The Christmas Crab

Although I don't believe in astrology, I was born under the sign of the crab, Cancer. I must admit I do have a lot of the characteristics of a moon child - some good, some not so good. I'm just thankful I do not resemble a crab physically. It would be most difficult to purchase eyeglasses, I think. And shoes? I don't think even Zappo's could help out in that department.

All of this to say, I'm a bit of a hermit, and love staying close to the hearth. I've been rather crabby recently(sorry, couldn't help it), probably a bit of the holiday blues. I find that I'm just not interesting right now and am having a hard time returning visits. Now, you all know who you are, namely: Levon, Sandee, Sandy B, Linda, Barbara and (please forgive me, because I just know I'm leaving someone very special out)........Which also leads me to the fact that I can't remember stuff. Yeah, I'd rather use that other word that starts with an "s" but I won't. I had a long chat with my cousin today (also my very best friend in the world!), and we spent a large amount of time discussing things like: "You know, that movie with what's-her-name; you know, the one who played with - darn, what's-his-name, in, shoot! What was the name of the movie he starred in with..." And on it goes! As my friend Bee says, "Got to take more fish oil pills."

So, I plan on taking some time off without any guilt as usual, and come back in a few days, with I hope, a renewed sense of humor and less sense of self - new perspective, if you will.
Love to you all. And yes, a bigger, badder me will return. Well, bigger probably.

Happy Holidays!

Okay, that's just not me. I choke trying to say "Happy Holidays." I know a lot of folks feel like they're left out. There are Jewish folks (to whom I do wish "Happy Hanukka"), there are Muslim folks, Pagan folks, agnostics and atheists. I respect their right to abstain from wishing me a Merry Christmas, but by gum, I'm a Christian (and even though I know all of the history of the holiday and realize we do not know the date, etc., etc.,) we have set this day aside to acknowledge the birth of the Christ. It is a time of wonderment and joy. I always listen to Handel's Messiah and relive the days when I was part of a large choir, which sang a goodly portion of this glorious body of work, and sing along in my now froggy voice. It is a time of going to midnight services and the reading of the scriptures. It is the foundation of my faith, and so, I wish all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.

An Update...

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and concern for Jill, our daughter-in-law. She's made it through and is now on the other side of recovery! She was moved to a rehabilitation center for physical therapy and is expected to go home Christmas Eve! What a blessing for Steve and their daughter, Kelsie. We give thanks to God for His blessings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, I want to thank all of you for hanging in with me as I deserve the "Worst Blogger of the Year" award. I know we all have periods in which there's just not the time or the words, so we let it go for a while. That's whats happened to me, I guess. I have the time but not the words.
I guess that has to go at the top of my list of resolutions.

Furry Girls

Katie and Zoe - back from the groomers. It's after midnigh,t and they're driving me nuts. It's cold outside and rainy. They just came in for the last time tonight so they're all fired up and want to play. I don't.

I appreciate all of the concern you have shown our family in regards to our daughter-in-law's condition. She is making slow, steady progress, with this week bringing her closer to recovery than she's been before. She still has some neurological difficulties but the doctors seem to think that the brain lesions will heal on their own.

Please forgive me for being a "non-blogster" these past few weeks. There are so many of you that I enjoy visiting and I'm being a horrible dud. Just know it's nothing personal, I just don't have a lot to say that doesn't seem depressing and gloomy. I really don't want to spread that around the blogs!

I'll try to pop in and out as the season progresses. Have fun as you endure shopping lines, baking cookies, and decorating - all the things that make the season so bright!

Harry Reid is a Little Buffoon!

I try to shy away from politics because I know it offends some of my friends. But this issue is so outrageous I just can't help myself.

This was posted in The Wall Street Journal:

By JOHN FUND

Majority Leader Harry Reid tarred opponents of his health care bill yesterday as the equivalent of those who opposed equal rights for women and civil rights for blacks.

In a remarkable statement on the Senate floor, Mr. Reid lambasted Republicans for wanting to "slow down" on health care. "You think you've heard these same excuses before? You're right," he said. "In this country there were those who dug in their heels and said, 'Slow down, it's too early. Let's wait. Things aren't bad enough' -- about slavery. When women wanted to vote, [they said] 'Slow down, there will be a better day to do that -- the day isn't quite right. . . .'"

He wrapped up his remarks as follows: "When this body was on the verge of guaranteeing equal civil rights to everyone regardless of the color of their skin, some senators resorted to the same filibuster threats that we hear today."

Senator Reid's comments were quickly condemned. "Hyperbole. It is over the top. It reminds me of earlier people talking about Nazis," said Juan Williams of NPR and Fox News, author of "Eyes on the Prize," a definitive history of the civil rights movement.

Historians also faulted Mr. Reid's curious reference to the Senate civil rights debates of the 1960s. After all, it was Southern Democrats who mounted an 83-day filibuster of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill. The final vote to cut off debate saw 29 Senators in opposition, 80% of them Democrats. Among those voting to block the civil rights bill was West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd, who personally filibustered the bill for 14 hours. The next year he also opposed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Mr. Byrd still sits in the Senate, and indeed preceded Mr. Reid as his party's majority leader until he stepped down from that role in 1989.

The final reason Mr. Reid's comments were so inapt and offensive is that the battles for women's suffrage and civil rights he referred to were about expanding freedom. That's not what the 2,074-page health care bill being debated in the Senate today does, with its 118 new regulatory boards and commissions. Mr. Reid may reach his needed 60 votes to pass his bill this month, but he is pursuing it using the most tawdry and deplorable of tactics.

Who does Reid think he's kidding? It's nothing new that he's a dirty little rat who doesn't like to play fair, but this is so over the top I cannot believe it.

Grace Beyond Measure

We have a Christmas miracle! After going to the edge, Jill has returned and is "home." She recognizes people, and although she still requires the breathing tube, she is aware. She has a way yet to go, but it appears that she's going to be all right in the long run!

There were some lesions in the brain that have evidently been absorbed - that was causing the neuro difficulties. She will have some things to overcome, but it looks SO much better!!!

Our family thanks all of you who "stormed Heaven with your prayers." We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts.

Prayers for Jill

Our daughter-in-law, Jill, remains in a coma. She became ill two and a half weeks ago, was placed on life support and taken off the equipment just a few days ago. Now the doctors have determined that she is bleeding in the brain and it's now touch and go. Jill is the wife of Wally's son, Steve, and they have a teen-aged daughter. Please remember Jill and her family in your prayers. We sure will appreciate it.

Coram Deo, Gracie

Looking at the Sky on Friday

This is the "Mighty Kern River," in the foreground, with part of Kernville, which is a very photogenic piece of Kern County, and one of our favorite spots for a quick getaway or dinner. And it's always nice to see blue sky for a change....

Enjoy your Friday!

Please visit Tisha at CRAZY WORKING MOM

Happy Birthday, Tisha!!!

There's a remarkable young woman, Tisha, whose blog is always about her family and her adorable kids: Shelby, Tyler, and Emily, and all kinds of good stuff. On top of all her family responsibilities, she helps with the family business and, oh yes, she hosts "Looking at the Skies on Friday!" I jokingly refer to her as "Sky Queen." I don't think she minds it, or she would've stuck my sky posts where the sun don't shine, doncha know. Join the blogosphere in wishing her the happiest of birthdays, and a rewarding year to go along with it!

We love you, Tisha!
AKA: Crazy Working Mom

The Happy Couple

Wordless Wednesday

Looking at the Sky on Friday

Okay, the sky is kinda "luke warm," but I love the raven perched on the post, against the pastel, nondescript sky. I'll try to find something better for next week.

Please visit CRAZY WORKING MOM for more sky pics!

Thank You...Our Vets

In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace. The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected. ---Sun Tzu

Mere words cannot begin to express my gratitude to the men and women of our armed services. I took the above photo at our local cemetery on a cool, early spring afternoon, a time of reflection. To all of those who have walked the path to war and peace, my heartfelt thanks.

(I watched the service today from Ft. Hood, for those men and women who were struck down in the safety of their own community. Listening to the speeches, the prayers, the music, watching the faces of people as they walked along the photographs of their loved ones, wracked in grief and shock, I was starkly reminded of the families left behind. What a tragedy! I can only hope that the horrible man who killed these souls will be brought to true justice and not become a poster child for political correctness.)

Wordless Wednesday - You'll Love This One!

For a good laugh - click to "biggify!"

(We had no idea the little snot did this until we got the proofs!
Just another reason we love her so much!!!)

Please go to WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

My Baby Got Married!

Waiting for the groom!
(This was taken at her front door)

Daughter #1, the bride, and our new granddaughter!
(Taken in her bedroom before putting on her gown)

Daughter #1 with her dad on the dance floor

The first dance as Mr. and Mrs.

I've been remiss in not posting some of the wedding photos - the wedding was only this July. I didn't get very good photos so I've been waiting. Finally got the CD and will post a few here and there.

This was a very joyous occasion - most of you are aware that our SIL, Doug, passed away four years ago. Darren entered Corinne's life and they are very happy! That makes us very happy, too....

He's Home From Iraq!

Robert William Rawlins
***One Proud Marine***

We give thanks to the Good Lord for Robby's safe return home!

Well, to Okinawa, that is...for now. Our grandson is to be stationed at 29 Palms in a few weeks (that's only about 200 miles from here). His mom and dad are in Oklahoma, and I'm willing to bet, they'll be making a trip west pretty soon!

Looking at the Sky on Friday

Promise of a Rainbow...
Stop by our lady of the sky:
Crazy Working Mom

A Little More About Spike

I should have described what was happening in this picture in the post below. I was leaning back in the chair with a neck roll. Spike hopped up to the top of the chair, then hopped up on my head, which was something he's never done before. As I tilted my head back to look at him, he "log-rolled" so as I rolled back, he walked forward; he peered down at me and said, "Hello!" We cracked up! Wally grabbed the camera and we did it again - lucky shot.

I don't usually sit around with a bird on my head - Linda, you're right! Might get a tad messy...
Spike has been a part of our family since 1992, longer than some of our grandchildren! He is a clown and continues to make us smile....

Wordless Wednesday - Spike

PLEASE MOSY ON OVER TO:
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Looking at the Sky on Friday

Hwy. 58 headed to Tehachapi

Clear skies over my house, today!

Please visit our smiling Princess of the skies.... Crazy Working Mom

Hmmmmmm.....

I doing my own thing here, folks! I found a terrific website for free backgrounds, etc., and they're very quirky, like - guess who! *The link is in the upper left hand corner. I have developed a fondness for "altered art," and some of this is an example of that. As soon as I can figure out how to use Photo Shop I can use it to my advantage.

Going back to the other day, when I was really down, I tried to work on my photo shop skills and kept getting so mixed up and confused. It seems that nowadays, what would've taken me five minutes to "get" something, now takes about 5 weeks. ARGH. That doesn't help my temperment one iota. So what do I do? Yeah, I quit. I won't try it again for months because I remember the frustration and don't want to go there again.

Well, phooey. Maybe I'll try again this week. Who knows which rabbit hole I may tumble down?
Thanks for listening...

Wordless Wednesday

And on a lighter note...

Please pay a visit to WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Question of the Day

Why do those of us who happen to believe in God make other people uncomfortable? There is a very well-deserved, respected blogger who believes that "god," (lower case "g") be it a he/she, only provides a crutch. Why do people want to belittle those of faith?

I know this is nothing new, but it seems that it has become the avant garde thing to do. Let's just discredit those pesky people of faith and maybe they'll leave us alone. If the liberals in this country keep demanding for equality for all, why does that exclude me? I know all about Michael Dawkins and have read some of his book - not the new one. This is the new age of atheism. Fine, I don't really care if you feel the need to boast about not needing religion in your life (I prefer to call it faith), but, as so many liberals believe, they know so much better than "the people of the book."

I will be the first to say that the scurrulous TV preachers, sham/scam artists, and the ones with goofy pink hairdos; the Roman Catholic priests who preyed on the innocent; the preacher who cried through crocodile tears, "I have sinned!," after being caught with a prostitute; the LDS polygimists; have all brought shame on "organized religion." They're people with clay feet, who although they act as if they're perfect, they're far from it. All of us have had encounters with charlatans.

But have you ever sat in a service where people were in prayer for an ill member, or praying for a family who have lost a loved one? Have you ever spent time at the bedside of an elderly woman, reading to her from her favorite book of Psalms? Have you ever gathered with a group and prayed for someone who had just lost a child? Or a job? Or is praying for the cessation of addictions? Is that a crutch?

I believe in classic faith, not one in which we are the most important thing in the universe, but faith in one who is stronger than I.

I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

A Rough Spot in the Road...

I need to read this over and over and over. My heart is full of unrest tonight, and my head will not stop creating an abundance of sadness that threatens to overwhelm me.
For those of you who know me, you'll know I'm okay - for those of you who don't, believe me.

(Just to give credit, I found this at FeMail Creations)

Depression

This post should go over to "Echoes of the Night," but I feel like more of you follow me here than there.

Fall is not a good season for me. It brings in the blues of depression, not the blues of springtime and flowers. Most depression can be walked off, talked off, or slept off. Mine makes me go deeper than that and lower than I ever want to go. Some people have dreams and nightmares. I become my nightmares.

Being Bipolar means I will probably read this tomorrow and say, "Why the hell did I post that? What was wrong with me?" I'm trying to learn to live in the moment and not beat myself about how I felt today. I know we control the moment. I still beat myself up for the past, and I have no control over the future (other than I believe it is in God's hands which provides a lot of comfort).

My manic bouts are minor and far and few between, it's the depression part that eats away at my innards. The guilt sets in when I realize how much I have - not possessions - but people that love me, healthy children (except for one, and that's due to choices he's made). I have a husband that loves me and never thinks of walking away from me when I'm ready to give up on myself. So, the thoughts come in playing around in my mind and taunting me: "What are you whining about?" I'm not whining - I'm running. I'm running from me.

(If you click on this, you should be able to see the little boat out in the middle. That's where I am tonight. I can see the harbor, and I am close to shore where I will find peace and drop my anchor.)

Looking at the Sky on Friday

Of all the photos I've taken, this is probably my favorite. It's on the north shore of Kaua'i with "Bali Hai" in the background. It you "bigify" this you'll notice the wave breaking still shows the blue water. I've not traveled much but this is the place I want to be again...

Okay, you know the drill: Please go
visit the Princess of the Skies,
Crazy Working Mom

Please forgive - I've posted this before but I don't think it was LATSOF.

Something Silly for Sunday

Katie is a Shih tzu. She loves everyone and has no enemies. Except for saw grass. She came in the other night just covered in the stuff. It is kind of like a bee stinger - it's like sandpaper and the more you try to get it out of the fur, the more tangled it becomes!

Katie has a very soft coat with an even softer undercoat. It wouldn't budge with her grooming comb or brush, so out came the scissors! Afterwards, she looks like she was attacked by Edgar Scissorhands.

The bottom pic is what she and Zoe look like after a few hours at the groomers.
Oh, by the way, have I ever mentioned that Zoe is the brains in this outfit?

Looking at the Sky on Friday

Same sky, just different sides of the road. This is more from San Simeon - the park and the old village wall.

Now, please go make nice with Crazy Working Mom

Wordless Wednesday - OUCH!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Looking at the Sky on Friday

This was taken a couple of weeks ago at Moonstone Beach, Cambria. Down at the bottom of the rocks where the tide was beginning to surge, there were a lot of little shells (see post below - Sunday Blessings) and a couple of sea urchins. It's fun to stick your fingers into a sea urchin and have it close up on your finger! Yes, I was a strange child...

Okay, you all know the drill: Please click on over to Crazy Working Mom

Wordless Wednesday - What???

What were they thinking?????

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Sunday Blessings - Cambria

I love the beach. I don't think there's any other place I'd rather be. Other than a lake. Or a stream. Or a river. Okay - the point is - I love the water! Cambria reminds me of Big Sur, on a lesser scale. It's south of Monterey, where we spent some of our honeymoon, back in '78. This is the kind of place I'd love to pitch my tent - take that, Gadaffy!

Seriously, I'd love to have a quaint little shop, with lots of greenery, art, handmade jewelry and artifacts from the sea. And of course, art. Big pieces, little pieces, on canvas, on tin, on wood; in oils or acrylics; art glass, twinkling lights, stained glass - a whole cacophony of art! And music....soft dulcimers, pounding pianos, smooth guitar riffs, and jazz. Candles... lots and lots of candles. Silks and satins, soft cottons and velvets, in which to walk along the sandy beach; warm cups of tea and coffee served in bone china cups....delectable.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Philippians 4:8 "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable --- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy --- think about such things...And the God of peace will be with you."