Are my nails to long?

I saw a lady in the store the other day with these VERY long fingernails. Like the right hand they were 3 inches long and the left they were at least 6 or 7 inches long.

Now I am thinking, how does she wipe her butt!

Then a little voice had to pipe up and say:


Vaweeeee carefully

Whats in my ear as I walk?

My cheeks are nice and cold and rosy from my walk this morning. Did about 2 miles, sunny and cold out. Going to get a cold front come in tonight so will probably have to hit the tread mill. Have a good Dean Koontz book hanging on it, it helps me keep going.

I enjoy my I-pod while I am walking. I probably don't listen to jazzy music like I should. My walk isn't always about burning calories, usually more about my inspiration for the day. I still love my Enya music. I feel nice and mellow and enjoy the birds and squirrels as I walk. Saw a tree full of cedar waxwings this morning eating some kind of berries in a big tree. They used to come into the farm in the late summer and gobble up the mulberries.

Thought for the day: You always feel like you have lost weight after you have worn the same pair of jeans about 6 days!

OK, just one more!

I wasn't going to do this but again I had a dream and have to put this one down here. Hey does everyone dream? Hubby says he rarely does. I just can't imagine as I dream every night.

Anyway the dream: I was in a large room with desks and people working. Next to me was a gal that I used to work with named Lisa and I was going over some Dr. orders to process (yea, I'm an old nurse) when I looked over and saw a guy sitting on a chair and he stood up to come toward me. I thought he looked familiar then realized he was my husband but was much younger than when I met him. He was wearing a cream colored corduroy 3 piece suit.
Then the dream sort of rambled on and I don't remember much of it.

When I came into the kitchen later I asked my hubby if he ever owned such a suit and he said yes he did but it was alot of years ago. I got goose bumps!

Thought for the day: I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing.

The Hands of God?

OK I promise not to make this blog a place to recite all my dreams, and I don't intend to offend any ones personal beliefs. But since this is MY blog I guess I can say what I want, right?

I wrote down what I could remember of this dream yesterday. It was amazing and it all seemed so clear.

I dreamed that I was standing somewhere and suddenly everything around me sort of folded in on itself till there was nothing left. Then I saw that there were several "worlds" and I was looking down on them and was able to see and "know" that the smaller dense world was Hell and that as the worlds extended outward they became larger and lighter and almost seemed to float in their light. I realized that the different worlds were a way for me to understand that when we die we move up or down in these worlds to live new lives. Nothing is lost or wasted. As we progress in our evolution toward God we get lighter. We choose to go forward or backward with each rebirth so that we can learn what ever it is we still need to learn to be able to get closer to God.

I think it was in a book I read by Echart Tolle: A New Earth, that he wrote that heaven or hell will be for each of us what we believe it will be. Each religion has a different view and that each will have what they believe. That sort of makes sense to me because I really hate it when people think that their religion is the only one that is correct with God, and so everyone else will be just skipping off to hell.

Thought for the day: Do you think that maybe our dreams are the real world and that our "real" world is only a dream?

More Dreaming

When I woke up this morning I thought I had just had the best dream. It seemed like an idea that was so creative I was amazed that I dreamed it and thought WOW. Of course as the morning wore on I forgot alot of it and the wow sort of fizzled.

Now what I can remember of it was that I had figured out a way to organize a huge garage sale and be able to sell everything. By putting stuff in these big color coded mesh bags, people could just walk around and pick up a bag. Blue for $2, green for $3, red for $5. Then they checked out and everything was put into a plastic bag to take home. The mesh bags would be used over and over. Wellllllllll, when I first woke up and it was more clear in my mind I thought it was a really great idea.

Business is very slow, (slower than the usual slow) this week, I figured it would be so I just play on the computer, and sit in front of the heater and read.

Got the gas fireplace going at home, it makes the room cozy, but we still miss the wood burning fireplace. Hubby threatens to get the gas unit removed and convert it back to wood heat. I thought we should at least burn up the propane in the tank first.

Thought for the day: Every path has a few puddles

What are you thankful for?

On my FB I have been trying to write something that I am thankful for each day. It really isn't very hard because we have such an abundance of things to be thankful for, from the big stuff to the little everyday things like a smile or friendly word.

How do I ward off all the gloom and doom that we see on TV. I try to not listen to it. I think it depresses us and we forget all the good things. I mean if North Korea is going to blow us all up it is hard to be thankful for my "stuff" or maybe it should actually make me more thankful. Now that is a thought. We need to live each day like it is our last and find joy in it.

I have 2 extended family members that are fighting terminal cancer and both are only in their 40's How sad for them and their families, but I feel that they are accepting it and the families are finding their joy in having that person for as long as they can and will be able to let go when the time comes. That is probably the hardest thing any of us will face. LOTS more important than being thankful for our creature comforts.

Thought for the day: That love is all there is,
is all we know of love
--Emily Dickenson

Getting old and the merry go round of Doctors

My sister in law will be 86 Monday. For her age she is in excellent health. Did fracture a hip about 4 years ago but is doing great, very independent. Has arthritis, and some problems with dizziness if she moves to quick. Oh, and a mitral valve leak that she has had for many years. Only takes one very low dose BP med. Mentally still sharp and handles her own business.

Now the problem, she seems to have gotten caught up in making the rounds with all the specialists that there is. Her primary Dr. is an internist and he has referred her to the following Doctors and they in turn have to see her 2 or 3 times and order all these tests and procedures: Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Neurologist, Rheumatologist. Numerous blood tests, MRI's, ultrasounds, CTscans, pulmonary function tests, just to name a few. When we ask her what she will do if they want to put her on medicine she says she won't take it!!! She will look up all the side effects, and of course they are numerous to say the least so she won't take meds. Just drives her nuts that she has to take the one. She could take something for the arthritis but won't take over the counter stuff so I know that Dr. is going to want her on something! I have trouble seeing what the point of all this is. Her comment is that the Dr. wants her to have the evaluations!

My thoughts as a retired nurse is why doesn't her primary Dr. sit down and do his own comprehensive evaluation and give her an honest opinion and tell her some options and listen to her feelings about treatments. It makes her mad if they tell her it is changes due to the aging process. Well you think? Seems these are the cases that are running up the medicare cost.

I liked my Dr. I had back in Co. He took care of his patients himself, he was just a family Dr. but I liked his philosophy. I think I have found one here that is conservative also.

Oh, and guess who takes her to all these appointments???? My poor hubby has become "Driving Miss Daisey".

Thought for the day: With every leaf that falls, we are that much closer to winter sleep.

Fairy Ring and old buildings

I took this picture last week when I was doing my morning walk. Makes me think this used to be a real home to real people and all that is left is the shed and a ring of marigolds as a sort of memorial to the life that was lived here. There are many places in this little town like this. I especially like the "big" houses that must have been on the upper class side of town at one time. The old wrought iron fences and dormer windows. Maybe I will take a series of pictures of these homes and post them here. Oh, the history if they could talk. This used to be an old mining town. Had an old gentleman come into my shop yesterday and tell me he used to flip hamburgers as a kid in the early 40's in the kitchen area here. This building was the local tavern for about 50 years, so I get all kinds of comments about it. One lady told me how she used to sit on the steps and wait for her Dad so she could make sure he got home OK. A lady today said she remembered when there was an outhouse out back and wondered why folks didn't break their neck going down the back steps. She said she got married the day after graduation and left town as fast as she could, as there was nothing here for her in this old mining town. See I have a real historical building here!

Thought for the day: THIS is not a dress rehersal.

Where did all the bloggers go?

Am I being old fashioned for hanging in there with my blog site? Seems all the family that was blogging a few years ago have stopped, and I sure miss it. Must be that Twitter or FB thing that is easier with all the portable devices. But I enjoyed reading the stories and thoughtful incites that were left for all the world to see. I know I go for dry spells and don't have much to say then sometimes I have to much to say and can't find the words to put it down. A blog site can be a place to record your thoughts, aspirations, hurts, and dreams. But sometimes they seem to personal to be sharing.

Of course you notice that so many people don't "talk" to each other any more. Its words on text messages. Everywhere you see people walking with their heads down working that little phone. I thought a phone was to talk on. Gee now you can do everything but scramble eggs on it. And it seems that we all need to be available all the time. What is wrong with leaving a message or answering your message later. Saw a couple at a resturant the other day and both were sitting there typing away on their phones. Wonder if they were texting to each other?

Thought for the day: I knew exactly where it was, I just couldn't find it.

A dilly of a dream

I have mentioned before that I have wild dreams. I have already started to forget alot of the one I had last night, but I remember I was holding a baby in my lap and it was my daughter, then it changed and there was a young boy that I know who is a son of a friend. The boy had this puzzle in his hand and somehow someway my daughter had be changed into that puzzle and when he picked it up the puzzle pieces all fell apart on the floor. In the dream I knew it meant that my daughter was somehow lost in these scattered pieces and I woke up with this feeling of devastation that was hard to shake.

Thought for the day: Just because you'r paranoid doesn't mean everbody still isn't out to get you.

Its that time

Would I want to be 20? Maybe if I could and still know what I know now. But to be 20 in todays world and not have the insight of years of experience I sort of think not. Now maybe 40 would be good. I know I don't have enough years to read all the books I want to read. I would still like to take some college classes. Probably they won't charge me for them now. Have to check into that.

Have started another "I Am" list. If I can I will link to the one I did a few years ago here. Can't figure out how to copy it, computer won't let me, but if anyone is interested it is in my archives, Aug of 2005. Can find it on the right side here.

Thought for the day: Good judgement comes from experience, and alot of experience comes from bad judgement.

Hello Dr. Atkins, my old friend

OK summer is gone, wonderful fall is here at least for awhile. Time to get in gear and get rid of a few pounds (again). I have had success with Atkins in the past and decided I would give it another try. My problem is staying in the maintenance zone when I have lost. Anyway each of us has our "rock bottom" with excess weight. Mine is when I am 20 lbs over my normal. So that is my goal. Right now I am doing the strick 14 day induction of severely restricted carbs, then I will start adding some good whole grains back. So I stocked up on cheese, shaved turkey and ham, cream cheese, eggs, and celery and lots of lettuce. Eating out is no problem, I just order a bunless burger. Last night at pizza nite, had lots of salad and only ate the top off of 3 slices of pizza. Didn't realize there was so little topping on a slice! About a tablespoonful was all. When I lost 20 lbs doing this before, I remember it being the easiest weight I ever lost. Have done the calorie count, fat count, and I know my body, I am a carb addict!! When I get real restricted on carbs I feel so good. So thats my song and dance for today.

Had a suprise BD party for my sister Sunday.Her daughters did most of the work. Sort of a surprise, she knew there would be a party but just not where and all. Rented a building here in town and over 25 came. We did chili and potato soup with a couple breads, and of course cake and ice cream.

Oh, and she told me that she had a brain scan Mon. and they didn't find anything. (Here's Your Sign!)

Thought for the day: Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance.

When your forgetter runs faster than your rememberer

Each month we say "Boy this month went by fast" Well of course it has, after a certain age it is all down hill and of course time must run faster, right?

Tue we were having our weekly pizza and salad bar and commented on how good the beets were. Then I said they were better that the ones the other day that we had. We both sat there for at least 20 minutes trying to remember where that was and it was just on Saturday!! Finally it clicked and "I" remembered. One point for me!

Getting ready for a big birthday party for my "big" sister tomorrow. Going all out and rented a building and her daughters are decorating and proving the cake and the rest of us are bringing crock pots of soups and such. Making my elk chili. I was asked to host it at my home as I have the most room but I decided I didn't want 30 people in my home. Just funny that way.

Book store is up and running but running very slow. Economy? Seems the ones buying books look like the ones that can least likely afford to be spending money on books.

I am the only used book store in the county now as the one in the town where I live, the co. seat, has closed down. Another business on the square closed. Eventually it will just be all senior apartments. The court house brings in the traffic but the small businesses are struggling. Maybe it is time to do some advertizing again soon.

Thought for the day: Some days the only good things on T.V.are the lamp and clock

Hello! Anyone there!

Always wonder if any one reads these blogs or are we just talking in the wind, (better than spitting) IF you are there leave me a comment. :-)

The Running of the Chipmunk

We sounded like it was the running of the bulls yesterday. Hubby hollered to me that a chipmunk had just run thru the living room and up the 4 steps to the bedroom area. We armed ourselves with brooms and headed out. Where was the rawhide music here??

Got him cornered in the master bedroom so closed off the hall door. After loosing him we checked the bathroom and he was behind the dryer. Oh Ha! Shut the bathroom door. That narrows things down. After shaking the dryer and scarring the poor thing out (twice) hubby accidental swept him back under the dryer in his zeal to get him. End results we got him and he won't be sneaking back in.

Now the mystery of how he got in. Hubby had seen him last week in the flowerpot on the front porch, so we think that one morning while I was carrying stuff out to the car and left the front door open he was in the pot and hopped out and headed inside. Silly chipmunk!

Thought for the day: Sometimes I make up my mind, other times my mind wanders, and every so often I lose track of it entirely.

Natalie MacMaster fiddles in reel time | Video on TED.com

Natalie MacMaster fiddles in reel time Video on TED.com


Words to the song: Blue is a River
Blue remembers
Blue like a planet to a spaceman
Blue river of my tears

Like the heather on the hillside
As they drove us from the highlands
Like the iceflow from the Artic
Where we landed in Newfoundland
There's a colour to my sorrow
There's a name for all this sadness
Like the ocean in between us,
I am blue.

Blue is a river
Blue remembers
Blue water running clear
Blue like a planet to a spaceman
Blue river of my tears

So I came here to the city
Where the dream burns like a furness
And I dazzled in these dark streets
Like a diamond in a coalface
Till the cold wind from the islands
Blew a storm cloud across the new moon
Like the gunsmoke above the houses
In my home.

Blue is a river
Blue remembers
Blue water running clear
Blue like a planet to a spaceman
Blue river of my tears
Blue river of my tears.

The history about this song of the Scottish Highland is that during the potato famines of the late 18th and 19th centuries, out of the goodness of their hearts, many English landowners offered their Scottish peasant tenants free passage to the New World on hired cargo ships. No mention of course was made of the fact that this "offer" was commonly delivered by pressgangs, and that the real purpose behind the clearances was to convert the lands into fine sporting estates where the land owners and their London friends might shoot grouse and fish for trout.

Copied from the post by Chris Anderson

Rest in Peace

This is the view from the final resting place of hubby's mother's ashes. We made a trip to her birth place in Saratoga Wyoming then went up the mountain (Medicine Bow Mt.) the top of it seen here. This was her wish and so we finally made the trip while my SIL is in good enough health to make the drive. She said that is where she wants to be also. Her husbands ashes were scattered here at the same time. Hubby says it would be fine for him also. Good thing we know where this is located as there are good landmarks.

Visited with hubby's cousin and learned some of the family history of his grandparents coming to Saratoga from Iowa in a covered wagon and settling in Saratoga, building a hotel and butcher shop. Hubby's mother grew up in the hotel and had to work as a maid till she ran off with her husband when she was 19 and never looked back. It was a very hard life back then.

Thought for the day: Humor is a reminder that no matter how high the throne one sits on, one sits on one's bottom.

Back on line

A view from a corner of my book store. Love my little store!! Had 2 nice write ups in the local papers and got a call to do a stint on a talk radio station the end of the mo. Whoopy I am a star!

Broke down and got Internet service at the store. So 3 days a week I can play as long as I want on line again. I have my old e-mail address back from when I was on line here before. Seems funny. Got to do some work on the computer so I can find stuff again. Feel a little rusty. Happy Labor Day to all. Has cooled down some now, got alot of rain last week, well almost a flood. Over 6 inches in one day then another 1/2 inch the next day. Everything was getting crispy. Well short and sweet here. Be back soon.

HOT in the midwest!

Opened the book store alot sooner that I thought I would. Only open 3 days a week. Hey I am retired! Doing some advertising, been sooooo hot that folks aren't getting out much. But have had several old customers come by or call. Love my little store. Even getting some weaving done again now that I have room.

Good news, SIL sold her house, closed last week, and same day we got an offer on ours and we accepted (not much choice) and will close the end of Sept. Yea, glad to have that all behind us and to move on. I love love love my home. I feel very fortunate to be where I am.

Now if it would just cool off some please. Planning a few days in Sept to take SIL to Wyoming for a few days. Should be nice and cool fall weather by then, especially where we will be going.

Thought for the day: Guess no thoughts, too hot for that today

Wow there is life after the Internet!

We are getting settled into the new house, a very busy time. Movers unloaded us one week ago. Most of our boxes are at least empty, still finding where things should go.

But it is true there is a life without the computer. I decided that for me I will just take my laptop to the library once a week for an hour or so and catch up, look up, and what ever.

It is good to be back in the Midwest. We really are small town people and hubby missed all his chat friends, (his chat room is the doughnut shop, the bank, or anywhere he meets up with folks he had known for years) I am glad for him. Living in a bigger city and not knowing anyone it really takes a long time to feel at home. We should have just stayed put 18 months ago!

Well gotta go and check out some blog sites I have missed out on.

Thought for the day: Its always darkest before I open my eyes.