tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1965865177548623252024-02-01T22:04:56.001-05:00Way Good Dayevery moment is a miracleMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.comBlogger424125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-45719871344384394882012-01-07T18:41:00.000-05:002012-01-07T18:41:47.275-05:00having fun?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope your first weekend of</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv_K5_4IzmJHXhkDDhY31VrLrq-loRwWlI_YHOIvH2ZPzaaBAxDVb8nOC-1lCFoy3PbEFPKVRv4QlXGv_VA5Zw0ZI8D_FMc5gcOGhJQ66qEauVXKQc694gajbpr-A068TRIQphjszR2pf/s1600/IMG_1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv_K5_4IzmJHXhkDDhY31VrLrq-loRwWlI_YHOIvH2ZPzaaBAxDVb8nOC-1lCFoy3PbEFPKVRv4QlXGv_VA5Zw0ZI8D_FMc5gcOGhJQ66qEauVXKQc694gajbpr-A068TRIQphjszR2pf/s320/IMG_1736.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> is fabulous!</div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-78211711381592546252011-06-20T14:02:00.010-04:002011-06-20T15:12:00.499-04:00want to go to Paris?<div style="text-align: center;">Jordan of "Oh Happy Day" adventurously moved to France four months ago with her artist hubby and two darling sons. To celebrate her blogs fifth birthday, Jordan has saved her pennies, and Benjamin's, for a <span style="font-style: italic;">lucky</span> reader and companion to travel to her new home in Paris for seven {7!} days to explore and experience the city through her eyes.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ooo la la!</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGY4-JYqn4EUXvdO31NRYPmdmuKBhtAW__d7EKZsXnHSktRAfNRpB5SM2pfv6HsxGb5vxm-70qpKue9q6BGxWFniUjZ5Ea3ZnagmYXr7YV7dafmWJE6jfFiMckum1njZ5N8dDzkbIYESd/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGY4-JYqn4EUXvdO31NRYPmdmuKBhtAW__d7EKZsXnHSktRAfNRpB5SM2pfv6HsxGb5vxm-70qpKue9q6BGxWFniUjZ5Ea3ZnagmYXr7YV7dafmWJE6jfFiMckum1njZ5N8dDzkbIYESd/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620373981975605458" border="0" /></a>I would love to be the traveller...and, I would want to take each of you with me;<br />however, if not me, then I hope it is YOU!<br />Go to Jordan's blog <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris/">link</a> to enter.<br />Bon voyage!<br /><br />[image: <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsm51CKN6z-bCYmhjal8Y7yzQJyBxTQi0n7lG_T9vpWykrK9V94mbTfCTRE1Hjj3ElCw7Bvxe59FwQcMJj4XUvJwEsBNknCTvcd5lC3r3GjUj7ItuCsisocgPPIR_fSe_HFVXMHhGji3Kz/s1600/Paris_attractions_The_Eiffel_Tower_at_Night_in_Paris%2525252C_France_.png.jpg&imgrefurl=http://explorercar.blogspot.com/2011/04/paris-at-night-photos.html&usg=__RNYS8PWGwHJYPasWMML9JS8vqxU=&h=683&w=1024&sz=106&hl=en&start=78&sig2=JfxDAtCXGkWJyPpeBiKWOw&zoom=1&tbnid=FTjTSZ57akYzTM:&tbnh=126&tbnw=165&ei=Po3_TdiWH8rk0QGI8d2bAw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dparis%2Bat%2Bnight%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1276%26bih%3D572%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=121&vpy=290&dur=404&hovh=159&hovw=228&tx=121&ty=103&page=5&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:78&biw=1276&bih=572">explorarcar.blogspot.com</a>]<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-37064765522470030332011-02-14T15:41:00.001-05:002011-02-14T15:43:58.380-05:00are we ever...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGMqPrEWf7IgK8W9f3UU53AGje-CsL8c3XwKHHIhpIhV2YiH2CRNI9_8RLRYFuEy2B_aQxdzrsYjuuqiJK1slHaRx3D6mKnk0GgE4W1x_FeTOvUEPvdD35tLs5-y4UV89dATrJuo3ITxz/s1600/IMG_2986.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGMqPrEWf7IgK8W9f3UU53AGje-CsL8c3XwKHHIhpIhV2YiH2CRNI9_8RLRYFuEy2B_aQxdzrsYjuuqiJK1slHaRx3D6mKnk0GgE4W1x_FeTOvUEPvdD35tLs5-y4UV89dATrJuo3ITxz/s400/IMG_2986.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573648392962918610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{credit: it's mary ruffle. I adore her!}<br /></span></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-4846329017533687572011-02-14T04:08:00.000-05:002011-02-14T04:08:00.158-05:00you + me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GobrI0ZIEFXzjw5AhZKz6MMMRtiq645FRCq_APi1n_SU6nUHOV-TS13AGLBa98ncxp_52qfJ7N6i1rLFy7NOsyOnbgLpAiIaxx4ypi3CZ7YiG9cGuJZHojgvr6ab5udsrUyNFmcW2ahw/s1600/IMG_1784.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GobrI0ZIEFXzjw5AhZKz6MMMRtiq645FRCq_APi1n_SU6nUHOV-TS13AGLBa98ncxp_52qfJ7N6i1rLFy7NOsyOnbgLpAiIaxx4ypi3CZ7YiG9cGuJZHojgvr6ab5udsrUyNFmcW2ahw/s400/IMG_1784.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573376875709938722" border="0" /></a>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-65944683029912728872011-02-11T20:01:00.003-05:002011-02-13T22:14:20.526-05:00One day at a time...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwuAyq9LgynRFIkwpFAjZ5zUuachTYfpKWixB6vWPWicwvaOhHJtm-IUTdFnKnIGHjG3eaG4sHJb2QTF4F3jDbB0u_2FK575BcLhNJy50aL3bfE5EOp9z6UrcIWfEkKQnbVbS99LJFWpB/s1600/4587871481_a0245bba96.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 504px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwuAyq9LgynRFIkwpFAjZ5zUuachTYfpKWixB6vWPWicwvaOhHJtm-IUTdFnKnIGHjG3eaG4sHJb2QTF4F3jDbB0u_2FK575BcLhNJy50aL3bfE5EOp9z6UrcIWfEkKQnbVbS99LJFWpB/s400/4587871481_a0245bba96.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573355245710772738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">[Not sure credit; please let me know if you know.]</span><br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-54548621194766196482011-02-04T14:54:00.000-05:002011-02-04T14:55:24.072-05:00oh happy day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FxacYcwWwguZmnv-zEm1hI1JkLeZl-w5TvS4ZvmFKMkpnbsP4-9Gjb2xrl5wQ-XkqQ2-4sKYqGmuPKHyspVZ_y9-ZDgJLmTe4aiegWgbknu1oeU00sHY7CaSoCsVeu5xftyubYJ-WrMq/s1600/-8+21-41-04.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FxacYcwWwguZmnv-zEm1hI1JkLeZl-w5TvS4ZvmFKMkpnbsP4-9Gjb2xrl5wQ-XkqQ2-4sKYqGmuPKHyspVZ_y9-ZDgJLmTe4aiegWgbknu1oeU00sHY7CaSoCsVeu5xftyubYJ-WrMq/s400/-8+21-41-04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569925205047150530" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Is it ever a way good day!<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-21579320261183208702011-02-03T17:55:00.006-05:002011-02-03T18:54:26.589-05:00aak!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxax2wSXEmTQmgvkGRaHeORFK2OCKBcFBjxnmjNPkCID-VGn4hlzTFDt2_WrPVzOfROABwN3YZtzD6dYu-0xcF8_QuvDdt_eipXafWOV-3RtleZ6ujfpKunyQktWAMI9ChhKLQrQvTyvY/s1600/IMG_2711.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxax2wSXEmTQmgvkGRaHeORFK2OCKBcFBjxnmjNPkCID-VGn4hlzTFDt2_WrPVzOfROABwN3YZtzD6dYu-0xcF8_QuvDdt_eipXafWOV-3RtleZ6ujfpKunyQktWAMI9ChhKLQrQvTyvY/s400/IMG_2711.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569604778721460210" border="0" /></a>Forgive me my fine feathered friends<br />whom I adore and appreciate.<br />I arrived home from school to find your water had frozen.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyEh5N4Wx04lHnZ4WvsJg2pkQnmRFiHbzeHGvMYh2DEbvYYL1fQ7DDIjFN_FX1Qw2RW7MPE4ZlJ5Gq_6YZFGO3w8Wi1LKAQNVrJ5XMuUMOJjmpPeadicbUx-L4NjBvCzYJVFmrR37r3ix/s1600/IMG_2719.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyEh5N4Wx04lHnZ4WvsJg2pkQnmRFiHbzeHGvMYh2DEbvYYL1fQ7DDIjFN_FX1Qw2RW7MPE4ZlJ5Gq_6YZFGO3w8Wi1LKAQNVrJ5XMuUMOJjmpPeadicbUx-L4NjBvCzYJVFmrR37r3ix/s400/IMG_2719.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569601419316838690" border="0" /></a>First thing I did was replace the water<br />then set out some food.<br />Mr R is picking up more seed as we speak.<br />It is critical the small animals have a fresh water<br />source when the world is frozen.<br />Please consider tending to your neighborhood creatures--<br />such a simple service when they bring such joy to our lives.<br /><br />Notice the little bird tracks--darling!<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-55906745257716977492011-02-02T23:14:00.006-05:002011-02-03T17:55:00.633-05:00we need to reach out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty8pED8BW2KSdbLWWNw1E8sb3weimXJXX1Mk883MtNK4WitjREC6bbXhpkCxS7eiyRJWXPntdEsVFVKFmZKPoQ21p_JZ7XKIiLZq9kDt2q_9ehe_v-rAs7G6_4_Ft7RH9v6__Owv_4OaL/s1600/old-telephone-icon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty8pED8BW2KSdbLWWNw1E8sb3weimXJXX1Mk883MtNK4WitjREC6bbXhpkCxS7eiyRJWXPntdEsVFVKFmZKPoQ21p_JZ7XKIiLZq9kDt2q_9ehe_v-rAs7G6_4_Ft7RH9v6__Owv_4OaL/s400/old-telephone-icon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569312045303830706" border="0" /></a>Mr R and I spent the better part of the morning and afternoon calling and checking on many friends and church folks. We are very, very grateful for our heat and safety and more than willing to fling open our doors as wide as they can open to welcome anyone who needs warmth, shelter, a shower, place to eat, sleep and recharge their cell phones as well as their hearts. A place to gather, play games, watch movies or read. A place of warmth and shelter. I really wanted to put the heater in the bathroom and soak for a few hours with a book but that is not what a good shepherd does. We truly love our fellowman and know if our girls were still young and hungry and cold we would hope and pray someone would reach out to us and help as we don't have any relatives in this state. May we each have <span style="font-style: italic;">courage</span> to reach out to <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span>; co-workers, friends and even people we don't know well...or always embrace. It can be uncomfortable but it is so worth bringing relief! Isn't that our purpose, really? To help each other? It then is a way good day...orange color and all.Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-69975806975383389142011-02-02T21:43:00.005-05:002011-02-03T17:46:40.034-05:00the long wait<div style="text-align: center;">We had totally prepared for the situation.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was now nothing we could do but go to bed and wait.<br />We had food, milk, fully charged cell phones,<br />fuel for our generator, two vehicles with full tanks of gasoline,<br />warm blankets and clothes laid out by our beds in case...of anything.<br /><br />Monday we had called our friends and chatted with neighbors<br />to ensure all had knowledge of the storm predicted to affect<br />1/3 of the US population and was headed our way<br />with not snow but ice.<br /><br />We offered to get prescriptions, bread, fuel...anything<br />they needed to prepare their families, homes and pets for the monster storm.<br />Forty thousand households were without power when we went to bed.<br />the trees were encased in ice.<br />Tick, tick, tick.<br />We finally fell asleep.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCLB9jvXhzsog4c0uM_ypD_A_UZFUh9mI8bnJRNi7pfAZVD0l2vkSs0RTmrupQiM84pOvdYbfKa7tbPhSqY9Gj-zx89MD5PMlLt37nanP0_VuHpzjCWQEL8Z-XpGO9A9JPOslCpOROSUc/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCLB9jvXhzsog4c0uM_ypD_A_UZFUh9mI8bnJRNi7pfAZVD0l2vkSs0RTmrupQiM84pOvdYbfKa7tbPhSqY9Gj-zx89MD5PMlLt37nanP0_VuHpzjCWQEL8Z-XpGO9A9JPOslCpOROSUc/s400/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569296800409265010" border="0" /></a>I awoke at 3:00.<br />We, so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fortunately</span>, still had power but the sound--<br />CRASH!<br />Shattering.<br />It sounded like our world was falling apart.<br />I bolted out of bed to again look out our window.<br />I know my jaw literally fell open.<br />The trees, so burdened with the weight of the ice,<br />were doing back bends.<br />Trees were splaying, half of the trees bent over houses, garages<br />and parked cars in driveways.<br />I could not see any trees falling but the crashing sounds continued<br />over and over as if hearing fifty or sixty car accidents with<br />glass shattering.<br />Very jarring.<br />I was so worried about the trees that house the birds.<br />I love my birds and bunnies.<br />Every two hours I had been rotating wide, shallow containers<br />of fresh water and food for them.<br />Now their world seemed to be crashing down<br />and with it we, humans, could have gaping holes in our nests,<br />lose our power and have frozen pipes.<br />This could be a dire situation for many days.<br /><br />Finally, after about two hours, I finally fell back asleep.<br />{after I had sent our family an updated email at 3:12 am}<br /><br />I awoke again at 5:30.<br />It must have warmed up a few degrees after all because when I<br />looked out the window I know my jaw fell open to the the ground<br />as I beheld <span style="font-weight: bold;">ALL</span> the ice was off the trees.<br />They were all <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >UPRIGHT</span>.<br />I was amazed.<br />I truly saw a miracle.<br />I am teary writing this.<br />I cried out with gratitude for us, the birds<br />and all in our community.<br />Thank you, Heavenly Father.<br />Thank you, Mother Nature.<br />Thank you.<br /><br />My husband knelt by the window on one knee to get a better view,<br />looked out and echoed, "It really is a miracle."<br /><br />We realized the shattering sounds were all the ice<br />slipping off the trees and branches and falling<br />to the earth.<br /><br />We weren't totally out of the woods yet as we could lose power<br />at any moment and it is cold out;<br />however, it was dawning a more hopeful day.<br /><br />I did wonder aloud if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Punxsutawney</span></span> Phil would see his shadow...or not.<br />I love winter but this is enough, even for me.<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-59520212539274160582011-02-02T20:52:00.002-05:002011-02-02T21:32:37.912-05:00day to night<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-AFxwivX_9APCuaAWstWwu3REG2Hh7gGVEmcjXwUHLGpTDMCvt5m4BrrRdmnv2kWuhSM-U8JxWlEsbJX4IiWTn2BVQObfEfQr7YUHboGDt29cW5EiwOKCtFJ_-K5quB9wbLCFA_yKi5h/s1600/IMG_2671.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-AFxwivX_9APCuaAWstWwu3REG2Hh7gGVEmcjXwUHLGpTDMCvt5m4BrrRdmnv2kWuhSM-U8JxWlEsbJX4IiWTn2BVQObfEfQr7YUHboGDt29cW5EiwOKCtFJ_-K5quB9wbLCFA_yKi5h/s400/IMG_2671.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569276448787266850" border="0" /></a>This is how much ice we received before the sun set<br />on the first day of February.<br />Quite a bit--a quarter to a half inch of ice<br />encapsulated each twig and branch.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DjwnojphYNVGMaIVb6y7emB6Vm1qfa5hzkOOc5jNDUfa2CtQTpMeL-QRfydyzQzKrXuuAOHMS8tV-Gsdnluz2Wn06hgVMHODqsoAN0-ksoVNd0WlBXoHCCjx3hPf5rk8tbrE1oPlqGlu/s1600/IMG_2679.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DjwnojphYNVGMaIVb6y7emB6Vm1qfa5hzkOOc5jNDUfa2CtQTpMeL-QRfydyzQzKrXuuAOHMS8tV-Gsdnluz2Wn06hgVMHODqsoAN0-ksoVNd0WlBXoHCCjx3hPf5rk8tbrE1oPlqGlu/s400/IMG_2679.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569275905402528130" border="0" /></a>It was pitch black out as we went to bed around 11 pm.<br />We peeked out the window and were <span style="font-style: italic;">astonished </span><br />to see icicles 4-5 inches long frozen to each branch. <br />{My dear Mr R kindly shone our super strong flashlight<br />onto the frozen daggers for me to try to get a photo.<br />Mind you, I had the window open and was<br />hanging out as the ice was pelting us--thanks love.<br />I know its not a good, even fair, photo<br />but it gives you an idea of the severity.}<br />We quickly turned on the news for an update.<br />Our weatherman explained they had thought<br />our temps were going to increase a few degrees after midnight<br />turning the ice to rain and melting some of the ice.<br />Unfortunately, he said, it was not to be<br />and was going to be worse than previously forecast.<br />He said to be prepared for all the trees to come down due to the weight of the ice<br />and they would be pulling the power lines down with them.<br />This storm is so wide spread it could be a few days<br />before the power would be restored.<br />Not good!<br />Currently, pink is not my favorite color.<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-53785728541359675992011-02-02T12:02:00.002-05:002011-02-03T17:50:49.281-05:00the second color of February<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJPC2E3EYx32vV65cd8C1h7THDUyG2GTVSViNev_rDUq0AQHTu2g_2i1nNXlCs-7x6jGi9_PE6UMgoE2RfLyu7JvTzoq6EB7JflZSP8jYYdljpblTGvz2qc7Zjl7wTMjhOVjUomrNKFGf/s1600/IMG_2685.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJPC2E3EYx32vV65cd8C1h7THDUyG2GTVSViNev_rDUq0AQHTu2g_2i1nNXlCs-7x6jGi9_PE6UMgoE2RfLyu7JvTzoq6EB7JflZSP8jYYdljpblTGvz2qc7Zjl7wTMjhOVjUomrNKFGf/s400/IMG_2685.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569309378855513330" border="0" /></a>This is what I saw on the 5:00 a.m. news --<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">orange</span>!<br />*no more pink*<br />Although orange is not my color of love either at the moment<br />as it represents winds with gusts<br />of 30-50 mph for the next thirteen hours.<br />It could continue to knock down trees and power lines.<br />We still, very fortunately, have power.<br />I have lots of phone calls I need to go make!<br /></div><img src="file:///Users/mariroberts/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-64362762404780991022011-02-01T20:16:00.000-05:002011-02-02T20:23:35.106-05:00pink is for February<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQAZ0C7H2dUWsZBJ2IsDCVGZEvPli0FISs4DFcGzzFUXpfLm1uZF4IILHwrzTTYDBh21kbur6HA6RuR4cB8ZUu79GZAJJJ4H7JcW5dFFGXDdsI4T5UNah-7tgVcZmHHuHRCDjCW1naGk4/s1600/IMG_2657.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQAZ0C7H2dUWsZBJ2IsDCVGZEvPli0FISs4DFcGzzFUXpfLm1uZF4IILHwrzTTYDBh21kbur6HA6RuR4cB8ZUu79GZAJJJ4H7JcW5dFFGXDdsI4T5UNah-7tgVcZmHHuHRCDjCW1naGk4/s400/IMG_2657.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569266564455157650" border="0" /></a>Pink is also code for i-c-e.<br />We have lots and LOTS of pink.<br />We are forecast for a lot of ice.<br />Mother Nature, please share <span style="font-style: italic;">gently </span><br />rather than generously with us this day.<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-42423581367942400202010-12-03T22:22:00.002-05:002010-12-03T22:33:08.340-05:00going to be in the Big Apple tomorrow?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquEBTT8pFDiAlDOerN7zRGzU2scKtfucYye8fzxajuxQciPcSnf04LdWkdePDKJyLF44eQMw1s6yUAAetkHy8q6Wd_YySQSLLb6bbIdtn2zwphBqGqK08VM5b9ZljKk0Rq91p5J_0-_E9/s1600/bird_crafts_altbranch_sm_l.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquEBTT8pFDiAlDOerN7zRGzU2scKtfucYye8fzxajuxQciPcSnf04LdWkdePDKJyLF44eQMw1s6yUAAetkHy8q6Wd_YySQSLLb6bbIdtn2zwphBqGqK08VM5b9ZljKk0Rq91p5J_0-_E9/s400/bird_crafts_altbranch_sm_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546662776943469554" border="0" /></a>I wish I was!<br />I would meet up with you for the<br />Martha Stewart Holiday Craft sale.<br /><br /><div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><div style="text-align: center;">"Dozens of artisans and crafters, including many<br />Martha Stewart company employees,<br />will be selling their handmade projects and crafts.<br />We guarantee you'll find a gift for everyone on your list!<span></span>"<br /><span></span><span> <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/holiday-craft-sale-2009?#ixzz176sfFpJv">Martha Stewart Holiday Craft Sale - Martha Stewart Crafts</a><br />12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.<br /></span><div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><div style="text-align: center;">Starrett-Lehigh Building<br />601 West 26th Street<br />(between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues)<br />9th Floor<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">New York, NY 10001<span></span><br /><span></span></div><span><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/article/holiday-craft-sale-2009?#ixzz176tWITxG"></a></span><div style="text-align: center;">Have a way good time!<br /><br /></div></div></div><span>p.s. feel free to purchase me anything...<br />I am sure I would love <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span>!<br /></span></div><span> </span></div></div></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-37692877830686973752010-12-01T19:45:00.005-05:002010-12-01T19:57:39.886-05:00December is here!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJW1x1Or4SXZiYMJKt6OBECjeqblrAxBhBAsfQYZ1YG3nYApkAWK5Upx233-YP3pfHHBz8hbZ66if6Ilq_k6S7rl8MNiYy9_x5sWaqDUlr7n2sjexCw697I2eFdfpxiwQ7TXFqDRA7JJF/s1600/IMG_1206.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJW1x1Or4SXZiYMJKt6OBECjeqblrAxBhBAsfQYZ1YG3nYApkAWK5Upx233-YP3pfHHBz8hbZ66if6Ilq_k6S7rl8MNiYy9_x5sWaqDUlr7n2sjexCw697I2eFdfpxiwQ7TXFqDRA7JJF/s400/IMG_1206.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545881710239917474" border="0" /></a>I am grateful for <span style="font-family: courier new; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">magical</span> </span>events!<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-26354078986596606632010-11-30T12:27:00.011-05:002010-12-01T19:55:51.088-05:00I'm baaaack and how to make a decision {Ch. 1}<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA1LqH3HELZ12elKY5avLwyztoIHXvmeu9fZSvivwz7pOAs9JjYglDF9t4bx558kqFgrG1TsY5IYtwK3agkec49hy8TkauSwUyT5RTHUIhF2ft3nSg1q6Mr4a0ERoPfbVFpEza_kU-fXQ/s1600/924327647_47bfc7ea06_m.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA1LqH3HELZ12elKY5avLwyztoIHXvmeu9fZSvivwz7pOAs9JjYglDF9t4bx558kqFgrG1TsY5IYtwK3agkec49hy8TkauSwUyT5RTHUIhF2ft3nSg1q6Mr4a0ERoPfbVFpEza_kU-fXQ/s400/924327647_47bfc7ea06_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545400287222319650" border="0" /></a>I am content.<br />{for today}<br />It is raining outside...<br />it would be lovely if it was white fluffy snowflakes piling up,<br />but I, too, like the rain.<br />A lot has happened since I last posted.<br />I went to good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ol</span>' New Orleans and healed my lungs.<br />Realized a few days into July that I hadn't coughed-<br />time to celebrate, indeed!<br />I spent one additional month with our girls, regaining my strength and<br />walking our southern belle grand pup then returned home to a follow-up internal sonogram/ultrasound -- is there a difference?<br />I didn't need to do this; really, I <span style="font-style: italic;">chose</span> to have it done<br />to close the chapter entirely on the book of my health happenings of May, June and July.<br />A new school year calendar was laid out freshly before me.<br />I wanted to be entirely confident I wasn't going to have a repeat episode of May so I confidently went to my appointment the Friday before school began.<br />Thunk.<br />That book was not closed.<br />Oh, no it was not.<br />It was thrown wide open when it was discovered I had a new, larger cyst.<br />Not good.<br />I have never had one previous to my May episode; thus, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">dr</span> thought it a fluke.<br />Usually a female has ovarian cysts for many, many years; not me.<br />The technician couldn't believe I wasn't curled up on the floor in a ball of pain.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ummm</span>, no. I wasn't in any pain at all.<br />None.<br />Is that a blessing or a curse?<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hmmmmm</span>.<br />Hard to decide.<br />When my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">dr</span> received my results her office called to set up an appointment to discuss with me my "options". I wondered and pondered what those options would be. I asked many a teacher, friend, neighbor. No one had had an experience like mine, which I did <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> find comforting. Everyone had either had super heavy periods {not me} or very sporadic periods {not me, as regular as can be}.<br />I just kept thinking, roll with this, Mari.<br />Just roll.<br />A week later I was in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dr's</span> office and she said they were definitely going to take out the cyst.<br />Okay.<br />Then I was given the option of having everything taken out.<br />what?!!<br />Rewind. Please repeat.<br />Why.would.I.have.both.my.ovaries.falliopian tubes.utures.and.cervix.removed<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">when I have totally normal, regular periods</span>?<br />Oh, the book was open, wide open, with many an unwritten chapter ahead.<br />But I don't want this book.<br />I don't want to be a character in this novel.<br />I don't want to be the leading lady in this role.<br />No, no, no.<br />I decline.<br />I politely decline.<br />I vehemently decline.<br /><br />How does one make such a decision?<br />She, my outstanding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dr</span>, that I years ago had waited three years to get into her practice,<br />stated, "Hormones or cancer."<br />Excuse me?<br />She said one needs to make a decision based on their family history; if cancer runs in the family tree, most women opt for everything to be taken out as there isn't a test for ovarian cancer.<br />I grabbed my right side and resolutely proclaimed,<br />"I am keeping my right ovary."<br />Then I inquired, "Why would I have my right ovary taken out<br />if I will have still have my left one?"<br />She said, "I am taking out your left ovary no matter what."<br />I gasped, "You said you were taking out the cyst,<br />you didn't mention my whole entire left ovary was coming out."<br />I then grabbed my left side and said, "It could have given me our children."<br />I absolutely thought sitting on that table I was only going to have my left ovary removed<br />and we would be done.<br />She said to take a week and think about it; to talk with my family.<br />I said they will 100% want me to do what I feel is best for me.<br />I asked her what I could read, where could I look up the research,<br />whom should/could I talk with regarding this monumental decision?<br /><br />She again explained that there is no correct answer.<br />Each body responds differently and there are no predictors.<br />One doesn't know how their body will respond.<br />*this was very, very hard for me to digest*<br />Give me something to research, people to talk with; some concrete information;<br />please point me in a direction to understand all this so I can make a decision.<br />Hormones or cancer.<br />I declared, "No doubt, God is a man."<br /><br />My doctor did prove correct in the next six days as I asked anybody<br />[practically everybody]<br />what they would do:<br />left ovary only or the whole she-bang?<br />If cancer runs in their family, especially women whom have lost a loved one to breast cancer<br />{and I, incredibly sadly, had my eyes opened in this, so many; far too many, each one is too many!} or a father to cancer they did not hesitate, not even for a second.<br />They ALWAYS responded to get all of my female organs removed.<br />No question. No hesitation. Do it.<br /><br />We have other things in our family tree; but, very, very fortunately, not cancer.<br />I really was hanging onto my my right ovary...<br />to have <span style="font-style: italic;">natural</span> menopause.<br />I cannot emphasize this enough; I was having regular periods on a regular schedule.<br />I had not had nor experienced any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">perimenopausal</span> symptoms.<br />WHY would I have all my organs taken out?<br />why, why, why?<br /><br />And...I would experience "traumatic surgical menopause".<br />My understanding, of course I am not a doctor, but again, my understanding,<br />is the moment you are on that surgical table and they snip your ovaries,<br />you experience an abrupt hormone withdrawal<br />[estrogen, progesterone and testosterone].<br />Scary.<br />Not an easy decision to make.<br />No gradual transition into menopause.<br />Definitely a life changing decision and obviously no turning back.<br />Permanent.<br />And no real answers.<br /><br />Where oh where is my crystal ball?!<br /><br />Then, about on day three or four of my decision making week,<br />our youngest daughter called and said,<br />"Mom, you are going to go into menopause someday.<br />It could be gradual or sudden. You don't know that either.<br />You could have only your left ovary removed and then you could have a cyst grow in your right ovary, as this may be in your system and then you will have to go through another surgery. The greatest risk of surgery, Mom, is anesthesia and opening the body cavity (infection). Why not get it all taken care of now?"<br />And..."There is no test for ovarian cancer so why not get this taken care of and never have to worry about it?"<br />I said, "Because cancer does not run in our family. WHY would I do this to myself?"<br />Then she, with her master's in neuroscience quietly replied, "Mom, you have your sister and your mother and her mother, your maternal grandmother. That is not a large sample size!<br />Just get this taken care of. Completely."<br />sigh.<br />true.<br /><br />When I returned to my gynecologist seven days later, I replied resolutely,<br />without hesitation, "I am going to have it all taken out."<br />Finally a decision.<br />Dr asked, "Final answer?"<br />I felt good about it.<br /><br />Now let's get the show {or surgery} on the road.<br />Let's do this!<br /><br />I must mention also, and some may find this embarrassing but I am fine with it because I had no one to discuss all this with so I am putting it all out there for you or anyone you know who may go through this, I also have bladder incontinence. When I was formed in my mother or when ever these things take place, maybe puberty, I have had a tipped uterus.<br />From the first time I went to a gynecologist before we were married I was told I had a tipped uterus. It has tipped all these years onto my bladder, resulting in my bladder incontinence.<br /><br />I had asked my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dr</span>, Dr E, at the first appointment if I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, could I please also have Dr H, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">urogynecologist</span>, fix my bladder? Mrs Dr E had referred me to Mr Dr H three years ago and I had undergone a series of bladder function tests.<br />Dr H said I definitely needed my bladder reattached.<br /><br />This honestly is also what tipped me into choosing to have everything removed; get it completely taken care of, all of it.<br /><br />Now to schedule the surgery(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ies</span>).<br />Tricky, as each of the two involved surgeons have different surgery days of the week!<br />Heads up--if your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">dr's</span> office calls and says they need to reschedule you please try to be patient and understanding!<br />I knew one of the doctor's was going to have to cancel their patients for that slate of time I would be in surgery. No one wants to upset their patients by changing schedules and both my doctors are sought after as people travel to be treated by them.<br />Um...both also kind of have big ego's.<br />They are great at what they do but which one was going to change her or his schedule?<br /><br />Also....my sister had given me an incredibly generous gift for my birthday back in April; to go to Old Quebec. I had suggested we go in the fall. Everything was a go for us to have our passports stamped on September 19.<br /><br />This, my second appointment with Dr E, was September 8.<br /><br />I didn't mention our travel plans as they said I needed to get this surgery done.<br />I was rolling with it, remember?<br />No stressing.<br />Go with the flow.<br /><br />I thought it may take a week for them to coordinate everything.<br /><br />Three business days later, Monday, September 13, my two dear friends Linda and Deb, were here visiting with me and as I was explaining all this to them, my cell phone rang.<br /><br />It was L, the scheduler from Dr E's office, and a former student and she said, "You went after your appointment and had a chest x-ray, mammogram and your blood work. You are cleared for surgery. How about this Thursday?"<br /><br />What?<br />Rewind!<br />This Thursday, as in 60 hours?<br /><br />I was <span style="font-style: italic;">slightly</span> a flutter.<br />My mom and sister who were going to take a turn each to fly out and take care of me live on the west coast which involves plane tickets and the purchase thereof. Last minute is expensive.<br />L said, "I have secured an O.R. and Dr E is on board. WE will not know until we confirm first thing in the morning with Dr H's office."<br /><br />Was I going to Old Quebec on Sunday, September 19<br />or to the operating room on Thursday, September 16?<br /><br />Either way I was packing a bag!<br /><br /><br />to be continued...<br /><br /><br />p.s. it is still raining....awaiting a dusting of snow.<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-83301891254957480322010-06-14T09:26:00.002-04:002010-06-14T09:35:53.237-04:00have summer off...will travel<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06w0zjK-bCyaGMTLfLVzey53MGv76WqkGjo2T8LOy-XGfJpGprTvJKqX3m0ipTH4nYUpbq-1wvXJ_OcOYk13MXSgyBhl0w1WMJIEXV2UURSPPeX_60CQIo5ew2n9mOpnSAcmt3QbFcYTu/s1600/3015500043_dbc90f6506.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06w0zjK-bCyaGMTLfLVzey53MGv76WqkGjo2T8LOy-XGfJpGprTvJKqX3m0ipTH4nYUpbq-1wvXJ_OcOYk13MXSgyBhl0w1WMJIEXV2UURSPPeX_60CQIo5ew2n9mOpnSAcmt3QbFcYTu/s400/3015500043_dbc90f6506.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482620245180608258" border="0" /></a>Packing my bags for a trip!<br />Letting my lungs heal here or there...<br />time to go there.<br />I have already sat here, coughing, for four weeks--nuts.<br /> The downside to traveling?<br />Missing my Mr R!!!<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-70240721380009234392010-06-09T15:45:00.002-04:002010-06-09T15:49:05.033-04:00let the good times roll<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik__pw5LnObDAzzTEOU6iRE4wbM7zNeXms51jQPQYQi5i_tWdT-r9PxvhOnVxIWtxoaWHqUJoivEnEGWeBON67TvWFLyJtQEGrfA1c5jzDuMrxLRMZoFuH-Bltbd_3GVNVrIS3cBKbb7P2/s1600/3757576850_c062ee94da.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik__pw5LnObDAzzTEOU6iRE4wbM7zNeXms51jQPQYQi5i_tWdT-r9PxvhOnVxIWtxoaWHqUJoivEnEGWeBON67TvWFLyJtQEGrfA1c5jzDuMrxLRMZoFuH-Bltbd_3GVNVrIS3cBKbb7P2/s400/3757576850_c062ee94da.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480862686534842658" border="0" /></a>If I was going to go camping,<br />this is my way to enjoy the great outdoors!<br />Cute, cute!<br />Fun, fun!<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-39678253718294920892010-06-07T10:01:00.004-04:002010-06-07T10:11:19.951-04:00my mom is going to camp<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gLOKJTG-aGexumIgBq788P5VqMjBQwbepZFr406L8xnCK33OtxYBych0rIwQWLs8q7jY7TpYcjFjt6CjsFZ8zPBNQ3Ns7cogajkW1jtkF2XI0LQHH99C3hxiNIWpwpfGnGOL5IIKmjo2/s1600/africa,luxury,nature,pool,safari-e5711ea72ab8e2804de65af275d77b9d_h.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gLOKJTG-aGexumIgBq788P5VqMjBQwbepZFr406L8xnCK33OtxYBych0rIwQWLs8q7jY7TpYcjFjt6CjsFZ8zPBNQ3Ns7cogajkW1jtkF2XI0LQHH99C3hxiNIWpwpfGnGOL5IIKmjo2/s400/africa,luxury,nature,pool,safari-e5711ea72ab8e2804de65af275d77b9d_h.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480031716706417090" border="0" /></a> I told my mom yesterday, "It's like you are packing for summer camp!"<br /></div>kinda. sorta. to a degree.<br />She is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow.<br />I am so proud of her!<br />She will then go to rehab for two weeks--<br />that's where the summer camp comparison came in.<br />Please say a prayer tomorrow for my Mom, Ellie!<br />Good luck, Mom,<br />we love, love, love you.<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-27853324438232091122010-06-04T10:01:00.006-04:002010-06-04T11:18:43.584-04:00a celebration<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41UjEyyf-YaZJMADwl1xV1D8TLQMVqfUJsbY5dgzo0yoF9PkuWpR53oLUKUcQtnvKkKUT7k98a9O5w5KE2Z0qefRTkIutA1TU1lJPNUq-S7eNHX_xZk4WW9BCeQLzMgs_i_UOH8bZ0Tj-/s1600/18NumberEighteenInCircle.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41UjEyyf-YaZJMADwl1xV1D8TLQMVqfUJsbY5dgzo0yoF9PkuWpR53oLUKUcQtnvKkKUT7k98a9O5w5KE2Z0qefRTkIutA1TU1lJPNUq-S7eNHX_xZk4WW9BCeQLzMgs_i_UOH8bZ0Tj-/s400/18NumberEighteenInCircle.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478918995305163938" border="0" /></a>After 18 days my fever has broken!!!<br />Someone mentioned it is June.<br />June?!<br />I am time frozen on May 17.<br />My voice is weak and I am still coughing a lot<br />but I have the whole summer ahead to heal as today is the<br />last day of the academic year.<br />{obviously I am at home-boo.}<br />Many have asked what happened.<br />After a ba-zillion tests, of all varieties,<br />they believe that while I was severely vomiting<br />after the ruptured ovarian cyst,<br />I aspirated particles into my lungs.<br />An unfortunate side effect I am now experiencing is<br />my stomach, esophagus and tongue are torn up<br />from the super strong meds and steroids<br />making eating. very. painful.<br />But aren't I lucky this is all it is?<br />I am indeed.<br />And for that I am celebrating our bodies;<br />whatever is going on with them, good and bad,<br />because it is the only one each of us has.<br />Come to the party, the table of gratitude, joy and celebration,<br />and as Kool & The Gang say,<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Bring your good times, and laughter too!"</span><br />{And happy summer vacation!}<br /><br /><object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3GwjfUFyY6M&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3GwjfUFyY6M&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="405" width="500"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-76434940599179584122010-05-31T15:29:00.001-04:002010-05-31T15:30:40.128-04:00thank you for your and your famililes sacrifice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDnOED2nvqy-U6LPud1w2Piq9X8KmV_v1C6nrI7rdgty7ssH9LbSnB-Z6IaSkfcsv5_Tft1Gt7ylTaTuxK7xCHr5ib-oYUhpBUgSesRcZn-XTl_nws85v-lvYAer6t2HPly72Siz_vZBB/s1600/ss-100514-cagle-memorial-02.ss_full.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDnOED2nvqy-U6LPud1w2Piq9X8KmV_v1C6nrI7rdgty7ssH9LbSnB-Z6IaSkfcsv5_Tft1Gt7ylTaTuxK7xCHr5ib-oYUhpBUgSesRcZn-XTl_nws85v-lvYAer6t2HPly72Siz_vZBB/s400/ss-100514-cagle-memorial-02.ss_full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477518579518793394" border="0" /></a>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-80792077274229675312010-05-29T15:16:00.002-04:002010-05-31T15:25:20.886-04:00the Arlington ladies<div style="text-align: center;">I think this is amazing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I, too, want to be an Arlington Lady.<br />What an honor to honor our fallen heroes.<br />Their mission: to ensure no solider is buried alone.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSV1hJL2286Tsz0J87Rya3ei_UKhRqi6HPwcFDZgohTLfRNUVnHZpJ50yUshtoNHdTJbxGluJJsMgfoqcfkOwMMisABXVJdy8YaAtEzsh6n6BXb7vUmw9D1OwP9X060IECZLSofupVk-M/s1600/the+arlington+ladies--1632109146.hlarge.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSV1hJL2286Tsz0J87Rya3ei_UKhRqi6HPwcFDZgohTLfRNUVnHZpJ50yUshtoNHdTJbxGluJJsMgfoqcfkOwMMisABXVJdy8YaAtEzsh6n6BXb7vUmw9D1OwP9X060IECZLSofupVk-M/s400/the+arlington+ladies--1632109146.hlarge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477516092050427170" border="0" /></a>The full article is here:<br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37416579/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37416579/</a><br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-82933354541452599552010-05-28T20:55:00.002-04:002010-05-31T16:36:59.439-04:00bumper sticker<div style="text-align: center;">When I went to the doctor this morning,<br />yes, I am still running a 100.6 fever-ugh-<br />and was walking in for my appointment,<br />a lady had this bumper sticker on her vehicle.<br />I inquired where she had purchased it.<br />Not that I would have the energy to actually get out of the<br />car a second time on the way home and purchase one,<br />But Mr R could on his way home from work.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Cd4Vbw1eKl6JWmB8-bHXYpmpD8G1DEFWBpLdSRP7rAKqe6Zs61TS2jLtCU-EBxzQormLsFGW34EmvAGhpHnGzIMKwTKNHMz7e4d68iDABETV3iKARxz_VNs6TRb9xCF4MoNKSxcGy0JE/s1600/IMG_4191.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Cd4Vbw1eKl6JWmB8-bHXYpmpD8G1DEFWBpLdSRP7rAKqe6Zs61TS2jLtCU-EBxzQormLsFGW34EmvAGhpHnGzIMKwTKNHMz7e4d68iDABETV3iKARxz_VNs6TRb9xCF4MoNKSxcGy0JE/s400/IMG_4191.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477510222475960978" border="0" /></a>She replied that she had had them made on Thursday.<br />I was thrilled!<br />I want to be sensitive here, but many times I feel people<br />{including me} don't "get it" if "it" is not in their<br />region or neighborhood.<br />That she had taken the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">initiative</span> and<br />had them made was a boost for my spirit.<br />She offered me one and I was lucky a have a few bills<br />in my wallet to offer her.<br />She said, "Here, take these and help me share them."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74FYPZUS_X_cwzYNkayoGTAohwePQ-_ORw2W61TmUJrtEmc02ShHbFAkxSShW0bkLSKfanClzTX0npK-ymaIdth-X_8CNSE0q9c8Ztt_uqvPRPtxDP4P4y109HpbtNsRIz8sF8aHxZ338/s1600/IMG_4192.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74FYPZUS_X_cwzYNkayoGTAohwePQ-_ORw2W61TmUJrtEmc02ShHbFAkxSShW0bkLSKfanClzTX0npK-ymaIdth-X_8CNSE0q9c8Ztt_uqvPRPtxDP4P4y109HpbtNsRIz8sF8aHxZ338/s400/IMG_4192.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477509971998404594" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not happy with BP.<br />Is anybody?<br />NO.<br />But I also don't want to punish my local gas station,<br />so it is a fine line, isn't it?<br />And who knows what else BP makes that I consume.<br />*I want anybody in the Gulf region who reads my blog<br />to know we are aware and we do care!*<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Anyone want a bumper sticker?</span><br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-77051619241811251822010-05-28T01:36:00.010-04:002010-05-31T15:27:50.453-04:00Bill explains...<div style="text-align: center;">I saw this CNN John King interview with Bill Nye, the Science Guy.<br />Bill, Bill, Bill explains a complicated process,<br />BP's {naughty word=BP} 'top kill' effort in a simple manner--<br />thank you Bill.<br />He also addresses some very important points, so, in his language,<br />"Please consider the following."<br /><br /><a href="http://johnkingusa.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/27/bill-nye-i-think-they-ran-out-of-mud/">http://johnkingusa.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/27/bill-nye-i-think-they-ran-out-of-mud/</a><br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-61401144994539892062010-05-28T01:34:00.002-04:002010-05-28T02:43:13.537-04:00Can we even wrap our brains around this?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwpHL5rr5a5yy2akuPWcyRUF1Ff8FW88sOfekMvBLXuc32c-ynT1vWtud831EolL7BaVWqhkGf8z9-lalr0BnCNADn0f8O4v3QuTe602WuZnbyM5WZ5_0mWPvAfLUsp6XAihUufn6TdEt/s1600/g-cvr-100527-oil-spill-8a.grid-7x2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwpHL5rr5a5yy2akuPWcyRUF1Ff8FW88sOfekMvBLXuc32c-ynT1vWtud831EolL7BaVWqhkGf8z9-lalr0BnCNADn0f8O4v3QuTe602WuZnbyM5WZ5_0mWPvAfLUsp6XAihUufn6TdEt/s400/g-cvr-100527-oil-spill-8a.grid-7x2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476190285110471522" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Disaster</span>.<br />Tragic.<br />I am so, so sorry.<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196586517754862325.post-67919265111300987122010-05-27T13:03:00.004-04:002010-05-27T13:21:48.822-04:00front porch gift<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TgNUoMwyGOleFq2_RH0Mzxa3a0-ttJRjLEup-rheDMZVFpTzIgdRoBvVKxAaq1aEM_AwAKALD9RlQsLeQFXdeEz_26FSMQStFaaT3zLt2gGLgvJ7enCllvauTx8-evoXou8hd5SSn8iQ/s1600/IMG_4190.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TgNUoMwyGOleFq2_RH0Mzxa3a0-ttJRjLEup-rheDMZVFpTzIgdRoBvVKxAaq1aEM_AwAKALD9RlQsLeQFXdeEz_26FSMQStFaaT3zLt2gGLgvJ7enCllvauTx8-evoXou8hd5SSn8iQ/s400/IMG_4190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475996782260254130" border="0" /></a>Thank you for all the e-mails and texts inquiring of my progress.<br />{I did not post for that reason but it sure is nice; thank you.}<br />I am on the road to recovery but so many attacks on the<br />body at once is whew, wham bam.<br />I have always tried to set the example to our girls<br />to offer specific offers of help rather than the generic,<br />"Let me know if I can do anything for you."<br />Gosh, has it been returned ten fold.<br />Our daughters, my mom and sistah have been wonderful<br />in their love and support from afar.<br />Yesterday, these are three texts I received from a darling friend:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Does a little chicken soup from Panera sound good?"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Or maybe some fruit...something cold?"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Then came, "Or anything...a fruit smoothie?"</span><br />I thanked her so much but replied that<br />her texts and kindness' were the best treats.<br />Well....when we stepped out last night to go for yet another sonogram,<br />I found this container of Gerber Daisies on our porch from her<br />--what a cheerful, happy gift!<br />May we all be blessed with caring, kind people<br />in our lives and may we reach out and extend ourselves likewise.<br /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08533396860710625325noreply@blogger.com2