Thursday, a new beginning every day!

Nancy B
on 5/30/12 9:14 pm - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Happy Thursday, everyone! I am up at 6 am after having lain in bed for four hours unable to sleep. I hate to complain but the bottom line is that my meds create such deep throbbing in my bones, that it keeps me from settling down and sleeping.  Today, it’s my both legs, hips and both hands that throb.  So I came downstairs and made myself a hot chocolate protein drink and will take two gravol, maybe I can gradually drop off soon, thus likely sleeping a good part of the day again.  In the meantime,  I think of how grateful I am to be alive, grateful that I have the challenges that teach me lessons, grateful to have my hubby and sons and so many relatives and friends, off and online, who support me. It looks like such a beautiful day and I am grateful to be enjoying it…albeit after some sleep *s*  We bought a huge Automatic RoboCat Litter system thru the internet…both Dan & Derek own one already for their cats but I fear that SillyRose will not FIT in this one! and there’s no room for the darned thing in my laundry room. The laundry room is at the back entrance of the main floor...sort of a mud room as well, where everyone dumped their heavy wet clothes and footwear.  So I have been working at it…sprints of energy and rest…to empty the entire room, sort out so many things that were stored in there for want of a better place, including my both sons’ huge 2XL-TALL insulated work coverall suits, winter work coats and all that bitter cold paraphenalia that nighttime snowplowing requires, numerous work boots, runners,  & dress shoes, sizes 12 and 14 and many boxes still from Mom’s place and JB’s Mom’s boxes.  I try to sit while working, doing uncountable loads of laundry, washing & folding neatly and reorganizing old clothes, bedding that doesn’t fit our beds, and craft materials of Mom's for the charity shops, a huge two bags of brand new untouched fabrics that I’d planned to get made into outfits for me and I cannot sew….lol…so they get donated too.  It’s time I give up on the fantasy that, one day, I WILL sit down and sew.  I’m great at designing outfits but have no patience for sewing at all. I can work several hours but then have to lie down in between.  Despite feeling exhausted, I finally feel proud of myself that I am actually doing something productive, even if I am the only one who notices *s*.  John wants to go up to see family (mine) in the Ottawa Valley(Quebec & Ontario) for a week…but he wonders if I can handle the trip. It may be time to dispense Mother’s will and give my two sisters their portion - this should be interesting. We gave all the handwritten wills to her lawyer and asked him to sort it out, each different as per beneficiaries...after some deliberance, he determined the legal and binding will and that's it.Both sisters have to sign legal documents to take their money and not come back to me for more, nor to try and sue me and dispute Mother’s will. I had no idea, until we were clearing out Mom’s room at the nursing home, that Mom had written five new wills by hand (all legally dated and witnessed) and my precious sisters will freak when they hear that Mom did not divide her estate in 3 equal portions.  I’d just as soon not take any but they will want more. In truth, I wish she had used up her last nickel the day she died.  Sad how ignorance, disrespect and greed come into the play wherever there is money.   John helped me plant my beautiful red rhododendron bush that Danny gave me for Mother’s Day and it’s still blooming despite my brown thumbs.  We even planted one of mom’s old planter boxes with Catnip for all the furry critters here *s*…I seem to have murdered my salad greens planter after making innumerable salads, it suddenly just gave up the ghost out of sheer misery, I’m thinking….lol.   John and Derek and Kathy planted our huge garden and a smaller one for Derek & Kathy next door….we will be sharing crops which is fun.  But there might be a fight over the four strawberries that are growing right now…lolol…guess I will buy a few flats of local strawberries for us all.  Kathy also found some seeds for our Summer Savoury ..,.I had 65 bushes hanging upside down in the barn to dry but I gradually picked them all clean and need more…so delicious with all poultry dishes especially stuffing!   I read everyone's posts most times but do not post often as my life has become so mundane and I’m really out of the loop these days.  However, I am aware of the struggles that many of you are dealing with and always send loving healing energy for comfort and courage.   I was particularly pleased to see Nan Horton post.  Dear Nan, the doctors use the term “terminal” but that does NOT define the length and quality of your life. Fight for your right to be here, your positive spirit will carry you onwards.  I have yet to see a bald cancer survivor who is not beautiful *hugs*  Please, everyone, savour the joy of each and every day, and when night time sleep encroaches, think of all the wondrous miracles that our lives are and smile in gratitude.   Whether we are religious or not, life is an amazing adventure! Love,Nancy B
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Nancy H.
on 5/30/12 9:28 pm - Traverse City, MI
Nancy, thank you for your kind words. All of you beautifful ladies have given me so much. We are strong & have so much to live for. I know it sounds odd, but I am having the best years of my life. I keep telling my family & friends I have no bucket list. I have been blessed more than I ever thought I deserved. I don't plan on needing them for a long time, but I have had Hospice nurses volunteer to take care of me. Nancy, I think about you often. I know you will get through this.

Has anyone heard from Bev? She has been on my mind a lot. I hope everyone stays healthy And has a wonderful weekend!!!!!
Nan
Laureen S.
on 5/30/12 11:13 pm - Maple Shade, NJ
Good Morning Nancy and Nan and those that as of yet, have not arrived. . .

It made me glad to read your post, so much gratitude and joy for living is what I read and oh yes, the realities of greed, so sad really, but that is the other side of the ying/yang, isn't it? 

Nancy, your posts are always filled with such warmth of the family you are part of, of the way you exhibit your gratitude, which is always action, as I learned in the past 25 years, gratitude is a verb!  Also of the many ways in which, no matter what life is giving you, you find to incorporate positive action into all you do.  I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you and Nan also, I wish you both quality and length of life, because you enrich so many with yours!!!

My day is not much different than most workdays, though I did take my dear Roxie girl for my hour long exercise walk, as I thought, why go to the gym to do cardio, when it is a lovely morning and Roxie loves her walks, so I left the house at 5:10 a.m. and we got back at 6:10, she got to sniff, sniff, sniff and I got to walk, walk, walk, which I decided is what I shall do on nicer weather mornings, when it is a cardio only day.  At lunch I will walk over to the Church and attend my AA meeting and then after work, I hope to be able to get a pedicure and manicure, though not sure I have time for both, if I have to choose it will be the pedicure, because I cannot wear open toe shoes with my feet looking like they do (lol). . .  just a little vanity. . .  ;) then it will be home to my Roxie and roommates, where we shall have a nice dinner of grilled steaks, corn on the cob and a salad, got a good deal on thin cut steaks on Monday, so today we shall have them. . .Life is good and I am embracing that goodness, hope you all are doing similarly.

Hugs, Laureen


My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . .  It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . .  Laureen

"Success is a journey, not a destination."  Ben Sweetland

Patricia R.
on 5/30/12 11:21 pm - Perry, MI
 Dear Nancy and OFF Family,
Nancy, your positive energy has been such a source of encouragement to me, as I have dealt with minor, what I call inconvenient, health issues.  Please post when you can.  I love to hear about your fur babies and family.  I am sure they are a real blessing to you.

Nan, I think of you often.  I hope you will stay strong.  Post when you can, you and Nancy are such encouragements.  

Today, I am just waiting for the cable guy to come and fix my DVR cable box.  Some of the channels are coming in weird.  My son hooked up a stereo to the box so I could get surround sound, or at least better audio.

I finally remembered the street sweeper, and last night I parked my car on the correct side of the street.  Out of five possible Thursdays, I got tickets on three of them.  I have not gotten any on Fridays, because I have remembered them Fridays.  Each ticket is $15.  I only got two tickets all of last season's street sweeping season.  Well, it is one of the ways the borough makes money.  Not a lot of industry here in the borough.  So, I guess I am doing my part.  LOL

I hope everyone is having a truly blessed day.  I am praying for all of you.  

Love to all,
Trish

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Laureen S.
on 5/30/12 11:50 pm - Maple Shade, NJ
Trish,

Reading about your tickets reminds me of when I lived in NYC, I actually budgeted tickets into my monthly expenses, because I always managed to get at least 2 a month, then I decided for the cost of the tickets, I should pay for a parking space (in NYC, those tickets were $35 a piece) . . .  I remember the day I moved into my home in SNJ, I stopped locking my car doors and I was like, my own driveway, woo hoo, no more parking tickets. . .  I got one the day of my son's wedding in Phillie, because I got back 15 minutes late from where the church service was (lol). . . 


My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . .  It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . .  Laureen

"Success is a journey, not a destination."  Ben Sweetland

Patricia R.
on 5/31/12 12:56 am - Perry, MI
 Hi Laureen,
I have gotten my fair share of tickets in Philly as well.  Working for the school district, I had to feed a meter if I went to the main office in Center City.  My son is blessed, because the apartment he lives in comes with a driveway.  He's planning to move to a larger place, somewhere in Queens, and may not be as blessed.

Trish

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Connie D.
on 5/31/12 2:22 am
Good morning Nancy and everyone.....

Nancy and Nan.....I admire you so much! I am so honored to have you as friends. You are such inspirations to me and everyone. I love you both!!!!  You are always on my prayer list...God Bless!!!  Such awesome women no doubt!  

 Now I am at a total blank as to who else I was going to reply too. I hate this getting old!! 

Nothing too much planned for me today. Spending the day with my granddaughter just enjoying our time together. She is going home in the morning. I will miss her!!

Wishing you all a really great day!! Prayers for all those in need and some special ones too!

Love and hugs to all....connie d

Mag (Marguerite) P.
on 5/31/12 6:00 am, edited 5/31/12 6:04 am - Green Valley, AZ
To Nancy and of OFF,
    Nancy and Nan: I am so grateful for your posts. I appreciate your comments and stories. I always obtain new information that changes my attitude about things that happen in my life.

   I am good in all areas of my life. Except finances. Two weeks ago my car repairs cost over $1,900.00 to repair. It's in the shop again as we speak. Yesterday they said it would be $891 and some change. Then today the said they need to replace another part or the car could seize up. About $100.00 for labor and $55.00 for the part.  Can anyone say bankruptcy? I have fought so hard since my Mom died to keep going but medical bills have been overwhelming over the last 8 years. Now these car repairs put me in dire straights. Thank God I am healthy and able to work although I have a lot of expenses of getting two businesses up and running.

     Please pray that the Lord will show me His way out of this. I hate to ruin my credit rating at my age, but that really is minor compared to what others are going through with this economy. I'm really blessed and remain grateful for all the good things in my life. These money woes give me more compassion for those in the same (or worse) boat. But I'm not going to lose my house and Ellen has paid for my food in the past. I owe relatives money and feel bad that I'm paying it back so slowly. Now I probably won't be able to pay them anything for a while. Oh well. I have my health and many friends (on line and off line) who love me so well. I have a wonderful church. I have 20 days of dog/cat sitting for June. It will help me pay bills for June. For July I have no work lined up yet. One family may be gone for a week in July but are not sure yet.

    Sorry my post is so long. I'm not sad or mad. My life over all is good. Just need to talk it out. Not going to let it take my joy away.
     Hugs,    Mag   
           
grammylew
on 5/31/12 6:43 am - Jacksonville, NC
Good mornin' ya'll.
Nan and Nancy, I am always so happy to hear from you. I know you are both fighting and strong! You are always in my prayers. As well as so many others on OFF.
My daughter is in Medford. The granddaughter has driver's ed, then basketball practice, then a dance. I took her to school, I go back at 2:45 to pick up her back pack, back at 4:45 to deliver her BB bag and stuff. She has no locker big enough to hold everything. She has had BB stuff stolen before when it was left unattended while she was driving. What is wrong with kids! Then pick her up at 8, bring her home for a very quick shower and back to the dance. Her Mom will be home about 5, so she will probably do the 8:00 thing! Granddaughter may go stay at her Dad's tonight after the dance. Her brother may be going to the dance and will take her home. Tomorrow is late start at school, and in the afternoon will be the first family counselling. I'm sure her Dad will like having her there tomorrow before school so he can coach her on what to say to the counsellor. I think she is smarter than that!!
Yesterday I tried to repair something and got crazy glue all over my fingers. Used nail polish remover but it was still there. Tried making doll bathing suits. My fingers just kept snagging on the fabric. I would get something lined up, reach for a pin and skew everything. I gave up. Last night at the hot tub, I was rubbing my fingers on the rough surface and trying to pick off the glue. I used polish remover 3 more times before bed, and lotion. I was able to make the bathing suits this morning!! Yippee! I wanted to deliver them tonight!
I sure like this pool/hot tub thing. Even if it is cold out!
I go home Sunday night. I can't believe I have been here a week already!! My daughter has a call into her lawyer to see what can be done about getting this divorce moving. Her ex is still counting on her coming back. Especially after they go to family counselling. She has told him even if he turned into a saint, it is OVER!! She is hoping her lawyer can give his lawyer a list of what SHE wants for the settlement. Hoping that will get him to get a move on and at least reply!
Everyone have a fantabulous day!!
Well, wanna mop before I go to the school.
Everyone have a fantabulous day!!

Grammylew in Jax

 

Judy G.
on 5/31/12 9:00 am - Galion, OH

Evening Nancy and OFF family!!!

OMG am I ever sore and tired out!! Been planting marigolds since 9 am this morning and the ground is like cement!!! Thank GOD I have Rick here to help me or I think I would be dead by now!! Get to stay in the office all day tomorrow because it is the first of the month and rent is due...more planting on saturday...yippeee easy ones though!!

Nancy have you thought of getting a heated mattress pad? It works wonders for painful body parts!!! Best thing I ever spent my money on!!!

Well time to get moving before I can't...I hurt so bad...lol another hour before we can lock up yet...hope I make it...lol.

Thoughts and Prayers for ALL that need them!!

HUGS


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