Livin' on Tulsa Time. Soon.

The skies (directly overhead) cleared
this morning after very heavy rain last night.
It seems most of today's "rain event"

is to our south, sooooooo
we have packed our bags
and are on our way to O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A!
Can't wait for the birthday party for Amy!
Can't wait to see my sweet Mama.
And my Big boy and his fiance'.
And of course our beloved
GRANDDOLLS!!
Heck, I'm even anxious to see my
favorite Son-in-law! lol
And, I might get to see my
Sister and her family too.
Woo Hoo!

Sunday's weather may be a problem,
so please pray for us as we drive back.

Busy Thoughts and Little Secrets.

Everyone is busy.

Anyone disagree?

For homeschoolers this is an intensely busy

time of the year.  We have just finished

the 3rd nine weeks and are begining the 4th.

The end of the school year is in sight,

but there's much to be done before

"the fat lady sings".

* * * * * * * * *

Follow up on our discussion
about "feet" problems.

My feet are finally feeling MUCH better.

I think 2 things have made the difference:

Heavy duty running shoes

and

this magic elixor,

"Joint Juice".
You can take it in pill form also.

After 3 doses I was markedly improved!
Walgreen's.  A little pricey
but worth every penny!!

* * * * * * * * * **

Our oldest daughter's birthday is Monday.
We have planned to make the drive to Okla
tomorrow to celebrate!  I just love her birthday -
it was one of the happiest times in our life and I
love talking about it and reliving each moment.
And of course, I can't wait to see the Granddolls
and perhaps even our newly engaged couple.
The weekend holds lots of possibilities.
BUT
a major "rain event" is forecast for
Louisiana and Oklahoma.
So what to do?
Do we go ahead with the 6 hr drive
OR
do we reschedule what we can
and go the next weekend???
We'll make that call tomorrow
after looking at the weather radar map.

Here's my " little secret".
I Tivo this program
and after everyone has gone to bed
I sit back in my easy chair
and watch.
Ahhhhhh.
What a great stress-breaker this is
for me.
This gal is so easily stressed
it makes my life look very calm
by comparison.
I really have nothing in common
with her and certainly her issues
are not my issues - maybe that's
one of the things I like about the program.
I absolutely identify with nothing
in her life.  When her life becomes
a train wreck it in no way
affects me.  When I was a kid Pollyanna
did the same for me.  Now that I'm a grown
woman, Betheney Frankel does it for me.
It floats my boat!

What's keeping you busy these days?
What's your stress-breaker?

Mystery 101

You like mysteries?
I've got a mystery for you -

"Why am I the only one in our house
who can draw the drapes and close
the shades when night time falls?"

It's a mystery to me!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On a somewhat calmer note.
(taking deep, cleansing breaths)

I loved your Comments when I asked,
"How did you meet your husband?".If you want a good read and some

laughs be sure to read what others
wrote.  It was great and you can read
about it HERE.  But please, before
you go, solve today's mystery for me!

We've all got one.

Do you think everybody has a story?

I think they do.

I love to hear people's story.

One of my favorite questions to ask

is "how did you meet your husband?".
That's always good for a "story".

I found this little basket full of characters
(10 of them)

as I browsed through Goodwill.

It's not the usual sort of thing

that catches my eye.

Each little person was a cut-out.

(Or maybe a "cut-up". LOL)

They had been stitched up,

stuffed, and had a little embroidery

on each one.

This little girl has a bright red scarf,

rosy cheeks,

and a basket of apples!

This little boy marched to the the

beat of his very own drum.

Look at the buttons on this guys coat,

and his smart hat and tie.

He has a dog,

so he must be a nice sort of fellow.
Shy, and nice.

Check out this dress,
with matching hand muff and hat.

I wonder...

...if she knows this dapper young guy
who's sporting quite the mustache
and dress hat?  I think he looks
like trouble.  Just sayin. . .

I wish I knew the connection
within this group. 
Are they characters from
a book, or perhaps the cast of a play?
Is there any connection at all?
I wish I knew their "story".

Speaking of  story,

Tell me, "How'd you meet your husband?".
I'd really like to know.

The four letter "F" word

Good News
I've been consistant with my walking program.
        

Bad News
My feet have become the enemy.

How many, many feet you meet.
Slow feet, quick feet.
Trick feet, sick feet.
My poor, tired aching
left and right feet!
(My apologies to Dr. Suess)

What began as simple mildly aching feet
has progressed each time I've walked.
(I've never had any problems
with my feet before.)

One day last week I walked 2 miles
and thought I was gonna have to crawl
back home.  All 1000 bones (I exagerate just a bit)
in my feet HURT!
Got home, put my feet up
and sat all evening long.
Mister, bless his heart, gave me
a good foot massage
and surprisingly the next day
my feet felt much better.
Hmmmm.

I decided new walking shoes were in order.
Went to Academy and came home with these,
New Balance walking shoes.

4 days and 2 miles later.
My dawgs were still barking,

just not quite as loud.

I think Mister feared he was doomed
to a life of giving foot massages
'cause he took me back to
Academy and bought me yet

another pair of shoes.

The one on the right is mine.
It's a running shoe,
rather than a walking shoe.
(Asics Gel)
And Oh-So-Much-Better
on my feet.
However, please note that when I tried
to loosen the laces it was much like
trying to work a Rubic's cube -
they went up & down
and back & forth.
Geesh!

I walked 3 miles on them yesterday
and did quite well.

Still, later in the evening I noticed
some swelling at my ankles.
The swelling was completely gone
this morning.
I shortened my walk
to just a mile today.

I don't think I'm gonna lose
much weight by walking a mile.
*sigh*

Tell me what you know about "feet".
Please.
I've never been athletic
but have done lots of walking.
Can't figure out what's going
on with my feet.
Any ideas?
Suggestions?
Experience?

I would love to solve this without
a trip to see the Dr.

Come! See my GOOD NEWS!

Our oldest son, Grey is getting married

to a lovely lady, Antoinette.

We are excited beyond words.

I love to watch our family grow.

This is a second marriage for each of them,

both having been single for quite some time.

There is something doubley exciting

when two people, who have each had a

a sad ending to a previous marriage,

find each other and bravely

step out to declare

they will

"love again".

June 2, 2012
is the BIG day!

FOLLOWER Confusion.

HERE!

I am confused as to what will happen on our
Blogs as of March 1, Thursday.
If for some reason my FOLLOWERS
are no longer listed on my page,

you can contact me HERE! on Facebook.
Send me a friend request and be sure to
mention the name of your blog so I can
find you.  You can also email me on
the link which is on my sidebar.

"B" is for Better. (better than a "C")

Edited at 4:10 pm to add -I'm hearing rumors about Google
and our Followers.  I'm not
sure what this all means.
Please fill me in - I don't want to
lose contact with you!!

Tomorrow we get a fresh page on our
calendar; a new beginning of sorts.
Remember when I gave my Girl
Scout pledge regarding some goals
for this year?  Here's how I'm doing,
honestly.

. . .to Read my Bible more .
This is probably my most important goal
and I'm happy to report I'm reading
the book of Exodus, wandering
with the Israelites on the way to the
Promised Land.  Not only am I doing
this - I am totally ENJOYING the read.
YES!!

...to have friends into my home more.
Did it!
Had a Dinner Party/Game Night
with some of my favorite friends.
LOVED IT!  Don't know why
I let this slide before.

...to eat healthier.
Plugging along, doing much better
than before setting this goal.
This doesn't mean we're eating
totally healthy, but we are eating
health-IER.

...to take my vitamins and calcium daily.
"Don't hate me 'cause you ain't me!"
This has been the easiest goal
to meet. 

...to read a book occasionally,
not just blogs.
Umm...eeerrrr...
Tanked on this one for the month.
I went to the library - found a great book,
but have lacked the discipline to actually
turn off the TV and read.
I will do better next month.  I will.

...to lose some weight
and keep it off this time.
I AM working on this but the weight
is not coming off nearly liked
I'd hoped.  *sigh*
Frustrated a bit. 

I'd say my grade for February
is yet again a "B".
I'm pleased, yet there is
still room for improvement.

How are you doing with your goals?

School is in session.

If you've watched any political TV lately

then you've  been exposed to
a "snollygoster" or two.

Certainly if you've a teenager in the
house (or a spouse) you've been dealing with a
snarly "Mumpsimus" from time to time.

And, I must admit that on occasion
I have been known to be quite
the "mooncalf" myself.  Humph!

~I love the english language!~

*Snollygoster - One definition of the word dates to 1895, when a newspaper editor explained "a snollygoster is a fellow who wants office, regardless of party, platform or principles...."

*Mumpsimus - a stubborn person who insists on making an error in spite of being shown that it is wrong

*Mooncalf - a foolish or absentminded person

I found this photo of Mr. Daniel Webster.

These old photos make everyone

look to be a meany pants, don't they?

Perhaps even a snollygoster.

  Wonder if his wife,

Caroline, ever thought him

to be a mumpsimus, mooncalf?

Class dismissed.

Cupid Sucks.

Princess has a new boyfriend.
The boy is a guy she met at

camp last summer.  He lives in TX
and we live in LA.  With 4 hrs
of pavement between they
have seen each other twice since
camp, last July.

Truthfully, I don't see what the attraction
is.  They seem to have nothing in common
except the fact that they are both 17.
Honestly, there is nothing wrong with
the kid, but really nothing special about
him either. (Just being totally honest here.)

He mailed her a present for Christmas
and had chocolates shipped here
for Valentines.  They keep connected
via phone and FB. That's been it
until this past weekend. . .

This weekend the "family" came to
our fair city for the weekend, to meet
Princess and her family.
They (their entire family) took Princess
to dinner on Friday night, then
Princess & boyfriend went to a movie
by themself...Saturday Princess spent
the entire day with his "family" as they
explored our town.  She and boyfriend
came back to our house for dinner
then watched a movie here - parents

picked up the boyfriend at 10.

Princess informed us that he and his
"family" would be attending church
with us Sunday morning and then we
were to all go out to lunch together

before the "family" headed back to
Texas...Let the record show that
the family (Mom, Dad, and Sister)
all seemed quite normal and very nice.

But, doesn't this seem like a bit of
over-kill for two kids who are basically
semi-dating?  It seems like this is the
sort of thing one does when one's
children are seriously dating/getting
engaged. etc.

Princess is our 4th child and though
we are sometimes a bit on the over-
protective side, this really all seemed
a bit "much", even to us.  It felt
as though we were caught in the
movie, "Meet the Fockers".

I'd really like to see this relationship

nixed, but, as is human behavior,
the more I say about it the more she
hangs in there with him.  I've said very
little about this to her but I will say even
less in the future, however she does
know I felel their presence was kind of
an uninvited intrusion on our weekend.

I don't think I've ever had an issue with
anyone our other (older) kids have dated.
Ever. 
But with Princess I can't say the same.
She's about 50/50. 

This is the snarky side of me speaking.
I admit this is judgemental.
I admit this is even a little unfair
I also admit I am thankful for the
"four hours of pavment between
his house and ours".

I may not always be nice
but I am always honest.

Cupid sucks.

Beware: Falling Chips

I once was what I would consider "high strung"

but that ship has sailed and with each passing
year I find I become a bit more  of  a push-over mellow.  Case in point:

Princess is dog-sitting for a friend this week.
I knew this was a bad idea.
I knew I would be inconvenienced.
I knew I would not like having 2 dogs
in my house.  But did I say no?
"No".

Sometimes it just seems easier to
let the chips fall where they may
and then complain about all the chips
that have fallen.

I've become a softy.
I can't quite put my finger on
when this happened.

Things that make you go  8&%#  Hmmm.
Softly.

What about you?
Which do you feel you do
the most when things go awry;
Do you PURR or do you ROAR?

Do you wear dresses?

Apple or Pear?

Things used to be so simple.

Or if one was really lucky

perhaps a string bean.

Now things are really getting complicated.

Wearing separates is pretty simple,

but have you been shopping for

a dress recently?

It's not such an easy feat unless

you're looking for a large, floral print.

Things in the south are so laid-back and

casual that I never wear a dress,

even to church, however this summer

we have 2 weddings to attend

so I need a couple of simple, classic,

dresses.  I'm not finding anything

I like in the stores.  Can anyone

recommend a good online site where

I might look?

I love a pretty dress,
but I like it to fit well.

Do you wear dresses?

 

I heart Ambien, part deux

There is a BIG Libbey Glass Outlet

where I live.  My BFF and I usually

go there about once a year to browse

and re-stock.  The prices are great

and it makes for a good outing.

We each bought a few things.

My "finds" included a few glassware

items and a few pieces of silverware.

My entire purchase was $30 ish.

One of the things I like about this

place is the way they carefully pack

all the glass.  They wrap and re-wrap

then box it up for travel, even if you're

just going across town.  The "packer"

even marked one of the boxes with an

"X" so we wouldn't confuse them

on the drive home.  Great idea!

Later that night I put the new glassware

into the dishwasher and left the box

on the counter. 

The next morning I reached into the box

for the silverware I had purchased...

No silverware.   Rats! 

The "packer" had failed to put the

silverware into the box with the glassware.

OR

perhaps she had accidently placed

it in my friend's box.  Called my friend -

nope, it wasn't in her box.

I had my ticket which showed I had paid

for the silverware, so I called the store

to make arrangements to come claim

my purchase.  They were polite but

there was quite a bit of "to do" about

this $6 portion of  my purchase.. 

They had me talk to two people,

then it was determined that the manager

would need to call me back later

in the day to "discuss this".  She did,

but by then it was too late to make

the drive to the store. . .The store

would be closed on Sunday so I

planned to go there on Monday.

Imagine my surprise

when I unloaded

the dishwasher Monday morning

and found the missing silverware.

If you've read yesterdays post then

this is beginning to make sense.

I had taken my "pill" before

unpacking the box and placing

the items into the dishwasher late

Friday night. While I remembered

unpacking the glassware,
I had no recollection of the
silverware. 

'Nuff said.

I heart Ambien.

I am on "the pill".

No uterus = no sleep.

I take Ambien each night.

I take it then it takes about an hour
for it to completely "kick in".

During this hour

I usually read or watch TV.

If the phone rings I'll talk,

and I'm told I make perfect sense

which is sometimes more than
I do sans pill .

Sometimes I eat a snack. etc. etc.

The thing is, the next day I usually
don't remember

much of what I've done during this hour.

So, I have to re-watch TV programs,

re-read my books,

figure out what I ate (by looking at

the crumbs on the counter, etc. etc)

If family or friends call they ask

"Have you taken your pill yet?".

If the answer is "yes",

they simply say they'll call back

tomorrow, 'cause they know

I won't remember the conversation

and they'll have to repeat it all anyway.

I needed to tell you this so you

can understand . . .

"the rest of the story".

To be continued tomorrow -

 

Date with a Geek

I have a date with a Geek.
He'll be here on Tuesday to fix the mess I have made of my computer. I "clicked" on something I shouldn't. The message said I had been infected by a Trojan virus and it would scan and clean my computer. It lied and gave me a virus instead. Boo Hoo!
(I'm crying into my SWEET TEA!)

So many things I want to tell you, but since The only access I have to my Blog is through my ipad, any posts I make will be "naked", as in wearing no photos.

Please do go visit "JUST BETWEEN ME AND YOU".

http://grandmayellowhair.blogspot.com/2012/02/deb-from-sweet-tea.html

Sweet Maggie invited me to be her guest there.
I don't want her to think I have no friends,
So PLEASE go see what earth-shaking info I shared with her. She's great fun so you'll probably want to FOLLOW her. Just sayin. . .


Till then, I'll be here with my naked Blog
waiting for the Computer Geek to show for our date.

Truth SUCKS!

I love this saying,

even if it is a TOTAL LIE.

UNLESS

one is sick

OR

being held against her will

it seems she should be doing something.

I live by this.

My Mom lives by this

and her Mother before her.

I come from a line of strong,

busy women.

The truth is...

Monday was a cold, rainy day.

I spent most of the day doing nothing.

I was neither sick

nor

held against my will.

I turned my back on my healthy eating and exercise

plan.  I drank diet Coke

while picking through this bag

of yumminess, leaving only the pretzels behind.

Yes, the truth is sometimes ugly and unhealthy.

Guilt is a terrible thing!

I have done the math and find

I will only need to walk around

the park 62 times to make up

for the progress I have lost today.

If you should need me call my

cell.  I carry it while I walk

and I'll be walking till

Saturday, 10:04 am.

my SPECIAL day

This is a very special day for me.

I am officially a 30 year

thyroid cancer SURVIVOR as of today!

I really do not like to think back to this painful

time in my life yet I feel it is good to remember

and give thanks for how far I've come.

My story is not one of bravery and unwavering

faith in God.  This was the most frightened

I have ever been in my entire life.

I was young.

I/we had 3 small children.

I was busy.

I had plans.

Cancer was most certainly

not on my "to do" list.

I went into surgery for what I thought
was a benign thyroid nodule.  I knew
there was a very small chance that
this thyroid "thing" might
be malignant, but I also knew the
odds were very good that it
was not.
After the surgery I was told

everything had tested fine - no cancer

was found.

Three days later a pathologist came into

my room and quite bluntly told me there

was some "question" about the test

results and it would take a few more

days to be certain, but it was very

likely I did have cancer.

I was so shocked that I could not speak.

My husband was with me.

He held me.

He talked to me.

I had no words.

It was literally several minutes

before I could find my voice to speak.

I'd never had that experience before

and have never had it since.

I suppose it was the shock.

4 days later I had surgery again.

This was considered "preventative surgery".

The prognosis was fantastic,

but I was not.

I fell into a deep, dark, pit of depression.

It was a dark place,

a place I hope I never see again.

It lasted for many months.

I could tell you stories - but not now.

My husband was steadfast and refused

to let me sink alone.  My parents, my sister,

and a few close friends kept me afloat.

They prayed for me.

They loved me.

They helped with the children.

They hung with me when I had no interest
in anything.  When the tears came
often and uncontrollably they remained steadfast.

It was a long, slow, path back to

feeling whole again.

I am blessed in that I required no

chemo or radiation.  I am certainly

no cancer expert and I certainly have

no  great Christian testimony.

Actually, if this was a spiritual test,

I'd honestly say I deserve an "F".

There were times I was angry.

There were times I felt far from God's love.

There were times I questioned the "why"?

I had no great strength and I certainly

could find no happiness or peace

during this stormy season of life.

I have heard people talk about far greater

loss, suffering and pain and how the

peace and promise of God "kept

them" during their trial.

I am not one of them.

If anything I felt like the weakest,

most helpless creature in all

of God's creation.

If I learned anything from this experience

it is simply the fact that by myself

I AM weak and totally dependent

upon God. The good news is God is strong!
He is stronger than anger, doubt, despair,
and pain.  And he places wonderful
people in our lives to be
his "hands-on" love.

Fast Forward to now - I am happy beyond

measure.  My life is better than I could have
ever imagined.  I am healthy.

Our 3 small children are now grown and

we have even added another daughter

to our clan; she is 17.  We have

3 beautiful granddolls and hope

to have even more someday.

* * * * * * * * * * *

I'm not really sure why I decided to share

all of this, after all it is an "old" story.

I think I just wanted you to know

that I have a thankful heart, and perhaps

if there is even one of you, my readers,

who feels weak and ill-prepared

for the situation you are in,

"be encouraged". 

~SWEET TEA

bunkodeb@aol.com

*If you made it through this l-o-n-g

post, thanks for sticking with me.  ;-)

"LOVE" in a box.

I got a box in the mail

And inside was "love"!

My Sister has been taking a quilting class

and she made this for me.

Is there anything prettier than red patterned fabric

with small black and white checks?

If you answered "No" then you are

ABSOLUTELY correct.

BE-A-U-Ti-FUL!

I know how much time she put into this

and it speaks to my heart.

It looks awesome on my kitchen table.

The flowers were a hostess gift

from a sweet friend.

I think the Valentine placemat and the flowers

were meant to be on my table.

I just can't seem to get this cheesey smile

off my face today.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I hope you've got enough love in your life

to give you a big smile today too,

which I KNOW you do, as there's

love galore in the Bloggy community.

I love those of you who stop by

to read my words and share my life.

You make a difference
in my world.

Thank you!