Memories

This morning, my husband said to me, "We need to clean off that refrigerator." I responded with,"This is a place for memories." And it is.

There are things on that refrigerator that has been there since my daughter was in elementary school and then after her children were born. She turns 40 on Tuesday, so that tells you about how long a couple of those things have been on those doors. And I will not do away with them. The little furry dog on the top of the left hand door was made by my daughter when she was in early elementary school.

There is a picture on the right hand door on the bottom that my granddaughter drew 4 or 5 years ago as she sat at my kitchen table. There is a snowman on the left door that one of the older kids made in school. There is a 4 generation picture at the top of the left hand door that has my mother, me, my daughter, and her daughter when Heather was about 3 years old. And she turns 21 in March.

I have two friends who have passed away whose memories are on those doors. One was a woman I sang with at church. She made little fly swats that had a real-looking fly on them. I have one on the door. Also, another friend from Australia sent me several things, one of which was a magnetic map of Australia and these two things are at the top of the right hand door.

There are memories of Bible school when my daughter's oldest son and daughter would come and go to VBS at the church. They would make something and bring it home to me. Well, some of those things are also on the door.

There are memories from bus tours I took with my mother to different places including New Orleans and Pigeon Forge. There is a guitar that I got at the Alabama Museum in Fort Payne, AL last summer. Also Bill's sister gave me the little piano which plays a tune. She had given him a computer, but it got knocked off and broken. She later gave him a Mr. Fixit. It hangs just below my daughter's two oldest children (they were about 4 and 5 there).

There are so many memories hidden beneath the things on that door that I could not begin to throw them away. Maybe they look ragged or perhaps even distasteful to some, but to me, they are precious memories.

I am a keeper if lots of memories of both my children and my grandchildren. When I pass the refrigerator, I can always think of them and what they mean to us. And I know that, when you display what they have made or given to you, it warms their hearts. My daughter has taken after me and has a refrigerator with probably more displayed than me.

Technorati Tags: Memories, Children, Pictures

Thanksgiving Holiday is over

Hopefully, everyone had a very good Thanksgiving and the turkey was just right! We had ham and all the trimmings and it was great. Our daughter and her family came home for the meal and fellowship.

We all ate too much which is nothing usual when you have a table laden down with goodies! Those included ham, chicken dressing, green beans, broccoli, creamed corn, macaroni (what meal doesn't include this for the kids?), potato salad, rolls, and sweet potato pie. Two things were missing and a grandson and granddaughter let me know it. This was a loaf of homemade wheat bread for my grandson and a banana pudding for my granddaughter. So you can already guess two items that will be on the Christmas menu!

The two youngest grandsons spent the rest of the holiday with us. They wanted to work for Papa to make a little spending money. They also wanted to play pool and basketball. They also spent lots of time watching football games with us and playing basketball on their Playstation. We took them home this afternoon where they found their Christmas trees already up. I heard one ask if there were any ornaments left for them to hang. Of course not; Mom and daughter put them all up. So, now we are waiting Christmas with lots of shopping to do in between.

Technorati Tags: Thanksgiving, Holiday, Christmas

A toilet or commode?

My Mother always said never air your dirty laundry in public, but she never mentioned the toilet/commode. And this has you wondering why I am doing this now.

Well, a friend of mine told me she always says commode for the indoor plumbing, but was told it was a toilet. To her I said, “I always think of the outhouse of years ago when I hear toilet”. Lots of people do not even have a clue as to what an outhouse is, so I thought I’d inform them.

During my younger years, our small town did not have running water. We had to rely on wells and there was not enough water to put in indoor plumbing. We had a bathroom, but it wasn’t like those we now have in homes – no commode or bathtub. And, the outhouse was down a path where you often had to go late at night with a flashlight. We didn’t give it a thought back then, but I’d think twice now going out late at night.

I remember one funny incident that happened when my younger brother and I had gone there one cold night. In those days, there was a Foremost milk truck that brought milk to your front door. The milk was in coated paper cartons. We always saved the cartons to burn. This one night, my brother had a neat idea, or so we thought. He suggested, rather than light the paper in the carton outside for the one on the outside to stay warm, that we put it in the outhouse. Bad idea!

My Daddy had just built a brand new outhouse, and the floor was 2 x 8’ wood, very thick. But, the carton burned a big, black hole in that floor. I just knew our Daddy was going to tan our hides, but he didn’t. I think that time we were actually saved by the outhouse!

Linked at Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Commode, Toilet, Outhouse

Life throws us curves II

Again, I've been away from this blog for over a week. In fact, I haven't been here too much in the past three weeks. As I wrote in the first Life post, my husband's sister suffered an aneurysm and was in the hospital. Last Thursday, all tubes were removed and she was moved into Palliative Comfort Care at the hospital where they tend to your needs and that of the family until you pass or are healed. His sister went to be with the Lord Sunday morning about 11:40. We all had left to bathe and rest a little and only her son was with her. We think she knew her husband was gone and she was alone with her son.

So many things have transpired in these three weeks in NICU and Palliative Care. We have met so many people who were facing the same things we have faced. As one man put it, "we have family here, although we had never met before". And, you become entwined in other families sorrows. Everyone is praying for everyone else. You can hardly wait to see the person to whom you have become a close friend in order to find out the latest prognosis.

We saw people come in with accident victims who were badly hurt, even brain dead. We saw many come in with aneurysms. And, these things are not limited to older people. We were surprised at the number of young people in NICU with a sickness that meant they would probably never come out unless God intervened.

The one thing that has stayed with me is the amount of faith in those waiting rooms. Just Saturday, a mother stopped us in the lobby of Palliative Care and said she remembered us from NICU. Her daughter, who is only 29, married with 2 children, had a bad car accidedt and is brain dead, but still alive. Her heart is still beating. She told us, without faith, she'd not be able to handle the things they have gone through. But, she went on to say that, one day, God sent a messenger to pray with them and, after the prayer, she said she felt a peace come over her. She realized God didn't let her daughter go immediately, but gave them time to come to terms with her impending death. I believe the families of these patients are testifying to people there that possibly do not know the Lord. They don't know who is a Christian and who is not, but they are unashamed in telling their story as to how God is helping them deal with their problems.

We left a 20 year old young man in NICU who may or may not come out. His Mom and Dad were taking him to work, a tire blew, and it threw them in the path of an 18 wheeler. But, we went back to visit another friend, and found this young man's uncle there. I asked about his nephew, and he started talking about God. He said he would never know why this happened, but he knew it was for a purpose. He said perhaps it was to draw him back to God - that he had strayed since his Mom died, but had been seeking Him again since his nephew was thrown out of the car.

There were so many similar incidents, so many people's lives that have been completely changed due to those accidents. But, the majority of them still hold on to their faith,never buckling under when they hear the words, 'you know he/she may not ever leave the hospital'. Perhaps they feel this themselves, but they continue to have faith in the Lord. It takes a strong dedicated Christian to never waiver.

Technorati Tags: Life, Curves, God, Hospital, Faith

Life throws us curves

As you have seen, I have been absent from this blog most of this week. Life does throw us curves that we wish it may not have. Ours was a personal one in my husband’s family.

On Monday morning of this week, my sister-in-law was at her exercise class. She became very sick and they called her husband and the paramedics. They thought she had a stroke. But, after getting to the hospital, she had an aneurysm to burst in her head. It has been touch and go with her all week. She was transferred from her hometown hospital to UAB in Birmingham, AL, where she is just holding on, according to the doctors. She had surgery to repair one aneurysm. But, it has been up and down with her situation. One day she is responding and her vital signs are stable to the next when she is not responding and not given much chance of living. It has been a roller coaster ride for the family. This happens to be where she is tonight. We had come home to rest up and then go back. But, there has been no change in her condition since we left there in the early afternoon.

We know that we all have to travel the road from birth to death. We hope we have a long stay in this world. And, we should be making preparations for the eternal future. But, sometimes we have no warning to what may happen. Whatever is in her future only God knows. The doctors may give us time lines, but only God knows our future. We want her to stay with us, but God also knows when it is her time to go. If He calls her home, that is His decision and we will have to realize that. God makes no mistakes. We may not see this, especially when someone is so close, but we can rest assured that His Word ‘is truth’ (John 17:17) and God never makes mistakes.

Technorati Tags: Life, Curves, God, Word, Truth

Finding it hard to become motivated

I have no idea what the problem is with becoming motivated – at anything. Perhaps it is this summer heat which has reached the highest temperatures in many years – 106 here, at times. Even when it is in the 90’s, there has been hardly any air to speak of.

I’ve heard people say, in order to cause someone to become motivated at about a particular thing, you need to ‘light a fire’ under them. I don’t know if lighting a fire under me at the moment would motivate me to do much. I have become a little complacent in my life recently, doing only what is necessary at the moment. I have not felt like ‘running a country mile’ to impress anyone outside my husband. I have lots of things I could be doing, especially book reviews, but find it hard to even want to get started. I know I have to do them, but right now is just not the time. It is easier to eat, wash dishes, and sit down to compute than it is to read books. I don’t watch much television, with the exception of news, so that is not a problem. I am sure not addicted to soap operas!

Does anyone have a cure for loss of motivation? Have you had a similar problem with motivation, and found a way to overcome? If you do, would you please share it with me?

I have slackened off on posting even to this blog. Last night, I was trying to figure out a setting for my camera in order to do a picture for a Flickr assignment. I could not figure it out, and was trying to read the ‘fine’ print in my camera manual. My husband spoke up and said, ‘you need to stop emailing so much and study that manual more’. Sure – easy said! When you don’t work outside the house and your friends don’t live near, it is easier to email to keep up with every thing happening in their lives. I cannot give up my emailing!

With this post, I am trying my best to become motivated in order to keep my blog updated. If you come here and do not find me motivated, how about dropping me a comment or an email and tell me to get with the plan!

Linked at Third World County
Conservative Cat

Technorati Tags: Motivation, Complacency,

Win a Fellin's Quartz Watch

Fellin's Jewelers is running a contest in which you can win a man's or lady's Quartz Watch. All you have to do to be eligible to win is to have a blog, and post about the contest. Full details about the contest can be found on their site. The winner will be picked at random.

Their sister site, Ivy Covered Halls, also has some great college graduation gifts. You might enjoy giving one of their Personalized paperweights to your favorite graduate.

Technorati Tags: Contest, Fellin's, Jewelry, Graduation, Gifts

I am the recepient of

I was given the Blogger Reflection Award by DK Raymer of A Flyover Blog. DK and her husband, Mitch, are both writers. I first learned of her blog through Thursday Thirteen. And, I've enjoyed reading it ever since.

I am to pick 5 bloggers who for this award - 5 bloggers who have given me encouragement, been a source of love, impacted me in some way, and are a Godly example. I am happy to know the following 5 bloggers and call them friends, because it is a joy to read their blogs.

Rules for Participants:

1. Copy this post.
2. Reflect on five bloggers and write at least a paragraph about each one.
3. Make sure you link to this post so others can read it and the rules.
4. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment letting them know they've been given an award.
5. Put the award icon on your site.

5 Bloggers of my choice:

1. Peggie at Peggie's Place. I first met Peggie about 10 years ago, having found her web site. We became acquainted and almost instant friends. I have had the privilege of meeting her, her husband and one of their sons several times when I made a trip to Missouri. She has truly been an encouragement to me through the years and is a dear friend.
2. Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life. I was hooked by Cindy's blog title when I first came across it. She is a writer and a radio announcer. And she likes to write about a variety of things on her blog, which certainly interests me. She is a proud grandmother, also, to which I can relate.
3. Barb at A Chelsea Morning. I was cruising around on the Internet and found Barb. And, I have been entertained ever since by her warm writings. She writes about her family - most recently, the marriage of her daughter, Mandy. And, she gives recipes. And, unlike me, is a perfectionist,when it comes to housekeeping. She is such a loving person, too. It has certainly been a joy to know and communicate with her.
   
4. Carol at She Lives. I first began to come to Carol's blog when it sported the beautiful Bluebonnets of Texas. I fell in love with her blog then and how she writes, and have kept coming back. She is a lovely person, a loving Mom, and also has time to play in a band!
5. Neil at Neil's Notes. Neil is an associate pastor in Florida. I enjoy his blog posts, especially about his family and the mission trips he occasionally takes. His blog is just a friendly and enjoyable place to visit.
   

Technorati Tags: Award, Blogger

Home is where the heart is

Yesterday was our 43rd anniversary. So, we had planned on going on a 4 day vacation. We left Thursday morning. We didn't call ahead and get a motel because usually we have no problem where we usually stay. BAD mistake this time! This is the 2nd time we've wound up with no motel in the city where we wanted to stay on an anniversary trip. Won't happen again.

We had to stay about 20 minutes from where we really wanted to stay, closer to coming home. We spent Thursday night, very unhappy with what we had in the way of a motel and it's amenities (the Internet hook up was a farce! - almost non-existent) It was too far from places we wanted to see and things we wanted to do, having to go through 5 lane Interstates filled to the brim, accompanied by road work. That's not fun, even where we live.

So, guess what. We packed our bags and came HOME yesterday. Then, we treated ourselves to a great meal at OutBack Restaurant for our anniversary. It was nice to come home and be lazy (we slept in our chairs for hours) and then crawl into our own soft bed with our own pillows. You don't realize what you are missing, until you do get away from home and have to put up with such soft pillows that you don't know you have one under your head. What a relief to get one that was already accustomed to my head!

We realized it is easier to cut a not-so-exciting trip short and come home (where the heart truly was) than to stay around and spend money when we could have a good time at home. We will go another time when it is cooler and we have planned ahead (my husband said he'd never go off without making reservations again). The only problem was we didn't know if he could get off work until the last minute (they didn't work Mon-Weds because of the 4th), so he asked off for the rest of the week. He know wishes he had worked. We woke up to rain this morning which was badly needed, but it looks like mostly rain all next week. Anyway, we are home now and enjoying being lazy for the rest of the weekend.

Technorati Tags: Home, Heart, Anniversary, Trip

This is the day

When our children are young, we know this day will eventually come. But, too often, to parents, it comes too early. We don't want to realize our children are grown up, going out into the world to experience for themselves what we did many years ago. But, it comes, even though too soon for us. It is graduation.

Yes, once again, it's Graduation Day for many of the high schools around. This is the first year in many years I can say I have someone in the family graduating. It happens to be my daughter's oldest son, Josh. We are very proud of this young man. He is a very well-adjusted person, very sensible and compassionate. He will be leaving home for college this fall, and I know Mom hates to see him go. Just the other night, she said she almost cried when she bought his Graduation card. So, I know tears will flow tonight. They certainly did last Thursday night at Baccalaureate services!

But, we would never deny our children the right to grow up and experience life on their own. Being a Mother, it is sometimes difficult to let go of the apron strings, so to speak. But, just as our parents did in the past, we must let them start life a new on their own and trust that they will take with them the lessons they have learned from their upbringing. If we did our best, then we can almost rest assured those children will not let us down. And, if they make mistakes in life, remember, they are living their lives, not ours. We can only be there for them in time of need, hold their hand, and daily pray for them.

To all the graduating high school seniors, may you find your path in life, and may it be rewarding. And, may I leave you with this thought: Acknowledge God and let Him direct that path. (Proverbs 3:6)

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber

Pirates Cove
Red_State_Blue

I love Spring and flowers

Gerbera daisies I have on my patio table.

Technorati Tags: Gerbera, Daisies, Flowers

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Not only is today St. Patrick's Day, but it's also my Mother's 90th birthday. She is getting a surprise birthday party that she does not expect. She thinks my brother is taking her out to dinner. That will be a surprise.

AN IRISH BLESSING

May your neighbor respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.


Technorati Tags: St. Patrick's Day, Birthday

Mind on hiatus

Lately, the 'storage house' for posts has been empty - 'on hiatus', if you will. Try as I will, nothing seems to come out of it. I've had many thoughts, and when I would sit down to write, there was an emptiness that I just can't describe. I hadn't lost the desire to write - just couldn't pull the thoughts together enough to come up with a good post.

How many great authors are presented with the same problem in their climb to fame? How many times do they have to start over, when writing a story, before actually coming up with something that really works? Here I am, just a blogger who likes to write, and I've been having major problems staying on track with my thoughts. Kind of upsetting when you go 3-5 days without writing anything. This has been going on for a couple weeks, and, tonight, I'm trying to break the chain. Hopefully, I can get back in the swing of things and back on the track of posting at least once a day.

Technorati Tags: Mind, Hiatus, Author, Blogger, Storage House

Be careful: The woman may be trigger-happy!

For Thursday Thirteen, I had written a little clip about something that happened at my house a couple weeks ago. Everyone seemed to be interested in what happened, and said they’d love to have seen the real thing. So, I thought I’d expand on that little bit of information that I supplied my readers.

First off, I never go to the door when I’m alone. I live in the country, and, although it is on a busy road, it is still not safe to open your doors to complete strangers. Now, if a delivery man, such as UPS, or FedEx, someone I already know, comes to my door, and I’m expecting him, I’ll answer. I’ll answer the door, if I see someone I know. But, if you are a stranger, forget it. Even if you’ve had an accident in my front yard, I do not open a door when I’m alone. I may call someone for you, but my door stays locked.

Well, my front door bell rang. This is also a clue you do not know me! So, I sat here quietly at the computer, waiting for it to quit. He kept ringing. So, I tiptoed to the foyer, and peeped out the peep hole. Although I saw a very clean and nicely dressed man perhaps in his mid to late 30’s (probably around my son’s age), there is no way I’d open the door. I came and sat back down.

He got persistent in his ringing my door bells. He went to the back door and tried ringing, and then started knocking! I guess he saw both the truck and car in our garage. But, he had no idea I was at home. It began to scare me. So, I called my husband who told me to get my shotgun and have it handy, and not to hesitate to shoot through the door, if he started trying to come in. You must know, we were burglarized 4 years ago and they literally tore our door to pieces and knocked the frame out of the wall!

I heard him get in his car and leave. But, in a few minutes, I heard this car coming, at a rapid rate of speed, into my drive way. I looked and saw this old, red, remodeled Mustang flying around to my back yard. It got me really upset, and I was shaking so bad, I don’t know if I could have pulled the trigger or not. But, I went to the Den and peeped out and saw his car parked at our little building in the back yard, but he was no where in sight. So, I preceeded to go to the back door in the laundry room, with my shotgun held up high on my shoulder. AND, just as I slid open the blind on my door, the guy had stepped up, ready to push the door bell again! He saw my shot gun, and his arms immediately hit the air. He said, “Ma’am, I mean no harm. I didn’t want you to think I was stealing your gas. I ran out of gas down the road, and couldn’t get you to the door. I’ve left $5 on the can in the shed.”

Well, I was greatly relieved, and I told him that was fine. But, when he left, I got to thinking, that guy just does not know how close he came to being shot. And, as my husband said, that fellow had lots of courage, with our cars at home, not knowing if we were watching, and taking our gas can from our building, where the doors were shut. He said, had he been home and seen it, he would have shot him for stealing! The guy was, indeed lucky that he still has a life! And, I’m sure he will think twice before pulling that stunt again – especially at this woman’s house, where he knows a shotgun is in wait for the next criminal. But, he did leave $5 on the top of the can, so he perhaps was one of the honest ones!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pirate's Cove - Thirsty Thursday Linkfest

Technorati Tags: Woman, Shotgun, Burglary, Criminal

Inspiration for my Blog Name

I was checking out the blogs tonight that I normally read. Cindy Swanson had a post called "What inspired your blog name?" Seems Barb from "A Chelsea Morning" had written about what inspired her to start her blog, and was interested in how others got the title for their blog name. So here I am.

I had never even thought of writing a blog until my son began a couple. He's a computer programmer, and his blog really didn't interest me, since I don't understand a thing he writes about. But, he suggested I start one. So, we talked about different names, something that would give me a chance to write about things that did interest me, like my family, the Bible, spiritual things, or just about news, in general. It didn't take long for Tidbits And Treasures to pop in my head! He thought the title sounded like me, so I went with it, adding the scripture "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," from Matthew 6:21.

I often see those 'catchy names' and wonder if I could have chosen a better one. Seems those with their names attached seem to get more traffic, or perhaps they are just better writers. (smiles)

Why not join in the fun, write a post about how you chose the name for your blog, and go to Barb's site and link it to hers.

Technorati Tags: Blog, Blog Name, Inspiration

The Joy of living in the country

This deer was outside this morning, under our tame crab apple tree. The tree is near the corner of our house at the back, outside our master bedroom window. I actually took the pictures out the window. Each time I clicked the camera, he moved. These are cut from the actual larger pictures.

Handwriting Gone Astray

I was just reading Dan Neil's piece on "Scribbling Rivalry". I can certainly identify with him in saying my handwriting has really changed over the years. Does it really have to do with our use of the computer, rather than our continued use of handwriting as a means of communication?

I can remember when I had a beautiful handwriting. Even now, my 89 year old Mother's handwriting is still beautiful. Hers puts mine to shame! But, then, she's never used a typewriter or a computer. She has always written out everything, whereas we computer users tend to email, pay bills on line, etc, rather than using our hands to write letters.

I have written notes in church and wondered if I would ever be able to decipher my own handwriting when it got cold! When I go to sign my name when using a credit card, it never comes out the same. I wonder when the time will come that the credit card company in question will spit out a 'not accepted' reply. And, I certainly know that, when I sign a check, it is not the same signature that the bank has on my files. But, I once processed checks for payment in a bank. And, we were taught, as long as the person was paying their utility bills, we could rest assured it wasn't a bad check. I can just see all the signatures we turned down, and had to check out, that never looked one bit like their signature on file. But, when investigated, nearly all checks passed!

I have the tendency to get nervous. And, it sometimes shows up when I'm trying to write. At other times, you would think I'm the mastery of handwriting, but those are few and far between. I suppose Dan has hit on a very good truth - computers and Word Processing have almost ruined us computer folks! But, although I would love to write legibly all the time, I wouldn't exchange my laptop and PC for it. I will continue to do the best I can, when I have the occasion to write. But, I do not think I will be writing a letter in longhand any time soon!

Linked at ConservativeCat
Jo's Cafe Specials of the Day
Basil's Blog - Picnic 2006-07-12
Pursuing Holiness Open Trackbacks

Technorati : Computers, Handwriting, Longhand, Scribbling, Typewriters

Laugh Out Loud!

I've been 'visiting' over at Polly Boyette's blog, Life Is a Buffet. If you want a good laugh, just trot on over there! She will certainly never disappoint you. Oh, to be a writer like her would be my desire.

The 'Laugh Out Loud' title came from her site. I read her entry 'Clean Up Your Act', and started laughing out loud. I could not help myself. It made me think of a sermon this evangelist once preached in our church, called 'Valley of Decisions'. Now, he wasn't speaking of the decisions we make in cleaning out our garage or closets. But, Polly's rendition of her sister's performance when cleaning out the garage gave this evangelist a run for his money!

If you have not read her book, "Life is a Buffet So Save Room for Dessert", then you have missed a good book! I did a review on it months ago, and could not put the book down until I had it read. It will keep you laughing all through it. I could picture, almost in detail, the funny things she wrote about - very hilarious, and very entertaining!

Linked at Conservative Cat
Open Trackback Fest
Basil's Blog - Picnic 2006-07-11
Jo's Cafe - Special of the Day

Technorati Tags: Polly Boyette, Life Is a Buffet, Laugh, Laugh Out Loud

Teachers Can Change Lives

All through school, I loved it. It never mattered whether I had a teacher I thought was great, mediocre, or just a bad teacher. Learning was in the blood! But, it is not always that way with some students. Some have learning disabilities, or just don't give a care about anything, even getting an education to make life easier.

I remember this one young boy with whom I graduated. He was in his third year of being a senior. I suppose he never thought he would make it through senior English in order to graduate. But, we had this teacher who came to his rescue in our senior year.She was new, and she loved teaching students, not just the subject. She said she would not have a failing student, and she didn't. Thanks to her, this young man excelled in English, and even literature! And, he graduated! But, what if he had not had that particular teacher to come to his rescue? Where would he be today?

Bill Wineke from Wisconsin writes about teachers who made a difference in his life, and his nephew's life. I think we often forget to give teachers credit for what they do in our lives. I remember this one teacher I loved, but some of the boys did not like her. They made life unbearable for her, when they were in her class. And, they quickly got sent to the principal's office. After all, they were just trying to get out of class. Sometimes it is these kind of students that make teachers wish they had never become a teacher in the first place.

I think the one teacher who made a difference in my life was my very first grade teacher. She made learning exciting. I loved to read, and she gave all those who loved to read and wanted to read the ability to read more. Back then, we had the Dick and Jane books. And, to a first grader, it was exciting to read about little children. I have no idea what first graders read today, but it's not the Dick and Jane series, I'm sure.

I do have one grandson who will be a fourth grader this next year, and somewhere along the way, someone has instilled in him the want to read. He is a straight A student. And, his brother, who will be a sixth grader also loves to read, and can tell you almost to the detail everything he reads. It is so encouraging to see these kids who love to read.

I also remember the principal that was over the school where I went my first 9 years. He was very strict, and also a little bit scarey. Of course, that was a young person's take of him; and, looking back, he wasn't scarey at all. He just had a big hand in the discipline of unruly kids! I wasn't unruly, but loved to talk. I remember our 5th grade teacher sending me and my best friend to him for talking. We thought, "we are going to get the dreaded paddle". But, it was the scare attached, since he only took us to his office, talked to us, and made us clean up his office. But, nevertheless, it stopped our unnecessary talking! Later, he became our teacher, and the fear left us.

Too often, teachers aren't told how much they are appreciated. And, after their death, we remember how much they meant to us. And, we have teachers that never fail to tell us how much they loved having us in class. One teacher in point was my business class teacher, Mrs. Glaze. When I see her even now, after all these years, she tells me that I was her best typing student 'that couldn't pass her last speed drill'. And, she is right. I was so nervous, and she gave me every period that day to pass that speed drill. The pressure was on, but I still came out with an A- in that class!! She was really a sweet teacher, as well.

Linked at Conservative Cat
Stuck on Stupid

Technorati Tags: school teacher, Life, Principal, Education

Tidbits of my life today

1. Today is our ANNIVERSARY! Bill and I have been married 42 years. He wished me Happy Anniversary at 4:20AM this morning, as he started out the door to work.
   
2. I got a phone call from my daughter at 8:05, wishing me a Happy Anniversary. She never fails to wake me up in the morning, if I've had a bad time sleeping. My son emailed me a Happy Anniversary about the same time.
   
3. It is now 9:30 and I have not had breakfast. Computing is addicting, folks! I often check my emails early in the morning, only to get caught up in computing and forget about eating.
4. There is lots of things I need to do in my house, but this will be a day of laziness! After all, I'm celebrating my anniversary!
5. We woke up to rain this morning, the first rain we have had in ages! Still not enough, but we thank God for every drop!
6. I need to rescue a birdfeeder. We have too many squirrels, and they get into our birdfeeders. One of them finally knocked the bottom out of one of Bill's wooden house feeders. I also need to put out bird feed in 2 others. For now, the Hummingbird and Goldfinch feeders are in good shape. And, I've seen several Goldfinch already.
7. I need to read the rest of the book I am reviewing for Active Christian Media, called "Why Christians Don't Vote For Democrats".
8. The laptop will probably come out today. I haven't had it out of the case in weeks, due to keeping grandsons (they aren't with us this week). I can take it and sit in the recliner and 'bird watch', something I miss, since moving my computer out of the Den into our computer room.
9. I read this morning's newsletter from Joel and Victoria Osteen. Today's scripture was about the tongue (Prov 18:21). Their headline was 'Say it out loud! God favors me!'
10. I took out time in between writing to cook my breakfast (egg, toast, coffee, & applesauce), and now I am eating at my computer. I told you this is addicting!
11. The first thing I do each morning, after checking emails, is to surf the blogs I read. Somehow, I stumbled on a first-time Thirteen-er, and then I jumped over to Carol's and read hers. I was inspired by both, so I am writing my first 13 post.
12. I have realized I need to lose some weight! Why? Because my favorite dresses are too tight, I feel like a 'blimp', although everyone says that is not true. But, you know women! When we get this notion that we are 'fat' - then 'Katie, bar the door!' There is no telling us otherwise. Any suggestions on losing a few extra pounds? I would give them away!
13. Last, but not least, I love blogging, and the many friends I have made through this medium. I have a website, but it's become second behind the blog! I believe it was God-ordained, and I do need to keep it up, but you bloggers have me, as Carol says it best, 'a little wild'. Thanks for the wonderful company!

1. presentstorm 2. TC 3. Rebecca 4. Reverberate58 5. Trinity13 6. Karen 7. Gail 8. Guru 9. Kelli

10. Kelli 11. Jemmers 12. carmen 13. Chaotic Mom 14. Cindy Swanson 15. Deb 16. YellowRose 17. Stacy 18. Carol

19. Stacie 20. Friday\'s Child 21. christina 22. Joe 23. Laura 24. Norma

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