What's New?

Greetings readers (or reader), It's been a while since I wrote on my blog.  There's been a lot going on in my life.

The new year is here and I haven't kept one resolution - yet.  I still plan to exercise every day, eat better, lift weights, read my bible every day, etc.  Actually, I forget to do these things.  I get so involved in everyday events that my resolutions completely slip my mind.

I used to be very disciplined - when I was younger.  I can remember getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to do Joanie Greggins who had an exercise show on TV.   She's probably dead now; she was pretty old when she was doing her show and it's been at least  25 years since I did the exercises.  Consequently, everything on my body is either sagging, bagging or dragging.  And, you know the sad thing is, I don't really care.  I never thought I would reach this point - not care about how my body looks.  I used to be a fanatic about my looks.  Oh well, I guess that's what age does to ones mind and determination, etc.

Since I last wrote, my grandson has moved in with me.  He'll be eighteen Sunday.  He needed a change, so he decided he wanted to live with Nana and Poppa.  He's a dear boy.  He has Asperger's' Syndrome, which is a type of Autism.  He's had it since he was eighteen months, when he was diagnosed.  He was fine up until that time when he started making lots of hand motions and wanted to play with cooking utensils instead of toys.   I have to get up at 6 AM to get ready and to get my grandson's lunch fixed, take him to my granddaughter's house by 7:15AM and she takes him to school, as she's headed that way for work.  I, in turn, take my great-grandson to school five minutes from her house, as he has to be at school later than my grandson.  Can you figure that out?  I also have to pick my grandson up every day at school, which is thirty minutes from my house.  It sounds crazy, but I actually am enjoying getting up and out that early.  I hope my attitude doesn't change.

I am a reader so, of course, I had to read everything I could find on the subject.  We chose to implement several unorthodox treatments for my grandson, one being Auditory Integration Training.  This involved going to another town, two hours away, every day for two weeks.  While there, my grandson had to put headphones on his ears and listen to music - different kinds of music.  These sessions were supposed to help my grandson sort out different sounds, so he could learn to communicate.  He really didn't like this, at first, but eventually he adjusted.  We had an hour session in the morning, had to wait four hours and have another session the same day.  It was very trying to have to find something to fill up those four hours.  I even resorted to renting a motel room so we could eat lunch and rest a bit.  Eventually, we went to my mother's house, an hour away, after the afternoon sessions, and spent the night there.  This was a lot easier than having to drive two hours home every afternoon.

Anyway, the sessions were completed and after the first session, my grandson said a whole sentence.  It was incredible.  We were driving home and he said, "I see a deer".  We started screaming and crying; it was wonderful.   I do believe that this "unorthodox" treatment for Aspergers started my grandson off in the right direction.  Today, he is a caring, loving, Christian, sweet young man;  we all adore him.

I'm still beading.  I've made a lot of " bling-bling" rings.  They're really big rings that truly make a statement.  I love making these.  I start out with the base beads I like and just wing it from there.  I don't have a plan, I just let the  design ideas come as they will.  I love to design;  this is my passion.  I've said many times to my husband..."I wish I had a passion like your fishing passion."  He does love to fish.

Well, now I have a passion.  The problem is, I don't want to sell any of my rings.  Everyone says, make two of each ring and sell one of them.  If I make two, that means I'll be making two of the same thing when I could be designing something entirely different. Does that make sense?

I just got through eating my "no-no" breakfast - a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit with a diet coke.  I only eat one of these about once a month, if that often, as they're chock full of calories and all kinds of bad stuff, mainly fat.  But, they're soooo good, and I was soooo hungry.

I'm sitting here typing this blog trying to decide if I'm going out of town today, or not.  They're having a big bead, trunk show an hour from here and I'd like to go, just to get out of the house.  We've been pretty housebound in the mid-atlantic lately because of all of the snow, sleet and wind we've had.  I can't remember a winter that has been so crazy.  We usually have pretty mild weather here in NC, but this year has taken the cake.  It's not supposed to get above 45 degrees today.  Yesterday afternoon, it was 60 degrees and 32 degrees last night.  Is that crazy, or what?

Well, I guess it's time to close down this blog; I've got a lot of things to do today.  I hope all of you have a blessed day.  Ciao, Nana

The New Year

Greetings All  - Well, a new year is here and I've already broken some of my New Year's resolutions; I broke one the very first day.  What else is new?  This, of course, is an ongoing habit of mine.  Talk is cheap.

I'm glad the holidays are over.  It was nice, but there's too much temptation concerning food.  I gave in this year; I succumbed to my taste buds and, consequently, ate a whole pecan pie.  God, it was good!  It's been years since I've baked a pecan pie, mainly because of the calories.  Of course, I could have ignored it,  but that was  just about impossible to do when it was sitting there, staring me in the face, daring me to partake.
I also indulged in dark, chocolate-covered peanuts, which were absolutely wonderful.  I ate so many I thought I was going to be sick.

I'm  back on my acid/alkaline balanced diet, which takes a lot of determination and a lot of cooking.  I made some Cannellini- bean soup yesterday which was delicious.  I added chicken broth, orgainc, tomatoes, tomato paste, celery, onion, carrot, bellpepper and one-half can of mild chilies, plus salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning.  It's one of my favorite soups.

I was going to have some for lunch today, but my granddaughter wants me to ride with her to take my great-grandson to the doctor for a checkup.  I'll sit in the car with my great-granddaughter so she won't have to be exposed to all the germs, and sick children, in the doctor's office.

It's very cold here in the mid-atlantic region.  Last night it was below twenty degrees.  I really don't mind the cold weather, but it's a little too cold.  I'm actually looking forward to spring, when I'll be able to view my lovely Iris once again; my favorite flower.  I planted some new ones last year, one of which was a beautiful pink one.  I hope it does well this year.  The only problem with Iris is that they don't bloom very long.

I've been reading voraciously lately.  I have spells when I read a lot and then slack off and do some beading.   I'm rereading some of my John Grisham books.  I think he is a great writer and I do love a good mystery.  I've recently heard of an author that I want to read; her name is Margaret Atwood.  I think she writes books that are about the end of the world, survivors, etc.  I do like this kind of story.  Did any of you ever read Stephen King's The Stand?  This was one of the best books, ever;  I've read most of King's books.

Speaking of  beading, I haven't done too much lately, but I'm gearing up to do so; the urge to create is becoming very strong as of late.   I want to learn as many beading techniques as I can.  I love it when I put the needle into the beads and create something beautiful.  Now, if I could just part with some of my creations.

Well, I've got to run some errands.  Have a good one.   Nana

 

Things I don't like

Greetings all....there are a lot of things that I don't like.  I don't like knowing that roaches are crawling over the dishes in my cupboard, on my stovetop, on my cabinets and everything else that is anywhere.  I detest the critters but once they get into your home, they become entrenched.  I've just had to let the aversion of these nasty insects go by the wayside and  trust  my immune system to deal with any germs I may come in contact with.  I have my house sprayed once a month, but I really don't like having to do this.  I know the chemicals are bad for you, but what else can I do?  I do open all of my windows for several hours after spraying and I'm sure this helps a lot.

I also hate having to intensely look all around for snakes every time I open any doorway going outside my house.  I've also had to learn to live with this aversion.   We had a snake in the house once last summer for three days and when I finally found it, and my husband shot it, I realized just how tensed up I was.  I can remember breathing deeply for the first time in three days.

I also hate it when we have a very dry, hot summer.  I'm getting to the age that having to water plants is a real chore.  I have to hire someone to do this now and even to weed my flower beds, as the heat really bothers me; hot flashes and 90 degrees just don't go together.  I really don't like summertime because of the heat.  I usually have to stay inside most of the summer in the air conditioning.

There are a lot of other things that I hate, but the list is too long to iterate.

On my next blog, I'll list the things that I love.  Farewell all, Nana

Getting ready for Christmas

Greeting, all - Hope today finds all of you well and prosperous.

  Today is the first day in 6 wks. that I haven't had to do something for someone other than myself.  What a great feeling!  I slept until 9:30 AM, something I never do, got up and piddled around and now it's lunch time.  I have to go to the bank and to the post office, but I wanted to post my blog first.  I don't know why I keep doing this, because I don't think anyone reads it but my cousin and I.  Oh well, maybe one day someone will find this site and find what I have to say, if not informative, interesting.

I've got to get back to beading.  I had a request for some rings from some of the girls who work at the bank where  my granddaughter works, but really don't have the time to make anything right now, as  I want to make my granddaughter and daughter some items for Christmas, and also my great-granddaughter.  Also, I have to start on my great-granddaughter's Christmas dress this week.   So much to do, in so little time.  I did sell a pair of earrings yesterday to a customer of mine.  The crazy thing is, I really didn't want to sell them; I want everything I make.  I guess I'll have to make another pair for myself.

I'm having ambivalent feelings concerning putting up Christmas decorations this year.  I really don't want to do anything, but feel guilty for having no Christmas spirit.  I'll probably relent right before the big day and do something, although it won't be much, maybe decorate the mantle and set a few poinsettias
around.

Well, time's a wastin', so I'll close for now.  Adieu, Nana

After Thanksgiving

Hello everyone,  hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and fantastic food.  I didn't cook a turkey this year, it was just too much to even think about.  I baked a large chicken and  did a lot of different things to it.  I squeezed lemon juice all over the chicken and put sliced lemon and fresh rosemary in the cavity.  I also added lots of fresh rosemary on the top and a cup of white wine.  After doing all of this extraneous stuff, I couldn't really tell that much difference in the flavor of the chicken, although it was very moist.  I also made two pecan pies using the pecans from our trees across the street.  Needless to say, they were very, very good.  So good, if fact, that I ate nearly a whole pie.  It's been twenty years since I've made a pecan pie, so I thought I'd better eat as much as I could because it will be another twenty years before I make another one.  I also had candied yams, stuffing, peas, rolls and tea.  Not too fancy, but good enough.

My husband is still in the bed, going on five weeks now.  Hopefully, he will have the Meniscal tear in his knee arthoscopically mended Thursday.  He doesn't have to have a knee replacement, thank the Lord, so his recovery will be much faster.  He's been amazingly patient through all of this, for someone who hardly ever sat down before.  

We're both looking forward to being able to do our own thing once again.  Freedom is an awful thing to lose.  It's something we don't think about until it's taken away from us and then we realize just how precious it is.  It's being removed from the American people, day by day, by our current administration in Washington, DC.  I know a lot of Americans are very upset that they voted for such a liberal Democrat; in fact, the most liberal Senator who ever served (?).   The parties have changed.  The Democrats used to be conservative but now are liberal and the Republicans used to be liberal but are now conservative.  It's very hard for older Democrats to believe this.  In fact, a lot of them just refuse to believe it and they really don't see it.  I guess not, listening to the liberal media brain washing them, day after day, with their liberal swill concerning the Obama administration.  The only news to watch is FOX  news.  At least, they are "fair and balanced."

Time to get off of this computer and get some things done.  Have a wonderful day.  Nana

Quote for the day - Don't be so humble - you are not that great - Golda Meir

  Greetings readers - Well, my husband didn't have surgery today.  The medical transport  people picked him up, took him to his supposed appt. for surgery and, guess what, all they did was talk to him about his MRI.

Needless to say, he was irate and let them know it.    To date, his scheduled surgery is to be on 12/10/09 - two more weeks to lay in the bed and writhe with pain.  His GP is trying to find another surgeon to operate but with the holidays looming, I don't know if he will be able to.

So, we'll just have to make the best of a horrible situation.  Neither one of us has ever been in this sort of situation before and, believe me, it is very hard.   All in all, I hope this trial will produce more  patience, tolerance and acceptance.  Everything happens for a reason.

Because we both have suffered so much, we decided to really treat ourselves to a good supper tonight.  He had jalapenos stuffed with cheddar and a steak sub on whole wheat bread.  I had fettucini with tomato sauce and antipasto salad - YUM YUM !!!  Somehow, really good food always helps one to feel better, especially when there'll be leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.

Haven't had time to bead today, too busy changing and washing sheets, towels, etc. and fixing food to eat and taking a nap to recharge my system.  A nap really helps me to recharge.  Even if I don't do anything but doze, just putting my head down on a pillow, even for twenty minutes, makes me feel like a new person.

I guess I'll be home for Thanksgiving after all.  I had planned to spend this Thanksgiving with my parents and family out of state, but my husband has to have someone care for him.  My children have already made other plans, so I guess it'll just be me and the spouse.  I'll probably just cook a chicken and have dressing, sweet potatoes, corn, tea and a dessert.  I just can't deal with a turkey right now; it requires too much energy to deal with.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with  your respective families and we'll talk later.  Adios - Nana

What's Happening?

Hello all, I haven't been able to post for a while now, as things have been pretty hectic around here.

My husband has been in the bed for 13 straight days now with a bad knee.  This has been very hard for him as he's a very active person and hates to be still.  He's held up remarkably well, though, and I'm proud of him.

Of course, I've had to wait on him, hand and foot, but that's okay, too.  I'm surprised at how well I've done, also.  Needless to say,  this has been a very trying experience for both of us, but, hopefully it's coming to an end tomorrow when he will have knee replacement surgery.

A lot of his friends have had this surgery with very good success and I know he'll have success, too.

I've been busy, when I'm not waiting on him, beading.  Of course, I've been beading.  This is my new favorite pastime.   So far, I've made 25 beaded rings.  The ones I make now are my own designs and, when I look at them on my fingers, I can't believe I made them.  (I wear one on each finger, including thumbs...just kidding.)

Hopefully, after my husband's surgery, I'll have time to start my great-granddaughter's Christmas dress - time is really getting short now.  I can't believe Christmas is only 4 weeks away.  I still haven't done any Christmas shopping.  I really don't have to do a lot because I give money, but the grands need to have some presents to open Christmas morning, don't they?

The leaves are still hanging on some of the trees (no pun intended).  We had a bad nor'easter a couple of weeks ago and the wind was very strong at around 60 mph sustained.  There was a lot of flooding, but not too bad in our area.  Norfolk, Va. had a lot of flooding and tree damage.  I'm so glad that's over.  I got very tired of listening to the wind howling.  It gets on ones nerves after a while.

I went to Sam's Club for the first time in years yesterday.  I didn't buy very much, but the price sure looked like I did.  I want to go back and take my cooler and really take the time to look at everything.  The great-grands were along, so we had to keep checking on them.  All in all, it was a very nice day and I did get some cleaning supplies and enough toilet paper to last a year.

Until next time, adieu - Nana