Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day 2011

Hey, Y'all,
I have had a very quiet day and haven't seen anyone except my daughter, Carol, today. I am sleeping somewhat better, but not top notch yet (in case you want to know, ha). A few kinks in my back from sleeping slightly elevated, but that will clear up when I can begin sleeping in a more level position. 

I did get my six rooms and two baths swept today; I haven't been feeling much like doing more than simple basic stuff since I got this head cold. I also ran a load of laundry, and it is in the dryer right now. Then there is the trash to bag up and carry down to the edge of the street for early pickup tomorrow morning. 

Reruns have begun on television, so there is not a lot to look forward to on that. There are some new shows coming on and there are reality shows which I don't care for at all. 

Back to Memorial Day...I had four brothers who were all in the U.S. Army...the two oldest ones served in World War II, and then came home to work at jobs and build families.They saw military action in the Pacific Theater of Operations. 


My next oldest brother was in the army during the Korean war and served his time in Germany, and my youngest brother was in the army during some of the years leading up to the actual involvement of the troops in the Vietnam War, and he served his time in Massachusetts. 


Teresa, my youngest daughter met her first husband, Bill, while they were both in the Air Force, and they had a son, B.J. who is also now in the U.S. Air Force. Her present husband, Tom, was in the U.S. Air Force.  B.J. is carrying on the family tradition. I also had uncles who served in the military, both the army and the navy. While none of them were killed in the line of duty, they all served proudly, keeping our country safe from the enemies that would invade. 


Say, have you ever had banana popsicles? I bought a package of them last week at the grocery store, and they are wonderful when you need a little snack but not a whole lot. I think about half the package is gone already. They are good when you are bothered with a cough, too. 


Have any of you been having trouble getting the blogger to cooperate with leaving comments? It was acting like one of those computer loops from long ago, and I tried three times to leave a comment on someones posting, before I finally succeeded. I've been having difficulty with my Firefox browser, too. Anyone else been having problems? 


Well, that is about it for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Hey, Y'all,
Well, here it is Saturday afternoon, and I thought I would kind of bring you up to date on progression of my flower beds. As you may remember, a month or two ago, I had the hedges removed from in front of my house, and considered how much better flower beds would look. I even posted some pictures of the young men who removed the hedges for me as part of a church work day.
hedges in front of window
Working to remove roots from in front of other window

Clean up after removing hedges

Grandson, Matthew, working with the youth group

Unpopulated flower beds built by Daryl and sons (no pics available of them building)

Pics of some flowers now populating flower beds (planted by yours truly)
There you have it, and soon to be some more flowers purchased and planted when I feel up to it. My heartfelt thanks again to my wonderful family for providing me with the flower beds, and to Daniel and Whitney for the Lowe's gift card for purchasing some flowers to plant.

I did get more sleep last night than the nights before. I piled three bed pillows up and was able to elevate my head so I could breathe better (asthma complicated by a head and chest cold makes sleeping difficult). I was diagnosed with asthma sixty years ago, and have always had allergies, so a cold makes my life somewhat difficult. Boo hoo, whine, whine. Ha ha. But all kidding aside, I am grateful for sleep when I can get it. My computer is a great friend to me when I am up in long hours in the early morning.

I have studied my Sunday School lesson and am prepared to teach tomorrow. It is wonderful to be able to share God's word with my fellow class mates. I am so thankful to be provided that opportunity again after several years of not being able to do so.

This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. More later. Bye for now.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Happy Birthday, Julia!

Hey, Y'all,
Today is the birthday of Julia, Andrew's wife, and mother of their two adorable children. On Sunday last, we celebrated her birthday, mine, and also Mother's Day for all three of us  Carol-(Andrew's mom and my daughter), Julia, and me. It was a really happy occasion (except for my pesky nose running - never did catch that darn thing) and we had a wonderful time together. In attendance were Matt and Amy, Ben and Emily, Andrew and Julia with their two girls, Daryl, Carol, and their houseguest, Audra, who is here in Bedford doing an internship at Nordstrom's Dept. Store. Audra is a college student from grandson Daniel's church in Illinois, and of course, me.

  Amy looks on while Andrew and Matt prepare meal
Emily, Ben, Julia, Amy waiting
Posing for Grammy
Daddy's girl
Grandma's girl
"I'm adorable, too!"
Carol, Daryl, and Audra


Well, those are some of the pictures of our fun time together on Sunday. I'm so glad I could share them with you, my friends and family all over Blogland. :) 


I am feeling better, but still have a nagging cough. I got out yesterday to the library to return books and check out three more to read. I also made it to Lowe's to get some plants for my flower beds. Tomorrow I will publish pics of my flower beds, before and after, so you can see how they were built and then how they look with some flowers planted. Yes, I actually did get the flowers planted that I purchased, and did it myself. 


After I got three hours sleep last night, that was it...I've been up since 1:30 a.m. (cough, cough, cough) drinking lots of water, and using cough drops. I hope I can get a nap sometime today. I did find out yesterday that one of the tornadoes came through just about six blocks down the street and passed about a block from where Carol and Daryl live. They were sitting on their porch watching the clouds, and I was sitting in my bathroom waiting for the "all clear" signal. Branches from a neighbor's tree barely brushed my roof as they came off their tree. I was oblivious to everything going on around me, except I could hear the hail hitting my roof. 

Well, this is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. More later. Bye for now.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

In Hiding

Hey, Y'all,
Well, I am feeling better and was by yesterday afternoon, but last night had my first experience at hiding from a tornado in many years. It was not the most pleasant by any great means. At about 7:30 I gathered together my flashlight, cell phone, book to read, two banana popsicles, plantain chips, bottle of water, and headed to the bathroom connected to my bedroom and left the television on loud enough for me to hear it. First, I sat on the closed commode seat and had my popsicles before they melted. (I had my late lunch/early supper at about 2:30 in the afternoon). So, while I was eating my popsicles, I was listening to the last songs being performed by Scotty and Lauren on American Idol. I had a few chips then, and closed that bag and began reading. 

I heard hail hitting the roof, and then some rain, and then nothing but the television blaring warnings, and occasionally Glee music, since it was tuned to Fox network, but mostly the weathermen were controlling the airwaves with their continuing updates on the weather. 

Pretty soon, I was sitting on the bathstool in my bathtub, and trying to be comfortable. The keyword here is "comfortable"....not happening....leaning against the wall, dozing off...waiting two hours until the television finally declared the area safe..Duh! You may be saying, "Why not just get your pillow and lie down in the tub"? Are you going to be there to help me get up? Ha! 

About 10 p.m. I donned a nightgown and crawled into bed, through hiding from twisters and glad I had a bed to get into, feeling sympathy for those who don't. I can't imagine what it would be like to have my roof blown away, with water pouring in, getting everything soaked...well, I can imagine, actually, but it is not a pretty picture. I have been watching pictures of devastation in Joplin, Missouri, and seeing the rescue efforts still taking place there. My heart goes out to them.

Well, enough of that jazz...Back to my visit to Tennessee...
On Monday, the 16th, my 78th birthday, I went to visit with one of my long-time friends, Gwen, and spent two and a half hours chatting with her at her beautiful home out in the country. Gwen and I were at Carson-Newman College together, and had some really good times there, so we have been friends for nearly fifty years. Her husband passed away just seven months before mine did, which gives us even more in common. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture of my visit with Gwen. She served me some really yummy cake and hot tea. 


At about noon, I met another longtime friend, Dot, who was also one of my college friends. We had a prolonged lunch at Perkins in Dandridge, and I do have a picture that I asked the waitress to take. Dot drove up from Benton to have lunch with me. 
Dot and Me

Well, this is about it for today..tomorrow, I will have pictures of the new flower beds constructed by my son-in-law, Daryl, and my grandsons. While they were putting together my flower beds, Carol and Emily were putting together my bench and glass topped patio table, which I had taken apart back in Tennessee last July. It had been sitting on my back deck, waiting for me to put it together again. They took pity on me and did it for me. Aren't I fortunate to have such a wonderful family? They constructed the flower beds for Mother's day and my birthday. I also got a gift card to use at Lowe's for the flowers to go into it. 


It is just now five a.m. and I may go back to bed for awhile, if hunger doesn't get the better of me and force me to have a very early breakfast...hmmm.


This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.

Monday, May 23, 2011

My Stay at the Minnis House in New Market

Hey, Y'all,
Feeling kind of crummy today...thought I just had allergies, but I think now it is a cold. I'll try to post an upbeat entry today, but my heart is just not really in it. Just want to sleep but can't.

Anyway, the next morning after I got home from Tennessee, I discovered a new way to lose ten pounds. I got up and went into the bathroom, stepped on the scales, and Shazam! I had lost ten pounds. I couldn't wait to tell Teresa about it, so I sent her a text message. Then I thought, "I'll just check that again" and got back on the scales. Only this time, I put on my eyeglasses. Alas! The ten pounds were back again. Just shows what a difference there is between seeing the numbers clearly and not seeing them clearly. Ha ha! That was the fastest loss and regaining of weight I ever experienced. 

I wanted to show you some pictures of the bed and breakfast I stayed in while in New Market, Tennessee. It is owned and operated by two really good friends and long-time acquaintances of mine, David and Kim Stapleton. The Minnis House is quite old, and beautifully refinished and furnished. 

Kim took my picture while I was sitting on the front porch of the Minnis House
This is the downstairs bedroom where I slept
This is the folding door to the bathroom in my room
These are  the sitting rooms where one can just relax and chat.
This is the stairway to the upstairs three bedrooms.
This is the dining room
Kim and David prepared and served a delicious breakfast the next morning, and Gene and Judy came over and had breakfast with me and then we left for Sunday School and church. I had enjoyed my stay tremendously and would recommend the Minnis House to anyone who is going to be in the area. This is not a commercial, but simply a kind word to my hosts for that evening and morning. 

Later that Sunday (just a week ago) I dined with Gene and Judy and we played Rummykub (I had never played it before) at her mom's house. Later I went to see the performance by the four children's choirs at church, then after that was over, I went on back to Knoxville to my Mae's home. 

Yesterday, I was privileged to teach my Sunday School Class. It was wonderful to be in the teacher's place again; it had been a long time since I taught. I will be teaching again next Sunday. Yesterday afternoon we went to Andrew and Julia's house to celebrate two birthdays (Julia's and mine) along with Mother's day (Julia's, Carol's and mine) We had four generations in the house during that celebration. Isn't that wonderful? Pictures on this tomorrow. 

This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Breakfast calls to me. More later. Bye for now. 

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Congratulations to Daniel and His Family

Hey, Y'all,
Yesterday my oldest grandson, Daniel J. Bennett, received his Doctorate in Divinity from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky at the ripe old age of 33 years. He is married to the beautiful Whitney and they have four adorable children. He is the pastor of a church in Illinois, and has authored a book, called "A Passion for the Fatherless". To say we are all so very proud of him would probably be an understatement, but what makes us most pleased of all is that, like his siblings, he is an individual who loves his family and does his best to please his Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I know his family deserves much of the praise for his accomplishments, because they have all supported him faithfully. Congratulations to you, Grandson!


Yesterday, I put some pictures on my post from my visit back home, and here are some more comments and pictures.


On Saturday morning I went to visit my former neighbors who lived next door to me in New Market. Scott, Laurie, Mitchell, Olivia, and Gabriel. Laurie's parents were visiting them at the same time, so I was privileged to see them as well. We spent about two and a half hours talking and laughing, and then I was on my way to Jefferson City.

                          Laurie's Parents who live in Michigan

                                                 Scott

        Laurie and Gabriel (he is a live wire and loves the outdoors)

                     Mitchell (who just got his driver's license)

           Olivia  (who takes ballet and had a recital that afternoon)

We had a really wonderful time together (as always). I left around 11:30 and headed for New Market to check in to the Bed and Breakfast at New Market where I was to spend the night. Teresa called me to say they were on their way to visit with me (Hurrah!) I had not seen them since we buried Dubby back in July of last year. Since that time, Teresa had undergone treatment for breast cancer and has been pronounced "in remission", Thank God! 

Tomorrow I will post pictures of the Minnis House Bed and Breakfast interior at New Market. It is a delightful old place and has been a residence until its present owners bought it a couple of years ago and refurbished it, to open it as a bed and breakfast. I understand they stay booked up pretty much. It is on a shady street right in the big town (ha ha) of New Market. We have one traffic light which until a few years ago was a two way stop. You also will not want to speed through the town, unless you wish to pay the price of a speeding ticket. We do love to have people slow down and enjoy the beauty of our little burg. 

Tom, Teresa and I went to The Gondolier for lunch and had a really yummy meal. Teresa and I shared Spaniko PItas (Spinach pies) She added a salad to hers, and Tom had grilled tilapia with rice. If you have never had a Greek Spinach Pie, you haven't lived. OH MY! They are so goood. 

After lunch they came over to the Bed and Breakfast and spent some time with me, and then went to the motel to check in and rest after their long trip up from Alabama. Then around 6 p.m. they came and picked me up and we went to Judy's mama's house, (Marian's), and had supper with Gene, Judy, and Marian. After supper, we played Dominoes, of course. Then about 10:30, Tom and Teresa had to leave, and took me back to the Minnis House, where we said our goodbyes and they went back to the motel, and I went in to sleep for the night. 
     
 Gene, Marian, and Judy (we were playing Chicken foot Dominoes)
      Judy, Tom and Teresa (That is me behind the camera, ha)
Well, folks, that was most of my Saturday, just a week ago today...it seems kind of like a dream now, but a very pleasant one. However, it is good to be home, and now on to life as it is now. 

Yesterday, I did get most of my laundry done, and slept in my own bed again. Well, actually, I slept in my own bed again the night before, but it was better last night. I did finally have to turn my air conditioning on, because the ceiling fans just weren't doing it for me. Sigh... If I am not cool at night, I can't sleep well. 

It is only 6:30 now, but I have been up since 5 a.m., and needed to get some things done this morning. I haven't been to the grocery store yet, so I must make that little journey. Last night I did get to watch the season finale of The Mentalist (I had taped it while I was gone)...Oh my goodness! Enough said, I don't want to spoil it for those who may be watching the season on DVD and haven't gotten it yet. 

Well, this is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later. 

Friday, May 20, 2011

"Are You Blabbin' Grammy?"

Hey, Y'all,
On Monday of last week, I had supper with the senior group from my church here in Bedford, and one of the couples mentioned to me that their daughter was returning to the Knoxville area on the same day as I, but a later flight. So, on Wednesday I was sitting in the DFW airport waiting for my flight to be called, and I was reading a book. I had on the little hat I wear in my blog. A young woman came up to me in the airport where I sat and asked "Are you Blabbin' Grammy?" Ha. It was the daughter that the couple was telling me about. She told me her parents read my blog. She and her husband have a restaurant in Pigeon Forge called "Fried Catfish", so if you are ever there, tell her you know Blabbin' Grammy. I am posting some pictures today from my visit to the Knoxville/New Market area. 


Some places that I went did not get pictures taken, and for that I am regretful, but nothing can be done to remedy that error. I did not get to go to the cemetery where Dubby's remains are interred because it was so cool and rainy. In fact it was that way most of the time I was there. Guess what it is doing here today??? Yep, rainy..it had been sunny till yesterday evening. Ha.
Left to right: Carolyn, Phyllis, Me, Ginger (At Abner's Attic having lunch with some of my teacher friends)

Supper with family (Niece Norma, Her mom Mae, Imazo, and Me) Mae and Imazo are my sisters-in-law)

My friends from New Market, Ruby and Rita (there is a story here)

Mae, Norma, Imazo and I were having supper at the Texas Roadhouse in East Knoxville and I was facing Rita in the picture just above. She waved at me and asked do you remember me? Well, of course, her face was so familiar, but out of place (you know how it is when you know someone but see them in a different place from where you know them); so they came over and told me. Of course, then I remembered. Our church at New Market does the Appalachian Outreach every summer, where we feed missionaries who come in from other churches out of state and work with Carson Newman Appalachian Outreach to repair homes of economically deprived persons who live in the area. The churches in our area choose a week and feed the missionary groups. Our week this year is in June, and of course other churches that participate choose their own week, and have other groups that come in during their week. Anyway, to get to the point (finally) Ruby and Rita have helped in several years at our church. Ruby also went to school with my brother, John, I think. 

Well, I have a lot to do today, so I had better stop for now. More pictures later. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Bye for now. More later.  



Saturday, May 14, 2011

Hey Y'all,
Here I am in New Market, Tennessee sitting in the living room of the bed and breakfast where I will be spending the night tonight. My good friends, Gene and Judy, arranged for my stay here for me as a birthday gift. My daughter, Teresa and husband,Tom came up and are spending the day with me. They arrived here at about one o'clock this afternoon and we had lunch at the Gondolier Restaurant in Jefferson City and YUM! It was delicious! Teresa and I had Spana Kopita, which is like spinach pie. It is triangular shaped in flaky crust. I had not had it since the last I ate there about a year ago.

My flight from DFW was uneventful and pleasant. I am writing this on Teresa's I PAD, which I am somewhat unfamiliar with, so it will not be my usual long and witty epistle.Ha. I have been staying witH my sister in law, Mae, who will be 92 years old in November and still gets around pretty good, with all things considered. About four weeks ago, she fell at the Cracker Barrel, which is one of our favorite eating places, and injured her collarbone and bruised herself up pretty badly. She is much better than she was and doesn't have to wear her right arm in a sling any more. I have been making our breakfast each morning. We went out to eat at another of our favorite places on Wednesday evening, Louis' restaurant. They serve the best spaghetti we have ever eaten.

On Thursday I met three teacher friends of mine at a little tea room and had lunch in one of their back rooms. We sat there for two hours and you should have heard us (or maybe not)...I am sure we must have sounded like we were having a wild party back there. We all taught together for many years and always had good times together. Those two hours were like good medicine to me.

I will be reporting more good times when I get home to Texas next week. With pictures to boot. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. More later. much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now.

Yesterday, my niece, Norma, who is Mae's daughter, took Mae, Imazo, and me to the Texas Roadhouse F


Yesterday, my niece, Norma, who is Mae,s daughter

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Modeling - A New Career? Ha ha.

Hey, Y'all,
Well, of all the different hats I have worn in my lifetime, like mother, grandma, wife, daughter, sister, teacher, librarian, storyteller....you get the idea...I had never thought I would ever be a model for an ad, but I got my chance to be that very thing a few months ago. 

My granddaughter, Emily, called me and asked if I would mind her taking some pictures of me for a flyer that she was doing for a retirement place up in Plano. I said, "Wow! You want to use me as a model? Sure, I would be happy to." My kids would say "Oh, yeah, Mom would love to be the center of attention, she does it so well." Ha.  To say I am not shy would be an understatement, and I don't mind admitting it. After all, they say 'the truth shall set you free', don't they?

So, she came over and took some photos and here is a copy of the flier that she produced to advertise some kind of tea for seniors. I neglected to mention that she is a graphics designer for some company in Arlington. She is very good, too. Emily is also an artist as well, with a degree in art and graphics. (and she is beautiful, to boot). 

Oops, the server won't let me upload it, apparently there is some kind of copyright on the flyer, so, sorry.  But here is the picture she took to make the flyer. Not nearly as good as the cutout she did to make the advertisement. She used just my head and my hand holding the cup. (She deleted the fatty arms and body. Ha). 

Anyhow, that is my venture into the world of advertising and modeling. I once thought I would love to be an actress. I think it would be great fun, but now I would have trouble remembering lines to say. I would probably do a lot of improv and substitute lines instead of using the scripted lines. Ha ha ha. I was in a couple of plays in high school and even had the lead part in a couple of them. They were Beta Club plays. Ah well, no fame and fortune here. I guess I will just go on with life as it comes. 

It is very early in the morning and sometimes, when I wake up, it is easier to just get up, and stay up awhile, then go back to bed. You know, I tagged a few people the other day with some questions. One of them did the "meme" and answered the questions. If you want a good read, go to my blog of Saturday, and click on Susan's link to read her answers. Also, click on Cathy's link and read her answers. 

Oh, heck, while you're at it, click on the other links and read their postings, and enjoy them even though they didn't have time to do the meme's. Isn't it wonderful at the variety of bloggers we have? I am going to try to follow all the threads of the meme and see how many different ways they are answered. Thanks again to Cathy for tagging me, and to Susan for answering. I am so grateful for all those who come to visit me and leave comments --also for those who come to visit me without leaving comments.

By the way, I had a great time with the seniors at the Cotton Patch Cafe for supper. I always do. What fun...eating and talking with my peers. I look forward to eating with them again on Monday week. (the 23rd).


My posting tomorrow will be early too, since I will be taking off like a big bird (in a big Eagle) for Knoxville tomorrow morning. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Bye for now. More later.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Salt, Anyone?

Hey, Y'all,
Just going to chat about a few things today...about a week ago, I went to Walmart and had breakfast at the Mickey D's there. I always buy a sausage/egg/biscuit and a couple of the baked apple pies. I give one of the pies away to someone sitting there in the eating area, and eat the other pie after I have my biscuit. So, looking around, I see this old fella who is kind of all hunched over (from Osteoporosis no doubt), and I gave it  to him with an explanation. 


I walked on over to another table and sat down with my tray and book. The man said "Thank you," and I said, "You're welcome," and set about to get situated to read and eat. In a minute or so, he said, "How do you like this awful weather?" Of course, the weather was beautiful, and so I said, "I love it!" Then I thought, "This man is trying to strike up a conversation with me; I don't want a relationship, I was just trying to be kind." I began to be a little nervous, because I didn't want him to follow me around inside the store. Do I think this will stop me from sharing an apple pie the next time? No. You may be asking "Why does Ruby buy two pies?" The answer is: One is the same price as two, so why not get two and give one away? So that is what I do.


As you may know if you read this post the other day, I was intending to eat a leisurely lunch at a little tea room on Saturday and then go on to the Artisan Theater which is nearby to the tea room. Well, as Dubby would say, "I struck out there!" The tea room had no room for one person to sit, because it was booked up with ladies who were celebrating Mother's Day weekend. I told them that I was a mother, too, but that didn't cut any ice with them. Oh, well, I left and went to a nearby Wendy's. Unfortunately, the amount of salt in my Wendy's lunch was so much that I did not dare eat any supper. My ankles swelled up pretty much through Saturday night and all day Sunday with the salt. I ate very little on Sunday, too. Sunday I put on a pair of new T.E.D. hosiery that I ordered to wear, on the advice of my cardiologist.


Back to Saturday afternoon...I went on to the theater after I ate my lunch and sat beside a delightful lady named Romaine, and we sat there and enjoyed the play, Neil Simon's "Proposals". One of her friends was in the play and this was Romaine's first time to attend the Artisan. 


Yesterday, after church, I went to Carol and Daryl's home, and had lunch with them and Matt and Amy, and Ben and Emily. We enjoyed that tremendously and then played some dominoes, and also got to talk to Daniel, Whitney, and their four children (Carol/Daryl's grandchildren and my great grands) on Skype. Isn't Skype wonderful? Ah, the wonders of technology!


Only three days from now, I will be in Tennessee, visiting with friends and family. Can you tell that I'm excited, kind of? Well, yeah...Oh yeah. last night, I saw a new Law and Order, Criminal Intent...yes, I am a fan of Goren and Eames. I love watching Vincent D'Onofrio. I have seen him in several movies. He is called "the actor's actor". 


I have some shopping to do later today, and also need to return some library books. For Mother's Day and my birthday which is coming up next Monday, my kids and grandkids here are doing the flowerbed construction for me, and Tom and Teresa in Alabama sent me some Farmville dollars, for my game playing. By the way, I won't have access to a computer in Tennessee so beginning on Thursday, (I'll do an early posting on Wednesday maybe) it will be a week until I will be back on. 


Supper this evening with the group of seniors from my church that I eat with on Mondays. I'll try to keep away from too much salt, I promise. I haven't had my breakfast yet this morning, but it is time. 


This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Somebody's Mother

Hey, Y'all,
Yeah, I know I'm posting this one early, but church comes early in the morning, and I wanted to have time to do this posting well. My mama (we didn't call her mother or mom) loved poetry and was always reciting something for us, and I guess instilled the love of poetry in at least some of us. She loved to sing old songs too. When I say old, I mean those that were popular back in the early 1900's...like "Put My Little Shoes Away," and "Please, Mr. Conductor" (the sad songs).

This poem today is one that she recited and also it was in one of my elementary school readers. (I was in elementary school in first grade in 1939, so that tells you how long ago I was in school). I think it was in a sixth grade reader. This poem was written in 1878 by Mary Dow Brine who lived from 1816-1913, very close to a hundred years of age.

Somebody's Mother

The woman was old and ragged and gray, And bent with the chill of the Winter's Day.
The street was wet with a recent snow And the woman's feet were aged and slow.
She stood at the crossing and waited long, Alone, uncared for, amid the throng 
Of human beings who passed her by Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye.
Down the street with laughter and shout, Glad in the freedom of "school let out,"
Came the boys like a flock of sheep, Hailing the snow piled white and deep.
Past the woman so old and gray Hastened the children on their way.
Nor offered a helping hand to her-So meek, so tired, afraid to stir
Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet Should crowd her down in the slippery street.
At last came one of the merry troop, The gayest laddie of all the group;
He paused beside her and whispered low, "I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."
Her aged hand on his strong young arm She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,
He guided the trembling feet along, Proud that his own were firm and strong.
Then back again to his friends he went, His young heart happy and well content.
'She somebody's mother, boys, you know, For all she's aged and poor and slow,
'And I hope some fellow will lend a hand To help my mother, you understand,
'If ever she's poor and old and gray, When her own dear boy is far away.'
And "somebody's mother" bowed low her head In her home that night, and the prayer she said
Was 'God be kind to the noble boy, Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!"


Is that not a beautiful poem? I think of mama when I read it, because she had to walk several blocks each day to work, and I know she walked through snow many times to do so, In her later years, she had ulcers on her legs that sometimes oozed and she had to wrap cloths around them. She never complained. She worked in the hosiery mills for fifty years from the time she was eleven years old till she was 61. She also knelt next to her bed every night and prayed. I know she prayed for each of us.

We quite often took her for granted. You may not realize how much your mother means to you until she is gone. If your mom is still living, let her know how much she means to you. If she isn't, find someone who needs to hear how much she is appreciated and tell her how special she is to you.


This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you. Bye for now. More later.

Tagged!

Hey, Y'all,
Well, it seems I have been tagged by Cathy at Cathy  

Okay, folks I am new at this linking stuff, so all I know is to do the whole thing.
 I purloined the tag badge from Cathy, (who purloined it from her friend who tagged her) and now I am going to tag three other people who will be listed at the end of the questions I am answering. 

1) If you could go back in time and relive one moment, what would it be? There are too  many of those to name just one. I have had a long life, thank God!


2) If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be? Man, there are a lot of those and some too personal to speak of here, but one would be to have more people at my second wedding - the one where I married my sweet Dubby.

3. What movie or TV character do you most resemble in personality? Oh, gee, I don't know, maybe Ma Kettle? You would need to ask my daughters that one about me. Ha.


4. If you could push one person off a cliff, who would it be?
Hmmm...No one I know would get that close to the edge of a cliff, especially not me. Ha. I am so acrophobic you wouldn't believe it.

5. Name one habit you want to change about yourself. Procrastination.


6. Describe yourself in one word: Sorry, I can't limit it to one so I will make it hyphenated...feisty-tenacious-funny. Ha.

7. Describe the person who named you in this meme (what in the heck is a meme? I never heard that one before)in one word. Dedicated

8. Why do you blog? I like the social interaction and I write because I must express myself, besides which I began it to keep people informed of how Gramps and I were doing.


Now, here are the addresses of my three nominees: Margie at  Margie's Musings Susan at I Think, Therefore, I Yamand Karen at Karen, Following the Whispers. 


This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Got lots to do today. More later. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. Oh, yeah, how did I choose the three nominees? Have you ever heard of putting the names in a hat and drawing out the winners? Nah, I didn't do that. More later. Bye for now.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Lovely Fridays

Hey, Y'all,
Well, here it is Friday again, and it seems today is going to be sunshine, fresh air, and lots of people out and about. Not I, though, I had the tevee on from about 4 a.m. this morning, sleeping through part of it, and finally up around 7:15. Right now they are telling about the weather headed this way and 86 today, in the 90's tomorrow. Looks like rain by Wednesday when I go to East Tennessee. That means it will be in Tennessee by Thursday...Ahhhh.

I did get a few things done yesterday, and had a few more driving adventures which I will not relate here, but I must say yesterday was quite exciting as I continue to get used to these roads around here. I learn something new every few weeks. I went to Walmart to return an article of clothing and didn't find another to replace it, so I bought a pack of chewing gum and went on to  do some pricing of materials to make some flower beds. First, I went to Home Depot and then to Lowe's.

For Mother's Day, I told the kids that I wanted flower beds built in front of the house where the hedges used to be. I am buying the materials and they are doing the building of them. Don't get me wrong here....I didn't just come out with "Hey, kids, I want flower beds for Mother's day and my Birthday." No, they did ask me what I wanted and that was what I asked for. 

Last night I went over to Carol and Daryl's at suppertime, and didn't really intend to eat anything because I had eaten a late lunch, but you see, she had macaroni and cheese, black eyed peas, and cornbread flapjacks, so I had to eat some. Just couldn't resist...I took my plans for the flower beds that I had drawn up, and Daryl looked them over and we talked about how to best do the flower beds. 


Tomorrow is the day that I go to see another live production at the Artisan Theater in Hurst. I can do that because the kids gave me a year's season pass at Christmas time. Down the street from the Artisan is an antique store with a tea room inside and I will eat my lunch there. I usually go alone, and have no problem doing so. Fortunately, I am rarely lonely, because I am comfortable inside my head. (A slimmer body would be nice, though, ha.)


Well, speaking of a slimmer body, breakfast is calling to me, "Ruby, Ruby, come in and prepare some food....eat, eat, eat!" ha. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Helps in Times of Sorrow

Hey, Y'all,
Well, here I am sitting and trying to play catch up with a lot of bloggers. It is really a wonderful,  yet challenging effort, but I am determined. I have gained a lot of new followers and I know I can get around to all of them soon. In a week, I will be heading to Knoxville to visit family and friends that I left behind when I moved to Texas to be with family here. 

When I came here and my Sweetie Pie passed away, it kind of hit me hard, and my daughter, Teresa, suggested I begin playing Farmville to take up my time and give me time to settle in here. Well, folks, I have an addictive personality (yeah, really, I must have, because I find myself getting up at 3 in the morning to harvest crops or some such foolish thing) It really helps when you can't shut your mind down, and consequently can't sleep. It is more harmless than say, taking a drink of hootch or popping sleeping pills to get the rest. Praying does help, and I've done plenty of that. 

Love and comfort of family helps tremendously as well. Being here with them has been irreplaceable. 

Writing my thoughts and feelings and reading comments on my blog helps as well. Reading other people's blogs and commenting on them helps tremendously, too. As for having an addictive personality, I used to be hooked on playing the real arcade games on the computer and kicked those. Eventually, I guess I will leave the farm behind (maybe), but you know what they say about "you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl." ha. I grew up on the farm and I love East Tennessee. 

I went to Walmart yesterday and made some purchases, and I am going to have to go back today and return one of them for an exchange. Hate to do that, but I must. I am getting kind of hungry right now, and need to see to breakfast and then get changed to go out. It is supposed to get up to 80 degrees this afternoon. For those of you interested in some pictures of results of tornadoes in Alabama, my daughter, Teresa, does a blog called "Pickin' up the Pieces" and a link to it is under "other interesting blog sites" on the right hand side of this blog. Her writing is also very good as well.

Involvement with other people has helped tremendously too.
I went yesterday and had my picture made for the church directory, then had supper there (they serve meals on Wednesday afternoon before church during the school year), then choir practice afterwards. 

I got home in time to see American Idol contestants do their second song for the show competition. I really love seeing them perform. They are so talented! I think James will probably come out the winner, but I would love to see a girl win this year. Scotty is really good too. 

Well, this is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.  

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

People Are Living in the Computer (Fiction)

Hey, Y'all,
Did you know there are people living in the box that sits on my daughter's desk in the spare bedroom? It is true! No, really! It is kind of like a little television set, and when she turns it on in the morning, I hear all kinds of noises. There is a voice that says, "You've got mail!" I think, "Mail? It's too early for the mailman," but I run outside and look in the mailbox anyway. That man is lying to her! I knew there was no mail. I even told her, but do you know what she said? "Oh, mom, that was just AOL."

AOL, what in the heck is AOL? Well, then I go into the kitchen and make us some breakfast. That girl apparently needs something to eat, because she sure ain't makin' sense the way she carries on about that AOL man. 

A little later, I go back in there and she is still sittin' in front of that little box just a typin' away on them there typewritin' keys. It sure don't look like any typewriter I learned on about 65 years ago. It ain't got any paper and no roller to put it into. She calls that whole thing a computer. 

Wonder where she gets that name for it? I thought computin' was somethin' you did in your head when you was figgerin' and addin' up stuff. You know, workin' with numbers, so's you would know how much somethin' was goin' to cost when you went to the grocery store, like a addin' machine. 

Another thing I hear comin' from that computer thing is sounds of cows, and chickens, and horses, and pigs. Does she have a farm in there? It sure sounds like it. Wonder how there is room in there for a farm?

Well, all I know is...I got no use for that thing they call a computer. It is pure craziness to me, and I wouldn't even know how to turn it on. I touched it the other day, just out a' curiosity, you know, and I must have touched the wrong thing, because all at once the face of it went black. Oh, my goodness! I must a' broke it. I vowed never to touch that thing again. None of that stuff for me!

Well, y'all, that is my little bit of fancifulness for today. I kind of told it from the viewpoint of the uninitiated to the pleasures of communication by computer. Hope you enjoyed it.  Carol and I went out for supper last night at a small local family owned restaurant last night. It was Italian, and delicious. We had a really good time. I was glad to be able to get out with her for a little one on one. Teresa tells me she is going back to work today after the tornadoes that ripped through near where she lives in Alabama. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. More later. Bye for now.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Just One More Dream

Hey, Y'all,
Last night (in my dreams - I do dream every night, in technicolor) I was in a big building that I had to either take an elevator or climb the stairs. I had been on an upper floor of the building and sitting at a table. The legs of the table reached to the floor of the first level and the only way I could see to get down to the first floor was to grasp the leg of the table (tubular metal legs) and slide down (like a fireman's escape) to the first floor. 

Later (in my dream) I had to get back up to the second floor and walked back up the stairs, and was looking for Dubby (my husband, who passed away last July). I searched among the faces of the people sitting on chairs and couches, and he waved his hand to me (as he often did when he knew I was looking for him). Then I woke up. 

I got up for a few minutes and then went back to bed, and dreamed something I can't really remember the particulars of, and then awakened again. I turned over and went back to sleep. This time I dreamed of being on a city bus, and I had two freshly baked sugar cookies. I took one out of the bag and began to munch on it. It smelled so yummy and it was not long before the other passengers began to look at me, and I felt bad because they didn't have any. Soooo, I got up and began breaking off pieces and sharing with them. Pretty soon, that one was gone and I was sharing pieces of the second one. That was when I woke up and it was time for me to crawl out of bed for the day. Anybody got any sugar cookies? I could sure use one right now...I would be sure to share it.   :)

Well, last evening I was picked up here by some of the fellow seniors who go out each Monday evening for supper. They were kind enough to stop by for me because of the location of the eating place and my lack of familiarity with it. We went to the Spring Creek Barbecue restaurant, (this is not a paid advertisement for them) and I had a delicious dinner of barbecued pork ribs (so really tender), potato salad, and baked beans. Reckon that was what gave me some of the wild dreams? Ha. I would go back for more in an East Tennessee minute (probably a little longer than a New York minute because life moves a little more slowly in E.T. ha)

Well, I reckon that is about it for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. More later. Bye for now. 

Monday, May 2, 2011

After the Ball is Over...

Hey, Y'all,
You know how you feel after Hallowe'en and you've eaten a lot of candy...or like when an event that you've been looking forward to and now, it's over? Or like when you've been in College, studying like mad, and then all at once, it's summer and finals are over and you're wondering what to do with your time? That's kind of what it is like to be finished with the "A to Z Challenge." You wonder, now what...well, for me, it is reflection on the many things that I have read in the wee hours. 

I have read a lot of other people's writings, and have been enjoying them greatly. I am enjoying the new friends that I have made this past month, also renewing friendships made a year ago, and also continue enjoying those that have continued to support me over the past several months. I know many people read my rambling thoughts that do not leave comments and that is very comforting to me as well. 

The receptive audience that keeps my brain cells stirred up and to put my thoughts out there in blogland is a wonderful opportunity for me to keep mentally active. I appreciate all of you so very much. 

Now, I will go back to my daily (almost) meanderings not in any particular fashion, of life and thoughts in Bedford. Life goes on...I will be visiting many  of those on the looooong list of bloggers, now that I have the time, and also getting to know those who have signed on as followers better.

Thank you all and thanks to the moderators who kept things running so smoothly. 

We had rain last night and this morning, and it continues on all day. It was raining and storming last night when I went to bed and has continued all night. I may go back to bed after while if it keeps thundering. Ha. I love to lie in bed and listen to the rain. I actually had to leave the bed spread comforter on the bed last night to be warm. I have not had either the air or the heat on for the past couple of months. I have ceiling fans to keep the house comfortably cool and if I don't go out during the day, many times I just keep my gown and housecoat on. Meowww...I am a creature of comfort. Ha. 

This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you, my friends and family. Bye for now. More later.
  ADDENDUM: 
This is a complaint (friendly, but still a little gripe I have ) 
Why do some bloggers make it so difficult to find the place to leave a comment? With some, there is no clue as to how to leave one and no matter how hard the reader searches, he can strike out and not be able to leave one. There are several that I have really wanted to comment on, but just gave up finally. Sorry, folks. Plain and simple is nice. (KISS) Keep it Simple, Sweetie - Love to all of you, anyway. Ruby