San Diego/Day one....

     It was great to wake up in sunny San Diego----actually Carlsbad.  I had the morning to myself until Gerry returned home shortly before noon.   Then it was off to Subway for lunch and a quick walk through Home Depot in search of building materials for a playhouse for the kids.
    I walked 40 minutes this afternoon in the warm sun and cool breeze.  It's California, BABY!

BLUE SKY    FLOWERS    PACIFIC OCEAN
                                                                                          

                                                                                              

   







  This evening Gerry took us to the beach to enjoy the sunset.....

Grandma G, Jude, Gerry, Gemma

 

 

      This has been a good first San Diego day in the life of Grandma G.

 

"The sea is his for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.  Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."  (Psalms 95: 5 & 6)



It's On to San Diego!

     Hello Again!  Sorry I haven't blogged for a few days.  My B-day party must have tired me out.  Actually there wasn't much going on except for resting  up and then packing to travel to.....SAN DIEGO!!

 NOT A TYPICAL LATE FEBRUARY SCENE IN WISCONSIN

     Tuesday was a little more active day.  We ladies soaked and visited in the hot tub after water aerobics.  That is getting to be our socializing time.  I became acqainted with a lady who is newer than me here at Creekside.  She moved in a week after I did.  Sadly, though, her husband had a stroke 2 weeks ago.  He is still in the hospital.  
     In the evening I drove over to Deb's to dry my laundry.  One of these days  I'll remember early in the week that the dryer is broke and then do something to get it fixed. 
     One would think that after many, many times packing to travel all that packing would get easier.  It doesn't for me.  I have to think harder and harder on what to take.  And what needs to be done in the house before I leave. 
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                     IT'S TRAVEL TIME, SWEETIE!

 TAKING GRANDMA G TO THE AIRPORT
  (ANGIE)



LUNCH AT RED ROBIN.   YUM.

 

THIS ISN'T WISCONSIN......

 
                                                              A PEEK AT LA

      Question?  What does LAX  NOT have??????       FREE WIFI.  One would think that an airport of that size and importance would have free WIFI, wouldn't one?  The information guy said they "are working on it".
       I had an inspiring encounter on the plane from Portland to LA.  Actually I eve's dropped on an inspiring encounter in the seat in front of me.  There was a lady of 94 years old traveling by herself and talking enthusiastically to the fellow next to her.  She is a hero and example to me.  Some year I am going to be 94 years old, traveling alone and talking enthusiastically to the fellow sitting next to me.
      Had a strange experience upon arriving in Carlsbad, CA.  After landing and deplaning I got a cab to take me to Gerry's empty house.  Gerry is in New York and the kids are with Gretta at her house.  I am sitting alone here until Gerry returns tomorrow and he picks up the kids from school.  Then it will be 3 days of hanging out together!  Yeah!

    This has been a good 3 "I'm going to San Diego" days in the life of Grandma G

    "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your rightousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep."  (Psalms 36: 5 & 6)

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY....

      Today was my BIRTHDAY!!  I had a good day.  I was up a little earlier than usual for a Sunday, but I wanted to be ready to sing at church today and it takes a few hours for me and my voice to wake up.  
      Singing  for the church service went well and that is what all the preparation was for.  I wanted it to be a thank you song to the Lord for all his care for me all these years.  
      This afternoon, Deb and her family treated me to THE HOBBIT movie--in 3-D.  We were a bit late and the only seats left were in the first and second row--I had the front row.  It's almost "over the edge" for a senior lady to view 3-D from the front row.  It was rather long and too many ugly creature battles for me.  But I was glad to finally see it with Deb's family.

          Afterwards we had spaghetti dinner here at my house.  With B-day cake and presents. 
I also listened to B-day phone wishes from family in Wisconsin.














Micaela, Grandma Carole, 

Jake,Zach, Deb, 
Keys, Angie 





     




 

This has been a good Birthday in the life of Grandma G.

    "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am  fearfully and wonderfully made."  (Psalm 139: 13 &14) 

6 Month Anniversary.....

 Today was the 6 month anniversary of my arrival here in Vancouver, WA.   This has been a good 6 months with getting settled in (almost), getting to know a few people, enjoying the milder winter weather, learning how to live as a single, senior lady.  I look forward to the next 6 months. 

  















       


 This morning after water aerobics while we ladies were soaking in the hot tub one lady talked about her daughter who is in the hospital being treated for cancer.  I was sad to hear the news, but glad to be considered friend enough to start talking about more personal matters.  I am eager to get to know folks more so that I can enter into their personal lives.

Grandma Silver-foil Fingers.....

     I went to get my nails re-polished at the salon this afternoon.  This procedure to remove the old polish reminded me of the old movie, Edward Scissorhands.  My nails are now a shiny pink.  

     This has been a good 6 month anniversary day in the life of Grandma G.

     "The Lord said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to a land I will show you...I will bless you... and you will be a blessing'."  (Genesis 12: 1&2)        

Mall Therapy.....

     Today was a rainy, gloomy day----especially after I found out my money settlement is delayed at least another month.  Oh, lonesome m....e.....with no money.  SO....what would any frustrated, lonesome lady with no money do in this situation.   It's off to the nearest MALL, Sweetie. 
     AND the nearest mall is 8 minutes from my house.  Compare that with a 2 hour drive in any direction to the nearest mall from Park Falls, WI. 
    No money, hey?  Well there are credit cards.  Hey?   I needed to return some items and shop for some clothing gifts for my grandkids in San Diego.  I want to buy a pair of good quality leather boots on sale.  Couldn't find what I wanted.  Stopped at the food court for Asian food.  Smeared various lotion fragrances all over my hands and arms--that way no decent wild animal would come near me.   Glanced at all the teenage,"skinny clothes" stores and sighed for years gone by.  Quickly walked through the more expensive department stores.  Checked out the miscellaneous variety stores.  And bought the one item I purposely went there for. 
     AHHH!  The wonders of Mall Therapy.  Combine that with driving home in the dark in heavy traffic.  I was happy and content to arrive back home. 

     I am still practicing for the song I am singing at church on Sunday.  It takes longer to have everything presentable the older one matures.  Oh, ya.

    This has been a good "rainy, gloomy" day in the life of Grandma G. 

     "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  (Romans 12:12)

TACO PARTY/DEB B-DAY....

     Today was the day AFTER Deb's B-day party. It is proof that this senior hen ain't no spring chick anymore.  I was totally tired out.  Almost.  

        I did get up early enough to sit for a few minutes before going to water aerobics.  We senior ladies get a good workout and then a sumptuous soak in the hot tub.  

        Upon returning to my home, before eating, I spent an hour stretching, vocalizing and practicing in front of a mirror for the song I am singing at church on Sunday.  Now, practicing singing in front of a mirror might sound vain.  On the contrary it is quite appalling to see how one appears to one's audience.  Hence the practicality of practicing in front of a mirror.  One can see what stance, facial expressions, gestures are more appealing than others.  I have found, also, that it is difficult for me to sing with a full stomach.  People don't realize that musicians and singers must be just as trained and disciplined as athletes.  

        After some breakfast/lunch and a hot shower I lay down for just a minute and woke up 2 hours later.  (Had to have been the taco party on Wednesday.)

        Did party dishes about 2 PM, more singing and the rest of the day passed quietly in a mixture of TV, computer work,eating, TV, exercising my sore right shoulder, TV, more computer work and now blogging.  AH, the day after a wild taco party.

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Wednesday was the main event this week!

HAPPY B-DAY, DEBBIE!!

     Today was Debbie's Birthday.  She is the first of our seven children.  Her dad always called her  "Super Debbie", the first of our "Magnificent Seven".   What I remember most about Deb's infancy is that at 4 months in the womb she started moving energetically---and hasn't stopped since.  She was so quick with puzzles that when she would have a contest against her younger brother and Grandma Rose (as a team) she would stop occasionally and point out to them where their piece should go (even though she was looking upside down).  I'd like to claim it is my intelligence but I think it was from dad.  

      Angie came over earlier today to go shopping with me for our taco supper.  First she wanted to buy flowers for her mom and take them to her workplace. 

Grandma G, daughter Debbie, granddaughter Angie

Buying a balloon bouquet.... 

                   B-day girl, Deb

Grandma Carole supervising 
"authentic" PNW taco prep

         Taco eaters......

                                                     Deb is how old??  

     The party went well except that Deb and Keys came over early so we had to send Deb for a nap while we decorated and wrapped presents.  We even had party games of drawing "Taco Joe",  "who can make the most words" and "how many hot tamale candies are in the jar?"  Fun was had by all!!  OLE!

     This has been a good 2 Deb/taco party days in the life of Grandma G.

     "Then our sons in their youth will be like well nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace."  (Psalms 144:12)

Cinderella, Cinderella.....

    Heavy duty cleaning, Sweetie.    I wonder if Cinderella was this happy when SHE was cleaning out her fireplace.  She probably didn't live in the Pacific Northwest in the winter.  

       Wouldn't you rather be cleaning a fireplace at 45 degrees in the PNW than shoveling snow at -11 wind chill in the north mid-west?  This was at noon their time.
      Angie called from Milwaukee this evening and actually COMPLAINED about the cold.  I thought all those folks LIKED the cold.
      Anyway, I am having a taco supper here tomorrow evening for Deb's B-day--her actual Birthday.  I thought it a good idea to unbox the Dyson vacuum I bought before Christmas and clean up the floors.
It felt good to be cleaning--to have a purpose to clean.  

                                                        
                                         Pacific Northwest Contentment
     It is WINTER out here so it rained hard most of the night.  I expected to see gray dreary clouds when I opened the curtains this morning.  BUT NO........

      
SUNSHINE, BLUE SKY AND SPRINGTIME FRESHNESS......












     The day past quickly with going to water aerobics and then back home to practice music for an hour.  Playing Cinderella moved the afternoon along.   Talking with Angie for a long time, washing dishes and  doing arm exercises occupied the evening.  Tomorrow will be busy with shopping and getting ready for our taco feed.  OLE!

     This has been a good Cinderella day in the life of Grandma G.

     "A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."  (Proverbs 14:1) 

Progress.....

                                                HAPPY PRESIDENTS' DAY!!

      Today we celebrated Presidents' Day.  Some lucky grown-ups and students got the day off.  I think the day used to be for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  Now I think it is to commemorate all the presidents--I think.   What I know for sure is that my mom named me Georgia in  honor of George Washington since my B-day was only 2 days from his.  (I think--there I go thinking again--it used to celebrated on Feb.22 and I am celebrated on the 24th. )  I DO know that my dad didn't really like the name Georgia for me SO he dubbed me Alabama.  Much more classy. 

              "WHAT DO YOU THINK, TEDDY, DOES THE DAY HONOR US ALSO OR JUST GEORGE AND ABE?"
          "WELL, TOM, WE'RE JUST AS STONED FACED AS THEM, BUT I THINK OUR NOSES ARE BIGGER."

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     Today was a music progress day for me.  I played piano for our Bible study group here in the community.  That was fun.

     This afternoon another music student started---a lady from our community.  Another lady is starting on Friday.  I sure feel "in my element" when I get to teach.

     I figured out a flier to distribute to the schools whenever I take the next step and actually get out to visit the schools.

    I also practiced a song that I plan to sing for a special at church on Sunday.  The accompaniment is a little high pitched. I am trying to figure a way to get it recorded in a lower key.  Hopefully.


      
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       Backtrack to Sunday.  I was very tired all day.  It might be that taking a 2 mile walk 2 days before requires more rest for my body.  Need to get more into good shape.

But this did warm my heart and all the rest of me.  WHERE would YOU want to BE?  Park Falls is where I was a year ago this time.  And the temp was probably about the same.  I remember waking up in the middle of the night in my rental house and hearing a loud THUD.  I think a frozen squirrel fell off the chimney. 
(My son who lives in Milwaukee and was visiting in Wausau saw this bit of info and thought of me.  This is why I crossed the Rocky Mountains last August.) 
      After church and a lesson for a guitar student I climbed into bed for a couple hours.  Then headed over to Deb's for Micaela's B-day supper.  (And to dry my 2 loads of laundry.)  All week long I forget the dryer doesn't work.  Except right now, but by tomorrow morning I will have forgotten again until next weekend when it is laundry time again.
     I watched a very good movie last evening, but don't quite know what to think of the dad.  The Ditchdigger's  Daughters.   I think it is a true account of a black family with 5 daughters.  The dad never got a good education and was determined his daughters would.  He was passionate about them excelling in school and becoming professional women.  He was kindly strict with them and especially stern with one who was somewhat rebellious.  Even years later when she told him she was going back to school to become a psychiatrist he reaction was "think of all those years you wasted."  (My initial reaction is to think he should have been very encouraging to her.) I am still trying decide if his reaction was harsh or passionately true.  
Anyway it is an excellent movie.  I am just trying to figure out what is "real love"would be in that situation.  I don't normally get into analyzing  movie characters, but this one is worthwhile pondering.  
   
      This has been 2 good "mild weather" days in the life of Grandma G.

   "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."  (Philippians 4:8)

Music Excursion/Happy B-day, Big Al....

     It was back to "winter" today---light rain and chilly.  But I had a great excursion to warm me up.  Two ladies from the community and I drove to a large music store here in Vancouver.  One lady bought a keyboard and the other a guitar.  Both are going to start lessons with me this week.  Yeah!  One lady lives right next door to me.  
    What was really the most warming to me was the friendship and conversation.  On the way home we shopped at Trader Joe's for a few items and then stopped for lunch.  I had asked them if they wanted to stop.  Both readily admitted they didn't have much on their schedule for the afternoon.  Our conversation was centered on western Alaska as both were childhood friends in Juneau. We talked about the recent reality shows coming from Alaska and I told them how Lou and I have been there 2 times.  What struck me the most was that Wisconsin winter temperatures are COLDER than Juneau's.  (Northern Wisconsin is back to -8  right now.)

    Back home by early afternoon I had a hard time "getting a grip" on the rest of the day--just couldn't focus on any one thing.  I spent a couple hours practicing singing and playing some pieces on the piano. 

    I did call my son, the Birthday boy, and left a singing message on his voice mail.  He called back a little later and said he was in Wausau attending the play The Singing Adventures of Flat Stanley".   Grandson Devin had the singing, leading roll of Flat Stanley.  (Flat Stanley is a cardboard "boy" that school kids take along on trips.  They take pictures of him in different locations.)  Anyway, I talked with Al and wished him a happy Birthday.
   My favorite story is him as a young child was when he was about 5 years old.  He was also a little fellow and he was aware of it.  His dad use to hold up his hands and say, "See these big hands?".  So one day Al held up his hands and declared, "See these big hands?"  Then he hesitated and looked at his hands again and declared, "See these little hands?   Some day these little hands will get to be big hands...."

         HAPPY, HAPPY B-DAY, BIG AL!!  BIG HANDS!!

                         Louie, Georgia, Big Al, Deanna, Autumn, Eddy



WISCONSIN WINTER....
ICE FISHING ON THE LAKE
  
      




BURT'S BACKYARD

       This has been a good "music excursion/ Al's B-day" day in the life of Grandma G.

     "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth."  (Psalm 127:3&$)

2 MILE WALK, BABY!!

     Today was a GORGEOUS blue sky, sunshine day!!  At least 60 degrees!  About mid afternoon I went for a 2 mile walk to the intersection and back.  Springtime all the way!!

 Fresh blacktop on the streets of my little neighborhood!

            Mini pansies and a metal flying pig.....

 My 2 favorite mountains.....

Mt. St. Helen's




Mt. Hood

 For folks back in northern Wisconsin, winter isn't over yet.  Another chilly night for them.  

    SOMETHING OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!

Meteorite sailing through Russian sky....

That's some fishing hole!!











   
       This has been a busy for me for being a quiet day.  I reserved a plane ticket to San Diego for the end of the month.  I am actually flying into Carlsbad, which I have never done before--change planes in LA.   I am going down to visit my 2 sons and 2 grand kids---and get more sunshine.  MAYBE, some whale watching..

      I spent an hour on singing practice.  I have an original song I plan to sing at church in another week.  It is a bit difficult to sing.  My "senior" voice needs exercise and oiling so I don't sound senior.  

      Also spent a little time on "puzzle impossible".  It's sat in my living room for the past few weeks with no attempt by me to find pieces.  I found 6 pieces today.  Yeah!!  It might get done by summer.

    This has been a good, sunny quiet day in the life of Grandma G.

   "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge."  (Psalm 19:1&2)