For Every Problem...

For every problem, there has to be a solution. Today, I had one such situation. You see, I love the Cadbury Creme chocolate eggs, but with new lower dentures, I had no way of biting into it.  I just finished eating my first of the season. The answer?

I simply got a kitchen knife and cut up the chocolate egg. Voila!  It was yummy. I didn't even need my dentures to enjoy it.

Don't give up your pleasures in life just because you are presented with a problem that could put obstacles in your path.  Put on the old thinkin' cap and solve it..

When a Person Is 79 and Lives Alone

It's a funny thing, but I had always heard about when people live alone, they do a lot of talking to themselves, but didn't really think much about it. Now, I know it to be true, because now I do it all the time. Some of the remarks I make to the television are really humorous, too, but no one else can hear them, so they are almost wasted. After all, if they can't be appreciated by anyone else, why should I even make them?  Ha!

Actually, though, I know that I'm not going to stop because I enjoy my own humor too much to stop.

Anyone who knew my family was aware that we all enjoyed a good story or a good joke. People liked hearing my dad tell a joke or a funny story and he was good at it. He had a quick retort to anyone's comment. He also laughed at his own jokes right along with those listening to them.

What prompted me to write this post today was a remark I made to a tv commercial for a thermal patch for the aching back. It showed knots in cords in the aching back. I remarked, "Ah, so that's what the knots in my back look like!"  Now you may not think that is funny, but I thought it was at the time.

What a fun time I have at my place!

Keep Watching

Hey, Y'all,
Keep watching this space for the beginning of a new story. It is right now taking shape in my imagination. :)

A Stranger Came to My Door (A True Story)

Hey, Y'all,
 
Yesterday, I was sitting in my living room, working on a quilt, when the doorbell rang. You know, when you are expecting someone to visit, you almost always know it will be them at your front door. However, when I opened the door to a stranger, my surprise must have shown on my face (unfortunately, what I am thinking almost always registers on my face). Looking at the man, I took in his unkempt appearance, and I'm sure he could see my reaction clearly.

However, when I said, "Yes?" he replied, "Ma'am, I'm not a salesman, well, actually, I guess I am. I am trying to sell these candle holders so I can buy my children some gifts for Christmas."

I looked then at the contents of his hands. He was holding two of the ugliest Christmas decorations I have ever laid my eyes on. To describe them: they were two sections of wood about eight inches in length, that had been cut from the kind of timbers one puts around flower beds. You know, the kind that is flat on two sides and rounded on the other two sides. A hole had been cut about an inch and a half into the center of the wood. The hole held a small candle, and the one side of the wood had a painted with tempera paint decoration. 

He then proceeded to tell me that he couldn't find work, and that he was a convict and wanted to buy his children some presents and was selling those decorative candle holders for ten dollars each. 

While he was talking, I noticed he had a tattoo on one of his arms that said "Rattlers". He was wearing a white tee shirt and wrinkled blue jeans. He also had one of those badges that attaches to the wearer's clothing that stated his name and that he had a permit from the city of Bedford (where I live) to sell his goods. 

We talked about the tragedies that had taken place recently and (I was the one who brought them up, not he) I told him I would take both of the things he was selling, and asked him to wait right there. He was still outside the house, of course. 

Within a minute or so, I was back with twenty dollars and handed it to him. His response was a hearty thank you, and then he said, "ma'am, are you sure you can afford this?" I said, "Yes". Then he said, "Last chance to change your mind, ma'am." I think he believed I really couldn't afford it, because I was wearing my old red dress that has seen better days. 

I assured him that I wanted him to have it, and told him I would be praying for him and his family. He thanked me again, and said he was glad I would be praying for him. I sent him off with a "God bless you."

After he left, I had many thoughts about him, wondering about his situation. Did I do the right thing? I don't know...All I know is that perhaps I had a visit from Jesus seeking help. I couldn't turn him away.       

Happy Birthday to My First-Born, Carol

Good morning to you, my friends and family. I am taking a break from my fictional scribblings today to wish my first - born, Carol Deanna Grey Bennett, a happy birthday. It is a big one for her since she will be turning a zero at the end of the number. I'm not saying what number is in front, for that is for her to say if she wishes. 

Carol is a very busy woman, very much taken up with family and friends, doing, always doing for others. She is loving and giving, caring and beautiful. 

We are so blessed to have her in our lives. 

We will be celebrating her birthday at her and Daryl's home this evening, with most of her family.

Teresa and Tom in back. Me, Carol and Daryl in front

   This is a photo taken last year when our family from Alabama came in to spend Christmas with us. Teresa is my dear youngest daughter. We had a really great time then. But then, we always have great times together. 

Happy Birthday, Carol! I love you!

Blessings All Mine, With Ten Thousand Beside

Hey, Y'all,
Since today is the time we stop and reflect on our many blessings, I thought that instead of writing and adding to my fictional story, that today's edition would be true. 

So many things I have to be grateful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and the Heavenly Father for providing for me. I know I will not be able to list them all. 

First of all, for my salvation, so freely given to me - 
For the Word of God that I can read anytime I choose.
 
Next, for the long life I have had and for the family given to me, I am truly grateful.

My  husband of so many years, who has gone on to be with Jesus, was so good to me and for that I give thanks.

My children, their mates, their children and grandchildren and all mates are so very dear to me. 

Friends that I have made throughout the years, so many that have become family to me, for all of them, I give thanks. 

For a home that provides shelter, for food that provides strength, for clothing to cover my old bones, for strength that is given to me daily, I give thanks. 

For the skills and gifts that God has endowed me with. 

For rhe gift of reading and writing, I am so very thankful.

For the patience I have learned, (still learning), I am grateful.
  
For the laughter that God has filled my life with, to enjoy the friends and family that He has given to me, I give thanks. 

My great grands in Illinois have just received the quilts I made for them for Christmas. Here are their pictures. 

Noah

Ellie

Hannah

Austin

They do look happy, don't they? It makes me feel so happy to see them so delighted with their gifts. Each quilt was created to suit their tastes. 

I will soon be in the process of making twin sized quilts for Andrew and Julia's two little girls and most likely their little brother.

Which brings me to the fact that I am thankful for the ability and the finances to be able to make quilts. 

Yes, God has truly blessed me, and for that I am so very thankful.
"For His Faithfulness, Mercy and Love; Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside."            

Ouch! That really Hurts!

Hey, y'all!

I wanna tell you about my experiences this week (since all my Facebook friends already know about it).  On Tuesday after lunch, accompanied by daughter, Carol, I went to my dentist's office, on a mission to have him extract my remaining seven natural teeth.   The final objective was to leave with a full set of new choppers.

Well, he was using Nitrous Oxide ( laughing gas), but believe me, it was really no laughing matter. To begin with, dreading the impending extractions, my blood pressure was close to dangerous levels. This was due to my allergies regarding some of the Caine injections normally used by dentists for numbing the gums. I am never sure when I go to a new one, that they won't forget and use a topical anesthetic and that they will also use Carbocaine which is acceptable to use. 

Anyway, along with the elevated blood pressure, which they waited for it to lessen, then began extractions, the first tooth broke off at the gum. The Dr. had to pick and drill out the pieces. The gums began bleeding profusely, so after five extractions, and closing the gums with sutures, he decided to wait until yesterday to pull the final two.   

That went without a hitch, and he put my new dentures in my mouth. Now, I'm dealing with a sore mouth and gums (which always comes with extractions) attempting to adjust to the dentures. The dentist did a beautiful job and I'm looking forward to having a healed  mouth.  I am using Vicodin to help alleviate the pain and taking a few days break from my "Jack" story. 

Best regards to all of you. Ruby.