Friday, May 16, 2008

Freak Out!

I have not been this jumpy and tormented since I was asked to play a part in a drama of an abusive mother. That time I flipped out when I was on the way home. It was dangerous for me and today was sorta like that. Cannot completely explain but I am not going to take the job at Kwik Trip and I must tell them ASAP. I may not take any job that is regimented or where I feel trapped (not by my pain or by the job constraints). I would rather gather weeds to eat. At least that is fun. My life is so stressful right now that I just know if I step out just for the money that I will be in line for a breakdown of some kind. Physical usually goes for me...but feature what kind of crazy I could be. That is a picture. I am still looking for a very part time job for a couple days a week that is right for me!
I long for some kinda freedom and some kind of fun. I loved my job at the church and it offered variety. That is my best feature. I transition well for variety! I ask for your prayers that I might get through all this and do better physically, mentally, and emotionally ... plus maybe some financial perks as well! I wait and watch.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

The New Kid!

So last week when I arrived I was told S took a 5 year old that was in a shelter with the mom. She got a check and went off to do crack leaving David with another person. Uh oh! That broke the shelter rules and after a day and night gone Social Services intervened. So what was being discussed with S as a mere respite became emergency foster care and David is still here. He is cute, Downs Syndrome, but pretty strong and physical. He has seen abuse so acts it out with other kids and dolls. He hits me when he is angry and runs away and taunts me if I try to catch him. It is purely hilarious to him and not very funny to myself or S. Fortunately, so far, other kids have helped me corral him. S put up a fence and Jackie and Jessi hauled all the kid toys off the deck into the fence. Originally it was for Tish but S will utilize the peremiters for keeping David safe. He is quick and can undo locks with little trouble. Although his speech is hard to distinguish (the kids tell me he is swearing but I ignore it as S instructed) he makes signs and uses some common words well. His main drawback for me is that he goes dead weight when he doesn't want to go to bed or sit on potty. He is as big as 5 year olds get and it is like trying to give my collie/shepherd a bath. Ouch! So all week I have had pain from the spinal stinosis which flared up and affected my legs and feet a lot. I just cannot let him win. I use sweet talk and kissy face stuff a lot and he does respond but when he really doesn't want to obey I have to use my strength. Pray for me to get strong! Jenna gave me money to go to curves for a month so I am going to begin there and then go on with my own book from what Jessi taught me. I have to now as it will be hard to find someone to take him. Pray for him and his mama as she tried to commit suicide when she came back and found he had been taken from her by Social Services. God can change anything if we let Him! This kid is cute and my heart goes out to him but oh what a drain of constant energy between him and Tisha. Tisha and him get along like two alley cats. Spit and growl...
With a little help from anywhere I can get it I will survive!
Mom just called. She has been in acute pain from her spinal stinosis problem and is going to Chiro and doing physical therapy with exercise. I hope she soon feels better as she wants to go to Jamie's wedding and the pain may keep her away. Her gall bladder surgery is June 11th. Peggy is having surgeries this summer too on both of her knees. One is a clean up and one a replacement I think...Well, enough chatty stuff here. I am on to clean up after kids. Go Lynda!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Joy Joy!

Spent some time in Minnelovalopolis as Lance calls the city of his beloved. I went with Jamie to her wedding shower put on by ladies at the church and got to meet Lance her intended finally. He met my expectation and I see that they are matched in many ways. Love is in the air for sure!
My next visit with them will be the day before their wedding in lovely Iowa near a bridge in Madison County...did you read the book and see the movie? Well if you did you know the charm of the area and the scene that will be unfolding at the wedding on the 29th on Rosesomething bridge. Yeah!
The additional joys are that my grandbabies will attend and my kids to attend them. I will be in 7th heaven after much absence from 2 of them and their parents.
I also got to have lunch with Jessi this week. I prepared angelhair pasta with mushrooms, chicken and pea-pods and the sauce was classic with roasted sundried tomatoes. On the side I marinated roma tomatoes with italian dressing and served them with parmesan. Dessert was fresh fruit...grapes and strawberries. It was lovely and she enjoyed it and we spent an extra hour sitting together catching up after a long absence since October.
The older I get the more time races by. Oh how I remember lying watching clouds go by and dreaming of the future. Now I just take it as it comes and sleep quick to get ready for the future to unfold each day.
My close friend Mary Ann has been in the hospital down south for a week. She and her husband have moved down there for the slower pace but it seems this health threat has caused her to think of moving closer to her kids. Not so close they drop all their responsibilites on them but close enough they can drive to help or to see them in an emergency. I think that may be the best result of this scare. Right this minute three of the girls are visiting her and that made her feel valued.
It was a busy week. I had what seemed a successful interview with Kwik trip and wait to hear if they want me for a part time employee. I am not in a hurry but do need some employment soon. I have much to do before it happens though. Like get out Jack's summer clothes and choose some fit for a wedding on a bridge somewhere in Iowa.. Tee Hee!
I feel frustrated that Jack has dementia and yet I still want him to be part of everything in our lives as much as he can. I want to be more patient and to juggle and balance the acts I must to make it all work. I have to stay right on top of what is going on with him and in his emotions. I like coming down to work at Madison. Working with kids is a joy and then going home is a joy afterwards, I am more ready for the smallness of our existance after being involved with others in a meaninful industry. I am working at figuring out my space in this world and my responsibility to my husband and to myself all the while trying to serve God honestly and first. It really is all one but the perspective must be checked with prayer and the word regularly.
Joy also is tomorrow. A chiropractic adjustment yes that is so needed after hauling a dead weight downs syndrome big 5 year old around today but better even is the time I will spend with my Eliana. Yipppppppeee!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Memories!

I remember when: guess at 61 I am now old enough to tell oldtimers stories. I used to work in a bathhouse in Jemez Springs, N.M. I think the year was 1973. So I went online tonight and found the town has expanded and the bathhouse is going strong. So here is some of what I found:
The Jemez Springs BathHouse Mission Statement
The Jemez Springs Bath House is committed to reflecting the tranquility of the Valley by nurturing the health and well being of the mind, body and spirit through its services and products.
About Us
The Jemez Springs Bath House offers massage and alternative therapy by licensed therapists in private treatment rooms. Herbal sweat wraps are also available. A sign before you enter lists the 20 minerals and gases present in the water. The naturally occurring minerals in the Jemez water are acid carbonate, aluminum, calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicate, sodium and sulphate.
The lobby offers an excellent selection of bath and beauty products, gifts, and also provides information on local points of interests.
Contact Us
©Copyright 2006 Jemez Springs Bathhouse All Rights ReservedFor more information feel free to Contact Us
I remember when Tommy ran the place and I worked for her. It was fun work and pretty much as listed above without the beauty and bath products and gifts.
I left this job when I fell in love with Jack Baldwin and moved to Utah with him as he followed the oil field jobs.
Jemez Springs Bathhouse
In summers past the Jemez Springs Bath House became the hub of the Valley, with people coming from miles around to take advantage of the healing powers of the natural hot mineral springs. Tents sprung up making a tent town. The bathhouse had a large swimming pool fed by the hot mineral springs for all to enjoy but has since been filled in. Many wish the pool was still there, but the large cement tubs still afford comfort to those who still seek the healing waters. The Jemez Springs Bath House is a State Historical Site, over a 100 years old.
Presently the bath house is owned and operated by the Village of Jemez Springs. There are eight large concrete tubs each separately enclosed for privacy. The tubs are filled with 100% mineral water from the natural hot springs using a combination of hot and cold water. The cold water is cooled in large outdoor tanks located outside next to the bath house.

Jemez Springs Bath House062 Jemez Springs PlazaJemez Springs, New Mexico 87025(505) 829-3303
toll free 1-866-204-8303

I am just surprised at all the new places to stay in this little mountain town.

Places to EatHere are some favorite places to eat:Los Ojos Restaurant & SaloonA true old west waterin' hole with a full bar. Home of the Famous Jemez hamburger, prime rib served every Friday and Saturday. Live music by local musicians. (505) 829-3547Deb's Deli & MercantileYep, its rustic country food New Mexico style. The closest you'll come to Pacific Northwest style high charged coffee without a plane ticket. (505) 829-3829Consetta's RestaurantAuthentic Italian dining at reasonable prices. The kitchen is open so patrons can watch Luigi Leggiero whip up pizzas, lasagna or one of the weekly specials. (505) 829-4455Laughing Lizard CafeAdelicious healthy homemade meals served in the main dining room or the outdoor deck. (505) 829-3108 www.thelaughinglizard.com

When I was here there was only the Los Ojos bar and then the American Legion Club where I bartended, cooked and waitressed on Thursdays every week. Jack and I met at the Los Ojos and he cared for Mike when I worked at the Legion.
The places to stay really rocked my world as I read a long list. Ustabee that a tent by the river was good...
Places to Stay
Dancing Bear Bed and Breakfast- Charming river retreat off the beaten path from Albuquerque. It has four guest rooms, each with a private bath, TV and VCR. (505) 829-3336 or 1-(800) 422-3271 http://www.virtualcities.com/ons/nm/n/nmn3701.htm
Desert Willow Bed and Breakfast- On the banks of the Jemez River with beautifully groomed grounds featuring a sculptured garden. The Desert Willow has two rooms and the Dragonfly Cottage next door.(505) 829-3410 http://www.desertwillowbandb.com
Cañon del Rio - guests can leisurely stroll the winding paths to the river. Sit down a spell and enjoy the fresh air. The Cañon del Rio has six air-conditioned rooms each with private baths. An apartment with equipped kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom w/Jacuzzi is available. www.CanondelRio.com
Casa Blanca- Fish in your own backyard. Adobe home with vigas and kiva fireplace. Complete kitchen (pots & linens), Sunny master bedroom with queen bed. Riverfront terraced yard, private retreat house. (505) 829-3579 http://www.losalamos.com/casablanca/
The Laughing Lizard Cafe & Inn- Four individually decorated, comfortable rooms with private bath and shower. Next door enjoy homemade meals- some great vegetarian dishes, traditional to tofu, desserts, and espresso,in the historic adobe Laughing Lizard Cafe. Daily specials. Great place to mingle with friends. (505) 829-3108 www.thelaughinglizard.com
Jemez Canyon Inn- Rustic but clean five rooms are available at affordable rates, courtyard with BBQ,fishing hiking, hot springs, nearby. Billy and Don are friendly hosts.(505) 829-3254 http://www.jemezsprings.org/canyoninn.html
The Jemez Mountain Inn- Located in the heart of the village of Jemez Springs, this is the perfect departure point for pleasant day trips to Northern New Mexico's most prized recreational, historical, and scenic sites. Phone: 1-888-819-1075 (Toll Free) www.jemezmtninn.com
Elk Mountain Lodge- Located north of Jemez Springs in La Cueva, the lodge has five luxury rooms. A very classy romantic hideaway. (505) 829-3159 or 1-(800) 815-2859 http://www.elkmountainlodge.cc/
La Cueva Lodge- Located north of Jemez Springs the lodge offers 15 modern rooms on the San Antonio River. The lodge offers senior citizen, commercial and winter rates. (505) 829-3814 or 1-(877)-838-3830
Trail's End RV Park- Located 1 mile west of Rte-4 on Hwy-126 La Cueva, Trail's End offers 14 sites in forested setting with full hookups. (505) 829-4072 www.trailsendrv.com eMail: Trailsendrv@hotmail.com
Other Notable Links...
Village of Jemez Springs The "official" web site for the Village of Jemez Springs, New Mexico. Contains events, links, business listings.
Giggling Springs Natural Hot Mineral Water Outdoor Soaking Pool, "Your Destination for Relaxation!". The property and hot springs pool are located along the Jemez River (a natural 'cold plunge'!), in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. The property is the site of the oldest bath house in the area, which was built sometime in the mid to late 1800's. Giggling Springs 40 Abousleman Loop Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (505) 829-9175
A Healing Touch Therapeutic Massage Therapeutic Massage for Women. Specializing in womens wellness. The focus is on relieving chronic pain symptoms in the body and restoring balance. 12 unser Blvd., Suite J Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505.249.1511
So now I am so Psyched to go there and revisit my past with the additions of a better room with a view!
Which one of you readers wants to go too...???

Friday, March 28, 2008

Chicago was fine!

I went and saw and enjoyed... It was a Cinderella experience (in every way but the prince...but then "it takes a mighty good man to be better than no man at all" and my prince was home coughing and being cared for by the other trained cinderella replacement...)

Took the Van Gelder to Chicago and met Renee at Union station. She had a 'satelite direction finding Mabel' and her voice got us to the hotel. We unloaded and checked in. It was a lovely afternoon with soup and later italian fare before going to "Wicked". I loved the show! We had much catching up to do. I knew some of her story and she knew a little of mine but we needed to add all the important factors. So we unloaded our stories and tried to get caught up to the present through each of our tragedies and sagas of heartache and pain. It is good to have a friend and an old friend listens well. We fell into bed and slept like babies in the nice beds there braced by a plethora of pillows!

Day 2 brought us to breakfast on Michigan Ave. followed by long hours of viewing in the Art museum. It was so fun to trek through and then see the special gallery shows of Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper. We went from there to an Irish Pub "Brannigans?" to eat a salad and later walked on back to the hotel. I have not walked that much since I was thinner. Wow my legs are stiff today...later we dressed for the theater and went to dinner (soup and dessert) at one of the fine dining experiences available in the Chicago Hilton. Then "Jersey Boys" was the treat of the night. This play was a musical story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Wow!! Very different from "Wicked" which is the story of Oz before Dorothy. I loved them both.

Today brought us to leaving. We had an elegant breakfast and long time just sharing and being then back up to the room until time to check out. She and "Mabel" delivered me to Union Station and then she and her little black rental car raced off to Crowne Point to be with Ronnie, Amy, Jack and new baby Sawyer who was born last Saturday. It truly was a delight for her to treat me with so many luxuries and beyond. I would love to visit her in S. Cal someday again. She has a house up in the hills with two boston bull terriers and a pool.

Now I am back in Madtown with Tisha and ready to figure out my next move with God's help. I need a miracle bad but this break helped me just breathe and laugh and be for a couple days without the intense stress I am normally under. Yippee for vacations of all types.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Things to be glad about today...

1.) Jesus being raised from the dead!
2.) Jack seems as if he is recovering...
3.) Suzanne is back to work and not throwing up...
4.) Ira is better says Ash
5.) I am in Madison and not still lying in my recliner groaning with aches and pains
6.) Easter is tomorrow and I will see my grandaughter and son and daughter in law as well as Mom/John and so forth
7.) I am going to Chicago on Holiday to see Wicked and Jersey Boys!
8.) 2 days with an old friend will be delightful and so needed right now!
9.) Demetrius is now with what could be an adoptive family where he will have a dad and they are Christians!
10.) I am still afloat somehow though I yet have no answers to the future.

Friday, March 14, 2008

I get more encouragement from those I know!

My daughters are exciting! Jamie is in love and Jessi is digging in to help her Amy and to advance the career. I wish I talked more to my daughter-in-laws but alas they are busy with kinder and such stuff. I thank God for blogs and my space to keep my finger on their pulse a bit. My grandkids are a kick and oh how I miss the ones afar off. Some days they all seem afar off believe me... My sons are being men and that takes most of their energy. Earning a living and relating to their wife and kids is full time work so I make every effort to be thankful when they reach out. I have friends but lately they all seem very preoccupied with survival or their passions. I applaud and move on to the daily life I live. It holds some promise of good days to come. Those promises are what I stand on...

My daughter in law has asked for a few of my fav's

I am thinking about celebrities I really enjoy on this particular Friday. My life is upside down right now and I am glad to think of other things...
I like Meg Ryan because she always looks great and love her funky hair and great facial expressions and I never hated a movie with her in it...
Meg reminds me of the reality of the unsophisticated me inside the whimsical me but of course she is eons younger than me...sigh.

I also like Goldie Hawn. She has been in some classic funny movies and I adore comedy as I think my whole life is a comedy series with small sections of pathos. She is so blonde in nature but has that irreverent edge to her.


Who else do I like? Oh I think Sandra Bullock is wonderful. She also waited for the right rock star to marry. What a woman!


Cruella D'evil comes to mind ...Glenn Close is it? Fantastic! What a woman!


Sophia Loren was my childhood idol and she was always a beauty with some sizzle that I adore.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Golly Miss Molly

The snow date for Amberly's shower came and few attended. We did have fun however in the small group. Jenna and I spent our time and energy creating a wonderful atmosphere for celebrating Amberly and baby Christian to come.
Since that date she had had many contractions and rough moments but no arrival yet. I am sure she would like to hurry this boychild out into the real world. She has many fears and thoughts coming to her but when that boy is in her arms she will perhaps see God's design clearly. Jimmy is doing a pretty good job of encouraging her so Kudos to Jimmy!
This week held the best and worst of things. Mike and Jessica came Sunday with Eliana of course and we had a splendid 2 days due to the freezing rain that fell. The blow-up bed made it possible and I did get pretty good at recliner sleeping this past year so I took a night in my chair. It was fine! I was so tickled to hear Eliana crying herself to sleep "I want to sleep with my gramma!" but it only took a couple times and a few tears til she was in dreamland. It was a fun time. See the pictures! We all went to church for the first start up of the 2X per month evening alternative service. Jessica and Eliana were in the nursery watching Nemo and some other movie and I joined them at half-time. There were about 26 people attending and the coffeehouse atmosphere was kinda different.
I am trying to build a resume and think about what kind of job I really want. I may have to take what I can get but still I want to find what will work for me! I do want a job to be pleasant. I have had fun jobs and then again some were so boring and dull. I like to have a sense of purpose and fill a spot that keeps me thinking and involved. We shall see...I never had to have a resume before. I am old and have had this job for 10+ years. Whew! God is in charge but I am watching and listening so I don't miss the best and end up taking 2nd best.
Jack turned 78 on Friday but I had to come down to work in Madtown so we celebrated on Thursday night. Jenna and I took him to Perkins and after dinner he had Lemon Pie. He thinks it was free because they put a candle in it but no it still cost 2.95. I don't care but he was overheard telling one of the kids that on the phone. I just let it go as it seemed to tickle him so. He didn't get presents as we have a money crunch but dinner was good and we got him some butterscotch hard candies later.
Today Jenna brought him down for the day but he was bored and wanted to go home by evening. He misses his familiar things even though they bore him a bit too. Getting a balance is hard in our situation but we try. After they left Karah, Metrie and I had an art project and we went online and found an artist to copy. It was a kick!
They are now in bed. The house is nearly clean and only a few dishes await. My eyes are drooping. We had an afternoon hairdying session with highlights for myself, Suzanne and Karah. She is probably the only kid her age in school with highlights...and they look sweet! My hair is bad right now but I need a cut and cannot spring for it until I get money for the bills. No one will hire me until I look good so when the resume is done with cover letter then I will count change until I can afford the hairdo for job interviews. Wish me well!