Best Thing/Worse Thing and What did I learn today? Part 6

For Saturday:

Best: my parents drove up to go to my DS's baseball game. Got to show my mom around my garden.

Worst: DS's team lost the championship but got trophies for 2nd place.

Learned: nothing - took the weekend off! :)

Wow, I have a lot of catching up to do, may take awhile to get to everyone's stories.

For the weekend (we went camping)-

Best: Watching the fireflies do their mating ritual at Joyce Kilmer Nat'l Park...kinda like watching running white Christmas lights, it was really amazing. Plus, got to see the largest trees (I think) on the East Coast...way cool. DD lost her first tooth out there, that was pretty cute

Worst: Camera broke, and I apparently am the only person that understands that to have a fire, you need wood. And, that means gettin off your lazy $%* and getting it...lol

What I learned: If there are three guys and plenty of beer, and 2 chicks in the woods, guess who does all the work...lol

Heck, there could be 100 guys, ONE beer, no sports on the TV and the gals still do all the work! ;-)

True most of the time, not always, but a lot of the time...went to niece's to put down prego flooring, I was doing spare room and the other 2 guys and gal were doing the room opposite to me...they butchered the flooring, took them several days..I'd be tearing it out for sure, one was yelling at the other, smart talking etc.

We started our room around 4pm..sister in law and I, she's never done it..helping me out...talking quietly/laughing and we left with perfect fit at 8:30pm..does that tell you something....lol

I'd like to go back, take the flooring they did out and do it right...they were about 4" from wall...cut wood at closets at each side of the room then started the panels inside closet...should have been done all in 1..said room was off square and couldn't...it could have been done quite simply....oh well..not my guys...

Hi Everyone,
Well, I didn't realize how in depth of your stories were going to be. As you know I gave a very brief bio. I did, share with Betty a little of mine. I have now been able to scale it back a little bit. After reading your stories, I think I can be brave enough to tell my story too-Mine will be forcoming in chapters as well...Betty, I am taking a deep breath.(smile)

I was born the 4th daughter, February 11, 1962. Mom walking down a flight of stairs in a dark hallway, carrying my one year older sister, tripped on the last stair. So three months early, I decided to join the world. Mom was in labor for something like 26 hours! She and I almost died in the process. She always told me I had a determination to survive.
Who would have known that, that same determination of survival would live with me my entire life.

I have survived a lifetime of abuse. You name it. I lived it.
For the first 19 years of my life, I was the butte of people’s jokes. I was an easy target.
I was an orphan. My mom had not wanted to “give” us up. She basically had no choice, She was on her own raising at the time 7 kids. . We were clean, fed pretty well and always had our checkups-All of us were healthy and happy. We had rules that we adhered too while mom was at work. A full itinerary of chores, nap times and school work and social times. Each and every day was greeted with a hug and a good morning. Every night, ended with a kiss and well wishes for good dreams.

Some “kindly” neighbor decided they would be a decent citizen and call the authorities when mom had to work later than normal. She was at work when they came to take us. My eldest sister was staying with Grandma and so my second eldest sister was watching us. She was 8 at the time. We had an Uncles and Aunti’s that came periodically to make sure we were doing ok.

At the age of 5, we became “Wards” of the State. From that moment on I fought to survive. The first month in the orphanage I was ridiculed, beat up by the bigger and stronger kids, one even tried to scald me in the bath. From the orphanage I went into the Foster care system where “nice” people were to take care of me.

It was in the hands of “nice” people that I was mostly abused. Yeah, they were nice enough to open their homes and provide a roof over my head. They were paid too. Don’t know how much in cash, but It cost me plenty. I was beaten simply for having a hard time learning, I then became stupid, If I cried that I wanted to go home I was beaten for not appreciating what the nice people were doing for me. I was a liar because I had the audacity to tell how someone was fondling me. I was always small so people thought I made a nice little toy, and I had best keep my mouth shut. I moved from one home to another because well, when people got tired of me, they simply closed there doors. I was too much trouble, I was a liar, and I sure to became a cheat and a thief.
The next series of homes well, I had bothers and sister- They didn’t like me because I was too skinny, they didn’t want me in their homes so they made sure to tell on my every move good or bad. It was there that it was decided I demand all the attention. These nice people were holding me prisoner- I had to beg for sanitary needs. The lady told me I just gave you one, when it was hours earlier-she wanted to see it! So I started tearing clothes to make my own. I then at age 16 decided that I needed to get out. I got brave and ran away. But they found me at my moms and took me back. The Father agreed he would not hit me, but stood in the back round while first the wife slapped me around. Then later the son decided it was his turn. They didn’t care the reason, which was once again I was someone’s plaything and how dare I make such an accusation-it would be the cause of my going to hell. I was doomed when I yelled back that I was already in hell. I considered death, but then I realized I only had two more years to deal with it.

I built a wall around myself, within those walls no one was going to ever hurt me again, physically or mentally. It was within those walls that I could cry, yell, and pray.
I also devised a plan to get a job. The more I was away the better I was. As hard as I tried in school I was only a passing student. But at school at least the teachers gave me encouragement. The kids were always mean because I didn’t have a normal life. To them I was short, fat and ugly. So ugly they decided I should be labled as such. I went to an all girl Catholic H.S. This way I wouldn’t fall wayward and get pregnant. I was extremely shy and really didn’t have but a couple of friends. So I began staying late at school every minute away was a way to not be in the home. I started becoming involved in the crews of some of the plays. I had learned to sew, So I enjoyed being o the costume crews. Even that though was turned into my doing something wrong. Up to no good! I just couldn’t win.

Finally I was able to get a job- It was one hour on the bus each way and 5 glorious hours away from these nice people. So I went to school during the week, worked a couple evenings after school and on the weekends. With my first paycheck I bought myself some clothing and my own personal stash of sanitary needs. I had to hide my money from the sister. Otherwise she would steal it and turn the story around. Then I started saving my money in a bank account. My first real investment was my 35 mm Mamiya Camera and a flash. The father hit the roof because I spent my money unwisely-He insisted I return the camera. I boldly refused. He wanted me to pay rent too! I refused that as well, as I knew they were already getting money from the state. By that time I was only sleeping there. Also I bought myself a footlocker and locked my few personal items away. All and any extra money went into the bank account.

So I worked at Misericordia Home for the next 5 years. I loved it there. It was there that I learned that my life was a piece of cake compared to some of the Children. These children were mentally challenged and disabled. I realized that I was healthy and fell in love with teaching and helping those in much more need than I. It was through these children that I learned humility. I was now a new student of a different kind. Together, we learned a great deal and they had no idea what they were teaching me. I walked away each day with a new hope and for the first time real love in my heart.
At Misericordia Home, I was a teachers aid for P.E. and got to work the Special Olympics for 2 years in a row. I learned so much about winning just by being a participant. For the First time, I was proud of myself and all my accomplishments.
During the Summer months, I volunteered as much time as I could.
You know what the funniest thing about the home was? It was the same Orphanage that so many years before had I lived!

...If you you are interested I will resume the story.
Judy

Oh my Judy I am sitting here with tears. You are so strong and brave. For a child to take their life in their hands and accomplish what you did!


My hat is off to you and yes I would like to read more of such a moving story!

Vicki

You've done it Judy, you've opened up...you are trusting us and that above all is a large step I know...I cried when I first read what you d-posted and I've cried again, yes, we would like you to continue your story...you are indeed VERY brave....

Started my day extra early this morning as I had to drive into the city myself..not something I enjoy...boss (BIL) and SIL both had to be in court downtown to represent a client, so tired as I was I painted on my Blue Heron and listen to Joel Olsteen minister on computer...so really a very quiet day!!!

Best thing..the cat came back..was gone since Wednesday..had just called my girlfriend to tell her something must have happened...thank goodness...she's meowing to go out again, but not tonight!!!!

Worse thing...major highway 400 that goes north was closed down since early morning both north and southbound lanes...apparently a few youth were drag racing, a poor trucker lost control and in order to save others gave his life by steering it in opposite direction..he's being called a 'hero' tonight and police have 2 drivers and seeking 3rd..they are being charged with manslaughter..and so they should be...so, now how will I get home..left office at 4:30 - took alternate route Canal Rd. apparently there two men got into altercation because of the re-routing and one stabbed the other, air ambulance rushed him to Toronto hospital and he's fighting for his life...the other major route HWY 27 was also closed due to accidents...so, got home at 8:15...long,long trip ...did it without complaining, my thoughts and prayers going to the truck drivers family...just so sad...it's becoming increasingly more dangerous travelling our highways...the 400 was closed on Friday am,
Saturday night into Sunday morning, Sunday night and now today...better up my insurance, right?

What did I learn...many things today! Too many to list tonight..so, I'm off and will gab with you tomorrow and I promise...part 3 in the morning..lol
God bless and keep you all safe/sound

Thought I'd throw in a photo of my boys..think they got confused...thought it was Mother's Day..lol..or just maybe they miss their daddy and feel closer when with mommy...hmmmmm have to think about that one..

Should call it...quiet day with 'mom'

Hi All - Sorry I haven't posted in a while - school getting in the way of my online time!

Best today: Made blueberry pie and the crust turned out awesome.

Worst: skinning a cat at class today - looked like Chili - my love kitty:))

Learned: Mind over heart let me participate in class today. Had a mini moment and then recovered. If I can skin a chicken to eat....and knowing how many animals are put down just because....and I am a organ donor - could be me.

I will have to go back and read everyone's posts to comment. Just wanted to check in and say thanks for being here.
-Kim

evening all,

betty, you need a break thats a long day for you
great picture of all the boys,betty is this the cat that got bernice???
maby there was a catnip plant at the neighbors..lol glad she's back theres nothing more stressful than wondering just what happened oh how awful about the racing dh is a truck driver (the dirt side) only local but i have ridden with him and its so scary to see how people try to speed up to beat the truck causing him to slam on the breaks i wish people would understand they cant stop like a car.
judy: oh what a brave one you are hat go' s off to you please finish
wonder: how is everyone down your way doing
well have to color the hair so with that everyone have a wonderful evening liz

Hi folks,
been a while since I said much but have kept up with you and your stories and your travels through your days..
I am so glad the kitty is home...is this the tuxedo cat that looks like my Daisy?

Your life stories read like novels, but I have always said that our past experiences make us who we are today....we can learn from them and move on, or we can let them drag us down. Seems to me, comparing what you write normally and what you have written in your life stories, you have learned from them, moved on, and have become great people because of/inspite of your pasts. I hope that is true for me as well.
I am not quite ready to share/bare all, needless to say my life parallels some of yours, which I think is why we cling together on this thread. we all have had struggles, traumas, have come to terms with them, and have found each other......comforting, isn't it?

Having said that, and looking forward to more of your stories/posts.....
Best: Memorial service for my deceased husband went very well, bittersweet, but as he would have wanted it. My family (small thought it is) was all here!!!!!!

Worst: I was so emotionally and physically drained today i slept away almost 5 hours in the late afternoon, but feel much better.

What I learned: it is nice to end my day with this thread.
g'nite all.
sher

wow Judy, but for the Grace of God go I. I thought I had it tough with a Mom who was like jekyl and Heid, that was nothing. You are strong and glad you saw someone worse off than you at a young age to give prospective you wouldn`t have had. More more stories. I like the details. If i could tell a long story short I`d tell mine but I only have long and really long. lol

hey there judy.. well done! Its ot easy to open up and put your heart on your sleeve.
Well you wont be judged, rejected or unloved here i can tell you!
Yiour welcome and we love to hear peoples stories. it gets us out of our own world and into others. helps us empathise and connect.

I have shared things here i havnt told anyone so....there you go.

Hey liz, plodding along. sorry i havnt posted much but i read every day and night to keep up. if i dont comment on all the posts please forgive me. my brain is fried right now but im coming good. the DD is on the mend slowly and the baby is gorgeous!
You know, i was really worried when i saw this tiny little stranger. i was scared that i wouldnt love him enough or not the same as my GD or something! I know it sounds weird but i was unsure and i cant explain why. I wondered if i had the capacity, if i was going to be a good grandma and so on. I neednt have worried..... we found our connection and i have relaxed. funny what you go through isnt it?

best thing? being home and on here.
Worst thing? Not sure, having to move on i guess. You want the world to stop and acknowledge the death of a loved one. you want some kind of recognistion from the hustle and bussling throngs of people and the world to stop. I guess if it did, the world would never start again!

i think thats why or one of the reasons why this thread and the prayer thread is so good. There are some that will take the time and stop. They acknowledge your grief, the person who has gone and that it is a painful tragedy. they tell you how it is. Yes, it hurts, yes it always will but you will get better....
they acknowledge that it doesnt just go away when the funeral is over and everyone is about their business. they see you need support and prayer and check in from time to time to see your ok. I cant tell you enough, what it means to me....

what i have learned..... I am blessed, blessed to have the best friends in all the world. sure we cant have coffee but, one day, sometime, somewhere... who knows!

laura

Like wonder I have been reading and not commenting. Some days to tired and others nothing to say. Or like the day I posted and because of DSL lost it.

I am getting more comfortable on this thread. I'm usually the one they all come to with their problems but I feel they don't have time to listen to me. Like my life is problem free. They are just different.

Work is I don't know if you'd call it a problem but there is a choice coming up. The manager wants me as an Asst. Manager if the District Manager approves me. The problem is I don't want to do part of the job and know I'd be great at the other part. So I really have to do some fast thinking on this one. She has an interview for another cashier this week.

Worst thing yesterday::::: coming home from shopping in the rain storm. unloading the car(DH did that while I started putting things away) then making supper while he sat on the couch and snacked.

Best thing::::Got some good deals at the stores and saw a plant I don't have and hoping it is still there when I can go there this weekend to get it.

What did I learn::::I can spend too much money!

morning all,

vess, take it!!!! i was put in the same posistion and i sniviled up a storm but my manager pushed me and now in the posistion for two years....looking back it was a good move, i was just afraid of change actually what was new for me was all the access to the computer level i didnt have before and being able to run the place when my manager is away its actually a pretty easy job, something else to think about if you dont take it someone else may could be a conflict of interest, what i mean is people get funny with a title, vess walk in those shoes lol i'll be thinking of you today good luck liz

You hit the nail on the head Liz.

Gotta go to work!
Vicki

Good Morning,
Thank you, Thank you with all my heart. I must tell you that I have joined DG partially for the company and to make some friends. And the other part to learn about plants.
The Gardens have always been a way of therapy for me. For in the gardens, there is no right or wrong. The gardens whisper sweet beauty.

Ves, Take into consideration-you have been asked to take on such a role. You must be very good at what you do. An oppertunity like this may not come around again for a long time if ever. There are always things we don't like to take on, but guess what A good challange is awaiting to be tackled. I bid you good luck in making such a choice...
secretly-I hope you take it!

Wonder-Good to see you back. Glad to hear about the grandson. Isn't it wonderful a new life.

Betty, How exciting to spend the weekend with you. You and your grandsons sure have a special bond that conintues to flourish. Just think of all the memories they are establishing and one day will tell the story of how they learned to make Tenderflake with their grandma!
Also, Thank you - You have opened the gate for a lot of people to spread the love. Just hearing your story is encouraging and brings such warmth and understanding.

Tropicanna-LOL on the camping comment-how true it is. Glad your back. Oh and how adorable is loosing that first tooth. Did the toothfairy come? Lost my first grownup tooth a couple of years ago...and LOL not so cute...and boohoo the t-fairy never came.


Shar- You have been on my mind and in my prayers. It is so good that you took that 5 hour nap. You've been through such an ordeal(s). I must say though you have a grand outlook on things. I am so glad that you are able to share what has been happening as I think it is so good to be able to voice out -it sure helps one through.

Best-feeling welcome and at home on this thread.
Worst-Sometimes I don't post because it takes me a while to "catch on" I've a slight Dyslexia issue. So sometimes it take a few reading befor it sinks in.

Learned-People will never know me if i don't say anything.

Well everyone-I am playing hooky today, I actually have had a headache for last couple of days. So I thought I'd go take it out on my weeds. Maybe it will subside.
Have a wonderful Day!
Judy

Seedtosser, the tooth fairy came, I don't know what that extravagent thing was thinking, but she left $10 under the pillow (we had no change). Had to make it very clear that only for the first tooth do you get that type of bonus. She was sooo concerned the tooth fairy wouldn't find her until we reminded her that fairies live in the woods. lol-Got my first gold tooth a couple years ago (had to get a crown, porcelain costs the same, so I went for white gold), I kinda like it, though.

yesterday Best: Got to plant some great new things and recover a bit, still kinda sore all over, though.

Worst: Feeling bad cause I haven't had a chance to read everyone's bio yet.

What I learned: This is funny, but looked at various travel packages yesterday, and in some places a tub and shower is considered an amenity.......alrighty then.....don't mind being dirty in the woods but for a hundred or so bucks a night, I wanna have room to shave my legs.

Part 3...

Now hubby started to work at Wildwood Park..many challenges for him which he enjoyed...very/very social..began many upgrades and social activities (think he thought he was recreation co-ordinator- such things as German Beer Fest/ Roast Beef B.B.Q.'s etc) long/long hours during the summer but park opened in May and closed in Oct...few visitors in the winter but did have some..all roads within the park had to be maintained...with having 4 people working for him it made it a little easier to work schedule around our family needs...my hours as Rec.Coordinator meant that I worked irregular hours as well and many of the hours on weekends...so family life was hectic tosay the least...

A few years later, I was looking for a manager for one of my facilities and Roger decided to apply...yuk..wouldn't you know Council agreed to hire him because of all he had going for them...now this was a fun time...it also meant because we hired students all summer that he could keep the other job as well..great financial boost...

He was french, 6' dark hair, handsome and used to getting his own way, which normally I let him...made life a lot easier and he loved spoiling me because he felt I needed a man to organize my life...soooo when it came time to give assignments we knocked heads more than once... was a difficult time trying to make him see that I WAS THE BOSS!!!
So when we got home, I'd let him be THE BOSS - lol...anyway years went by, he was too busy to take vacations most of the time and enjoyed his freedom the change his schedule so he could get some boating or in winter snowmobiling done...so our very best friends Barb and Harvey had much in common, Barb and I travelled the USA for weeks on end and Roger and Harvey would enjoy winter activities...

Some of my vacation for probably 8 years involved taking the seniors on trips..many had never been further than 100 miles from the community they lived in..seemed almost impossible to believe...so, I rented a very large RV, most times I had about 15 - 18 women..now you ask, where did we put them...around table, front seat/ side couch and believe it or not - lawn chairs...don't know how the authorities didn't stop us, but then it was about 25 years ago and laws were not as they were today...oh what fun we had..I'd take their trip money i.e. for rooms/gas only and I would be responsible to get the rooms and pay upkeep for transportation..I loved driving so that wasn't a problem..had my bus licence (township purchased a bus so that when we did major activities out of town we had our own method of transportation..Roger and I also took turns to drive it) so was used to driving big equipment...we went to New Orleans, Florida 2 or 3 years in a row (took boat to Bahama's) visited Nashville/Memphis/Myrtle Beach/ St. Louis etc....now these ladies probably all paid about $300.00 each and trip was for 2 weeks, so not much $$$$....the stories I could tell you about New Orleans...remind me..you'll get an extra big laugh....hmmmmm (maybe I shouldn't)lo


He started one of the first snowmobile clubs in our area...membership grew to unimaginable numbers...he started a Poker Run in order to raise funds for community needs, it is called to this day, the 'ROGER PAUZE' poker run...the boys and I still attend and give out money and trophies...makes us feel proud to see every mile,direction markers with his name on them..hard the first few years but now, we appreciate the gesture...

I would organize Spaghetti Dinner/New Year's Eve Dinner/Dance, Octoberfest/Valentines Dinner & Dance/ Street Fest etc. and guess who would be the main organizer and cook...we did have fun....we especially LOVED dancing so we were in 7th heaven...all the playtoys, i.e. boat/snowmobiles/atv's, boys wanted for nothing, we had a beautiful home on the water, great friends, good jobs what more could we want....

We would soon be celebrating our 25th anniversary...although it was to be a surprise you know men, they couldn't hide it well enough so I knew that when I would return from my Texas trip of 3 weeks there would be a big celebration...

Excitement was in the air, Roger applied for another position in a neighboring town, actually the town I now live in and was employed..they would build a similar park and in this park would be a tourist type lighthouse restaurant that Roger could run..now this was right up his alley.... for years he wanted to purchase the gas station and restaurant down the highway from us..would have to put house as collateral and he thought the boys and I could help run it...a restaurant of all things...NO WAY!!! so this new position would allow him to quit both the Township (thank goodness) and Wildwood Park...and he said we'd finally get to do some travelling together...

Roger still had bouts of extreme pain since his spine operation and they told him as he would age it would become increasingly difficult to walk..so now he walked with a little gait..laughed because we were at a b.b.q. just a month before my trip, Halloween Dance I believe and a woman I had just met at one of the classes I taught asked me who was my husband, I pointed, and she said 'oh, the crippled man'..hmmmm never even thought that he was handicapped in any way....sooo he wouldn't see the doctor because he dreaded what they might tell him...

Working at the community centre of late we were always in contact with people who were ill..almost everyone within the month had this terrible flu that was going around, sooo he'd come home and lay around watching t.v. How nice I would think that finally he's not on the go/go/go...

Barb and I left in November and I don't quite know why. but both of us were apprehensive about this trip and we couldn't quite put a finger on it, but knew something was terribly wrong..a sense of dread!

So off to Texas we went..we travelled more miles in Texas than we travelled to get to Texas...even went across into Mexico...but each night when we'd call home, I'd get such a terrible ache...in fact, Barb who dreaded flying and that's why we drove everywhere said if we could find a way to get car home we'd fly...but I fought this feeling of uneasiness...it was a hard 3 1/2 weeks away from home...

We arrived home mid week and the celebrations took place on Saturday...they had everything well planned and I didn't let them know, even to this day, that I knew about the celebrations...they were so proud to have kept it a secret...

Better post so I don't loose anything...

Continuation of part 3...

Family and friends came from all over, Roger looked tired but he had been keeping the candle going working 2 jobs...his wife travelling to Texas and all (lol)..everyone commented on his color..but of course..flu symptems he said would do that...

What a wonderful fairy tale 25th anniversary party! Don't know if any of you have the same idea that if you make your 25th you'll be together forever...25 was my goal..and now we've made it...the forever syndrome...

How very tired we were the next morning, but because of the late night everyone was coming to watch us open our gifts...Roger said he wasn't feeling up to par and really didn't want to get dressed...I explained that with everyone coming he'd just have to put a track suit on and hopefully company wouldn't stay tooo long...

So many gifts, unbelievable,even a trip to the islands was included...by nightime we were both tired...next morning he said he wasn't up to going to work....now the 'nightmare' started....

By the end of week he was in the Midland Hospital. Sent to Barrie for a few days for more extensive testing....
I was at work that day teaching a course when he called and said 'Mom, I've got cancer and I'm dying' and I could hear sounds of sobbing....luckily friends had dropped in as they had been away for anniversary party and thought they'd catch both of us at work. I began shaking and they were going to drive me into the hospital but when we got to Waubaushene the next town where his mom and dad lived I asked to be let off there..
His sister was in hospital or blood clots and his mother had only been released with same to attend our anniversary...so my SIL's decided to bring me to the hospital...

Walked in and there was Roger, eating, smilling and being very welcoming..when I asked him about the call he said I must have misunderstood....NOT, asked him about the results and said he didn't know...I knew I couldn't have dreamt this or made this up...everyone was looking at me as though I was from another planet..asked him about the sobbing when we were alone and he said he had been eating and simply choked on some food...oh well, was at a loss for words...

Our Doctor came in later that evening and said they would transfer him to Toronto for further tests but they thought the problem stemmed from the liver..weren't sure just what but test would determine it...hmmm

So I know most likely you don't want a step by step story, so suffice it to say that Christmas Eve day they did biopsy, he really didn't talk much after that, wanted no-one by his side, we'd pull the drapes around his bed, sit quietly through Christmas Eve. Told by specialist all was fine on Christmas morning...we got our 'miracle'..must have called everyone in the telephone book, was soooo happy...must share with all..was a lonely day, just the boys and I, let him get his rest...maybe we'll be home for New Years! By Christmas night big changes had occur, a few of his brothers and my cousins all came for a visit...while walking to floor a young doctor called me over and asked how he was doing...told him what the Doctor had said and he shook his head "Mrs. Pauze, when his Doctor comes in tomorrow demand to know the truth, your husband is a very sick man and could perhaps not make it through the night! wow wow...that's putting it on the line...
So Boxing Day his doctor came in and said he'd not be coming home with us..by New Years Day, my son Greg's birthday, my darling Roger passed away...

that's all for part 3...talk later

Hope you are all safe...what a storm that just past through here...so black you couldn't see anything outside, rain/wind/lightning and thundering..not good..boss (BIL) in foul mood, lost everything on his computer when we lost power...storm stilll raging..let's hope is clears in another hour otherwise it will be a long/long ride home again tonight..this isn't fun!!

Everybody's busy today/tonight..so I'll keep it short..

Best thing...the lady who is destitute came in to do Bankruptcy application today..she's taking everything in stride..hubby sold everything on her..nothing for her and 3 kids....Paul (boss & BIL) made arrangements to get her a car so she left feeling like 1000 lbs. had been lifted from her shoulders...

Worse thing...Paul's computer being hit in the storm...and yet another accident on the way home...

What did I learn..that one is easy..shouldn't say out loud all the various things I can do! lol... BIL brought all the tarps from his pondtoon boat for me to do repairs...

Talk tomorrow...

I feel very empty hearing that chapter 3 "B". It rained on my snoopy dance that I`ve been doing but it should. Are you ok having relived it with us? Hugs.

Oh ya worst thing today hearing B`s story of her Roger. Best, hearing that the doctor thinks I don`t have cancer. Doesn`t get much better than that.

Best thing today....and I hope it will bring smiles to you.....I learned how to post photos...so here is one for you, made just after the memorial, my entire little family....

And one more....

Betty, I must tell you that your Part 3 wound its way into my heart and I am still feeling the ache. There is no easy way to let go of a loved one, You had about a week to prepare, I had about a week to prepare, and though it has been years for you, I can feel the pain in your words as if it were yesterday. I read through your words earlier tonight, and could not reply. so I spent some time learning how to post the pictures. but I could not stay away from your story...had to come back to it again and again. and now I think I can tell you that I was afraid to read it, afraid of the pain it would create within me. It did, but I feel very honored that you shared it with us.
Bless you my friend. You have also showed us that we can find sunshine in every day.
sharon

Hi there, Sher your family is gorgeous...look at Ethan...how wonderful for you to have had them there by your side...

Part 3 was just everyday living, busy/busy life, and yes Roger's passing was devastating as we were just ready to embark on another venture in life, one where we could spend more time, but it wasn/t to be...Part 1-2-3 was easy to share...but I'll have to really prepare myself mentally to share Part 4...

Well better get ready to leave for work..and Dawn, the news is wonderful..am sure will be the same after the op...

Yesterday: Worst: I still feel bad, when I have some time, maybe the weekend after next I can read your bios

Best: I got a new skirt, uh-huh, uh-huh..lol

What I learned: Sadly I think the only thing I'm learning is how rude I feel for not having the time to read your stories when ya'll are going thru so much putting it out there

Tropicanna, you most certainly are not rude...we now you are there..looking forward to hearing more about your mini skirt antics...lol

morning all,

judy, hope your headace is better
tropicanna. you go girl, another mini?
sharran,you captured some great pictures thanks for sharring
hellnzn,oh what great news,i bet your relieved
betty,oh bettypart three made me sad your such a strong lady i really admire your strength. well hopefully bil will be in a better mood today, has the storm passed nothing worse than that puts such a damper in the day.

best:doctor said i have another syst in my breast nothing to fret having a follow up sonigram whew.

worst my pool has a leak dont know what im going to do its minor but i guess i'll have to get a new pool next season

learned:to take things in stride

everyone have a wonderful day liz

Liz, am sure if you put dish soap in a container of water and with cloth wipe water/soap misture all over outside of pool... if area bubbles, that's where hole is?
Have no clue where that piece of info came from? You know, thinking about it, think I watched them check a tube in kids bike wheel...maybe it would work..worth a try..cheaper than a new pool right?

Good Morning- This is a 3rd try at posting.

Thank you Liz, I feel much better today. I am glad to hear that syst turned out to be nothing-whew I am sure a heavy load has been lifted.

Betty, I was so happy and saddened with Chapeter 3. I also, could just feel the love so strongly shared.
Also, that little soap trick does work, my honey uses it all the time.
Big bummer about your weather, and BIL computer-hope all returns to normal.

Tropicanna-I just love your little tropi dance-a new skirt to look adorable in. Reminds me of wearing my first store bought dress. I was in the second grade and it was picture day. The mom at the time came home with a present for me, I never got one just out of the blue so I was pretty excited. When I opened the box there was the most beautiful turquoise blue long sleeved dress. It had a rounded neckline that was embroidered with bold colors and and same around the smocked waist, as well as the gathered wrist. It made me cry to receive such a beautiful gift just to have a picture taken. Also in the box was a pair of panty hose! not tights but real grwon up panty hose and a pair of shiney patten leathers! Wow-I felt beautiful at school. Every day someone was chosen to clean the chalk board and it was my turn. So while everyone was out at recess i stayed behind standing on a chair erasing when all of the sudden I broke out in song and dance, using the eraser as a microphone. Remember the "I got Legs" commercials-Well at the finally of my sing I got legs mimicking the commercials dance. I turned to clapping at the door! Eyes wide with shock did I turn to see the Principal clapping with a giant smile on her face! I was so horrified, but could do nothing but laugh with her. Thank god I didn't faint!
...P.S. I don't find you rude at all majorly Busy.

Sharon, I love your photos. Every picture tells a story and the one of You and Ethan tells me the pain of your loss. Brings tears to my eyes- But what joy that little guy must bring you to ease some of sorrow.

Wonder I was glad to hear everything went well, with the DD surgery-How are you doing?

yesterdays-Worst headache lasted all day-and feeling sadness for Betty and Shars loss.

Best-I managed to get a load of weeds pulled and continue the meandoring path I have been working on. Goal is by Friday night!

Learned-True love remains with people Forever!
Also-wishing the path will lay itself-Doesn't happen.

Everyone have a Happy and healthy Day.
Judy

Hey there, thanks for the concern...if you are feeling badly for me, better not tell you part 4 and 5...

Dear Sweet Betty,
Please do share the rest of your story. Chapter three was just so Bittersweet,
When you are ready to continue, we will patiently await.
Judy

Next 2 are terrible, but I've survived...

Tell us if your up to it.


Trop we can only invest and give away what we can, so you just do what you can, with us and when you can. We all have those times too. Headaches are imobalizing sometimes. poor thing.

Seed Rotfl

Waiting anxiously for more of your stories, love to read them and get to know you better.
Today was interesting because I allowed it to be. went to lunch with a friend, came home and helped set up the neighborhood yard sale, which starts at an early hour, hope I can wake up.
Best thing:
I met a baby kitty today that I just might NEED!!! My Daisy misses Bob so much, maybe she would like a little sister. This baby kitty attached itself somehow to the car of a former student of mine and rode 20 miles without an injury!!!!! this cat has a purpose in life! so they brought her to me, thinking I might need her......a truly lovely little ball of orange fluff. they will take her to the vet tomorrow so that I can be sure she won't bring any bad things into the house with my daisy...then we will see. daisy is only 3 and very playful, she is so bored and lonely without her buddy bob here with her every minute. I have already named the baby Jasmin (remember Secondhand Lion?) so she is halfway here, I think.
will post a picture of daisy, she is a real treat.
No worst things today...
and I learned that I can control my tears by being with and working with others, more than when I am alone.
Hugs to you......it is too quiet tonight, I need to hear from you.
Sharon
and hopefully, here's daisy.....playing with a little knitted fuzzy black yarn thing that my friend made for her.....

This message was edited Jun 20, 2007 7:00 PM

Sher...Well hello there...a kitten...how lovely, Missy came to me much the same way, last thing I wanted was another cat but here she is...couldn't do without her..lol...
So glad you enjoyed the better part of the day...having people around you who care is the best medicine...

Now for my day...

Best thing...everything today went well...no bumps in the road..traffic ran smoothly and for the 1st time in a week I made it home at regular time...

Worse thing...felt dizzy most of the day...not that I'm not dizzy most days but today wasn't quite myself..as soon as I'd move around I'd get a wave of dizziness...probably gone tomorrow - after good night sleep..

What did I learn today...pontoon boat sure has a lot of tops/sides/etc.
Been sewing for 3 hrs. and only have about 1 1/2 pieces completed...yuk..lot more work than I though..now I know I'm going to have to stop bragging about myself (now I am laughing) because I get to many projects given to me to do..but really I don't mind....told boss (BIL) that he'd have to give me 2 Fridays off in order to get them done...he laughed and said, ok, might as well work from home this Friday..so will make for a long weekend...I'll try to get tarps done by Friday...

So everyone, guess who's going to bed...

PS..must stop talking to people in the elevators at work...I gab like I know them, talk to them, smile and upbeat and they all think I'M NUTS..SIL said they'll most likely put a poster up in cafeteria to watch the crazy lady...

So..think I'll call it quits