Our Christmas Tree - '07

I haven't got the hang of cropping yet, but I will get better. I have collected Santa's for a very long time, and my tree is filled with Santa's. This is the tree that Mom bought for us back in "82. I just love it because it is a pre-lit tree. Now I have the tradition of my daughter helping me renew the tree each year - we usually end of laughing so hard that we have to stop to catch our breath. Betty - you said you were a visual learner - so, finally, here it is.

Skip and LouAnn

We spent the evening with Skip and LouAnn enjoying pizza and laughter! You will have to notice the picture of Laura and George on the refigerator (which was for my benefit)! I just ignored it and they didn't say a word.

Jimmy and Katie

Katie and Jimmy are growing up so much. Katie is in the 5th Grade and Jimmy is a 7th Grader. I am so happy that they are family!

Snow, Snow and More Snow

I have just finished cleaning off our double wide, steep driveway for the second time today~have I told you all how much I would love living in Florida. I love to walk on the beach and collect shells~ I do not like shoveling snow and chipping ice!
I'm hoping with our new 4 wheel drive that we can make it to church tomorrow morning and then attend Paxton and Tanner's Christmas program in the evening. There have been so many things cancelled over the last week, but my family really can count there blessings because we have all continued to have our power on. I have several friends up in St.Joseph, MO that have not had power for a week. I think I heard something about winter starting on the 22nd - I don't think Old Man Winter has looked at the calendar.
I hope all my family and friends are warm and safe this December night!

I'm thinking a Miracle!

This new program surely has a mind of it's own - maybe while I am iced in I will be able to figure it out, it sure likes to block everything and this old dog is not smart enought to jump over the firewalls. The kids are all out of school today and so many programs cancelled today~ I just hope it all clears out before the Christmas break.
I just enjoy all of my cousin's pictures so much - I am determined to master this. Right now everything I scan to blog comes up as wallpaper, so I am enjoying the pictures of Jimmy and Katie - just can't get them to you all.
Hope you are staying warm, we have dogged the big bullet like Oklahoma and right now it is just raining and melting away the 1/2 " of ice. The temp is staying above freezing right now and should drop back down this afternoon - it is really pretty outside right now ( you just have to take my word for it)!

Welcome to my 2nd Retirement!!!

I finished my long term sub. job just before Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful family gathering here at the house - just our kids and grandkids. Then on Friday we headed down to St.Louis for a great visit with family and friends. We did go over to Skip and LouAnn's house for one evening. I just can't get over how their kids have grown and we sure enjoyed our evening with them.
I have a new computer and at this point I'm not greatly impressed with the new Vista program. It is really giving me fits, but I will try to post this and a couple of pictures of Skip and his family.

Today is dedicated to my special Cousins!

ATTITUDE IS EVERTHING

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only there hairs on her head.
Well, she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today", so she did and had a wonderful day!
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed she had two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M" she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle." -so she did and had a grand day!
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only one hair on her head.
"Well" she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and had a fun, fun day!
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"Yeah!" she explained, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly~
Leave the rest to God!

I'm Still with the 5th Graders!

My long term sub has been extended to November 20th - then I will consider that I am retiring for the 2nd time. I really think this is God's way of telling me..."Winnie, your really do not miss teaching!"
Thanks to each and every one of you for your blogs - I do read them daily at school and they are the highlight of my day....I love each and every one of you cousins, and I really appreciate your humor. Please bear with me while I try to finish this teaching commitment...I will be back to blogging when I can stay up later.

Smarter than a 5th Grader?

This is my second full day with 31 5th Graders. They have started a new math series and I can tell you all that I AM NOT SMARTER THAN A 5th Grader!! Mike taught Math for years and this new series uses terms that he has never heard. Would you believe ~ I had to "google" for some definitions of math terms - oh give me strength!

Oh Happy Day!

I guess until this morning on Patsy's post I didn't realize that a very special cousin was a Virgo with me. Happy Birthday Helen!!!!

Early Time with Prayer:

I awoke early to pray for friends and family that are going through so many things this day.
May God give them strength and hold them tightly and uplift them at the moment there is a need. Through him I can do all things because no matter what "I know that God Loves Me!" Of course you know that he loves you too!

41 Years Today!

Today is our 41st anniversary - that almost seems impossible. It looks like we are going to have a beautiful day today, much nicer than the heat we had 41 years ago. The fun part is that I can truly say our love has grown and we are learning to communicate better this last year - God is just awesome when you ask for help. He has truly blessed our marriage and our family.

Just a Little UPDATE:

Last week I loved the cooler weather and decided to work out in the back yard pulling weeds, killing poison ivy and just doing some general upkeep of the bird feeders and bird bath. Well - my foot and knee stayed in one position and I moved in another which caused immediate pain and a "POP" which is not a good thing at my age.
So...... I've had my turn at the Dr. thing, knee brace and a cane. They haven't decided exactly what is wrong yet through x-rays and a MRI. I should hear about all this tomorrow.
Today involved a test called an EMG to see if they can figure out why my feet hurt so bad and are always numb. The test was truly not pleasant but I survived and now know for sure that I do not have nerve damage to my feet and legs.
Monday I saw the vampire lady and I will get those results some time this week - honestly, you go for one little thing and the next thing you know you are having every test they can think of. I really don't think they want to believe I am cancer free -

Here are some great ways to deal with the burdens of Life:

*Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
*Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
*Drive carefully~ it's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
*It may be your sole purpose in life to simply be kind to others.
*Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance!
*Since it is the early worm that gets eaten by the bird~sleep late!
*The second mouse get the cheese.
*You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
FINALLY:
*We could learn a lot from crayons~Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.....I did!

Friendship is an AWESOME thing!

Being with friends that have known you almost all your life is an AWESOME thing. Laughter really heals the soul and refreshes you. Below are some of my dearest friends ~ Becky, Ruthie and Pat.
We all gathered after a year of planning and we had a fantastic time - I use to think my parents were old at this age - but most here are over 65 and they are not old physically or mentally. God has been good to each of us!

Happy Father's Day!

To each any every one of you wonderful fathers - Happy Father's Day!
I think my husband treasures being "Pop-Pop" more than words can ever
say - he is so giving and loving to this family. It is wonderful to see the children
light up when he comes into a room - I think part of his secret is that he usually
has some type of treat in his pocket!

We all came throught the ordeal!

Tanner is doing well - not too much bruising. We are so thankful that this sweet little guy is really handling his injury and does not seem any worse for the wear. I think things like this incident are much harder on grandparents.

Sam and Tanner are true buddies!

What a Day this Saturday has been!

We came back from the camper on Thursday because of severe storm warnings and I have no desire to be in a tin can if a tornado passes through!
Our Cindy is taking her Missouri Praxis test today and Kris is taking a huge auditor/computer tech test ~ so we had Sam last night to spend the night.
Cindy had punched in the wrong code for the test when she signed up, then had to wait and see if she could get into the test this afternoon on stand by. Kris took his 5 hour tests and came away very discouraged - he had been given the wrong practice information from his company.
Next - I went to Tanner's T Ball game with Sam trying to show him how much fun his cousin was having - then Tanner (age 4) was catching and got hit in the nose with a bat. To say the least, there was blood everywhere and Tanner was screaming in pain. Bottom line, Tanner's nose was x-rayed at the emergency room and it is not broken. Sam basically says right now when asked if he wants to play T Ball - NO Thanks!

Anna Mae and Her Arrowheads:

I finally figured out how to post pictures again - HOORAY!
Below is a photo of Anna Mae showing Mike some of her collection and explaining where she got each and every arrowhead. She is 78 years young and this Sunday we are going down to the Methodist College in Fayette, Mo and view her art exhibit at the college library.
Actually, I have adopted Anna Mae as my Mother now - she is just the most gracious, enthusiastic little person you would ever want to meet and she is as much of a "spit-fire" as my Mother use to be. Mom and Anna Mae would have been great friends.

Today is finally the last day of School!

Today I finished my last day as a long term-sub in 1st Grade. It actually was fun and I had a wonderful class. I just hated coming back from the camper to finish 3 hours this morning to make up for a snow day.
Sam lost his third tooth yesterday and he was all smiles for his last day of Kindergarten. No surprise, he has "mastered" all his Kindergarten objectives and was marked for being above grade level in Math and Reading - wonder what he would have accomplished if he had had a teacher that was willing to work with him. We survived his Kindergarten year and we have certainly put in a request for a better match for him for 1st Grade.
Happy Summer Break Sam, Paxton and Tanner~ I look forward to being with my grandsons and having a wonderful summer.

Sam is now a 1st Grader

America Needs a Sigh of Relief:

I had an outstanding Saturday afternoon - I went to hear Obama speak in KC yesterday. He is a charismatic speaker and one of the most profound things he said was - "America will sigh with relief when this man leaves the Presidency of America." If he is our candidate, I certainly won't have any problem voting for him - WOW. Edwards is still my first choice - we will certainly see how all this plays out.
Happy Mother's Day to each and every one of you!

Following in the foot steps:

I have taken up a new meaningful task that I think would make Grandma, Mom and Aunt Winnie proud. I have always enjoyed doing some simple craft sewing like cross stitch and applique - but here at this age I have taken up a new hobby. I have learned to do basic knitting and am now part of a small group at church called "Threads of Love". We are making prayer shawl's for those that are facing illness in our congregation and altho' mine may take a while to complete, it is one of the most satisfying things I have done in a long while. Today our Pastor blessed our work - no matter what the stage of our shawl. I think this is going to be a wonderful ministry.

I'm feeling my age:

I just thought I would post and let you all know that I am once again doing a long-term subbing job in 1st grade ~ thus the title, "I'm really feeling my age!"
Not sure when I will post in the near future, but I read all my cousin's blog's each day - you all keep me connected. I love each of you!

A Fun Day Planned:

We have been invited to lunch today to visit a dear friend and her husband. We are so honored to be asked to join them for lunch in their home because there is an added special bonus. The wife, 83 years young, has collected arrowheads her entire married life of 60 years and she is going to share her findings with us. Most of her valued collection is on loan to the Arrowrock Historical Society in Arrowrock Missouri - however her prized possessions are in her home. Mike is so excited he can hardly contain himself - he loves history so, and Missouri Native American History is a bonus plus!

Tonight My Man Spoke:

I hope each and everyone of you heard my candidate, John Edwards, speak on 60 minutes. Elizabeth was at his side and they spoke about the cancer and why they will continue to run for the Presidency of the great country. Together they have a message that I believe this bruised nation neeeds to hear. I pray for their strength, healing and courage!

Just Take My Word for it:

You will just have to take my word that spring is beginning to spring in KC!
Today it is 74 degrees outside and I have been working all day in the yard to clear away all the winter limb and sweet gum droppings ~ it has been wonderful.
Many birds have returned - I can't wait for the finches. I know the finches will be down at the camper when we go to open it up this weekend.
You have to take my word for all this ~ I have found posting pictures to be difficult and I just can't seem to get r' done!

Tribute to Valence

Patsy just posted that Valence Powell passed last week and that really makes me sad.
Valance was such an upbeat person and really had found happiness in Nevada with Steve Jones after the love of her life Gene passed away.
She always kept in touch and loved all of the Powell's so much ~ I was always told that Mom and Gene were the same age and they really use to have fun as kids.

March is an Interesting Month:

So many different things have happened to me in March. It is a season for change~the strong winds can attest to that today and yesterday.
When I taught Pre-school, I always taught a color of the month and March ended up being "black" month. I have faced family deaths in March and I also faced cancer in March.
So..... what has turned March around for me?
My grandson Samuel born on March 7th!
Today we went to the Autistic Specialist and we visited and talked with him for 2 hours.
He made us feel so good - he actually understands our special guy and gave us a great direction for Sam. We felt so good that he sees the same child we know and understand, and not the child that his teacher tries to make everyone believe that he is.
By the time we finished our visit we were uplifted and actually excited that the Dr. is going to write the principal and tell him about his upset with the teacher - we didn't have to say a word about the teacher, she hung herself with her report to the Dr. So - maybe I should just paint March with a rainbow now!

I'm Dreaming of Florida Again!

Just finished shoveling 5" of snow out of the driveway - the "SnowPlow Man" came by and gave me the dirtest look - oh my gosh, I was throwing snow out into the street!
I wanted to shout at him - "look buster, this is not what I normally do for a living --I have to get my husband to therapy today - what do you want me to do with the snow that is down by the street - I sure as heck can't carry it away".
Have I told all of you that Trout Season starts March 1st - now for that I wouldn't mind chopping the ice.
I have just been in too long, but oh how I appreciate the Dogwood picture Betty and the fact that our precious Patsy is home!

Sunshine all around.....

Today was a day of good news. We went to the Wound Specialist, and he said that Mike's knee looks really good and that we should just continue being careful and using the immobilizer. The wound is healing and we are going to be careful and not have any set backs......
The other fabulous news is that Patsy is scheduled to come home on Thursday....
Isn't prayer fabulous!!!!
The next news is that I really think the American People are going to stand up and say "No" to Bush... we do not need to lose one more American life in a civil war struggle. His arrogance is absolutely unbelievable!

For My Dearest Patsy....

I received word last night that my dear cousin Patsy is gravely ill.....please, if you are reading my blog lift a prayer for Patsy. I believe God hears our prayers and that God know what is best for each of his children.
A suggested prayer:
Loving God, we pray that Patsy may be comforted in her
suffering and made whole.
When she is afraid, give her courage;
When she feels weak, grant her your strength;
When she is afflicted, give her patience;
When she feels pain, provide her your peace.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen

Welcome to the Gladstone Snow Palace...

Our snow started yesterday around two in the afternoon and finished this morning around 9am. It is a beautiful snow and also a wet snow that is great for making snowmen.
Our son Paul has already been over and cleared the driveway and front steps....
I thought there might be some of you that hadn't seen a pretty snowfall for awhile.....so here it is in all it's glory. The tree you see by the railing is our beautiful Chinese Maple that I shared earlier on the blog in it's beautiful red splendor.

Today we had a little set back....

We went to the Dr. this morning with great expectations, but they certainly were dashed. Yesterday Mike was dismissed by his home therapist and he was to start outpatient therapy next Monday. Well...his wound right over his knee cap is not closing, so he has been put in an leg brace and he is to be very careful for the next 10 days. Thank goodness there is no infection, but not being able to move the knee after he has worked so hard is a real bummer!
We will go see a specialist for wound care next Wednesday... I told Mike that I would have his wound in good shape by the time we see the specialist, so maybe we won't even have to go and spend all that money. Soooo....... please lift Mike up in your prayers for a healing. Thanks you all!

If I had a wish today.....

If I had a wish today, I think I would like to change places with Helen. I just finished the topper of all topper nonsense jobs. I just came in from chopping ice off of 1/2 my double driveway so that I can get out this afternoon and go get Mike's pain medicine.
Actually, I am kind of proud of myself - I'm 64 years old and I didn't have a heart attack!
Once again, I wonder what my life would have been like if I could pick up seashells every day and walk quietly on the beach......

Real Winter Blaaaaahs!

We are now waiting for phase III. We really got by pretty well through the first two phases, but we are certainly stuck inside. The church parking lot was so slick that I did even try to venture out. I have stayed ahead of the ice on one side of my driveway - so, if I have to I could get out. The kids have been great about checking on us (but somehow that really makes me feel old!)
Most all of KC has kept heat and electricity and my one outlet is blogging. At this point I may be boring, but it is keeping my sanity for now.
My real blessing is that I am not living down at the camper - it is frozen over and they have lost electricity.

Sleet, Sleet - Go Away!

As you all know I have been on a very short leash since the knee surgery, but at least, I could get out and go to the store or to Walmart. Actually, they are so close I guess I could walk in the sleet today, but really have no desire to be out in this mess. They say it will come in three different waves and we are now starting phase II. Soooo - I guess I won't even be able to go to church tomorrow.
When my Dad passed away, we had the opportunity to move to Florida instead of Mom coming up to KC. On days like today, I often wonder how different our lives would have been had we lived in Floriday - it sure is a daydream for me because I love Florida just as much as my parents did. Too bad, so sad ~ Mike does not like Florida. I would much rather be picking up seashells instead of casting out "ice-Melt"!

The Maples

This is probably a picture many of you have seen, but I just got it back from Suzie. I had forgotten all about this one. Skip gave it to me after Aunt Winnie passed away. She had written on the back the names of each one. I can not get over how much my Mom looked like Grandma Powell. Let me know if you want the names~

Can you name this bunch?

Quiet Start to '07

I am quite sure last night was the first New Year's Eve we didn't ring in for the last 40 years. We actually went to bed at 10:30 ~ then were awaken with sounds like cannons by celebrating neighbors. We actually just giggled and said "Happy New Year" and promptly fell back asleep.
Mike is doing really well this time round with his knee, however, still housebound with visiting nurse and therapy everyday.
Sam will spend the night because he doesn't have school on the 2nd and his Mom has to be at her school.
Our big adventure will be Wednesday when I take Mike to the Dr. for the first time since surgery. I really think all will go well and he will have his staples removed and maybe he will start outpatient therapy.
My leash is a little short right now - but by this summer he should be able to fly fish with me and that sure will make all this bionic stuff worth while.
I am really proud of him for getting this second one done, it really is a rough surgery.

Can you guess who the 3 cousins are that will be on Medicare in 2007?

Paul and Sue Bockelman/2006

Celelbrating Family

Wow - did we ever have a fantastic visit last evening. It was so fun to catch up on our lives.
Sue is living in North Carolina where they are renting a home until June 1st, then they are moving into a home they bought in Charlotte. Their new home will be only 13 miles from their daughter and her family which now includes a darling little girl named Sophie.
Their son Joe lives back here in the area as well as Paul's family - so we were delighted that we were included in their whirlwind tour.
She had called Tommie up in Alaska for her 64th birthday this month - Tommie's husband is not doing very well health wise. Tommie's daughter Teresa now lives over in England with her husband and they sound like life is really good for them.

Sue and Winnie/2006

Happy Birthday MOM!

Today my best friend would be either 89 or 90~depending on which records you go by. Mom was brought up believing that she was born in 1917, then Grandpa changed the year when he sent everyone Bibles for Christmas to 1916.
I am who I am today because of my Mom. She was such a role model and super friend!
To best describe "Fleet" you would use words like, adoring wife, wonderful Mom, sister, friend, aunt, Christian leader, Democrat, awesome Bridge player and a star basketball player for S of O. The descriptions I just listed are what she most wanted to be remembered.
She was such an awesome friend and I miss her each and every day. I especially miss her today because as she was growing up, her birthday would usually be forgotten until it was bed time and someone would say - like the "Waltons"- hey, today is Fleta's birthday - Happy Birthday Fleta.
Dad changed all that and we always had a special day for Mom on the 27th - it was never a day to take down the Christmas tree. So today my tree is shinning brightly since I awoke and this evening my cousin Susie is coming to visit and we shall all remember the lady we loved so much!

December 19, 2006

Tomorrow is another big day for my husband ~ he is going to have his 2nd total knee replacement. Our prayer is that all goes well again this time and that we will have him home by this Friday.

Bushie Has Really Changed my World:

I find that the older I get, the more passion I have about being a Democrat. I have been utterly shocked that friends and family have been less than pleased that Claire won. I have known for years that they were all Republicans, and the most overt thing I did around them was to have a McCaskill bumper sticker in my car window - so they have all felt the need to really slam me about working for Claire. They truly believe that Missouri has lost a good Senator - but I am thrilled that he is gone. Since "Bushie" has been the President for the last 6 year, it is almost like I am to apologize for being a Democrat - the whole thing makes me really ill. Each night I say to myself, "why can't they see this lying sack of sh** for what he really is?" I pray each night that he doesn't get us into WWIII and I pray for those that he has put in harms way for no earthly reason other than he wanted to fight Daddy's war. My question is: "Why do I feel so opposite of some of my life-long friends?" I've decided that they actually believe the rubbish that Limbaugh screams at them each day - do you know that in some of the retail shops in St.Louis he is broadcast daily over the PA system?
Sorry for the tirade friends, but I am really sick and tired of being expected to say I'm sorry for my Democratic beliefs!

Squaw Creek:

Yesterday, Mike and I took a day trip up to Squaw Creek. Squaw Creek is located in the NE corner of Mo and we make our annual trip up to see the waterfowl migration. Yesterday we witnessed over 200,000 Snows and Blues which you see in the picture below. We also saw thousands of Mallards, Pintails, Shovelers, Teal and several Canvasbacks. We also saw 6 American Eagles and I was able to add the Green Heron to my life list of sightings. We also saw about 20 deer. I absolutely love "birding" and wish I could spend more time enjoying the wonders of nature. We just had a fabulous day at Squaw Creek and all that it cost us was gasoline money.

 

Hard work finally pays off!

 

Hip -Hip Hooray!

 

It All Comes Down to Today!

It is such a sad commentary that so few people take a few minutes to vote - Middle America needs to stand up and be heard today - Everyone get off your duffer and go VOTE!!!!

The Joy of Grandson's:

Fall pictures of Grandson's are always fun. Tanner and Paxton are brothers and they are our son's boys. Sam,our daughter's son, is shown at his Halloween party that I was fortunate enough to attend - it was really fun getting to be a room parent again. I got to read the not-so spooky Halloween story to the class - I had a blast.

Sam - Age 5 - Halloween Party

 

Paxton - Age 8

 

Tanner - Age 4

Happy Monday!

 

Regular Camping Season over:

We spent the weekend winterizing our camper down at Bennett Spring. I just can't believe the season has come to a close. I may just have to go down this winter for Catch and Release (water or no!). It seems like March 1st is a long way away!

End of the Season: October 2006

 

Wind Rush Farms:

I have just had the most fabulous weekend - I was fortunate enough to be one of 14 women chosen to be a participant in the Casting for Recovery weekend. It was so relaxing, beautiful and such a renewal time. I was probably the oldest participant and some were as young as 35. It was wonderful being with women that had walked the cancer walk like I have. My heart really broke for those young mothers with small children - but we all came away with a renewed spirit and hope. I really believe I have made some new, life long friends. They gave me courage to face any future trials and it was so rewarding to know they all believed in our wonderous God!
I will certainly will continue to support this fantastic program!

Casting For Recovery Weekend Retreat:

 

 

Don't Forget - Oct. is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

 

Casting for Recovery:

October 20, 21, and 22nd: I have been chosen to attend a special Fly Fishing weekend for Women that have survived Breast Cancer. The weekend will be held near St.James Mo. at a place called Wind Rush Farms Trout Stream. It will be a weekend filled with flyfishing, support for survivors of Breast Cancer and just a whole lot of fellowship. I am really excited about being chosen to attend this year - last year I was an alternate, but didn't get to go.
I am so proud to say that I am a 5 year Breast Cancer survivor and that I feel wonderful.
Flyfishing is a really good form of therapy for my type of surgery, plus it is so much fun. Wow! A whole weekend of free flyfishing and being with other survivors - it should be fantastic!