Posts
STORY ONE:
I found out last night that a woman died. A woman not too much older than I am. The family belongs to my church. This is not a eulogy.
Maureen's daughter and my daughter played soccer together for a season. The other girl's dad coached the team. She had divorced and her ex-husband had custody of the kids. She still came to all the practices and games. She was sociable, friendly, and you could tell she was a caring person in many ways. Her oldest son committed suicide a few years ago, having not talked to her in several years. The anniversary of that sad day was a couple of weeks ago. That's also the last time anyone talked to her. The police were finally called to open the home and they found her body, decomposing. A disaster of a life, now ended with no chance to change.
STORY TWO:
My friend Evelyn has a brain tumor. I just got the news today. She doesn't understand why I love her so much. She's getting close to 90 years old. She's a steamroller. She has her own opinions and when she's right, or believes she is right anyway, she will argue with you and give you the reasons why you should agree! She is the closest thing I have to a communist friend. I love her for that too. It makes her sad that she can't change the world. She makes me want to fight hard for the poor and forgotten in the world. Will she have to have chemo? Will the chemo give her any extra time? And, will it be time that she can use?
STORY THREE:
My dad has leukemia. He's had it for going on 20 years. They told him it was a slow moving kind (around 20 years or so before anything would have to be done) and something else would likely kill him first, since he's been diabetic for years, plus has some heart issues and more.
Well doctors, it's been almost 20 years now. He's still among the living, but crepitation has my dad in it's sights. His hip is a mess, and his other joints aren't doing too hot either. This kept him from any meaningful rehab after his heart surgery. Each time I see him I am so affected by his weakness which seems to get worse by the month. Now the oncologist needs to see him about his blood counts which are changing.
STORY FOUR:
I left work today feeling awful. Like somebody beat me up. The sky mirrored my mood. It was completely overcast with autumn chill and damp in the air.
The wait at the bus stop was longer than usual. Aboard the bus I did my best not to start crying. Denzel in the whipping scene in "Glory" crossed my mind.
Once in my car, I turned on the radio and listened to commercials to distract myself. I found myself driving up the steep ramp from Front Street to the Paseo Bridge. The angle of the car forced my gaze upward. The smallest patch of blue sky was visible right in front of me. I looked around for more blue. Nothing. Completely overcast. But this tiny little piece of blue sky suddenly became my fast friend. I smiled. I thought of the overcast sky and the tiny patch of blue.
I thought of hard times, and tiny slivers of hope.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
12 on the 12th
It's that time again. 12 random pictures on the 12th of the month.
Just a snapshot of life on the 12th.
Kids driving off on the way to school.
Steve's classical guitar music.
John's empty desk at home.
Sunrise
Doctor's lobby
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
My gear for birding.
My shoes for getting muddy
Jordan got a handmade rose from Chris. Made from colored duct tape. Very cool.
Steve with a 2-day old driver's license.
This is a cool piece of glass. My m-i-l has a similar one,
so when I saw this at a garage sale
about 15 years ago, I immediately bought it.
Fireball
Saturday, January 10, 2009
What a difference two weeks make.
From Tuesday January 6th.
I have 2 choices when taking the bus home from work each weekday. The early bus and the late bus. Keep in mind these are only separated by a scant 28 minutes. So early and late could more accurately be called first and second. Today on my four block walk to catch my late bus I glanced around at the usual buildings and parking structures, discovering to my amazement the bricks were truly aglow. The sun, not fully set, was washing the air of my walk with happy orange-red rays. I remembered a similar walk, just three weeks back, that was marred by frigid temperatures and darkness. It may be just as cold today, but oh how the setting sun-glow warmed my spirit.
I have 2 choices when taking the bus home from work each weekday. The early bus and the late bus. Keep in mind these are only separated by a scant 28 minutes. So early and late could more accurately be called first and second. Today on my four block walk to catch my late bus I glanced around at the usual buildings and parking structures, discovering to my amazement the bricks were truly aglow. The sun, not fully set, was washing the air of my walk with happy orange-red rays. I remembered a similar walk, just three weeks back, that was marred by frigid temperatures and darkness. It may be just as cold today, but oh how the setting sun-glow warmed my spirit.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Common Goldeneye
Went to the lake today looking for a Snowy Owl that's been sighted around the dam. No luck (didn't really have high hopes). Did get a nice couple of pictures of the common goldeneye.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Fireball at the Vet
Took Fireball to the vet this morning. He howled in his crate the entire drive. Then when we got there, he tried to shove his way back into the crate, and finally hid himself in my coat. It was cute. He was really good though. He got 2 shots today and a checkup and all is well. He is in tip top shape for a 10 year old kitty.
On the way home? He did not make a peep!!! I guess he knew that wherever we were headed, it couldn't be any worse than the vet!
On the way home? He did not make a peep!!! I guess he knew that wherever we were headed, it couldn't be any worse than the vet!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Steller's Jay
I started birding in 2007. Unfortunately I missed a HUGE birding opportunity on our road trip of 2006. However, today when I was browsing my pictures I discovered a new lifer I didn't know I had!! I mean, I took the picture of the bird, because it was pretty. But here is my terrible picture of this cool jay!!
Monday, December 08, 2008
syymphony and sickness...
My friend Darleen and I, and a few other friends, went to the symphony Saturday night for the Christmas concert. It was pretty good. A couple of parts made me sleepy. At the end they had a fun sing-a-long. That was awesome! They did some of Handel's Messiah too which was very cool. Here's a picture.
In other news, the kids went to a tournament this weekend and Steve came home sick. So, I'm staying home today as he gets better. He had some toast for breakfast, so hopefully he'll be able to go back to school tomorrow. He already missed Thursday and Friday because of the tourney, so one more day away is NOT good at this point.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving Day
I am thankful for my husband and children. I am thankful to live in this country where I have so much freedom. I can move around town or the entire country as I wish. I can earn money and save it and spend it. I can attend any church I want to. I can kneel down and pray on a street corner if I choose and won't get arrested. I can argue for, and against, politicians and presidents. I can trash talk. I can praise. I can learn. I can vote for representation in the government. I can listen to music of any kind should I choose to do so. I can speak up, or keep quiet. I can talk to strangers. I am thankful that our nation allows diversity of values, thought and lifestyle. Only by allowing freedom to all can we preserve our own.
Squaw Creek - and a lifer
I enjoyed a few hours driving around Squaw Creek yesterday. I took load of pictures. Here are five. I chalked up one lifer for the day. (that means the first time I ever saw a particular bird). That bird was the Sandhill Crane. Click the pictures to enlarge if you like.
This is a Northern Shoveler.
This is a Bald Eagle. The estimate is there are around 60 on the refuge right now. I saw at least 30 myself.
This is the sky. See all the dots? Those are snow geese flying into the refuge. They just kept coming, and coming, and coming. It was a constant flow for the over an hour.
This is a Short-billed Dowitcher.
This is a Sandhill Crane.
This is a Northern Shoveler.
This is a Bald Eagle. The estimate is there are around 60 on the refuge right now. I saw at least 30 myself.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hallway talks
Seems like about once a week when me and the kids head to bed around the same time, we end up standing in the hall talking, laughing, joking, singing and otherwise spending quality mom-teen time. These hallway moments are so fleeting, 10 minutes maybe. But they are precious to me.
Not your typical Linkin Park/Green Day fan
Does our taste in music say anything about us? Is it incongruous that I am wearing a nice corporate suit today and have my Ipod tuned to Linkin Park? I don’t know. I guess we are all unique and this is one of the crazy little things about me, one of the better things about me.
Here are some of my favorite lines from LP songs
Here are some of my favorite lines from LP songs
“every step that I take is another mistake to you”
“you live what you’ve learned”
“sick of the dark ways we march to the drumming”
“amen”
“your time is borrowed, your time has come to be replaced”
“let me apologize for what I’m about to say”
“the only thing that’s worse than one is none”
“if you’re asking me I want you to know, when my time comes, forget the wrong that I’ve done, help me leave behind some reasons to be missed”
I grew up learning to love music from a young age, but more than just hymns and classical. I learned to love and appreciate almost all music. To my parents, my music was just too loud and too objectionable I guess. I feel like this was a wedge between us. A part of my life they were not interested in, although it meant a lot to me. I guess it’s made me much more sensitive to how my own teens feel, and not just regarding music, but what they think about many things. I want to be able to relate, talk, share, and appreciate our differences. I think over the past years I’ve been able to do that for the most part.
The Lake
I worked overtime all weekend, but left at noon Sunday and Jordan and I headed up to the lake to enjoy the sun. We stood on the shore listening to the waves coming in. We closed our eyes and imagined ourselves in Florida on a sunny beach, instead of in the Midwest on a chilly day in autumn. Lovely. *sigh*.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A New Day for Hope
I read the transcript of Obama's speech today at lunch. Here's a small exerpt that brought tears to my eyes.
"This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon
Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. "
"This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon
Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. "
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Playing catch-up and I now have one Schrute Buck
It's been a busy couple of months around here with school starting. Dad got broad-sided and was pretty shook up, hurt a little bit. The minivan was totalled, so they replaced it with something that will pull the camper a little better. I'm just glad everyone was okay.
I've been getting out and birding a lot this fall with migration going on. It's been fun. Since I'm a pretty new bird enthusiast, I get a lot of LIFERS. This fall my lifers have been Swamp Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler to name a few. (if you aren't a birder, a lifer means the first time you ever saw a particular bird). I've been taking loads of pictures. Here are just a couple.
1972 approx. I'm on the far right. Bea is right next to me in the back, taking a sip . Someone donated a bunch of 50's style party dresses to the thrift store and mom let us girls dress up before they took them in. It was so fun.
My mountain pic. 1979. Not the first time we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, but the first time I, as a teen, did my own hiking. In this one, I took the Fern Lake trail, about a six hour hike which I didn't realize when I left that morning on the Bear Lake shuttle bus. This picture was taken right before the trail takes a horseshoe turn and starts heading downhill. Mom takes painting classes, and she copied this picture for me. It's hanging in my craft room. Anyway, a moment I'll never forget and I'm glad it's digital now!
This one's from 1980. I'm on the right, mom in the middle, Bea on your left. Don'tcha just love my hat????Again at Rocky Mtn Natl Park.
Okay, that's all for now.
Amelia turned one last week and it was fun to see her eat her spaghetti dinner. She's a smart little girl and has some good parents.
I've been getting out and birding a lot this fall with migration going on. It's been fun. Since I'm a pretty new bird enthusiast, I get a lot of LIFERS. This fall my lifers have been Swamp Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler to name a few. (if you aren't a birder, a lifer means the first time you ever saw a particular bird). I've been taking loads of pictures. Here are just a couple.
This is the Black-throated Green Warbler.
This is the Fox Sparrow.
Johnny took me to watch the sunset this week. We also got to try the irish pub menu which was yummy. I had fish and chips and john had bangers and mash. All delicious. (we shared of course).
My new toy: A negative scanner/converter. It's built for 35mm film, but I've been sliding 110 negatives through it anyway and getting 'okay' results. Here are some oldies pictures.
1978 approximately. ME! Check out that outfit and those bangs! Wow!
1972 approx. I'm on the far right. Bea is right next to me in the back, taking a sip . Someone donated a bunch of 50's style party dresses to the thrift store and mom let us girls dress up before they took them in. It was so fun.
My mountain pic. 1979. Not the first time we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, but the first time I, as a teen, did my own hiking. In this one, I took the Fern Lake trail, about a six hour hike which I didn't realize when I left that morning on the Bear Lake shuttle bus. This picture was taken right before the trail takes a horseshoe turn and starts heading downhill. Mom takes painting classes, and she copied this picture for me. It's hanging in my craft room. Anyway, a moment I'll never forget and I'm glad it's digital now!
This one's from 1980. I'm on the right, mom in the middle, Bea on your left. Don'tcha just love my hat????Again at Rocky Mtn Natl Park.
Okay, that's all for now.
Oh, wait....I've been watching a ton of "The Office" lately. Thanks to Jordan we own season 4 now. The best show ever. I have One Schrute Buck too. See below:
Saturday, September 06, 2008
nothing much
It's been a week since Labor Day and I keep thinking of things I want to blog about but my computer is far, far away. Well here are some random Netski doings.
The Friday before Labor Day, Aug 30th, took the day off. John was returning from 2 weeks in Austin (ugh, again...). I actually enjoyed a wonderful day of cleaning. Yes, sometimes I enjoy cleaning. WEIRD. Picked John up at the airport around 4:30 with the kids and we were very, very happy to have him home again. The weekend of Labor Day was nothing special, just a nice relaxing 3 day weekend. I had aspirations of bird watching but decided I'd rather just spend time with the family. Sunday before L.D. we had a nice party to go to at some friends. Monday we just relaxed.
Back to work on Tuesday, I continued with my 5-day review that would determine whether I got released from the training section. Wednesday was the final day of that review and yes, I did pass this review and got released. Thursday was moving day and Friday was my first full day in the new module. I have a window seat and I absolutely adore that.
Today, Saturday, has been fun. I am still on a high from finishing completely with training. I brought in all the bird feeder equipment and cleaned it, getting ready for the winter bird season. I think I need to get a heater for the bird bath. This afternoon some of us girls met up at a quaint little wine shop and participated in the tasting. That was quite nice.
In other news, dad got in a wreck Thursday evening and the minivan is totalled. He's okay, just sore and a bit banged up, but nothing broken thank goodness. I plan on visiting tomorrow.
I guess that's about it. Oh, yesterday while waiting for the bus, a guy drove by with his windows down, and he had "What I've Done" by Linkin Park blaring out his windows. I almost ran over to his car to give him a thumbs up sign, but then I rightly second guessed that impulse. He drove around the block again trying to get into the parking garage and the song was still going. That was nice.
The Friday before Labor Day, Aug 30th, took the day off. John was returning from 2 weeks in Austin (ugh, again...). I actually enjoyed a wonderful day of cleaning. Yes, sometimes I enjoy cleaning. WEIRD. Picked John up at the airport around 4:30 with the kids and we were very, very happy to have him home again. The weekend of Labor Day was nothing special, just a nice relaxing 3 day weekend. I had aspirations of bird watching but decided I'd rather just spend time with the family. Sunday before L.D. we had a nice party to go to at some friends. Monday we just relaxed.
Back to work on Tuesday, I continued with my 5-day review that would determine whether I got released from the training section. Wednesday was the final day of that review and yes, I did pass this review and got released. Thursday was moving day and Friday was my first full day in the new module. I have a window seat and I absolutely adore that.
Today, Saturday, has been fun. I am still on a high from finishing completely with training. I brought in all the bird feeder equipment and cleaned it, getting ready for the winter bird season. I think I need to get a heater for the bird bath. This afternoon some of us girls met up at a quaint little wine shop and participated in the tasting. That was quite nice.
In other news, dad got in a wreck Thursday evening and the minivan is totalled. He's okay, just sore and a bit banged up, but nothing broken thank goodness. I plan on visiting tomorrow.
I guess that's about it. Oh, yesterday while waiting for the bus, a guy drove by with his windows down, and he had "What I've Done" by Linkin Park blaring out his windows. I almost ran over to his car to give him a thumbs up sign, but then I rightly second guessed that impulse. He drove around the block again trying to get into the parking garage and the song was still going. That was nice.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Some STAYcation pictures
NELSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
NELSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
NELSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
NELSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
NELSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
NELSON ART MUSEUM
NELSON ART MUSEUM
NELSON ART MUSEUM
WWI MUSEUM
WWI MUSEUM
WWI MUSEUM
WWI MUSEUM
WWI MUSEUM
AT THE ZOO - my best shot. She was obviously posing for me.
AT THE ZOO - can you tell we got soaking wet? It rained the entire time, but it was still a lot of fun.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
One is the Loneliest
Last night, our first night without John for another two weeks. At least we have each other. Poor Johnny just has Frank.
Being back at work after a week off stinks. Is there some way I can have a permanent vacation AND get paid at the same time? (something legal...)
We cleaned out the refrigerator, since Tuesday is trash day. Ate leftover and threw out some things that were spoiled. I had some blackberries in the fridge for a couple of weeks and I think they had begun the fermentation process, a distinct alcoholic odor came from that bowl!
Well, with the fridge cleaned out, the dishes done and the bathrooms clean, we sat down to watch a movie, "Tootsie" from the 80s. I still can't believe Dustin Hoffman didn't get best actor for that. He was just amazing. It was funny, just what I needed.
Today was the first day of school and I took the annual picture. I also took a few as the car drove away with my two teens in it. Weird. Jordan's last year of high school, Steve's first at the high school building. But their last year together.
I hope this coming year is as happy as the last one
I hope Jordan gets straight A's
I hope Steve brings the house down with his improv
I hope that life is good to them.
Being back at work after a week off stinks. Is there some way I can have a permanent vacation AND get paid at the same time? (something legal...)
We cleaned out the refrigerator, since Tuesday is trash day. Ate leftover and threw out some things that were spoiled. I had some blackberries in the fridge for a couple of weeks and I think they had begun the fermentation process, a distinct alcoholic odor came from that bowl!
Well, with the fridge cleaned out, the dishes done and the bathrooms clean, we sat down to watch a movie, "Tootsie" from the 80s. I still can't believe Dustin Hoffman didn't get best actor for that. He was just amazing. It was funny, just what I needed.
Today was the first day of school and I took the annual picture. I also took a few as the car drove away with my two teens in it. Weird. Jordan's last year of high school, Steve's first at the high school building. But their last year together.
I hope this coming year is as happy as the last one
I hope Jordan gets straight A's
I hope Steve brings the house down with his improv
I hope that life is good to them.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Linkin Park
Linkin Park was the highlight of our stay at home vacation last week. Wednesday night we headed out to Sandstone. Okay let me rephrase that..."Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone", previously called "Verizon Wireless Amphitheater" previously called
SANDSTONE. (way back to the olden days kids) Thank God it's gotten it's real name back.
We had seats out of the mosh pit ruckus which was good. Body surfing has become too dangerous. Jordan on the other hand ventured out into the pit following a couple of friends. Let's just say the mosh pit made an impression on her.
What is my favorite LP song? Papercut. But I love every single song. The set list was just perfect.
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