Wienermobile!

When I was growing up my dad worked for Oscar Mayer. He was a night supervisor in the dept. that was like what computers are now...used many cards with square holes in them. He had a whole crew of women working all night keeping records. Well, I digress but I really felt the Oscar Mayer Wiener mobile was like "mine"! So I caught some pictures of Jessi and a friend with the wienermobile at the strawberry fest. I see the kids got little wienermobile whistles. I have a couple in my memory box from way back 50 plus years ago. So cute!

Jack and I did get to go to The Dry Bean last Sunday and hear her and her buddy from Nashville Sarah Peacock! I sure enjoyed it. They wrote some new songs together and wow they really sounded great so I hope they record together someday.

A Time to Remember!

I am loving this week. I like being a gramma very much and have my own regrets as to the house I live in which is not condusive at present to visits from lovely short people but as time passes God will provide I just know! I think of sleeping porches or little guest houses, the attic turned into dormer rooms reachable by ladders, a camper parked outside with all the emenities. Sigh!
Ye s Virginia there is a Gramma Fairy and I am certain I am she! I adore playing dress up or making up stories by the hour. I can make a silly rhyme or sing a song and add a stanza on command usually. I know how to cook delish dishes and a few treats woven in. I can loll around in a kid pool, romp with the dogs and try to play soccer with little number 8's. I try to teach things that parents forget like about fireflies and playing tent with flashlights. I have enough energy for messes but little tolerance for pooped britches. I inspire success with hand clapping and rejoicing shouts but hardly ever a bribe. I can pray up a storm with little folk and enjoy tea parties of all sorts from the mad hatter type to dress up and raise your pinkie. I love to lie on the ground and look at clouds making up stories and titles for the creatures we identify. A bug can inspire a painting or a trip to the library. Books are made for reading over and over until the child knows what comes next and will correct you if you take a shortcut. I don't mind a video once in a moon and it is okay to watch a favorite show while gramma does the dishes or checks facebook but the t.v. is for days when kids are out of sorts from tummy aches or the water pipes burst. I love giving little dogs a bath or creating clothes for the dollies out of whatever suits me at the time. Magazines are made for collages and paint is to be wasted on the young who adore to create pictures for Mom and Dad. Yes I indeed am made to be a gramma. My life doesn't allow that every day but oh my when I get the chance I just go for it!

It was a good day here!

I awakened first at 4 to Tisha banging her gate hard and then harder with her head. By 5:30 she had the bottom free so I toddled over quietly and relocked it and said a quiet "Leave it" to her. She bagan to cry but not with horrible intensity. After a 10 minute attempt to get me to come back, crying and then listening, Suzanne woke up and came and told her in no uncertain terms that she was not getting up that early. Then the tirade was on. She stopped in about 45 minutes and began playing with toys so during that I completely woke up, pushed the button on the coffee and read my devotions and journaled. When she settled down again I hit the pillows for another hour. Never dull there! Jack is beginning to sleep through what I cannot sleep through. That is good!
After reorganizing the house and packing I did the sheets and etc on the two beds and Jessi helped get Jack to the car. I brought Cami home for a visit too. I really ached all over today and took several hits of acetemetaphen to get me through. Tonight we had left-overs and not too much of that but we had a late lunch. I am "serial" about getting my weight down and beginning to work out somehow...I forgot the shower chair but need a new one anyway so time to scour the used stores.
Going to the cemetary was good. I liked my relatives and this year have a new perspective of thankfulness for my father. He was emotionally available despite his other flaws. He loved me the best he could with what he was given from his parents and the life he led. As I stood before Gramma and Grampa's graves I said a prayer of thanksgiving and it continued over to Aunt Clara's as well. I believe Jack and I may end up at the LaValle Cemetary and it has a grace and peacefulness to it but I am slightly potted about cemetaries. They usually calm me.
I used to try to go to the ceremony they have at the cemetary about 10 AM but since I began working in Madtown it hasn't worked. So the graves are decorated as a sign of respect for the relationships in my life and in theirs for the ancestors are there as well.
Tonight I watched "The Bachelorette" on ABC and it was a real eye opener. I like Jillian and a few of the men. I dislike David and hope he gets the chute soon. He has so much testosterone that he is over the top. The guy who got a date watching Martina McBride was a definate winner with me. He has a chiseled face, great eyes and a sense of fun and whimsey as well as the serious part. So far he is the only one I think would make the keeper catagory but there are lots we have not gotton to know and a group went home. I don't think one way or the other about Juan but Jillian did a great save when the guys voted him off. She has a great spirit. I also do not like the country singer guy much though he adds interest to the show. The naked pool diver at the cocktail party was like an embarrassing moment for all. Bye Bye Naked Guy!
I await Ash's critique!
Happy Memorial Day! Late but so what as Jack says....

My Plea...without drama.

I am in need of support and help in this endeavor to keep Jack safe and well in his own home as long as possible. I want each of my children to think of what might be possible for them to do to make this work better. I know he feels solitary and alone in his situation. If it is hard to call him then write a chatty note to him every week or two. If you have the ability to visit please do. If you can stay for a few days please help me with some of the upkeep of the house. My list is long and never ending. If you have extra money and want to gift me I need a load of gravel for the driveway and perhaps a ramp or easier entry for him. The laundry room door needs trimwork and there is some painting that could be done. Jessi helped me one day and got so much done that I was relieved and shocked that she could accomplish that much in a day. I appreciate any help from any direction.
Sweet family, I know your lives are busy and complex. I do not want to guilt you or put a burden on you only let you know that I am unable to do all that is needed in a week or a day. I am desperate and this is very out of character for me to ask. I am looking at many things to figure out how to survive.
I am not wonder woman just your drama queen (as Jess reminds me) mom with some concerns and real needs for support and encouragement. If you have expectations of me please come and spend some time and learn of what I am immersed in and how taxing it is. Thanks for your consideration in this matter. I love you all without regard to how much you are willing or able to help me. My love is unconditional.