A busy autumn season ahead . . .

The colors are changing, the leaves are flying, the rain and wind are blowing . . .

Whoa . . . fall has blown in with a bang! Yes, the thunder bang. Rain is pouring down, and I know fall has hit Southern Illinois. I love this weather. Between spring or fall, I'm not sure which one is my favorite.

This fall, I will be traveling from Carbondale to Chicago to Bloomington, IL about every other weekend over the next couple of months. It is a long five+ hour drive just to Chicago. Why? . . . you might ask. Well, in Chicago, are some personal friends and relatives. I've found someone special who is becoming very dear to me; Lilly is living with her grandma; my dear friend Denise lives in the suburbs . . . Bethany is doing fantastic in Bloomington! Gotta keep the car running good so it won't be a problem.

I finally figured out why the on/off button on my camers wasn't working. Think I am electronic challenged? I was . . . until I figured that to use that button, one must have a charged battery. Funny thing about how a simple resolution purely passed me by. Guess my mind is on other things!

Not much else to share today, so until next post . . . stay alert, stay alive, stay happy!!!

'Tis Fall . . . Finally!

Lovely, lovely weather! Car thermometer said 55 degrees this morning. This is my kind of weather.

I haven't taken any fall pictures yet...am heading out today. So, I may add a photo here later.

This is a Baha'i Holy Day...it is commemorating the Birth of the Bab. Here is a very special quotation about this foretold event:

‎"I am, I am, I am the Promised One! I am the One Whose name you have for a thousand years invoked, at Whose mention you have risen, Whose advent you have longed to witness, and the hour of Whose Revelation you have prayed God to hasten. (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 21) Happy Anniversary of the Birth of The Bab! Ya Ali'u'l-A'la!

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I have been attempting to organize all of the art work and photos on my computer that I use when designing collages, etc. Without a doubt, the floral photos outnumber all of the others. Keeping them sorted by credit is almost impossible. It is taking a long time. But, I am amazed at the beauty of them. I'd better get busy designing again soon. Lots of imagery to use.

My scrapbooking hobby has slowed a bit. The classes I attend have taken a couple of days off. Since I prefer to work with a group of people, I haven't done much at home. Although, from now on the focus will be on making Christmas gifts.

Have spent lots of time talking to people on Yahoo IM lately. It is a great way to be in touch if travel isn't an option. I've touched bases with so many friends and new friends that my last few days have kept me in my recliner way too much! Gotta' get out and do my walking. And, have any of you gone to sleep with your laptop in bed with you? Well, it isn't the best partner, but for sure an interesting one!

Off to shopping for lots of stuff today. I'll save the rest for another day. Happy Holy Day to all of my Baha'i friends!

It's a Fantastic Season!

Right on schedule, the temperatures changed as fall has descended upon Southern Illinois. This season is my favorite. God's beauty graces us all with gorgeous colors, light winds, and anticipation of the coming holidays. 

This past month has also brought me many reasons to smile, laugh, and start anew. I have been focusing on positive affirmations and quiet meditation. It is astounding how one's perspective on life opens wide when it is allowed to bloom unfettered. Although, I've found that care must be taken, for this renewed life needs to be watered and fed in order that it continue to grow strong, secure and full of beauty.

Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? Well...it is!!!!

Wow! Today is the First Day of Fall 2010!

Just because today starts the fall season doesn't mean that the temperatures in the 90's are done gracing us with their humidity. I strongly dislike (hate) hot/humid weather!

This temporarily living alone business is good and bad. It is the first time I have ever lived alone in my life. And, I'm starting to like it! But, it'll be over by the end of the year, so I better not get too settled in my ways. This time has allowed me to sort through all sorts of 'stuff' that has been collected for the past five years. Honestly, there is about 90% of it that is going somewhere else. Maybe a yard sale; Goodwill; auction; who knows. When it comes down to it, I'll see which option fits best. I may even have to split it up between a few different places.

I've been spending entirely too much time on the computer lately! It's like it has a grip on me so I can't move. I have to stop checking in on Facebook every 5 minutes. Other social networks get checked every other 5 minutes. And, my e-mail is mostly spam, so I don't know why I even bother with it. Then, all the news sites take the place of getting the newspaper, so I suppose I can justify that.

Princess Isabella is at the Kitty Korner vet to have her once in a life time hysterectomy. In other words she is getting spayed. Prince Abbie has reached his come-up-ins time, too. Little does he know what the cruel vet will do to his manhood! Ah, such control I have. With the cats, anyway.

Dear Debbie has harnessed me into the scrapbooking habit. I've found that it is difficult to get to when I work on it alone. Being creative doing that needs friends to break the silence, with hilarious laughter and pranks. Paula, I'm talkin' 'bout you! Most of you know that I've put jewelry design on the shelf for a while. At this point, I would need a lot more product before I could get seriously involved again. Maybe another time, another place. We'll see.

My computer woes have been appeased. The Geek Squad did their number on my Toshiba, mostly backed up my data from the cracked hard drive (all pictures and docs; no music!). I'm unhappy about the music being gone, especially after paying for most of it through iTunes. But, I am delighted that all of my artwork and photos were saved. All 7,000+ of them!!!! Anyone have any tips on how I might get my iTunes purchases back, I'm all ears.

Can't stand all the political crap on TV now; and, it will only get worse by the end of the year. I know, turn the damn set off. I have, can't you tell? I've just changed my obsession to the computer! But, I am reading at night now, which is a much better habit to get into.

My last subject (or rant) is about food. Living alone means preparing food for one. Logical, huh? I hate it. I don't do it. In the past three months, I've only physically prepared three meals using the stove or oven. About another 10 times I've used the microwave. And, all the rest of the time I either don't eat or get that awful, unhealthy fast food. I need to go on a healthy eating diet! Not going so far as to ordering the prepared meals from Nutri-System, or Weight Watchers. (My grocery bill and my eat out bills are far less than those offerings.) Probably the best choice is to get my butt out of the recliner, put the laptop down, and go outside for a long walk...every day. No bike, so walking is it for now. With the weather starting to cool off (soon), I'd rather walk outside than at the mall with all the white-skinned mall-walkers.

That's it for now. I know I have nothing earth-shattering or intellectual or insightful to relate. But, what the hell, since I'm on the computer anyway......

My Postings Seem to be Very Few and Far Between

August brings the heat and humidity. Thank God for air conditioning!

Since June, my life has watched itself pass by at least three times! I'm adjusting to the loss of Jim. It's been seven months since his soul moved on to its next journey. And, a journey it has been for the girls and me, as well. Bethany and Lilly's dad passed away in early June. So much death for them to absorb in such a short time in their young lives.

Lilly has chosen to live with her Grandma Nancy in Chicago. She's registered for high school and her first day is September 7. Bethany is working diligently on her own issues, as well as working on keeping up with her classes. Beth and I still are living in the same house in Carbondale, IL. We've been tossing around ideas on whether we should move away from here. There are a few choices, but, maintaining a stable home is very important for a teenager. So, for now, we're here.

I've spent the last few months sorting through all of our belongings. What a task. There is a shed behind the house with a carport attached where most all of the stuff we don't have in the house has been stored. Well, if it isn't necessary in the house, why is it necessary at all? It took a few days (less time than I thought) to go through all of the 'stuff', and everything now in the shed is ready for a garage sale, auction, etc. Once the weather changes, it will be more bearable to manage the yard sale, or whatever I plan to do with the 'stuff'!

I haven't taken many pictures this summer, so this post is led off with a unique image that caught my eye.

Hopefully, I will attend to this blog on a more regular basis, as it is the only place I have (sort of) documented our 'goings on'.

It's HOT!!!

OMG! Am I ever glad I got my air conditioning fixed in my car. Even though it was pricey, it sure is worth it!

Did I mention that we have a new kitten in our house? Well, we do. It's name was Abby, until we figured it should be changed to Andee. Yes, at my age, you would think I could have figured that out. Anyway, we now have KitiKiti, Isabella, and Andee. If I could get them to pose for a picture together, I would show you. Because none of them can follow directions, I'll show you Andee's first pictures!

Besides our family additions, it's been a traveling summer so far. Unfortunately, the girs's dad, Alan, passed away this month. All of us went to Chicago. Later in the week, Bethany and Lilly went back to Chicago on the train for the funeral. It was a bitter sweet trip. They got to see relatives again, and it was too bad that it was during this situation. Here are some shots of the girls with their Aunt Kristin, and Grandma Nancy.

Teenagers now, adults tomorrow. Our beautiful girls. Their dad loved them, and they loved him. Here is a picture they did for Alan.

So, this is enough for this time. Needless to say, it has been a difficut month.

It's JUNE 2010...

Unbelievable! It's June already! Before I forget, here are some birthday wishes...Razi (today), Reyhan, Austin, Bethany, Kristin, Kelly, my dear Jim, Jean, and many more I'm sure.

We have been blessed with a new kitten (which I mentioned in an earlier post). Her name is Abby (Abigail). I think we are really in for a wild ride with this one. She flies. She is fearless. She never stops meowing...even in her sleep! Our other cats are still afraid of her. Such cat growling and hissing. I've finally let them all loose in the house and let happen whatever will. 

In a few days, it will be four months since Jim passed away. Days seem to go by as usual, but there is an absence always present. The first couple of months seemed like he had just gone away for a while. But, now it has really become apparent that he won't be coming back. I know that sounds silly, but my emotions tell me that and leave me quite lonely at times. In the beginning, I felt this awful sense of responsibility. That everything is now on my shoulders. I find myself constantly saying, Jim would have done this, or remember how Jim used to do this, and mostly, how would Jim do this? I also know now why Jim did some things the way he did. This rambling sounds odd, but it is an example of how my mind travels throughout the days.

I've given away most of Jim's clothing. I have kept a small closet filled with some clothes and other things that were too close to part with right now. Other things, I've been getting rid of bit by bit. One of his hobbies was collecting pipes. Yes, the smoking kind. Although, he never really smoked them, he seemed to love having a variety of them. Another of his hobbies was collecting pens. Yes, the writing kind. And, other collectible items included watches. Yes, the kind that tell time. Some of all of these things I will save to pass on to those in my family who might want to keep them. Others I am parting with. One of the things I can't seem to let go of is a hat that was his favorite. Actually, several of them. And, his bathrobe still hangs on the back of the bedroom door. Maybe in a couple of months I'll be able to move closer to parting with more of his things.

Payday tomorrow! Thank God! This has been another of my challenges. Less income, bad habits, and finding the right mix between grocery shopping, eating fast foods, or starving. Well, not really. But, money sure is one of my many challenges. Realistic budgeting has become mandatory, and sticking to the budget is crucial. One of Jim's tricks was to hide away $100. Then when it got near the end of the month and it seemed like we had no more money to get us through, out would come this $100 to save the day. It's taken me four months to pickup this habit. I can tell you, it works! Especially when two teens whine for $$$ for this and $$$ for that!

Gotta go...hope I didn't bore anyone too much.

Pre-Summer Stuff

Cats
Our kitten has grown to be a one year old young lady. She was a birthday present for Bethany in 2009. Well, it is now 2010, her sixteenth birthday, and guess what...we have another new kitten in our home! It is more than a challenge this time. The two resident cats, Isabella and KitiKiti, have outright rejected it! So, because the new kitty, Abigail (Abby for short), cries and cries when we put her in Bethany's room to keep her safe. The other cats, when put in a closed door room, meow and meow to get out. This dilemma has to be solved...short of giving her away.

School's Out!
The very day that Lilly was promoted from the 8th grade to High School, she left home to spend a month with her friend in Kentucky. I'm missing her. Bethany has a couple of programs she is involved in this summer. And I have jury duty!!!!! I was able to postpone it back in January. They pushed my date out to June. Now, I have no options. Between the girls' activities and jury duty, I won't be able to go anywhere til July 22!

Stuff
CELL PHONE ISSUES
My chocolate touch phone had to be sent in for repair. The calibration on the touch screen was off and couldn't be fixed manually as one of the settings claims. So, I have a loaner phone. I miss my music, games, etc., and hope it will be returned good as new this week! Dream on, right.

COMPUTER ISSUES
My computer is ticking me off, too. For some reason, it flips to another page at it's will. I can be typing an e-mail, posting to this blog, whatever...and it changes pages, pulls up menus, all kinds of wierd stuff. So, I have to do a back up, optimize, and defragment it. I may as well put it in the bathtub while I'm at it.

ONLINE SALE LISTING ISSUES
Trying to post items on Craigslist for sale has been a challenge. The worst part is when responses are spam messages. It almost has come to the point of removing my items so I won't get so much junk back. Like e-Bay, it is becoming just as difficult to post, get serious responses, and deal with in general. My alternative is having a garage sale, which I hate to do. Especially in hot weather. I'll think about it.

CALENDAR ISSUES
Well, there's really not an issue with the calendar...it just seems as though June has crept up on us so quickly! I've missed grandchildren's birthdays, friend's anniversaries, double booking appointments, etc.
I'll blame it on age...yes, mine. Not much else could excuse my lax behavior.

Well...that's it for now. Later...

Spring has sprung!

I itch my eyes in the morning, I itch my eyes in the afternoon, I itch my eyes in the evening. My hayfever hasn't been this bad in years. My nose is plugged, my ears are ringing, my sneezing scares the cats. My goodness. Zyrtec, Claritin, Benedryl...it doesn't matter, help!

For the first time in years, if ever, I am planting some seeds that I hope will reap vegetables and flowers. I guess the trend now is to plant seedlings, etc. in pots. So, I am going to try that. I have a very sunny back yard, so I'll put the sunflower seeds there. I have peas, zuchini, and carrots. That will take up the pots I have right now. During the next week, I'll get more seeds and pots. We'll see if my thumb will light up again...this time to a neon green! I need all the help I can get. Sunshine, rain, bring it on.

My car is in need of attention, too. Seems like spring brings all the nagging problems to light. Cabinet doors, fire alarms, oven and refrigerator need attention also. Gotta' get my mojo going.

Another month of school, and the teens will be released on their summer break. OMG, the year has flown by quickly! I'm already anxious for the fall school start!

Not much else today. My picture is what I hope my sunflower seeds will reap.

It seems to be a day of memories and dwellling on the past. Because that could be a dangerous place to be, I've tried to keep it all positive. As my mind was wandering throughout past history, I am reminded of a poem that is etched on the headstone at my daughter Kelly's gravesite. It took me a long time to read it without becoming very sad. But, as I read it now, I am reminded of several people whom I have lost throughout my life. So, here it is, and for me, it is in memory of Kelly, George, and my beloved Jim.

All Is Well

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name; speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was; let it be spoken without effect without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

A day in history noting what is hard, what is necessary, what is right

Everyday, somewhere in our world, history is made. But today, it is not quite the same. The history made in our country today will go down in the annals of history books as a first.

President Obama signed sweeping health care reform legislation into law today, hailing the moment as the latest example of America facing up to major challenges for the benefit of all its people. The bill constitutes the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees in more than four decades, and its enactment was a giant victory after a brutal legislative battle dating back a year and a half.

"It's been easy at times to doubt our ability to do such a big thing, such a complicated thing, to wonder if there are limits to what we as a people can still achieve," Obama said. "We are not a nation that scales back its aspirations," he continued. "We are not a nation that falls prey to doubt or mistrust. We don't fall prey to fear." Rather, "we are a nation that does what is hard, what is necessary, what is right," Obama said. In the end, he said, the bill delivered the "core principle that everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care."

It's all about accountability. Accountability for the rights of the people. Accountability for the insurance companies who portend excellent coverage, yet it is not evident in their actions. Accountability for the field of medicine to perform their very best with skills and knowledge. And, accountability for each and every American to responsibly attend to their own personal health care, whether it be preventive or reactive.

So, congratulations to US for taking this monumentous step into the future. We know this isn't the end or a perfect law, but we the people have the opportunity now to mold it, mend it, and mind it for decades or more to come.

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Spring?

I have a bad cold. Is it spring 'fever'? Is it the 'welcome to allergy' season? Whatever...I'm miserable. And, so are Bethany and Lilly. Which means it must be a cold, since we seem to be passing it around. Other than feeling lousy, another downfall is succombing to 'ordering in' food. Haven't been grocery shopping, so even if I wanted to cook, there's not much to make. So, spring is just around the weekend corner. Sunday. Maybe our colds will be gone by then!

Since I seemed to feel the need to write something today, and it all appears to be complaining, I'll leave with birthday wishes to Jessica, Jan and Scott. I'm sure they have more spring in their step then I do.

It's Been a Little over One Month Since Jim Has Been Gone...

You know, people say that when a loved one passes away it takes some time to accept the fact that they are gone. Well, I'm finally starting to feel that. Even though the first month has gone rather quickly, I feel like February 7th was just yesterday. I'm not sleeping very good, my diet is unusual, I keep having these flashbacks, and have been feeling guilty.

Guilt is an awful thing. Mine was created way back in my childhood. I think it came from my mother's generation and the old Victorian age. Intellectually, I understand the feelings and try my best to replace them with something constructive and positive. Emotionally, I fight the replacement efforts.

I do have some sleeping pills to help me go to sleep, but don't really want to take them. I take enough medicine now, that I would rather try to get real tired in the day so I will automatically go to sleep at a reasonable hour. When I don't sleep, it can be as early as 5 am before I can relax and sleep.

Our diet is not regulated well. Now that spring break for the girls is over, I will try to have balanced meals and good snacks in the house. Teenagers eat EVERYTHING in sight. So, they might as well have only good stuff to eat.

Lilly spent her spring break with a friend who had moved during the school year. She was in Murray, KY for over a week. Such a good time was had that she insists we move there...NOW. Well, needless to say, that is not a decision taken lightly. Right now, I'm going to let it lay there and see how long the desire lasts. We've already talked ad nauseum about the pros and cons.

Bethany has been in and out of the house all week. With so many friends and a boyfriend, she is running a lot. We're still working on the texting rather than calling about when and where she changes her schedule. I hate texting! I guess I have too much to say to try 'type' it all in one message.

Tis all for today. Oh yes, I've been very grateful for the recent communications I've had with an old friend from high school. He recently lost his wife, and we've shared coping skills.

Until next time...

Our hearts have broken...

My dearest Jim passed away on February 7, 2010. He had pneumonia with the underlying COPD issues that contributed to his illness. As you noted  in my last post, he also had lost considerable weight. His body had just been used all up. May he be at peace with the Lord forever more. He is missed, and we are slowly working toward moving ahead. Bethany and Lilly keep all of us in the here and now.

Happy 67th Birthday today Jim!

January is Gone! Where did it go?

February is Valentine's Month.
It also is Groundhog's day tomorrow.
Plus tomorrow is also my daughter Kristin's birthday.

Those are the events that I know happen this month. It's the unknown ones that decide what else February has in store for our family.

Status of Jim's Health

For those of you who aren't aware, Jim was transferred from Carbondale Memorial Hospital to the Oak Grove Rehab and Skilled Care facility about a month ago. It is expected that he will be there for three months at the least. They are working with him to build up his strength, energy, and stamina. Because the doctor's couldn't identify what caused him to lose over 100 lbs in a year (without trying), they finally decided to put in a feeding tube so he would get a high caloric diet to put some more weight on him. It's hard to tell if there is any progress.

The Girls and Me

Beth and Lil are doing well at school. Bethany was on the honor roll in December. Each girls has pretty much carved out their activities, and the friends who they spend the most time. I'm still a 'taxi-mom' driver; but, I must say it is getting less because of better planning.

I've been on the go, running between Jim and the girls' activities. It's hectic, and I have a hard time finding my own space and personal time. It doesn't take much for my body to crash and say it's enough already! But, I regroup and the next day I'm off and running again.

Isabella

Our sweet kitten has turned into a cat. She is in heat! Oh my, such meowing and murmering. I made an appointment for her to be spayed next week. I hope we all can wait until then! Especially Isabella.

Facebook

Old friends and faces are turning up from all over the place. I can't believe I have 260+ friends! It has been a substitute for my social life. That's getting pretty bad, right? Well, I feel more in touch. Living in Southern Illinois hasn't exactly enriched our social life. If you haven't already joined Facebook, here is my page and you can start from there: http://facebook.com/?ref=home#/mari.hurt?ref=name .

So, that's it for today. Not sure when I'll post again, but check back, it may be sooner than both you and I think!

It's Gone! 2009, that is...

What a year... I was going to list the highlights of 2009 for our family, but then I realized that I couldn't remember most of them. Each one seemed to outdo the previous. So, I'm very glad that today begins a new year, a new decade, anew.

2010