Being an adult means making tough decisions...

"But, as for me, I will sing each morning about your power and mercy.  For you have been my high tower of refuge, a place of safety in the day of my distress, a place of safety in the day of my distress.  O my Strength to you I sing my praises; for you are my high tower of safety, my God of mercy."~~Psalm 59:16-17

June 19, 2012


Good Morning, Readers!  I watered my gardens last night and have enjoyed a nice relaxing morning on the patio sipping coffee and sharing some time with the Lord.  The sound of the fountain bubbling close by, the birds munching on seed provided a few minutes ago, and the whisper of the trees swaying in the cool breeze affords me a special time of counting my blessings while praying for specific needs of family, friends, and others brought to mind.  I've been praying through some challenges and yesterday added one more...

Sadie had her recheck yesterday.  As usual, the vet did bloodwork and checked her over.  She had her yearly shots and we stocked up on heartworm pills, flea pills, thyroid pills, itch pills, and liver support pills.  The bloodwork was ... well, let's just say, not so good.  Her liver count was still way over 2,000 -- the machine couldn't even give an accurate count.  Dr. Arnold wants us to bring her back in a month for another recheck and suggested we send bloodwork off to a bigger lab to find out the cause of the liver issues.  She had lost a little more weight and had started hiding under skirted chairs (the vet said that was probably because of her liver).  I had been hoping....

I had taken Toby with me because he was due for his annual shots and check up as well.  He's healthy as a horse and, except for refusing to open his yap, he did fine...  The vet finally pried his mouth open and showed me that he had retained a baby tooth which needs to come out as soon as possible as it is causing redness and puffiness in his gums.  I can deal with that ... simple fix.


As I left the vet's office, I had this tight feeling in my chest.  As you, my Readers, know, Sadie is my buddy, my companion, and I love her dearly.  As I write, she is laying at my feet snoring up a storm.  Every now and then I look down at her and give her a pat.  I gave her an oatmeal bath with conditioner last Thursday and she is still so soft.  I feel her heartbeat and cherish every moment with her.

It is decision time.  We'll see what the next thirty days brings.  I will continue to be faithful in giving her medications and will keep her as comfortable as possible.  I will enjoy my time with her and savor memories of each crazy thing she does.  Then, no more costly bloodwork and vet expenses ... I will turn her over to the care and keeping of her creator doing my part to continue to give her her meds and keeping her safe, secure, and loved.

Being an adult does mean making some difficult decisions.  I'd like to send Sadie's bloodwork off to a larger lab, take her to a specialist, and do everything humanly possible to find the core cause of the liver and itching.  I'd love to be able to clone her as she is such a gentle soul.  I'd love to keep her with me forever...  Sadly, I know that's not possible.  Through my trials with Sadie, I've come to admire those who are able to adopt dogs with special needs.  Funny how that happens ... unless we go through something ourselves, it's hard to understand and empathize with others who are going through the same thing.

This morning, I read several of the Psalms.  Psalms written by David as he was being pursued by his enemies, betrayed by his own son, and facing trial after trial.  In Psalm 59, David pens a psalm of praise even though he is a man on the run ... a man who narrowly escaped Saul's murderous pursuit.  I thought about that for a long while.  Am I able to stop in the middle of my time of sadness about Sadie to praise God for my blessings?  I had to tell myself to STOP ... to WRITE down what I was grateful for (one was that today Sadie is with me) ... to LOOK into the heavens and say, I BELIEVE.  Yes, I believe that everything that happens to me is Father filtered.  Keeping that thought always before me allows peace to come into my soul.

I have to admit that last week was a tough one for me all around.  I felt completely burned out ... drained, tired, and down, down, down.  I wept at the slightest altercation and had a real pity party.  I allowed myself to cry out in despair being real about where I was.  I was fortunate ... as I shared my tears, my daughter dried my eyes, listened, and sent me a "text" hug.  She was my angel that day and I love her for taking time to say, "It's going to be okay, Mom, I am here for you."  Tears come to my eyes now just thinking about how loving she was.  That's just what I needed, that bump to get me on the road to a weekend to remember.

As adults, we make decisions every day.  Having Fibromyalgia has made me more aware of making deliberate decisions.  It's really been a no brainer ... if I don't tend my gardens, they will die; if I don't get up and get moving, my muscles atrophy and Fibro gets worse; if  I don't live within my means, I suffer the consequences of struggling to pay bills; if I don't nourish my relationships, they wane.  I have to think more about the consequences of what I am about and what I am doing.

As I make the tough decisions, I do what is right and leave the outcome to the Lord.  That's a scary prospect to a person who has had to be in control.  To do what's right often times means going out on a limb.  I've lost relationships, money, and had to admit the egg on my face was of my own doing.  To stand up and say, "It was my fault," sometimes has meant a loss and shunning of others.  Know what though?  By doing the next right thing and keeping my slate clean I sleep soundly at night.  We're only as sick as the secrets we keep and my life is an open book.  I like it that way.

As we all go through making decisions and keeping our slates clean, let's remember that God is in control.  He knows, He sees, He hears.  Most of all, He knows our hearts.  He knows how much I love Sadie ... He knows how important family is to me.  If all I have is this day, then, I am content because I will celebrate life and do everything I can to make this day count!!

I wish you love and joy this June 19, 2012.  I pray that if you are having one of those duby do down down days that you will reach out and make a phone call to someone you know loves you and cares about you.  Have no one?  Then, raise holy hands to the Lord God who is the perfect listener!!  You can be sure that if you are reading my blogs you are being covered with prayer and love.

Until next time, remember the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 94:19:  "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer."

Miss Dottie

Weekend to Remember -- Part III

June 18, 2012

Continuation -- Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day!  Our morning got a little hectic.  We had to be in the car and on our way to Grand Prairie by 7am.  The boys were raring to go ... Nicholas was busy practicing catching and working on his batting form.  Zachary was right behind him, gearing up for an early game.  Uniforms were sparkling clean and they were set to go!!!!

Our ride to Grand Prairie was less eventful than Saturday's ride ... no planes zooming towards us ... no trains thundering on the tracks.  We did need to stop for ice, gas, and snacks but that was a quick stop.  We got to the ball field twenty minutes earlier than the previous day and found a closer parking lot which made trips to the van less tiring.

We were the first ones at the park.  Grandpa decided to hit some balls to Zachary to warm him up.  Before long, there were six young men on the field giving Grandpa a work out.  Was fun to watch them!!  Grandpa gave Zachary a pep talk and it wasn't long before we heard ... "Game!"  Oh my oh my ... the team they had to play was rated 15th in the nation.  Talk about David meeting Goliath!!  It was a quick game ... Zachary and his teammates left the field with their heads down.  Their coach gathered them together and was able to share his thoughts on the game and how it could be a stepping stone for these young lads.  He gave Zach his trophy and shook his hand ... "Great game, son."  Later he stopped us sharing that he felt that Zachary was the best player in the rec league and that he should look into playing for a select team.  He had only worked with Zach on the All Star Team and said he could tell he was gifted.  Even in defeat, Zachary shined!!

On the other side of Dallas, little Nicholas's team met defeat.  The good news was that they had improved overnight and were able to make some great plays.  Nicholas was noticed as well as being a player to watch.  His abilities to field, catch, play pitcher and hit the ball made him stand out -- a ball player to be reckoned with.  He knew he had a personal best day and was a happy guy!!

One more time, we had Tommy and Nicholas meet us ... this time in Frisco at Chili's.  It was wonderful to celebrate Father's Day one more time and the culmination of a memory making weekend.  Zachary wanted to relate the tale of our adventures over the weekend ... Nicolas, too, shared in the merry making.  I think I started smiling Friday night and didn't stop until I reached home late Sunday.  I felt refreshed and renewed.

My grandsons are handsome inside and out.  They are strong competitive young lads and take their positions on the ball field seriously.  Although they have totally different personalities, both are leaders and encouragers.  Zachary is outgoing and directs keeping his teammates motivated.  Nicholas is more of a quiet leader ... strong, determined, and an example to follow.  They are secure young boys who know that they are loved no matter if they win or lose.  They are resilient, bouncing back from disappointment ready to take on new opportunities.  They are already looking forward to Fall baseball!

I was exhausted when we reached home but it was a good tired.  I walked in the back door and headed for my bed for a nap.  It ended up being a nap before going to bed!  I wondered if I would be able to sleep but I had no problem.  Memories of the past three days flitted through my mind and, one more time, I smiled.  Memories of watching my son play soccer, basketball, and football floated through my mind ... his wins, his loses, his failures and successes.  This Father's Day, he was honored as being dad to his own sons.  He is a wonderful mentor ... a teacher, a role model...  As for me, I have had the privilege of being the mother of a son and grandmother to two grandsons.  One more time, I felt blessed beyond blessed.

As life goes on, I pray that you, too, will invest yourself in your children, grandchildren, or maybe that child down the street or next door.  Our children are our future and they need us!!  They need to feel secure, loved, and encouraged.  They need to be proud of who they are and what they do in life.  We have a job to do.  Are you up to it??  Give it a go ... I promise, you won't be disappointed!!

Thank you for sharing my weekend to remember.  We all have families - for better or worse.  Until tomorrow, please know that you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

 

A Weekend to Remember - II

June 18, 2012

Continued from Part I - Saturday, June 16

Our car ride back to Providence Village was a lively one.  As I said, we sang, told stories about our day, and had a gay old time.  Zachary was in a crazy mood and was looking forward to Sunday's games.  As we were driving, I suggested that we rendezvous with Nicholas and Tommy at the Trail Dust for dinner.  It's a fun place ... food is great and they have a big indoor slide to keep the kids entertained.  Since we would be up and out extra early in the morning, we could have a Father's Day celebration a day early.

We stopped off at the house to clean the dust off our bodies and let the dogs out.  I had been a little leery about leaving four dogs loose in the house for such a long period of time but they surprised me and were all well behaved ... no accidents!

In no time, we headed out the door and down the road to the Trail Dust.  Gosh, that place dates back a long time ... good memories from long ago to the present!  Tommy and Nicholas pulled up in the yellow  Mustang and joined the party.  There were tales of Nicholas's successes and trials and Zachary's successes and trials.  The boys had put the games behind them and were racing towards the slide and juke box.  They cranked up the music and were laughing as they flew down the slide on to the dance floor.  We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and looked forward to attending Saturday night church at Prestonwood in Plano.

It was Tommy and Nicholas's turn to clean up and we all hopped into the van and were off to our next adventure.  It's amazing how long car rides can be fun when accompanied with laughter and bright spirits.  I looked forward to attending church and hearing Josh Hamilton's father in law, Michael Dean Chadwick, speak.  As we walked in the front doors, my heart started beating faster and I could feel the presence of the Lord.  The boys wanted to sit in the front row but we compromised sitting on the first row of the second section.  The praise team took their places and the music filled the entire room.  Chills ran up and down my spine as voices rang out ... Oh, I realized how much I missed that ... tears filled my eyes as I turned and look down the row at my family.  Zach's arms were raised high as he worshiped, Nicholas was writing love notes to his father,  Angie's hands were folded and her eyes closed, Tommy was beside me his voice raised to proclaim Jesus as Lord of his life ... Michael was on the other side of me, his deep bass voice thundering through each song.  I was blessed to be able to worship knowing my family was one in Christ.  The testimony that "Big Daddy" Chadwick gave was heart wrenching ... he gave the cliff notes of his life and his relationship with Josh Hamilton and I wished I could hear more.  I knew that lives were touched and changed that night.  We walked out of the service, the boys running full speed towards the water feature outside the front door.  I wondered where in the world they found the energy to keep on going!!

Angie made molten lava cakes with ice cream and Tommy and Michael were honored as Father and Grandfather.  It was so obvious ... Nicholas and Zachary absolutely adore their father and grandfather.  Love gathered around that table that night.  A perfect ending to a perfect day!

It was late ... my bones were weary.  Two happy little boys were tucked into bed and I made the trip down the hall to the guest room.  I was glad that I'd taken time Saturday morning to do my Bible and prayer time.  Somehow, from that moment on, I knew that the day would turn out okay no matter what happened.  We were family - for better or worse!

Life is what you make it and we are about as happy as we want to be.  Good times require some planning and the ability to change courses should the need arise.  It is one thing to be talented and gifted in an area; it is another to put in the hard work necessary to excel and move forward.  I learned so much from my grandsons as they played their hearts out on the baseball field, dealt with disappointments, then, moved on to celebrate Father's Day.  They didn't dwell on lost games -- they moved forward with ease.  I think Jesus is a pretty wise fellow telling us that we needed to be like children in our faith.  Somehow, they just flat out "get it."

The day closed with the hope of a fresh tomorrow.  Two little boys anxious to set new records for personal bests.  Two parents striving to support and teach their sons using the examples of the day ... two grandparents proud as peacocks of their grandsons knowing that they truly were the "cream of the crop!"

Stay tuned for day two of the weekend to remember ... Games come and go but memories last forever!  Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

    

A Weekend to Remember - Part I

June 17, 2012


Happy Father's Day all your fathers and grandfathers out there!  Hope that your day was special from start to finish!!

Yawn!  I just woke up from my nap before going to bed.  I had the most amazing weekend and am still savoring each moment.  It's almost overwhelming to know where to begin because the weekend was fraught with blessings and unseen twists and turns.


My purpose for visiting my son and family was to attend Zachary's and Nicholas's All-Star Tournament games on Saturday and Sunday.  The boys had been selected to play on the All Star teams which was an honor in itself.  The challenge arose when there weren't other All-Star teams for them to play and they ended up playing select and tournament teams.

As would be expected, Saturday morning started very early with omelets, coffee, and bacon.  Yum!  The boys were on highs and were raring to go.  They were tossing balls, hitting balls, catching balls, and practicing sliding into base on the wood floor.  The noise level was rising which excited the four dogs in the house (two of theirs and two of mine) and we had a rip roaring breakfast!!

With breakfast over, it got a little more serious as the boys donned their uniforms and realized game time was just around the corner.  They looked like little models for sportswear!  Angie was taking photos, I was taking photos, and they were being goofy.  All of a sudden, things got quiet and they came together as brothers going to battle in separate wars.  To watch them brought tears to my eyes and I got a big lump in my throat.  Zachary, as the oldest, put his arm around his little brother and pulled him close.  For that moment in time, they were one with a common goal ... as pitchers they would set the example and rally their teammates.

Our adventure ride to Grand Prairie started out with a jolt.  We were driving down 380 and all of a sudden Angie said, "A plane ... a plane!"  I looked to my left and there was a crop dusting plane and it looked like it was going to hit us.  There was a gasp in the car and with that, the plane lifted.  I wondered if the pilot got a laugh out of scaring us to death!  Zach thought the whole thing was "cool."  We continued on our journey ... we stopped at a stop light and a train passed over us thundering and blowing it's whistle ... we stopped at a Valero station which had more bars on it than a jail ... finally, spotting the field, we rounded a corner and drove straight down ... whoa!!!  We sighed one of those sighs of relief knowing we had arrived and were all in once piece.  Zach grabbed his gear and was off.  One hour to game time!!!!

As luck had it, we were in the shade and the breeze was cool.  Perfect weather for game one.  Yikes, the opponent started showing up.  They were dressed in special uniforms, had their own gear bags with their names on them and had music playing to get their team reved up.  What????    I'd never seen so many coaches nor had I seen quite so much comp and circumstance outside watching the Rangers or Roughriders play baseball.  It quickly became apparent that this was not just a rec team.  The Truth was a select team -- boys groomed to play tournament ball -- sponsored by former Cowboy player, Deion Sanders.  Hmmm..  Before game time, they huddled to pray and then had a special chant.  Our boys were oblivious ... they were concentrating on going out and kicking the Truth's blessed behinds!

We were sitting in the stands eyes glued on the field.  Zach moved to the pitcher's mound with that determined look on his face.  He was shouting to his teammates and gathering momentum.  It was an amazing game -- as you have probably gathered, they lost to the Truth.  BUT ... in losing, there came some invaluable lessons.  It doesn't matter so much if you lose, if you do your best and let God work his magic.  Zach and first baseman, Dillon, wowed the audience on both sides.  In the second inning, it was three up and three down ... three hits caught by Zach and thrown for the outs to Dillon.  We were like ... oh my gosh, is there a chance that they might win this game?

When the game was over, the coach explained to the boys that there wasn't another All-Star rec team for them to play and they were facing the giants of little league baseball -- select tournament teams.  The team they would be facing in game two was ranked fifteenth in the nation.  He just wanted them to hold their heads high and do their best.  They'd given the Truth a run for their money and had had some amazing plays!

Zach ate half a peanut butter sandwich and a protein bar.  He rested and, we could tell, from the look on his face that he was a true competitor.  There were no tears just flat out determination.  Tommy had written "God is with you" on his wristband and he kept glancing down at it.  At eight, Zachary, is a devout believer and takes his faith very seriously.  You can always count on him to excel and do his best.

During the game, Angie was on her cell phone getting updates from Nicholas's game.  Nicholas had been put on the All-Star Tball Team.  Just a few days before tournament games, they were told that they would not be hitting off the T and, like Zach's team, would be playing against select teams.  Oh goodness.  Nicholas would do fine but some of these little ones had never hit a ball pitched to them.  As you can imagine, they got slaughtered.  Yet, Tommy reported, "Nicholas is making plays and excelling."  Game two was no different ... painful for the kids and parents as well.  We wondered ... "Why would they do this knowing these little ones didn't have a chance?"  Well, as usual, God is in control and out of what seemed to be a disaster came the rising of a little guy with strength, determination, and purpose!

Game two, for Zach's team, was quick.  Balls were pitched faster than I've ever seen and these boys could conquer most any high school baseball team.  They had played together since Tball times, only replacing a boy if one left which was rare.  The boys were feeling pretty sad and down.  Coach sat them down and explained what they had been up against.  He told them that he was proud of them and that they had played their best.  Losing still stinks and like most teams they had to digest what had just happened.  Were they ready for Sunday?  Amazingly enough, they started to perk up and had high hopes for Sunday.

We gathered gear and headed for the car complimenting the kids and coaches we met on the way.  Then, something extra ordinary happened.  I guess because we were wearing our LEAYSA All Star shirts, the main coach of the Truth stopped Angie as she was getting in the car.  He said, "Great playing ... by the way do you know who the pitcher and first baseman were?"  She told him Dillon was playing first base and her son, Zachary, was pitcher.  He shook her hand and told her that they were phenomenal players and wanted them to come play for the Truth.  What??????  What an opportunity to teach Zachary a very valuable lesson.  Win or lose, if you do your best and don't give up, people will notice.  Yes, Readers, that applies to all of us.  Sometimes, it takes losing to make us great and show the stuff we are made of!!

On our way back to Providence Village, we sang, laughed, and recalled our day one adventures.  I think that kids love stories that they can relate to and Zach was no different.  He'd say ... "Let's tell our adventure story!"  He and Grandpa sat in the back of the van bonding and chatting.  All was well and tomorrow would be another day.

Our day didn't stop there, but my eyes are getting droopy and it's time for me to drag my weary body into bed.  As I think about all the blessings of that day, I am filled to the brim with love and joy.  Sadness and losing is part of life .... healing and dealing with it means climbing the mountain where the air is fresh and clear ... a place where you can see for miles knowing that there are blessings even in the deepest valleys!

My story continues tomorrow ... stay tuned!

Miss Dottie

Chicken Soup for Senior Citizens

June 12, 2012


Gooood Morning!  I've had more energy lately.  I wondered why, then thought of Newton's first law of motion which is often states:  an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.  From the time I was born I have been a human in motion!  I find it nearly impossible to just sit or lay down and do nothing.  Guess you could say that I am a busy one!!  There's just so much in life to do and explore ... I don't want to miss one single minute!  Food for thought:  maybe God blessed me with Fibromyalgia so that I would have to slow down every now and then!  Would that be considered an unbalanced force?  Probably so!! 

There are all those Chicken Soup for the _______  books on the market.  Why chicken soup?  It sure is good for what ails ya.  I went to the store the other day and got an organic chicken ... Michael followed up with another trip to the market for organic veggies.  I made this pot of chicken soup that was scrum yummy.  Mom has requested a bowl for lunch today so I will heat some up and take it over to her.  Maybe it will cure her blues. There's just something about making meals from scratch ... my kitchen smells heavenly and I have a husband peeking around the corner ... "When's dinner ready??"


Today, I was reading Psalm 71 -- the Senior Citizen's Psalm.  It was the chicken soup for my soul in the wee hours of the morning!  I know that some of my Readers are seniors so if you want some nourishment open your Bible and turn to the center where you will find the Psalms.  In the face of dwindling physical stamina, it's a place where you can find strength, joy, and hope.

Psalm 71 shows that for every need experienced by the elderly, God richly supplies.  Security?  "You have issued orders to save me." (V3)  Hope?  "You alone are my hope, I've trusted  you from childhood." (V15)  Stamina?  "I walk in the strength of the Lord God."  (V16)  Encouragement?  "You will give me greater honor than before, and turn again and comfort me." (V21)  Purpose for living?  "Now that I am old and gray, don't forsake me.  Give me time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles."  (V18)

Pretty neat, huh?  As you read my blogs, I hope that you consider them chicken soup for your own soul.  I got to thinking ... besides the good book what is the chicken soup that rallies my spirits?  Digging in the dirt and tending my gardens ... swaying to soft music ... listening to my grandsons pray up a storm ... watching my grandchildren excel in their activities -- cheerleading, gymnastics, baseball, school ... being a part of my children's lives as they mature ... Bible Study with women of God ... antiquing with Michael ... playing with Sadie and Toby ... time with friends and extended family ... gosh, my list would fill a book in and of itself!


One thing that is coming out of my forty days of prayer loud and clear is that I am very blessed no     matter where I am or what I am doing.  When I get those holes in my spirit and get down and out, I need to immediately fill them with chicken soup!  If I don't, the evil one fills them for me.  I do have a choice and so do you!!


Michael had applied for a job here in the little city where we live ... it was right up his alley and the interview went quite well.  He was pretty deflated when he got that letter ... "Thanks BUT..."  He wondered if his senior status affected their decision.  Probably ... it's just one of those facts of  life.  Then again, it's always something isn't it?  Too young ... too educated ... not educated enough...  We all need some good old fashioned chicken soup injected into our veins to keep us going.  He has another job interview Thursday ... this one is in North Texas.  They've courted him on this one so we'll see what happens.  He may be looking for a "room for rent!"

I am so excited about the day ahead of me ... As soon as the nursery opens, we can go get our new Texas Redbud Tree (unless another variety suits the location and my fancy!).  Lupe and his crew will be here soon to get going on the floor.  Lots of activity going on.  I am also hoping to hear when my grandsons are playing baseball this Saturday.  Michael has set up my ironing board ... it's time to rally some energy to clean the little casa and tidy up.  Life is never boring that's for sure!

I pray that you will have one of those blessed days that makes you smile.  Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie   

Back to Basics!

June 11, 2012

Come on over and sit a spell.  The sun has gone down and it's a bit cooler.  (At least I am telling myself that!)  The last blog I wrote was last Friday and it was so cool here in Central Texas.  Today was a different story with temperatures nearing 100 degrees!  Good thing that I got up early to tend my gardens.  I'd put in a full days work by noon then found myself taking a much needed siesta!  The sound of the compressor going in the back yard woke me and I just had to check out the progress in the casita.

Plumber needed!

As usual, plans were made, then revised...  The plumber did another no show last Saturday.  Michael was up at 6 to move the cars.  I got up at 7 and found him nestled in his chair with a rather disgusted look on his face ... "Plumber is not here."  Actually, it turned out okay because we had an opportunity to revisit the floor we had selected.  Somehow, I just couldn't put a manufactured floor in a cottage where everything was authentic -- the real deal.  Lupe came up with a couple different ways of using boards and I was much more comfortable.  The floor will be done just like a floor that was put in cottages in 1900.

The beginning of laying the floor!

Lupe and his son, Napoleon, were here early this morning.  Lupe was teaching him how to measure the boards and steady them while using the big saw.  There was a couple times when I took a deep breath and held it; but, all in all, the boy did fine.  The felt was put down and most of the lumber cut and put down in the casita.  When all the boards are down, they will be sanded so they are nice and smooth.  I walked across the floor tonight and it was solid.  Gosh, I love the aroma of newly cut lumber!  I wanted to sit a spell in the casita but the mosquitoes decided I was their prime rib dinner!  Ouch!!  I do have a fogger which helps when I remember to use it before I go out.

Garden in progress...

I am finding that in renovating the garage into a cottage has brought forth a yearning to get back to basics.  I look for ways to use and repurpose keeping in mind that God gave me a creative bent and that it was time to kick that bent in  high gear.  I had finished laying the stones for my garden borders and was left with the pallet that the stones were delivered on.  I thought ... "Hmm, I think this (if painted white) would be a great addition to my garden beside the casita.  I spray painted it and Michael helped me position it in the garden that is a work-in-progress.  I loved it!!  I planted the gardenias this morning and will add a Texas Redbud tree tomorrow ... then, mulch, mulch, mulch.  I've also started a garden in the back right side of the yard -- planted 2 Texas Redbuds and a Lacebark Elm there last Saturday.  I just love digging and planting!!

Ever feel like you want to go back to the basics in life?  At first, I was forced to do that at retirement with the downward spiral of the stock market; but, now, I find that I am drawn to that concept naturally.  I like things simple and when life becomes more than that, I scale back.  I'm always busy, always learning, always growing ... I doubt that will ever change.  That being said, I am loving doing some cooking, baking, tending my gardens, and spending time with family and friends.  Oh, and how can I forget sharing my days with my sweet dogren?!  I guess you could save I am livin' large on a smaller scale!

What is retirement for Miss Dottie?  Well, it's a new deal for me and sometimes, it gets tough 'cause I have tons of things I'd like to do.  My body isn't as strong as it once was although I am able to wield a shovel and dig through piles of dirt!!  My mind is sharp and I love thinking up ways to use the "stuff" I find here and there.  I am so enjoying my family and hug the stuffing out of my kids and grandkids every time I see them.  I wish my daughter and her family lived closer but we do the best we can each day to keep in touch ... I cherish my visits with them (speaking of which I need to plan my next trip out to Florida!) and take many memory making moments home with me.  I smile just thinking about the adventures I've had on my trips out!!  I guess I don't think of myself as retired -- I've just switched horses and do different things with my time.

My forty days of prayer is enriching my days.  I have a friend who is battling cancer and other issues that I am specifically praying for.  I am keeping a notebook and it's amazing to me how God answers my prayers through scripture.  It's like having an actual conversation with "The Main Man."  I have asked the Lord to put those before me needing prayer and I am so honored to be praying for those folks throughout the day and night.  Good stuff!!

I visited with Mom S late today at the nursing home.  She has a sore on her foot which has made wearing shoes impossible.  Normally that wouldn't be a problem but since she had polio, her feet require her to wear a one inch heel.  We're going to see if we can get a shoe maker to modify her shoes.  Hmmm...I just remembered that Payless

Yawn...I don't know about you but this lady is getting awfully sleepy.  It's time to hop into a nice warm bubble bath and soak my bones.  Tomorrow is "getting my house in order" day.  I have a real problem ... I would rather be outside than inside so I procrastinate!

I hope that you are having a great week.  Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!

Miss Dottie

Just An Old Fashioned Love Song

Three Dog Night's:  Just An Old Fashioned Love Song

June 8, 2012


TGIF!!  It's a cool day in Central Texas.  I wrapped up in a blanket when I headed out to the patio to read and pray this morning.  When I came back inside, Michael had his hand on the thermostat ready to turn on the heat.  Heat??!!??  Good grief, it's June!!


I have been haunted by the song, Just An Old Fashioned Love Song -- especially, when I go out and sit in the casita.  I decided to pull it up on UTube and listen to the lyrics...

Just an old-fashioned love song playin' on the radio
And wrapped around the music is the sound
Of someone promising they'll never go
You swear you've heard it before
As it slowly rambles on and on
No need in bringin' `em back,
`Cause they're never really gone


To weave our dreams upon and listen to each evening
When the lights are low
To underscore our love affair
With tenderness and feeling that we've come to know
You swear you've heard it before
As it slowly rambles on and on and
No need in bringin' `em back,
`Cause they're never really gone


To weave our dreams upon and listening to a song . . (and on and on...)

I thought about where I was in 1971 when this song was popular -- living in Houston, TX; married; two great kids...  I didn't think the year the song was released or my life at the time had much to do with the song.  Maybe, just maybe it had to do with my own journey of loving myself.  I am definitely not a narcissistic person and I had to learn to love me knowing that it was "me" that wouldn't leave me.  Wherever I have gone, I have had to take "me" with me.

The renovation of the casita has been quite an undertaking.  It's the first time in my life that I have allowed me to think about who I am at the core and bring that forth.  To have had to work with a very tight budget making the project even more of a challenge.  Bringing a falling down garage to a place of beauty has become a labor of love.  I deviated from my usual colors of deepness and dug deep into my soul creating a breath of fresh air ... a lightness in every way.  Every board, every nail, every person working on the casita has been bathed in prayer.  The casita will tell my story and the story of where I came from -- it will also be a place where I can pass on stories to my grandchildren.  It truly has been and is a love song.


I visited with Lupe this morning and the casita should be completely finished by this time next week.  The plumber is coming tomorrow morning to install the claw foot tub, pedestal sink, and toilet.  The final paint coat on the walls and minor carpentry work should be done today or tomorrow as well as the flooring laid.  The lights will go in as soon as the painting is completed.  Lastly, the fireplace will be installed.  After a thorough cleaning, I will begin my artistry in creating a unique place that shouts ... MOI!


Yes, just an old fashioned love song ... a song sung in three part harmony.  An undertaking that started with a vision ... a creation I forged ahead on in faith.  My love song to me is that faith ... that hope ... that love that bubbles up inside my heart.  Just as an artist who struggles passionately over a painting, pouring emotion into each stroke and taking joy in presenting it as a work as unique and complicated as the maker, so is the creation of the casita.

It is Friday ... it is a great day to be alive.  I look forward to spending my day in the gardens.  I am set to go that last leg in getting the borders all in.  When Lupe's crew dug the water lines, they left me a huge pile of the most gorgeous dirt.  It's light and fluffy ... perfect for planting!  I've been looking (in vain) for a Turkey Fig Tree.  Might need to go to Plan B.


I hope that you will enjoy your day and your weekend!  Always know you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie