When I was called to come into the testing area for the chemical stress test, I greeted and was greeted in return by the two ladies there. We remembered each other from the times before. Very simpatico.
I was immediately hooked up to the EKG stuff, and a blood pressure cuff was put on my right arm, followed by their beginning to monitor my vital signs. Then the chemical was injected into the iv needle, and I had to begin describing how I was reacting physically to it.
At once there is a constricting warm feeling in the throat, chest, and arms. They give you a cup of water to drink, with instructions to do so. At once, you feel nausea, have difficulty swallowing, and have a headache. Then the feeling begins to subside. My arms were hurting, so they gave me an injection of a drug to counteract the drug to simulate the stress. I can't remember the name of the counteracting drug.
They gave me a small bottle of orange juice and some peanut butter and crackers.
They could tell from the monitor when the pacemaker I have took over the beating of my heart. It actually does two-thirds of the heart beating.
After more rest, I repeated the fourteen minute picture taking session that I did at first. The needle was removed and after clipping the two arm bands, I was given the opportunity to say goodbye to the place until I return next Tuesday for the pacemaker check and to see the Doc and hear the results.
All my testing took about three hours or so.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Yesterday
For those of you who have never had a chemical Stress Test or an Echocardiogram, this is how mine went yesterday.
After being checked in at the Heart and Vascular Center, you wait til your name is called. Then you proceed to the first room where you have an IV needle placed in a vein, after which they inject a radioactive isotope and you drink a cup of water. You then sit awhile and wait for the isotope to circulate to the heart.
Next step is going to another room where you lie on your back for fourteen excruciating minutes with arms above your head, while a machine makes a very slow circuit over the chest, taking pictures of the isotope circulating in the heart.
That was painful to me because of the spinal stenosis I have. I got up with numb feet and legs.
The next procedure is an Echocardiogram. In this procedure, electrodes such as are used in doing an ekg are placed on the chest. Then after donning a beautiful paper shirt or gown, open in the front, the patient lies on his (her) left side and the technician has an instrument such as sonograms are done with. The Tech applies a gel to the head of the instrument and proceeds to place it in various spots on and under the left breast of the patient and the action of the heart is registered on the machine that is operated by the tech.
Thirty minutes later, the patient is released to put their blouse or shirt back on, then head back to the waiting area. Ten or fifteen minutes later, after sitting in the waiting area again, the patient is called to have the stress test done.
Tomorrow, I will relate the procedure for that, because this is already longer than I thought it would be!
After being checked in at the Heart and Vascular Center, you wait til your name is called. Then you proceed to the first room where you have an IV needle placed in a vein, after which they inject a radioactive isotope and you drink a cup of water. You then sit awhile and wait for the isotope to circulate to the heart.
Next step is going to another room where you lie on your back for fourteen excruciating minutes with arms above your head, while a machine makes a very slow circuit over the chest, taking pictures of the isotope circulating in the heart.
That was painful to me because of the spinal stenosis I have. I got up with numb feet and legs.
The next procedure is an Echocardiogram. In this procedure, electrodes such as are used in doing an ekg are placed on the chest. Then after donning a beautiful paper shirt or gown, open in the front, the patient lies on his (her) left side and the technician has an instrument such as sonograms are done with. The Tech applies a gel to the head of the instrument and proceeds to place it in various spots on and under the left breast of the patient and the action of the heart is registered on the machine that is operated by the tech.
Thirty minutes later, the patient is released to put their blouse or shirt back on, then head back to the waiting area. Ten or fifteen minutes later, after sitting in the waiting area again, the patient is called to have the stress test done.
Tomorrow, I will relate the procedure for that, because this is already longer than I thought it would be!
Monday, May 11, 2015
What Next?
The A to Z challenge brings on such a "high" that afterwards, I have to consider, What next? Another story, just chit-chat, or what?
This morning, I am headed towards getting a chemical stress test done (the first in two years). Pretty sure the results are not going to be what I would like to hear, but also pretty sure there's nothing I can do about it.
No gloom and doom here, just plain truth.
Anyhow, I've been thinking about my next story and I do have plans to write one. A few thoughts have been rattling around in the old noggin, and pretty soon, I'm sure they will begin to take shape. In the meantime, I reckon maybe I'll just go on talking...
This morning, I am headed towards getting a chemical stress test done (the first in two years). Pretty sure the results are not going to be what I would like to hear, but also pretty sure there's nothing I can do about it.
No gloom and doom here, just plain truth.
Anyhow, I've been thinking about my next story and I do have plans to write one. A few thoughts have been rattling around in the old noggin, and pretty soon, I'm sure they will begin to take shape. In the meantime, I reckon maybe I'll just go on talking...
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Is She a "Linus" Cat?
I have a soft, cream-colored blanket that I used to put over my legs in cold weather. It is kept on my short couch in the living room.
On mornings after the nights that my cat, Bella, is yowling to know where I am, I come into the living room and see that blanket stretched out in the living room floor.
Has it become a security blanket for her, such as the one that Linus drags around?
On mornings after the nights that my cat, Bella, is yowling to know where I am, I come into the living room and see that blanket stretched out in the living room floor.
Has it become a security blanket for her, such as the one that Linus drags around?
Friday, May 8, 2015
Commercial-a-holic
Is that not really a word?
No matter! For more than seventy some odd years, I've loved hearing and after the advent of television, seeing commercials.
They were on often enough for me to commit many of them to memory to such a degree that I still can sing the ones from my childhood, such as the "Cream of Wheat " ditty that sponsored "Let's Pretend", which portrayed fairy tales back in the 1940's. The stories they acted out introduced the world of fantasy to me.
There were commercials that promoted cigarettes, such as the fellow named Johnny, a little person who had a big voice, and shouted, "Call for Philip Morrrris!"
Among the commercials that I have really enjoyed over the past few years are those promoting the insurance company called GEICO!
Some people find commercials irritating and time consuming. I just consider them to be another form of entertainment.
What about you?
No matter! For more than seventy some odd years, I've loved hearing and after the advent of television, seeing commercials.
They were on often enough for me to commit many of them to memory to such a degree that I still can sing the ones from my childhood, such as the "Cream of Wheat " ditty that sponsored "Let's Pretend", which portrayed fairy tales back in the 1940's. The stories they acted out introduced the world of fantasy to me.
There were commercials that promoted cigarettes, such as the fellow named Johnny, a little person who had a big voice, and shouted, "Call for Philip Morrrris!"
Among the commercials that I have really enjoyed over the past few years are those promoting the insurance company called GEICO!
Some people find commercials irritating and time consuming. I just consider them to be another form of entertainment.
What about you?
Thursday, May 7, 2015
A Symbiotic Relationship
Right now, my life is a very sedentary, quiet one. No great upheavals or drama. That is the way I enjoy it right now. Recently, I took my four-year old cat, Bella, a gentle Tabby with blue eyes, to the vet's to have the front two paws declawed. I left her there for a week until her paws were healed.
I went to visit with her every day, except for the last day, Sunday, because the office was closed that day.
After I picked her up and brought her home, a three minute trip, I fed her, only to have her throw it up almost immediately.
She had been traumatized by the whole week, being away from me and going through the surgery.
Since coming home, she has not been more than six or seven feet away from me except to use her litter box. So, I have stayed home all week and just sat with her.
I'll be going out to breakfast with a good friend this morning. We'll see how that goes.
Bella is always waiting near the door when I come home.
Do you have a pet? Or are you their pet? It is, after all, a symbiotic relationship, is it not?
I went to visit with her every day, except for the last day, Sunday, because the office was closed that day.
After I picked her up and brought her home, a three minute trip, I fed her, only to have her throw it up almost immediately.
She had been traumatized by the whole week, being away from me and going through the surgery.
Since coming home, she has not been more than six or seven feet away from me except to use her litter box. So, I have stayed home all week and just sat with her.
I'll be going out to breakfast with a good friend this morning. We'll see how that goes.
Bella is always waiting near the door when I come home.
Do you have a pet? Or are you their pet? It is, after all, a symbiotic relationship, is it not?
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Goals in Life
Yesterday, I mentioned in a comment an essay written by a man that is called "The Station". The person who wrote it was Robert J. Hastings.
Now, without the express approval by his estate, it is not supposed to be published, so instead of breaking the copyright law (after all, I would not want someone to publish my work without my approval, would I?), I will simply refer you to it. It is easy to find on the internet, simply enter "The Station by Robert J. Hastings" and you will be taken to it.
Please do so; you will be pleasantly rewarded. It is an excellent piece of work. Since it was good enough to be used by Ann Landers Or Dear Abby, you know it's gotta be good.
When we begin our lives as babies, the only goals we have are being fed, diapered, kept comfortable and loved. Those are mostly the goals of our mamas, actually, if we are fortunate.
As we grow older our goals change, according to our lifestyles, and needs.
But, as the essay I mentioned tells us, we are always looking ahead.
Sometimes, depending upon one's situations, the goal is just to survive to another day.
What are your goals?
I like to make people laugh and enjoy being around me.
Now, without the express approval by his estate, it is not supposed to be published, so instead of breaking the copyright law (after all, I would not want someone to publish my work without my approval, would I?), I will simply refer you to it. It is easy to find on the internet, simply enter "The Station by Robert J. Hastings" and you will be taken to it.
Please do so; you will be pleasantly rewarded. It is an excellent piece of work. Since it was good enough to be used by Ann Landers Or Dear Abby, you know it's gotta be good.
When we begin our lives as babies, the only goals we have are being fed, diapered, kept comfortable and loved. Those are mostly the goals of our mamas, actually, if we are fortunate.
As we grow older our goals change, according to our lifestyles, and needs.
But, as the essay I mentioned tells us, we are always looking ahead.
Sometimes, depending upon one's situations, the goal is just to survive to another day.
What are your goals?
I like to make people laugh and enjoy being around me.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Measurements of Life
Sometimes it seems as though our lives are spent in measuring.
"What time is it? How many days til my birthday? How long until Christmas, or when does school let out for the Summer? "
The last question applies to teachers as well as parents and children.
We measure ingredients for cooking, for scientific formulas.
We take measurements if we make furniture or if we sew.
Then there is the question we face many times in life, "Will I measure up to expectations?"
The big question is, will we, like Nebuchadnezzar, be weighed in the balances, and be found wanting? (Not be found worthy)
"What time is it? How many days til my birthday? How long until Christmas, or when does school let out for the Summer? "
The last question applies to teachers as well as parents and children.
We measure ingredients for cooking, for scientific formulas.
We take measurements if we make furniture or if we sew.
Then there is the question we face many times in life, "Will I measure up to expectations?"
The big question is, will we, like Nebuchadnezzar, be weighed in the balances, and be found wanting? (Not be found worthy)
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Zander
Comment moderation is always off on this blog...Thanks.
What's in a name? A few years ago, I heard a name that was new to me. Now, if this is your name, or that of a loved one, please forgive me.
I asked myself, when I heard (read) the name, "Why would anybody on God's green earth ever hang a name like that on a pore (southern pronunciation) little, defenseless baby?"
Well, I have two friends who named their little boys Zander, which is why I didn't ask it out loud.
So, this morning, I looked it up. Come to find out, it is an abbreviated form of the name, Alexander, and its origin is Slavic and Greek. It means, "strong defender ".
My apologies for the critical view that I had taken. When I realize that I am wrong about something, I'll be the first to admit it.
More power to all you little Zanders out there! May you live up to the meaning of your name and defend the weak and powerless!
And don't pulverize them when they poke fun at your name, please.
What's in a name? A few years ago, I heard a name that was new to me. Now, if this is your name, or that of a loved one, please forgive me.
I asked myself, when I heard (read) the name, "Why would anybody on God's green earth ever hang a name like that on a pore (southern pronunciation) little, defenseless baby?"
Well, I have two friends who named their little boys Zander, which is why I didn't ask it out loud.
So, this morning, I looked it up. Come to find out, it is an abbreviated form of the name, Alexander, and its origin is Slavic and Greek. It means, "strong defender ".
My apologies for the critical view that I had taken. When I realize that I am wrong about something, I'll be the first to admit it.
More power to all you little Zanders out there! May you live up to the meaning of your name and defend the weak and powerless!
And don't pulverize them when they poke fun at your name, please.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Yielding
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One of the most difficult lessons we face in life is that of yielding, or giving over, to another person or situation.
It is an innate characteristic we possess.
It is a lesson we have to learn over and over, from the time we are small children, learning to yield to parents demands, then in school to teachers' demands, and in, oh, so many situations as adults.
To be yielding is often considered to be soft, giving up, docile - yet, it sometimes requires great inner strength to yield or to cede what we hold dear.
In days of Old in England and France, the days of Kings and Knights, they had jousting tournaments, and other contests of strength and valor. When a knight was bested, he either yielded or was slain.
We are cautioned, however, about yielding to temptation and are urged to yield our lives to Christ and turn in faith to Him and Saving Grace.
One of the most difficult lessons we face in life is that of yielding, or giving over, to another person or situation.
It is an innate characteristic we possess.
It is a lesson we have to learn over and over, from the time we are small children, learning to yield to parents demands, then in school to teachers' demands, and in, oh, so many situations as adults.
To be yielding is often considered to be soft, giving up, docile - yet, it sometimes requires great inner strength to yield or to cede what we hold dear.
In days of Old in England and France, the days of Kings and Knights, they had jousting tournaments, and other contests of strength and valor. When a knight was bested, he either yielded or was slain.
We are cautioned, however, about yielding to temptation and are urged to yield our lives to Christ and turn in faith to Him and Saving Grace.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Callie, The Xanthippe
Feel free to comment. Moderation is turned off.
Herman Wilkins sighed. Callie Hawkes, next door, was at it again. Would she ever be happy with anything Benny did to try pleasing her?
Looking out his window, he observed the couple on their patio. Benny had just finished trimming the hedge around the edge of their yard, and, to Herman, it seemed to be quite even and neat.
"I wish I could get mine to looking that good," Herman was thinking.
Benny sat down at the table, placing the hedge trimmers on the edge of the table. His wife, Callie, was sitting and drinking a cold glass of something, doing her usual carping.
"Benny! "Those hedges are not even! Don't you know how to do anything?" She shouted shrilly at him.
"Apparently not," he muttered to himself.
"Get those nasty trimmers off the table! It's like living with a heathen!"
She went on, not stopping for a breath.
"You forgot to carry out the trash last night, and I had to do it myself! Just like everything else around here! God knows why I ever agreed to marry you! My dear Mama warned me! She told me you'd wind up being the death of me! But I didn't listen! More's the pity!"
"Hmmm. I agree, Callie." He muttered again.
Herman turned away from the window, and went to hug his own wife, who was in the living room.
Outside, Benny stood, turned slightly, smiling, to the woman who never seemed to let up on her caustic criticism of him as a man. He picked up the hedge-trimmers.
"Perhaps I'd better have a go at a do-over," he replied and revved up the electric hedge trimmers. ...
Herman Wilkins sighed. Callie Hawkes, next door, was at it again. Would she ever be happy with anything Benny did to try pleasing her?
Looking out his window, he observed the couple on their patio. Benny had just finished trimming the hedge around the edge of their yard, and, to Herman, it seemed to be quite even and neat.
"I wish I could get mine to looking that good," Herman was thinking.
Benny sat down at the table, placing the hedge trimmers on the edge of the table. His wife, Callie, was sitting and drinking a cold glass of something, doing her usual carping.
"Benny! "Those hedges are not even! Don't you know how to do anything?" She shouted shrilly at him.
"Apparently not," he muttered to himself.
"Get those nasty trimmers off the table! It's like living with a heathen!"
She went on, not stopping for a breath.
"You forgot to carry out the trash last night, and I had to do it myself! Just like everything else around here! God knows why I ever agreed to marry you! My dear Mama warned me! She told me you'd wind up being the death of me! But I didn't listen! More's the pity!"
"Hmmm. I agree, Callie." He muttered again.
Herman turned away from the window, and went to hug his own wife, who was in the living room.
Outside, Benny stood, turned slightly, smiling, to the woman who never seemed to let up on her caustic criticism of him as a man. He picked up the hedge-trimmers.
"Perhaps I'd better have a go at a do-over," he replied and revved up the electric hedge trimmers. ...
Monday, April 27, 2015
Wants, Wishes and Work
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We were poor, so there were no extras. Many times, food was scarce or non-existent. Mama had a "saying" for just about everything or situation .
If we expressed a want, Mama would most likely counter with, "There's a man in jail, wantin' out, too."
We knew that meant we weren't going to have whatever we had asked for. But for years, I wondered who that man was, until I realized that she meant no particular person, just anybody who was in jail.
We might say we wished something and she would say, "Put the wish in one hand and spit in the other. See which one fills up first."
Through the years, we came to realize that in order to fulfill wants and wishes, we needed to work to do so. Rarely will any thing just be handed to us on a silver platter. My Mama encouraged us to always do our best
Her saying for that was, "Things that you do, do with your might; things done by half are never done right."
Each of my siblings and I grew up with a wonderful work ethic.
The only things that come free to us are sunshine, rain, fresh air, and God's Love, personified in the person of Jesus the Christ, if we accept Him as our personal Savior.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Victimology
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Do you know any victims? I'll bet you do!
They are the ones who are asking, "Why do things always have to happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?"
Or they may think that everyone is out to get them.
"I just can't seem to get ahead...something is always getting in the way of success."
One doesn't have to be murdered to become a victim. It is many times the result of a state of mind.
Sure, bad things happen to people, but look at the stories of so many people who have overcome such things.
Helen Keller and Fanny Crosby are two good examples of blind people who turned tragedy into triumph.
Every day, for those who read the newspapers or watch television, they see and hear stories of how people who could have turned sour on their circumstances turned around to help others.
Victimology can be turned into victory.
Do you know any victims? I'll bet you do!
They are the ones who are asking, "Why do things always have to happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?"
Or they may think that everyone is out to get them.
"I just can't seem to get ahead...something is always getting in the way of success."
One doesn't have to be murdered to become a victim. It is many times the result of a state of mind.
Sure, bad things happen to people, but look at the stories of so many people who have overcome such things.
Helen Keller and Fanny Crosby are two good examples of blind people who turned tragedy into triumph.
Every day, for those who read the newspapers or watch television, they see and hear stories of how people who could have turned sour on their circumstances turned around to help others.
Victimology can be turned into victory.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Under the Weather
Comment moderation is turned off. Please leave a comment (if you wish).
Okay, so I looked this one up. I was curious about it, anyway.
It seems that when sailors or persons who were on a ship would become seasick, they went below deck, where the rocking motion of the ship was not so great and the stomach could settle.
The illness would most often happen when the weather made the seas rough, thus causing the deck to be more difficult to stand on.
Hence, one would be "under the weather" below deck, when they had to leave the deck and go below.
I always pictured a person who was said to be under the weather, walking around with a rain cloud over their head. Ha.
Okay, so I looked this one up. I was curious about it, anyway.
It seems that when sailors or persons who were on a ship would become seasick, they went below deck, where the rocking motion of the ship was not so great and the stomach could settle.
The illness would most often happen when the weather made the seas rough, thus causing the deck to be more difficult to stand on.
Hence, one would be "under the weather" below deck, when they had to leave the deck and go below.
I always pictured a person who was said to be under the weather, walking around with a rain cloud over their head. Ha.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Time
Comment moderation is turned off (actually always). Please feel free to make a comment.
We often think of time: what time is it? What time is the doctor's appointment? What time are they coming to visit? What time is ... and on and on.
Some people try to hold off the ravages of time by getting plastic surgery, or going to spas to rejuvenate. Hah! I'm proud of every line and wrinkle I have. I earned them.
Here are a few quotes from various people about time.
"Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is the current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept away and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away." Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor of 2nd century AD.
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils."
Louis - Hector Berlioz, French composer conductor of the 1800's
"Life is precious and time is a key element. Let's make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own." Harmon Killebrew, American Professional Baseball Player.
"Time, you old Gypsy Man
Will you not stay,
Put up your caravan
Just for one day?"
Ralph Hodgson, British Poet
This last one has been made into a song and was Frank Sinatra's last recording published. Kaye Ballard sings it on UTube.
What are your thoughts on time, if you have time to share them?
We often think of time: what time is it? What time is the doctor's appointment? What time are they coming to visit? What time is ... and on and on.
Some people try to hold off the ravages of time by getting plastic surgery, or going to spas to rejuvenate. Hah! I'm proud of every line and wrinkle I have. I earned them.
Here are a few quotes from various people about time.
"Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is the current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept away and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away." Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor of 2nd century AD.
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils."
Louis - Hector Berlioz, French composer conductor of the 1800's
"Life is precious and time is a key element. Let's make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own." Harmon Killebrew, American Professional Baseball Player.
"Time, you old Gypsy Man
Will you not stay,
Put up your caravan
Just for one day?"
Ralph Hodgson, British Poet
This last one has been made into a song and was Frank Sinatra's last recording published. Kaye Ballard sings it on UTube.
What are your thoughts on time, if you have time to share them?
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Social Media
Comment moderation is turned off. Please feel free to comment. Thank you.
Are you a "Tweeter"? Do you put your face (and other parts of your anatomy) on Facebook?
How "social" are you in relation to web media?
Web media is a useful tool in the right hands. In the wrong hands, however, it can become a weapon.
As I write this, I'm watching a television show about the growing abuse of web media.
Compared to some seniors my age (and some younger people, in fact) I may be considered quite knowledgeable in its use.
However, I know almost nothing about it compared to what my children and grandchildren know.
There are others who are in school and business that can top what my family members can do.
Like most everything, social media is used for both good, and evil. In the hands of criminals, or malicious people, it has become a disastrous tool.
One doesn't even have to be a user of the internet or social media to feel the abuse created through it by hackers.
Opinions, anyone?
Are you a "Tweeter"? Do you put your face (and other parts of your anatomy) on Facebook?
How "social" are you in relation to web media?
Web media is a useful tool in the right hands. In the wrong hands, however, it can become a weapon.
As I write this, I'm watching a television show about the growing abuse of web media.
Compared to some seniors my age (and some younger people, in fact) I may be considered quite knowledgeable in its use.
However, I know almost nothing about it compared to what my children and grandchildren know.
There are others who are in school and business that can top what my family members can do.
Like most everything, social media is used for both good, and evil. In the hands of criminals, or malicious people, it has become a disastrous tool.
One doesn't even have to be a user of the internet or social media to feel the abuse created through it by hackers.
Opinions, anyone?
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
The Relativity of Relatives
Comment moderation is off. Please feel free to comment.
The relativity of relatives has changed over the last forty years, or perhaps even longer ago than that.
What I'm trying to verbalize is the fact that since the fluidity of society has increased, cousins no longer necessarily grow up in the same town, city, or even state.
They no longer have that closeness of seeing each other more often than one week out of the year, or perhaps not even that much.
Close family members ( brothers and sisters) move to other places because of work demands. I have cousins that I was once close to, both in proximity and activities. Not so much any more..
(And some of them have passed on through the years) Some I haven't laid eyes on in years; don't even know if they are still living, in fact.
I still love them, but what can we talk about other than "Old Times", and reminisce about who married who, and was that five kids they had or was it six...
If it were not for " Social media " even the amount of staying in touch that we do now, would be lost to many.
In the final analysis, it's all relative, isn't it?
The relativity of relatives has changed over the last forty years, or perhaps even longer ago than that.
What I'm trying to verbalize is the fact that since the fluidity of society has increased, cousins no longer necessarily grow up in the same town, city, or even state.
They no longer have that closeness of seeing each other more often than one week out of the year, or perhaps not even that much.
Close family members ( brothers and sisters) move to other places because of work demands. I have cousins that I was once close to, both in proximity and activities. Not so much any more..
(And some of them have passed on through the years) Some I haven't laid eyes on in years; don't even know if they are still living, in fact.
I still love them, but what can we talk about other than "Old Times", and reminisce about who married who, and was that five kids they had or was it six...
If it were not for " Social media " even the amount of staying in touch that we do now, would be lost to many.
In the final analysis, it's all relative, isn't it?
Monday, April 20, 2015
Quilts
Comment moderation has been turned off (for a long time)....Please feel free to comment.
Those of you who know me, know that I am a quilter of sorts (quilts, too, ha.) I don't claim to be expert at it. I just like to make them.
My purpose today is just to show you some of the many (I've lost count) that I've made. I don't sell them, but give them away to friends and family. The main pattern I use is called the six hour quilt, based on the Log Cabin pattern.
It does take me more than six hours to make one, though. Some I've made are king and queen and twin size and are always reversible, with both sides being different.
This is just a sampling. I'm not expert at placing the pictures where I want them.
Sorry. Hope you enjoy looking at them.
Grammy Ruby.
Those of you who know me, know that I am a quilter of sorts (quilts, too, ha.) I don't claim to be expert at it. I just like to make them.
My purpose today is just to show you some of the many (I've lost count) that I've made. I don't sell them, but give them away to friends and family. The main pattern I use is called the six hour quilt, based on the Log Cabin pattern.
It does take me more than six hours to make one, though. Some I've made are king and queen and twin size and are always reversible, with both sides being different.
Sorry. Hope you enjoy looking at them.
Grammy Ruby.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Phases and Pastimes
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The major emphasis on our lives is about marriage, raising families, working, etc.
The minor is on pastimes. What we do with the leisure time is important, too. It fulfills the refreshing, the renewal of self.
Phases. Pastimes. That can be applied to many things.
Of course, it stands without reason that I enjoy spending time with family. That is a given.
Wow! Isn't it amazing that there is so much clean stuff to enjoy here on God's Green Earth?
How very blessed we all are!
What about your pastimes?
The major emphasis on our lives is about marriage, raising families, working, etc.
The minor is on pastimes. What we do with the leisure time is important, too. It fulfills the refreshing, the renewal of self.
Phases. Pastimes. That can be applied to many things.
I'm choosing to apply them to the creative sections of my life.
In my creative phases were macramé, pottery and ceramics, Native American and regular storytelling, quilting, rubber stamping creations.
Mixed in during those years was drawing, painting, and small item crafting.
I also embroidered and crocheted items.
Writing stories, blogging, and game playing take up a great deal of time at present. Working jigsaw and crossword puzzles are also lifetime enjoyments. Quilting, of course, cannot be left out.
Reading has been a pleasurable pastime during the last seventy-five years, and I can't forget all the music I have enjoyed, from big band of the 1940's to the music on American Idol and The Voice, along with church music and country music.
Much can be learned from all these things as well. What I have done as enjoyment, many people earn a living by doing.
Much can be learned from all these things as well. What I have done as enjoyment, many people earn a living by doing.
Of course, it stands without reason that I enjoy spending time with family. That is a given.
Wow! Isn't it amazing that there is so much clean stuff to enjoy here on God's Green Earth?
How very blessed we all are!
What about your pastimes?
Friday, April 17, 2015
Old at 82?
Comment moderation is turned off. Please feel free to leave comments. Thank you.
Back when I was a kid, when someone reached the age of 65 or 70, they were considered to be really old, and, behaved so. But even so, they lived with family until they were called to die.
Now, however, the number of people living into their 90's, is becoming quite common.
In fact, in the ladies' Sunday School class that I teach, seven or eight of them are older than I am (81). The oldest is 95 and is still driving. The majority of them live alone, but some live with family.
Both of my parents lived at home until they died in the hospital. My sister, Margaret, who never married, was their caregiver.
As for me, I am blessed in still being able to be on my own, paying my own bills, still driving, making my own decisions. I have no idea how long that will continue, but like most all seniors most likely do, dread the time when it is bound to change unless God sees fit to take me home first. I am very aware that it could change at any time.
If I did become disabled, who knows what would happen? Not I. I can only trust that my children would see that I am cared for.
Many of America's seniors face untenable situations in their daily lives . They live in nursing homes that are just holding pens comparable to cattle way stations. A fortunate few are in upscale places, but not with family, as they used to be. They are still just waiting, mostly.
Times have changed.
Back when I was a kid, when someone reached the age of 65 or 70, they were considered to be really old, and, behaved so. But even so, they lived with family until they were called to die.
Now, however, the number of people living into their 90's, is becoming quite common.
In fact, in the ladies' Sunday School class that I teach, seven or eight of them are older than I am (81). The oldest is 95 and is still driving. The majority of them live alone, but some live with family.
Both of my parents lived at home until they died in the hospital. My sister, Margaret, who never married, was their caregiver.
As for me, I am blessed in still being able to be on my own, paying my own bills, still driving, making my own decisions. I have no idea how long that will continue, but like most all seniors most likely do, dread the time when it is bound to change unless God sees fit to take me home first. I am very aware that it could change at any time.
If I did become disabled, who knows what would happen? Not I. I can only trust that my children would see that I am cared for.
Many of America's seniors face untenable situations in their daily lives . They live in nursing homes that are just holding pens comparable to cattle way stations. A fortunate few are in upscale places, but not with family, as they used to be. They are still just waiting, mostly.
Times have changed.
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