Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Sorry Mr. Turkey, No Pardon From The President For You

We are almost there, the day which is especially reserved for giving thanks.

The house is clean. The scent of Mr. Clean with febreeze, meadow and rain permeates the air. Mmmmmm.

The turkey now rests in a bucket of brine. The green bean bundles are snugly wrapped in bacon; awaiting there coat of brown sugar and butter. The table is set with my china. Grandma Swast's hurricane candles flank the fresh flowers.

And, so, I have time to catch a quick breath and remember what it is I am thankful for and why my cornucopia continues to runneth over. Of course the list of thanks spilled out of the cornucopia so the order is a bit jumbled.

1. FAMILY
2. dog
3. a yard that is, today, leaf-free...thanks to me.
4. gas powered leaf blower
5. key start lawn mower
6. four and five in either order
7. the spine doctor that watches carefully over Maddi
8. a job I love
9. My BWFs (best work friends)
10. My BFFs
11. hikes in the mountain
12. flip flop fuzzy slippers
13. black boots, both pairs
14. choir practices with my BWFs
15. country
16. right to vote (even if yours canceled mine out)
17. sound of the piano playing
18. laughter
19. clean sheets
20. a good book
21. Red Box movies
22. FAITH
23. neighbors
24. health
25. gas at a $1.43 a gallon

Of course if time allowed my list could go on forever but, time does not allow. While one special bird received a presidential pardon and a first class ticket on a plane to Disney World; I have to continue on the path that will bring my bird to the oven--then table for feast. Instead I will simply wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 21, 2008

It Wasn't a Dream...It Was a Dream Come True

The Toyota crawled into the gas station on fumes. I got the best feeling, a feeling I haven't felt in... in... in so long I can't even remember. I filled the car up and it only cost me $17.25.

Can you believe? Believe.

I wanted to dance a jig right there next to the pump. That is what gas at $1.64 a gallon can do to this girl.

It was like I had enough extra money to buy one of those 96 ounce sodas in the Styrofoam cups.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Dear Blog

Dear Blog-

I have been absent for a while, not much in the mood for typing out thoughts or happenings. I suppose that happens to all bloggers from time to time.

Yesterday I wore my new frilly t-shirt. It made me happy. Although it went against everything I believe in; that people in there 40's should not purchase fashion from Forever 21--but I did! I even got compliments. Maybe it is okay after all? What is it about wearing some item of clothing that can change, uplift your presence? Your spirit.

Last Sunday at church as we left everyone in the congregation received a fresh, crisp, new five dollar bill. We are all suppose to go out in the world and do something good with our moneys...you know pay it forward. We, meaning my family, have decided to pool our cash together since, twenty-five dollars can do more good for the betterment of mankind than just five dollars. Now we just need to decide how we would like to pay it forward. Hmmmmm?

I have been a keeper of a secret and finally yesterday it was announced to the band. The application has been mailed and we all sit back awaiting word if the kids will be selected to represent the state of Missouri at the Presidential Inaugural Parade. The question was posed when the board said it was a great star to reach for, if those who voted Republican would be okay with the parade. Never one afraid to speak my mind I said, something to the effect of, as a Republican the parade does not just stand for the man who is president of our country but rather it should represent that as Americans we are proud of the land we call home, that we believe in the constitution that was drafted so many years ago, and the men (and women) who have fought so hard to afford us all our freedoms. More so it shall represent that we all can work together. I think I also said don't use the word "historical" to me because if we truly believe in the words of our constitution we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...then our newly elected president rather than being labeled "historical" should be referred to as-- a man of great achievement; just like all those who have gone before. And, I would say the same thing if a woman was elected. So we sit waiting to hear if we will be road tripping to DC. I continue to keep my fingers crossed.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

SHIT

So Happy It's Thursday!

One, because I can now tell you all that I have managed to run, not walk, 1.5 miles each morning. I feel so alive because of it.

Two, that I have already made a huge pot of chili for dinner tonight (and to take to Princess A tomorrow).

Three, Maddi and I are taking the hour and half drive to Cape tomorrow to take Princess A to dinner. The chili she can eat with her friends on Saturday. The beauty of my Princess living far enough away from home to grow into herself, while being educated, is that I can cruise down for dinner then be back in my own comfy bed from a nights rest. I haven't yet done this but I think she needs a "real" mom fix...and something other than dorm food.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Brrrr It's Cold Outside

What is it about the break out of cold weather that makes us do things we otherwise would try to avoid?

Like raking leaves.

It becomes a race against future weather conditions. It proves the epitome of a job never finished.

M and I spent 3 hours in the front yard dreaming of a world made of Astro Turf and plastic trees. But, in reality we were out in that yard bounding; one raking, one blowing, one bagging, one mowing-- working as a team. Me and my Maddi-Pal.

When the next day is colder than the day before (I saw flakes of snow dance in the air for a brief moment) I find myself, and a lot of others, in line at the grocery buying ingredients to make comfort foods. I have just spent two hours chopping, dicing and mincing, sauteing and whipping..creating foods to warm the soul.

When the dinner bell rings--Shepard's Pie is headed to the table. When the morning alarm sings-- egg casserole for breakfast.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

November 4



The alarm went off this morning with the sound of the National Anthem. So patriotic and fitting on this November fourth election day. Almost as if a subtle reminder to get out there and exercise our right as an American to vote.

There are a couple of things that make me instantly crabby:
1. Having to go late worship service at my church
2. Getting in the shower only to find one of my girls has taken my shampoo

Then there is today. Voting.

While everyone is all "change we need". I am all; you should have given me a better selection of choices. So I will dress, drag myself to the poles (before work), stand in (what I hope is a fast moving) line to cast my vote for the lesser of two evils.

Never before have I dreaded exercising my right to vote! And, so, I will rest it in the hands of God and hope whatever the outcome, this country of ours can somehow find a way to make peace with the decisions made.

Amen? Amen.