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?