A Simple Woman's Daybook~October 5, 2011

Just For Today...Wednesday, October 5, 2011

As my friend Marie's says about writing a daybook post or reading one," It is like sitting down together for a chat over tea."

Outside my window...it is sunny with wispy, snow white clouds and a gentle breeze today. It is 11:00 am and I have been writing all morning. A short history of Jim's grandfather has been started to help my genealogy teacher and dear friend with his research.

I am thankful for...God's answers to our pleadings and comfort that His answers have brought this couple of weeks for all of us. We are so blessed and happy that Steve is well! When he went to the doctor this week his doctor said that he not just in remission, he actually used the word cured! The summer has been rough for Steve but now things are looking very rosy! And he is finally feeling a little better too. Everyday he sees improvement.

From the learning room...by small and simple things great things are brought to pass. A little here, a little there and soon you realize you are actually moving forward. This is my mantra as I continue to learn this very challenging subject of genealogy and family history. I chase away thoughts like, "It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks" with it. I will learn this. And I will learn to balance my life in such away that it does not exhaust me. I will learn that I am not required to run faster than I am able. When is the question?

I Am Reading..."Rutka's Notebook" (The Polish Anne Frank.) And The Secret Code of Success by Noah St. John. One page at a time I might add. I just cannot seem to sit still with a book right now.

From the kitchen...the oven is still not repaired so we made spaghetti sauce the other night for dinner tonight. My brother is finally well enough to come and have dinner, we are excited so see them in a relaxed social setting with no worries for the first time in months. We are celebrating God's mercy in our lives.

I am wondering...it will be like to send Robert off to the middle east in a few weeks. Still not going there but it is creeping in I have to admit. God bless our military personnel who risk all for the freedoms we enjoy. Let us never take it for granted.

I am missing...All our peeps, far away friends and family. Those still here on the earth and those than have gone on to better things.

I am hearing...Caruso by Pavarotti. I am on a classical music kick right now. I love this song with all my heart. I was so sad when this heaven sent artist died. At the time I read his biography and have thought to find it in our library, dust it off and reread it. Oh, to have a voice of that quality!

I am wearing...Golly, something beside pajamas for a change. A pair of dark blue jeans, a patterned rust and blue shirt and a light rust kind of a flowing vest that goes with it. One of my favorite things in my new smaller size! Woohoo!

I am quoting... "I had never been around such gregarious people nor been hugged so much in my life. I was like a sponge just basking in it. Now I cannot imagine life without hugs! I immediately taught this to my family as well and it has changed our family dynamics considerably to this day. They taught me pretty much everything I know (aside from the Church) about the importance of the extended family in our lives. They taught me that love was to be given, expressed in a variety of ways, including verbally and shared frequently~what a gift." Captured from a personal journal.

Somethings that made me especially happy this week...Jim started feeling better after cracking a rib, some great music, videos and letters, learning how to do something on the PC half way. Now next week I will tackle the rest of it. Going through old files on our genealogy and finding special things that had been saved. Just like Christmas seeing them again.

I am going...to go to Walnut Creek to sign some documents in a little while and then taking a nap before Steve and Emmy come to dinner. Loving this relaxing day today after much fatigue yesterday and a good night's sleep. Feeling happy and refreshed and like the big stone is rolling forward in my pursuits today.

One of my guilty pleasures...Taking a nap on a rainy day in the family room with the fireplace going and my blankie. I am going to do it the minute I finish this post.

Pet Peeves...rude drivers, (have I mentioned this before?) in fact, rude people in general. Where has civility gone? It is no where around these parts, that is for sure.

One of my favorite things...people who are not afraid to express their tender feelings towards one another because there is trust that their heart will be handled with care.

An enjoyable movie I have watched lately...A Woman Named Golda. This movie is about Golda Meir and is excellent, informative and touching. Jim and I both enjoyed it very much!

I am curious about...why time just will not slow down for a nano second. How can tomorrow be Thursday, it was just Sunday.

If I could change one thing it would be....that everyone that has family and friends with cancer would get the kind of news we did this month.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Eye appointment tomorrow morning and then Jim and I are taking Lowell's Aunt Zona out to lunch. She has been collecting little treasures for our granddaughters and we are the depository, as she has a very small place in an elder care facility. Friday meeting with my friends in the morning and then I plan to play...not sure what but I have got to get away from the keyboard and screen and just get outside, go shopping or something fun. Then date night with movie and popcorn. Saturday, absolutely no idea. Sunday church and a violin concert by Jenny Oaks Baker.

Here is are some photos and some thoughts I am sharing with you...

New Hampshire

This is where we were this time last year.
Oh, I do want to be there right this minute.
I am letting the photos transport me to a
place far more beautiful than
words or photos can express.

I want this little house to be our
get away place in New Hampshire.
Anyone what to rent it the other 11 months of the year?
You would love it, I promise.

Four sources of my purest joy!

Three sources of my pure joy and a
little bobble head that came out of the thicket!