Monday, October 29, 2018
The Morning Walk
We decided when I retired that we would try to walk for our health. So we started this morning. We went to North Lewisburg and walked the bike trail. Our destination was the covered bridge.
Our walk started in Champaign County, Ohio and ended up at the bridge in Union County, Ohio. This is a nice walk from North Lewisburg. It was a good way to start our day. :)
Sunday, October 28, 2018
"The Light Within Me", by Ainsley Earnhardt
I just finished reading "The Light Within Me" by Ainsley Earnhardt.
It was never my intention to write a book review but I feel compelled to do so.
This book is a hope builder, a character builder and a boost to one's faith. It is for those who have struggles, for those who need hope and for those who have goals and dreams. It is for those who are grateful, for those who are blessed and for those who would like to be blessed. It is one of the best books I have ever read. Perhaps God has put it into the hands of someone who needed to read it.
This book will not remain on a shelf to collect dust. It must be shared for the benefit of others.
Thank you Ainsley
It was never my intention to write a book review but I feel compelled to do so.
This book is a hope builder, a character builder and a boost to one's faith. It is for those who have struggles, for those who need hope and for those who have goals and dreams. It is for those who are grateful, for those who are blessed and for those who would like to be blessed. It is one of the best books I have ever read. Perhaps God has put it into the hands of someone who needed to read it.
This book will not remain on a shelf to collect dust. It must be shared for the benefit of others.
Thank you Ainsley
Retirement
Four years ago, my husband officially retired from working at Honda. At the time, he told me if I continued working for another 4.5 yrs., I could retire as well. So...it's been that long and I retired the 29th of Sept., 2018. This was also my husband's birthday so it was a big day. It felt really weird turning in my keys and cash drawer and cleaning out my work area. Everything was placed in a box and put in my trunk. (The box is still sitting in my home office as I haven't gotten around to sorting it out and putting things away.) I will get to it though. I still have my babysitting job at night watching our 2 granddaughters. They are a joy but keep me hopping constantly. They are another reason I retired early. I am 59 and not considered old enough according to a lot of my friends. But..they don't live my life.
I am still trying to establish my new habits. We all have them, right? Our daily rituals which may or may not include morning coffee. For me, it's caffeine in a diet coke. (I know, it's not good for me.) I could have worse habits though.
The 2nd week I was off, I went over to help my brother with some weed eating and cleaning out a flower bed. That resulted in my allergies kicking up and my ending up with a sinus infection. I was only trying to help! Grrr.
The stress of dealing with the bad side of the public is over. (There WERE people I did enjoy interacting with as far as customers too.)
When my husband retired from his job he started working for a farmer friend of his. He has now retired from that as well. So, we will see how we establish our habits from here on out. It will be an adjustment I am sure to be with each other 24/7. LOL
I am still trying to establish my new habits. We all have them, right? Our daily rituals which may or may not include morning coffee. For me, it's caffeine in a diet coke. (I know, it's not good for me.) I could have worse habits though.
The 2nd week I was off, I went over to help my brother with some weed eating and cleaning out a flower bed. That resulted in my allergies kicking up and my ending up with a sinus infection. I was only trying to help! Grrr.
The stress of dealing with the bad side of the public is over. (There WERE people I did enjoy interacting with as far as customers too.)
When my husband retired from his job he started working for a farmer friend of his. He has now retired from that as well. So, we will see how we establish our habits from here on out. It will be an adjustment I am sure to be with each other 24/7. LOL
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Seize the Moment
I have figured out that the best time to do this is when the mood strikes. If not, the moment and the mood passes and it is gone.
Tonight, we had a gathering for my youngest diabetic brother (Joe) who has turned 50 and has landed in a nursing home. :( As I sat there and watched everything unfold, I began thinking of how our lives (the lives of the Knox children) have ended up thus far. My oldest brother has Parkinson's disease. He is still living at his home but has his difficulties. His wife divorced him and he is now living alone. My other younger brother has diabetes. He does well with his health care as near as I can tell. I have had my issues but they have not been as critical as theirs. I recognize this blessing and give credit to God where it is due.When we were children, we actually never thought of future difficulties and I guess most kids don't.
Joe was diagnosed as a diabetic when he was 3. He has been down a rough road. We lived beside a railroad track. I can remember playing in the yard and watching the trains go by. My favorites were the passenger cars. We always waved at those folks until someone waved back. I can only imagine what those people thought of us barefoot rowdies. I always wanted to ride in one of those cars but never did. We saw cars from everywhere and we read whatever was printed on the side. We saw lots of graffiti as well. Sometimes we counted the cars. I always wondered where those people were going. We had an old railroad tower on our property as we lived on the site of the old Hagenbaughs Station. The tower had actually been moved and sat on our property at this time.
Dad eventually tore the building down because he couldn't keep us kids from wanting to play inside. It really wasn't safe, I must say.
I really breaks my heart to see what my brothers are going through. It just hurts.
Tonight, we had a gathering for my youngest diabetic brother (Joe) who has turned 50 and has landed in a nursing home. :( As I sat there and watched everything unfold, I began thinking of how our lives (the lives of the Knox children) have ended up thus far. My oldest brother has Parkinson's disease. He is still living at his home but has his difficulties. His wife divorced him and he is now living alone. My other younger brother has diabetes. He does well with his health care as near as I can tell. I have had my issues but they have not been as critical as theirs. I recognize this blessing and give credit to God where it is due.When we were children, we actually never thought of future difficulties and I guess most kids don't.
Joe was diagnosed as a diabetic when he was 3. He has been down a rough road. We lived beside a railroad track. I can remember playing in the yard and watching the trains go by. My favorites were the passenger cars. We always waved at those folks until someone waved back. I can only imagine what those people thought of us barefoot rowdies. I always wanted to ride in one of those cars but never did. We saw cars from everywhere and we read whatever was printed on the side. We saw lots of graffiti as well. Sometimes we counted the cars. I always wondered where those people were going. We had an old railroad tower on our property as we lived on the site of the old Hagenbaughs Station. The tower had actually been moved and sat on our property at this time.
I really breaks my heart to see what my brothers are going through. It just hurts.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Skipping Around
I've been skipping around looking at other blogs I used to read all the time. (Haven't had time to do that in a while, but since I can't sleep..) Some of you people have such interesting lives it seems. Mine is normal I guess. Just grabbing all the happiness I can find along the way and tolerating anything that doesn't fall in that category. But, it felt good to get back into the groove. I feel like I have put this part of my life aside for too long. Maybe I can write more now since I'm home.
What to Say
It's been so long I don't know where to start. I guess I just try to fill in some blanks. I am now retired from the bank (No, I'm not officially old enough.) My husband and I babysit our 2 granddaughters every night that their parents have to work their second shift. They are a joy. I felt like I was burning my candle at both ends for a while because I was working full time. Things can ease up now.
My youngest brother now resides in a nursing home. He will be 50 this month. Prayers please!
I hope that I will have more time to help my brother with the Parkinson's as well as visit the brother in the nursing home. And my Dad...I've got to see my Dad more.
There is much going on in the world today. President Trump has done a lot of good things. I am on that Trump Train and don't plan on getting off anytime soon. I pray to God that he watches over him and his staff. I don't understand the left at all. I don't believe in the same things they do. I have to follow my heart and vote for the person that I think will do best for the country. People are being so mean to each other. It is disgraceful. The country is dealing with abortion rights, human trafficking, mobs and the like. It is horrible. People are dishonoring our vets and our flag. It is all horrible stuff.
So, other than that, I'm nursing a cold here for a couple of days and feel miserable. Our main T.V. died too. Geez! Didn't really want that expense right now. So...life goes on.
My youngest brother now resides in a nursing home. He will be 50 this month. Prayers please!
I hope that I will have more time to help my brother with the Parkinson's as well as visit the brother in the nursing home. And my Dad...I've got to see my Dad more.
There is much going on in the world today. President Trump has done a lot of good things. I am on that Trump Train and don't plan on getting off anytime soon. I pray to God that he watches over him and his staff. I don't understand the left at all. I don't believe in the same things they do. I have to follow my heart and vote for the person that I think will do best for the country. People are being so mean to each other. It is disgraceful. The country is dealing with abortion rights, human trafficking, mobs and the like. It is horrible. People are dishonoring our vets and our flag. It is all horrible stuff.
So, other than that, I'm nursing a cold here for a couple of days and feel miserable. Our main T.V. died too. Geez! Didn't really want that expense right now. So...life goes on.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Hard to handle
My youngest brother has been suffering from the effects of his diabeties for a few years now. Watching it all is breaking my heart all over again. The 1st time was watching my Mother die. My brother is in Miami Valley hospital suffering from the recent heart and stroke issues. He so wants to be home for Xmas. Don't know if it is going to happen but we hope it does. My best friend will be retiring from our workplace on Dec.23 rd. There is much to do this time of year and I am having doubts about how I will get it all done. Need I really say more? :(
Sunday, September 3, 2017
40th Class Reunion
Yesterday was my 40th Class Reunion. I had committed to going a while back. As life would have it, the everyday business and tiredness that one feels from the weekly rut almost had me feeling like I didn't want to go. But...I did. I am so glad that I did. (I ended up buying my food donation instead of preparing something myself because of the way my time worked out, but I guess there are more tragic things in life.)
It is hard to describe the feeling I got from being in that place with all the people that in each one of their own ways, had an effect on me becoming the person I am today. A blast from the past. I was not expecting to be impacted to that degree. I was just so happy to see these people! There were some there that had to travel a ways to get there. Thank you!
A part of me was glad to see that we have all come through the scrapes, traumas and joys of life to get back to this point. There was an unexpected feeling of closeness to these people that I did not know I would experience. That alone is kinda cool...
I thought this event was organized extremely well. Hats off to those who put the time into getting all of us there. I wanted to help but am at a point in my life right now that I have to say "no" to some things. :( I know it is temporary though.
I regret that there hasn't been more interaction between us all throughout the years. I am also sorry that there were ones who missed it for whatever reason. They truly missed out. We would have loved seeing them too. I am sorry too, for the ones we have lost.
It is hard to describe the feeling I got from being in that place with all the people that in each one of their own ways, had an effect on me becoming the person I am today. A blast from the past. I was not expecting to be impacted to that degree. I was just so happy to see these people! There were some there that had to travel a ways to get there. Thank you!
A part of me was glad to see that we have all come through the scrapes, traumas and joys of life to get back to this point. There was an unexpected feeling of closeness to these people that I did not know I would experience. That alone is kinda cool...
I thought this event was organized extremely well. Hats off to those who put the time into getting all of us there. I wanted to help but am at a point in my life right now that I have to say "no" to some things. :( I know it is temporary though.
I regret that there hasn't been more interaction between us all throughout the years. I am also sorry that there were ones who missed it for whatever reason. They truly missed out. We would have loved seeing them too. I am sorry too, for the ones we have lost.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
I am back
I guess I always end up back here even after such a long time. Life is crazier than ever. My younger brother still struggles to overcome effects of the stroke and the older one struggles to maintain a current health status. A divorce did not help. It is what it is. Dad had open heart surgery back in Dec. He continues to do his recommended therapies along with being on a strict diet. I just continue with God's grace to stay sane..lol I'm hanging in there! We have a new (now 3 mo. old) granddaughter. The kids are amazing and that is my unbiased opinion. Haha
Life goes so fast that sometimes it seems as if we skip from Mon. to Fri. very quickly. Stay tuned!
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Trying times
So...My youngest brother is currently at Dodd Hall at OSU Medical Center. He is a diabetic who has had his 3rd stroke. This one almost killed him. He is now trying to get more extensive therapy. Goal: To go home.....things that torture my soul.
Here we are, almost to election day. Today, I was fortunate to hear Donald Trump Jr. speak at a short rally in Urbana, OH. I was most impressed with his speaking ability and honest, down to earth attitude. (Donald Trump Sr., you should be most proud.) He mentioned that in his campaign travels he has seen the hope on people's faces everywhere he has gone and it was most humbling. That statement brought tears to my eyes.
I personally believe that we as a nation are in trouble if Hillary is elected. To me though, it seems like the mighty national EAGLE has awakened and is fiercely ready to soar. America is waking up. We have trusted our government for too long and our elected officials have let us down. This is our chance to change things for our children and grandchildren. It is Crucial. Donald Trump must win.
There have been a lot of things that have come out about Secretary Clinton that prove she is not fit to be President. Satan has managed to pull the wool over the eyes of many. Like a bunch of sheep they are being led to their slaughter. The facts that have been brought to the attention of the American people are atrocious. I cannot even wrap my mind around the evil that is involved.
I would encourage everyone to get out and vote if you care about the future of this country. For those of you who don't vote, please do not complain. There will be no sympathy for you folks.
I pray to God that his truth prevails! May God bless our country.
Here we are, almost to election day. Today, I was fortunate to hear Donald Trump Jr. speak at a short rally in Urbana, OH. I was most impressed with his speaking ability and honest, down to earth attitude. (Donald Trump Sr., you should be most proud.) He mentioned that in his campaign travels he has seen the hope on people's faces everywhere he has gone and it was most humbling. That statement brought tears to my eyes.
I personally believe that we as a nation are in trouble if Hillary is elected. To me though, it seems like the mighty national EAGLE has awakened and is fiercely ready to soar. America is waking up. We have trusted our government for too long and our elected officials have let us down. This is our chance to change things for our children and grandchildren. It is Crucial. Donald Trump must win.
There have been a lot of things that have come out about Secretary Clinton that prove she is not fit to be President. Satan has managed to pull the wool over the eyes of many. Like a bunch of sheep they are being led to their slaughter. The facts that have been brought to the attention of the American people are atrocious. I cannot even wrap my mind around the evil that is involved.
I would encourage everyone to get out and vote if you care about the future of this country. For those of you who don't vote, please do not complain. There will be no sympathy for you folks.
I pray to God that his truth prevails! May God bless our country.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
I'm still here
It's been AGES since I have written here. So much has been happening this year. We watch our Granddaughter many evenings when her parents were working. Now, her mother is pregnant again and things are going to get more interesting!! :)
I'm writing this as I'm taking in the Vice Presidential debate...Wow. What an election year!
This year has held some bad things for our family. My youngest brother had a stroke in the beginning of the summer. He is now living at the Mcauley Center in Urbana. He is there for therapy. He still doesn't have much going on in the left side of his body. Today it was recommended to him that he go to OSU for more therapy specifically related to stroke. We hope and pray that this helps. I will keep my own hopes and expectations about it all to myself for now. Still talking to God about those....
I won't go into detail but my oldest brother has also had a rough time this year. Bummer :( I love both brothers and only want the best for their lives. I have this feeling like I want to take care of everyone and that there is not enough of me to go around. That being said, I am looking forward to retirement when it enters my life.
Now.. about this election. I'll be upfront and say I'm riding the "Trump Train". God help us if Clinton gets in...
Clinton said in one of her speeches that she wants to see children be able to develop their "God given" potential. This, coming from a woman involved in an administration that is happy to take prayer out of schools and don't really recognize Christians. Hypocrisy!!
No candidate is going to be perfect but we have to be better than we are and get off the bad ride we are on now! Clinton would be a continuation of Obama. BAD NEWS!
Pence has made a very "Presidential" showing tonight. I definitely like him! Go Trump!
I'm writing this as I'm taking in the Vice Presidential debate...Wow. What an election year!
This year has held some bad things for our family. My youngest brother had a stroke in the beginning of the summer. He is now living at the Mcauley Center in Urbana. He is there for therapy. He still doesn't have much going on in the left side of his body. Today it was recommended to him that he go to OSU for more therapy specifically related to stroke. We hope and pray that this helps. I will keep my own hopes and expectations about it all to myself for now. Still talking to God about those....
I won't go into detail but my oldest brother has also had a rough time this year. Bummer :( I love both brothers and only want the best for their lives. I have this feeling like I want to take care of everyone and that there is not enough of me to go around. That being said, I am looking forward to retirement when it enters my life.
Now.. about this election. I'll be upfront and say I'm riding the "Trump Train". God help us if Clinton gets in...
Clinton said in one of her speeches that she wants to see children be able to develop their "God given" potential. This, coming from a woman involved in an administration that is happy to take prayer out of schools and don't really recognize Christians. Hypocrisy!!
No candidate is going to be perfect but we have to be better than we are and get off the bad ride we are on now! Clinton would be a continuation of Obama. BAD NEWS!
Pence has made a very "Presidential" showing tonight. I definitely like him! Go Trump!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Sick and tired
O.K., I've been in this house (with the exception of going to the doctor) since Saturday. I had what started out as a cold and has ended up being a sinus infection which includes the loss of my voice. (Some might think that's a good thing.) I'm definitely sick of this "sick" thing. No patience for it!
I read in the paper today about the two people who robbed the ATM in Urbana. Dumb thing to do! They will eventually get caught and have to pay for that. Too many people know who they are for them to be able to go anywhere and be anyone but who they are. Eventually, they will screw up and do something equally unintelligent and be caught.
I'm glad to see the sun finally show it's face to us and the temps to come up but I'm not out to enjoy it so I'm leaving the shutters closed. No since torturing myself over that one! I'm used to having my Granddaughter here with me too and that is postponed due to my sickness. Time to get back on track! At least I can type this without my eyes watering so much that I can't see what I'm reading or typing! (Got to look for the positive!)
I really have an appreciation for people who are chronically ill and have to put up with being ill all the time. My sympathies to all of you! You must be much stronger than I am! May God bless you!
Not all thoughts I write are the best, but are at least truthful. Time for another nap and dreams of "normal" health!
I read in the paper today about the two people who robbed the ATM in Urbana. Dumb thing to do! They will eventually get caught and have to pay for that. Too many people know who they are for them to be able to go anywhere and be anyone but who they are. Eventually, they will screw up and do something equally unintelligent and be caught.
I'm glad to see the sun finally show it's face to us and the temps to come up but I'm not out to enjoy it so I'm leaving the shutters closed. No since torturing myself over that one! I'm used to having my Granddaughter here with me too and that is postponed due to my sickness. Time to get back on track! At least I can type this without my eyes watering so much that I can't see what I'm reading or typing! (Got to look for the positive!)
I really have an appreciation for people who are chronically ill and have to put up with being ill all the time. My sympathies to all of you! You must be much stronger than I am! May God bless you!
Not all thoughts I write are the best, but are at least truthful. Time for another nap and dreams of "normal" health!
Saturday, September 13, 2014
More Life
Life continues to be busy. The days and weeks fly by. It is like a whirlwind right now. With working full time, watching Rory and trying to do things at home, it's so busy! We are totally enjoying her! She keeps us hopping though since she is 17 months old.
I just had my 55th birthday and it seems I remember getting on here and writing when I turned 50. Yikes! As I just said, time flies. If only we all could figure out how to get the work day to seem like it was that quick! Am I wishing my life away? It might seem that way but I think we all just want more free time to pursue things we like to do. Or, do things we think we SHOULD do.
I don't have the answers to those problems. I guess that is simply life and sometimes you feel like a hamster on a wheel that isn't ever gonna get off. But... at least the wheel is turning...
I just had my 55th birthday and it seems I remember getting on here and writing when I turned 50. Yikes! As I just said, time flies. If only we all could figure out how to get the work day to seem like it was that quick! Am I wishing my life away? It might seem that way but I think we all just want more free time to pursue things we like to do. Or, do things we think we SHOULD do.
I don't have the answers to those problems. I guess that is simply life and sometimes you feel like a hamster on a wheel that isn't ever gonna get off. But... at least the wheel is turning...
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Ice Bucket
So...the ice bucket challenge for ALS has arrived and gone viral. I participated in this today. I explained on my video that I knew that the different research organizations were now sharing important research information, which in turn may help each other in the search for cures. My Mother had Parkinson's Disease. Two of my brothers have diabetes and one has Parkinson's Disease. So, this stuff hits home for me.
I will be walking in the Dayton ALS Walk on September 14th on the team called "Brook's Bunch". Brook was our neighbor who died from ALS. He was the 2nd friend we have lost to that awful disease. All the research seems to be paying off, as they are getting closer to cures for these diseases. I pray it is soon!
Anyway, if you have never considered donating to a cause....please consider!
I will be walking in the Dayton ALS Walk on September 14th on the team called "Brook's Bunch". Brook was our neighbor who died from ALS. He was the 2nd friend we have lost to that awful disease. All the research seems to be paying off, as they are getting closer to cures for these diseases. I pray it is soon!
Anyway, if you have never considered donating to a cause....please consider!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
The Answer
I've been asked why I quit "writing". I actually haven't intentionally set out to put a stop to writing here. I've simply been to busy to do so. The picture I'm posting explains a lot. :)
This is my granddaughter. She is now 15 months old. Her parents are 2nd shifters and her Grandmother is a 1st shift person. So...Grandma and Grandpa keep her in the evenings and put her to bed. She stays up rather late because she is actually on her parent's schedule, understandably.
I know that she will not be in this stage forever, so she has my total attention. I love her dearly and don't want to see her watched by a babysitter that doesn't love her like I do.
I admit, it can be a challenge to work a full day and entertain a toddler at night at this age but God gave each of us some kind of service to complete and perhaps this is mine. Her Grandpa and I have lots of fun with her.
More to come, as I figure out how to work it in!
This is my granddaughter. She is now 15 months old. Her parents are 2nd shifters and her Grandmother is a 1st shift person. So...Grandma and Grandpa keep her in the evenings and put her to bed. She stays up rather late because she is actually on her parent's schedule, understandably.
I know that she will not be in this stage forever, so she has my total attention. I love her dearly and don't want to see her watched by a babysitter that doesn't love her like I do.
I admit, it can be a challenge to work a full day and entertain a toddler at night at this age but God gave each of us some kind of service to complete and perhaps this is mine. Her Grandpa and I have lots of fun with her.
More to come, as I figure out how to work it in!
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