Dizzy Ms. Lizzy

Lesson Learned.....

2012-01-02T15:30:00.003-06:00

The first lesson learned for the new year.....

NEVER, EVER go shopping for new pillows on a windy day.

Found this out the hard way today, at Walmart. Purchased 2 new bed pillows for me and Mr. Dizzy, and put them in the cart with the rest of my groceries. Since it is WINDY and SNOWY and only 25 FREAKIN' DEGREES out today, stopped in the entry area, bundled up, and headed out the door. Barely got out the door when the wind gusted up (gusts are averaging around 40 MPH today) and there went the pillows. I was able to grab one and stop it from flying off out of the cart, but the other one? Well.....first it stopped under the wheel of a minivan that was stopped by the doors, then another gust of wind grabbed it again, and it was off down the aisle of the parking lot. A lady came up to me and said she would watch my cart for me if i wanted to go after it, and I agreed; but before I could take a step, the guy driving the minivan got out and ran after it, retrieving it for me. What an embarrassing thing.....

But, one thing positive about it - - it restored my faith in my fellow humans a bit. I mean, everyone could have just ignored the whole situation and left me to fend for myself, but two - - not one, but TWO - - total strangers came up and offered their help.

Maybe this is going to be a decent year after all. *fingers crossed*

Welcome, 2012!!

2012-01-01T11:22:00.002-06:00

It's the start of a new year. And, as usual, I take this time to reflect on the past year and everything that happened.....and there has been a LOT, both good and bad:

~ The early part of 2011 found me going to the doctor with some "issues" that I was not sure of the cause - - heartburn, weight gain in my abdomen area, and other "female" things. After a series of tests, it was decided that the only way to find out was through surgery, and so a hysterectomy was scheduled for mid-June. This resulted in not only 8 weeks off work for recuperation, but also in a complete turn-around in how I was feeling - - ALL of the symptoms I had been experiencing previously disappeared. ALL of them. And, I feel wonderful! Even though it was difficult to go through, I am so glad I did it. The difference is like night and day!

~ In August, on my very first day back to work full-time following my surgery - - and just one week prior to the start of Fall Semester classes (and fall is always our "Nightmare Semester") - - my coworker went on medical leave due to a high-risk pregnancy. For the ENTIRE semester. This was an extremely difficult time, since I was still recovering from major surgery and my energy level was still very low.....but somehow I made it through the entire semester without her. This would NOT have been possible without the help of my two wonderful and capable student workers, Chris and Zach. Without them, there is NO way I could have done it, and I will be forever grateful to them! Chris has now graduated and gone on to a four-year university, but Zach is staying on for a few more semesters. And that is a very, very good thing.

~ In early February, we had to take one of our kitty-kids, Squeak, to the vet, because she had been acting a big strangely in a few way that were just not normal. Unfortunately, after quite a few tests, that there was signs of a malignancy, more than likely in her bone marrow, and there was really not much we could do except try to stem the symptoms and give her a few more months of "normal" life. It went well, and for the next six months she was happy and able to play with her two brother kitty-kids, as long as we made sure to give her medicine twice a day. We did this until mid-August, when her kidneys started shutting down, and we knew it was time. So on August 18th, we lost our dear baby girl. She is terribly missed, and this has left a giant hole in our lives. (In fact, I am tearing up now just trying to type this.) Fortunately, Carmichael and Lil Dude still have each other, so they are able to cope pretty well.....better than me and Mr. Dizzy have been able to. She was definitely "Daddy's Little Girl" and the Mister took it very hard when we lost her. At first we were pretty worried about Dude, since he came to us when he was only 6 weeks old, and immediately attached himself to her. So, the entire 2 years he has been with us, she has always been there with him - - playing, sleeping together, always with each other. But he has handled it well, thanks to big brother Carmichael. Goodbye, our dear little Squeaky Girl. You will always be in our hearts. Love you.....

~ The end of the year found my coworker and her husband successfully making it through her high-risk pregnancy, and are now the proud parents of a very sweet little baby girl! And even though there were times this semester when I felt - - was absolutely, 100% POSITIVE - - that I would NOT be able to make it through the entire semester, in the end it was all worth it. Congratulations, you two! I am very happy for both of you!

So 2011 is now ended and it is the first day of 2012. Out with the old and in with the new - - here's hoping for a GOOD, POSITIVE year for me, my family, and my dear friends.

Happy New Year!

Another Book.....

2011-12-29T17:37:00.003-06:00

I have another book on my "Wish List" and intend to acquire it soon - -
"Unraveling Isobel" by Eileen Cook:

I have read other books by Eileen, and thoroughly enjoyed them all. She is an excellent author who never fails to catch and hold your attention when spinning her tales.

AND, having met Eileen at a book signing for her first book (Unpredictable - - another excellent read!), I can honestly say she is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet!

So do me a favor - - check out "Unraveling Isobel" and while you're at it, check into her other books as well. I know you will not be disappointed!

Appreciate it! (And I know Eileen will appreciate it also!)

Merry Christmas to One and All

2011-12-25T17:02:00.015-06:00

Remember, He IS the reason for the season......

Here is hoping this Christmas season finds you and yours happy and healthy. And, here is looking forward to a bright and wonderful 2012.

Need A Good Book to Read?

2011-12-19T13:58:00.003-06:00

I may have just the book for you. The book is "The Feedstore Chronicles", authored by Travis Erwin, who also has a blog: "One Word, One Rung, One Day."

I have read Travis' blog for quite a while now, and really enjoyed his writing style. As he starting getting his stories published, I made a point of checking them out. They are wonderful stories, written in a style that makes them very easy reads. When I finish one, I come away feeling as if I had just had a nice visit with an old friend....yes, I like them that much!

His new book, The Feedstore Chronicles, is a story of Travis' "coming of age" while working at a feedstore in Texas. I am looking forward to getting and reading Travis' latest. I think you should do the same!

Congratulations on your publishing success so far, Travis. And here is wishing you many, many more of these successes in the coming years!

An Amazing Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T19:49:00.003-06:00

You know, there really ARE good people in this world. Our family had a personal experience today that proves it.

Every year on Thanksgiving, Mr. Dizzy and I go down to my home town and spend the day with my Dad. And, instead of cooking Thanksgiving dinner, Dad likes going to the Round Table Restaurant in the next town over (about 20 minutes away). This year was no different, except for the way our meal ended.....

We had a great meal; Mr. Dizzy got the traditional dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, yams, etc. But Dad and I? Nope. We are totally non-traditional....we got Dad's favorite, BBQ Ribs. And believe me, they are totally yummy! But their meals are pretty big portions, so I asked the waitress for a leftovers box. When she brought me the boxes, she wished us a Happy Thanksgiving and told us, "You are all taken care of." She then walked off, leaving us sitting there just totally stunned. What did she mean by that? When she came back by, I asked her what she meant by that; she just smiled, and said again, "Have a Happy Thanksgiving."

Well, stunned is an understatement.

We were looking around the restaurant trying to figure out who would have done this. Mr. Dizzy noticed an Army Veteran sitting alone at the table behind us, and when he looked at him, the man gave a little smile and a wink. Mr. Dizzy just gave a small smile and a little nod, but said nothing to me or Dad.

As we got up from our table, the man got Dad's attention and said, "Thank you for your service, Sir." Dad and he chatted for just a few moments, and the man mentioned that his Dad had been a WWII Veteran also. Dad wished him a Happy Thanksgiving, and we left the restaurant.

When we got out to the parking lot, Mr. Dizzy told us what the man behind us had done when he caught his eye. So, we *think* he was the one who paid for our dinner.

So - - to the man who did this wonderful thing for us, I want to say "THANK YOU" for putting a smile on Dad's face that stayed there all day. Bless you, Sir, and I hope you had a VERY Happy Thanksgiving.

Bullyling (Part the Last)

2011-11-23T09:42:00.004-06:00

What were all the affects from all the bullying and torment I had to endure over all those years? Well, let's see - -

It made me a very "closed" person, who was terribly afraid to trust anyone. This in turn led to many relationships suffering or ending because of it.

It made me be very self-conscious and afraid to try new things or do anything that would make anyone notice me in any way

It fueled my already low self-esteem.

It made me quick to take offense, and quick to lose my temper, if I feel I am being picked on or ridiculed in any way. Even if it is not meant that way.

These are problems I have worked on fixing, even to this day. Most times I can handle them, sometimes they get the best of me. It's tough.

BUT --

It also helped me see how NOT to treat people, how NOT to make people feel. I cannot stand seeing anyone being bullied, or tormented, or pushed around in ANY way. It brings back all those feelings from my own personal experiences with it, and the anger just seems to well back up. I want to stop whoever is doing it, and do whatever I can to help the person being picked on. Unfortunately, this wish to help people comes with its own set of issues - - it's amazing how much trouble you can get into just by wanting to be a good person and help others! But, it is a type of trouble I can deal with, and be able to look at myself in the mirror, and actually sleep at night. If I can help even one person overcome what they are going through, it is worth it.

I guess in the "big picture" of life, all the bullying, teasing and torment I went through while growing up made me a better person. I just wish there could have been an easier way of learning those lessons.

OH! And? The girls who made my life so much hell? I actually now get along with B, believe it or not. But J? I swore to not have anything to do with her, and I am sticking by that. I recently received a Friend Request from her on Facebook - - and deleted it. I know that like me, she has probably grown up and is a much different person. But after everything she put me through over all those years, I want nothing to do with her. That is just something SHE will have to live with, and hopefully learn the lesson.

OKAY - - enough about bullying. Now! Go out there, and treat people the way you yourself would want to be treated. And I will continue to do the same.

Bullying (Part 4)

2011-11-22T15:41:00.005-06:00

The bullying and torment continued on through the rest of grade school. In 7th grade, my teacher (who was also the Mother Superior of that particular convent) decided that I had "the calling" and started talking to my parents about sending me to an all-girls Catholic High School, and then go on to become a Nun myself. Well, I did NOT want that, and told my parents so. But, she kept pushing and pushing, to the point where I was so miserable that they decided to pull me from the Catholic grade school and send me to the public Junior High for my 8th Grade year.

This? Made the Mother Superior livid. LIVID. She became very hateful toward me, and made the rest of the school year nearly unbearable; ridiculing me in front of the other students, condemning my parent's decision in front of the whole class, and more. The only thing that kept me going was the knowledge that I would soon be out of there and would never, EVER, have to see her again. (And? I didn't!) That school year could not come soon enough.

Then it was on to the Junior High, and a whole new set of issues....I did not know anyone there, and felt totally alone. I was already a very shy young girl, and I missed my friends, and I was so angry with my former teacher for making life so miserable that I had to leave them! So I was fair game for any school bullies in those halls, and they found me, with no problem.

There was one girl in particular (we will refer to her as "J") who decided that I was her target, and kept threatening me. She would torment, and threaten to "beat me up" and even went so far as to tell me I was to meet her after school so we could take care of things in a fight, which, of course, I did not show up for, hoping she would then realize that it was not going to happen. But this only fueled the situation; she kept on, saying that I was "chicken" and ridiculing me in front of others. I did my best to avoid her, but wasn't very successful.

Somehow I made it through that 8th grade year at Junior High, and on into my 9th grade (Freshman) year. This year also marked my Catholic School friends coming there. It was great to be there with them again! Also, it felt like now I had some "backup" and would not feel so along and "out there" by myself. It seemed to work; J stopped tormenting me so much. I hoped that it had ended, and for the rest of Junior High, it did. But, that was to change in Senior High.

During Sophomore year, there was still quite a bit of torment, but I just basically ignored it. This made some of them stop and leave me alone, but it seemed to make it a challenge for others.....

My Junior year, I had to share a locker with another student (we will call her "B") who was best friends with J. Believe me, neither of us was happy about it, but I was determined to make it work out, and show B that I was a decent person. I was also hopeful that this would, in turn, have her tell J this, and maybe I would finally get some peace. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case - -

My parents had bought me a really nice suede fringe jacket (those were SO "in" at that time). I wore it to school all the time, and just loved it! Well - - one day at the end of school, I went to my locker to get my jacket and head on home.....the jacket was gone. It was nowhere to be found. And, with it being wintertime, I had no coat to wear for the walk home. I went to the office, but no one had turned in my jacket. I went out to the parking lot to see if I could catch a ride home with someone, and the lot was basically empty. So I started walking home, as fast as I could, in the cold weather. Fortunately, we only lived a few blocks from the school, but it was a difficult walk home! I finally made it, and as soon as I got in the house (and thawed out), I told my Mom what had happened. I also told her what I thought the situation was - - I was sure B had taken the jacket, and probably was in it with J.

My parents talked to the principal, who basically said there was nothing we could do, since we had no "proof" that was what happened. Well - -considering that the only people who would know the combination would be me and B, who else could it have been? The one thing the principal did do for me, however, was move me to my own locker, at the other end of the building. That helped, but I was still pretty despondent - - I loved my fringe jacket, and no longer had it.

A few days later, I was walking downtown, and saw B and J coming around the corner. Just as I suspected, J had on my jacket! They saw me, turned around and ran back around the corner. As soon as I got home, I told my parents about it. I wanted them to talk to their parents, or the principal, or SOMEBODY, but they didn't want to make waves.....so J had my jacket, and I had a lot of anger that I had to swallow and try to deal with. For Christmas, my parents bought me another jacket, which while I did appreciate it, it did nothing to appease my anger. B and J were allowed to get away with doing that to me, with NO consequences! I did NOT understand that, and still don't to this day.

How did this all affect me? That comes next.....

To be continued

Bullying (part 3)

2011-11-08T12:49:00.008-06:00

After the "talking wrong" incident, I became pretty withdrawn, but something inside me also became determined to prove myself in some way. Therefore, I basically threw myself into my schoolwork, determined to be good at something; to be able to do something "right." I basically excelled in my classwork, and became one of the top students in my class. Did I brag on it? No. I just still kept pretty quiet, still pretty scared to say much of anything. But I did do extremely well in class, and that was the basis for my second experience with ridicule...

There was another girl in my class who was an excellent student. In fact, she and I were pretty much tied for who was the top student in our second grade class. I didn't think much about it, but just kept on studying my little heart out and working hard to do the best I could. I wanted to be good at something, and schoolwork seemed to be the thing.

Our teacher had a practice that whenever we did written papers or quizzes in class, we would trade papers with the person behind us or beside us for grading. That girl sat behind me, and one day got my grammar and spelling paper for grading. Once they were all graded, they were handed in for the Nun to record our grades. And that is when it happened.....

The teacher - - the same teacher who had ridiculed the way I talked, mind you - - suddenly started telling the class about the horrible paper she had in her hands; it was my paper! She stated that everything was spelled wrong, and the grammar was terrible! She then started reading all the mistakes on the paper, and just tearing it - - and me - - totally apart.

I was in total shock. Everything she read - - every spelling error, every grammar mistake - - was NOT what I had written down! I was completely confused and embarrassed, and just sat there in tears while many of my classmates giggled at the whole situation. I tried to defend myself by saying those were not the answers I had put down, but she just got angrier at me and told me the proof was right there in her hands, and I should stop lying about it.

Right after that, we were dismissed for recess, but I was too upset to go out an play. I sat in the coat room and just hid out from everybody. I was just so confused - - I did not know what had happened, or what to think.

After recess, the teacher told the class that during the time we were gone she had taken a closer look at my paper, and had noticed something strange. She then had gotten the other girl and showed her what she had seen - - erasures on the paper. She told the class the other girl had admitted to erasing my answers and putting in wrong ones. Apparently she did this because she didn't want me getting a better grade than her.

The teacher asked both of us to come up to the front of the room, and made her apologize to me, which she did, and I said okay. But did I ever forget it? No way! And it made me even less want to be around anybody.

You may not think this qualifies as a case of bullying, but I say it is. This teacher seemed to take great pleasure in tearing into me, and I did nothing to deserve it. When you are small and feel helpless, and someone of authority is doing you wrong - - and you have no way of defending yourself - - yes, that definitely is bullying.

This situation made me realize at that very young age that I could not let my guard down and trust anyone. Other situations as I grew up and became an adult fortified that early lesson. And to this day, all these years later, those trust issues remain strong.

To be continued...

Bullying (part 2)

2011-11-07T15:09:00.015-06:00

When you're a little kid, especially if you are as quiet and shy as I was back then (and anyone who knows me now would have a lot of trouble believing that I ever was), you tend to get picked on unmercifully. Yes, other kids can be really cruel. But what you usually do NOT expect is for a grown-up, one that you admire and look up to, to do it to you.

Let me preface this by saying that my Mom was born and raised in New York City. She lived there until she was 20, then married my Dad and moved to a small town in Central Illinois. Culture shock? You bet - - but that is a story for another time.

Admittedly, New Yorkers have quite an accent. I grew up hearing it. And, as little kids do, I really soaked it up. I talked just like them. And that was the basis for my first experience with ridicule.....

I went to a Catholic grade school. Back then, all the teachers were Nuns; the ones in the the full black and white garb. I was in awe of them, and more than a little scared. But they were my teachers, so I had to get used to them. And eventually, I did. And did pretty well, until one day.....

As I said, I talked the same way my Mom and her family did. I had heard it all my life, and I didn't know that anything was "wrong" or "different" about it. I just didn't notice those kinds of things. One day in class, I responded to a question the teacher had asked, and that's when it happened. I was made to come up to the front of the room, and stand there while the Nun took me to task and ridiculed me for the way I pronounced things. She did that to me, in front of everyone, while they all laughed and giggled at me. In fact, she even turned to the other students and asked them - - didn't they think I sounded funny? Then she made me go back to my desk. I had to sit there the rest of the day, with the other students turning around and looking at me, laughing and pointing at me. I was totally mortified, trying to figure out what I had done wrong; but more importantly, why it was wrong. My Mom talked that way, so how could it be wrong?

What this incident did was turn a very shy little girl, who was just trying to do her best in school and fit in, into an even more shy, timid, and scared little girl, who was afraid to ever speak up for any reason, for fear of being ridiculed again. It made me feel like something was wrong with ME; that for some reason, I was just not good enough - - not as good as the other kids, who were born and raised there and talked "right."

Looking back on it now, I can honestly say I consider this to definitely be a case of bullying. It's not just other "kids" that bully kids; it is even worse when it comes from an adult. Unfortunately, while that may have been the first case, it definitely wasn't the last...

To be continued....

Bullying (part 1)

2011-11-05T18:19:00.005-05:00

Found this on Facebook....
(Thanks, Princess Free Zone)

A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stamp on it and really mess it up but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty is was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. Now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bully’s another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home.

When you were growing up, were you ever bullied? I was an extremely shy, awkward little girl, and got bullied unmercifully, by the nuns in the Catholic school I attended, the other kids - - you name it. After entering Junior High and High School, it just continued on. I got SO tired of being picked on and made the butt of practical jokes.

And what the above says is so true....now that I am "all grown up" and living a very good life, there are still times when something might happen, and it brings back those feelings I had when I was young. Yes, the scars still remain.

That teacher was right. And I sure wish she had been around when I was growing up.

(To be continued...)

Danger!

2011-10-24T12:25:00.001-05:00

This is just SO Lil Dude.......

I'm just trying to figure out how they got into my house to take his picture?

Random

2011-10-17T10:47:00.002-05:00

Ever laughed so hard you cried? Until your stomach hurt?

That was me this weekend.

We had friends come up from the St. Louis area to visit; hadn't seen them in a LONG time. These are the "warped, off-the-wall crazy" kind of friends that we all need to have in our life.

I laughed. The tears streaming down my face. The deep belly laughs that come from just letting go and having FUN.

I so needed that!

So a BIG "Thank You!" goes out to Dave, Pam and Joey for coming up and providing me that opportunity. I love you guys!

Hill Climbin'

2011-10-06T12:41:00.003-05:00

No, we did not get on our hiking boots and head out into the open countryside. But we DID do a lot of walking. And sitting. And people watching.

Last Sunday we went to the Newport Hill Climb in Newport, Indiana. Newport is a small town, not too far from the Illinois/Indiana border. It's 2010 Census population was 515 residents. But during their 3-day Hill Climb event? The entire town is PACKED. The entire town is one giant flea market/vendor set-up/food trailers everywhere kind of place.

And a car show. A very big, very nice car show. And that's where Mr. Dizzy and I were mainly there for.

We brought over THIS beauty:

That is a 1965 Pontiac Tempest. Mr. Dizzy's father bought it brand new and drove it off the showroom floor on September 30, 1964. It was one of the first 1965 Pontiac's produced. His father has had it all these years, and has taken excellent care of it. It is ALL original. Nothing has been restored on the car - - NOTHING. Original paint even! The interior is immaculate. Everything about the car is in amazing condition. And, only 76,000 original miles.

Isn't it a beauty?

Newport is about a 2 hour drive from our house. Sunday morning we got up extremely early (3:45 AM? NOT fun) and trailered the car over for the show. I was looking forward to a fun day - - looking at the other cars in the show, meeting some nice new people, walking through the vendors, and of course watching the Hill Climb competition.....

We got over there, and it was FREEZING cold. I mean, seeing your breath/shivering uncontrollably/where the hell is my winter coat kind of freezing. And we were outside. At a car show. With no vendors open yet. And I could NOT stop shivering.......

I was ready to start walking back home. At least I would have worked up a sweat and gotten warm!

Finally, some of the vendors started opening up, and I was on a mission. Find a warm sweatshirt to put on over all my other clothes and add another layer under my coat, and some gloves. Found a sweatshirt vendor, and all he had left was either too small or way too large. Went for the too large (so now Mr. Dizzy has a new shirt to wear!) and finally found some lightweight gloves.

That helped considerably!

The day finally started warming up close to the Noon hour, to the point where I could unzip my coat and be halfway comfortable. But I could not get warm enough, even in the direct sun - - I had been chilled through to my bones! But in spite of this, it was a fun day.

Now, for the "Hill Climb" part of the day - -

Newport has one main attraction in it's small town borders - - a BIG FREAKIN' HILL:

(The photo does NOT do the Hill justice - - it is extremely steep!)

All these antique cars register to climb the hill. It's a class competition, and even though by today's standards the hill doesn't look that intimidating, you should try climbing it in a car that is only pulling 7 horsepower!

According to the Newport Hill Climb Website, the Climb has been going on yearly since 1909. It's a big 3-day event for the town. This is the third year we have gone, and we always have a great time.

If you ever get a chance, you should check out this event. It's really a lot of fun, and with it being so close to where we live, it's a nice little day trip to take.

It felt good to actually be able to get away from home and just spend a day doing something fun. I just hope next time it's just a tad bit warmer!

Back Into the Swing of Things

2011-10-04T10:57:00.006-05:00

I need to start blogging again on a more consistent basis. Seriously.

I love to write. It's an outlet for me - - from the stresses of the daily routine. However, I have had NO desire to write lately, due mostly to things going on in life that have just knocked the energy out of me.......

~ Major abdominal surgery in June - I had VERY good intentions of blogging during the 8-week recovery at home, both on this blog and my recipe blog. How much did I write? Nothing. Zilch. Zero. No energy? Partly. No desire? Absolutely. (Same thing for reading. The stack of magazines? Still sitting there. My Kindle? Barely touched.)

~ Losing Squeak. Yes, she was a cat. Just an animal. Or so some people may think. But in reality? She was a FAMILY MEMBER. Daddy's little girl. And her passing left a great big hole in our lives. Hard to shake something like that. Still haven't. Not sure if, or when, we will. She was a pretty special kitty.

~ Work. My office is usually a frantic place. This semester it is doubly so, since my co-worker is going through a high-risk pregnancy and is on total bedrest in hospital for the duration. She is still able to work via online, so anything that can be done on the computer gets sent her way, and I handle all the face-to-face things here in the office. Considering this happened the first week I came back to work and was attempting full days, it's been draining to say the least. Going home and doing anything but collapsing in a heap on the couch the first few weeks was not an option. It's a bit better now, as the semester is well underway AND my energy level has gotten better. Still a ways to go yet though.....

ANYWAY.

All this has conspired against me. It's been rough.

However - - the past week or so I have been feeling the itch to do some writing again. I'm hoping by posting this, it will fan that little flame and get me going again. I have LOTS of things to write about. And I have a lot of recipes to post on my recipe blog. I need to get on it!

I am determined to finish out this year writing more. My stress level needs this as an outlet. Badly.

So you all have been warned. I'm back, and going to do my damndest to stay here.

Daddy's Little Girl

2011-08-19T06:58:00.003-05:00

We are heartbroken.

Squeak
2004-2011

Rest in peace, our little Squeaky girl. You will be missed terribly. But, you will always be alive in our hearts.

Celebration Time Again!

2011-08-04T10:34:00.004-05:00

It's Decatur Celebration time again this weekend! We are pumped, and ready to go!

I was very concerned that my recent surgery would prevent me from getting down there and working stage this year, and was not looking forward to breaking my 25-year run. However! I definitely AM going to be down there! Not doing as much as in previous years, but still! I will be there!

This year our stage has Fastball on Friday night, Patty Smythe and Scandal on Saturday night, and Night Ranger Sunday night.

Other bands on other stages this year include Here Come the Mummies, Tiffany, Digital Underground, Rose Royce, and many, many more.....it will be a GREAT year. And the forecast sounds like it will be a good weekend.

You can find out everything about the festival at www.decaturcelebration.com. Check it out.

Come on down to downtown Decatur and party with us!

Good Report!

2011-07-28T15:27:00.002-05:00

My second post-op at the Doctor yesterday went very well! She is pleased with my healing progress, and thinks everything is looking good. We adjusted my estrogen dosage up a bit to help combat the mood swings (I mostly get "the tears" and will cry at everything, or nothing at all), but there are also times when I will get aggravated at something and just "snap" - - and that is NOT a good thing.

The Doctor has released me to go back to work on August 8th, part-time that first week. That will give my new medicine dosage a chance to start getting leveled out before diving back into the office scene. Fortunately, I have been able to do part-time work hours from my home computer, so it won't be like trying to get re-acclimated after a two month absence!

Am I looking forward to going back to work? Yes and no.

Yes, because I love the work that I do, and my officemates are the best you could ever find anywhere.

No, because - - well, it's been really nice being able to work from home, and spend more time here. I love my home. It's our dream house, and I spend so many work hours away from it that I miss it. And, I have been able to spend more time with my furry kitty-kids, and with Dear Mr. Dizzy also.

This time being home has made me realize that when it comes time for retirement, I will be able to handle it just fine. The problem with that? Well, that time is NOT going to be any time soon, unfortunately - - but someday, it will be our turn. Mr. Dizzy and I are BOTH looking forward to that day!

But, until then, it's back to the office on August 8th, and things will be just fine.

Road Trippin'

2011-07-16T14:20:00.003-05:00

OKAY.....yesterday was my Maiden Voyage (or "Virgin Voyage" as my cousin Echo calls it), driving out of town by myself, for the first time since surgery. It consisted of a 35 mile trip to my home town to meet Dad for lunch and spend a little time with family. Mr. Dizzy had to work, so I decided it was time to try venturing out by myself, a little further than the short local trips to the Post Office and Walmart.

The day started out nice and cool, a bit of sun, and a nice breeze. I left the house around 9 AM and headed down. Stopping at a friend's house a few miles outside of my home town gave me a nice little break and a chance to visit, then it was on the rest of the way to Dad's. So far, so good.

Lunch was at my cousin's cafe downtown. I had never had the chance to eat there, since they are only open for lunch during the week, and I'm never down there at that time (too damn busy working all the time!). Lunch was fantastic, and all homemade. Other family members also work there, so it was a nice chance to have a good meal, and also get in a bit of a visit with family.

With our tummies happy, we headed back to Dad's house to spend a little time together. But, I was starting to feel my energy level diminish, so decided to cut the visit short and head back towards home. I made it with no problem, but was starting to feel extremely tired, so leaving early was definitely the right decision!

Mr. Dizzy and I decided that today we would head to the Farmer's Market at the College early, and then on to Tuscola to our booth at the antique shop to check things out, since I had not been able to get there since before surgery. I figured that since we were making it an early night, I would get plenty of sleep and be nice and recuperated for the trip.

I was wrong.....

Even though I slept hard, and slept all night, getting up this morning was a major chore.....I was exhausted! Fortunately, Mr. Dizzy was doing the driving. We stopped at the Farmer's Market and I sleepwalked through that, and then on the way over to the antique shop I kind of dozed. We made a quick pass through our booth, cleaning, rearranging items, and visiting a bit with the shop owner. By that time I was getting pretty tired, so we decided to cut it short and head back towards home.

Once we made it back to town, it was a quick stop for quick bite of lunch, and then - - thankfully - - home.

Is my energy level EVER going to come back? Yes, I know, it takes time. And, it's only been just under 5 weeks since the surgery. But, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am NOT a patient person. And this is really getting to me. I am a high-energy person who is always having to do something to keep busy. This? Is driving me CRAZY.

*sigh*

Oh well.....it will come, all in good time.

Unfortunately, not soon enough for me!

Four Weeks Ago Today.....

2011-07-11T19:08:00.008-05:00

My hysterectomy surgery was four weeks ago today. FOUR WEEKS! My, how times flies when you are having fun - - or even when you are not!

So far, the healing process has been going well. I have good days and bad, but the good days are becoming more the norm and the bad days are getting fewer and farther between.

I had high hopes of getting lots of things done while sitting in the recliner or sprawled out on my couch - - there are lots of books to read, a scarf to knit, recipes to be typed into my recipe blog. HIGH HOPES, I has them! But instead of all this, what has been happening instead?

Naps. Lots and lots of naps. And you know what I have discovered? I absolutely LOVE naps! Why we fight them as little kids, I don't understand. They are magical!

My first post-op checkup went well. The Doctor was pleased with my progress, and released me to be able to do some work hours on computer from home. And, I believe this has helped my healing process, because it has allowed me to start feeling like a real part of the team again.

I was also given permission to drive, but am still a bit hesitant about going out of town by myself, and have had to be content with just some short trips aroung town - - the bank, drugstore, grocery store, etc. Hopefully soon I will get my courage up and try an out-of-town trip.My next post-op checkup is July 27th. I am hoping for a return to work on August 1st, possibly half-days that first week. Looking forward to getting back to the office and back in the swing of things.

Wonder if there can be a cot put in my office for my daily nap?

Recovering.......

2011-06-27T12:48:00.002-05:00

Surgery was two weeks ago today. Everything went great, and I am home for six weeks recovering. It's slow, but each day I feel a little bit stronger and a little bit better.

The Doctor did have to do a total hysterectomy, because once she got in there, there were many things to deal with, and it was best to just take it all out and get it over with. I am so glad she did.

The best news of all? The final pathology report, stating that EVERYTHING was benign. 100% benign. Thank you, God!

My post-op checkup is this Wednesday, and I think the Doctor will be pleased with my progress!

Surgery

2011-06-12T17:41:00.004-05:00

This is like "Deja Vu all over again" - - didn't I just go through surgery last Fall? Well yes, I did, to have my right foot worked on.

But this time? It's a bit more serious.....it's surgery of the "female persuasion".....

Tomorrow morning, I am scheduled for a hysterectomy at 7:30 AM. Hopefully all will go smoothly, and I will be home in a few days. I am off work on Medical Leave for 4-6 weeks.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers, please, and I will post once I am back home and feeling up to it.

Tomorrow's gonna be a L-O-O-O-N-G day......

Happy 25th Anniversary!

2011-05-24T19:14:00.007-05:00

Today is our 25th Wedding Anniversary! Yes, 25 years ago today, I was fortunate enough to become the wife to the most wonderful husband in the world.

Photo courtesy of Alida Duff Sullivan

Happy Anniversary, Babe. I would marry you all over again.

Here's to the next 25 years!

Finally - - Spring!

2011-04-09T18:54:00.004-05:00

There are signs of Spring all over at the Dizzy household.....

The trees are blooming:

Violets are starting to pop up in the grass, which is getting so green:

And INSIDE the house? It's just as apparent:

LOVES me some Spring.

The Reason for My Absence

2011-04-04T13:44:00.010-05:00

See? I really HAVE been busy!

It is such a good feeling to have this process finished! And now I might actually have a little time to do something other than homework!

Back Soon.....

2011-03-09T15:35:00.003-06:00

I have been working on a MAJOR educational deal, which has basically taken up the majority of any "spare" time I might otherwise have. This has been going on for a good part of last year, and also since January of this year.

I completed it yesterday.

*DEEP BREATH*

I will have more to report on it once I get my papers from the school, and will share once I do.

Thanks for your patience!

~ Dizzy

Yes, I Took A Break.....

2011-02-24T15:01:00.005-06:00

A special "Thank you!" to Eileen Cook for linking to me in her blog. Appreciate it, Eileen! :-)
(And yes, I definitely AM a fan!)

It's been awhile since I posted, but it's been quite hectic at Chez Dizzy! Work, home, cats, family.....*whew*

But I haven't been totally offline; I have been busy posting in my recipe blog, "Cooking In the Kitchen With Dizzy," which is where I have been typing in my favorite family recipes. This way my recipes will be stored electronically and I don't have to worry about misplacing one. And, with the way they are categorized, it will be much easier to find a particular recipe when I need it.

Please check it out sometime!

What a Beautiful Sight

2011-01-23T12:55:00.002-06:00

Looked out the window the other evening, and this is what I saw:

Absolutely beautiful.

New Year Cats!

2011-01-02T16:23:00.004-06:00

Having been home for just over a week, we have had a lot of good "quality time" to spend with our furbabies.....

Squeak and Lil Dude decided to "help" me changing sheets on the Guest Room bed:

Mr. Dizzy, the "Cat Whisperer" - - no matter where he sits, he always has one or two cats on him:

Carmichael, hamming it up for the camera:

One little slug-a-bug asleep in the sun:

One more little slug-a-bug asleep on the arm of the loveseat:

And one more (not so) little slug-a-bug who WAS asleep on the cat tree, until Mommy woke him up with the camera:

And all is well in the cat's sunroom (we only think it's ours; they know better!):

Can't think of a nicer way to start off the new year than with lovin' furbabies!

2011: Resolutions?

2011-01-01T09:27:00.007-06:00

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I usually don't. But this year, there are some things that I would like to see happen....no, make that things that MUST happen.

Financial security - - work out some "issues" brought about in 2010 that MUST be resolved.
Career - - work out a couple of "issues" there as well.....not sure which way this will go, but am hoping for the best.
Good health - - including maintain a good weight, eat well and have a proper diet, and keep hitting the Gym.
Love and happiness - - take care of Mr. Dizzy and my furbabies to the best of my ability.
GET MY SENSE OF HUMOR BACK. With everything that has been going on, I've lost it somewhere.

I think keeping them more "general" and less "specific" (except for the last one) will help me be able to see any progress made during the coming year.

What about you? Any resolutions for the new year?

2010: A Reflection

2010-12-31T12:00:00.002-06:00

Wow....2010 is basically over. This year has flown by! And as every other year, there have been good things and bad things.....

The early part of the year saw us spending a lot of time helping out our daughter-in-law in the aftermath of the divorce - - with banking, child support, getting everything switched over to her name. It had been so many years since my first marriage ended, I had forgotten how much there was to do! It took quite a while, but we finally helped her get all squared away.

Things were pretty quiet over the summer, but once September arrived, everything started happening! I had foot surgery on September 7th, and spent the next 2 months using a kneewalker scooter to get around. I was also off work on Medical Leave for 4 weeks, which would have been nice if I could have gotten up and done something! Also, Dear Mr. Dizzy's building construction started September 8th, so he was home on vacation not only for that, but to help me the first 2 weeks following my surgery.

September also found us fighting with the bank over the construction loan, thanks to an incompetent appraiser the bank used to evaluate our property. What a total bastard he was. And still is. And more than likely always will be. This whole deal has turned out much harder to deal with than it had to be, thanks to him. And has caused us more than our share of sleepless nights. If you ever want to know who NOT to hire for an appraisal, just contact me. I will be more than happy to share his name with you! Anything I can to do lose the SOB some business.

In November, I was finally released by the Doctor to be able to do some things - - so I went to Fairview Heights for a weekend of shopping and "girl time" with my Classmates ladies group. St. Claire's Square Mall, Joe's Crab Shack for dinner, an overnight at the Drury Inn....and my foot took it all in stride (no pun intended).

Christmas found us hosting Mr. Dizzy's family for dinner, with my Father coming up and spending the weekend with us as well. There were so many people in the house, and so much laughter and raucous noise, the cats all hid in closets! In fact, after everyone left, we could not find Lil Dude at all - - we were worried that one of the kids had accidently let him slip out of the house. But after turning the whole house upside-down, Mr. Dizzy found him, hiding all scrunched up in the back of my closet. Once it quieted down, he eventually screwed up his courage and came out, but was pretty jumpy the rest of the evening.

And now here it is New Year's Eve. It will be a fairly quiet one for us again this year - - we don't like to go out and do much this evening - - leave the hard partying to the kids, and we will stay home and pray they don't hurt themselves. Mr. Dizzy and I will just go out for a nice meal, get home early, and spend the rest of the evening at home, enjoying each other's company. I don't think it can get any better than that.

So in closing, I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year, and that 2011 is a very good year for you and yours!

Just a "Heads-Up"....

2010-12-27T12:23:00.002-06:00

Did I mention that I started up a recipe blog a couple of months ago? If not, well - - I started up a recipe blog a couple of months ago!

I decided that I was tired of always trying to find a particular recipe in all of my cookbooks, my scraps of paper in my recipe "file", etc. So, I decided it was time to get all my recipes into electronic form, and what better way than a blog?

So far I have over 40 of my tried-and-true recipes loaded, and there are many, many more to go. Since Campus is closed for Winter Break and I am off all week, there will be a lot more updating going on.

So if you are in the mood to find a new recipe, or just like to browse food blogs, feel free to check it out. Here is the blog address: http://dizzyskitchen.blogspot.com.

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. AND, be sure to check back at the blog often, because I will be continually adding to it!

Grace In Small Things: 51/2010

2010-12-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Christmas with my Dad!
Visiting with my crazy aunt, uncle and cousins
Quiet, quality time with Dear Mr. Dizzy
Winter Break - - I don't go back to work until January 3rd!
Getting to see my son for Christmas! He lives in Oklahoma, and came up to Illinois to spend time with family.

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Christmas!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Merry Christmas To One and All!

2010-12-24T19:02:00.002-06:00

From our household to yours - - from Dizzy Ms. Lizzy, Mr. Dizzy, Carmichael, Squeak, and Lil Dude.

Grace In Small Things: 50/2010

2010-12-20T08:26:00.003-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Squeaky girl kitty still on the mend and doing well
My foot still on the mend and doing extremely well
Christmas party with a great group of friends Saturday night - - good food, good times, good people
Dear Mr. Dizzy's family Christmas gathering at our house on Sunday - - more good Holiday times
Last week of work before Winter Break, then off work until January!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 49/2010

2010-12-13T09:31:00.002-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

A nice warm home when the wind chill temps dip below zero.
Squeaky-girl kitty getting better now.
Roast pork and dressing for Sunday dinner....the whole house smells great.
Making some of the cutest Christmas presents ever.
Getting released by the Doctor, and finally able to do more of what I want.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 48/2010

2010-12-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Finding out my home computer crash isn't as drastic as first thought, and shouldn't cost me an arm and leg to get it fixed - - it should be repaired and back at my home office desk soon (thank goodness I bought this laptop as a spare!)
Taking Friday off and making myself a long three-day weekend
Little Squeak Kitty sleeping on my shoulder early in the morning (like 5 AM early!)
The heavy snow going North of us - - they got 4-5 inches, we just got a light dusting....*whew*.....dodged a bullet on that one
Homemade Lasagna - - my Mother's recipe - - cooking in the oven for Sunday Dinner

And one more - - the last post-op checkup on my foot went extremely well! The Doctor has now released me, and told me to be careful, use common sense, but I can basically do whatever my foot will allow me to do. So now it's back to the Gym full-time! Yay!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 47/2010

2010-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

A short work week and a LONG Holiday weekend!
Thanksgiving dinner with my Dad
Dessert and conversation with my aunt, uncle and a whole mess of cousins after dinner
Time at home to work on Christmas gifts - - love those extra days holiday weekends give me!
An NCIS Marathon on the telly all day Sunday.

**I go for my next foot surgery post-op checkup on Wednesday, Dec. 1st. Wish me luck for a good report!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

'Tis the Season To Be Snotty

2010-11-26T14:43:00.004-06:00

After last year's Black Friday incident (I posted about it here: http://dizzymslizzy.blogspot.com/2009/11/black-friday-incident-and-other-stuff.html, I have sworn off day after Thanksgiving shopping. Forever. I don't care how much something is on sale for - - I don't care how badly I may want it - - I don't care if they are GIVING IT AWAY - - you couldn't pay me enough to put myself through that again.

Besides, why go there, freeze my ass off waiting for a store to open, get pushed and shoved and practically beaten black and blue by rude, inconsiderate people on Black Friday, when I can get that any day in the week?

Yes, it's true, unfortunately....the closer it gets to the Holiday season, and all during said season, people get more rude, more inconsiderate, and just plain, downright mean.

Case in point: Yesterday evening Dear Mr. Dizzy and I decided to get our grocery shopping done before the crazy holiday sales madness hit the following day. It was good timing - - Walmart was almost deserted. We happened to see someone I work with, and pulled over to the side of the wide main aisle to chat for a minute. As we are standing there, a young lady walked by, and as she passed us, she rammed into my friend's cart, actually pushing it, and just kept on walking without saying a word. My friend was shocked, and I said to the girl's back (she was about an aisle away by that point), "You could at least say excuse me." Well, she turned around and gave us a "look" (and not a nice one at that), and then just tossed an "Excuse me" over her shoulder at us, and kept walking.

Gee, we were all the way over at the side of the aisle, to make sure we were out of people's way. And then you come along and decide that is the EXACT SPOT in that whole, wide aisle you wanted - - you NEEDED - - to be. What a sense of entitlement.

Amazing.

A bit later, as Mr. Dizzy and I are checking out, I'm paying the cashier, and happen to look over at the checkout lane next to us. There is the same young lady, who just finished checking out and is gathering her bags, standing there just GLARING at me. I ignored her. She continued to stand there, glaring at me. I finally looked over and gave her "the look" (if you know me, you know exactly what I'm talking about!). She faltered a bit, but continued to stare....but finally looked away and walked off.

Lucky for her. I don't put up with people who feel they are entitled to treat people as rudely as they wish and just get away with it. Push me too far and find out what happens next. Bring it, bitch.

*sigh*

It's going to be a LONG Holiday season.....

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T07:42:00.000-06:00

Easter Graphics

Grace In Small Things: 46/2010

2010-11-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Warm kitties on cool nights
Gooey Butter Cookies!
A weekend out of town shopping with my Ladies group
Coming home after a weekend shopping!
Dear Mr. Dizzy walking in the door after a long hunting weekend....feels so good having his arms wrapped around me - - where they belong!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 45/2010

2010-11-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

A SHORT work week - - only 3 days, followed by a 4 day weekend.
A long weekend spent with good friends in Brownsville, Tennessee. Southern hospitality at its best.
Southern cooking - - nothing like good hot grits for breakfast!
Being home - - no matter how good it is to get away, it's even better getting back home where we belong.
Three fuzzy cat-creatures greeting us as we walk in the door, SO happy to see us.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Moving Forward....Finally!

2010-11-11T20:29:00.003-06:00

Progress is being made!

For the first time in three months, I am able to go back to the Gym! The Doctor has cleared me to work on upper body and core, but no machines that would put stress on my foot (such as treadmill, elliptical, bike, etc.)...my Doctor and I have a good trust built up between us. He knows he can trust me to NOT do something I'm not supposed to do, and to protect my foot.

So Tuesday I went and worked out on the upper body and core machines, did some crunches on an exercise ball; only did about 1/2 hour workout, because that was my first time in three months. Wednesday, I made it back for my favorite Body Toning class. This morning I made it in for more work on the upper body/core machines. I was going to go back tomorrow morning, but.....

Tonight, the pain has hit. *sigh* Tomorrow morning, it may be all I can do to get out of bed without assistance! So - - tomorrow's workout may have to be put on "hold" until next week.

But you know, it's all worth it....it just feels so damn good to be back!

Now if my muscles will stop being mad at me.....

New Blog.....

2010-11-10T22:16:00.003-06:00

I have been looking for a way to put all my recipes in electronic form, not only to keep from losing them someday, but in a form that allows me to find one easily, or share them easily with friends or family members that may want a copy.

So, I decided the best way would be to start keeping a recipe blog.

The new blog is called "Cooking In the Kitchen With Dizzy" and can be found at http://dizzyskitchen.blogspot.com.

So far, I have quite a few of our favorite recipes in there, complete with a picture of each. And? Each recipe is categorized with a label for each in searching.

I hope you get a chance to check it out sometime!

Grace In Small Things: 44/2010

2010-11-08T08:35:00.003-06:00

What I am grateful for this week:

A good report from my most recent post-op checkup....my foot is healing well.
Actually able to wear a real SHOE periodically on my surgery foot!
Spending a couple of evenings with my grandsons...pizza one night, Crescent Dogs the next. And lots of fun.
Seeing my son for the first time in months - - it had been WAY too long.
Bacon-Corn Chowder in the crockpot....so good!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Well - - Good News, and Not So Good News.....

2010-11-01T18:07:00.003-05:00

My latest post-op checkup with the Doctor was some good, and some not so good.

The GOOD news is that:

I am healing well.
I can start sleeping without the surgical shoe on (HALLELUJIA!).
I have been cleared to take my "road trip" to Fairview Heights on Nov. 20th, including driving myself all that way.
I can start going back to the Gym to do some light working out, such as upper body weight machines, recumbent bike, etc. NOT the elliptical, stairmaster, or treadmills yet, but that's fine. Baby steps.

The NOT-so-good news is that I'm still having to wear the surgical shoe quite a bit. I was hoping to be able to put on a REAL shoe this afternoon, but my foot was swollen just enough that it was not possible. I got the shoe about halfway on, and there was no getting it any further.

BUMMER.

I know - - it's only been 2 months tomorrow that I had surgery. I'm trying very hard to be patient. But anyone who knows me, even a little bit, knows that PATIENCE is NOT a strong point of mine.....

I have some good, supportive lace-up shoes I can wear, that will probably fit just fine, and those will definitely be getting worn a lot. But, they are not the kind of shoes I can wear and look okay with my work clothes. And as for going shoe shopping? Out of the question, for quite a few more months.

I'm really not complaining. I'm healing well, and things are looking pretty good. But it was disheartening to not be able to fit that shoe on my foot. I know it's because my foot will be swelling as the day goes on, and that will continue for a few more months as the healing process continues.

I REALLY DO KNOW ALL THIS.

And tomorrow? I will feel much better about everything.

Tonight, I just want to be able to be bummed out, and get it out of my system.

Grace In Small Things: 43/2010

2010-11-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

I survived a horrendous work week!
Hot tea to warm me up on chilly Autumn mornings
Lap robes to snuggle under while watching an NCIS Marathon
Finding a new Holiday outfit at JC Penney....it fits perfectly, and it was on sale!
Tater Tot Casserole for Supper - - one of the ultimate comfort foods!

Tomorrow I go back to the foot doctor for my 4th post-op checkup. If all goes well, I may be able to start wearing regular shoes on that foot again. Keep your fingers crossed!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 42/2010

2010-10-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Homemade chili simmering in the crockpot
Walking without crutches or a cane!
DRIVING again! (Missed driving SO much)
Going to the Animal Protective League fundraiser on Sunday....they do such good work for homeless animals, and we always support them.
Lil Dude sleeping on my computer desk in front of my monitors as I type this....what a sweetie.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 41/2010

2010-10-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Got an EXCELLENT report from the Doctor Monday, and got to start walking on my right foot again, for the first time in almost 6 weeks
On Saturday, I was released to be able to drive again! (Just short trips, but the freedom feels great!)
Fresh produce from the Produce Market - - the last one this season, unfortunately.....
A big pot of homemade Chili simmering on the stove....the whole house smells SO good!
A new purse from Payless - - beautiful, on sale, AND a coupon for additional 20% off! Yes, I am "super shopper"!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Driving!!

2010-10-17T15:18:00.002-05:00

I am now able to drive again! Yay!

Yesterday was my first attempt at it after six weeks of not being able to be in the Driver's Seat. My first little short trip was to the Farmer's Market at the College; I wanted to go because it was the last one of the season. And, since the College is only 5 minutes away from home, Mr. Dizzy and I figured it would be a safe little trek for me to try for my first outing.

It went fine, except I noticed that I was being overly cautious, mainly because my foot still has that big clumsy surgical shoe on (my friend Adam, who saw it for the first time yesterday, called it a "Jesus Sandal"....never thought of it that way before, but ya know? He's right.).

Once I got back home, I decided to run a few errands......

HOURS later, I got back home.

Poor Mr. Dizzy - - now that I'm back in the saddle, he can't keep me home!

Believe me, I appreciate everything Dear Mr. Dizzy did for me the past six weeks - - nursing me back to health, getting me drinks, snacks, my computer, books ..... even cooking supper almost every evening! Getting my "sea legs" back doesn't mean he's no longer needed. He is. And hopefully he believe me when I tell him that.

But - - oh my, does it ever feel good to get some independence back!

Well, THIS Isn't Fun.....

2010-10-14T17:12:00.003-05:00

I started walking, for the first time in FIVE WEEKS, Monday evening.

It feels weird, like having to learn how to walk all over again. I was a bit shaky at first, and a little off-balance. (I know, I've always been a bit "off-balance. Hush. I'm being serious here!)

You know when you start working out, or step up your workout to a higher level, how your muscles get mad at you? How the next day, you are a bit sore, but the day after THAT, you are in so much pain you just want to crawl in a hole and cover up?

Tuesday, my ankle and legs were a little bit achy and tired. I figured "hey, not too bad; I'm going to be okay." Right? RIGHT?

Wrong. So, so wrong.

Tuesday was the "day after." Yesterday was the "day after THAT."

Last night was a trip back to Vicodin land.....my back, hips, legs, ankles, feet - - hell, my whole BODY - - was one giant ball of pain. It was Vicodin, or no sleep. The Vicodin won. Even then, I woke up in the middle of the night, stiff and sore from laying so still, and had to take another one.

But today? MUCH better. I was not about to take any Vicodin at work, so carried a bottle of aspirin with me; but, didn't have to take any until about 2:00 this afternoon.

MUCH better.

And, I am walking much better today....actually starting to get the hang of it again!

I'm going to get through this. Really I am.

Post-Op Checkup: Good News!

2010-10-12T11:48:00.002-05:00

I had GREAT news from the Doctor yesterday....everything is healing up well, and I am able to do some walking now! I still have the kneewalker stroller until the end of the month, as it will need to be used for long stretches that would be too much for me to walk just yet. But he wants me to try walking for short little treks, around the house, down the hall at work, etc.

But the nerves in my foot? Are NOT happy with me - - when I first start taking a few steps, they flare up and give me hell.....for about 30 seconds, then it calms down and I'm able to amble on down the hall.

I have also been cleared to try some driving this weekend - - just short little trips at first so that I don't tire out my foot and have it start swelling on me. But this means I can drive myself to work starting next week, and can go back to my normal work hours!

My next checkup is in 3 weeks. If all is still looking well, I will be able to get out of the surgical shoe and start wearing real shoes again. That will feel SO good!

All in all, this makes me a very happy lady!

Grace In Small Things: 40/2010

2010-10-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

After a month off on Medical Leave, I was FINALLY able to go back to work this week (with Doctor's restrictions, of course)
MAKING IT through the whole work week - - some days were tougher than others
A Chocolate/Heath Bits/Cool Whip topped cake brought by my Director as a "Welcome Back" to work
Cool nights and warm kittycats - - makes for good sleeping
Chicken Tetrazzini for supper last night - - the whole house smelled wonderful

This afternoon I go back to the Doctor for my third post-op checkup. Hopefully the stitches will be taken out, and I also hope to get some news on when I might be able to try some walking. I will admit to being impatient, but - - I also know that following Doctor's orders to the letter is an absolute must. Baby steps, people, baby steps....

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 39/2010

2010-10-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

My knitting project is going extremely well
Dinner out with "The Ladies" at Firewater Cafe - Broiled Salmon on Garlic Spinach....yum!**
Cooler weather....good for snuggling!
Warm, cuddly kitty-kids sharing my lap robe with me
Going back to work after a month of Medical Leave!

Tomorrow is my first day back to work (with Doctor-ordered restrictions). Wish me luck!

**Side Note: If Travis Erwin reads about this, I'm sure he will have something to say....I know you may not believe this, Travis, but I really DO like steak also! (But sometimes I stray to the "Dark Side" of fish and veggies.....)

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Courtesy and Compassion (Or Lack Thereof)

2010-09-30T09:44:00.003-05:00

I have always tried to be courteous to people with disabilities. I will hold doors, help someone reach an item on a higher shelf if needed, not shown impatience if I'm slowed down walking behind them in a crowded store. It's not their fault. They have a disability; they are doing the best they can. I figure nothing in my life is so damn urgent that I can't wait a couple of extra minutes....no reason to be impatient or rude.

It's the way I was raised - - be kind, be courteous, and show compassion. It's too bad that there are so many people out there who do NOT practice this.

For the past month, since my foot surgery, I have had to use a kneewalker to get around, since I am not allowed to put any weight on my right foot at all. When grocery shopping, I have been using the battery-operated carts; if one is not available, I have to use the kneewalker. During the time so far, I have run into the best and worst of people out there - - the kind, courteous ones, and the jerks. I have had doors help open for me (thank you!), and I have had people literally push in front of me, to the point where I almost fell off the kneewalker (idiots!).

But one of the worst things? Is at the checkout. I use my Debit Card to pay, and the little machine that you swipe your card through and then have to punch in you PIN? And also answer some stupid questions (cash back? donate? etc., etc., etc.)?

It does not tilt down.

So here I am, in a narrow checkout lane, sitting in a battery-operated cart, because hey - - I am not able to put any weight on my foot - - and I am having to try to stand up in the damn cart to swipe my card, punch in my PIN, and answer all their nosy-ass questions.

It's not easy, people. Not easy at all.

So hey, Walmart! Kroger! County Market! How about a little compassion here! Okay?

This time off my feet is a real eye-opener. If anything, it's made me even more aware of how much farther we need to go to make things more accessible for persons with disabilities - - better sidewalk access from parking lots, automatic doors, displays in grocery store aisles (THOSE things are a freakin' menace!) and more.

I don't know what it will take - - writing letters, talking with store managers - - but I intend to at least try.

Grace In Small Things: 38/2010

2010-09-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

A knitting "play date" with my dear friend Judy, who taught me to knit a couple of years ago....I was going stir-crazy and needed the company - - thanks, Judy!
Wendy's BLT Cobb Salad for supper...yum!
Squeaky-girl kitty cuddling up with me in the early morning, keeping me nice and warm
Sachima (a Chinese snack cake) from my dear friend Lily....she knows how much I love it!
As usual, my Dear Mr. Dizzy, for taking such good care of me during my surgery recovery. Yes, blessed I am.....

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 37/2010

2010-09-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

My new Kindle! :-)
A good post-op checkup report from my foot surgery
Pot Roast and roasted veggies for dinner
Mr. Dizzy, the MOST WONDERFUL husband in the world, for all the help and caring he has provided me the past 2 weeks following my surgery
Andee, the best hair stylist EVER, for actually coming to the house to cut my hair, to make it easier for me

I am SO blessed!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

My New Toy!

2010-09-18T17:08:00.002-05:00

Guess what I got??

I have wanted one of these since they came out....and I am madly in love with it!

I'm having so much fun with this.....

Post-Surgery Update

2010-09-17T14:45:00.004-05:00

I went for my second post-op checkup this morning. The Doctor is VERY pleased with my foot's healing progress! But, I am still going to be off work for at least another 2 weeks (oh, DARN....LOL).

I am also fighting a sinus infection....*sigh*....we stopped at our Family Doctor's office on the way home and talked to the nurse. She spoke to the Doctor and got me a prescription for an antibiotic, so I'm on meds for another 10 days. Hope this kicks it, it's making me miserable!

Grace In Small Things: 36/2010

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

My foot surgery went EXTREMELY well!
I have virtually NO pain from the surgery, which means the Vicodin is doing its job
Dear Mr. Dizzy is home on vacation for 2 weeks, so has been here to help me out when I need it (which is A LOT)
My first post-op checkup went very well....the Doctor thinks things are looking good
My friend Connie dropped by with homemade brownies....she makes the BEST brownies ever!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Surgery Update

2010-09-08T10:12:00.002-05:00

Foot surgery went well! I am now in and out of "Vicodin Land"....which is a strange feeling. But it helps keep the pain at bay, so it's a good place to be!

Yesterday we got to the Hospital at 6 AM, and they took me back right away. Got the IV put in (which was a NIGHTMARE) (thanks to the tech who messed it up) (TWICE!). I was in surgery by 8 AM and out around 9 AM, in recovery. Since they used an ankle block and Twilight, I was alert and "with it" very quickly, and was discharged and home by Noon.

So now it's all a healing process....my foot is uncomfortable, but the pain is managed by the Vicodin pretty well. I have my first post-op appointment with the Doctor this Friday morning, so we will see what he has to say. Hopefully he will have good news for me!

I'll keep ya posted.....

Grace In Small Things: 35/2010

2010-09-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

This week, I am going to change things up a bit....

Tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 7th) I am having surgery on my right foot. The Doctor has already told me that I will be off work for 3-4 weeks, will be using crutches or a kneewalker for 6-8 weeks, will not be able to drive for 2 months, and cannot return to the Gym for 3 months.

Therefore - - I am grateful that I have a job with people who are considerate and understanding, that I have health insurance benefits that allow me to take care of a medical problem when it arises, and that I have people in my life who truly love and care about me. This is being shown as follows:

My employer has granted me Medical Leave so that I can be off without worrying about losing my position.
My husband has scheduled his two weeks vacation to coincide with my first two weeks off, so that I will have someone here 24/7 in case I need something....I am SO blessed to have that man in my life.
My Medical Benefits is allowing me to rent a kneewalker to use instead of crutches, which is SUCH a blessing; I tried crutches, and my wrists hurt so bad I could hardly do anything.
When I am finally able to come back to work, my supervisor is allowing me to flex my work schedule to match my husband's, so that I don't have to worry about how to get there and back home again.
My friend Connie has given me many magazines to read, lent me her pair of crutches to keep around in case they are needed, and has offered to stop by every week and pick up my timesheets/time off forms to turn into my supervisor for me. She has also offered to stop at the Farmer's Market on Saturdays and pick up some fresh produce for me.

Wish me luck, and please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Lil Dude and His Posse

2010-09-02T17:47:00.009-05:00

Updated: I have added a past picture of Lil Dude from back in January, when he first joined our family, to use as a reference:

Remember this little guy?

Well - - Lil Dude isn't so "LITTLE" anymore!

He's such a sweetie! And such a Brat! And.....well, he's a kitten; what do you expect?

AAAAANNNNNDDDDD of course there are the other two sleepyheads.....

Yes, Dude is my "Baby", but.....Those two will ALWAYS be my loves!

Grace In Small Things: 34/2010

2010-08-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Actually making it through the first week of classes without any major meltdowns!
Cooler weather
Curling up with Lil Dude and the other Kitty-Kids
Finding a treasure trove of my Grandmother's books- - she's been gone 20 years, and we just found out about these!
Fresh dug carrots from the Produce Market - - SO sweet and tender!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

This Is What Work Has Been....

2010-08-26T09:55:00.005-05:00

It's been INSANE.....

Grace In Small Things: 33/2010

2010-08-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

FINALLY some rain to brighten up my flowers and green up my lawn
My Student Worker's wife coming through emergency surgery with flying colors
Weekends - - 'nuff said
A day of fun at the State Fair with Dear Mr. Dizzy and friends from Chicago
Breakfast at Panera with Mr. Dizzy - - and it was FREE!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

State Fair Time!

2010-08-22T16:59:00.006-05:00

Saturday Mr. Dizzy and I took a road trip to Springfield to the Illinois State Fair. We were meeting friends of ours who were coming down from Chicago to spend the day at the Fair as well. Here are some of the "highlights" that we saw while we were there.....

When we first walked in the gate of the Fairgrounds, we saw this guy:

Guess you should never go anywhere without your goat.....

And, I guess this guy was jonesin' for some breakfast - - Mini-dounts, breakfast of champions:

I had heard of this stuff, but never experienced it before now:

Never thought I would say this, but chocolate covered bacon really isn't half bad!

Went into the Artisan's Building, and saw this guy:

Yes, that is Mountain Dew bottles....

We also saw this little fellow:

He is made totally out of milk jugs and staples.

Heh. I can't make this stuff up.....

This Is SO Funny....

2010-08-19T17:53:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the "Simon's Cat" videos? They are hilarious, and this new one reminds us SO much of Lil Dude.....enjoy!

Happy Birthday To Me.....

2010-08-17T12:08:00.004-05:00

And hopefully many, many more.....

Grace In Small Things: 32/2010

2010-08-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

My feet have finally stopped hurting from Decatur Celebration
FINALLY, some rain, after a long, HOT dry spell (unfortunately, it's STILL hot, but at least my yard and flowers got a drink)
Fresh tomatoes from the Produce Market (great on a hamburger)
Little Squeaky-girl Kitty curling up with me sleeping at night
My grandson's Birthday....he is now 11.....Happy Birthday, Alex! (*sigh* Where did the time go?)

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Decatur Celebration Pictures!

2010-08-14T18:37:00.005-05:00

Here are a few shots we got from this year's Celebration:

Ryan Cabrera on our stage Friday night:

The Parade Saturday morning:

Lou Gramm performing Saturday night:

Georgia Satellites Saturday afternoon:

Charlie Daniels!!

All in all, an EXTREMELY good Festival this year!

Decatur Celebration

2010-08-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

Okay, this post is a few days late. Decatur Celebration was LAST weekend, but I have been "recovering" from it these past few days, and also work has been nothing short of chaotic.

I know - - enough with the excuses....so here is information on how this year's Celebration went down.....

This was the 25th Anniversary of the Celebration. It also marked the 24th year Dear Mr. Dizzy and I have worked the festival. So it was a happy time for all!

We work the Show Stage, which is the largest stage at the festival, and it usually gets the biggest "headliners" for the year. This year we had four acts to work with - - Ryan Cabrera Friday night, The Lou Gramm Band (he's the former lead singer of Foreigner) Saturday night, The Georgia Satellites Sunday afternoon, and Charlie Daniels Sunday night.

Quite a line-up, eh?

Friday evening Mr. Dizzy and I got downtown around 4:30. When we got to the stage, we were a bit concerned....not band set up; nothing at all onstage! We found the stage manager and asked about it, and he just laughed and said, "All we need is a mic and a pedal for acoustic guitar." Apparently Ryan Cabrera didn't have anyone backing him - - it was just him on stage with his guitar, singing soft pop songs.

I had no idea who he was, but apparently every prepubescent girl in the tri-county area did, because the average age of the audience was about 15. And the screaming? High-pitched and LOUD. Kinda cute, actually - - but I seriously doubt that I was ever THAT young!

Ryan and his manager were nice people, and it was a pretty calm crowd. Also, the weather was pretty mild that evening, so all in all it was a pretty easy (read: BORING) start to the festival for me. Sorry, but - - I like a little action on the stage, and a crowd that is just a touch more mature. Maybe I'm showing my age.....

Saturday the temps started out pretty mild, and the humidity was down a bit, so it was not an uncomfortable day. We had Lou Gramm's Band that day, and when they all arrived for setup and sound check, we were very happy with the way they were - - friendly, nice, easy to work with. And the show that night? Nothing short of AMAZING!!

And it seems that his performing is nothing short of a miracle....a few years ago, Lou was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and he found a doctor who was using a new laser surgical technique. He agreed to the surgery, but was given a LESS THAN 50% chance of survival.

Well, he survived - - and started performing and touring again, and sounds better than ever. He put on an amazing show! After the performance, the band was backstage with all of the workers, and they were as nice and down-to-earth as you could hope to find. A very nice second night of the festival!

Sunday, the heat and humidity returned. WITH A VENGEANCE. It started out early morning hot, and as the day progressed, it just got worse. And of course, it was to be our busiest day....we had TWO BANDS and THREE SHOWS to work with.

The work day started at 9:00 AM, with load-in for Charlie Daniels' band. Also, the souvenirs needed set up, because they wanted them on sale ALL DAY, not just during the performance. Then, the Georgia Satellites showed up with their equipment. And THEIR souvenirs. Keeping the sales straight for two different groups was going to present a definite challenge....

Charlie Daniels' band did a two-hour soundcheck, and once that was done, it was time to set up Georgia Satellite's equipment in front of the other band's stuff. They were playing two shows, and Charlie Daniels was playing one show later in the evening.

All this time the heat and humidity are rising, the sun is beating down, and it's HOT under the awning were souvenir sales were going on. Which is where I was trapped.

Georgia Satellites put on a great pair of shows! And, they were very nice, funny, down-to-earth guys, and we had a ton of fun with them. I never have cared for their music, and still don't (sorry guys), but they were good people.

About 6:45, I headed into the Civic Center to help with the Charlie Daniels Meet & Greet. Again, I have never been a country music fan (and still am not), but was looking forward to meeting a man who was such a music legend. And, I had heard that he was a very nice person.

Well, Charlie did not disappoint. When he walked in the room, and heard everybody cheering, he ducked his head and actually look embarrassed! But, pleased at the same time.

I assisted keeping the Meet & Greet people in line and signaling them when to come up, and it was a fun time. Near the end, one of Charlie's people walked up, handed me a picture, and asked me if I would like to meet Charlie also. Well, HELL YEAH! So when everyone in the line was through, I came up and got to talk to him. He chatted with me for a bit, and I said I was one of his stage workers; he actually thanked me for helping with his show that night! He then not only signed the picture, but my Volunteer Work Shirt as well.

Charlie Daniels treated everyone he talked to the same, whether it was the Producer of the festival, the Media people, the Mayor of our City, or a stage worker like myself.

And you better believe the show he put on that night? Nothing.Short.Of.FABULOUS.

Before, during, and after the snow, his band and road crew were just as nice and friendly as the Big Man himself. So even though the weather was miserable, it was a great ending to a great year.

I have pictures, but will post them tomorrow. Hope you enjoy them!

BLAZING Heat....

2010-08-12T18:33:00.004-05:00

It's hot here in Central Illinois.

Uncomfortably, miserably so.

Not just the kind of normal Summer weather you would expect....no, we are talking temps in the high 90's, high humidity, and Heat Indices (feels like) temps in the triple digits. Anywhere from 105-125. Degrees. Fahrenheit.

No, that is not a typo.

Yeah, it's not fun.

I grew up LOVING Summer. LOVING it. I was always outside, always playing, you could hardly get me to come in the house. But these days? You can hardly get me to leave it!

Don't get me wrong here - - I will still take warm weather over Winter any time! I hate being cold, and during the Winter months never seem to be able to get warm enough.

But a Heat Index of 125? Degrees? Fahrenheit?

No thanks, had enough.

I can has my usual Summer weather back now? Please?

Grace In Small Things: 31/2010

2010-08-09T09:03:00.002-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Grilled turkey/cheese sandwiches with fresh garden tomatoes in the middle.
Helping orient new Scholar students embarking on their College path....a whole new batch of fresh faces on Campus!
Passed my online MOT class with 100%!
Air conditioning, especially with heat indices at 100+ degrees.....
Another successful Decatur Celebration festival done and in the books - - this was Year #25, Silver Anniversary.

***Side note: After 3 days of working the fest, I'm burned to a crisp! Yes, I used sunscreen, yes, I reapplied it, but it was so darn hot it kept sweating off! And I was too busy working to reapply it every 1/2 hour or so..... ***

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 30/2010

2010-08-02T10:47:00.002-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Friday was Payday!
Lil Dude bringing out the "kitten" in Squeak - - she's getting so much more playful and fun! And affectionate.
My latest ION (Illinois Online Network) course is done, finished and through, and my grade is 320 points our of 320 points. An "A" in the books!
Fresh tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon and more from the Saturday Produce Market.
My life - - I am truly blessed with an amazing husband, and sweet, lovable, fun kitty-babies.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 29/2010

2010-07-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Some much needed rain; my new grass was doing poorly, now it's really sprouting up.
Cooler temps and lower humidity!
A fun day in our nearby Amish community.
Supper with Dear Mr. Dizzy and my Dad Friday evening.
This article: http://herald-review.com/news/local/article_c41ab863-ae0f-598c-8da5-d13fd380f6ee.html. Dear Mr. Dizzy and I are very happy with it!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Decatur Celebration Memories....

2010-07-25T12:48:00.004-05:00

Check this out....Tim Cain wrote a GREAT article about Decatur Celebration, and about yours truly and Mr. Dizzy....

http://herald-review.com/news/local/article_c41ab863-ae0f-598c-8da5-d13fd380f6ee.html

Grace In Small Things: 28/2010

2010-07-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Short work week for me, just four days.
Spending time with friends in St. Louis....even though we went down for a visitation/funeral, it was still good to be able to see everyone and be with them.
Presentation at BlackboardWorld in Orlando went well for my Director. Way to go, Kona! :-)
Lunch with a good friend yesterday - - Cheddar's!
Lil Dude sleeping on my computer desk as I write this....his favorite place to be when I'm typing (he likes to "help").

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

I Swear, He Thinks He's A Dog....

2010-07-15T11:13:00.002-05:00

That new Lil Dude of ours. I swear, he thinks he's a dog.

I'll be sitting up in bed, reading or watching TV at night, and he will bring up one of his cat toys, drop it on the bed in front of me, and then stand there, staring at me and meowing insistently. I will play with him with the toy for a bit, then throw it off the bed. He used to just jump off the bed and chase it, and then play with it on the floor.

Not anymore....he "fetches" it back to me.

Yes, he chases it down, brings it back on the bed, drops it in front of me, and starts the whole staring/meowing routine all over again. Just like a dog would do....well, without the "meowing" part. :)

*sigh* What a character. What a swee, adorable, funny little character!

Road Trip

2010-07-13T16:00:00.005-05:00

I have been hoping, for a LONG, LONG time, that Mr. Dizzy and I would have a chance to make a weekend road trip to St. Louis. We have good friends down there, and there are so many things we like to go and see, such as University City, The Hill, Ted Drewe's, and much, much more.

Sunday we made a road trip to St. Louis. But, not for the reasons I had hoped . . . we attended the funeral of one of those very dear, close family friends. Mr. Dizzy's Dad and John (the family friend) served in the Navy together, have always been as close as brothers, and their kids grew up together; they are more like brothers and sisters than friends.

Dear Mr. Dizzy, his brother, father, and another Navy mate were asked to be pallbearers. I know John would have loved that.

I was doing pretty good holding it all together until we got to the cemetery, where they buried him with full military honors - - the 21 gun salute, "Taps" played in the distance, and the folding and presenting of the flag to the family. THAT is when I just totally lost it.

The past two days have been an emotional rollercoaster for us, and we both feel completely drained. It's difficult to lose someone so dear to you.

Rest in Peace, John. And God Bless.

Grace In Small Things: 27/2010

2010-07-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

A short (4-day) work week.
Fresh sweet corn on the cob.
Landscaping outside around our house is finished, and beautiful!
Fresh peaches for cobbler. Or maybe a pie. Or both.
National Chocolate Day last Tuesday....just because.... :)

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Uh-Ohhhhhh......

2010-07-06T13:34:00.002-05:00

We have one BAD LITTLE BOY on our hands.....

Look at how GUILTY he looks.....

But I still love the Lil Dude! :-)

Grace In Small Things: 27/2010

2010-07-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

A FIVE DAY WEEKEND - - took off Thursday and Friday, and along with the three day Holiday weekend, it's like a mini-vacation!
Dinner at Olive Garden with my Dad - - always good spending time with him!
A trip to Arthur, Illinois - - our nearby Amish community - - for a day of fun with my friend Connie. Visited a lot of Amish businesses and found lots of fresh baked goods and fresh produce galore.
Steaks out on the grill to celebrate the Holiday weekend.
Living in America - - would not want to live anywhere else!

Happy Fourth of July....and Happy Birthday, America!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

2010-07-04T15:33:00.002-05:00

I'm PROUD to be an American!

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Eight (In Pictures!)

2010-07-01T19:37:00.005-05:00

He was so small, and scared, and starving that cold Winter night we found him on our doorstep, and this is the closest we could get to him without him bolting in fear....

But once we finally got our hands on him, got him cleaned up and he started feeling safe, he started getting a little friendlier.... and look at those beautiful big green eyes.....

And just like big brother Carmichael, we discovered Lil Dude's love of "belly rubs".....

When he is not eating or playing with big brother Carmichael or big sister Squeak, he loves to spend time "helping" Mom (me) on the computer....

He also learned the fine art of "napping"....

Anywhere....

Any time....

He is now 6 months old, and growing BIG! Look how long his tail has gotten....

Mr. Dizzy and I never wanted more than two cats in our home. NEVER. But now that Lil Dude is here, it's hard to imagine life without him! He has brought the playfulness out in both Carmichael and Squeak, and won over my heart, and Mr. Dizzy's as well.

So, to end this story, I would like to say something to the people who dumped him out on that cold, freezing Winter night and left him for dead....

Dear cruel, heartless bastards - - this is a big THANK YOU for being such idiots, and dumping Lil Dude out at our home. He is a beautiful, adorable kitty, and a wonderful addition to our family! You have no idea what you are missing out on - - the playfulness, the comedy, but most of all - - the love. Lil Dude has more affection than his (not so) little body can hold, and gives it to all of us freely and constantly. And you never will, because he is OURS. We are the winners in this situation . You stupid jerks are the losers here!

"That's telling them, Mom!"

Grace In Small Things: 26/2010

2010-06-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

Things I am grateful for this week:

Good report from my dentist appointment!
Curling up with Lil Dude during the thunderstorms rolling through last Tuesday....he helped make it all better.
Great workout in the Body Sculpting class last Wednesday - - my muscles STILL ache! But it feels good.....
Celebrating my student worker's 21st birthday last Friday - - pizza and DQ Ice Cream Cake for lunch - - YUM!
Burgers and brats cooked out on the grill for supper, with fresh green beans and new potatoes on the side. LOVE all the fresh produce this time of year!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Seven (The Rest of the Story)

2010-06-26T19:29:00.003-05:00

Life got busier by the day at work. A had many projects going, and little time to do anything else. She was able to find a house she liked and made an offer, which was rejected. Then things stepped up even more, and she had virtually no time to house-hunt for awhile.

Lil Dude kept worming his way into our hearts - - gotta admit, the little guy is GOOD! His favorite thing seems to be coming up into our bed in the middle of the night and curl up on my stomach, purring. Then, he moves himself around until he is sleeping right in-between us, with my arm around him and his head on my shoulder....and he purrs himself (and me) to sleep.

How can I let go of THAT?? Well, the answer is - - I can't.

Mr. Dizzy and I were talking a couple of weeks ago, and he said, "You know, I think he is going to have to stay with us." I just about did cartwheels for joy! (That would NOT have been a pretty sight, believe me!) I had been worried that I actually would have to give up the little guy, and every time the thought crossed my mind, my heart would break a little. Yes, I know there was NO WAY we were keeping him, and NO WAY I would get attached to him.....but apparently Lil Dude had other ideas. It's amazing how such a little guy like that can take down two big ol' people like me and Mr. Dizzy. But he did.

I broke the news to A the following day, and she completely understood. She, too, had been wondering how Lil Dude would react being taken away from us and the other two cats, and being in a house alone with her and her brother, with no other cats around. I promised her that when she did get a house and moved in and settled, I would help her find her own little black kitty - - we may take a road trip to Springfield Animal Protective League (best place EVER to find a pet!) or, a classmate of mine has lots of cats on her farm, and she just informed me that she has two black kittens that need a home.

So someday A will have a "Lil Dude" of her own. But, THIS Lil Dude is happily settled in his "forever home" with me and Mr. Dizzy, along with big brother Carmichael and big sister Squeak. And it's all good.

NEXT - - a wrap-up of Lil Dude in pictures!

Grace In Small Things: 25/2010

2010-06-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

What am I grateful for this week?

A 2-1/2 day weekend
Getting Squeak and Lil Dude's nails clipped - - no more "velcro kitties"!
Fresh spinach and zucchini's from the Outdoor Produce Market
A day all to myself with just the kitty-kids (just what the doctor ordered)
Dinner with my Dad on Father's Day - - my treat, of course! Happy Father's Day, Daddio! Love you!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude: Part Six (the following week)

2010-06-15T12:09:00.004-05:00

The next week I decided that even though Dude was going to another home, hopefully soon, it was still my responsibility to look after his health and welfare (and the welfare of my home as well). So I decided to cal the Vet and set up a time to get Dude neutered and all his shots. Not only would this help out A with the expense of a new pet, which would be difficult for her on top of all the moving/house expenses, but it would keep my two furbabes safe and also my furniture - - once he was neutered, he would not be spraying the place!

Friday came, and it was time to go to the Vet. I loaded up Dude in the carrier and took him in. This visit would consist of an overnight stay so that he could be monitored after the surgery to make sure there were no complications.

The hardest thing for me was walking out of there and leaving that little guy behind....he was mewing pitifully, and looking out the carrier door at me so sadly....I had to get a grip on myself. There would be NO getting attached to this adorable little guy!

As I drove off, I felt so guilty! It was just a couple of weeks earlier that someone had put him in a car, dumped him out and deserted him; left him for dead. I felt like I had betrayed the little guy - - deserted him. Even though I knew better, I was really worried about how he was feeling, how scared he must be.

I'm just too damn soft-hearted where cats are concerned. *sigh*

The following day I went back to the Vet to pick him up. As they brought the carrier out, Dude didn't see me at first - - but when I walked up to the counter and peered inside and said, "Hey, little guy" - - his eyes opened up wide, and he got so excited his whole body just started quivering! He started meowing and rubbing my hand against the carrier door. He was just so happy!

Dude laid in the carrier and just watched me the whole trip back home. He just laid there, purring and looking very content. When we got back home, we let him out and he just started running through the place as if he couldn't contain himself!

Uh-ohhhh - - he's feeling at home, and I'm getting totally attached.....

A had better find a home for herself and Lil Dude, and it better be quick.....

To be continued.......

Grace In Small Things: 24/2010

2010-06-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

What I am grateful for this week:

Surviving first week of Summer classes, relatively unscathed.....
Fresh cherries off my cherry tree - - almost 60 quarts this year!
Golden Yellow Cherry Cake with Butter Cream Frosting.....
My Dad's 6-month check-up went extremely well - - he passed with flying colors!
Survived a vicious thunderstorm yesterday, with the only casualty being our phone line - - lightning apparently hit it, and we are waiting on repairs.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude: Part Five (Friday-Sunday)

2010-06-10T13:53:00.003-05:00

One of my co-workers, A, who works in the office next door to mine, has always wanted a black kitten, ever since she had read a book as a child about a little black kitten named Gink. So, I decided she was one person to start with in our efforts to find Lil Dude a new home. She agreed to come out over the weekend and meet the little guy and see what she (and him) thought of each other.

Over the next couple of days we noticed that Dude's balance problems had cleared up, validating our feelings that the ear mites problem was to blame. Also, he was really starting to come into his own special little personality - - play, play, play, as hard as he could, but the minute one of us would walk up to him, he would stop, roll over onto his back, and meow for his "belly rub". He also seemed to love it when I would sing "Belly Rub, Belly Rub" to him very off-key....it would just make him purr even harder! Weird cat.....

He also decided at night that he would sleep with Mom (which he had decided was ME). He would walk between us on the bed, and curl up next to me, with my arm around him, and purr himself (and me) to sleep.

This little guy was pulling out all the stops to try to win us over to keep him. But that was NOT going to happen. Absolutely NOT. For sure. Definitely. NOT.

Really. Seriously.

Sunday came and A came by to meet The Dude (aka Gink) and see what they thought of each other. Dude was a bit hesitant at first, but soom started in playing and being his usual adorable self. A fell totally in love (how could she help herself?) and said yes, she did want him. However, there was a catch - - but isn't there always? *sigh* She still lived with her parents since she had moved back to town and was in the process of looking for a place of her own. Until she found one, she couldn't take Dude to her parent's house. I told her he was fine right where he was at, and when she found a place, he was hers.

And we left it at that.

Now all A needed to do was find a place to call home for herself and Lil Dude/Gink. How hard could that be?

To be continued.....

Grace In Small Things: 23/2010

2010-06-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

What am I grateful for this week?

Had a wonderful three-day weekend; 2 days all to myself, Memorial Day with Dear Mr. Dizzy.
A wonderful Anniversary dinner - - yes, it was a week late, but that's fine. It was still fun!
Sixteen quarts of tart pie cherries off my little cherry tree, and many more to be picked.
Strawberries starting to bear in my new raised bed.
Getting the grill all cleaned and ready for grilling season. Steaks, chops, burgers...can't wait!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Four (Tuesday-Thursday)

2010-06-05T12:39:00.003-05:00

Tuesday morning I called the vet and made an appointment to bring in the kitten to get checked over, and they told me to bring it in Thursday morning. That gave us a couple more days to get it used to us and a little calmer.

Every day it seemed the little thing picked up more and more habits from our other two cats, with some comical results! For one thing, this little kitty's legs were so short, he had to take 2 or 3 steps for one of theirs, and it was laughable seeing it try to keep up with them! Also, every toy that we had was dragged out and played with, and with a very fierce intensity. It provided us with quite a few chuckles.

We did notice that it walked a little funny sometimes, like it had a bit of trouble keeping its balance, but didn't know if that was from it being so young and still growing into its legs, or something else. I added that to my list of things to ask the Vet.

Thursday morning, it was NOT easy getting the little thing into the carrier. It totally panicked on me! But I finally succeeded and we headed to the Vet's office. All the way there, the kitten was traumatized, and not reacting well. Mr. Dizzy and I both feel it was bringing back bad memories for it; probably the last time it had been in a carrier, it was dumped and left for dead! That was NOT a fun drive to the Vet, but we finally got there and I hauled the carrier inside, hoping being out of the car would calm the kitten down.

It didn't.

The whole time we were sitting in the waiting room, it was frantic. I was honestly afraid it was going to hurt itself trying to get out of the carrier. They finally got me into a room, and the first thing we did was open the carrier and let it out. I immediately picked the kitten up and cradled him up next to my chest, with his head right under my chin. It was shaking with fright, but I kept talking softly and petting it, and eventually the kitten calmed down.

By the time the Vet came in the room, things were going much better. But, when I tried to pry the kitten loose so the Vet could check it over, kitty decided to hang on for dear life, and it took both of us to pry him off me! But, we finally succeeded, and the Vet started his checkup.

First thing I found out is that the kitten was a Dude, not a Dudette. So, finally we knew for sure! The Vet took the kitten into another room to check him completely over - - ear mites, fleas, ringworm, worms, everything. I waited in the examining room while they did their work. Periodically the Vet or one of his assistants would come in and give me a report - - yes, he had fleas and worms, but no ringworm, and the balance problem was probably caused by the fact that both of his ears were totally filled with ear mites! They gave him a worm treatment, and treated him for fleas and the ear mites, and decided to leave it at that for that day.

At least I knew he was a "He", and was healthy, and we would see if the ear mites were the cause of his balance issues. Anything else would have to wait for another day; I was not going to traumatize him any further for the moment.

He didn't fight the carrier as much when we were ready to leave, and was a bit calmer on the way home. When we got back to the house, I let him out, and he seemed so happy to be back, his whole body started quivering! I petted him a bit longer and talked with him, and then he started playing with the toys. When I left to go to work, he was back to being his happy little self.

Now that we knew he was healthy, it was time to find the Lil Dude a home.....Heaven knows we don't need a third cat!

To be continued.....

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Three (Sunday/Monday)

2010-06-03T19:35:00.003-05:00

The next morning, it was back to business as usual - - the kitten would come out long enough to eat, follow our two cats around, and play with toys when we were not in the same room, but if it caught sight of either of us, it was time to hide under something safe. I was just dying to get my hands on the little furball, just to let it know it was safe and we meant no harm, but it was not to be. Both Mr. Dizzy and I were avoided like we carried the plague.

Mr. Dizzy took the pet gate back to Menard's and got his money back, since it obviously was not doing the situation any good. We figured the more the little baby wandered around and got comfortable in our house, the sooner we could get close to it (hopefully). But the whole day Sunday and the whole evening was exactly the same, and we finally gave up and called it a day.

Monday I was sick. Sinuses, headache, feeling lousy. So, I stayed home. The kitten came closer to me as I was laying on the couch, almost within arm's reach, but the minute I would try, it would scamper off. I was dozing a lot and each time I would wake up, it would be close to me, but again, each time I reached out my hand, it would back off.

About mid-afternoon I headed back to the bedroom to take a nap in a more comfy spot, and saw the little baby on my bed. Before it could run out of the room, I shut the door so we were both in there. It took off and hid under the clothes hamper. I laid on the floor and just talked softly to it, and eventually was able to reach my hand under the hamper and stroke its head. It stiffened up for a moment, but then started relaxing, and the next thing I knew the little baby was purring. Loudly! I kept laying there stroking its head and back, and talking softly, and finally it started pushing into my hand. I took that as a good sign, and was finally able to get a good hold and get it out from under the hamper. I held the kitten in my arms, talking softly, and it kept purring. I put the kitten on the bed and laid down next to it, and we both fell asleep!

That was the definite turning point. From then on, it stopped being so scared of us, although still a bit skittish.

When Mr. Dizzy got home from work I told him about what happened, and he headed into the bedroom to see the little thing. Next thing I knew, they were on the bed together, Mr. Dizzy petting him, the little kitten purring loudly. We FINALLY won it over!

Now to get the little darling to the vet to get checked and find out if it was a Lil Dude or Dudette.....

To be continued.....

Grace In Small Things: 22/2010

2010-05-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

With this being Memorial Day, I am grateful for:
All of our troops overseas, who are sacrificing to keep us free.

The families of all the troops, for the sacrifices they are making, allowing their family members to be over there assuring our freedom.
Veterans of all wars, for their honor and dedication to our country.
My Dad, a WWII Veteran, who earned a Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in rescuing a downed plane during his Air Force service.
Living in America; in spite of all our problems, I still believe this is the best place to be. Ever.

Please keep our military personnel in your thoughts and prayers today, as well as the families they have left behind.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

The Story of Lil Dude - Part Two (Saturday)

2010-05-30T11:22:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning, Mr. Dizzy was scheduled to work overtime. When he left, he didn't see the kitten in the garage but figured it was hiding behind something.

Later that morning, I left to go grocery shopping; I also didn't see the kitten. When I got back from shopping, still no kitten...what the...? Did it slip out somehow? I was pretty concerned. So, when Mr. Dizzy came home from work, we started searching through the garage. No kitten. We started tearing everything away from the walls; still no luck. We spent almost 2 hours tearing things apart, with no kitten in sight. We were pretty dejected, thinking it had slipped out and we would never find it.

Mr. Dizzy was on his hands and knees, pushing something back beside our big upright freezer, when suddenly he noticed something.....under the freezer, behind the grate, was a pair of green eyes. That's all he could see, just green eyes. (Well, it WAS dark under there, and the kitten was black.) He tried knocking on the grate to scare it out from under there, with no luck. Finally, he got something narrow that would fit between the grate and started carefully poking around in there, so as not to hurt it. The kitten finally crawled out the back of the freezer, into my waiting hands. And it's a good thing I had heavy leather gloves on! It was scared to death, biting the glove, clawing, but as I held it, it stopped and just laid there in my hands, its little heart just pounding.

We got the kitten inside the house and put it in the back bathroom, where it would be safe from the other cats, and shut it inside. Next, we moved the litter box, rugs, blanket, and food/water into the bathroom so it would have all the necessities. Mr. Dizzy went off to Menard's to get a pet gate for the doorway so we wouldn't have to keep the door shut and have the poor thing totally isolated; it had gone through enough trauma in its short life already. While he was gone, I shut myself in there with the kitten and sat there on the floor, talking softly to it. I could not get him to come near me, but it did sit there and listen to my voice, and seemed to calm down a bit.

Mr. Dizzy got home with the pet gate, and we put it in the doorway. It was a very high gate; the size for large dogs, so we figured that would keep it in the room and our two furbabies out. We kept going back checking on the kitten periodically, just to make sure it was okay, and just talking to it to try to get it used to us.

Finally, we headed off to bed, hoping that the little thing would be okay during the night, but knowing that with that big pet gate, it would be safe and secure.

Or so we thought! (Silly us!)

Around 2:00 AM, Mr. Dizzy woke up feeling something on his feet. He raised up his head and looked around the bed; our two cats were both asleep on my side of the bed . . . and the little kitten was on the bed, sitting on Mr. Dizzy's feet! He started sitting up, and the kitten got scared and jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. We got up and looked around, but we could not find it. So, we took down the pet gate (since it obviously didn't keep him in!) so that it could reach the food/water and litter box, and went back to bed.

We could tell this was going to be quite a ride.....

To be continued.....

The Story of Lil Dude - Part One (Thursday/Friday)

2010-05-27T21:11:00.002-05:00

It was a very cold Thursday night last February. Mr. Dizzy and I were in the living room watching TV, when he thought he heard something outside. He went to the window and looked out - - there was a tiny little black kitten. We live in a rural setting, with no neighbors, so we knew he had to have been dumped out. He was worried about it, with it being so cold outside, so he headed out to look for it. He tried coaxing it to him with food, but no luck. He tried to get ahold of it to put it inside somewhere warmer, but it was scared and got away. Finally, Mr. Dizzy couldn't take the cold any more, so he came in, got some food, and put the food outside for the poor little thing.

Next morning, the food was gone. At least we knew it got something to eat. We put out more food, and got ready to go to work. When I came home from work, the food was gone, but no sign of the poor little thing. Well, at least we knew it wasn't starving.

That evening it got very cold; in fact, the wind chill was 11 degrees. We noticed that our two cats, Carmichael and Squeak, were sitting right at the window that runs alongside the front door; they were glued to that window, and no amount of coaxing could get them away. We turned on the porch light - - and there was the tiny little black kitten, standing at the window looking in at my two cats, meowing for all it was worth. Even from the front bay windows, we could tell it was shivering and miserable. My heart just broke.

Mr. Dizzy bundled up and went outside to try to coax it again, but the minute he stepped around the corner of the house, the poor frightened little creature took off to hide. Mr. Dizzy came back inside - - and the little thing came right back to the porch.

I couldn't take much more of this - - something had to be done. So I opened up the front door, got down on my knees, and held open the storm door just a bit (well, it was COLD!)(and WINDY!). I started talking to the little kitty and trying to coax it in. It kept stepping back and forth, scared to come in, but cold and miserable. Finally, its curiosity and desire to come in and see my two cats brought it inside, and I was able to get the door shut.

Now the fun began - - it was scared to death of us, but wanted to be around my two cats, who in turn wanted NOTHING to do with the little intruder! What fun.....it would follow them around, they would hiss and run away, and it would keep on following. At one point, when it was stalking Carmichael, it sat on my foot; I took the opportunity to reach down and give it a head scritch, and it started purring - - until it realized it was a BIG OL' HUMAN doing that, and ran off.

There was no way of getting close enough to see if it was male or female.....but we could definitely see its ribs, and little spine, and that there was some definite feeding that needed to be done. Lots of it. And soon.

Finally, we were able to herd the little thing out to the garage, which is heated; we put out a litter box, some food and water, and a couple of soft old rugs. We figured it would be safe out there, and warm, and fed. It was late, and Mr. Dizzy had to go into work the following Saturday morning pretty early; we decided we would figure out what was going on once he got back home.

To be continued.....

Grace In Small Things: 21/2010

2010-05-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

This week's 5 things are very special, very near and dear to my heart - - Today is my Wedding Anniversary!

That being said, here are 5 things (out of too many to count!) that I am grateful for being married to the very special, totally amazing Mr. Dizzy:

He loves me, and is not afraid to say it or show it, in many, many little ways.
Even though he had never been married before or ever had any kids of his own - - when we married, he took in my 12-year-old son as his own, and did the best he could helping me raise that young man.
He lets me take care of him when he's sick, and is actually a pretty good patient!
Even though he's mildly allergic, he lets me have cats in the house, because he knows how much I love them; says his allergy shots will take care of it.
He trusts me, 100%, and appreciates that I trust him as well; we have vowed we will never, ever do anything to betray that trust.

Happy 24 years, my Dear Mr. Dizzy! You are the love of my life, my soulmate, my life partner - - I am looking forward to the next 24 years with you, and more!

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 20/2010

2010-05-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

What a week this one has been as well! *whew*

Here is what I am grateful for this week:

This week marked the END of Spring semester!
This Friday was payday (finally!)
Lunch with my best friend from Jr. High/High School who is back visiting our little home town from San Diego - - great being able to catch up with her!
Had a GREAT month at the antique booth last month - - received a very nice check today.
My favorite recipe (Crazy Aunt Purl's Pot Roast and Roasted Veggies) for Sunday dinner. So yum.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.

Grace In Small Things: 19/2010

2010-05-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a terribly rough week. It has made it extremely difficult to find 5 things to be grateful for, but here goes:

Spending time with my grandsons, being able to help them with their homework.
Smiling while watching the grandsons outside "helping" Grandpa with yard work - - more of a hindrance than a help, but they sure do try hard!
Connie's World Famous Chocolate Brownies - - both iced and uniced - - yum!
A daughter-in-law who has turned out to be the daughter I never had. Love you, Dawn.
With one week of my online class left, I am carrying a 100% average for all the Modules so far.

P.S. Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful, beautiful mothers out there. Give your Mom a BIG hug and tell her how much you love her while you can; I wish mine were still here so I could. Love you, Mom, and miss you.

Count your blessings - - join Grace In Small Things.