I smelled. I told him that I could smell the wood burning from our neighbors outdoor furnace. And he said... can you smell that sour wet grass smell. I sniffed the air, and sure enough I could. I asked him what that was, and he told me....BEARS. Needless to say, we got the dogs back in the house in a hurry. Last fall, Rob and I were travelling to town one evening, and right down the road from our house, we saw 4 bears run across the road in front of the car. Our neighbor has seen them down back in the woods eating the wild apples. One was about 8 ft tall standing on his back feet, and about 500 lbs. The one draw back of living up here. But, I wouldn't live anywhere else! I think that's all for today... have a good one!!

Been Awhile

Hi folks! It's been a long time since I blogged and alot has been going on. Last April I began the weight loss program at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY. I've been prodded, poked, xrayed, ultrasounded, stretched, and wired for sound. Translated means..I have been examined, gotten tons of blood taken, had a chest xray, had my gall bladder and kidneys viewed thru ultrasound, been to physical therapy, been to a nutritionist, and lastly, been to a sleep clinic...twice. Everything turned out good except for the sleep study. I found out in there, that I have sleep apnea and now have to sleep with a CPAP machine. ( which will take some getting used to). I have to go to a behavioural modification class next month, then have a stress test in October, then I will be good to go for the surgery. I did pass a milestone mark this summer too. I just had my last 3 month post cancer check up and passed it with flying colors. That means that now I only have to go for the cystoscopy every 6 months instead of three for the next 2 years. Also in April, we went to Virgina Beach again for Easter. We stayed at our favorite hotel on the Beach, and even got the same room! This trip, we took Lindsay's friend, Stephanie with us. Those kids had a blast. The weather didn't co-operate again this trip and it rained most of the time we were there, but the girls had a couple of days that it was nice enough for them to rent bikes and ride the boardwalk all day. This summer, if that's what you want to call it, we planted a garden again. It rained the first 16 weeks of summer, and only has been nice since the first of August. Needless to say, the garden was very slow to start. We have gotten a boat load of veggies tho. I have put 30 pounds of green beans, 14 lbs of summer squash, and 20 cups of diced green peppers in the freezer. We also have had cukes and the corn should be ready in a week or so if the weather holds out. Next month, Rob and I will celebrate 10 years together. Where does the time go? It doesn't seem like we have been together that long already. Alot of people would probably be shocked to know that we made it this far. More importantly, we made it this far and still like each other! We've gone through some really tough times over the years, and it's true that what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. We still love each other, more than ever, and that's what counts. Well, I guess that's all for now. I am going to start posting regularly again... I promise.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, here in the north country, my life has picked up a pace or two. This has been a very busy and productive week. As some of you know, I am planning a trip to California in the fall. This week, I got the go-ahead from my "hunny", so I have been researching flights. It's alot of work to find the "perfect" flight schedule. Especially when you have to work around vacation time and fishing schedules! I catch the flight out of Syracuse, (about a 3 hour drive) so I have to take into consideration, when Rob can drive me down, and he fishes tournaments on some weekends. Yes, my baby is a "bassmaster", and does pretty well at it. But I digress. Anyway, I decided on September 19 thru the 3rd of October. The flight I finally chose, will put me in Dallas at about 4 PM for 3 hours. That works out wonderfully, because I will get to see my friend, Mikel,who lives in Ft. Worth, whom I haven't seen since the early 70's! Then on to California, where I will be for two days less than 2 weeks and I have to find the time to see family and friends numbering close to 20 in 3-4 different cities. But, I am going to try my darndest to see everyone! Also this week, I made the fist step to a healthier (and longer) life. I went for my first meeting about getting bariatric surgery. It was just an informational meeting, but afterwards, I knew this was something I want to do. So, my first one on one appointment with the surgeon is April 24th. I am opting for a "lap band". Those of you who've known me most my life, know that I have waged war against fat my whole life. It's been one battle after another. This time, I'm going into battle with a new determination and some heavy artillery. I found a bariatric center who makes the lifetime committment to help me beat this. I have to go to several different types of sessions, with different types of doctors, before the surgery. I also have to complete a program before they will do the surgery itself. So, I am looking at 6 months or more before I actually go under the knife. But, if it makes me healthier, and gives me a few more years on this earth...then I can wait. The program consists of sessions with a nutritionist, to teach me about the healthy foods I should be eating. A psychologist, to help me deal with the mental side of this major lifestyle change, and to discuss emotional impacts. And a physical therapist, to set up my own personal exercise program. I'm pysched and can't wait to get started. These folks at the center have such a great attitude. They are super supportive, and make you feel excited and enthusiastic about the weight loss. They treat obesity as a disease and not just something caused by being indulgent and lazy. I really like the feeling I had when I left. Another thing I had to do this week is make some plans for our "spring break" vacation. Every year, we like to do something over Lindsay's Easter vacation. It kind of comes at a great time for us up here in the NE. After months of snow and bitter cold, it's nice to take a week and do something in some place a little warmer. I never understood the concept of "sping break" when I lived in California. After a few years living in the "great white north" I have a whole new respect for "spring break" and look forward to it as much as anyone else! I'm not complaining, I love it here, and I love the separate seasons, and I wouldn't live anywhere else! Well, that's my bloggy for today. Ya'll have a good weekend, ya hear?

Life Is Good

Things here in the NE are going well. I have a clean bill of health, My family is healthy and happy, and all is good with my world. I just got back into Myspace this past weekend, and right off found an old friend that I haven't talked to in a very long time. Thank goodness for those folks who developed Myspace and Facebook. I have gotten to reconnect with friends from high school, and people I haven't seen in 25 to 30 years. I have found long lost relatives, and even some people I really wasn't looking for but found anyway. As I get older, I realize that there were some folks who really had an impact on my life. At the time we were friends, I never thought of them that way. It's only with age and some new found wisdoms that I happen to realize just how much they meant to me. Maybe it's the distance of miles and years. Since I moved to New York, I have found myself looking to my past to reconnect with family and friends. I moved to a place where I knew NO ONE, and found my self longing for familiar faces. It was a hard choice to make, leaving everything that I loved and was "home" to me. But, after 10 years, I wouldn't have made any other decision. Yes, I left family, friends, familiarity, but I gained so much. I have made new friends, I have my own family now. I still long for contact with those old friends and family members I left in California. It's so nice to have people in my life that have known me since the first grade and are still my friends. I have friends that I met after I graduated high school, that had nothing to do with my school years that have remained friends after all these years. There are "family" members, who, although we are not related by blood or marriage, are still family and have been there for me through the years. When I was younger, I used to say I didn't have "friends". I just had acquaintances and family. Now, I know I was wrong. I have friends is the truest sense of the word. I want to thank you all for sticking by me, through thick and thin. For forgiving all my short comings and remaining my friends thru the years. You will never, ever know how much that means to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! For everyone reading this....embrace the people in your life. Hold them close. Always tell them how much they mean to you. Never take them for granted. Even though you may argue and fight, or drift apart, and go your separate ways. True friendship will endure. It will be there when you need it, no matter how long it's been. With that thought... have a great day!

Happy Daylight Savings Time

Well, I guess this is the first sign of spring. We got to move the clocks up. Is it just me, or does it seem that this is done a little earlier every year? I never really understood the reason for changing the clocks anyway. Maybe there's this mystifying scientific reason, but I don't see it. I like that we get alot more daylight in the summer, but when it's this early, (especially up here in the north country) there's not much reason to want to go outside when it's still so dang cold out! We passed a milestone in Lindsay's life on Friday. She got her driver's permit. Scary thought! Just kidding. It's just so hard for me to believe that she's old enough to drive. So now, we are going through what every parent does..."CAN I DRIVE?" every time we get in the car. She does pretty well though. Dad says she can't get her license until the snow is all gone and the roads are dry. But that's ok, because the more experience she gets with one of us in the car with her, the better she'll be when she gets to go it alone. I am so ready for warmer weather. It hasn't been too bad here this last week. In fact, up until last night, most of our snow has melted. We got up this morning to a fresh coat of new snow. There's not much of it, but the news says we could get up to 3 inches by tomorrow. THAT SUCKS. I mean, I love the snow, but enough is enough. That seems to be the concensus of everyone here. Rob called me from work this morning to tell me that he's supposed to be on vacation this week! I checked our calendar....sure enough! His vacation started last Friday, and we forgot all about it. So he's working today, and then he'll be home for the rest of the week. This is a good thing, as he wrenched his back over the weekend, and needs the time to recuperate. He's got a chiropractor appointment this afternoon, and hopefully he'll get adjusted and then he can just relax the rest of the week. As you can tell, not much is happening in my life this week. I will stop for now and hope that the next post is more interesting. I apologize for being mundane, and promise my posts will get better. I love ya all for giving me your time and attention. Have a good day!

Good News!

Well, I had my 16 month post cancer checkup on Wednesday and got great news. No signs if reoccurrence. The Dr told me that my bladder looked PERFECT. ( I don't know how it's supposed to look, but it was gross when I saw it!) You don't know how nervous I get driving to the appointments. Once you have heard the word...CANCER, it's not easy to forget that feeling. When I was first diagnosed in September of 2007, one of my step daughter's friends had just lost her mom to the same kind of cancer I was just told I had. I was terrified. During the week between the diagnosis and the surgery, I cried constantly. I told everyone I loved them. I made sure that Rob knew my last wishes. I got my insurance papers out to read over. You think alot about how you want to split things up between family and friends when you get that diagnosis. I tried to stay positive, but the cloud of doom hovered over everything. For so many, the diagnosis of cancer is a life sentence. I was lucky. I AM lucky. I had bladder cancer. I had never heard of it before Nat's mom died. I had no outward symptonms. One afternoon, I noticed a little blood in my urine. I had a hysterectomy 4 years earlier, so I knew this was abnormal bleeding. I made an appointment with my OB/GYN. After the exam, he took me into his office and explained to me that he could not find where it was coming from. He ordered an ultrasound. I went directly over to the hospital and had it done. They found nothing. The next day I went back to the GYN, and he told me that he was stumped, he didn't know what was causing it. BUT, he was referring me to a urologist because it might be coming from my bladder. This was a Thursday, on Monday, I saw the urologist. He told me that it sounded like bladder cancer, and he wanted me in ambulatory surgery on Wednesday to have a cystoscopy. That's when they insert a scope into your bladder and look around. I was awake during the procedure and as soon as the scope entered my bladder, the Dr said...oh yes, there's a tumor. Then he looked around, and said... there's another one. I held it together pretty well.... until we got in the car to go home. Then, I fell apart. CANCER. Oh my God. The following Wednesday I was back at the hospital. This time, I was knocked out and when I woke up, the tumors were gone and I was in recovery, waiting with chemo drugs in my bladder. After about 30 minutes, they drained my bladder through a catheter, and allowed me to go home. The next few months were AWFUL. Because of the surgery, AND the chemo drugs, I had no control over my bladder. I couldn't go anywhere there wasn't a bathroom, and when I felt the urge, I couldn't hold it. When I did make it to the bathroom, the pain and burning was more than I could describe. A month after the tumors were removed, I started spotting again. I was brought back into surgery and my bladder was scraped again. I was put on some real strong drugs to help the tissue rebuild itself. It took 3 months for these drugs to begin to work. And to top it all off...my urologist up and moved to New York City, and I was left without a Dr. I found Dr Leib in Saranac Lake. And Bless this man's heart... with his help, I finally started to heal. It seems that the chemo drugs that were inserted into my bladder after the first surgery, had literally burned the whole inside of my bladder. I saw it, and it looked like white hamburger, with all the burnt tissue. Dr. Leib put me on some strong antibiotics, and continued me on the Elmiron to rebuild the tissue. At my 6 month checkup, everything was finally getting back to normal in there. I had full control of my bladder again, and there were no more symptoms. Now at 16 months, I am cancer free and with a healthy bladder. Now here's the part that shocked me. I got bladder cancer because I smoked for a long time. You never hear about how smoking can cause anything but lung cancer, but it's the major cause of bladder cancer. Another factor was the use of permanent hair dye over an extended period. I had smoked from 1971 to 2001 and had colored my hair from about 1973 until I had the diagnosis in 2007. So, be careful. Be aware of changes in your body, and when you noticed something different, go have it checked out. Because I went immediately to the Dr when I noticed the blood, The tumors were found early. They were non invasive, and easily removed. Thank God I had an OB/GYN who had the sense to admit he didn't know what was causing it and sent me to someone who did. He saved my life.

Thoughts

This past weekend would have been my mother's 81st birthday. I lost her right before Halloween in 2000. I don't care what anyone says...the pain never goes away. Time and distance makes it better, but it never totally goes away. My mom was a complicated person. She was a strong woman. She had strong opinions, and wasn't afraid to voice them. Alot of the time, it was hurtful. To say she ruled the roost, is putting it mildly. I remember the woman who worked hard at her job and at trying to make a good home for us. But I also see a manipulative, overbearing woman, who put on a front for people outside the house, who verbally, and once, that I can remember, physically abused me. I was the "fat, ignorant, disappointment" in her life. All my life, I strived for her approval. I longed to hear her say she was proud of me. She wrote it in a birthday card once, but never voiced it to me. I think she was unhappy, and wanted everyone else around her to be unhappy with her. She was the queen of guilt trips. It's too bad that I didn't get frequent flyer miles for all the guilt trips I was sent on. I could afford to vacation anywhere I wanted now...and take all my family with me! But all wasn't bad. There were the times when she and I would sit down together and she would teach me the things that were important to her, and are now important to me. She taught me to crochet, when I was a child. The first afghan I ever made, completely by myself, was when I was about 12 years old, and I gave it to my grandma. My mom taught me to love crafting, and I have passed this on to Lindsay. I can remember learning to cook, when I was barely tall enough to see over the counter. The first pie I ever made, (it was a lemon meringue) was for my first crush...my oldest brother's best friend. I was about 9 years old, and when mom was helping me take it out of the oven, I dropped it on the floor. We scraped it up into the pan, and he ate some anyway. I was devastated, but my mom was there to comfort me. I remember those things. I remember, the vacations, we went on as a family. The trips to Oklahoma, the trips to the ocean,and the camping trips. Things weren't always bad, but when they were...they were just as unforgettable. She's been gone now for going on 9 years. I went back to California when she passed, to help clean out her house. For 10 days, my brothers and I went through the things her and my dad (who passed in 1997) had collected all their lives. What we couldn't sell, we donated to churches. My brothers took my dad's tools, and some of the things from the house. I didn't want anything. The things my mom wanted me to have, she gave me when she was alive. I can remember going through her stuff, and not feeling anything. I remember talking about it with my brother, and telling him that instead of a feeling of loss, I was relieved. Is that not sad? I loved my mom. I felt guilty for leaving her in California when I moved to New York. But I was relieved she was gone. I didn't have to worry about how she would react to me anymore. My brothers felt the same way. As bad as she could be, she was still my mom, and I still loved her. Now that I have had years away, I am seeing her for how she really was. It doesn't make me love her any less, but it does make me feel sorry for her. She was a confused, unhappy, complicated person. She was a person who, to protect her own feelings, hurt others and pushed them away. It was like she was afraid of letting anyone get close. Not even her family. But, I believe she can hear me now, and she can really listen to what I am saying. And I want her to know that I forgive her, and I miss her. Above all else, I still love her.

Dreams

What do they mean? Do they mean ANYTHING? Is it just something in our sub-conscience that is screaming to be recognized? Are they our REAL feelings or just insecurities? Why do we have some dreams over and over, for years and years? Why do we remember some dreams and forget others? These are all questions I have asked myself, more than once. I have even gotten to the point of buying a "dream dictionary". But then I ask myself...aren't these interpretations just those of the person writing the book? Is there no proven way to interpret dreams? I have had a recurring dream since I was a small child. I won't go into details, but it concerns a huge tarantula. I have been having this dream at least once a month since I can remember. At first I thought it was just my fear of spiders coming through my subconscience. Now, I wonder if there is some other significance. Since I met Rob, I have this dream of us being separated, and me wanting to come back and him not allowing me to. This is insecurity surfacing. That's easy to understand. We all have certain inscurities in our relationships, no matter how secure the relationship is in itself. But, I don't understand why I keep dreaming about this spider. Is there something in my life since I was a child that I need to remember to get this dream to stop? Am I suppressing some dark memory? Should I talk to someone professionally or just let it go? I don't dwell on it. I'm just curious. I guess I can tell you that it deals with me trying to flush this tarantula down the toilet, and it keeps coming back up. So I take that to mean, there's something I am trying to get rid of in my life and no matter what I do, it keeps resurfacing. But what? Oh well...I guess this is destined to be one of those little mysteries of life. It's really nothing to worry about because I have had this dream for so many years. It hasn't affected my life in a negative way. Actually, it hasn't affected my life in ANY way. Just something I wish I understood. I know this has nothing to do with my life now, so I don't know why I even mentioned it. Have a great day!

Another Week Closer to Spring!

I can't wait! We have been discussing what to plant in the garden this year. Last year, we bought a vacuum sealer and it was the best investment we ever made. It's been so nice having fresh zucchini, peppers, green beans and corn right at our fingertips all winter. With the price of veggies here in the upper north, we have saved a bundle. That's one of the things I miss about California. I loved having the freshest fruits and veggies at hand. Here, everything gets picked early (green) and has to be shipped in, so there's little to no flavor, because it ripens in the trucks. We usually have a large garden every year. Rob has a tendency to plant enough to feed the starving in Ethiopia. We supply cucumbers to just about everyone we know. When they start getting ripe, he'll pick anywhere from 75 to 150 A DAY. The same goes for peppers, and beans. Last year, I put 50 bags of beans and about 50 bags of diced green peppers (in 1 cup servings) in the freezer, and that's not counting what we ate, and gave away! One year, we decided we were gooing to grow our own broccoli. So we planted a row. The plants were beautiful. There were about 20 plants, and all of them had gorgeous heads of broccoli on them. We watched and waited and when they were a good size we decided that we would pick them the next day. Well....we went out to pick the next day and they were GONE. Every single head of broccoli had disappeared over night!. They were stolen! We were livid! But the strange thing was, there were no footprints. So again I watched...and again I waited, and soon the little thieves showed up...WOODCHUCKS. There were 2 of the biggest woodchucks I have ever seen out in our garden looking for seconds! The little devils had already eaten all the broccoli, so they were checking out the other stuff. Evidently they were still full, because they went their way without munching anything else. Needless to say, we haven't planted broccoli since. This year, we are planting marigolds around the perimeter of the garden. They are supposed to keep the critters out. We get rabbits, and deer out in our garden too. The rabbits like the cucumbers, and the deer like the beans and beets. They'll pull them right out of the ground and eat them! (Rob uses that for an excuse to over plant. He says he has to compensate for the animals) We are going to plant the usual things this year, and maybe some new stuff too. I think we are going to try egg plant this year. We could be vegetarians really easy, if we didn't have to give up meat! (LOL) Anyway, that's all for now. Have a good one!

Happy Valentine's Day

Good morning everyone, and a Happy Valentine's Day to you all. I know today is the day you are supposed to show those you love how you feel, but wouldn't it be better to do that everyday? You shouldn't take it for granted that everyone you love is going to be there the next day. Make every day special in some way. It doesn't have to involve buying gifts, or giving cards. Give them an extra hug, an extra kiss, or leave a note for them to find. But make sure they know you love them. You never know if it might be the last chance to let them know how you feel. I'm sure the families of those lost in the plane crash yesterday, or the tornado disasters earlier in the week, didn't think that the last time they saw their loved ones, would be the LAST time they saw their loved ones. Take that extra few seconds out of your busy day to love a little more. Thank God everyday for those in your life that you love, and pray for those in your life that need love. It doesn't cost anything, and in many ways...it's priceless. Have a great day!

Storms

In light of the bad storms in the midwest, I would like to send out my thoughts and prayers to those that have suffered losses. My friend Lesa lives in OK City, and I emailed her yesterday to see if she was ok. She said that one of the tornadoes formed over her office building, then hit the building behind them. How scary is that? I am so glad she is safe. Having been born just a little southeast of OKC, and living there until I was 4 years old, I can still remember those storms. We didn't have a cellar, so we had to go to a neighbor's house down the street. One vivid memory is of being pulled by the hand, running down the street to the neighbor's house, looking behind me, and seeing the tornado in the sky behind us. Needless to say, I still get real nervous when I hear tornado warnings. When I lived in California, my living room windows faced the south, and I used to sit and watch the funnel clouds moving from west to east. I know, alot of people don't think California has anything but earthquakes, but they are wrong. They have alot of tornadoes there, you just don't hear about them because they rarely touch down. And now I am living in New York. YES, they have them here too! I have been here for 10 years, and since I moved here, there's been several. Luckily, none have touched down near us, but that doesn't mean that I am any less terrified. We had a tornado warning one afternoon, and Rob tried to call his dad. No answer. So, he jumped in the car and headed over there. As he was driving over, he could see a funnel form and travel from west to east near where his dad lived. He sped up and about 2 miles from his dad's house he saw his father's car on the side of the road, with his dad sitting in it. Everything bad went through his mind as he pulled over. He ran to the car and his dad was sitting there looking at the sky. Rob asked what he was doing, and Dad answered..."I'm watching." It was a relief that he was okay. Rob told his dad to follow him to our house, and he could "watch" from somewhere a little safer than the side of the road! That day, the tornado touched down in 2 small towns about 5 miles from us and did some damage. It sure makes you respect Mother Nature and her wrath. It also pulls you closer to your faith. So, whether is storming or clear, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, count your blessings that you are safe and that there is a higher power looking out for you, whatever form you believe it to be. Now, I have to drive 50 miles while it's snowing to have my car worked on. So, say a prayer that I get there and back safely. Have a great day!!

Here I am!

Hi All, it's me, Mava. I have gotten several emails from friends that miss my posts in Myspace. So I thought...hmmm. I can still give them their daily dose of my thoughts, and NOT have to go into Myspace to do it. ( Thanks, Katie for the idea!) So here I am. I hope you enjoy it! Ok, I out did myself yesterday in being a ditz. I had this terrific idea for dinner. A french-mexican-italian pasta dish. It really was a good idea. I cut the onions & celery, chopped the garlic and parsley, sliced the boneless chicken breasts. I mixed a can of cream of chicken soup with a can of green enchilada sauce. Oh man, it already smelled good. I stirred everything together, and poured it into the crock pot, then set the dial on high. I then set about doing my daily chores. About an hour later, I checked it, turned it down to low, and went about my business. It was going to be a busy day and then at 5 pm, we had to go to the hospital for Rob to get a CAT scan. (He'd had a severe sinus infection, and the Dr wanted to check on the healing progress) After we went to that, we stopped by Walmart on the way home, to get some printer ink. Now mind you, all this time I'm thinking about how great dinner was going to be, and all I had to do was cook some linguine, and make a salad. Ahhh, I love crock pots! We get home. I set the table. I made the salad. I checked the crock pot. It was COLD. The chicken was RAW. When I turned it down in the morning....I TURNED IT OFF! I felt like an idiot. Rob, bless his heart, settled for salad and sandwiches, then spent the rest of the evening teasing me about cooking chicken. The one bright spot in all this...it smells really good cooking RIGHT NOW, and we are going to have a great dinner tonight. So how was your day???