Happy Birthday Becca!

I am so sorry I missed your day! I hope your Spend The Night birthday party was a blast! How nice your dad and Beth did this for you. They are very brave having 13 teenage girls over to spend the night!

Becca, did you turn 13 on Feb. 21st? I hope you had a beautiful birthday!

Beth, could you please send me your birthday list? I do not want to miss another family member's birthday. Or perhaps you could post it here.

I love you Becca!

Nancy

Hello

I hope everyone is doing okay!

Barb, wishing Morgan a good check up tomorrow and I am happy he is doing so well after his surgery. Sorry about all the colds being passed back and forth between the kids. Spring will be here soon. I hope. The Ground Hog said so!

As far as your surgery; this is a decision between you and your family and you have to do what is right for you.

I am now very leery of elective surgeries and fear there is a connection between surgeries which are traumatic and auto immune problems. There are too many women in this family with autoimmune illnesses; there is a history. I certainly hope this does not happen to you Barb because it is not a bed of roses. Ask Dixie and me.

This has been a terrible winter so far. I am in my sleepy period again. I guess the pain is so bad my body just tries to sleep through it and all my worries too. I can't believe how much I sleep and how tired I feel all the time. I am working hard on trying to gather up some new friends very close by to hang out with. Socializing helps so much. Having support helps more.

One good piece of news is that I will finally have Medicare on March 1st. The bad news is that social security will be taking almost $150 a month out of my check. Then I have to pay the deductibles and co-pays. This is going to make things much tougher now. I have been getting free meds and doctors visits. Now with Medicare this will be cut off. It never stops.

Love,

Nancy

Sure is quite around here

Hello everyone,

It has been pretty slow around the blog lately. Give us some update people. What has been going on with everyone lately????

At the Decker household it is busy as usual. School, work, colds, doctor appointments. I sure am ready for Spring!!

Anyone have a new recipe to try? I am always looking for ideas.

Morgan will go for his post-op on Thurday. His hand is healing very nice. And he is happy not to have to wear the brace anymore.

News for me. Just to let you all know that I will being getting surgery on March 1st. It is mine choice and thanks to low apr for this we could finance it. It has been a longing of mine since I was a teenager to get a breast job done. I have talked about it forever. Scott surprised me with it for Christmas. He said he didn't think I needed it, and if I changed my mind he would go get me something else. I want it for me. I am not asking for anyone's 2 cents here. I have done alot of homework on this. Having you all be supportive of me would be great. I know there are many who won't agree with me and that is okay. Just wanted to let you all know.

Love you all,

Barbara

Hi Barb:

I sent Beth another invite the same day I learned about the problem. She said she may have accidentally deleted the email with the invite. So I will send another invite now.

Love,

Mom

Beth

Hey Mom,

Could you send Beth another invite? She still can't log in to read or post. Thanks

Love,

Barb

Happy Birthday Beth:

and even more shocking is how fast the years have passed since you were born; 34! I also remember this day like it just happened.

You were so cute when you were born, so quiet and thinking and not in a hurry to make loud noises just content and happy laying there. You were such a beautiful baby girl and now a beautiful woman!

I was so worried that your dad would be disappointed he did not have a son. He wasn't not for one second! He exclaimed "There is our Elizabeth, our beautiful Elizabeth!" He touched your hand and you immediately curled your tiny fingers around his finger; holding onto to your daddy for the very first time.

You were such a good baby! And a crowd stopper! And independent too.

I wish I could be there today to celebrate your birthday and Morgan's too. It is still hard to believe you both were born on the same day 21 years apart in the same hospital!

I love you Beth; more than words can ever say! I am so proud of the wonderful woman, wife and mother you have become! Very very proud!

What a lovely birthday present to know that your husband is going to be okay. I just knew it in my heart that it wasn't that thing the doctor spoke about. I am however sorry he is in pain. I pray that he gets some relief and soon!

Happy birthday dear daughter of mine!

Love,

Mom

Happy Birthday Morgan! A Teenager At Last!

I cannot believe it has been thirteen years since you were born. I remember that beautiful day like it was yesterday. We were all so excited, so happy and so proud.

And you were so sweet and beautiful. Well you still are!

I remember you lying in the warmer right after you were born; laying on your side very quiet. Just listening to all the voices in the room and trying to get used to all the light and the commotion. I softly called your name "Morgan, how are you Morgan we are happy you are here finally." And you stopped moving and slowly tried to turn your head to see who was it behind you calling your name. It was a very special moment.

And your Dad when he was cutting the cord was so nervous and so happy! And your Momma, crying soft happy tears "oh Morgan you are so beautiful and your are our son!" All of us began crying happy tears too.

Morgan, in just a few years you will be a man. I think you are going to be a wonderful man! And I am very proud of you!

Happy happy birthday Morgan. I wish I was there to share it with you and the rest of the family!

Love you very very much,

Grandma Cookie

Hi Ava:

I hope you are doing okay! I miss talking to you. Please give me a call every now and then. I am sure your Mom would not mind at all. Ask your Mother if you can post something on this blog. Or upload some of your drawings and/or stories. I still have the stories saved on my computer that you wrote when you were here. Ha! Ha!

I love you Ava and miss you very very much!

Love,

Grandma Cookie

Work In Progress:

Finished!

A street in France I am drawing for the Weekend Drawing Event on Wet Canvas. I am only using a ruler to get this right. It is about four hours of work so far. 8x11.5 on Canson drawing paper with Derwent Inktense, tinted Graphites, White pastel and drawing pencils.

Dear Zoe:

this is Frankie when he was a kitten

I hope you are feeling so much better today! It was a lot of fun talking to you on the telephone last night. I miss you so much Zoe! Here is something just for you. It is pictures I think you will love. I hope they make you laugh too.

Be a good girl and always be as sweet as you are right now!

Love,

Grandma Cookie

Dear Morgan:

I was so happy to be able to talk with you last night and that you are recovering from your surgery so well! I am also glad that you should be back to normal real soon and especially by the time your birthday rolls around on Feb. 9th! Take good care of yourself!

Love,

Grandma Cookie

Morgan

Hello Family,

Just wanted to let everyone know Morgan had the cyst removed from his hand today and is resting and doing well. He was more worked up about the "laughing gas" than anything. Morgan will have a brace on his hand for about two weeks and then can return to playing as usual.

On a different note I have decided with out a doubt that Winter Sucks!!!!!!!! I hate being cold!!! Come on Spring.

Love you all,

Barbara A.

Beth Had A Problem Posting Today:

She received a message that her invitation had expired. I checked it out and figured out what happened.

I sent out invitations when I first started the blog. Only two other members accepted the invitation. While the site allowed the invitees to post apparently there is a time limit.

So if you still have my invitation sitting in your inbox; go ahead and accept it. Then you will become an Author. Right now there is just Dixie, Angie and myself listed as Authors. The rest of ya'll are listed as Guests. So that is how it works.

Love,

Nancy

The Storm That Didn't Really Happen:

It was beautiful this morning; with huge white flakes falling down enough to cover the back yard completely. We got about three inches. But so far the ice storm has failed to materialize. I am so happy about that. It was a cold and miserable day once the freezing rain started; then the temps went up to above freezing and stayed that way most of the day. So the snow is about gone now.

I slept most of the day away. I could not get warm. My pain level went almost through the roof. My hips were so bad. My ankles too. I had to do a lot of stretching today to walk okay. Everything was so tight and tender. Fibro is something else. I also have another low grade fever; it is probably the inflammation in the joints.

I almost made a terrible mistake though. I let Johnannes out to pee; grabbed my second cup of coffee around 10 am and went to the bedroom to warm up. I felt tired so I laid down "for just a few minutes". I forgot all about him outside in the freezing rain!!!!!!!!!! I woke with a start about 20 minutes later. I ran as fast as I could to get him inside. He was stuck up against the door as close as he could get and he was soaking wet and so cold.

I got my biggest and thickest towel and rubbed him dry as best as I could. I turned on the dryer for about 20 minutes to warm him up. I feel so bad. If I had not woken just then he could have died out there. I am going to buy a cooking timer for days like this. It was right at freezing when it happened. He is okay though.

I hope ya'll did okay during the storm. I did see the news that Atlanta got some snow too. Is everyone okay?

I found this photo in a travel book that I bought used at the library. I have already posted a few other paintings from photos in the same book. I loved the expression on this boy's face. It is not finished. I need to do some more blending in the face. It does have some deep shading going on. But what an adorable child. It is 8x11 on heavy drawing paper and done in all Derwents; watercolor pencils, Inktense and tinted graphites too.

Angie, have you used Derwents yet? If not, if I ever get a few extra dollars I am going to treat you to a 12 pencil set. I promise.

Tomorrow it is supposed to warm up to the mid 40's so all the ice left on the ground and the streets should melt off.

Love,

Nancy

I have a new #

I don't know if I put this in my last post or not, but I meant to if I didn't. My new cellphone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. I switched over to Sprint because I get a cute camera phone and they had a deal that beat T-Mobile for me (which is what I had before). Anyway, I'll check out what you guys have posted lately now. I just wanted to drop by and give out the new number first. Hope everyone's having a GREAT Wednesday!!

Ang

Hi Angie:

I had to remove your telephone number from this post. Anyone can read this blog! Only people who are members can post and make comments but it is still an open blog.

I have a camera phone too. We need to exchange photos on them. I have had mine for several months and have not taken a single photo. LOL Tomorrow I may get the chance. A photo of the snow for the family in Florida!

Angie, is there a chance this storm will swing north and hit you guys up there? I hope not. It is in OK right now and slammed that state. It is supposed to slam the Carolinas starting at 7 am with up to five inches of snow and 1/2 of ice on top. I am so not happy about this. And my hips, knees and ankles are aching.

Love,

Aunt Nancy

Wintery Mix is Coming:

from the west! Dear family in Atlanta; please take good care of yourselves during this impending storm. Are they saying ya'll are going to get it? How can a storm this size miss Atlanta?

The weather reports here are 1 to 3 inches of snow with a half inch of ice on top of that. I have to go to the store for some eggs, some meat and I will be set. I have the ice melt out in the studio so I will have to haul that into the laundry room. I already have the coleman stove, lantern and little camper propane tanks in there as well. I am hoping it is not as bad as they are saying it is going to be.

I did two loads of wash yesterday and all the dishes are clean. All the blankets have been laundered and are ready. I have lots of candles in holders ready. I have two flashlights with fresh batteries. And a wamr throw in the truck. So I guess I am ready as I ever will be. Ugggggggg!

Oh I need the eggs to make a two layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting; good comfort food for this storm!

Dixie, are you all okay for this storm? Please be very careful. And don't go to work if you don't have to.

Please stay warm. If you get hit with this storm try not to go out if you don't have to. Drive very safely if you do have to get out in it. Please take good care of yourselves. And let us stay in touch via phone. Okay?

To the family in Florida, lucky bums! But love you! Beth I am sorry the trip to the doctors for the boys check up was such an ordeal. What was that nurse thinking of? All kids are terrified of shots for Pete's sake! Shame on her for not thinking. Hugs for the boys!


Nancy/Mom/Grandma Cookie

Morgan

Hey man,

You will be fine. I know you are probably a little nervous, all of us get that way when we have something like that done.

Your Auntie will buy you a special treat after your surgery.

I took Nick and Jimmy to the doctor yesterday for their 4 year old and 1 year old exams. What a nightmare 2 hours! I didn't know Nick needed shots and he asked the nurse about it and she told him that he did. He did not cooperate with the doctor during the whole exam because he was so worried about the shots. I think the nurse got in trouble for that one. He had to have 4 and Jimmy got 3. They are both doing good though. Nick was a little deficient with his iron but she said to throw some spinach leaves in his salad and give him some iron fortified vitamins. We don't eat a lot of red meat but he won't eat beans either.

Anyway, as you can see not much going on with us right now. I hope everyone is doing well.

Love,

Beth

Dear Family:

Morgan, I am sorry to hear that you have a ganglion cyst on your wrist. Those things can hurt a lot. Though yours doesn't hurt now most likely it will down the road. So you made the right decision to have it removed. Especially since you are taking guitar lessons; that cyst could make playing the guitar hard.

Like I said on the phone tonight; if you need to talk about your concerns about the surgery you can call anytime. And your mother is right; this surgery will be a breeze compared to when you had your tonsils taken out!

I will call you when you get home Friday. And hope the doctor does a terrific job. Your mom told me you like your doctor. That is very good.

My friend Gayle is doing pretty good. She got out of the hospital late Sunday afternoon after having a femoral popiteal graft done. She had some bockages in those arteries but the blot clot blocked them completely. Yesterday I drove her on her post op errands. Her kids live in Virginia. They came down on Thursday the day this happened and left not too long after she was discharged from the hospital. I am perplexed by that one. How did they think she was going to drive herself to the normal post-op doctor's visits and to the pharmacy? Well it is done and she is doing very well.

The weather in this area is terrible. Such a long standing cold spell; deep bone chilling aching weather. I am hybernating through it as much as possible. It hurts too much to be awake all the time. I wish I could move to a place like Costa Rica permanently.

They are predicting another "wintery mix" which can mean an ice storm on Thursday morning. That also means a run on the grocery stores for bread, milk, beer, etc.

I hope everyone is doing well!

Love,

Mom, Grandma Cookie, Nancy

Hello, sorry such a long time and no post

Hey Family,

It has been crazy around here. The whole Decker household has been off and on sick. Going back in forth to the doctors, gettting medicine, and taking care of everyone is keeping us running.

Morgan has to go see a specialist today for a large cyst he has on his arm. It is not cancer but it will need to be removed. He will have to be put under to have it done. I will let you all know when it is. It will be just a day surgery so he will not have to stay overnight or any thing.

How is everyone doing? Sorry didn't mean to make this a fussy e-mail.

Love you to all,

Barbara A.

Jimmy's Birthday

Hi everyone,

Mom, how is Gail doing? I hope she is okay.

Well, we celebrated Jimmys first birthday today. He was very good although not interested at all in the presents or paper. He was after one of the kids lollipops. He kept trying to pull it out of her mouth. He did not cry during the entire party. I remember Ava crying during the cake part. She didn't like to be sticky. Jimmy was very polite with his cake, picking up little pieces instead of mushing the whole thing on his head.

We had a nice time but missed you all who were not here.

Love,

Beth

Dear Bekka:

I know that you have so much artistic talent and I would love to see some of your work posted here. I sent your Mother instructions how to post photos. How about it? It seems this family has a lot of talent and we get this from our ancestors.

My great grandfather William Downing was an artist living in Boston. I remember being taken to his studio to visit when I was a small kid. I remember the scent of turpentine, the sight of many canvasses lining the walls; jars of brushes, lots of paint rags everywhere. My eyes grew so big and I was so impressed. I remember the dirt covered skylight in the ceiling. And looking out the window to see the St. Charles River in downtown Boston.

I do not remember who was with me when I got to go to Great Grandfather William's studio.

He was married to our great grandmother Anna Mariah Jordan who immigrated to this country in the very late 1800's and settled into Boston as an indentured servant. When her seven years servitude was up she married an English sailor/artist William. This was unheard of back then for someone from Ireland to marry and Englishman.

Anna and William Downing were the parents of Dorothy Downing Shaw; my mother's mother. They had several daughters and one son if I am remembering correctly. Brothers and Sisters help me if I am forgetting something. There was Majorie, Dorothy, Beatrice (she was the one married to Charles Kennedy of the Kennedys), another sister who married Fred and I forgot her name.

Okay I am rambling Bekka. How about let us see some of your excellent artwork; the anime!

Love you,

Aunt Nancy

Dear Ralph and Barbara:

Dear Baby Evan:

By now you are a few weeks old! Please tell your Mommy and Daddy to take a photo of you and post it here. I bet you have changed so much since your birthday photo. How do you like this world so far? I hope it makes you smile every day. I hope I get to meet you soon! And your big sister too.

Love,

Your Great Auntie Nancy

Happy Birthday Little Jimmy:

Dear Sweet Baby Boy:

It is so hard to believe that tomorrow you will be one year old! The time has passed so quickly. I have not seen you since Mother's Day last year. I bet you have grown so much. I miss you so very much and wish I could be there for your birthday party this Sat.

I talked to your Uncle Brian on the phone tonight and he said he is coming to your party. I asked him to hold you close; whisper in your ear that your Grandma Cookie loves you so much and misses you terribly. He is going to give you a kiss for me too.

I hope you have a lot of fun on Sat. And don't be scared with all the fuss. It happens on first birthdays. Just enjoy the day and eat lots of cake! And I hope your Mommy and Daddy take photos of your face with frosting all over it and post it here.

Love,

Grandma Cookie

Bad Weather and Feeling Bad:

Hi Angie:

I am so sorry to hear the winter is making your asthma so much worse. Winter can be such a lovely time of year, but for those of us with chronic conditions it makes life unbearable at times. I hope you remain healthy! And let us hope spring is right around the corner.

Thank you so much for posting two of your poems. Poetry lets us take a peek inside the souls of those that write it. We think we know a person but if they write; we can see a bit of the soul inside. They are beautiful and realistic. Wow!

I posted some instructions here on this blog about a week ago on how to upload photos. Check it out. I also wrote an email to your mother today with another set of instructions. Perhaps your Mom can forward that email. It is very easy once you do it a time or two. Not much difference than My Space. I have an account at My Space and was only allowed to upload 12 images. Here there seems to be no limit which is cool. And free!

I hate the winter too. For the past four days we have had stormy cold wet weather with low barometric pressure. And I spent most of these days since Friday in bed or the bathtub. I slept about 18 to 20 hours a day. I don't intentionally go to bed to sleep. I just lie down to get comfortable and wake up several house later stiff and in worse pain. So I care for the pets and feed me and take another pain pill and it is off to sleep again. I wake in the middle of the night with all the lights on in the bedroom including the overhead and can hardly move.

Today was a sudden change. I have been up since 7 am and only took a one hour nap. Amazing. For lack of a better word. We have a high pressure system sitting over us today.

Angie, thanks for posting and take good care of yourself. We love you! And we want you to stay healthy!

Love,

Aunt Nancy

A couple poems from Angie

I am back! It's getting to be the busy time of year for me, but I will post when I can. I'm having a pretty good week so far, even though I don't like the cold weather we've been having. I'm soooo ready for the summer. I have more asthma symptoms in the winter so that's another reason why I dislike this season. I recently saw Night at the Museum. If anyone hasn't seen this movie you should! It's so funny to me! I have a myspace account if anyone has one and wants to see it. I have a few art pieces in my "pics" that were done in photoshop. By the way, can anybody tell me how to put pics on here? I could also put up a little artwork if I knew how. Well, here are a couple poems, I hope you enjoy.

Expectations

Expectations are hard masters.
They crack the whip on the backs of humanity
Around the clock, with no letting up.
They don't sleep, they don't blink.
They don't allow a second of hesitation or second-guessing.
Where do they come from?
They were created by you and me.
Conjured up straight from the human mind,
These beasts are born and then immediately
Begin to concher the heartlands of humanity.
They are everywhere, they are inescapable.
It is inevitable my friend, there is no use to run.
You might as well surrender now.
Meet their demands and they may go away for a time.

The Time For Winter is But an Hour

Just when the season has reached its worst,
A beacon of heaven's light arrives
To warm the coldest climates.
The time for winter is but an hour
(but there is a place for it).
The night lasts only a breath.
One hand of cards deals misfortune
while the next brings the royal luck.
If you've turned the corner only to arrive
At a dark alley, keep going until
You reach the mansion on the next block.

Love,
Angie

Hello

Hi Family,

Sorry I have not blogged - went to Miami for the weekend.

1st - Allen and Valerie do not have the Internet at home and can't get on at work. Dad does not use the Internet even though he has it (won't come fully into the 21st century). Rima has to view things from her work and can't be on long and Eric does not Internet - this is why you have not seen them on it. I will send the information to Erica, James and Barbara J. I will also ask Barbara J to forward to Rita and I will ask Erica to my space the information to Thomas, Eric and Ashley as see chats with them on my space.

I went to Miami for Erica's Sweet Sixteen party - it was very nice and well put together. She is growing up to be such a beautiful lady. I enjoyed the party - but I enjoyed more spending time with Val and the kids. Got to spend some time with Francine, Troy and the kids.

Nancy - sorry I have not called you yet - I will call this week - just trying to get caught up at work and home from being gone for 4 days - plus catching up on sleep.

Love you all very much...

Susan/Suzie Q / Aunt Susan

Dear Family:

This blog is not just about Barb, Beth and I. Please help us to build this place. Jump in any time! We want to know what is going on in your life.

Love,

Nancy

About Those Eyes:

LOL I think I may have scarred you children for life! For those who don't know this story..............

Everytime one of my children were born, I was excited to see their eyes were blue. And then within a few days (while I was nursing them I could observe closely) each started with a few specks of green and brown but still a lot of blue. By one month, each of my babies had brown eyes. I was a little disappointed that not one of them had blue eyes like mine and Mommas. But not disappointed enough that I wanted to send them back. LOL

I was estatic when Morgan was born with those beautiful blue eyes; a definite throw back to Mom and I because Barb and Scott both have brown eyes.

I have nothing against brown eyes at all I just wanted one of my kids to look like me. LOL

Barbara, when she was about 8 or so asked me about this strange thing; my blue eyes. She was so serious! I told her that my eyes were not brown because I was not full of ka ka up to my eye brows like the rest of our family. You should have seen her face! I quickly let her know I was joking and then gave her a short talk about genetics and dominant/recessive genes. She was relieved!

I was a playful mother to my kids. We sure had some great times when they were small! I wish I could remember them all. I was too busy raising them to stop to take notes. :(

Love,

Nancy

Eyes

Barb,

you might be right about grandma but the last time I checked Brian has crap brown eyes like us, not blue.

Mom, who are they?

Love,

Beth

P.S. Are they your eyes when you were a baby mom?

Wonderful Sundays

Hi family!

I am so glad to be at home today. I usually work every other Sunday but I got this one off. It is nice to be able to hang out with both the Jimmys. The other kids are at their other parents so it is just us 3 today. We plan to visit our friendly neighborhood Wal Mart for groceries today. The joy never ends!

Mom, I love the guessing game. When do we get the answers?

Love to all!

Beth

A Guessing Game:

These are the eyes of three family members. Can you guess who they are? Just click on the image to see it larger. I know that one of them is going to be very easy to guess. More later.................

Life Lessons Art Journal

A drawing of baby seals; a present from my brother Allen almost 20 years ago.

a simple drawing of a candlestick in my bedroom.

1/23/07

1/21/07

A young girl from Somalia; I found the photo in a travel book in my library at home. I did not draw this crooked it scanned this way because the book is too big for the scanner.

1/17-18, 2007

One of the these suggested by professional artists is to keep an art journal; a bound art notebook to be kept close by at all times. A place to draw and paint things that are close by. I have done two pages so far. This one is a 3 lb exercise ball I use with my hands to stretch out the muscles in my arms and shoulders. I painted if because the color is awesome. Then there is the transmitter for the spinal cord stimulator; I place this over the battery under the skin on my right buttock. And last is a pepper shaker that I bought when I was in Colombia; it is ceramic and hand painted. I love these colors too.

Hi Barb:

That would be cool and okay with me to send off for the materials. I don't want to join anymore groups on line though. I am maxed out on the internet. Can't sit here like I used to do. :)

I am glad that you are feeling better! Hugs for you all!

LYMI,

Mom

This might be helpful Mom

Hey Mom,

I just saw this on T.V. and thought it might help. It is called www.mytimetoquit.com and it has different tips and support groups to help you quit smoking. If you want I will go online and have them send you some information to your house to look over. Let me know when you can.

Off to get a shower finally!!

LYMI

Barb

Icy Storm:

Dear Atlanta Family:

Is everyone okay over there? I heard ya'll had almost the exact same weather that we had here. The temp barely got over 32 degrees; it started off about 3am with sleet mixed with rain, then changed over to snow and then more sleet. The temp rose and fell around 32. At 3 pm there were icicles hanging off the roof of the porch. Now they are gone.

I thought about ya'll all day and hope everyone made it around just fine. Barb, I almost called you at 7 to see how you were doing, and if Morgan had school today (a lot of schools were closed today) and in general about how bad the weather was. There were so many accidents in the news this morning, bad accidents, a house fire, a police officer hit by a car; I was exhausted and fell asleep.

But I hope you are feeling better today.

I cooked today. I have not cooked a real meal in perhaps over a year. I made a beef soup hispanic style with some mexican corn bread. I put the leftovers in containers and there is enough for three more meals. The soup was awesome and so was the corn bread! I also made some apple cider. That's progress; a small step.

I changed the sheets on my bed; a big project with Midnight and Frankie getting under the bottom sheet and wrestling. They always do this. Ashely waits politely on the floor for a nice clean and warm bedding; someplace new to shed.

I am surprised at how well I feel today considering how crappy the weather is.

Ava, how are you liking the karate class? Are you kicking some behind? I am proud of you!

Well most days I feel like I am in a room alone and talking to myself on this blog. These things go slow at first. But I hope it gets busier other than me.

LYMI,

Nancy

Get Well Soon:

Sorry you have a bad cold Barb and it has kicked your butt. Have you taken the Airborne? I hope you feel better ASAP.

I got an email today from the assistant manager; the same little guy I talked to when I visited that hotel. He said on guests are allowed to use the pool. I can't really accept this decision.

So I am going to write a letter to corporate and find out who is the CEO. These is Choice Hotels which have Sleep Inn, Days Inn and a bunch of other well known hotels. So it is a big company. I will post the address, telephone number and the muckity mucks name here.

Take care and rest Barb!

I went to social services today to get some groceries, picked up a few more things at the grocery store. We are going to be having a ice storm coming in tonight. Then I came home and slept most of the day and woke up at 9:30.

Love,

Mom

I will get back with you on this

Hey Mom,

I will try working on this when I can. Right now I am sick with a bad cold and don't feel well enough to do much more than I need to. I am going to bed and hopefully I will feel better in the morning to help you with the things you need.

Just a thought would your Doctor be willing to send a letter to the hotel requesting you be allowed to use the pool? Just a thought.

LYMI to everyone,

Barbara

Sleep Inn:

It is pretty amazing that after two telephone calls from me and two emails that I have not heard one stinking thing from these people! I just sent another email tonight. And yesterday picked up the letter from my doctor.

I could sure use some assistance from some assertive family member (s).............

I am working my butt off trying to get better. But without being able to swim and exercise in an indoor heated pool; the odds are against me. Dr. Bullard is positive it will help get those trigger points either reduced or gone altogether. He also feels it will help with my back to strengthen the muscles in my back and stomach and that this is the only form of exercise that I should be doing right now. He feels my energy level will increase and the pain be reduced.

My life pretty much sucks! The only time I feel less pain and some comfort is in my bed or in the tub full of hot water. This is no way to live. And wouldn't you know it this is the only indoor heated pool for 25 miles in any direction.

I have had little rest today because of the pain in my back, knees and hips has been pretty bad. Cold front coming in. I can't stand winter because of this. It is always hard on me. Momma had arthritis in her hands (that is the only place I am aware she had it) and did not even imagine how much pain she suffered with it until I got it. Sorry kids, but there is a chance you may have it one day too. Beth, you already may have it in your knee from your own wreck! I hope not!

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Nancy

Handbags a health hazard, women warned

Handbags a health hazard, women warned
By Martin RobertsTue Jan 16, 6:55 PM ET
With big handbags becoming a key fashion accessory for working women, health experts are warning they can also become a key health concern.
Bags for women have become bigger and heavier as designers combine briefcases with handbags and straps have become longer but the extra leverage has many patients complaining of neck, shoulder and back problems.
"I see so many women with neck pains and headaches and what I usually do is look for their purse and pick it up," said Jane Sadler, a family practice physician on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, Texas.
"We take it over to the scale and weigh it and usually they're anywhere from 7 to 10 pounds (3.1-4.5 kgs)...We're really going to see women with more and more problems later on if we continue the big purse craze."
William Case, a physical therapist in private practice in Houston, Texas, said an aggravated neck or shoulder can lead to upper back problems, meaning pain may then be felt while working at a computer or playing sports.
He urged designers "to place a cute, educational caution tag on all bags to inform of potential neck and shoulder dangers."
Above all, he recommended correct posture while carrying bulky purses, keeping the head and shoulders aligned upright. Patients should also frequently change the size and weight of purses carried.
"The extra-large purses are quite phenomenal. They look beautiful when the women wear them, but I don't know how aware they are of the potential problems," Case said.
"Massage, anti-inflammatories and rest are good to help alleviate the symptoms temporarily however the only real cure is patient education," case added in a written message to the American Physical Therapy Association.
Case said children were recommended to carry no more than 10-15 percent of their body weight in backpacks, which are effective at spreading loads carried, but fashion consultants say they just aren't cool any more.
"The trend is either very large or very small. People go to the gym, they have an extra pair of shoes, they have their make-up, so there's more stuff to carry around," said Ellen Campuzano, president of the Committee for Color and Trend, a fashion forecasting service.
"The backpack is really for a very casual customer, for a student with books, that is not a fashion customer."
Professor Alan Hedge, an ergonomics specialist at Cornell University in New York state, said similar health problems arose when laptops were first introduced.
Traditionally women adopted better postures for carrying loads, such as baskets on heads or strapping a papoose across the back, but placing objects on one shoulder was one of the least efficient ways of carrying a load.
"This causes a great imbalance. You only have to see people carrying bags in shopping centers, looking hunched up like Quasimodo," he said.
"If it (a big bag) is a fashion accessory, then occasional and symbolic use is fine. If not, then keep it light."

More Photos for Your Enjoyment:

Brian & Johannes 1988
Scott & Barb in Malaysia 12/04

Morgan in Malaysia 2004

Little Jimmy & Nick 2006

Grandma Cookie & Ava 2000

Barb, Matthew, Little Jimmy & Beth 2006

Beth & Nick 2006

Mother's Day & Scott's Birthday May 2006

Little Jimmy, Beth and Big Jimmy May 2006

Phyllis (Jimmy's Mom), Sarah, Becca, Little Jimmy, Beth and Big Jimmy May 2006

Grandma Cookie May 2006

Zoe wearing Uncle Jimmy's hat May 2006

Jan. 25, 2006 Sarah, Becca, Beth, Little Jimmy, Ava

Beth's baby shower at Barb's house Jan. 2006

Aunt Dixie at the shower Jan. 2006

Beth, Becca, Sarah, Ava and Elinore at the shower Jan. 2006

Same day same people Thanksgiving weekend at Allen's house 2005

Allen, Thomas, Aunt Nancy, Eric and Sandy Thanksgiving 2005

Ava and Zoe Cumberland Island 2006 ?

Zoe and Daddy being Cheeseheads winter 2003

Morgan and Ava watching Heidi in Grandma Cookie's featherbed Summer 2004

Auntie Beth & Zoe in 2004

Morgan I don't remember the year. Barb help me with this one.

Barbara's birthday party at my house 1988 with the first Johannes as a 3 month old puppy with his binkie

Zoe & Momma winter of 2003

Portrait of Zoe at just a few months old in 2003 I love this one!

These photos (all except Zoe with her dad as cheeseheads) are big enough to make copies. Just click on the thumbnail, a new window opens with a larger photo. Right click on the photo, hit Ctrl C then open your photo program and hit Ctrl V and then do a Save As. If you need any help let me know. If any of these dates are wrong let me know. I love posting these photos!

Love,

Nancy

Dixie:

Hi Sis:

The quiz you sent out a few days ago looks like a lot of fun. Could you post it on here so we could all take it? I liked the color scheme too!

LYMI,

Nancy

Susan:

Hi Sister:

Could you please give me a call on my cell sometime in the next few days?I have something for you and an apology to deliver as well. I am sorry that this has taken so long to get this to you. And you know what I mean. Thank you for your patience in this matter. Looking forward to hearing your voice again.

Love,

Nancy

A Gift For the Family:

This has been on my mind for years and years. My daughter Barbara has an old professional photograph of my mother; it is large perhaps 11x14 and in old sepia tones with some color. I think we all know which photo it is; it was taken when she was about 17 in a long gown. A very beautiful gown that was typical for the time period 1947.

Barbara, could you please make a copy of photo for me. You may have to take it to Office Depot or some place like this. And could you do it in the next few weeks or so? Thank you Barbara. And yes even if you have the original you can still have one. :)

I want to get started on this portrait right away.

When I am done I will take it somewhere to have copies made for anyone in the family who would like one. When it is done I will post it here. If you do want one; just send me an appropriate sizeed, self addressed and stamped mailing envelope. I have been saving up pieces of cardboard to put in these envelopes so the portrait won't get messed up during the mailing.

This is something that is very important to me and I am in love with the idea of painting Mom. What media I haven't decided yet. I am practicing now with some sketches of Mom from photos I have here at home. And will try out different medias. Most likely it will be graphites or just my good drawing pencils. I may even post WIPs (works in progress). The finished portrait will be done on some expensive paper I have here. The copies will be made on some paper that is not high gloss. That takes away from the effects of the drawing.

It is my gift of love for you all; a portrait of Momma at 17 when she was young and her heart full of dreams about us her future family.

Love,

Nancy, Mom, Auntie, Grandma Cookie

PS And yes even the kids can have one as they should.

Comments:

When I set up this blog I thought I only allowed US to post comments. Someone commented a few minutes ago; a Spammer nothing nasty. So I went back into the Settings and saw the mistake. I had chosen "Allow Registered users". It is now set to only Members of this blog. Sorry about that.

I asked in the beginning if this family wanted this blog private and did not get a response. If you wish this blog to be private I can change it. But this will mean family members who are not members of this blog won't be able to see it or post either.

I still need more email addresses to send out invites. Like Valerie's children. Allen's kids. Sandy's family. Etc.

Love,

Nancy

Today:

I got up about 10 and fixed coffee and checked email. Then I got ready to go to my doctor to pick up the prescriptions. I called first to make sure that they were open.

I drove the 25 miles to the doctor in a 55mph zone doing 42 mph four cars behind the van driving slow. Slow drivers need their butts kicked. It took almost 45 min on this country road.

When I came home I fed me and the pets. Laid down for a few minutes at 2:15 and woke at 6:30. My body hurts so bad! The middle of my back where the discs are bad is aching so much. All that and the tingling in my hands and feet, the ache and burn in both knees, the electrical shocks in the muscles and my hips hurt too. I am sweating profusely.

I have not done any cleaning. I have not taken a shower. I have done no work that is piling up. Thank you notes to write. Packages to mail. Mortgage will be late tomorrow and so I have to drop that off sometime tonight. I have no energy.

All this from driving 50 miles.............

More Family Photos:

Ava & ZoeBaby Zoe
Little Jimmy with Grandma's toys
Baby Zoe with Gandolf

1966

Little Jimmy with Grandma Cookie 4/2006

Angie and Bekka 12/06

Here are some photos that were sent to me today. And some I already had.

It is very easy to upload photos on this blog. Here is how:

• Go to Posting and choose Create Post then a text box shows up with the menu bar at the top. On the far right, there is a little icon of a mountain and sky.
• Click on this and another window will pop up.
• Click on Browse and another window will open up with the file folder for your pictures that is on your computer; choose the photo you want to appear and click on it.
• Then click Open.
• Scroll down to the bottom of this window and click on Upload Photo.
• Then wait for the photo to load then click on Done in the blue block.

Very important! Try to make your file not more than a few hundred Ks. When uploading photos from your camera or scanner; make sure when you do a Save that you choose to make that file smaller or compressed. If you Save it as it comes off the scanner or out of your camera it is one HUGE file! At least 1 MB each!

So how do I do that you may ask.

• When finished uploading from camera or scanner all your photos will appear in your photo program waiting for you to do something with them. They are not named or saved yet. And may appear like scan0001 or image001.
• You can either save one at a time and reduce the image or some programs will allow multiple images to be reduced and saved. I always do one at a time to make sure it is done right.

If you need any help; just call me and I can probably walk you through it. But if you call the cell for this kind of call; please call after 9pm. Because this make take awhile.

Once you upload photos from a camera or scanner and do a proper save a few times it is easy!

Family Reunion:

I don't know why we can't have the reunion up here in NC. It has never been here. All of the reunions have been held several hours driving away from us.

Yes Dee and I have health problems that makes it difficult. But it is also about finances too.

There is a really cool state park here Morrow Mtn which has campsites and cabins for rent. And it is very beautiful there.

Just an idea tossed out there.

Thanks,

Nancy

Hi I'm not an artist not can I write poetry!

Hey Family,

Sorry I can't draw or write peotry - I am more the craft type. I needle point, Knit, etc. which I learned from Mom. Which as we all know she had more talent in her little finger than most have in their whole body and each of us got a little of that talent.

Barb and Nan loved your poems.

Angie - great hearing from you.

Nice to have a new family member and as always each new generation gets better looking that the last - Again thanks to a very beautiful woman who started this wonderful family.

MOM THANKS AND WE MISS YOU!

Well it has not been mentioned yet, but we were talking over Christmas and want to plan a family gathering for October on Cumberland island, GA. Barbara and Scott will be handling most of the planning, since they know more about packing and planning a stay on the island. I hope everyone can be there....we will just hope and pray for everyone. I know it may be hard for Nan and Dixie - health wise - that is why I am praying for your health.

I love you all...Suzie "Q" - mind you NOT one but family calls me this nickname.

Today was beautiful outside:

I went to pick up a bookcase someone gave to me. They live way out in the country. I belong to this group called FreeCycle check it out.

It was a nice long drive in the country with some beautiful scenery. I saw a few places I would like to go to paint. Some nice creeks with lots of river rocks, beautiful hardwoods overhanging the banks. Good spots.

The bookcase is still in the truck. I will see if a neighbor can help me bring it into the house. I did not realize how big and heavy it is. I have to drive to my doctor's in Huntersville in the morning. I hope it is out of the truck by then. That would have been nothing for me to pick up years ago. Now impossible.

Still no answer from the management at Sleep Inn. I am really angry that not even a phone call was made to me. How rude! They have no idea how much good this would do for me. Tomorrow a telephone call to corporate. This IS the only heated pool for 25 miles around. Shame as no one ever uses that darned thing.

If someone in the family could call and say they use this hotel when they visit me but will not anymore if they don't let me ues the pool; that would be great. Barb? You said you would love to help me make assertive calls like this. How about it? Thanks.

The sun is going down now on a lovely day. It was actually a little too warm. But so nice. Tomorrow is supposed to be the same way. Then artic air is to come in Tuesday night and stay for a week. Barely getting above freezing during the day. I am so excited. Yeah. Those days make me ache so badly.

Mom

Ralph and Barbara's son:

Evan Bowers! Hello little one. Welcome to the world and this big family.:)

Barbara and Ralph; he is a pretty son with lots of hair and a beautiful complexion. Congrats for a job well done! Rima thank you for sending the photo and I hope you don't mind I uploaded it here.

Barbara, I remember your new born photo and I think Evan favors you!

Love,

Aunt Nancy