God Does Handle Details

I ;am so thankful my got to Seattle on her own steam without a family member having to make the trip to be by her side. In fact the whole trip sounded easier than when we accompanied her in these recent years. My sister made her reservation and asked for assistance.

When I went to the airport, the bags were handled curbside which is normal. The handler said to wait and a wheelchair would be brought. Presto chango, yep that fast. The baggage handler brought the receipt to my mom as she was being assisted into the chair and she was whisked into the building before I even got to hug her good-bye. I yelled bye, and then got back in my car and came home. I was just amazed. My mom is 80 years old, and the trip was going to be hard on her. The efficiency of the airlines lowered her stress levels and that of her family members.

My aunt lives in Seattle, actually, a suburb just outside of the city. Her cancer has become active again, and she is taking chemo once a week for 3 weeks, then a break, PET, and decisions based on the information. All I can do is pray for my aunt.

My mom wanted to be there for her. She had this overwhelming need to just go, and now I am glad she did. My biggest worry concerned "in the airport". I remember losing her several years ago when she went to the ladies room. She got turned around and wouldn't carry a cell phone. She still doesn't. We eventually found her, but all were totally stressed. The same thing happened at Caesar's Palace in about the same timeframe.

I actually think I have learned something from this. If my mom insists on going on another trip by air, I will request the same services for her; even if I am there. Travel is hard enough and anything that will make it easier is something to consider. I guess we can all learn something new every day.

My sister called to ask how it went and we were both pleased by the results. She never got a confirmation on the assistance request, so we were both holding our breaths. "She's in the system" were music to my ears for one more adventure in my mom's life. I always wondered how older people traveled so much. Now, I know. When I am 80, I'm going to ask for all the help I can get........

New Year's Resolution

To be quite honest, I forgot to do this on the first day of the year. I was just exhausted and in bed that day and the following. I thought my husband would make a crack or two about my laziness, but I got a nice surprise. He was sick and also as tired as I was, so we enjoyed being chair potatoes together. This is so unlike our past lifestyle. Once again, I am thankful that we don't have a deer lease to maintain. My hubby and I will hunt dove at the pecan orchard until season is over. That will be enough hunting for me.

I did get a new shotgun for Christmas. I do hope that I can enjoy shooting it. Richard went to a lot of trouble to get it sized just for my arm length. After reading the information packet, it seems like an easy gun to load and shoot. I broke lot of nails on the last two hunts because of loading and pumping and ejecting. Anyhow, I do appreciate the effort put into the gift. I really would like to learn how to hit the dove. I enjoy being out in the open for this kind of hunting.

As of today, I figured out my resolution. I am going to simplify my life. I really am going to throw things away that have been in the drawer untouched for the past year. I am really going to donate the clothes that have been unworn for the past year. I am actually going to organize my closet by outfits and colors. I used to do that when I worked because the mornings were always so rushed. Retirement seems to have relaxed me too much. Time to get efficient again.

I am not going to shop all year for Christmas. I will pass it up even if it is a good deal. I will wait for the kids to tell me exactly what they want (within reason) and then get them that. I am also going to tell the kids exactly what I want. I got some really great gifts this year because I told them what I wanted. They made the choices, and really great choices they were.

I am going to finish that hallway I started painting. I am going to finish that collage of pictures I started. I am going to clear up that last closet that seems to be a catch all. I will throw away stuff that is never going to be used again. I won't hesitate with any buts about it. I just need to clear stuff out, and then I will have room for things that just seem to sit around and pile up.

Yep, that's my resolution. I am going to simplify my life.

Merry Christmas 2011

Santa was busy last night at the Smith house. I didn't even hear him come down the chimney. Bright eyes opened more presents, and eager hands rapidly opened more surprises. My grandson was very happy that Santa delivered more age appropriate gifts than Mimi and Pops. There was much enthusiasm for the grandparent gifts, but Santa always seems to deliver that one gift that each kid thinks is a dream come true.

Dinner was delicious and everyone found at least a couple of dishes they couldn't complain about. Leftovers today seem to taste better, but it may be because it is so quiet in the house. lol My daughter-in-law has taken the kids to see her family for the day. Hopefully, they will get home in time to watch one of the movies I would love to share with my grandson.

It has been a joy having the grandchildren together for a few days. I have been blessed this year with getting to play with all of them at the same time. We made cookies and a gingerbread house. Mimi stuff that will always be remembered each time a Christmas cookie gets eaten. I think the best part about family is the hugging every time we say hello or good-by. I try to get in about 6 months of hugs and kisses, and yep, I'll be remembered for all of the super hugs someday. Not a bad legacy.

I did try to read the Christmas story to the kids, but I think the dog was the only one who paid attention. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, but missed the cupcakes. Mimi forgot to get that one last task done, and why I wondered. Then, I checked my list twice and couldn't find cupcakes. I am at the point in life that lists are an absolute necessity.

Hub was quite amused that he got some miniature marshmallows for one present. Today, stockings revealed the guns for the goodies. He just thought I was off my rocker.....Not true, just not quite as organized as I should have been. A marshmallow did zoom over my head as I sent pictures to my younger son in Afghanistan. We missed him, but Skype helped immensely. Just that moment on screen included him from afar. Holidays are never perfect, but all in all, most of the time was just plain fun and hopefully hold happy memories for everyone.

Anticipation

I remember being a kid and driving around the hometown with my dad looking for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve night. Dad would shout he'd just seen him over a neighbor's roof, and five kids would anxiously look out the windows hoping to catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf. Little did we know that Momma was at home helping Santa deliver our presents while we chased the elusive guy all over town.

It's that feeling I have now. We've decked the halls, wrapped the presents, and started the baking in anticipation of sharing a holiday with all three grandchildren on Christmas Eve day. My older son and wife will come over and my younger son's wife is traveling from North Carolina. At lease I am hoping they began the journey today. My grandson has been sick, and I prayed for a speedy recovery for him. I also prayed that the designated driver remains healthy. My younger son is in Afghanistan, but hopefully we can connect with him through Skype.

When kids don't live in the same town or state, getting together for the holidays on the same day is a special blessing. I am really looking forward to getting a MIMI and POPS and grands picture. Kind of selfish of me, but these moments don't happen too often. We have been together for Easter and that has been nice. Christmas will be the icing on the cake of life.....

For now, I will keep busy making cookies and singing Christmas songs and waiting for our special day.....

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night

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.

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.

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........