Back in Tennessee now. Boy! What fabulous weather we have had the last few days!
Upon arriving home, I checked the little garden. There was a zucchini in there as big as my arm!!!!!! I kid you not!!!
The only negative thing is that the Millie is quite ill today. You know there is a problem when she stays in the bed ALL DAY!!!
Early to bed - traveling to Chattanooga bright and early tomorrow morning. . . .
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
A "Charity" Basket Case
I was pretty depressed today. My purse "disappeared" over the weekend, so I'm really dreading all that is involved in dealing with this matter!! Fortunately, my small billfold was not in the purse at the time of the disappearance, so I still have my driver's license, voter's card, etc. I lost my checkbooks, some stamps that I had just purchased, my watch, my spare set of car keys, a spare set of house keys, etc. The really bad news is that the thief has my address, my car keys, a key to the house! Comforting thought!!
Despite my misfortune, I couldn't help but laugh when I got my mail today. Apparently, the word has gotten out that I'm in bad shape!!! St. Mary's Health System informed me as follows:
"Our records indicate that you were uninsured at the time of service, and a 49% discount has been provided for you. . . . There are various financial assistance programs available to those like you with low income, including Charity Care programs."
Considering that I am employed full-time and fully insured, I got a really good chuckle out of this notice! However, when I really "study" on this, I get a bit angry. This is the same outfit that wasn't satisfied with the amount Sandra was paying pursuant to a payment plan -- so they harassed her during her final days -- but now they are offering me a "Charity Care program." I relish the thoughts of calling these idiots tomorrow!!!
Despite my misfortune, I couldn't help but laugh when I got my mail today. Apparently, the word has gotten out that I'm in bad shape!!! St. Mary's Health System informed me as follows:
"Our records indicate that you were uninsured at the time of service, and a 49% discount has been provided for you. . . . There are various financial assistance programs available to those like you with low income, including Charity Care programs."
Considering that I am employed full-time and fully insured, I got a really good chuckle out of this notice! However, when I really "study" on this, I get a bit angry. This is the same outfit that wasn't satisfied with the amount Sandra was paying pursuant to a payment plan -- so they harassed her during her final days -- but now they are offering me a "Charity Care program." I relish the thoughts of calling these idiots tomorrow!!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Satisfying Saturday
I spent the whole morning getting my new tires. Set me back a bit of change, but they ride like a dream. I then hit a market and bought a load of half runners and wonderful peaches!! I spent most of the afternoon stringing all the beans!
Pulled more peppers, tomatoes, and some squash out of the garden. The garden is so much fun - I now have a greater appreciation for the mentality of farmers.
Now I'm catching up on my "non-garden" work!! I definitely can't quit my "day" job!!
Pulled more peppers, tomatoes, and some squash out of the garden. The garden is so much fun - I now have a greater appreciation for the mentality of farmers.
Now I'm catching up on my "non-garden" work!! I definitely can't quit my "day" job!!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Under the weather
After working in Chattanooga on Monday and functioning pretty effectively in Knoxville on Tuesday, I fell under the influence of some bug for the rest of the week! Not "swine-ish," but pretty nasty nonetheless!! I think I'm recovering now - just in time to spend tomorrow morning purchasing new tires!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Peppers and 'Maters!
The little garden is actually producing! Plucked off a pretty green pepper and some ripe tomatoes today. I'm just giddy!!!
A Song for Sandra
I heard a song today that gave me a really good cry. Reminded me of Sandra. Sometimes I wonder whether I am ever going to adjust to her being gone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjespGPhoMw&feature=related
GOODBYE MY FRIEND
Written by Karla Bonoff; 1988 Seagrape Music (BMI)
Oh we never know where life will take us
I know it's just a ride on the wheel
And we never know when death will shake us
And we wonder how it will feel
So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the time together through all the years
Will take away these tears
It's okay now
Goodbye my friend
I've seen a lot things that make me crazy
And I guess I held on to you
We could've run away and left, well maybe
But it wasn't time and we both knew
So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the love you gave me through all the years
Will take away these tears
I'm okay now
Goodbye my friend
Life's so fragile and love's so pure
We can't hold on, but we try
We watch how quickly it disappears
And we never know why . . . .
But I'm okay now
Goodbye my friend
You can go now
Goodbye my friend
Goodbye my friend
Grab a box of tissues before you listen to it!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Mountain Memories
A picture from the recent trip to West Virginia over the Memorial Day weekend. From L to R: Mary (Juanita) Slater, Mildred Slater, and Anna Booten (seated in car). We had a great time -- looking forward to the next trip back!Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A friend . . . .
I received a book the other day that contained a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson within its pages:
"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship."
It is so wonderful to feel that someone believes in you, but it is just as sweet to find someone to whom you can give your trust!!
I'm a big fan of Emerson - Sandra got me hooked on his essays along with those of Thoreau. Some more jewels:
"A great man is always willing to be little."
"It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, ‘Always do what you are afraid to do.’"
"Every hero becomes a bore at last."
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship."
It is so wonderful to feel that someone believes in you, but it is just as sweet to find someone to whom you can give your trust!!
I'm a big fan of Emerson - Sandra got me hooked on his essays along with those of Thoreau. Some more jewels:
"A great man is always willing to be little."
"It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, ‘Always do what you are afraid to do.’"
"Every hero becomes a bore at last."
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Monday, June 8, 2009
The nap
Lately, I've been going like my hair is on fire. Early this evening, when the opportunity presented itself to take a short nap, I decided to seize the moment! I snatched the closest afghan and made a beeline for the sofa! Oh, the bliss!! Yeah, right!! In the next instant, first one, then two dogs strategically jumped onto my chest! A mammogram would have been great fun compared to the experience!! Then the phone started ringing! Then someone was knocking at the door, which incited the dogs to bark! When I ignored the knocking, the door bell rang! Then the phone started ringing again! I just got up -- it is too exhausting to try to take a nap around here!!!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Shopping and dogs
Today, after church, Mom wanted me to drop her off at Target. As requested, I went back to get her 2 hours later, only to discover that she spent all that time in another store -- she never even made it into Target! Also, she wasn't where I told her to be to pick her up!! But I can't get mad -- all she purchased was a little statue. She was pulling it out of the bag as she climbed into the car, "Here, for your garden." I was touched.
Mom is "teaching" her dogs again. She puts them on an ottoman and reads to them. I call it "school on a stool." The dogs are so special to her - I often think they are what keep her going!
Speaking of dogs, another poem for you:
Reward
With shining eyes and lifted nose,
A million dogs lined up in rows
And stood before the throne of God,
While He, with just a smiling nod,
Bade all the household pets sit down
Upon their haunches on the ground.
Or should I say, upon the sky,
For they were spirits. As for why
God wanted dogs, that seemed to be
Much more than anyone could see.
Each ear upon each spirit head
Was up to hear each word He said.
"You've all led lives untouched by greed,
And love and honor seemed your creed,
So, now, because of that, you've come
To dwell with Me in this, your home.
You'll not have any crowns to wear,
But you'll have bones and meat to spare,
And friendly fires 'round which to sleep,
And, too, some spirit fleas to keep
You busy when you've naught to do
But haunt the homes of masters who
You loved in other happier days
When once you walked in earthly ways."
They all lay down just where they sat,
While God gave each a loving pat.
And as He walked between the rows,
They each rubbed their cold friendly nose
Against His robe as He passed by
And strolled on down the windy sky.
-- Galen Drake
Mom is "teaching" her dogs again. She puts them on an ottoman and reads to them. I call it "school on a stool." The dogs are so special to her - I often think they are what keep her going!
Speaking of dogs, another poem for you:
Reward
With shining eyes and lifted nose,
A million dogs lined up in rows
And stood before the throne of God,
While He, with just a smiling nod,
Bade all the household pets sit down
Upon their haunches on the ground.
Or should I say, upon the sky,
For they were spirits. As for why
God wanted dogs, that seemed to be
Much more than anyone could see.
Each ear upon each spirit head
Was up to hear each word He said.
"You've all led lives untouched by greed,
And love and honor seemed your creed,
So, now, because of that, you've come
To dwell with Me in this, your home.
You'll not have any crowns to wear,
But you'll have bones and meat to spare,
And friendly fires 'round which to sleep,
And, too, some spirit fleas to keep
You busy when you've naught to do
But haunt the homes of masters who
You loved in other happier days
When once you walked in earthly ways."
They all lay down just where they sat,
While God gave each a loving pat.
And as He walked between the rows,
They each rubbed their cold friendly nose
Against His robe as He passed by
And strolled on down the windy sky.
-- Galen Drake
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Garden
This year, I've been tending a garden. It started out to be Mom's garden, but I've really gotten into it! Something about playing in the dirt is quite relaxing and cathartic!!! Ask me at the end of the growing season whether one can overdose on tomatoes!!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Poetry night
Should You Go First
Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll watch for roses red
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.
Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you do;
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take,
That I may walk the same,
For someday, down that lonely road,
You'll hear me call your name.
---- Albert Rowswell
Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll watch for roses red
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.
Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you do;
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take,
That I may walk the same,
For someday, down that lonely road,
You'll hear me call your name.
---- Albert Rowswell
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