Sunshine on my shoulders

April showers bring May flowers

2011-05-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

May 11, 2011, Two grandsons: Matthew, Jr. turned 22 years old on the May 9th, Jacob Paul was 10 on the 10th. My sister, Juliet Ann (Rehfeldt, Trotter) Heilman's birthday is today. She's just a year and 5 months younger than I am. This is a roller coaster month as far as weather is concerned - we had frost on the 2nd and yesterday and today (10th, 11th) it's in the 80's with rain on the way which will probably bring cooler weather. I'm not an air condition person, but have fans in windows to bring in cooler air overnight. If I get too hot, at least I can relax in front of a fan - being retired and all. I have a point where I get too hot that I can't think straight or concentrate on something at hand.
Jessica in CT says her lilacs are blooming, but I only saw some white ones starting to bloom. I pass by several yards that have all sorts of spring flowers and the forcithias have been blooming for a month it seems. The azalias and magnolias are in full bloom along with other flowering trees. I would love to see my lilacs bushes I had in CT. I was surprised to see miniture daffodils in Sis Juliet's yard, but I have seen grape hyacinth. Living in an apartment, I don't have a garden, but my mum plant from last fall regenerated and coming along fine in a pot by my garage door. Plan to place another pot on other side (after asking Sis Louise for one of hers.) My Mother's Day plant is hanging on a hook by the side door of my apartment building. There is also a patio in back with different flowers to enjoy.
I've been on the computer for an hour and 45 minutes, so better get going. So many things going on and graduation open houses for a niece and nephew. I have two great grandkids to make quits for - boy this month and girl in August.
For everything there is a season (I might add "a reason" as well.)

Busy March (continued)

2011-03-19T13:21:00.002-04:00

I love traveling in a car. Janice drove Juliet's car down to Tuscola and Tammy drove it back home. Janice went back with her daughter-in-law, Linda, to Michigan. We all arrived at the Amish "barn" flea market around 12:30-1:00 pm on Monday (3/14/11) and ate lunch at the buffet offered there. There was a large outlet mall right there also and everyone went their own ways. Two other nieces and 2 small great nieces arrived for supper at our accommodations. Tammy with Venita's help made personal size pizzas - mine was delicious. We got settled in for the night and played a game, then watched a video. Louise and Megan had gotten a nap in, so were not ready to sleep when the rest of us were - gabbing until ? ? ? Then those downstairs did get sleep and were up early. What's a person got to do? (to be cont.)

Busy March

2011-03-07T15:00:00.003-05:00

Next Monday, sisters Janice, Louise, Juliet and I, plus nieces, Ann-Marie and Candice will be traveling to southern Illinois. We will be meeting sister, Laurie and nieces, Charity and Colleen. Laurie has six daughters, but they are not able to be present as well as my daughter. We are renting a house for $50 for two nights each person. It has all the amenities of a luxury hotel. We will bring food to cook and make for ourselves. We'll surely play board/card games in the evening. Part of Monday and all of Tuesday we'll probably look for antique and thrift shop plus any other types of boutique/candy/ice crean shops. In August of 2009 there were 8-10 of us that went to Door County and had a blast.

Then when I get back, I will have to finish up tiny aprons for small dish detergent bottles. They will be for party favor at the church's Mother and Daughter Brunch on April 16th. I was busy this morning getting 8-9 done and 12 others cut out. Also made a cute valance (tulips) and hung it up above my kitchen sink (I know, it doesn't match my strawberry decor, but so what?) I always got 4 or 5 cross stitch projects going on at the same time. I actually thought I could get one done in one day, but it's been a week and I do a little every day. It's the finishing that never gets done soon enough. I want to get back into making some quilts - all different sizes. I even have materials match up for each individual quilt - americana, christmas, and flowers/pastels.

Guess I won't get my nap in today unless I leave now. I will have to grocery shop for supper for Beth's famly - egg noddles, chicken and brocolli - alfredo. I can't wait. I better get home and take that nap at least for an hour. (3/9) Got my hour nap in then took some laundry to Beth's before going shopping adding garlic bread sticks to my list, but no desert. I messed up making an old fashioned bib apron yesterday and will have to redo it. Finished more tiny aprons today. Just picked up my clean laundry today (home all day yesterday and forgot.)

I'll be playing the "real" piano tonight and at both services on Sunday - prefer it much more that the clavinova (or even my own electric keyboard.) Beth and I are practicing to sing a duet, "God is Love" and she actually likes it (for an old-old song from "Favorites.") Well, next time I'll start a brand new post after our outing to southern Illinois.

Winter Blues/Cabin Fever

2011-02-07T11:32:00.003-05:00

We will be going into a deep freeze again starting Wednesday (2/9). I don't want another high electric bill so I'll try to manage with the heat down. I'll cover my windows and keep the bedroom doors closed. I'm also considering closing off the hallway (only one heater in living room by the windows to heat living, dining, hallway and kitchen. I keep the bathroom warm and door closed.

I was a little taken back on Sunday when I walked out of the building and saw an inch or two of snow (hadn't given it any thought and didn't wear my snow shoes.) Managing over to my garage I was able to drive (carefully) to church. A lot of us were slightly late (I had choir practice) and everything ran late all morning. We had one service in the morning, then "Souper bowl (and sandwich) Sunday and then an early afternoon service. All went well and I always enjoy the fellowship during dinners. My daughter's husband, Brad Molander, is assistant pastor and they have three boys and one daughter. Other relatives at church include my niece Tammy, her husband, Rick and one girl and two boys. There's been ocassions when a sister or brother attend our services.

So most of the guys were happy to see the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl. They were a favorite of my husband (he's from Janesville, WI) and I bet he was cheering from heaven. He was a sports' fanatic, but I never got into it. I did enjoy a few baseball and hockey games he took me to in the late 1960's. Anyway, I had all the Molanders at my apartment and we had pizza and cookies and drinks. Beth worked on a gigzaw puzzle and the kids and I played Uno, Sequence and War - we had to end each one early because we got into arguments.

Now I have to go back to last week. I was "stuck in my place for three whole days. Monday I babysat Mikayla (T&A attack). Tuesday the snow started up and stuck around into Wednesday and as you may have heard we had over a foot, I believe (not to mention the blizzard conditions.) So on Thursday I "had" to get outside and Isaac decided to go with me (he had a Game Stop gift card.) After doing a few errands we were leaving Walmart & headed toward Wendy's. I thought to myself "Where's my purse?" I quickly turned around and went back, but the cart had already been moved. After checking with everyone inside and no purse, we drove around the parking lot a few times to check some more. After Game Stop we went back to checked again and asked again - nothing! (The police were also called and canceled.) Beth insisted I needed to call the bank right away and I did (wished I hadn't.) Beth arrives at Walmart and takes Isaac with her and I go to the bank to set up new accounts. I'm having forms filled out and I get a call from the very same bank telling me that a woman found my purse and (get this) took it home with her. I got her name and cell number and called. She insisted on bringing it back to me (from rural Roscoe.) I had to tell Beth to come by the bank to sign her name on my joint account. Then Deb arrives with my purse and I couldn't help myself and gave her a big hug (to a total stranger-mind you.) I thanked her profusely and she left. Back in the bank I got all the forms signed and then Beth arrived when we're about done. WHAT A DAY - Should I have never gone out?? God works in mysterious way "His wonders to perform."

THAT'S ALL, FOLKS!

January 2011

2011-01-20T11:54:00.002-05:00

How do I keep so busy? Slowly, I'm getting Christmas packed away, but keeping some poinsettas out until end of January and the snowmen until end of February. I will then look forward to Spring and revamping my decor a little. But to look back and think of all the wondrous programs and parties I've attended over the holidays, I didn't so much as get any "let down" feelings. I did let most everyone know that I did not want to be alone on New Years Eve (which is my birthday) so Juliet had me over for steak and then to Beth for snacks, cartoon movie with the kids and a game of Skip-bo. I think it helped when we had an adult church "Christmas" party on January 8th and then expectant of a birthday celebration by the Sisters.

Staying busy going to 2 grandsons basketball games plus all the busyness at church and with family. Thinking about making chocolate chip/walnut cookies today. Beth may be over and watch a movie - she has the blahs. I will be going out later with Sis Juliet and her daughter, Ann-Marie. We're going to see the movie "The King's Speech." Of course I do like Colin Firth (especially in "Pride and Prejudice - 1993 version). I don't normally make it a habit to attend the movie theater, but there are exceptions. I remember when the "Sound of Music came out in 1966 and I had to go see it (all by my self-independant, I am.) I had just graduated from Moody Bible Institute.

23 minutes and counting

2010-08-17T13:25:00.002-04:00

It's 12:27pm, Tuesday, August 17, 2010. I have a lot of comments on Facebook "FYI" basically. I not sure who appreciates it, but I get a good laugh now and then. Usually I'm just kidding around with the nieces, nephews, sisters, cousins and friends. I do get serious though and pretty conservative in my beliefs (which I'm proud of - sometimes I am wrong though.) I've always like to write and did a lot of letter writing in the early days before computers. Only this past year I have gotten into email, facebook and blogging (rare). Since I've moved from CT and my three sons, to Wisconsin, I had more contact with Mark, but Matt only writes ocassionally. Contact with Luke have become almost nil since he isn't computer literate and doesn't have minutes on his phone. I missed Jake, Emma, Luke Jr. (1st grade this year) Ava and Lauren (A.)
Great grandson, Aiden and his Mom, Ashley and (sig.) Nick (Castonquay) just moved into a new home (MA). Great grandson, Matt, III and his Dad, Matt Jr. and wife, Amanda (Shea) are in the army in Anchorage, AK (Ft. Richardson). In FL are Ian, Jacob, Lauren (P.), Sarah and Sophia (youngest grandchild). Here in WI is oldest grandchild (after Ash & Matt Jr) Isaac, Zachary, Austin and Mikayla. Total of 18. Time's up.

Florida bound

2010-05-28T08:37:00.002-04:00

We arrived in Cantonment, FL on Monday night. Beth drove the whole distance - 18 hours from Beloit, WI. I might have felt fine driving, but I think she was trying to break some speeding record and I won't do much over 5 miles over the limit. A few incidents with the 4 kids ages 7 to 12, but Beth handle it quite well. Beth even drove off the highway onto a ramp that went around and around and that was only a half hour from our starting point. We racked it up to their excitement. At any rate it was a mistake to get off the highway so she just pulled over a few times when necessary.
Tuesday was a rest up day and the kids were in the above ground pool most of the time. With their one acre of property Ian has his own "digging expedition" and the others get into the act now and then. On Wednesday the Moms and 9 kids went to the Gulf beach in Pensacola area - came back with some of them sunburned including Deb. I stayed at the house, Brian slept and I made apple pie and we both got supper started.
Thursday was off to the "Caverns" near Mariana, FL which everyone enjoyed - Beth would have to hold my hand through, in case we had some slippery area and we had to do a lot of ducking. Sent out for pizza for supper.
I've made pancakes one morning; we tried old fashioned oats, but it didn't get eaten. Everyone loved the apple pie while I have to agree it was perfect, I did use boxed pie dough and had to use square cake pans.
Well we were to have a full body massage, but will cancel until next week, but we 3 women will go out to shop, eat and maybe a movie (which isn't my preference.)
While I'm here I attend a nice Baptist church a few minutes down the road in Alabama. The have Evangelist Jimmy Cook on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (with lunch and early pm service.) Each night at 9pm they'll go downtown to hand out literature and witness to those attending a Sodomy Convention.
It looks like we'll keep busy for another week and the time is passing slowly and I'm feeling good.

TIME WILL TELL

2010-03-05T11:25:00.004-05:00

It's time for Beth to change my format and put a new picture in - maybe in my new apartment.

I'm aching a little today and thought to take it easy and come to the library and do "my thing." Only one minute left - so-o be back later. Back already since the computers are not busy I asked for extended time.

As many of you know, my husband, Jim, died on December 10, 2009 and all five children were present in the house before the funeral home came. Beth and Deb flew in on the 8th not knowing how much time he had left. Thank God they did. Their original plans were to come on the 21st with husbands and 9 kids, which they did do also. We actually had a great time together although Matt, Lisa and 3 daughters(plus Nick and Aiden) did not come down. It's two bad the cousins could not spend time together. All in all there were 12 grandchildren and 9 adults present on Christmas day. Mark got a bonfire going and everyone contributed. All the kids enjoyed playing in the snow (so did the adults - snowballing.)

I went back to Wisconsin on the 27th after the morning service in church, following Brad and Beth. We froze to death, ran into a blizzard and made it safe and sound 20 hours later. I stayed two weeks with a memorial service for Jim to share with the Rehfeldt clan and many friends. He had been buried in Jamesville a week after he died. My sisters took me out for a belated birthday celebration and we had a blast, shopping all around and eating at the Olive Garden. We also went to visit the cemetery.

I got home on January 12th and began packing and cleaning. There was no question in my mind that I would move back home at this point. With Beth's family in Beloit, 2 sisters in WI, and another sister (over the border) just ten minutes away. Mom would only be half hour away and sister-in-law, youngest brother's family and nieces and nephews (not to mention the many friends from school and the church I grew up in.) Sorry - forgot brother Scott and family

The Lord is my LIGHT and my SALVATION

2010-01-16T12:21:00.002-05:00

Where to start? I truly need someone to sit beside me and guide me in this feeling of emptiness and loss. I manage to pay the bills as soon as I receive them and sometimes even pay down the debt. The realtor has the paperwork in hand and will be taking pictures of the house - inside and out on Sunday. Because of a rebate for the buyers, he believes I could see the house sold by the end of April - if not maybe Mark could handle the final stage and I can "move on."
Maybe if I make some lists of things to do to clear the house of all the clutter and pack things I want to take, but do not need at this time. Also the "Big Brother/Big Sister" are making curbside pickups this Tuesday and it doesn't bother me to donate items versus making some kind of profit. One thing I'll do is place items in the basement I don't want to keep or vice versus?? I do have some things I consider "antiques" - who knows? Mark says I should go ahead and take a china closet with me, but I feel sorry for the guys who will have to carry it up one flight of stairs (if I get the apartment I would like.) I'm having second thoughts about my bedroom set (except the queen size bed/mattress/springs which I do not want.) Five minutes left - must hurry. I am sleeping well and if I get 7-8 hours I don't need a nap. I eat well usually 3 meals a day - even made date bread Friday but a little overcooked and dry. Looking forward to church tomorrow - it was a small crowd on Wednesday night. We are having special speakers since Pastor Shott and Sonie went to Hawaii to see their daughter whose husband is stationed at Pearl Harbor (Navy and to see their only grandchild, Chase.)

Christmas Memories

2009-12-29T11:50:00.004-05:00

I just read Beth's blog "Anne with an E" and, of course, she made me cry which I find myself doing a lot today. Can I go backwards? I'm at Juliet and Gary's in Rockton, IL and sister, Linda, is staying here having come from Strasbourg, France for brother, David's funeral. As some of you know, I lost my husband, Jim Ashmore, on December 10th and we will have a memorial service at Berean Baptist in Beloit, WI. I came back to the area with Beth and her family yesterday after driving from Naugatuck, CT. Jim's body was buried in Janesville, WI on December 17th and Brad and Beth went for that and call me right after it was done. (Linda and I went out to see our mother for a hour or so and made a few errands along the way - got back at 3pm.) This has been a crying day for me - emotional about every little thing. Must continue on. On Christmas night my son Mark and family joined Beth, Deb, Luke and families at my house and Mark started a fire in the back yard which turned into a bomb fire with junk from the basement and was still moldering on Saturday. We had great food for the afternoon meal, but no one ate my sweet potatoes (boo hoo.) We were so-o busy that whole week - Christmas shopping, cookie baking with the kids, stockings to fill, presents to wrap. Lots of memories and since my mind is so overwhelmed I no longer can write at present but will get back when the fog lifts.

2009-12-15T13:28:00.002-05:00

I was checking my blog today and loved all the wonderful comments. There was one that really caught my eye from "Robert" of Canada who just happened to pick up on the phrase of a song I quoted (which one???) But I don't know how to respond to him (yet). Wordwise Hymns didn't come up???
With Jim going to be with His Savior and Lord in heaven on December 10, 2009, the family has really bonded - sort of. The girls will travel back by car from WI and FL with their families on the 21st. I hope to contact the Red Cross and find out why we can't get grandson here also from his station at FT. Richardson, AK and his wife and son, Amanda and Matthew III. We have not seen him since he went to boot camp.
It was quite rough during Jim's last days putting him in diapers the day the girls arrived which was a great help. All five children were home at his passing and what a great blessing to see them doing some bonding. The memorial was hampered a bit due to weather but went well.
Time up on this library computer. Continue to pray for me as well as Venita.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-19T11:02:00.002-05:00

Okay, I was hoping I could click on a picture within the computer, but that didn't work.
I know that there is a light at the end of this tunnel that I am presently in! Of course, I don't know what will appear when I reach that "LIGHT." And how do I assess when I am finally out of the proverbial "TUNNEL." And then we have the saying, "This too will pass." And I love Esther's word, "For such a time as this." (A Jewish girl becoming queen in a foreign land and approaching the king without a prior invitation - which could mean death.) The book of Esther, read it and weep.
Yes, I give God "thanks" for our present trials and continue to ask for His guidance and His will in our lives. I do know for certain that better days are coming whether it be by God's healing power or by God's divine purpose in death.
Thankful? - Yes, for the salvation God has offered so rich and free through Jesus Christ our Savior. And for His provision throughout all our days here on earth - I've certainly haven't gone hungry or lacked a comfortable bed to sleep in at night or necessary clothing for every season.
God has so blessed us with three sons and two daughters and sixteen grandchildren and two great grandsons. We are so happy to still have my 92 year old mother alive and is as well as can be expected. I look forward to many more years to share in graduations and even weddings (youngest is 11 after oldest son's 20 and 22 year old.)
And don't forget the Book of Job and all the horrendous things he went through and still did not curse God and die (as his wife put it.) Job said "Blessed be the name of the Lord." (Can you sing the song?) Something like this: Oh, praise His Name Who reign above in majesty supreme, Who gave Himself - etc., etc.
We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing, We hasten and chasten His will to obey!!!
God bless us everyone

FAITH IS THE VICTORY

2009-10-30T11:55:00.002-04:00

(UPON DEB'S SUGGESTION)

(Even though not too many read my blog!)

Jim was diagnosed with kidney cancer on June 14, 2009; a month later he is told he has cancer in his lungs. This is a slow moving type. Three months later (after our vacation in IL/WI - last two weeks in August) the bleeding and pain returns from the mass in Jim's right kidney. He took 11 treatments of radiation - seven minutes each and the bleeding and pain were gone after the second treatment. But now the side-effects are lose of taste and no appetite (he has meds for) and he is determined not to take the cancer med "sutent. He is very weak and continues to lose weight - so far 60 pounds. Once he's down to 170 we will have to be real careful not to lose anymore - all up to him - and I do everything to tempt him with all sorts of foods. But he has one more week for the radiation to wear off and I pray he'll be pigging out and gaining some weight back (not too much though.) I'm helping him with his coat on and off and he's so weak, he stumbles easily. (I pray God will make it all go away and his strength is back SOON.) We certainly appreciate all of your prayers for both of us.

Brother David with diagnosed with cancer of the lungs which was found after seeing lesions on his brain. He is being treated with radiation for the brain for three weeks. They have been told that it is "a losing battle." Only God knows the effects all of our families are going through with this cancer in a brother and a brother-in-law. We've lost one sister way too young and a brother-in-law. We have the support and prayers of so many family members and friends which is a big encourage to our families.

"To God be the glory, great things He's has done," and He will continue to do!!

THUNDER IN THE VALLEY

2009-10-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

What wouldn't I do to have a good time? After Saturday night, I'm beginning to wonder. The "good time" cost me $5 (seniors) and the show was "Thunder in the Valley" at Naugatuck High School's football field.
We have lived in Naugatuck, CT for 22 plus years. Since the last kid left home, even before that, I started watching for "free" (usually) concerts or activities. Most of them were on "the green" downtown during the summer months, but a few during the school year. There was even a piano series at the library, but now they are on Sunday or Wednesday night.
When I saw the signs for this "cheap" entertainment, I thought I would try to go. Let me explain that this was a high school marching band competition for 10-12 school bands in Connecticut. They were classified from one to five. Naugy High was class 3. The higher the class the bigger the band which was from Norwalk.
I enjoy band music very much and I couldn't believe the part that the zylophone played in the scheme of things. There were also dancing flags and twirling guns which was a distraction for me, because I was more interested in the playing and footwork of the band.
Now the "kicker" was that the temperature was in the forties and the bleechers were metal. I felt like an ice cube when I finally left after 3 hours which included 1 hour intermission (yikes!) I left after Naugy played. I thought I had dressed warm enough with sweater, velour jacket and 2 velour blankets for shoulders and legs, plus double skirts. I don't believe I moved once during those 3 hours but I was enthralled to listen to the bands. They had a military band "Windjammers" at the end, but I had heard them before and I left.

A C O R N S

2009-09-24T10:05:00.000-04:00

Last night I laid my head on my pillow around 11:30 pm. As usual, thoughts were whirling around in my mind. Finally I'm relaxing and ready to doze of and a "PING" on our roof gets my mind whirling again.

Just the other day I was contemplating about all the acorns dropping in the yard and spiking off the roof. Now I could not remember the yard being so full of acorns last year. Do oak trees have barren seasons? - I don't think so! - DUH - I wasn't even in Connecticut last year - DUH - again. I was in Wisconsin last August and September with the Molanders and in Florida in October with the Pauls until the auto accident. Then I went back to Wisconsin and didn't get home until December 4th.

Back to acorns. This particular oak tree is close to the right back corner of our raised ranch. It has been trimmed a few times to keep branches from brushing the roof and corner of the house. But still we have the hundreds and hundreds of ACORNS in the yard that will have to be raked up. A neighbor volunteered to rake leaves so maybe he'll rake the acorns, too. We do have squirrels that bury the acorns for their winter food supply. (How do they remember where they burried them???)

Where am I going with this? I ask myself. There's always advantages and disadvantages to every situation. From a little acorn we get giant oak trees and I even encouraged one on the center edge of our back yard causing it to branch out instead of one single trunk. I also trimmed the top while it was still small causing a better shaped tree. We even have a forest of oaks behind our property getting thicker every year. I'm trying to turn this into a Biblical principle - that of digging for God's promises and putting our faith in Him to bring us through life's good times and bad times. I dare say, there must be hundreds of verses to help us - all we need to do is DIG FOR THEM.