What will matter

Being in a wheelchair for these past 2 1/2 months, has given me a lot of time to contemplate my life and the things that are important to me. Since trips out are limited, I have learned that I can live without little things I have bought - just because I think it made me feel better. Not any other reason. Didn't really need it, husband is working so hard to pay my medical bills as well as keep up with the house and every thing else. I ran across this poem and think it is an excellent piece that summarizes things I have
been thinking about.


A Life that Matters

by Michael Josephson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.


There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten
will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations
and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from
or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.
It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.


So what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured?


What will matter is not what you bought
but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success
but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned
but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity,
compassion, courage, or sacrifice
that enriched, empowered or encouraged others
to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence
but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew,
but how many will feel a lasting loss when your gone.

What will matter is not your memories
but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered,
by whom and for what.


Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.



© 2003 Josephson Institute of Ethics

My Surprise

I received my box from my Secret Pal for SP11. Was it wonderful!! I haven't been out to a yarn store since I broke my leg in mid October so I was yarn hungry!! Very! And my pal spins! So I was gifted with the most wonderful hand spun and dyed yarns. Plus a woven shawl in colors just for me. Fuschia and black. I have wanted to wear it, but temps have been record highs in the 70's. A book from my list, and a new knitting magazine - as I said I haven't been out shopping anywhere. Plus some other goodies. Pictures hopefully are coming! Thanks so much, It's a Secret!

A Winter quiz

I found this on Lil Knitters blog and thought it was so cute, I would share it here. I, like Lil Knitter, am a Snowman. Not sure why, I would rather be inside drinking the hot tea instead of outside in that cold wet stuff.

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Knitting patterns

I collect knitting patterns from the internet - hoping that somewhere in the night, my brain and hands will take over and mysteriously knit for me. I have hundreds - more than I can knit in a lifetime - even some I don't really like or need - like a truck - I don't drive a truck, my husband doesn't, I don't even know anyone that does. Could make one for either of my son's but they have about given up playing with trucks - they are 26 and 29! Soo all of this to say - I have found the perfect pattern to add after my last post - it is also called Slip and Slide! Perfect! Maybe make one to sit on so I don't slide in the shower again. Aahh a perfect idea. The pattern is on wonderful Maile's site of free patterns - she is a prolific pattern designer, with beautiful lacy designs. I am mesmerized by all of her patterns. But this one will have special meaning for me.

Slippy slide in the shower

Yesterday after cooking all morning I was ready for my only my second shower after breaking my leg. Our shower has a built in seat in the corner, and after taking down the sliding doors and putting up a rod and shower curtain, attaching a hand held shower head I was ready to go again. It is difficult for me to get in, with the step up and with being unable to put any weight on my broken leg. But I have managed to do that. Soaped up to my hearts content, rinsed, then stood up and rinsed and rinsed - you get the picture. Went to sit back down to lather up my broken leg one more time - it can build up quite an odor in the sock, in the airboot! - and when I sat down - I was on the slippy slide! Slid all of the way to the bottom of the shower. Instinctively I pulled my knees up or would have slammed my broken leg - without the boot - into the shower wall! DH and DD heard my scream and came running in - but by then I was laughing! Then came the task - how to get up from that position without harming my broken leg. But after giving it some serious thought - well somewhat serious - how serious can you get, drippy wet, naked, on the shower floor in front of daughter and husband in a bathroom built for less than one person - you have to stand up to shut the bathroom door before using the commode! But I managed to lift myself up with the help of my walker with my one good leg - thank goodness for the exercises the PT had left with me for my legs. And broken leg was no worse for the ordeal!

Happy Thanksgiving

My New Parrot

Recently I received a parrot as a gift.
The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every
word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

I tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently
saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else I
could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, I was fed up and I yelled at the parrot.

The parrot yelled back.

I shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.

So, in desperation, I threw up my hands, grabbed the bird and put
him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.
Then suddenly there was total quiet.
Not a peep was heard for over a minute.
Fearing that I'd hurt the parrot, I quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto my outstretched arms and said "I
believe I may have offended you with my rude language and
actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate
transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct
my rude and unforgivable behavior."

I was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As I was about
to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his
behavior, the bird continued,

"May I ask what the turkey did?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am blessed by.....

I am blessed to have my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in my life. He has promised to be with me through good times and bad - through a year that has had 5 surgeries and years that have had none. I have to trust that His promise that "All things work together for good for those whose trust is in the Lord" means what it says. That there have been people who I have met while in the hospital, while in surgery, while in recovery, whose lives I may have left a tiny touch on that will see Christ in me.

I am blessed by a wonderful family. My husband and children have done so much to help me in the past month since I have broken my leg. My husband has done so much work around the house to make things more accomodating for my wheelchair, has done laundry, bought groceries, cleaned up dishes, done so much that I am grateful for. My children have taken me to drs appts even when it was inconvenient for them.

I am blessed by wonderful friends. My dear friend has called me everyday to check up on me, has cooked and brought me food time after time. Many friends from my church have brought food and helped us out.

I am blessed that we have a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with friends here that are also misplaced Texans - other than they are Aggies and I am a Baylor Bear! We have a great meal, great conversation and an overall terrific time!

I am blessed by wonderful doctors who have taken care of me, understood the stress that I have been under, have been there to help me realize that I have to take care of myself.

Life has sometimes hidden in misfortune, many wonderful blessings for us. Take the time to count and appreciate the wonderful people in your lives.

A different kind of Fall

I had been sitting on my bed, folding clothes to take to Goodwill on Friday Oct 12. When I got up to walk off, my leg buckled and the next thing I knew, I was sitting there with a double fracture of the leg plus and ankle fracture. Verizon didn't send my calls through to my husband, so next on my list was DS #2. He rounded up his brother and Andy and all came to my rescue. Thanks to my computer chair they were able to push me out the back door, down the steep hill to the car - better than down the 6 then 7 steps inside the house! Hours and hours later - 2:00 am to be exact, we left the emergency room with a splint and little pain medication.

So on Monday, we made the same perilous trip out the back, down the hill, to the car to go to the Ortho's office. We should get frequent patient miles from him - he repaired our daughter's ankle two years ago after she crushed it rock climbing.

Any way, on Tuesday I was in surgery, and home on Friday. Then have been kept busy with Home health nurses, Physical therapists, and Aides to help me bathe. The baths have been wonderful because they were able to help me wash my hair!!!!

My means of getting up and down the stairs - on my hands and knees or down by sliding on my butt! Hey, it isn't pretty but it works!

I have been so encouraged by all of the letters from "cyber" friends I have received. It has helped a little in keeping away the "get me out of this house" blues. But it has been 10 days and I am going a little stir crazy - and I have 3-4 mos of no weight on my leg. By spring I will be certifiable crazy!

Fall

The calendar says it is fall but the weather makes one think it is still August. The high temperature today was 91 and that is 15 degrees above average. The almanac says we are in for a colder than normal winter - but now, nothing would surprise me.

There will be no pretty leaf show this fall - they are just brown and curling up and falling off. Many of the old trees have died during this entire heat and dry weather. We had less than an inch of rain in September which normally is one of our wettest months. We are almost 20" below normal so this the third year we are finishing somewhere in that range. Rain would be nice, real nice. Even some snow might be nice, but not too much - being in the mountains the entire city comes to a halt if there is a snowflake within 20 miles. So Happy Fall to all!

Flowers of summer

Many are showing their flower gardens as the last of summer brings forth new blooms. Here in SE TN, temperatures have been so hot and so dry that everything has turned to dust. So while I don't have much outside to show - I do have some treasures from inside to show. One of my favorites, next to African violets are my orchids.
They are dependable to show their beauty year after year, with only modest care, and occasional dividing and repotting.



This is a denbrodium that my oldest son gave me quite a few years ago. I have several pots of it, but they don't bloom at the same time. So I get to spread its beauty around.



This beauty is called Sugar Sweet - and it is covered with dozens of small, yellow fragrant blossoms. It is a real treat when it blooms.

Seeing these lovelies helps me forget that we haven't had but 1 rain for the month of September, which is normally one of our rainiest or that yesterday set a record temperature at 94 degrees! I may have to go to the street corner to panhandle to be able to continue to pay our electric bill. Any donations are appreciated!!

September Exchange

In the TeaTimeKnitters September exchange, I was having my eye problems and wasn't able to knit to start it. Deborah, the list mom, sent me a care package - which was wonderful of her. Look at all of the nice things she sent me! A beautiful rose lace dishcloth that is incrediblely soft, a cannister of tea with a tea bag retriever (don't know what to call it - LOL), some loose tea bags, some little dice that will make great stitch markers, a pad of leaves sticky notes - all great and exciting things. Deborah is a great list mom. And if anyone wants to join - TeaTimeKnitters is the name.

Thankful Heart

About 2 weeks ago I was told my retina had partially detached. I was devastated - having already been through 4 surgeries to work on my eye. But this week, I saw my regular ophthalmologist, who told me he saw no retinal detachment and that what the retina specialist saw could have been a fluid bubble behind the retina, making it look like it was detached. It could have been caused by my hitting the curb so hard in the hit and run accident I was in. Whatever the cause, I was so thankful that my retina had healed.

I feel that it was a healing from God, due to the prayers of the faithful - friends putting me on prayer lists, friends in Texas praying for me, internet friend - and new internet friends sending me messages of encouragement - all were heard by God.

Knitting and my eye

I have done quite a few dishcloths for Carrie. She will be moving into the cabin that Andy has been working on for the past year. It is almost finished. So I thought some dishcloths to match her kitchen would be nice. Then I also am in an exchange and need one for it. It is finished but need to weave in my tails and block it. Someone needs to invent an automatic tail weaver and make a fortune. I think it is the job knitters like the least of all!

I did receive some bad news two weeks ago. My retina has partially detached again. So that means I am looking at probably 3 surgeries - one to repair the retina, one to eventually remove the oil from my eye, and one to try to remove the scar tissue that has formed. I am not looking forward to these surgeries. The pain, the inability to function, the effect it has on my body for this extended period. I have lupus and fibromyalgia, plus a gazillion more autoimmune diseases, so my body does not react normally, nor heal normally. But one does what one has to do.

Busy month

I have been busy with so many things that I have neglected this. There have been a lot of happenings going on. I will have a new daughter in law next September - with a year to plan the wedding! Jeffery and Tara went on a vacation to Colorado and he had a ring with him, and proposed on a mountain top there. Could not have been more fitting for him. He has climbed many of the fourteeners there, plus 2 faces of Grand Teton, a glacier in Alaska for 6 weeks - an outdoors person. I am glad that she likes to climb with him - they do quite a bit of rock climbing around here. Chattanooga has some of the best areas of rock climbing in the nation.

Then Carrie has gotten adjusted to being back here and in her final year at UTC. When she is not in class, she is in the lab doing research with her genetics professor. She is looking at graduate schools vs taking a year or two off to do some research then go to grad school with a better idea of what she wants to do.

Eric, my oldest is also in school this semester. He is planning another trip in January - Chile - to see S America. It is the only continent, other than Anartica that he hasn't been on - so more world to conquer.

I have been busy knitting and....I don't know how my days fly by. I plan to get certain things done, but they just don't happen. I am going to PT 2x a week to try to get some conditioning. I have gotten so weak after all of these surgeries this year. So it is good for me to get stronger.

So it's time for me to go there - so until later.

I must apologize to my Secret Pal and my Hostess. I can't read!! That is the only excuse I know of! I was supposed to read and send back a reply to one of the emails - I only read it. Now I have my Secret Pal and am looking forward to SP11. Am thinking about all of the things I would like to get her - and in reading her blog, I find that we are a lot alike. So I think doing this will be fun.

I also have another pal to exchange with in the TeaTimeKnitters. We exchange tea or coffee, a teacup or mug, and a knitted kitchen item this month. I have a partner in MN - need her to send some rain and cool weather down our way. We set a record high for the 4th day in a row this week - 104 today, 103 yesterday, 106 before that and 100. We will end this month as the hottest month on record. Usually we only break 90 one or two times a month.

I see on other peoples blogs pictures of their flowers and yards - here even my hot weather plants have died - geraniums, begonias, and my yard is a dusty mess. Water is rationed so that the only days one can water are based on even and odd house numbers can water on the even or odd day of the week. I hope the winter is not as cold as the summer was hot. We need some cold weather to kill the insect pests and things. Mother Nature has played havoc with the weather across the US this year.

Since the heat makes me stay inside and one can only take so much of the boob tube, and my hands can only do so much knitting, I was playing on the computer and ran across this today. Scott McKenzie singing San Francisco in 1967 - I would have been about 12 or 13 - but I remember it. San Francisco sounded so....romantic, while from my parents it was a place of all evil in the world at that time. Listen to a little of the song.............aahh to be young again.

National Invisible Chronic Illness Week Awareness

Find more videos like this on Illness-Disability-Healthcare-Caregiver Ministry Network

SP 11 and Ravelry

I have heard from my SP partner, but haven't received my email from my hostess. Have left a comment, so hope someone will get to it in the next few days. As far as Ravelry...........

Secret Pal #11 questionaire

Here are is the questionnaire for SP11.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like cotton, have started trying to do some lace knitting with some fingering weight yarn. Hate the fun fur stuff.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have 2 fabric roll cases made by a friend of mine. But I need something for my circulars.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I took lessons at my LYS about 1 1/2 yrs ago, and am an advanced beginner, maybe an intermediate depending on the pattern.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes at Amazon

5. What's your favorite scent?

Vanilla, am allergic to most scents but still like candles

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Oh a giant sweet tooth! Love anything chocolate, but do try to keep it in check.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I do not spin, have started some scrapbooking, know how to crochet but wrist arthritis made me stop

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Computer can play, like jazz, oldies, gospel, piano, Way behind technology - don't have an MP3

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Favorites are the mauve to rose to deep fuchsia, love blues and purples, not a brown person

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

At home are just husband and me and our old Min Schnauzer. Very allergic to cats
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves and hats seldom cold enough for mittens, would prefer stole/shawl type over poncho

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Do a lot of dishcloths for family, scarves, baby items.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Dishcloths for my daughter's new apt. and the Tulip baby sweater

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

I love to receive them - to me I know the work involved in something and I appreciate that someone took some of their precious time to make me something.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Use circulars almost exclusively, some bamboo, but most are aluminum. Am planning on ordering some KnitPicks

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No but would like to

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Not very since I am a new knitter - but do have an old crochet unfinished afghan that I just gave away a few years ago!!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I love holidays, like to decorate for them with candles, wreaths, kitchen things, candy dishes

19. Is there anything that you collect? Barbie ornaments,

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I do not have any mag subscriptions - buy single copies now and then as budget allows

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Would like to learn how to adjust a sweater or top fit me.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I would like to learn to knit socks. I wear a 9 1/2 WW - Lower calf is 13, ankle is 9", arch is 10", widest part is10"

23. When is your birthday? January 15th, 1954

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

No, but if they expand may try to get on.

What a nice surprise!!

I was late getting Monday's mail (like, Tuesday morning) and there was my first puffy! Oh how wonderful I felt! It was special and just for me! Deborah B. sent me a little goody bag full of .......what else, goodies!! I took some pictures but can't download them to my computer straight, so will wait until later to try to load a picture. So my description will have to set the picture in your mind! A beautiful rose pink dishcloth that she had knit - and she must have peaked into my closet, because if that is one of the color choices, I have it. Then comes the tea part - a cute canister of fruit flavored tea with the cutest little tea bag ... what do I call it? A tea bag retriever? A tea bag squeezer? Any way it is way cute, even my 21 yo daughter wanted it. And some bags of a vanilla flavored tea, a fall leaf notepad, and a Super Size skein of Sugar and Cream - I have not seen that size here before. And some dice beads - they will make some really cute stitch markers! Deborah B was so nice in sending this package to me. I was thrilled! Thank you Deborah B.

What I did on my summer vacation!

This is my essay already prepared for when I go back to school - if ever needed!! I have had an event filled summer and have the debt to show for it.

I have had 4 retinal detachments and surgeries to repair them. The last involved attaching a schleral buckle around the eyeball to try to hold it to one shape to keep the retina from having to stretch and conform to the macula. I even have a photograph of my "vacation" - but warning - it is not for the squeamish!! Not even for the almost squeamish!! It is even hard for me to look at now. I am still in pain from the last surgery and looking at the picture brings back memories of how really painful it has been.








So I have had a vacation FROM sunlight, the beach, baseball games, church because of the lighting, a little housework - but that only lasted about 2 days each surgery!!. So..........there you have it! All of the escapades of this one eyed woman!!

I have managed to begin a little knitting again. Earlier, when I had a little time and felt good it was taken up with dishes, laundry, etc and then resting meant shut eye sleep during the day. I am doing some easy dishcloths for Christmas gifts to get my speed back up. I have a gazillion baby gifts that need to be made so they are on my list.

Time goes by

I have found it difficult to find things to add to this daily journal as I have never kept a journal before and am not necessarily a wordy person. I read a lot in school, but was not a witty writer.

I am FREE all week as my husband has gone to Florida to spend some time with a gathering of some of his siblings, so what shall I do?? Spend all of our money? or tackle some projects around the house that I have intended to do then would not have time to finish before he would be headed home, hungry, dirty laundry etc. Knit all week.............vegging in front of the TV, eating junk food.........possibilities are endless.

I found this list one day and thought it appealed to me - I love to read, but have not been able to since my right eye has developed all of its problems. I can read for short periods, large print, but not an all nighter that a good book brought forth. So here goes:

Take the list below, paste it into your own blog, put READ next to those you’ve read, WANT TO next to those you are interested in, AGAIN & AGAIN next to those you’ve read and can’t stop, and leave blank those you don’t care to read.

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) Never ever
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) READ
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) READ
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) READ
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery) READ
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) READ
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte) AGAIN AND AGAIN
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien) AGAIN AND AGAIN
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) READ
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) READ
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold) READ
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte) Again and Again
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis) READ
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck) READ
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom) READ
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) READ and CRIED
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) READ
34. 1984 (Orwell) READ
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel) READ
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom) READ
45. The Bible READ
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy) READ
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas) READ
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) READ
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver) READ MOST
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) READ
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald) READ
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough) READ
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) READ
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) READ
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy) READ
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller) READ
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) READ
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell) READ
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett) READ
76. Tigana (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith) READ
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) READ - son's favorite book
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck) READ
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier) AGAIN AND AGAIN
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen) AGAIN AND AGAIN
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer) READ
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding) READ
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck) READ
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton) READ
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford) READ
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Whew!! I can see an age gap in the books listed. Many old standby's or 70's and 80's school required reading. Then the newer books when my children were too old to be interested in or had other interests in reading. Makes me want to go to the bookstore or library though!! Go hunt for my coupon for Books a million!!

I have been knitting - just don't have a working camera to take the pictures. Making a sweet baby cap for a little girl - the Petal baby hat done in a beautiful peach/coral King Tut cotton. I am doing most of my baby items in cotton for here in the south. Breathes well, holds up well. Have finished a violet 12mo dress for another baby gift. Will try to finish up pictures with my camera and see if I can post some pictures.
Now to go and plan my week.........................

Long time, no see

Old phrase from my childhood - haven't been here in a while. Had a minor surgery about 3 weeks ago, and can't bounce back from it very fast any more. I had another lumpectomy, pathology was ok, which is always a relief, since breast cancer took my mother's life.
Then to add insult to injury - had a root canal last Monday and they are always a pain - a real pain, not just a metaphoric one!!
But all are healing - they just put me behind on everything. Have decided I need a few things - a personal assistant - probably part time would be ok. A maid, house cleaning service - full time for a while - there is dust on everything, some carpet stains that need removal. A personal home repairman - hot water heater is dying - have to go to garage (down a flight of stairs) to turn on the hot water to take a shower, then back down to turn off the hot water. Go turn on to run dishwasher, then back down and up after turning it off - think you get the idea. Let's throw in the story at this point in time - my husband is a carpenter by profession............what's the story...the cobbler's kids had no shoes?? That is my situation. So I could keep a handy man busy for some time. Now the talk about all of this has gotten my blood pressure up so guess I will stop for now!! See you another day!

Your Blog Should Be Blue

Your blog is a peaceful, calming force in the blogosphere. You tend to avoid conflict - you're more likely to share than rant. From your social causes to cute pet photos, your life is a (mostly) open book.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Happy Birthday daughter dear!

I have been totally remiss in not wishing my daughter happy birthday! She turned 21 on January 21st - so it was a monumental step for her. She had some friends take her out to dinner, then by another friends apartment where they had a surprise party for her. I was so happy that they did that. She is so far from home and I was glad she had made such good friends in one semester of school. Made this mother's heart a little warmer.

Finally home!!

I am finally home from my extended Christmas trip to visit family and friends. Visited with a high school friend, made many new friends, went to a dance at the Senior Citizen center with my 20 yr old daughter and her grandfather and step grandmother. She got to 2 Step with him - so far the only granddaughter he has been able to dance with. Such little things make such terrific memories! Sometimes it is nice to just sit and BE with your family - not necessarily doing things all of the time. Then time for the flight home - all I can say is, I know how a sardine feels! American Eagle uses every half inch of space in their planes and don't share it with passengers!!