tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18114469445564468252024-02-19T09:58:06.816-05:00Random MusingsMonicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.comBlogger1721125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-42105898492074145142023-02-25T23:00:00.000-05:002023-02-25T23:00:40.935-05:00Wait...it's almost March?!?<p> 10 more months 'til Christmas.</p><p>This last month has been an absolute blur. Cleaning at Mrs. Bryan's house, cleaning at our house, lots of thinking and brainstorming and rearranging, appointments upon appointments, sinus infection/allergies, Bobby's surgery, meeting with surgeon and finally agreeing to future outpatient surgery for me, ongoing updates from my parents, garden tilled and snow peas, potatoes and beets planted (and yes I left several rows empty between the potatoes and beets for something else to go later as a buffer), chickens are laying, we may have a broody hen..in FEBRUARY!!!, we have two roosters that need to disappear, lots of family have been in from out of town to assist with the sorting and cleaning at Mrs. Bryan's house, and somewhere in the midst of it all I've found time to pay bills and catch up on a few emails. While I no longer feel like our house is a disaster zone, it is still overwhelming.</p><p>Years ago a friend posted a quote by Martin Luther:<br /><span> </span><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">“You cannot keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.”</span></span></p><p><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">I told Bobby that has become my mantra the last year. No bird nests...that is all I have to accomplish. And then I remember the barn swallows years ago that conquered our back porch. I missed one day...ONE DAY!...of sweeping off their forming nest and it was too late. There was a nest with eggs in it. I have to admit, we enjoyed watching the birds hatch and hearing them screech and watch them learn to fly and disappear. I did NOT enjoy cleaning up the mess afterwards.</span></span></p><p><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">On the positive side, rearranging the house to make room for things has meant doing some deep cleaning that really needed to be done. We hope to move the few furniture pieces we are getting from his Mom's to our house the middle of next month. Tonight I moved the fish tank to its new location, and we were amazed at how much larger the room looked with it in a different spot. I hope by my surgery in April everything will be in its place. That's my goal, anyway.<br /></span></span></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-31410366731661667102023-02-02T12:15:00.002-05:002023-02-02T12:15:30.975-05:00January 2023<blockquote><p> <i>The best laid plans of mice and men 'oft go awry.</i> ~ Robert Burns</p></blockquote><p>Several years ago many of us bloggers posted a project for each month as a way of challenging us to get some things done. I did accomplish quite a bit that year, but I also found it a bit stressful. I was both surprised and relieved to find others felt the same way.</p><p>So this year my plan was to have one major project or goal to accomplish every two months. I was making progress. I honestly thought I could finish a non-fiction book I've been attempting to read the last two years before the month was out. We finished picking up pecans at our house and most of Mrs. Bryan's house so we could get them to the sheller. I had planned to pick up all the sticks in the yard from the last few storms and till my garden to have ready for planting next week. </p><p>But on Monday, January 23, when we called Jean (my mother-in-law) to see if she wanted to ride along as we took ours and hers pecans to be shelled, she didn't answer the phone. Bobby tried her cell phone. She didn't answer that either. We weren't too concerned as she would forget she had gotten the paper or what time the mail ran and would check those things over and over throughout the day. Sometimes she would forget to take her phone with her when she went to the mailbox. We finished getting ready for the day and Bobby tried to call her again. Still no answer.</p><p>When we arrived, the lights and tv were on and the door was unlocked. Again, not unusual for that time of day. I rang the doorbell, which she didn't hear anyway 90% of the time, knocked on the inner door on the porch, and went on in. She was asleep on the couch. I called her name a few times, but figured she didn't have her hearing aids in. As I approached, I quickly realized several things were not right, so I immediately went back outside to Bobby and told him we needed his sister. We passed on the road. I took her spot of homeschooling her kids and she went to the house where Bobby joined her and they called the paramedics. Once the EMT arrived and they place her on the stretcher, she coded. After a while of CPR and they started discussing the paddles, Bobby called it and told them she had a DNR order. Since Bobby's sister had healthcare power of attorney and we could provide the paperwork and her doctor confirmed she was in the middle stages of Alzheimers and had a history of heart/blood pressure issues, they agreed to stop trying to revive her. </p><p>The last two weeks have been a blur. I was shocked yesterday to discover we were in the month of February, and Bobby agreed with me yesterday when I told him I didn't even know what day of the week it was. We have accomplished a lot, but there is still so much to do. One of his sisters will head back home tomorrow. I think that will be tough the first time we go to the house and absolutely no one is there.<br /></p><p>Today is my first real day at home. The siblings are all meeting at the house today and making some decision on things. Unless they call and tell me to come later this afternoon/tonight, I will be trying to get caught up on things here. We'll probably work there again most of tomorrow and a little bit Saturday, but then we'll have to take a break for a week or two as Bobby has his surgery and recovery. Hopefully after that we can get into a new, temporary routine between home and dealing with the estate. The words from Steve Green's <i>Find us Faithful</i> keep running through my mind as I sort through pictures and papers.<br /></p><div><div class="ujudUb"><i><span>We're pilgrims on the journey</span><span> of the narrow road,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>And those who've gone before us</span><span> line the way.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>Cheering on the faithful; </span><span>encouraging the weary,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>Their lives a stirring testament</span><span> to God's sustaining grace.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span> </span></i></div><div class="ujudUb"><i><span>O may all who come behind us</span><span> find us faithful.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>May the fire of our devotion</span><span> light their way.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>May the footprints that we leave l</span><span>ead them to believe,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>And the lives we live</span><span> inspire them to obey.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>O may all who come behind us</span><span> find us faithful.</span></i></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><i><span> </span></i></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><i><span>Surrounded by so great</span><span> a cloud of witnesses</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>Let us run the race</span><span> not only for the prize,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>But as those who've gone before us</span></i></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><i><span>L</span><span>et us leave to those behind us,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>The heritage of faithfulness</span><span> passed on thru godly lives.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span> </span></i></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><div class="ujudUb"><i><span>O may all who come behind us</span><span> find us faithful.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>May the fire of our devotion</span><span> light their way.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>May the footprints that we leave l</span><span>ead them to believe,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>And the lives we live</span><span> inspire them to obey.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>O may all who come behind us</span><span> find us faithful.</span></i></div><div class="ujudUb"><i><span> </span></i></div><i><span>After all our hopes and dreams</span><span> have come and gone,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>And our children sift thru all</span><span> we've left behind,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>May the clues that they discover a</span><span>nd the mem'ries they uncover,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>Become the light that leads them t</span><span>o the road we each must find.</span></i></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><i><span> </span></i></div><div class="ujudUb WRZytc"><div class="ujudUb"><i><span>O may all who come behind us</span><span> find us faithful.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>May the fire of our devotion</span><span> light their way.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>May the footprints that we leave l</span><span>ead them to believe,</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>And the lives we live</span><span> inspire them to obey.</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span>O may all who come behind us</span><span> find us faithful.</span></i></div><span> </span></div></div><p></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-74240057680694706692023-01-03T21:01:00.000-05:002023-01-03T21:01:10.357-05:002022 wrap-up<p> I started to do a bullet point update for the last 3 months of 2022, but ended up deleting it each time.</p><p><u>October<br /></u>Turkey Trot training going great<br />Taught a new class during election training<br />Early voting began<br />I got sick <br />Dog's fence line went out during a thunderstorm<br /></p><p><u>November</u><br />We met with surgeon at UNC -Chapel Hill<br />Aunt Lois died<br />Election Day<br />Worked with Blue Bag Canvass Team the week after the election<br />My friend Marilou died<br />Kids Christmas Program work began in earnest<br />Trip to AL for Thanksgiving<br />Turkey Trot cancelled due to flu numbers in the area<br />Cancelled Mom's 80th birthday party due to her health</p><p><u>December<br /></u>Kids Christmas play<br />FINALLY got Bobby's van returned<br />My first gallbladder attack, lasting almost 30 hrs<br />Septic tank stopped up and collapsed at Mrs. Bryan's while she had family staying with her<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>So I was not sorry to see the calendar for 2022 close.<br /></p><p>Here we are on the third evening of 2023. It is now 5 months out from the first diagnosis of a 1.5" kidney stone for Bobby and we still do not have a surgery date (though we do know it is supposed to be in January and will be at least a 2 part procedure). The dogs are starting to realize the fence is not working so I've got to call and schedule that repair. And Monday we went out for breakfast and I had the chicken biscuit I couldn't eat on my birthday because of health issues. Life is still crazy, but seeming a little more doable. Years ago a friend of mine posted a quote that said something like "You can't stop birds from flying over your head, but you can stop those birds from building nests in your hair." That's been my motivational quote the last few months.<br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-44490482385266112092022-09-10T20:47:00.002-04:002022-09-10T20:47:33.379-04:00a week of goodbyes<p> Early in the week our pastor's wife received word that her Dad had suffered a massive stroke and they did not expect him to make it. Mr. Bowen has visited our church on numerous occasions throughout the years and was one of the friendliest and easy going people I have ever met. I think it's safe to say our whole church family grieves with the Bowen family and Nan as they prepare to say their goodbyes tomorrow.</p><p>The next day we found out that one of our neighbors had also passed away. Over the years he had been a tremendous help to Bobby. He was a mechanic and has his own shop behind his house. Before cars became so computerized, he did an incredible job of keeping Bobby's van running. Our prayers are with the Walls family, especially Betty Lou as she adjusts to life without her husband.</p><p>The next day we found out the wife of one WCA's earliest board members passed away. I never met her, but Bobby knew the family well. The Trumans owned a saw mill, and they would let you purchase a small truck load of mulch for a very cheap price.</p><p>My sister-in-law Amie lost a cousin this week. He was missing for several days before they found him.</p><p>And this is the week that the world will remember that Queen Elizabeth died. As much as I know her country and family grieves for her, her death does not have the same impact on me. My life and the life of those around me doesn't know change at all with the death of this very dedicated and important person. The older I get, the more I am reminded that I do not have to be important or well connected to make a difference in my world. Don't get me wrong, I watched the first memorial service for her and have watched some of the historical proceedings, but it's not with the same heart of prayer and concern that I have for the families mentioned above. I'm so thankful that our God is a god of comfort.</p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-2758297520932798172022-09-06T20:10:00.005-04:002022-09-06T20:10:58.489-04:00Summer Review <p> I still can't believe we are already into September. So what happened from my May post through now?</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We had a small garden. I canned 3 batches of tomatoes.</li><li>Put up several pints of spiced apples (sugar free). Still have 1/2 a bucket to go.<br /></li><li>Made batch 1 of 2 of grape jelly. I might not pick any more.</li><li>We've had three different hens hatch out biddies, and one more that wants to but we're not letting her.</li><li>We put burlap around the pecan trees in hopes of stopping the worms from getting to the nuts. It's supposed to take 3-4 years of wrapping & spraying before they're gone.</li><li>Spent 3 mornings fishing with Bobby's great-nephews.</li><li>Worked a summer election, called a 2nd primary (essentially a run-off) and helped with the hand-eye count afterwards.</li><li>We purchased a new van.</li><li>New van went back to the shop the 2nd week we had it and we still do not have it back. It is now at the Chrysler dealership as the problem is not the lift or adaptive equipment. The company will "rent" us a van free of charge to go to Alabama in October if ours is not ready by then.</li><li>I was rear-ended and only went to get it evaluated because my husband insisted. Found out there is a possibility they will total it if the frame is damaged as they fear. I like my car. I hope the end of next week I get a call saying it is fixable. (It goes in the shop a week from today.)</li><li>My sister-in-law had someone back into her (while she was parked at the gym). She gets her car repaired the same time.</li><li>My niece had someone t-bone her van and hers is an ongoing mess. Turns out the family doesn't have any insurance at all.</li><li>The board and committee chairs for the quilt guild has met twice and we are running full steam ahead for our new guild year which kicks off two weeks from today. I am the program chair once again (my last year) and only have one more slot to fill for the year. Still need to create a contract and get those emailed out to speakers.</li><li>Bobby had a routine colonoscopy and we have now followed up with genetic testing. We should get the results in another week. Neither of us expect them to find anything, but if they do, then his doctor wants us to consider a surgery. We both think that is excessively extreme for benign polyps.</li><li>Bobby's annual urology visit did not go as expected. We were fully expecting to hear "Everything looks good. See you next year Bryans." Instead we now have a visit with a specialist at UNC Chapel Hill to see what options are available for an x-large kidney stone in a bad spot. Since that stone was not on the scans a year ago, and he has had a previous sepsis infection from kidney stones, we mistakenly thought we'd have already had an appt by now. (We got the news the end of July.) Our appointment is for the first week of November...right in the middle of early voting.</li><li>In June I went to Sand Dollar Island with a friend from church for a day. I enjoyed it, even if the ferry ride and the island wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I think I might try and go again the end of November or the first of March when everything hasn't been so picked over.</li></ul><p> </p><p>And that is everything I can think of off the top of my head. It's been a long day, and tomorrow will be busy as well. Happy September everyone. <br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-30585338022252028232022-05-05T17:29:00.001-04:002022-05-05T17:29:07.974-04:00May<p>The end of April finished up help table elections training and brought with it an offer to work on the Early Voting helpline. (For those not familiar with Wake County elections, Help Table is the position that processes all the non-perfect scenario voters and the Help Line is a direct line to the Board of Elections that puts you in touch with staff who can answer questions and troubleshoot problems. I was flattered to be asked. After talking it over with Bobby, I said yes, then within an hour was wondering "What have I done?!?"</p><p>Today we completed the first week of Early Voting. I have learned a LOT, still have a lot more to learn, but am so thankful for the organizational structure and supportive network that BOE has in place. So far it has been a positive experience, though a bit slower than I would like. (They say November will be much busier and some days you won't take your headphones off for very long.)</p><p> We also had our first reptile visitor for the year. This is way earlier than we've ever had one before (I think) and I am thankful Bobby's nephew Robert was willing to come over and help me take care of it. It was skinny, but about 4 ft long (roughly, we didn't measure).</p><p>We have two broody hens that I am constantly pushing off a nest to get eggs. We've discussed trying an egg swap with a friend and putting some fertilized eggs of a different breed under them, but we don't need to do it until we know we'll be in town around hatching time. We also really don't need any more chickens, but I hate for them to want to hatch eggs so bad and not be able to do so.</p><p>My aunt has had several slight strokes in the last month, and my Dad's oldest brother fell yesterday and broke his hip. He is currently at the hospital and we are awaiting word on if/when they will do surgery. He is currently unable to feel that leg.</p><p>We were able to get tomato plants and 2 rows of green beans in the ground (not enough to put up for the winter, but hopefully enough for a few meals this summer). So far so good. </p><p>I am behind on quilting (<i>what's new about that?</i>), I am managing to keep up with the laundry and the dishes, but am woefully behind on other household chores.</p><p>Gas was $4.09 on the way home. Earlier in the week I saw it jump to $3.89 and thought <i>maybe it will drop a little in a few days when I start running low. </i>Bad idea. I guess tomorrow morning I'll leave a little early and fill up on the way in to work. I fear if I wait until coming home it might be even higher. </p><p>Belarus is now running military drills. They say it is routine, but it is new for the country. Many people think they will join Russia in attacking Ukraine. I think about Sasha and wonder if his unit is one of the ones who will fight. He was such a sweet and caring person, who understood Christianity in his teens and it hurts my hurt to think of him being placed into war. I don't know where Mikalai and Aleg are, but it wouldn't bode well for either one of them to fight, either. My heart hurts at the insanity of it all, but other than pray, I don't know how I can help. We've contributed toward supplies for refugees, but there are so many and the need is so great. We know families of two people who have children training in Poland in case the war spills over into a NATO country. My prayer is that it doesn't, but I fear we have watched the beginning of the next great war this year.</p><p>Happy Cinco de Mayo!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-56104843965931482052022-04-13T19:35:00.004-04:002022-04-13T19:35:57.450-04:00new nephew<p> My favorite text from the family group chat last night:</p><p><i>I only heard the nurse say 8 lbs. I couldn't hear the rest because there was a baby crying in the room.</i></p><p>Welcome to our family Anderson Jeremiah White!!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHByQYBQPdZx7UqU_F6K6_TbnGvzxw7n7PNVWUE_k8U3jhmODMK7Y7fsj0XxhvvRsSwVWdyDFr5x4auA2GaPnga2UmuUCNyrqVvMDvEkl0GwPzEOM7lHz67dh-1yv8_L6sgRStM67JUHSlEtBiCUdxzhxR6W39UjoI8lojCLhIVKbV-JL5iPqal4t/s960/4.13AndersonJeremiah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHByQYBQPdZx7UqU_F6K6_TbnGvzxw7n7PNVWUE_k8U3jhmODMK7Y7fsj0XxhvvRsSwVWdyDFr5x4auA2GaPnga2UmuUCNyrqVvMDvEkl0GwPzEOM7lHz67dh-1yv8_L6sgRStM67JUHSlEtBiCUdxzhxR6W39UjoI8lojCLhIVKbV-JL5iPqal4t/s320/4.13AndersonJeremiah.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7V4Yl-oopyr2DbJ9tnXGSMAflI4VylfIQse8Vdn8DhOkO6TA1ZojRXL-SxJoHkTpvOxaQ53veSjpJ12pkjEm0o02YZGgA7OfQ8ijIadPPcZljFPNPmWjdio4Uxb8Dx7dLSd0nwAivXwAToBXLPAwmSCaMNpbl-fhSMpB3Vg8AceD1K7yNemKzIX-/s2048/4.13withWhiteGrandparents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7V4Yl-oopyr2DbJ9tnXGSMAflI4VylfIQse8Vdn8DhOkO6TA1ZojRXL-SxJoHkTpvOxaQ53veSjpJ12pkjEm0o02YZGgA7OfQ8ijIadPPcZljFPNPmWjdio4Uxb8Dx7dLSd0nwAivXwAToBXLPAwmSCaMNpbl-fhSMpB3Vg8AceD1K7yNemKzIX-/s320/4.13withWhiteGrandparents.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents got to visit at the hospital this afternoon.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg--kgPJGGOrLj13-OtnIV91qF6pemRozAbDz043X0Iloq5syZ996WLrSq6tc-ZqRG8cox1MsenHunHMAJQ0rrbJAi1UXR83uPM7-JV1cW5t9MMC5HotOxGPAW_FH_9AEZTe7LTp6FOkMyjvdFnb6raoTQHflXyzZXqZauH4zvo-g3X-DiIRuBvu4Ev/s2048/AndyAndAnderson4.12.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg--kgPJGGOrLj13-OtnIV91qF6pemRozAbDz043X0Iloq5syZ996WLrSq6tc-ZqRG8cox1MsenHunHMAJQ0rrbJAi1UXR83uPM7-JV1cW5t9MMC5HotOxGPAW_FH_9AEZTe7LTp6FOkMyjvdFnb6raoTQHflXyzZXqZauH4zvo-g3X-DiIRuBvu4Ev/s320/AndyAndAnderson4.12.22.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother Andy got to give him his first bottle.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMGqFkCToMBOIEO0fJ2LrFhI6XhcicmsJJuHwWPG2b8GQwXyqD7lDQAi-KyeV6f2BhjoUJUsANlVvTX-ayxJQC3Dg1SeJ2dwVHgNRmkA_IwnspSfxI5pnyLO_gUsNwl5bJJ44Rm68gmlX6gyNb-B09f2Cmu0yRTnrqYnyLRcGLeMw-4meJe4GGnWK/s2048/birthinfo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMGqFkCToMBOIEO0fJ2LrFhI6XhcicmsJJuHwWPG2b8GQwXyqD7lDQAi-KyeV6f2BhjoUJUsANlVvTX-ayxJQC3Dg1SeJ2dwVHgNRmkA_IwnspSfxI5pnyLO_gUsNwl5bJJ44Rm68gmlX6gyNb-B09f2Cmu0yRTnrqYnyLRcGLeMw-4meJe4GGnWK/s320/birthinfo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBllCQpDgSWlFYT7332Y3YLU4k8lVUSnOprkqBiok2aYLMxdqaZnUTbQlZmWm0ynzJGe5PUWbR9hHw3wFIFk_e7PQaDy_pATYK2a7Lt2MDpSQpoAPxbtQZLPVeemiF5b0oCXukJwFTvALEPY0VohwT7wbXvXgMAHm4_kSgSr5myI-AWDxTG8Q2_ox/s2048/MawMawAndAnderson4.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBllCQpDgSWlFYT7332Y3YLU4k8lVUSnOprkqBiok2aYLMxdqaZnUTbQlZmWm0ynzJGe5PUWbR9hHw3wFIFk_e7PQaDy_pATYK2a7Lt2MDpSQpoAPxbtQZLPVeemiF5b0oCXukJwFTvALEPY0VohwT7wbXvXgMAHm4_kSgSr5myI-AWDxTG8Q2_ox/s320/MawMawAndAnderson4.13.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So thankful for this photo...for so many reasons.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrxH6I6KiGTpSia8AUZgU8U2pG9yYpu-kDNnz_hoiPkCUWJD7hzDkmpqUN81ryYzf57_EvwKc5ULebhthIihy1_-zPxw_zOkVEOy6qqGJaKO9O_pFnGkQ0RB0nvmRq56IqstwTEHpbrmSgpdRxmfcFJPrBermsNecPT7KZqcLTsJtrtQLPuzCfw6K/s2048/MomandBabe4.12.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrxH6I6KiGTpSia8AUZgU8U2pG9yYpu-kDNnz_hoiPkCUWJD7hzDkmpqUN81ryYzf57_EvwKc5ULebhthIihy1_-zPxw_zOkVEOy6qqGJaKO9O_pFnGkQ0RB0nvmRq56IqstwTEHpbrmSgpdRxmfcFJPrBermsNecPT7KZqcLTsJtrtQLPuzCfw6K/s320/MomandBabe4.12.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister-in-law Amie is such a trooper. So thankful for her and happy for her.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i> </i><br /><p></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-48714626691084550472022-04-12T14:00:00.002-04:002022-04-12T14:00:59.342-04:00Wow<p> Today I opened the portal (that reads as strange as it sounds) for my elections assignment. It lists how many elections each Chief Judge (the person in charge of the polling place) has worked for my zone, then it listed how many elections I have worked. </p><p>37</p><p>That's an awful lot of elections. It sounds larger than it seems.</p><p>Another wow that happened today was that we stopped at Crumbl cookies. I have heard so many positive things from so many people about these amazing, but very expensive cookies. For the first time in my life, I didn't finish a cookie. Bobby says he prefers the cookies from KFC to those. I'm not sure they're THAT bad, but they don't surpass Chik-fil-A's cookies or the Lofthouse brand in the deli at FoodLion. For the price of four cookies, I could have gotten a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I can't decide if I'm more bothered that I didn't LOVE them, or that I paid so much for something that's just meh. Live and learn.</p><p>Today is my sister's birthday, and I'm also keeping my cell by me for updates from my brother. Hopefully little Anderson will arrive safe and sound today. Many prayers are going up. Maybe there will be pictures to post tonight.</p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-90703740709963281432022-04-10T23:17:00.003-04:002022-04-10T23:17:47.853-04:00April<p> My brain still cannot wrap around the fact April is quickly marching by.</p><p>The last week of March/first of April we were in Alabama trying to help my brother get ready for the move. The first day I unpacked a few boxes and did a little cleaning. There was one box labeled Kitchen: plastics. I was surprised at its weight, and even more shocked when I saw how packaged it was. I opened it to find an eagle. (My brother is an Auburn fan; my sister-in-law an Alabama grad.) Bobby said it needed to be visible. I was more concerned about it getting broken with all the work going on. Andy laughed at its placement and said he liked it, but he doubted Amie would. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmeflRiYI1r_wGK0H-qEuO6mGJvv6_lKNhWfZ8IL15oXQUku1_OvH2YQ4-yV96hnJEuHUVRpftRAwtHse570PKBJQHlxRVt8yDfr46MK4jKmaHJ1OORbWJr4JHvdtMT01zR8o3b6UonsryVE1VEK_Eo3-UgHpLFX2f0snQMmw3z9qm7cvP89iv2-l/s4032/20220331_161232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmeflRiYI1r_wGK0H-qEuO6mGJvv6_lKNhWfZ8IL15oXQUku1_OvH2YQ4-yV96hnJEuHUVRpftRAwtHse570PKBJQHlxRVt8yDfr46MK4jKmaHJ1OORbWJr4JHvdtMT01zR8o3b6UonsryVE1VEK_Eo3-UgHpLFX2f0snQMmw3z9qm7cvP89iv2-l/s320/20220331_161232.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Is it still on its perch?</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>Days two and three were spent mudding, sanding, and painting baseboards.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbeDkVutrKUpA40fhSvnqIEb1EZ4jjVQeJG_5SaxvHx7JHMUD8SBLFjWYq8zbwZHC6yj5H90npDAUQuw0rzqU_emxGh3F7VDs7cNZCq5JrEjhO--OkVAfEkS1W3cxGxCYbQ7d4aB3zSJGM5iUfq-XQGxdAXWtzBLoCGEkybg5_wnUSzzVJcpYECg7/s4032/20220331_184237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbeDkVutrKUpA40fhSvnqIEb1EZ4jjVQeJG_5SaxvHx7JHMUD8SBLFjWYq8zbwZHC6yj5H90npDAUQuw0rzqU_emxGh3F7VDs7cNZCq5JrEjhO--OkVAfEkS1W3cxGxCYbQ7d4aB3zSJGM5iUfq-XQGxdAXWtzBLoCGEkybg5_wnUSzzVJcpYECg7/s320/20220331_184237.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2 of the baseboards<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgA4kXAZinn98mcIVgn1VnsvudCBkvRoeZi3k7MYwWyNRs7I73ogudjxF05Zy3ViyV_k3FCUKXwImgBXX7PPsa2CkKwVTFQ4PIyUBbnUsmLYMVZy3zYn7F1HniUtGetW58lXloVFyUz93O2LDzf4RIzARXHYtLDzQgRVs2sbHE6uUFyrHgp5F5-ABi/s4032/20220331_184207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgA4kXAZinn98mcIVgn1VnsvudCBkvRoeZi3k7MYwWyNRs7I73ogudjxF05Zy3ViyV_k3FCUKXwImgBXX7PPsa2CkKwVTFQ4PIyUBbnUsmLYMVZy3zYn7F1HniUtGetW58lXloVFyUz93O2LDzf4RIzARXHYtLDzQgRVs2sbHE6uUFyrHgp5F5-ABi/s320/20220331_184207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Dad and Andy worked on the living room and started the dining room on day two.<br />Day three, our last day, my sister and brother-in-law came to help as well. Dad alternated between helping me with baseboards and helping lay out boards for the flooring. Jamie and Andy made a great team and by the end of day three had finished all the hardwood flooring.<br /><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRdzj7XfPPlbDf4YpQenGTca3j8fp73X-kII3rQWZ9xJSq-BGSCyCWbT81NCGSIvv0cWiWtLRoAWNcmmgxFLxnDiCbiRhRXhAIGTe7GtQsey7tSoVFjBKrl6NZiXrVNdSchsdgF0TJUTdnMB98B8jtYp_YE-nmnuhedfNYPvxvOmoNEniHa-MKzmY/s4032/20220401_175610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRdzj7XfPPlbDf4YpQenGTca3j8fp73X-kII3rQWZ9xJSq-BGSCyCWbT81NCGSIvv0cWiWtLRoAWNcmmgxFLxnDiCbiRhRXhAIGTe7GtQsey7tSoVFjBKrl6NZiXrVNdSchsdgF0TJUTdnMB98B8jtYp_YE-nmnuhedfNYPvxvOmoNEniHa-MKzmY/s320/20220401_175610.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobby supervising. If an end piece was cut wrong, they would laugh and say "Bobby cut this one!"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aa8uHn2xQx-MSkFMvHOc4P8DsvyqX8PMnpOSlddNEwyGE-hrbGTxxc9UNnRTx2_3rAq3NAAxuPRQzKuySF7nsPDDQnbXJYAVnUX_C0Y1nMZTn3tsthtAsHXZlE-nwd4gq_4jAaAovSEKIdWUazf5EBtW1KlFb_vixVAIDJbYjMghQ86Vjmky5gBo/s4032/20220401_175640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aa8uHn2xQx-MSkFMvHOc4P8DsvyqX8PMnpOSlddNEwyGE-hrbGTxxc9UNnRTx2_3rAq3NAAxuPRQzKuySF7nsPDDQnbXJYAVnUX_C0Y1nMZTn3tsthtAsHXZlE-nwd4gq_4jAaAovSEKIdWUazf5EBtW1KlFb_vixVAIDJbYjMghQ86Vjmky5gBo/s320/20220401_175640.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy rearranging the boards I placed...haha<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr0ogzVjWmZdYoqi54RX3XJAUQhiPTWxVTXzaHU8ANjnOjcfRRgtjJg6Pq1ppH6JLA5snniXMd0HuA_1xOKy-WUZkVCWPdSy4nlTGJj1i9SkSeCIWquYMk25Ri7V5fLHZp-uScjdVLmT4ADcU4PDK77YT2YHb9bu5xbWgKx-HfygpR9wgcLgdV7Ve/s4032/20220401_175705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr0ogzVjWmZdYoqi54RX3XJAUQhiPTWxVTXzaHU8ANjnOjcfRRgtjJg6Pq1ppH6JLA5snniXMd0HuA_1xOKy-WUZkVCWPdSy4nlTGJj1i9SkSeCIWquYMk25Ri7V5fLHZp-uScjdVLmT4ADcU4PDK77YT2YHb9bu5xbWgKx-HfygpR9wgcLgdV7Ve/s320/20220401_175705.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie trimming down an edge piece.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p>The day after I left they got most of the baseboards back in place and moved a lot of the work equipment to the basement so they could begin moving furniture to the house.<br /></p><p>This past weekend, my niece told me she was at the house helping and they got most of their stuff moved in. I'm so thankful. I was beginning to be concerned they wouldn't be ready in time. Unless something unexpected happens tomorrow, they will go to the hospital Monday night and Anderson will arrive either the 12th (my older sister's birthday) or the 13th. I can't wait to see pictures of the little guy, as well as find out if he's truly as big as the doctors are thinking. His original due date was the end of this month, but the doctor's are saying he's already at 8 lbs and needs to come on now. The remainder of the things and the rest of things that need doing in the house (kitchen floor, hallway floor and overhaul of the master bathroom) will wait until after the baby comes. </p><p>Meanwhile election training classes are moving along. Wake county has some controversial races on the ballot in May, so that should bring out the voters. There's nothing I hate worse than a slow election day. </p><p>Quilts of Valor has resumed the monthly meetings, though I'm not sure how often it will continue. I'm very behind on quilting some of the tops, but I am determined that I am going to finish some of my projects. If that means volunteer work has to be put on hold, so be it.</p><p>And that is where life stands at the moment.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-46896611409297562572022-02-28T21:28:00.003-05:002022-02-28T21:28:42.125-05:00March!<p>This Friday I have my dry run for the Board of Elections Staff, so I'm having to kick my prep into a higher gear this week. I've quit counting how many years I've taught Help Table, but it's enough that a part of me doesn't want to open my binder. I can only imagine how the training team must feel! Thankfully I have two classes to assist before I actually teach a class, so that will give me a little more time to fine-tune and get ready. We're pushing for time again this cycle, so I have to remind myself to not elaborate but hit the points and keep moving. I've yet to fit everything into the time slot while I'm practicing.</p><p>The situation with Ukraine is just as dire today as it was the day of the invasion. My heart is so heavy for everyone involved - the Ukranians who woke up and found themselves at war; the many Russian soldiers who don't want to be there; those trying to get to safety; those in Ukraine picking up weapons for the first time; the Russians who are opposed to war but are finding themselves in a quickly deteriorating situation at home due to sanctions; and my Belarus munchkins from years ago that we've lost contact with. We often think them and wonder where they are and what they are doing now, but to hear that this already poverty laced country is being hit with sanctions because they are associated with Russia, their bread and butter, hurts my heart. When I heard Belarus was considering adding their troops to the fight, I thought of one of the young men who came with the ABRO group is now in the Belarussian Army, not by choice, but by how he did on a test many years ago. I know Oleg and Mikalai are fighting age, and I think of how sensitive they were then and how Mikalai was already struggling with an alcohol desire at age 14, and it hurts my heart to think of them possible being forced into battle.</p><p>To be honest, I never thought Ukraine would be able to hold out this long, and I think it is both awesome and miraculous that they are continuously doing what they can with what they have for their freedom. I've read reports from fellow Ukranian believers who are telling of nonbelieving spouses writing home, asking the church to keep praying as they are seeing miracles happen that they can't explain. My prayer continues to be that God would protect as many as possible on every side, but that He would draw so many to Him during this time of crisis. </p><p>On a much less important note, I would have thought with our mask mandates ending and things opening back up that things would being getting back to normal. But no. Juice, distilled water, frozen vegetables and french fries and tator tots are all still missing from the grocery store; we still have a 2 pack meat limit on some items; and today the grocery store was totally out of plastic bags...paper bags only. I don't think I've seen paper bags like that since I was a child. And there are still labor shortages everywhere.</p><p>So tomorrow we start this month at a quick jog, with hopes there will be a ceasefire in Ukraine and that on our little homefront we will be able to get some projects done. God is good and He is faithful, even when mankind is not.</p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-1038674695708082432022-02-22T12:57:00.002-05:002022-02-22T12:57:27.386-05:00gardens<p> Once you've grown up on or near a farm, your view on gardens is very different from that of a modern gardener. Here's some of the viewpoints I've seen the last few years that have made me stop and think.</p><p>1. <a href="https://savvygardening.com/front-yard-vegetable-garden/" target="_blank">Sustainable living/front yard gardening </a>- these gardens are in subdivisions, where people who have 1/2 an acre or less have literally made their entire landscaping some form of gardening. some people in this camp view the current idea of landscaping for beauty as wasteful. Others do a mixture of both. My biggest objection to that is the amount of weeding and care it would take to have a garden/yard look presentable to everyone driving by is immense. A few summers ago when our lawn mower tore up in the summer and it took them a month to fix it, I had two different people in our area contact us wanting to know why we hadn't cut our grass or asking if Bobby was sick. Appreciate their caring, but I know I would get a lot of advice and feedback if I did something like that in my front yard. <b>On the other hand, </b>my father-in-law, who had the acre+ sized garden in the field and expected everyone in the family to help work it, also was a bit in this camp. The reason almost all of the trees in our yard are fruit or nut tress is because of him. When we first got married and I planted a few flower bulbs and shrubs, he frowned and said "How are you going to eat that?" But he wouldn't have put his garden in his front yard, I don't think.</p><p>2. <a href="https://joegardener.com/podcast/raised-bed-gardening-pt-1/" target="_blank">Bed </a>gardening/<a href="https://www.carolinacountry.com/carolina-gardens/garden-guide-11-how-to-grow-a-straw-bale-garden" target="_blank">straw gardening</a> - my mother-in-law calls this "city gardening" and laughed every time I used the straw method. But the area near my garden couldn't be tilled because of the dog's underground fence line, so going above ground was my only option. If I followed the recommendations closely, we had success. The one summer I got started late I had almost nothing grow until very late in the summer. Green beans did well; not so much with the other things I tried. My biggest problem with this is the amount of crops you can plant is very limited. You'll get enough for a few meals, but not enough to put up for the winter. So that's a lot of work and time and money for just a few meals. If you simply enjoy gardening and playing in dirt, then this is a great way to do it. But if you're old school and wanting to can or freeze for the winter, you're going to invest an awful lot of money in dirt, straw or boxes, fertilizer and pesticides and a lot of time in weeding and watering.</p><p>3.<a href="https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-csaguide/#:~:text=Community%20Supported%20Agriculture%20(CSA)%20is,a%20farm's%20harvest%20in%20advance.&text=In%20return%20for%20their%20membership,(usually%20organic)%20every%20week." target="_blank"> CSA - Community Supported Agriculture</a> - I know many people who are shareholders/members in a CSA. They don't help with any of the farming, but they pay a weekly/monthly/yearly membership fee in exchange for weekly food items (eggs, produce, meat, etc). I never considered myself a picky eater before, but the thought of paying money for food that I'm not that crazy about (not a huge fan of strange vegetables) didn't sit well with me. Some farms let you rank foods at the beginning of your membership, but that doesn't guarantee you'll only get those items. One of my nieces belonged to one that sent recipes with each weekly box so people would have ideas on how the vegetables or herbs could be prepared. </p><p>For various reasons, my big garden season is ending. I took down the fencing for what we called the "garden annex" last week and hope to clean up some of the things in that area this week. I am going to use my large pots for a few things (more on that later), and I'll try one more year to do tomatoes in our traditional spot. A small part of me already misses it as I keep getting emails from seed companies. I'll probably clean out my seed stash in the next few weeks. But the other part of me is so relieved to have something so time consuming off my plate. We're planning to utilize the farmer's market more and purchase some things in bulk to put up for the winter. Yes, I know you can purchase items canned or frozen at the grocery store, but it really doesn't taste the same.</p><p>As we listened to "rumors of war" on the news last night, I thought about my father-in-law and his views on food production and constant prediction that "Hard times are coming. Ya gotta be prepared." I've considered the rolling supply issues at the grocery store, the rise in grocery prices, and a part of me says this is not the time to stop a garden. But the reality is, there could be another year like last year where I invested SO much time in the garden, only to have squirrels eat ALL my corn and the okra not produce. I don't have enough space in my garden to plant enough peas or beans to put up for the winter, so we were buying those anyway. I might change my mind in a few weeks, but at this point, we're calling it quits for now.</p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-61881797879784722132022-02-08T14:51:00.000-05:002022-02-08T14:51:08.108-05:00Lucy<p> This weekend most of our family gathered for two celebrations. One of the many things I enjoyed was a little bit of time with my great niece Lucy. It's been a year and a half since I had seen her in person, which is a long time for a three year old!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsTBhuFaVR8G9HC7tgWmh_mHn6107TXxaPIhyoL3441stbsp1JbA6J9L6HNIzyrjtNi9ZyfjJ2KK1neqAx8khYUcHBKmC5H1MWqrC2m8e_bUNUDW1dgWE811Y5ATMOU2CwYxYFa_a5yZPacvH1fljsfQ9fDXanBA7gwGp5jLEtefTSsxrXBQEE4Hoe=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsTBhuFaVR8G9HC7tgWmh_mHn6107TXxaPIhyoL3441stbsp1JbA6J9L6HNIzyrjtNi9ZyfjJ2KK1neqAx8khYUcHBKmC5H1MWqrC2m8e_bUNUDW1dgWE811Y5ATMOU2CwYxYFa_a5yZPacvH1fljsfQ9fDXanBA7gwGp5jLEtefTSsxrXBQEE4Hoe=s320" width="213" /></a></div>She is SO tall, which her Mom is average height and her Dad is tall, so that's not a huge surprise. My sister who teaches a K5/1st grade class commented that she was the same height as some of her students. And she has the longest eyelashes. Mine might be as thick as hers, but are nowhere near as long.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGhIYQjVjh45xo_DksXGtfDQRJM6ywGygVJ6jWyOKW5SLAbuw_Yy3iWYIT2odr_40UY6NMe7CiSG6Wt_Z_ojZUzeufovlhkPkwQ0WFROj6QJyILz2lPgaqsPCZrhWdkeqlfmz07ShXhea_3fUVH8J4Z56LHfQNxwxpv_AaY0XTrIQyCDichTxk7zo1=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGhIYQjVjh45xo_DksXGtfDQRJM6ywGygVJ6jWyOKW5SLAbuw_Yy3iWYIT2odr_40UY6NMe7CiSG6Wt_Z_ojZUzeufovlhkPkwQ0WFROj6QJyILz2lPgaqsPCZrhWdkeqlfmz07ShXhea_3fUVH8J4Z56LHfQNxwxpv_AaY0XTrIQyCDichTxk7zo1=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>We were all very pleased at how well she did adapting to new surroundings and strange people. The first morning was a little tough for her, but once we got past that, she stayed calm. My sister-in-law has worked with many autistic children in school, and she was extremely pleased and surprised with how well Lucy did.</p><p>I was surprised and pleased to see that her finger dexterity has improved since the last time I saw her. One time I was counting and holding up each one of my fingers and stopped at three and said "Lucy is three." Her face lit up, and she tried to pry my fourth and fifth finger up. We did it several times, and each time she would smile, then frown and reach for my hand as I stopped at three. She's clearly been counting with someone else. And it absolutely made my Dad's day when on her last day she would put out her fingers and toes for him to count. While she giggled the evening of the first day when I tried "this little piggy" on her toes, she wasn't overly thrilled with me touching them.</p><p>We learned she does NOT like kiwi, and we tried really hard not to laugh at her response. After a few chews, she grimaced and went ramrod straight, took it out of her mouth and placed it on the couch, then wiped her tongue with her hand a few times. When my sister asked her if she didn't like the kiwi, she responded with a gag. We quickly learned over the two days that was her response to things she didn't like, which was an appropriate action to make if you are nonverbal. But her little tongue is so cute when she does it that it's hard not to laugh. I know it won't be cute as she gets older, but for now, it is her way of expressing displeasure or dislike and it's a bit humorous. Whole grain chips, milkshakes and balloons, on the other hand, were big hits. The homemade mac-n-cheese that was a little on the greasy side...not so much.</p><p>Mother was tickled at her climbing, and even at her recognition (or remembering?) that Mom was not able to lift her. When Lucy tried to get off the bed and Mom told her she couldn't help her, Lucy slid to the edge and leaned back. Mom was able to put her hand there so she wouldn't fall down, but Lucy slowly slid off the bed. I guess she just wanted that security.</p><p>While she still runs/paces, it's not as frantic as it was 1.5 years ago and she'll pause in her laps to do things or look at something, which for some reason I find reassuring.</p><p>I wish we were closer so we could be with her more, but I am so thankful for the time we did have. I'm missing the sound of those little footsteps this morning and seeing those curls bouncing as she runs.</p><p>We love Lucy.</p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-35439802571073136132022-01-28T13:06:00.006-05:002022-01-28T13:06:57.133-05:00bizarre and strange<p> Made a quick trip to the grocery store as we prepare for another weekend of indoors, this time because of snow. (Weeks 1 - ice and covid, week 2- snow).</p><p>Between the crazy weather creating havoc with road conditions and the uproar in the supply chain since covid began, our grocery stores are once again putting out quotas on what you can buy. No more than 2 packs of meat, toilet paper, or milk per person. Thankfully that doesn't impact us, but it does make me wonder what large families are doing. Do they make multiple trips, or ask smaller families like us to purchase extra and share? Sugar continues to only be available in a 10 lb bag, apple juice is almost non-existent, crackers and salt were almost totally gone. I'm not longer shocked by the sight of empty shelves. I simply take note of what it is so I can keep an eye out for it somewhere else should it be an item we need.</p><p>I actually bought straws at Sam's Club yesterday. I don't like buying items like that in bulk, but Target has now been out of them for almost 3 months. Sometimes Food Lion has them; sometimes they don't. It made more sense to purchase them at the cheaper price and to know Bobby would have what he truly needs when he needs it. I know some of the straw issue is an environmental one, but for us it extremely helpful and almost necessary. </p><p>Usually when I leave the grocery store I try to give thanks that in our land of plenty our shelves are not bare; we just have a few bald spots. And usually there is a similar item to purchase, even if it is limited quantity and not a brand we've used before. But today I left feeling uneasy, and I'm not sure why. Perhaps the spoiled American in me wants things to return to the overabundant, multiple choice, carefree lifestyle we used to have. Maybe I'm recognizing warning signs of what might be to come. It's possible my brain has been drawn to the Ukraine situation and a little amazed/alarmed the local news actually introduced the Uighyer problem in China this morning. While I found their story barely touching the surface and extremely naive, the fact they told it all after almost 5 years of events makes me wonder if the world is slowly waking up and we are heading into things few alive today have witnessed.</p><p>But pondering all these things are not going to help me clean the house or get things ready for my sister-in-law's baby shower next weekend. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and making the crib sheets, diaper bag, teething guard and changing pad cover for the nursery. All things I've never done before. I'm excited for the opportunity, but a little concerned I might mess things up. And if I do, thank God for etsy. :)<br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-39247217291969995522022-01-14T11:25:00.002-05:002022-01-14T11:25:54.357-05:00Blessed<p> Last week I washed the mattress topper to our bed, and while it was in the dryer it started smelling funny. I've never washed it before, and I thought maybe because it was bamboo based it wasn't supposed to be washed and dried. Then the next load of clothes I tried to dry would not dry, not even after three cycles. Before I called the repairman, I thought I'd try and clean out the back filter, and I was horrified at what I found. Lint was so impacted in the escape vent that it maintained its cylinder shape even after I pulled it out. I saw the exit pipe was just as clogged and I knew I didn't have the tools to clean it from the dryer to outside the house. Bobby found a company that is made up of firemen who do the cleaning on their off days. I was baffled, because I clean the lint trap after every single use. He said lint would still escape underneath and through the back and needed to be cleaned out twice a year. Sadly it didn't make our dryer work again as the burning smell was the heating element and some of the lint on top of it being singed. We found a dryer repairman (Mike D's Dryer Repair) and he was able to come within two days. (Most places were booked five days out). He did have to order the part as ours was different than the one he bought, but when he took the machine apart, there was about 2" of lint lining the bottom of the dryer. He told me we were fortunate, that usually that much lint creates a fire. I am so thankful we were home, that I smelled it, and that it is now repaired and working remarkably well. He said that we needed to clean it out once or twice a year, depending on how much it was used.</p><p>Bobby had to make a quick stop somewhere where there are a lot of barn cats. Because of past experiences, he normally closes the lift to his van while there, but that time he didn't because he was only there about 5-10 minutes. He brought home two kittens. Thankfully we were able to get one home before it messed up the van. The other escaped into our garage. The next day it left it's hiding place and went inside my car engine. We could hear it crying. I put out some food and the squirrel trap hoping we could catch it and take it home. After a day of futile efforts, I was giving up. That night we went to his Mom's house, and on the way we heard a thunk and I saw the kitten behind the van running away at full speed. Evidently it went to his cousin's house and got in her car, so she went to our neighbor's house (her son) so he could get it out. He did, but when he let it go it went in his pickup truck. It took him several hours before he could get it again, but when he did he returned it to its original home. That was on ordeal.</p><p>Sunday night Bobby started getting a cold. Monday I gave him the last test in our covid kit (I took a test before we went to my parents at Christmas) and it was an immediate positive. Since the home tests are not the most reliable, we began looking for a place where he could get tested and was not having a lot of luck. Tuesday night he finally found a place in Raleigh. He filled out the paperwork online, and he went first thing Wednesday morning. The line was moving fairly fast, but it was backed up on the road by the time we left. Wednesday night I started coughing. By Thursday morning I had no voice and last night I began running a fever. His test came back positive this morning. He has a very mild cold. My voice is a little bit stronger today, and ibuprofen has taken care of the aches but hasn't really touched the mild headache. My sister-in-law and her youngest and his wife were coming in to town this weekend, so it has really worked out perfect. They are staying with Mrs. Bryan and will be here through the bad weather this weekend, and she dropped off some soup for us. I've actually cooked every meal, but it will be nice not having to do that for a few meals. Other than no voice and slight cough, I feel like I just had the vaccine. Bobby had the Pfizer (both shots plus booster) and only had the knot on his arm, though it was much smaller with the booster. I had the Moderna and had worsening side effects with each shot. I hadn't gotten the booster yet. I wasn't eligible for it until December, and couldn't find 2-3 days in our schedule where I wanted to deal with the side effects. Then as time passed and I kept hearing of people getting the Moderna booster and still getting sick with the virus I wasn't sure I wanted to put myself through that again. Our doctor was quite firm that we needed to stick with the same company we started with. He said all the journals he was reading did not advise mixing the shots. I do think I will probably get my blood checked for antibodies a week or two after this is gone and make a decision from there about the booster. </p><p>Meanwhile, our quilt guild is still meeting via Zoom. We were hoping to start meeting in person again in February, but that got changed. I am in charging of acquiring speakers for our meetings, and was having a hard time finding someone who would commit to speaking without a clear confirmation of in person or via Zoom. Most of the long distance Zoom speakers were already booked, and a lot of our local people are not set up for a Zoom presentation. So that means I get to speak in January. I've been working on the power point presentation, but now I'm hoping my voice is totally back to normal and my cough is gone by Tuesday night. I'm almost halfway finished with the project I'm going to present, and I think I've done enough that even if I don't feel like finishing it in the next day or two I'll be okay.</p><p>None of these things are how I envisioned 2022 starting, but the timing of everything couldn't work out better. Elections were postponed until May because of a lawsuit. While I was very aggravated at the time (we had already started preparing for training classes), I am SO thankful that I'm not in the middle of a teaching schedule right now. Hopefully by this time next week everything will be back to normal.</p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-66536057311386925212022-01-01T00:24:00.000-05:002022-01-01T00:24:03.539-05:00Welcome 2022!<p>Neither my parents nor my husband are in to New Year's Resolutions. They all hold to the premise that each day is a gift to be used to the fullest and the first day of the year is not any different than any other day on the calendar. And there is a lot of truth in that, but I also think setting goals at the start of each year can help us focus on life a little better. </p><p>December was a very busy month for us. We spent almost a week (counting travel time) in AL with my family, where we joined forces in helping my brother and his wife clean and begin preparations for house renovations. While we got a lot done, we left them with still a lot to do. Mom texted me today that the painting is now halfway done, and Dad and a coworker of my brother's ripped up the old flooring in all the rooms that had connecting flooring. That is huge!! I think the goal is to have things done enough that they can move in February when the whole family is there to celebrate Dad's 80th birthday. Amie is nearing the third trimester, and so far everything is going well, other than the ongoing sickness. While the shock of the pregnancy is wearing off, it still seems surreal. We are so excited and I wished I lived closer so I could be a part of this child's life. I feel like I missed out on so much of my other nieces and nephew's lives. </p><p>Christmas is still not over for us. We met with one of Bobby's nieces yesterday, will meet with another one today, and one of his nephews is out of town through the end of next week. Then I think we will have met with everyone at some point. I haven't decided when I will take my decorations down. Not today! I want to enjoy my lights a few more days. :)</p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-23294391430484231692021-11-17T23:19:00.000-05:002021-11-17T23:19:01.816-05:00Decisions<p> I have to confess, I have thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace of life during the pandemic.</p><p>Now that things are starting to reopen and many group meetings will be resuming in January, I need to make some decisions about what to keep and what to let go. While I thoroughly enjoy everything I am involved in, this time off has also made me realize how I've allowed myself to be too busy. Now the problem is deciding what to resume and what to say "It's been great but it's time to say goodbye for now" or "I'm stepping back from this a little." There truly can be too much of a good thing.</p><p>So as elections training for 2022 starts crunching to a beginning in 2 weeks (already committed to this through the end of '22) and quilt groups for 2022 begin sign-ups this week, the time to ponder is ending and decision making must begin.<br /></p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-46654808575983249672021-10-27T13:45:00.004-04:002021-10-27T13:45:19.908-04:00Strange days or new normal?<p> To be honest, I've lost track of how long Covid-19 has been around. We live on the Johnston County/Wake County border, and sometimes it's like we're straddling two different worlds. If I do anything with Raleigh friends or shop in Raleigh or Cary, it's masks on, hand sanitizer everywhere and people keeping their distance. My Raleigh friends are just now getting to the point where they want classes or group meetings to be held in person, and even then they are being extremely cautious.</p><p>And then there's my town, which now seems to be evenly split. There's those who still wear masks but have decreased the social distancing, those who wear masks but no longer social distance, and now we're starting to see people ignoring the mask mandate all together.</p><p>When I go to church or shop in Johnston County (our church is in JoCo) you wouldn't know there was a pandemic happening at all. No social distancing, almost no masks, though I do see a lot of hand sanitizer being used.</p><p>But even though people are getting out about and starting to say "Life must go on, virus or not" things are not normal. Empty shelves continue to happen in stores (though we still have an overabundance of items compared to many countries). The craziest thing to me is all the "help wanted" signs EVERYWHERE. I'm reminded of my college days where I left high school and had searched for jobs for 6 months before I finally got one and then went to the big city where jobs were everywhere. I chose to stay in Nashville one summer with two friends simply because there was an abundance of jobs there. The three us of rented a one bedroom apartment in a lady's basement and I worked 70+ hours every week all summer. But even the, I don't remember restaurants or stores closing because they couldn't get help.</p><p>So these are the hiring signs I've seen up this week alone in places I've been or walked past:</p><p>US Post Office, Garner - carriers. sorters, clerks<br />Hudson's Hardware - Full time and part-time<br />Carolina BBQ - all positions<br />McDonalds - $600 signing bonus<br />Bojangles - up to $15 hr<br />Food Lion - both Garner locations<br />City BBQ<br />Sheetz Gas Station<br />Agri-Supply<br />IHOP<br />Target - $15 hr and up<br />Dollar Tree<br />Five Below<br /><br />and the city of Raleigh announced yesterday that they will not be running the Christmas Polar Express this year because they do not have enough personnel...they are 80 workers short, and 70 of those would be used to operate the train and winter activities.</p><p>Wake County Public School System is also over 100 people short for its substitute teachers roster. My sister, who lives in a different state, told me even if a family member tests positive for covid, she and her fellow teachers were told unless they themselves tests positive they still have to come to work because there's not any replacements for them. </p><p>If it wasn't for the fact I want to be free to travel to Alabama and help out Mom and Dad as needed and I know I'll need two weeks during the holiday off, I would apply for a part-time job. It almost seems crazy not to do so right now. I imagine there are many other people in my situation who know it is best for the household for someone to be at home managing things, but it also seems a little crazy to see so many positions open and not help fill them. I've seen numerous posts on social media about the reasons behind people not working or returning work. I do know several people who switched careers during the shut down, but I don't know anyone who was working and is no longer working, minus two people who lost their jobs because they refused to take a vaccine.</p><p>I don't know if this is a continuation of the strange days we are in, or if this is simply our new normal. Time will tell.<br /><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-42637316675356622562021-09-24T21:06:00.001-04:002021-09-24T21:06:15.458-04:00If my life were jeopardy questions...<p> Category: Nocturnal</p><p>Answer: coyotes howling, beagles baying, siren sounding, Bobby snoring</p><p>Questions: What are noises you hear at night?</p><p><br /></p><p>For the life of me, I do not understand how he can sleep through it all, especially when the windows are open.<br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-49364102091067000262021-09-10T20:43:00.004-04:002021-09-10T20:43:36.613-04:00Stephen Smith<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MhqVJCVOBJHGjOw4wyllDEisYvmV9y97SGzewHq_QRdX_hIofk3PSg9jutMIzXtu4aOWIpeEujz7tqfqMEAsjryFKrBozh7i6C_BqpS3Cznk2juBJ_DCRNx0tH0mQUcK6O6cpgaXhLE/s2048/20210910_202547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1253" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MhqVJCVOBJHGjOw4wyllDEisYvmV9y97SGzewHq_QRdX_hIofk3PSg9jutMIzXtu4aOWIpeEujz7tqfqMEAsjryFKrBozh7i6C_BqpS3Cznk2juBJ_DCRNx0tH0mQUcK6O6cpgaXhLE/s320/20210910_202547.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat18ciREL3RCra-8qgJjI-S2OmNsqSM8idjDXMbAfF3rrVP0L8cQrORygidl5f1RZPKoZV5M4RUNYK2z21bXve5eR4aR-YhgIle2z9EqP4mk46aOWVF2nvTguG3kuVgP2rwxom1vNwTw/s2048/20210910_202606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat18ciREL3RCra-8qgJjI-S2OmNsqSM8idjDXMbAfF3rrVP0L8cQrORygidl5f1RZPKoZV5M4RUNYK2z21bXve5eR4aR-YhgIle2z9EqP4mk46aOWVF2nvTguG3kuVgP2rwxom1vNwTw/s320/20210910_202606.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I first met Stephen in 1996. I was home from China for 6 weeks during the summer and came to Garner where my sister and brother-in-law were working as the Associate/Youth pastor. He was graduating from high school and considering attending Bible College. His parents had some valid reservations and we spent some time talking about respecting our parents even when we disagreed with them. I was impressed with his attitude. It wasn't one I often saw in people his age.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two years later I was moving to Garner to make sure Bobby (who I met the following summer) was as real in person as he was in emails. Not long after our engagement Stephen and I met at the McDonalds near church so we could talk. He had something he wanted to pray about...two somethings actually. One was he had met someone and was thinking she might be "the one". He wanted people praying that he would make both a wise head and heart decision. I'll never forget how his entire face lit up as he talked about Amy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stephen's older sister Lynn is near my age, and I hurt for both her and Amy. I've prayed for his parents and children too, but Amy and Lynn are the ones who have come to mind so much these past few weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow and Sunday will not be easy days for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-69180705936467402942021-09-07T12:46:00.003-04:002021-09-07T12:46:58.355-04:00September <p> Yesterday we kicked off this busy month with a trip to see Bobby's niece and her family. It was a treat to see their new hobby farm and spend time with the great nieces and nephew. They were proud to show off their chickens and goats and sheep and their garden spot and it was just fun to watch their excitement. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWxadtlz1RBD7ki7l5_ysTOn1a9taOGAWfzU5ZcpKssurO-Fth-dnrcAs1Ks1BXYiXndrx7Ich23m9tMihRRqC0MK-_6lYfF9xivlht9VLDEbt1d50S2l4pG8B_Ikyf5Sl0hCalgpaQw/s2048/20210907_123302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWxadtlz1RBD7ki7l5_ysTOn1a9taOGAWfzU5ZcpKssurO-Fth-dnrcAs1Ks1BXYiXndrx7Ich23m9tMihRRqC0MK-_6lYfF9xivlht9VLDEbt1d50S2l4pG8B_Ikyf5Sl0hCalgpaQw/s320/20210907_123302.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Today is a home catch up day...laundry, produce, cleaning and so on.</p><p>I canned the last tomatoes for this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOypSh4dbkdHvQgY7IYy0w5LtCCm3mw8_ZRpCijTyZJ1ggD9olOSIZQE7BoYDQ2uKjZS1ORRjzqPZuTlnajCzOgbTer3R5fC25gkTz-rliWX2rldX03wVfImOQWdM3pNKhfDkwNIirpz4/s1894/20210907_123601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="1894" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOypSh4dbkdHvQgY7IYy0w5LtCCm3mw8_ZRpCijTyZJ1ggD9olOSIZQE7BoYDQ2uKjZS1ORRjzqPZuTlnajCzOgbTer3R5fC25gkTz-rliWX2rldX03wVfImOQWdM3pNKhfDkwNIirpz4/s320/20210907_123601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Have a small handfull for sandwiches this week, but I opened the garden gate so the chickens can now go in and scratch until their hearts are content. I was going to wait a few more weeks but the peas are drying out and okra is barely producing so I'm putting myself out of turmoil and saying "It's over!"<p></p><p>Beef comes in this week so I need to clean the freezer. Squirrels are already attacking the pecan trees even though the nuts aren't ripe yet. They got almost all the pears and apples this year.</p><p>A man in our church has lost his job because he refused the vaccine. He's already had covid, so I don't know if that is why he refused it or not. I do know many people who have not taken it for very different reasons. Many work places are not requiring it but do require employees to be tested every day if they don't get it. Personally, I don't think that is an unreasonable thing to ask. </p><p>It continues to amaze me the vastly different precautions and reactions people are having towards the pandemic. </p><p>Meanwhile life is going forward for everyone, whether they are staying at home or returning to some semblance of a normal life. I'm not seeing a huge difference in infection rates between the masked and unmasked in my circles. I don't know if that is the norm anywhere else or not.</p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-45859317454287111362021-09-02T22:43:00.003-04:002021-09-02T22:43:47.730-04:00goodbyes<p> Last week a friend of mine from college died unexpectedly. Wendy Southwell Briscoe had a quick wit, was an avid fiction reader, loved her family, was an encourager, did her best to cook for her family, knitted scarves for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes every year, and often did Facebook fundraisers for her sister and her family who are missionaries in Spain. She leaves behind her husband and a young son. </p><p>Today we received word that Bruce Kimbrell died in a car wreck. He served with my brother-in-law at two different churches. My prayers are going out to his two daughters who have now lost both parents (his first wife died of cancer many years ago) and his recent wife Julie.</p><p>I wanted to write beautiful tributes to both of them, but my brain is not processing very much right now. So much hurt for so many people. Lord be their balm of Gilead.<br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-51381851369799853642021-08-19T22:50:00.006-04:002021-08-19T22:50:57.497-04:00mid August<p>Yesterday I received my materials that I'll be teaching the end of September. My "dry run" (where I teach to the Board of Elections staff to make sure I know the material and am prepared) is September 9th. We will be teaching in a mask, thanks to the surge of Delta variant covid cases.</p><p>Tomorrow Wake County enters mask requirements for anywhere in public
once again. This time they are not mandating social distancing, just
masks. Personally, I think they may fear the outcome of the upcoming
elections if another stay at home order comes. But that is solely opinion and not fact. <br /></p><p>Today Alabama Free Will Baptists lost two more pastors to Covid. One of them, Bro. Glen Hood, was very influential in Dad's life when he first started as a pastor. I attended college with his oldest daughter Stephanie, who is one of the kindest and classiest people I've ever met. My heart goes out to her and her Mom and younger sister Allison.</p><p>My great-niece Lucy started school this week. I think there were many prayers going up from the Stox/Parrish/White family. While she is only two years old, (three next week!), we are so thankful the state of Virginia provides special education classes when children need them that includes helpful therapy free to families. The report from her first day made me laugh, and my understanding is that on day two she was still loving school. She did actually speak a word the first day, which now makes twice in six months she has spoken actual words. We are rejoicing!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRuJoVoWSn2quZ-g-4bE3uOWmph0P1eC7pIkjC2XgAYpCdsJQlUAB36SHhisS1xJFfVeI0QeSg_-KYsdIc5memkVQ7m11GVeckyqu84UNgpriewDrKsW2Qb_Ft0b1TWq4-HIdR-SOBvY/s960/8.16.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRuJoVoWSn2quZ-g-4bE3uOWmph0P1eC7pIkjC2XgAYpCdsJQlUAB36SHhisS1xJFfVeI0QeSg_-KYsdIc5memkVQ7m11GVeckyqu84UNgpriewDrKsW2Qb_Ft0b1TWq4-HIdR-SOBvY/s320/8.16.21.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Tonight we went to GPAC (Garner Performing Arts Center) to hear the Chatham Rabbits. I loved it!! They limited the crowd to only 50 people and livestreamed for others. We were the only ones sitting in the back of the auditorium. My mother-in-law acted like she does in church - the mask came off not long after she sat down<span> </span>(her church requires masks inside and never dropped that requirement), Bobby was getting too hot so not enjoying it, but I have followed the group on Facebook and might actually see if they have some of their music on itunes. (Yes. I still use my ipod.)<p></p><p>A mole destroyed the root system of one of my tomato plants; snake skin found in the garden; peas are dying out but okra stalks have suddenly appeared. I did pick one eggplant this year. One! Ha! Bobby said our younger dog actually dug up a mole last week and set it down and backed away as if to say "What am I supposed to do with this?" I don't think she killed it.</p><p>My heart continues to hurt for the craziness happening in Afghanistan. My thoughts bounce all over the place as I attempt to pray. I do not understand why God chose me to be born in a country of such great freedom and wealth when others who are so much more talented are born in places of suppression, poverty and no opportunities. But I do firmly believe the principles of Genesis 12:1-3, that we have been blessed in order to bless others. A group that helps refugees relocate and restart is located in Durham NC and they are preparing for up to 30 families to settle here within the next two weeks. The tutoring/mentoring volunteers that they need do jobs very similar to what I had to do in language school in China, so I am seriously praying/considering whether that is an avenue to pursue, or if that is more time/energy than I have to invest at the moment. Meanwhile, I can help gather needed items to stock apartments for families who literally had to flee with only one or two small bags.</p><p>And I have been very disappointed with American media and am again going to BBC for world information. While our nation is amazing, we are also so inwardly focused that the country term "navel gazing" aptly applies.</p><p>While Mom & Dad are doing well, they are aging. It's harder to hear/read reports and not be close enough to help them with daily activities.</p><p>And my goal to reclaim the dining room from two massive projects has not yet happened. But I am steadily plugging away, hoping that one day they both will actually be finished. Or at least in an acceptable state of progress. Several years ago a friend of mine posted a statement that read something like "I can't stop a bird from flying overhead; I can stop that bird from building nests in my hair." That has been my mantra these last two months. I'm still in the pulling twigs out of my hair stage, but thankfully there has yet to be the shape of a nest forming! Meanwhile I agreed to do a project for my sister in the next two weeks. I'm hoping it's as quick and easy as the pattern says! </p><p>And that catches us up to this point in August! <br /></p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-87855270912239877362021-07-31T11:28:00.001-04:002021-07-31T11:41:15.518-04:00July<ul style="text-align: left;"><li> kidney infection for Bobby</li><li>2nd failed and final attempt at a colonoscopy for Bobby</li><li>being able to sleep through the night for almost 2/3 of this month...HOORAY!!! <br /></li><li>still no new vans available...trying to keep the starter and ramp door working now...hit 193,000 miles this week</li><li>wedding party in TN for Bobby's nephew/completed his quilt 1 day before we left!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_0BuZ33hosZBnq3mSKNfKvu8_RU4f5yyqIC6Ulf26CfiQ5XjzLj-5TzUE_wOUuu3xLhYZ6hMSTxGvvwncx9l-Q3Ro_7zoKDxQasrpmcqN0JQ87k6VJFf3QCoUtQ72OohonD4rhikhQc/s1080/IMG_20210730_170959_993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_0BuZ33hosZBnq3mSKNfKvu8_RU4f5yyqIC6Ulf26CfiQ5XjzLj-5TzUE_wOUuu3xLhYZ6hMSTxGvvwncx9l-Q3Ro_7zoKDxQasrpmcqN0JQ87k6VJFf3QCoUtQ72OohonD4rhikhQc/w200-h200/IMG_20210730_170959_993.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ljjlCJr0IWZGMLjO0tXG1vYZ90TayD8KLs_JJ2zid1js3c2nfqyED2o8e7nD1jDu1W4b0bnPqHJ9bGLQoHaw4xsdItNd5-Tb_X2eWwHeGeV9UKvcC5myuJI8EV4_d1AQz9BEMmdpqrw/s2543/20210715_214546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ljjlCJr0IWZGMLjO0tXG1vYZ90TayD8KLs_JJ2zid1js3c2nfqyED2o8e7nD1jDu1W4b0bnPqHJ9bGLQoHaw4xsdItNd5-Tb_X2eWwHeGeV9UKvcC5myuJI8EV4_d1AQz9BEMmdpqrw/s320/20210715_214546.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /></li><li>new set of biddies</li><li>2 more hens trying to nest</li><li>confirmation there will be no October election</li><li>canned 8 quarts of tomatoes</li><li>peas and eggplants are FINALLY starting to bloom</li><li>Mom is OFF oxygen!!!!</li><li>able to see my Grandma's house before it's possible sell/demolition (house is at least 75 years old)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO9gLZwxo6W5NWnfiIywiTDSVV8mGdgMFE-gfJXPdxzE9OVf_nNhze8rOi4Hfss9Z-a9l6RKlYwrgczfbN4pUMYgxRURCO4klZKoT97eL7ZyEQZUaWVTfcs0GUsRPn3evnS71kBqRKBs/s2543/20210726_150952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO9gLZwxo6W5NWnfiIywiTDSVV8mGdgMFE-gfJXPdxzE9OVf_nNhze8rOi4Hfss9Z-a9l6RKlYwrgczfbN4pUMYgxRURCO4klZKoT97eL7ZyEQZUaWVTfcs0GUsRPn3evnS71kBqRKBs/s320/20210726_150952.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /></li><li>walked some of the family property with Dad...we each found 2 ticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2j7Ae9YXkBxIb6svS_nOo_B57rV2TmP21HbTUAqWWh0BOwyDC0RyGvmhQUyP7xUFS1ffSmq5g1QknB1U-Xh6SOsHFVHyt9iD-SRRviwoXcTn1mzV4nZbRmr0AfjRyyXCNz803HlBY9k/s2543/20210726_152854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2j7Ae9YXkBxIb6svS_nOo_B57rV2TmP21HbTUAqWWh0BOwyDC0RyGvmhQUyP7xUFS1ffSmq5g1QknB1U-Xh6SOsHFVHyt9iD-SRRviwoXcTn1mzV4nZbRmr0AfjRyyXCNz803HlBY9k/s320/20210726_152854.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /><br /></li><li>got to meet my great-nephew Jack for the first time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHbbu3fRlZKALy1X4amiIaGj5uPfcEiGCgZe-9s69c38Sy2slxoq8FK5bzUzOV_iuljV2cp-16ewWVD64OcUSg7rfs2b6fVaAXWaVtYpw5vu2E31lvbiHAYtDJXeGYh2m_nRmyHe4VD8/s2543/20210724_121942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHbbu3fRlZKALy1X4amiIaGj5uPfcEiGCgZe-9s69c38Sy2slxoq8FK5bzUzOV_iuljV2cp-16ewWVD64OcUSg7rfs2b6fVaAXWaVtYpw5vu2E31lvbiHAYtDJXeGYh2m_nRmyHe4VD8/s320/20210724_121942.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /></li><li>my great-niece Lucy received confirmation of her autism diagnosis and level assignment; starts therapy/school a week before she turns 3</li><li>One of Mom's doctors at the lupus clinic has scheduled an appointment...finally...turns out she has not been seeing patients most of the last year because of her own struggles with covid</li><li>In addition to all the appointments with Lucy's doctors, both my niece and her husband have been sick this month. Ellen is improving; Kevin has seen slight improvement and is awaiting biopsy reports.</li><li>helped clean out Mom & Dad's deep freeze</li><li>weeded about 1/2 of Dad's tomatoes</li><li>made pickles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cOw0YkYanbmXOsif8xwg_MYX1ch5m7yx3fmekAKcjZdgFBI7_TFh5qPMMy7G-a3KlcHyO8-ZJCqxss6TLO_WrahGAeu5mQdWXJlroMkKXSFn5jCzTwwygp37TZwNtIsnEEYl4_9lQMQ/s2543/20210720_115108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cOw0YkYanbmXOsif8xwg_MYX1ch5m7yx3fmekAKcjZdgFBI7_TFh5qPMMy7G-a3KlcHyO8-ZJCqxss6TLO_WrahGAeu5mQdWXJlroMkKXSFn5jCzTwwygp37TZwNtIsnEEYl4_9lQMQ/s320/20210720_115108.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /></li><li>bought a bushel of corn at the farmer's market and put it up</li><li>found out unless covid spikes much higher, elections training for the November election will be in September and first week of October. Less classes this year. :)</li><li>given up on grape vine wreaths...hauling the vines off next week <br /></li></ul>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-26891062508624061092021-06-23T22:49:00.006-04:002021-06-23T22:49:59.625-04:00just about done<p> I don't remember if I posted or not about the mice and the snake in my garden. But it was almost enough to convince me that my garden days were over. Thankfully said snake has not appeared in the hen house.</p><p>But the momma hen who hatched out two chicks this weekend killed a very small mouse in the moveable hen house. </p><p>And a small rabbit has demolished my corn field in one week. Four days to be exact. I had about 11 plants that already had ears of corn on them, and 10 of the 11 are now flat on the ground with corn husks everywhere. And 3 of the stalks that were only 4-5" high have been pulled up/chewed off near the ground. I was already contemplating not planting corn again, and this has made the decision for me. </p><p>I imagine I'll always have tomato plants, but not sure what I will do with the rest of the garden.</p><p>It's crazy. Just crazy.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1811446944556446825.post-43990969981414696312021-06-05T22:46:00.003-04:002021-06-05T23:08:56.032-04:00Is that a real number?<p> Monday afternoon three of Bobby's great-nephews came fishing. The youngest is 4 yrs old. When he wasn't irritating one of his brothers, he was keeping up a steady stream of chatter. After one of the boys knocked our bait container into the pond, the turtles began making their way to the pier. When the fifth one popped its head up, he looked at me in amazement and squealed "<i>There's a hundred and a thousand out there!</i>" I laughed and told him there wasn't quite that many. He got quiet, then actually whispered <i>"Is that a REAL number? I know a hundred is, but..."</i> and he shrugged.</p><p>So we had a math lesson on what comes after 100. For some reason he found it funny that the numbers simply started over.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmBJTK-TbyqAo6pvrQOdiaRjPAZn2Q5QOxE5t5-GfMteglPrZuUizQ9IR9vBTllnke8d6h7Jd3l5W1UJsS1Oqws0PXkUdGTZaNCy9DnwAmv9Fr-fiDcxrcVXSdU5Dvy20il55SW2KM-I/s2048/Dylan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmBJTK-TbyqAo6pvrQOdiaRjPAZn2Q5QOxE5t5-GfMteglPrZuUizQ9IR9vBTllnke8d6h7Jd3l5W1UJsS1Oqws0PXkUdGTZaNCy9DnwAmv9Fr-fiDcxrcVXSdU5Dvy20il55SW2KM-I/s320/Dylan.jpg" /></a></div>I think he had fun. I'm not sure if he enjoyed catching more than his older brothers (and constantly reminding them of that fact), or just the newness of this "disgusting" activity. It was my first time to really be around him, and he made me laugh. Though I think the turtle his brother caught startled as much as it amazed him.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-EGQpQJOkSF3QUvHwqkpk18PxSyEXPQLGMcM2Cbqo9IVVKJSECNay4FgbZHSFSwvSPfP7SXfLVWrmzvWEH_ScIFSPRBrc9WwzX4frOVWHXF4t4TNz9dySjDewKogH0j4pWWreJO9Fe8/s1029/turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="863" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-EGQpQJOkSF3QUvHwqkpk18PxSyEXPQLGMcM2Cbqo9IVVKJSECNay4FgbZHSFSwvSPfP7SXfLVWrmzvWEH_ScIFSPRBrc9WwzX4frOVWHXF4t4TNz9dySjDewKogH0j4pWWreJO9Fe8/s320/turtle.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hopefully we can have them back again this summer. And this time I'll be a little more prepared to keep the bait safe.<br /><br /><p></p>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03656488068339821703noreply@blogger.com0