Thanksgiving has become a step into the season for me. We headed south for short family visits while inhaling huge meals. We spent the night with Richard's mom and headed home on Saturday.
Richard left for Israel on Sunday, and I promptly developed a cold. By Wednesday I was calling the doctor and taking any appointment. Antibiotics and two other prescriptions later, I am well enough to have a sleep over with one of my grandchildren.
I wasn't as active as usual, but 3 tea parties and several wagon rides later, we did get to sleep by 10. Blondie woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7 AM and ready for a wagon ride. Breakfast was eaten and the day started off with a bang. It was fun, and she really didn't want to leave that afternoon. Mimi went right to bed. LOL
This Thanksgiving we gave special thanks that our daughter-in-law received good results from her tests, and she is still in remission. She is a really strong woman as she takes care of her two children while her husband is deployed to Aghganistan. I imagine both are feeling the length of time of this deployment. My daughter-in-law was diagnosed during his last deployment and his time away was cut in half. This trek is the real deal and thank God, cancer won't cut it short.
He is occupying his time by taking classes. 12 hour shifts, 3 hour classes, study time, eating, and sleeping just about takes up every second of his time. That is good as time will seem to go by faster for him. We are fortunate to talk to him about every two weeks on Skype. Most of the time he sounds ok, but sometimes he seems like he is really missing home. No matter what diversions there are during service to his country, it just isn't like the routine of doing a job, coming home, and kissing the wife and kids.
We started decorating for Christmas this week. We mostly decorate for the kids and grandkids as we are more into the celebration of the birth of Christ than the tinsel. I never can remember how I decorate from year to year. One year, I will actually label the boxes and the details of how to use the decorations for the following year. I did enjoy putting topper on a real tree this year because the material reminded me of a shopping trip in North Carolina. I enjoyed putting up my ornaments from last year as well. Pictures of family members adorn my tree once again. Richard and I already remember why real trees are not the best idea. We have vacuumed several times already, but I guess the exercise is worth it.
Our outside decorations really need some work, but slowly and surely we will get them to twinkle a little better. I actually bought more lights this year, and again that is for the grandchildren's delight. One of these days we will splurge and have a light company do the honors, but this year it is up to Mimi and Pops to make the house sparkle.
The next week is filled with the end of parties and get togethers with friends. Afterwards, we look forward to many happy hours with our family.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
My Side of the Fence
Once again, my hub is in Washington fighting the good fight. Frank Dodd (not sure of the spelling or exact name)is the latest opponent. I don't begin to understand what the legal issues of the bill are, but my hub does, and apparently he doesn't agree with the bill and is fighting for his side. Like I said, I don't pretend to understand, but I know my husband understands the business ramifications of it and is willing to have his voice heard.
I got a glimpse of his passion just recently and for once, I actually understood. It involves the language of the DC game. He is quite put out with the language being used in the media concerning just good business practices. It costs money to run a business. These costs are part of the operations of the business. The costs impact the actual profits made and finally the tax liability. Personally, I don't care about the jets of corporate America. The guys who use these aircraft are in the air more than they are at home. If my husband's job is an indication of air time, then I am happy for the flying CEOs. They would never have a family life if they traveled commercially. Hub's concern is with the labels now being carefully interchanged by the news sources of our land. At this time in space they are costs of running companies, not subsidies and not extravagant lifestyles.
Another example is social security. While some are receiving benefits and have never paid this tax, most Americans have paid their fare share based on income for 30 years or more. Most wives of my mother's generation had husbands who paid and paid and paid. This is not a subsidy. Personal taxes paid for this distribution. I don't know the history behind social security, but I know that not all present pension plans are equal. Many have 401K opportunities, but most do not. Many hourly employees social security taxes will someday become their only pension. The social security is the pension that most people paid into and deserve to receive. No ands, ifs, or buts about it. Again, language is confusing the issues. Social Security that has been paid by every participant is their pension, not their subsidy. I even payed Medicare taxes for 40 quarters. So folks, I too, am entitled to this benefit.
I have a disabled sister who receives SSI. This isn't the same as SS. No, she never paid her 40 quarters, but her husband did. She receives SS widow's benefits and an additional SSI benefit. Why? She is learning disabled, has tried for years to just hold a job, any job, and just can't do it. Just like she can't manage her money. My mother does this for her and will pass this torch to her children. Some people have needs that they personally could never meet, ever.
I have a friend who has adopted special needs children. She gets SSI for these children. Why shouldn't she? America should take care of its own first. We are guaranteed certain unalienable rights by our constitution....life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness....Just because pursuits do not match our own personal goals, what is the government becoming when it would choose to deny the basics to those in need.
Now, I will get political. I don't pretend to understand business, but I do understand threats. Twice now with this President, senior citizens have been warned that their social security checks might be late if this or if that does or doesn't happen. How dare he and how dare the government of the people and for the people threaten its very contributors.
I know that there are a lot of problems, and many people who should pay taxes (all of them) do not. OK then, fix that. Make company penalties so stiff, that financially it would be only advantageous to report and record all incomes and taxes. My husband and I run a small business on the side in hopes of having an additional income when he finally does retire, if ever. I didn't enjoy learning all of the bookkeeping involved for the business, but I did it. I also reported all income payments to the various workers who put in their time and energy for us. Whether or not these people owed taxes based on their bottom line is between them and the IRS. As an employer, I held up my legal end of the bargain.
To be honest, we hired an accounting company to make sure that we got all of the business deductions the tax laws allow. If that displeases anyone, then work to get the laws changed. We may or may not get a government insurance subsidy based on the drought. It is a subsidy. We bought the natural disaster insurance for crops just like anyone buys for rising water. We payed a little, but may receive at least the chemical costs for this year. This is just the tip of the iceberg for the actual costs to us. If a hurricane floods my house, then we will qualify for that subsidy as well, and why shouldn't we. My tax dollars should go to take care of Americans first. I am an American.
Let's do away with funding foreign governments. Now, that is subsidizing and big time. I'm not talking about humanitarian aid. All modern countries of the world should contribute equally to take care of the third world nations. Even these efforts should be monitored closely. I am sick and tired of American tax dollars being used to support governments that oppress their people. I am sick and tired of our American soldiers being killed for people who will turn their backs on us in an instant. I am sick of the thinking going on in Washington these days. I want to shout take care of Americans first, then use whatever is left over to continue taking care of Americans.
I do know that I am very thankful for a husband who doesn't just sit on the sidelines and gripe. He gets out there and gets heard. The expenses for this are deductible to the company he represents, and why shouldn't it be? It is a tiny part of the business of running America, and these dollars are well spent even if the costs help the bottom line of a major company. Running America costs money, and as long as the tax payers money takes care of us, it is well spent.
I got a glimpse of his passion just recently and for once, I actually understood. It involves the language of the DC game. He is quite put out with the language being used in the media concerning just good business practices. It costs money to run a business. These costs are part of the operations of the business. The costs impact the actual profits made and finally the tax liability. Personally, I don't care about the jets of corporate America. The guys who use these aircraft are in the air more than they are at home. If my husband's job is an indication of air time, then I am happy for the flying CEOs. They would never have a family life if they traveled commercially. Hub's concern is with the labels now being carefully interchanged by the news sources of our land. At this time in space they are costs of running companies, not subsidies and not extravagant lifestyles.
Another example is social security. While some are receiving benefits and have never paid this tax, most Americans have paid their fare share based on income for 30 years or more. Most wives of my mother's generation had husbands who paid and paid and paid. This is not a subsidy. Personal taxes paid for this distribution. I don't know the history behind social security, but I know that not all present pension plans are equal. Many have 401K opportunities, but most do not. Many hourly employees social security taxes will someday become their only pension. The social security is the pension that most people paid into and deserve to receive. No ands, ifs, or buts about it. Again, language is confusing the issues. Social Security that has been paid by every participant is their pension, not their subsidy. I even payed Medicare taxes for 40 quarters. So folks, I too, am entitled to this benefit.
I have a disabled sister who receives SSI. This isn't the same as SS. No, she never paid her 40 quarters, but her husband did. She receives SS widow's benefits and an additional SSI benefit. Why? She is learning disabled, has tried for years to just hold a job, any job, and just can't do it. Just like she can't manage her money. My mother does this for her and will pass this torch to her children. Some people have needs that they personally could never meet, ever.
I have a friend who has adopted special needs children. She gets SSI for these children. Why shouldn't she? America should take care of its own first. We are guaranteed certain unalienable rights by our constitution....life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness....Just because pursuits do not match our own personal goals, what is the government becoming when it would choose to deny the basics to those in need.
Now, I will get political. I don't pretend to understand business, but I do understand threats. Twice now with this President, senior citizens have been warned that their social security checks might be late if this or if that does or doesn't happen. How dare he and how dare the government of the people and for the people threaten its very contributors.
I know that there are a lot of problems, and many people who should pay taxes (all of them) do not. OK then, fix that. Make company penalties so stiff, that financially it would be only advantageous to report and record all incomes and taxes. My husband and I run a small business on the side in hopes of having an additional income when he finally does retire, if ever. I didn't enjoy learning all of the bookkeeping involved for the business, but I did it. I also reported all income payments to the various workers who put in their time and energy for us. Whether or not these people owed taxes based on their bottom line is between them and the IRS. As an employer, I held up my legal end of the bargain.
To be honest, we hired an accounting company to make sure that we got all of the business deductions the tax laws allow. If that displeases anyone, then work to get the laws changed. We may or may not get a government insurance subsidy based on the drought. It is a subsidy. We bought the natural disaster insurance for crops just like anyone buys for rising water. We payed a little, but may receive at least the chemical costs for this year. This is just the tip of the iceberg for the actual costs to us. If a hurricane floods my house, then we will qualify for that subsidy as well, and why shouldn't we. My tax dollars should go to take care of Americans first. I am an American.
Let's do away with funding foreign governments. Now, that is subsidizing and big time. I'm not talking about humanitarian aid. All modern countries of the world should contribute equally to take care of the third world nations. Even these efforts should be monitored closely. I am sick and tired of American tax dollars being used to support governments that oppress their people. I am sick and tired of our American soldiers being killed for people who will turn their backs on us in an instant. I am sick of the thinking going on in Washington these days. I want to shout take care of Americans first, then use whatever is left over to continue taking care of Americans.
I do know that I am very thankful for a husband who doesn't just sit on the sidelines and gripe. He gets out there and gets heard. The expenses for this are deductible to the company he represents, and why shouldn't it be? It is a tiny part of the business of running America, and these dollars are well spent even if the costs help the bottom line of a major company. Running America costs money, and as long as the tax payers money takes care of us, it is well spent.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Time for a Rest
Richard and I had a great time in Las Vegas. We aren't the late nighters who creep in at the break of day, but our time was well spent. I had my usual spa day, enjoyed the pools, and of course the tables. Would love to tell anyone that I won, but that is never the case, and I never take more than I can afford to lose.
I am all about views, and I must admit that in spite of the casino being geared to the 21+ age groups, our service was excellent. We also got to enjoy the fountains at the Bellagio from our Cosmopolitan balcony. Our casino was very ethereal with emphasis on restaurants and designer label shopping. We did enjoy a variety of foods with very different twists of flavor and my idea of great eating. We actually lost a few pounds probably because we got some walking in every evening.
A couple from our neighborhood was staying at their condo for the week. I joined them one afternoon and enjoyed shooting craps with them Downtown. Again, I would love to tell you I won, but I would lying. I did finally win on roulette later in the evening, and actually played the slots for a while on my winnings. I still love the one armed bandits the most. The video game appeal I think, but one armed bandit is definitely a great nicname.
Met a lovely couple on the way back and discovered that they hit Vegas about 4 times a year. I am just not up to the plane travel to do that. The worst part of traveling is the flying. Flying used to be fun. The jets had more room, and the airlines were there to serve you. Not so anymore. We have all become statistics who are closely monitored each step of the trip. However, the scanners at security do make it less irritating.
I was amazed at a spectacle I saw at the counters. A couple were really yelling and screaming about the baggage fees necessary for the next leg of their journey. If it had been this blond-haired American granny making the complaints, I am sure security would have been called immediately. The angry couple were obviously of eastern descent, so they were placated over and over again. Just made me mad to see it go on. We kiosked, checked our bags, and went for a drink, and the couple were still making complaints. Only in America would this be allowed to go on and on and on.
I wonder if this country is ever going to wake up........
I am all about views, and I must admit that in spite of the casino being geared to the 21+ age groups, our service was excellent. We also got to enjoy the fountains at the Bellagio from our Cosmopolitan balcony. Our casino was very ethereal with emphasis on restaurants and designer label shopping. We did enjoy a variety of foods with very different twists of flavor and my idea of great eating. We actually lost a few pounds probably because we got some walking in every evening.
A couple from our neighborhood was staying at their condo for the week. I joined them one afternoon and enjoyed shooting craps with them Downtown. Again, I would love to tell you I won, but I would lying. I did finally win on roulette later in the evening, and actually played the slots for a while on my winnings. I still love the one armed bandits the most. The video game appeal I think, but one armed bandit is definitely a great nicname.
Met a lovely couple on the way back and discovered that they hit Vegas about 4 times a year. I am just not up to the plane travel to do that. The worst part of traveling is the flying. Flying used to be fun. The jets had more room, and the airlines were there to serve you. Not so anymore. We have all become statistics who are closely monitored each step of the trip. However, the scanners at security do make it less irritating.
I was amazed at a spectacle I saw at the counters. A couple were really yelling and screaming about the baggage fees necessary for the next leg of their journey. If it had been this blond-haired American granny making the complaints, I am sure security would have been called immediately. The angry couple were obviously of eastern descent, so they were placated over and over again. Just made me mad to see it go on. We kiosked, checked our bags, and went for a drink, and the couple were still making complaints. Only in America would this be allowed to go on and on and on.
I wonder if this country is ever going to wake up........
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Waiting
Waiting is not my best attribute. I have a hard time waiting on meetings that seem to drag on and on. I mentally amuse myself with the lists of things I am going to do as soon as the meeting is over. I have never been patient, and I had hoped that as I got older, I would become more tolerant of any and all situations that don't stick to my time tables. Life just doesn't work that way. In fact, most people are on a much slower time table than I am. I am a fifteen minute rule type of person. I learned a long time ago that the kitchen could be cleared and the dishwasher loaded in almost 15 minutes. I can fold and put away a load of laundry in the same amount of time. I guess that being the oldest of five natually made me an efficient adult. I remember having to hang clothes on a line as a kid and hating it. My mom would remind me that it was just a 15 minute job, and it would take longer to take them down, fold or iron them. I became a fast forward whiz at just about any kind of chores; mainly because I hated doing them. The faster I got chores done, the faster I got to do what I wanted to do. I am still that way.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Prayers for Michele and Justin
I sit here writing my feelings. My head is here, but my heart is elsewhere. My heart is in North Carolina with my son and his wife. After a year of remission, Michele received word that once again the doctors found atypical cells on her cervix. I am stunned, and I know that Michele is feeling lost just about now. I wish I was there to wrap my arms around the whole family. My only recourse is to pray for my sweet daughter-in-law, my son, and the kids.
I am praying that these cells are a result of a need for hormones. It is a hope that I have shared with God. He knows every cell in her body and wants blessings for Michele. In fact He wants her to be abundantly blessed. She is His child. I pray for the will to go forward to be a part of their daily routines. Michele takes great pride in being a wife, homemaker, and mother. I pray that God will bless her every second as she tries to stay busy until this nightmare is over.
I pray for my son to be sensitive and loving as panic tries to creep into his thoughts. I pray for their protection as they keep on keeping on throughout this latest chapter in their lives. I pray for my grandkids. I pray that God will wrap His arms around them each and every day, each and every second. I pray for strength for all of them.
I hope that they can feel the prayers. We love them so much, and it is hard to see any suffering because of the dreaded disease of cancer. I pray that God will squash this enemy of the family, and out of the ashes of fear and uncertainty, raise a family that is stronger and there for each other.
I ask these things in Jesus' name.
I am praying that these cells are a result of a need for hormones. It is a hope that I have shared with God. He knows every cell in her body and wants blessings for Michele. In fact He wants her to be abundantly blessed. She is His child. I pray for the will to go forward to be a part of their daily routines. Michele takes great pride in being a wife, homemaker, and mother. I pray that God will bless her every second as she tries to stay busy until this nightmare is over.
I pray for my son to be sensitive and loving as panic tries to creep into his thoughts. I pray for their protection as they keep on keeping on throughout this latest chapter in their lives. I pray for my grandkids. I pray that God will wrap His arms around them each and every day, each and every second. I pray for strength for all of them.
I hope that they can feel the prayers. We love them so much, and it is hard to see any suffering because of the dreaded disease of cancer. I pray that God will squash this enemy of the family, and out of the ashes of fear and uncertainty, raise a family that is stronger and there for each other.
I ask these things in Jesus' name.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Cast Your Worries to the Lord
Words of wisdom easily said, but not so easy to do at all times. My younger son and his family just visited, and he told me not to worry, and that he doesn't worry about anything. To be quite honest, he doesn't have to worry. From an earthly perspective he is blessed with parents who support him and love him, warts and all. He is blessed with a wife who loves him and children who are just adorable. He has never known insecurity even during the trials and tribulations of growing up. No matter what, he knew his parents loved him, and what a blessing.
His mother on the other hand grew up completely insecure about so many issues in life. My worry pattern was ingrained at a very young age, and for some reason, it keeps rearing its ugly head no matter how blessed I am. And I am blessed! I have a husband who loves me most of the time because sometimes I am truly unlovable. He's has never missed a paycheck and never even asks about the expenses. I report to him occasionally when the savings account is starting to get too low, and we both curb our spending until we are in the black again. Our retirement is in place, and in five short years we will retire, and more than likely hit the road and travel to places we haven't seen. We are both road warriors and enjoy seeing new sights.
When I asked my son how he doesn't worry, he quickly said that he lets God handle his life. Now, I pray and thank God and let Him handle my life, most of the time. That must be the difference in having a worry free life and a worrisome life. What do I worry about?
Well, my children's happiness, the country's decline, the wars and rumors of war, my son's deployment, the Taliban's revenge, our country's safety, and I could go on and on. I know what the bible says about worry, but it is hard to watch the news and not be horrified at the actions of one human against another. I actually prefer to think of my worry issues as caution in life.
Our world has gotten so complex that it is foolish to just go with the flow. I consider it prudent to guard my heart. God gives me peace when there is no peace. I find joy in the Lord on the days that present no joy. My son says to stop watching the news, but I would rather know what is happening than to be surprised by the bad stuff.
I know I drive my family crazy sometimes, but most of the time, I am the supporting parent who is always there for them. I am just thankful that God is always there for me. I don't know if I will ever be free of worry, but I continue to seek a life free from strife, whether imaginary or not.
His mother on the other hand grew up completely insecure about so many issues in life. My worry pattern was ingrained at a very young age, and for some reason, it keeps rearing its ugly head no matter how blessed I am. And I am blessed! I have a husband who loves me most of the time because sometimes I am truly unlovable. He's has never missed a paycheck and never even asks about the expenses. I report to him occasionally when the savings account is starting to get too low, and we both curb our spending until we are in the black again. Our retirement is in place, and in five short years we will retire, and more than likely hit the road and travel to places we haven't seen. We are both road warriors and enjoy seeing new sights.
When I asked my son how he doesn't worry, he quickly said that he lets God handle his life. Now, I pray and thank God and let Him handle my life, most of the time. That must be the difference in having a worry free life and a worrisome life. What do I worry about?
Well, my children's happiness, the country's decline, the wars and rumors of war, my son's deployment, the Taliban's revenge, our country's safety, and I could go on and on. I know what the bible says about worry, but it is hard to watch the news and not be horrified at the actions of one human against another. I actually prefer to think of my worry issues as caution in life.
Our world has gotten so complex that it is foolish to just go with the flow. I consider it prudent to guard my heart. God gives me peace when there is no peace. I find joy in the Lord on the days that present no joy. My son says to stop watching the news, but I would rather know what is happening than to be surprised by the bad stuff.
I know I drive my family crazy sometimes, but most of the time, I am the supporting parent who is always there for them. I am just thankful that God is always there for me. I don't know if I will ever be free of worry, but I continue to seek a life free from strife, whether imaginary or not.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Time to learn about God
I continue to enjoy my pastor's study on prophesy. He clarified the difference between Allah and the Yahweh God, whom I worship, during this Sunday's sermon. I admit that at one time before I really began to seek the face of God, I speculated that maybe God did assign different prophets throughout the world and maybe Mohammad was one of them. Maybe Buddha was one of God's prophets, and maybe the fellow who started the Hindu religion was sent by God. As time went by and I continued my search for the truth of just who the real God was, I began to understand the false religious teachings that are just everywhere we look these days.
I began to understand that Satan doesn't care how he gets you, as long as the true God doesn't. So many and probably all of the false religions got their beginnings in cultures with polytheistic beliefs. The more I explored, the more I realized how tiring it must be to have to remember which god does what or handles what issue in life. I am thankful for my one God in three persons. The Father in Heaven, his Son who died for my sins, and the Holy Spirit who now inhabits my soul. I also realized that life today and life at the beginning of creation is the same. From the very beginning God had to search for men who wanted to know Him personally instead of seeking man made idols. Nothing much has changed.
Even the labels for man made idols are the same. In history and yesterday in the news, men are seeking power, wealth, and false idols. We are currently embroiled in wars because one group who follow Allah, want to kill all Jews and Christians. Now, this just make me think. Satan is still deceiving so much of the world just as from the beginning of history. I am thankful that each time I read the bible, something new is revealed to me about how God is in control and I am to cast my worries to Him.
I am constantly reminded of the influence that false idols have on society. I drive by a Buddhist temple, I hear about protests during a Christian worship service, I see the large and small statues in various shops all over America. I've witnessed foolish chants and calls to the goddess of nature. It just makes me sad.
It also lets me understand the passages in the bible that speak of a narrow path to the Lord. I never understood that growing up. Everyone I knew growing up went to some kind of Christian church. Not so anymore. In fact the most prominent cult in America today deals with disbelief. Atheists, agnostics, and other rationalists make up this group. This too makes me sad as I see really nice people miss out on the only real gift in life, and that is life after death made possible by simple belief. By simply believing in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and accepting Him as a personal Saviour, anyone can approach the very throne of God. The true God of all creation wants to fellowship with all man.
As a Christian it is my responsibility to pray for all man, that their eyes might be opened to the truth of who God really is. The truth of Salvation made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus is the light that will set any man free to live forever in the presence of God. What a blessing!
I began to understand that Satan doesn't care how he gets you, as long as the true God doesn't. So many and probably all of the false religions got their beginnings in cultures with polytheistic beliefs. The more I explored, the more I realized how tiring it must be to have to remember which god does what or handles what issue in life. I am thankful for my one God in three persons. The Father in Heaven, his Son who died for my sins, and the Holy Spirit who now inhabits my soul. I also realized that life today and life at the beginning of creation is the same. From the very beginning God had to search for men who wanted to know Him personally instead of seeking man made idols. Nothing much has changed.
Even the labels for man made idols are the same. In history and yesterday in the news, men are seeking power, wealth, and false idols. We are currently embroiled in wars because one group who follow Allah, want to kill all Jews and Christians. Now, this just make me think. Satan is still deceiving so much of the world just as from the beginning of history. I am thankful that each time I read the bible, something new is revealed to me about how God is in control and I am to cast my worries to Him.
I am constantly reminded of the influence that false idols have on society. I drive by a Buddhist temple, I hear about protests during a Christian worship service, I see the large and small statues in various shops all over America. I've witnessed foolish chants and calls to the goddess of nature. It just makes me sad.
It also lets me understand the passages in the bible that speak of a narrow path to the Lord. I never understood that growing up. Everyone I knew growing up went to some kind of Christian church. Not so anymore. In fact the most prominent cult in America today deals with disbelief. Atheists, agnostics, and other rationalists make up this group. This too makes me sad as I see really nice people miss out on the only real gift in life, and that is life after death made possible by simple belief. By simply believing in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and accepting Him as a personal Saviour, anyone can approach the very throne of God. The true God of all creation wants to fellowship with all man.
As a Christian it is my responsibility to pray for all man, that their eyes might be opened to the truth of who God really is. The truth of Salvation made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus is the light that will set any man free to live forever in the presence of God. What a blessing!
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