Best/Worse/What did I learn today?Visit/chat with friends!

Debbie, meat pie in oven, eating crackers/cheese and kolbasa slices..can't relax much more than that..

Got a flyer for Joann's with coupons today..good sales and then on certain days 30% of entire order..don't you think we should go shopping in buffalo?

Good Morning...

We are having a bit of a heat wave, going back up into the 40's!! Nice to get a kiss from the sun.

Betty and Darlene continuing prayers and gentle thoughts today.

Firmly believe, your blankets are a great blessing, it holds warmth and love of your spirit...

...I stayed wrapped in mine from LK because it gave me a sense of us all being there with you.

Dianne, yes, please be careful on the roads and I hope the Dr. appointment goes well.
I am so glad you put the deaf ears on and I am sorry you have to do that. I think what others have said is very true.
Know, when my DH was hurting so bad from his finger he lashed into some hurtful thoughts.
Santa Warren does not intend to hurt you in any way. I will continue with a prayer for your strength.

To answer your question Dianne,
I feel as though I must also say to anyone reading that do not know me well, My answer is only to answer my friend Dianne’s question. It is not meant to be a religious or history lesson, it is my personal way and I feel quite honored that my friend(s) is interested to understand why I do things the only way I can…

As far as Prayer Fires, Native Traditional would be outside.

Where I live, we cannot have an outside fire, depending on weather and time of day, usually only at dusk.
LOL, believe me we've had fire department called more times than I can count. So now we only have Traditional Prayer fires in the Fall/Summer and Spring, If I could, I would probably keep a fire 24/7 but there also different kinds of Prayer fires.

LOL, now you must remember, I do many things with the thought of a traditional manner in mind. My prayer fires are just one of them...
Some people light candle with the same intention. I believe with all my heart the spirits carry a prayer with any kind of flame or none for that manner…I think that what matter’s is the simple fact that people keep the faith and offer prayer. The spirits are everywhere and they just want to carry our thoughts to Our Creator and for me personally, the Creator is the name of God or to each individual, the name of their own higher power.

For the “special or sacred” prayer fires held outside, I normally will alert my neighbors because a few of those are “traditionally” held for days. With those, we keep to just ember’s during the day, out of respect for the neighbors.

With those special fires all of our visitor’s (friends) inquire the fire is for pleasure or prayer.
A prayer fire is kept alive with only natural wood, a general fire they can throw recyclable debris. And I do believe the spirits know the difference.

My indoor fires, we only burn wood, so to say a prayer or offering, in my way of thinking can be any time of day or night the fire is going. (again, that is my way, because of limitations).
It’s one of a million ways I believe in the offering of a prayer, keep in mind, , lol you are friends with a person who will hug a tree just to give thanks for being a part of my life.

Dianne, i think it is wonderful that you wish to have Prayer fires as well. I do wish sometimes, a place outside to follow in the more traditional ways.

Oops got togo..

LOL, I 'm back!!
had to do a few in and out things..then DH came home for lunch.

Betty, I am glad you are able to work from home today...You've had a couple of very emotional days and so I'm glad that Ann and June are checking up on you.
...so glad you are sitting cozy warm on the chesterfield! Hope those chills go away...Yikes, threw a very large log on the fire and now it just smokin, lol hoping it will catch soon. but I guess where there is smoke there shall be flame, just have to be patient.

Janice, good to see you.
Susan, lol, love that your having a nuffin kind of day too.

Sigh, Im still working on laundry but i will make a point to do something fun today too...just need to figure out what that is, lol.
Our Tree is still drinking up plenty of water and that just makes me smile.

Well, I think maybe i need to go be quiet for a while, perhaps I'll find something to read...

see you in a bit.

Drats, computer froze, lost my post

1/2 hr left to my work shift then it normally doesn't matter if I answer the telephones but must incase Dar calls.

She did call, said picking casket and going through paperwork all but did her in. She says she would like to try to spend the night alone but will call for me to come over or will call even to chat if she changes her mind!

Ann just left..we ordered an arrangement outdoor plants in primitive basket..as Dar has kitties and feel that sh cannot have them I or Ann will take them home and keep till spring for her gardens

Judy, very well explained..know what your prayer fires mean to you..I will have to have mt fire pit cleaned, wood piled for use for when you come...we have many native indians in this region..took Crissy and Barb/norm to fort Ste Marie among the Hurons....midland is actually in what was a missionary establishment..a lot of history.

Just got a call, ¥£€> mad, wouldn't you think it would be appropriate for a major firm first post 'death notice' of upper management team before posting who has just been promoted to his job?? Goes to show, regardless how committed you are, how you make a company your life you really are just a number. Hope Dar doesn't find out, she would be so hurt!

I'm with you, Betty - *&_&^)*&)) (choice words filled in here!!)
It's rather unfeeling of the company to post replacement first........
I, too, hope Darlene doesn't hear of it. Will anyone from his company be going to the funeral?

Susan, it's the biggest company in this region..would imagine many staff and executives will be there...in such POOR taste!

I think someone should make a phone call or letter about that....even to the editor of the paper. That is just not good business sense!

My DIL who works for same company called human resources and complained big time, along with other employees...she was so angry when she called to tell me!

Good! I hope they get chewed out royal!! That just isn't right.

Hello To all....
Betty that is just unbelievable... but goes to show ... work to live... don't live to work... been trying to remind myself of that (don't tell the boss witch !)

Judy - Love you gal you are so spiritual and love your description of the prayer fire. Wondering why you can't light outside. We certainly do...we have a fire pit... maybe we're breaking the law here too and never knew it...
Betty - remember too with my Mom re: the Banter... always so mad at myself for not having more meaningful conversations but perhaps the banter is how we dealt with the situation. Roger's humor comes through in your stories... I'll bet you'd have friends rolling with stories when together...
Laura - ((HUGS)) Very difficult first Christmas....

Dianne... ((HUGS)) To ... so difficult to deal with a loved one treating you that way. He's just not *himself* I know He would never intend to hurt you. Glad you can use your "Ear-lids".... I've had to use those with the teens.

WOw what a life your friends have with exotic travel! Wouldn't you just love to try that for a while ?

Yes - back at work yesterday with my Sweet Boss... We had quite a Tsunami of a day yesterday... at a 4p meeting we were informed that 2 of our TOP Salespeople were leaving to form their own company. I was invited out with the 2 after work. At the get together they both told me when they met with the General Manager "exit meeting" they were sure to tell her how poorly Boss treats me...

So this next few weeks should be pretty interesting. The gals left because of the poor morale and atmosphere of the company.... One had been there 12 years and the other was our #1 new business seller last year....

I'll pop back in a bit. I'm in a tif with DS19 and need to see how this plays out ....he just came home...
(HUGS)
Mary

Wow Mary - quite a tsunami, as you say. Good to hear that those leaving will say how poorly you are being treated! What a potential risk of political suicide though........... hope they won't think you're being disgruntled....... I understand it's not the company, but a particular SWEET BOSS LOL Now, if only the GM will realize that!!

Hey everyone - remember the book "Whirligig"? Well, I have another book by the same author (Paul Fleischman), called "Seek".
Anyone interested in sending it around? I got it from Mary.
It's written as a play, with speaking "parts" rather like a conversation than other books we're all used to.
Very interesting book about a relationship between a boy and his father.

Thanks Susan ((HUGS)) ... I think if the complaints had come from me that would be bad politically but they came from folks who had nothing to gain... and the General Manager had called them in to private meetings because she has had suspicions that morale was low in our department....

Mary - I just know, from experience, when there's bad morale - so many things can be down-spiralling and even though it comes from someone else, it can be taken as you being either professionally mature about the situation or being a disgruntled employee. It all depends on the "take" of the GM and where they "come from".
geeze - now I sound like a Negative Nelly lol

Susan, I would love to read that book...

I have been enjoying my family, and now back to find sadness, I am not good with words at times like this, so all I can say is big hugs and much love going out to all in need, Dianne, Warren, Betty, Darlene and family.....Deb, Barb, Janice.....and whom ever else I am not remembering at the moment.....

My sailor is gone back to base, but we will see him for graduation on the 13th, and he will be graduating with Honors !! top score in his class !!!! HOORAH

my soldier and his little family are down south to have a little time with DIL's Mom...they will return here for a few days, then go to graduation with us, then home from there....

hoping my box gets to Dianne soon.
hugs

Morning all,

Did everything other than overdose to try and find sleep last night but no go, just before alarm went off I was just starting to sleep..wouldn't you know

Was a toss up about going to work today or leaving it till tomorrow, chose to go in today, that way I can sleep in, leave here at 10:30 for doctor appointment, come home and rest until viewing in Midland.

Wonderful Thunder that you got to spend the holidays with your boys...congratulations goes to Sailor boy, getting top honors is not an easy feat. To think you will get to be at graduation with soldier and family will be a moment you will cherish..scrapbook and memory time.. Is it in Chicago?

Mary, hope the talk went DS wen't well...would hate to see him now start to kick up a fuss when everything has been going so well..hope not a breakup with girlfriend..that surely would send him on a roller coaster ride and you right along in the back seat.

I think the two co-wo

good morning to all.
We got a light dusting of snow over night.
Little man wants to know how much snow my friend Betty has.
Told him I would ask as I am not sure.
Off and running.....to all have a great day.

Morning everyone! Coffee is ready. Hot oatmeal with wheat toast to keep you all warm.

Sure can use breakfast..as you can see by my last post I left mid stream a thought..telephone rand, Dar called extremely upset, said I am a calming influence for her !!

We talked u til and a bit beyond the time I had to leave for work..I would never have hung up and said 'have to go'

Said she had good nights rest, up early, started to write something for Mike and that brought reality to her..

So here I am, tummy turning/churning and tired..but that is a nothing ..keep busy and I'll wake myself up

Mary, will fill in my thoughts in a bit..

Laura you tell him about 1 1/2 -2 ft of snow..enough for snowmobiling and skiing..perhaps a few snowmen as well..

LindaKay, you just reminded me, maybe Suzanne has oatmeal packets in her dresser drawer

Hope your still going to the DR. today!!!

Linda Kay, her doctor appt. is tomorrow I think.

Yes, it is tomorrow and am going..
Had oatmeal, plain just not the same as apple cinnamon but did fill my tummy

LindaKay, how is Heather doing?

Dianne, thought and prayed for you both several times during the night, hope today is a sunshine day for you!

Debbie, how long will it take for the special support brace to come in? Have the girls been coming over often to help you get things organized..bet you are thrilled being a bit mobile..

Hi...
Thunder, Wow how wonderful Sailor Boy is graduating top of his class!! How Proud you must be.
I am so glad you Have had such a grand Christmas with both boys home and of DGD!!

Betty, OMG, how awe full for that company to be so hasty in posting a replacement, my gosh. I am so glad your DIL took time to complain and i do hope they are more then embarrassed to do such a thing! Oh my goodness, Please check in, makes me nervous that you are driving when so very tired! Glad to hear tho you will switch the phone over and get a little rest throughout the day. Will say a quick prayer no one will need to call the "your" office tomorrow for sure.
Been keeping You, Darlene and all in my thoughts and prayers.

Hope Everyone is doing well. Almost time to go pick up Jake for lunch...
Continuing with household stuffs, today will put a few Christmas decorations away, not much else going on.

My girls come help? hahahaha....sorry, sarcasm. IF they are here for dinner...Carrie helps with everything. Jeanna treats herself as a guest and parks her butt on the couch. This morning was the first time in probably two months Shannon (the child) loaded the dishwasher....but she wants something. I feel it in my bones.

Shane is the only one here...besides DH that helps. AND Shane works two jobs, both he and DH are up at an unGodly hour...and still help.

I have something VERY special to share with you....but I need to get my camera set up and share a bit of happiness.

Hugs and prayers to all,

Debbie

Thanks Judy, looking at all threads on dg, watching NCIS on computer monitor, found some old crackers, kind of stale but munching keeping me awake. Lol

In speaking with Dar this morning she told me about the position being posted as filled...a coworker of Mike's had been in lasVegas for holidays and returned home last night. She told Dar who would be taking over and how sensitive the company operation was and position needed to be filled immediately..Dar said she had no Internet, they live in middle of nowhere, company had special system installed for Mike because he was always on 24/7 trouble shooting..they cancelled service I guess..I remember yesterday morning when I couldn't sleep I was on dg, did long post but lost connection..guess that is when it was cancelled..when she settles she'll get a service provider. She wasn't upset, guess because it company deals with gmt etc she felt they had to do what they had to do..

She asked me to help with a few issues, said she is trying not to offend or leave anyone out..knows what I went through so helped as best as I could and will continue to do so

Think most of you know the story behind my friendship with Mike and Darlene..heartwarming and one to have faith in humanity..

Sorry everyone if I'm focused on this..

Now I'm excited Debbie to see your bit of happiness..quick quick charge the camera..is it a bird, is it a furry, could it be an enhanced drivers license???

I do hope when you are fully recovered Debbie that you don't run yourself ragged with these kids who haven't helped you.. Very uncaring and in their own 'me' world..my 2 nieces sure haven't made it easy for me this week..can it be age? Lack of living years to teach value of compassion and kindness?

Can't believe it is not noon yet

Betty, both older girls work full time jobs, have husbands and the oldest lives about 40 minutes away....in good weather. Carrie has not only her full time job, but also the farm to deal with after work...as does her hubby. SO, I know they are living life...and no animosity there. However, the 21 year old living at home is another story!

Working on the "surprise" and NO, not a drivers license. lol

Heather is doing much better. We bought her an embroidery machine for Christmas and she is playing with it, she wants to put designs on some onsies for her baby!

Debbie, please hurry and show us what you got!!!

Thunder - I will certainly send "Seek" to you.
I'm at work, but am sure I have your address "somewhere" at home?! Maybe you'd best d-mail me with it..... lol

Betty - Dar is sure taking things well.......... cancelling her internet so quickly.... Wow! It's not as if she would need their Intranet/network, but cancelling the internet is rather quick, doncha think? Do you have one of those "travelling internet" sticks and a laptop?

Debbie - sounds as though your family takes after you - busy, busy, busy! At least 2 of your girls LOL (the other one is indeed another story!!!!)

Yesterday I was not having the best of days! AND lo and behold...my handsome UPS man showed up bearing gifts.

I knew I hadn't ordered anything, so I was so excited.

Look at these beautiful snack mats that Thunder made for me and sent, just to cheer me up! Well, can't tell you how much it worked.

I am posting separate pictures to show the embroidery detail....on the cardinals.

Know you are a 'no animosity type of gal'

Was hoping it was the drivers license..so now back to thinking...hmmm did you try a rag quilt?? Did you organize all your mom's treasure?? Somethink coooked/baked?? Hurry, hurry. You have my adrenaline going, now wide awake!!

This is the second snack mat.....

And the most adorable kitchen Angel.....I will have to try and make one of these for the girls kitchens.

There was also a box of tea..... vanilla caramel truffle. OMGoodness is it good. I didn't take a picture as it is in the kitchen in my tea canister! lol

Knowing how sick Thunder was over the holidays, and that she made these....just warmed my heart so much.

I have the mat that Barb made and gave me this summer in my front cabinet, it was my Moms hutch...and get so many compliments on that.

Now to use them....when I don't want to get them dirty! lol

Lucky Debbie, and Thunder - that was so sweet of you! They're really beautiful!

Betty tell Darlene my thoughts and prayers are with her.

Ohhhh, Yes Debbie, Lots of smiles for you!!
Our Thunder sure is a sweetheart, what a great pick me up.
Lovely snack mats and a beautiful Kitchen Angel, How clever.

Hang in there with the "child" Deb...In same boat with my 19year old! Only does things when she wants money(in her case) Well, I am on to her and guess what? Mom's broke, lol broker then broke. Yesterday she was begging me for $6.00, could not give what i don't have, so dunno who she got cash from but came home with junk food!! Then took two bites and couldn't/wouldn't finish, grrr that kid, sigh...Then she will only go to dad when really in need of cash, cause he will give her money but she has a to do list a mile long, He is so funny, will hide little bits here and there so when she get to cleaning what ever she'll find her "pay" lolol.

Betty, glad to see you post! You are too cute, guessing what Debbie received.

LOL Judy - hiding bits here & there, eh? Cute

Judy, you are SO right. The child went to little brother for money! Then sent dad an email that she "needs new wipers and just can't figure out what size, could he help and pick them up." AND then she will not have the $25 to pay him back. Same with "can you pick up my prescription, I called it in." She is on her own insurance now with work, just doesn't want that few dollars coming out of her pocket for co pays. Dad told her "NO" you could stay on our insurance until age 26 while living here...but you wanted to do it your own way. She actually took two bags of soda bottles back last week to get "gas" money.

Oh Debbie, and Thunder those are gorgeous!!!!! AND yummy!!!