Birthday Surprises

Last Thursday was my birthday.  There wasn’t a lot of celebrating that went on, in fact there were a couple of times during the day that I had to remind myself that it was still my birthday.

Around 1:00 the day before, I looked at my phone and noticed that my mother, who spends winters in Arizona, had called.  Most of the time I do not carry my phone with me at work, and when I do, I keep it muted.  She had called about a half hour before. 

It is unusual for her to call me during the day, so I did decide to give her a quick call back.  When she answered I could tell she was not well.  Her voice was shaky and she had great difficulty finding words to express herself.  My mother is a stroke survivor, so this is of grave concern.  I told her I would call her when I got home.

 I then contacted her neighbor and asked him to check on her.  I called my sister, and she called him as well.  He and another neighbor, who is a nurse, examined Mom and decided to call an ambulance.  Mom spent that night in the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital around 3:30 the next morning, which happens to be my birthday.

It is extraordinarily difficult to be so far away when someone you love is seriously ill.  Her wonderful neighbors have been visiting her, taking care of her dog, and so much more.  I am incredibly grateful for them.

My sister, immediately made plans to fly to Arizona to be with Mom, and then drive her back to Iowa when she is well enough.  Jacci has been calling and talking to Mom’s nurse and case worker so we have accurate information.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful sister. She is a doer, and when she sees a problem, she kicks into action.  She was supposed to fly out at 2:30 on Friday.

We ran into a snag yesterday when a major snow storm moved in.  We kept checking the airline and the flight was still on.  I got in my car and drove all the way across town in this developing blizzard, to pick Jacci up to take her to the airport.  As I approached her exit, the airline notified her that the flight was cancelled.  I turned around and drove all the way back home so I could be snowed in at my own home with my dogs.

My wonderful birthday gift is that Mom is doing much better now and is being released from the hospital later today. Jacci will be flying out tomorrow, and we should have a much better experience getting her to the airport.

So, it was a very interesting birthday.   

I am so grateful for:

1.   My mother’s wonderful caring neighbors. Two years ago, we had another incident when I called Mom and she was having problems.  Her neighbor, Bob, went over and got her help that time too.
2. My awesome sister who has made it possible for Mom to go to Arizona all these years and who is once again, shutting down her business for the week to go be with Mom and drive her home. She also actively communicates with people to get the most accurate information we can.
3.  I am also grateful for Mom’s guardian angel.  I am absolutely convinced she has one.  Four times in my life, someone or something has told me to call her or go see her, and it has turned into a life saving moment.  I’ll write about that in another post.

Winter has definitely arrived here in Iowa.  Mom hasn’t been up here during the winter in many years. I'm sure that will be a challenge for her, but I will be so grateful to have her here where we can be sure that she gets the things she needs. 

Life is full of surprises, and some extraordinary gifts. 

Spring

This is little Abbie.  We went for a walk today.  Don't tell Chloe and Lola!

Gratitude Day #5

Spring brings warmer temperatures, freedom, hope, and growth.  It is so wonderful to feel the sunshine on  my face, and to be able to spend time comfortably outside.  It means I can go out and walk.  It is a time to begin planning my garden. Right now I even have the windows open, so I can feel the breeze gently blowing into the house.

It also means my mom and her dog, Abbie come home from Arizona. My sister, Jacci, flew to Arizona and drove Mom and Abbie home last week.  I am so grateful for my sister and her kindness.

The seeds that I planted under the grow lights are already sprouting.  They will be ready to move outside five or six weeks from now.  That's where the hope comes in. Hope for more beautiful weather, fertile ground, plants growing, and flowers blooming.  I love spring!

1. I am grateful for sunshine and spring breezes.
2. I am grateful to have Mom and Abbie back home.
3. I am so grateful for my sister, Jacci.

Good Friends

Gratitude Day #4

I am very blessed to have good friends in my life.  As we share our stories and time together, my life is made so much richer.  Today was a day that I was really reminded of that. This morning my friend and neighbor, Holly, helped my mom to get her taxes done.

Holly and her husband, Ken, have lived across the street from me for a long time, probably about 17 years.  We didn't really start getting to know each other until about six years ago when I was recovering from foot surgery, after fracturing my ankle and foot.  It was January, and our mailboxes are at the curb. There was no way I could get out there to get my mail.  Holly and Ken brought me my mail, cleared my driveway, and watched out for me.  I will never forget their kindness.  Since that time, we have shared lots of laughter, and become good friends, and we dog sit for each other.  Holly is Chloe and Lola's Fairy Dog Mother.  I am Fairy Dog Mother to their dogs, Frank and Fannie.  I am very very fortunate to have such wonderful friends and neighbors.

I spent the afternoon visiting my good friend, Nadine.  When we meet for lunch or coffee, it usually takes us a minimum of three to four hours.  We refer to them as our therapy sessions.  I have known Nadine since the beginning of my teaching career.  We taught together at Edmunds, and we have stayed good friends, even when we moved on to different schools and jobs.  In the 32 years we have known each other, we have supported each other through great happiness and huge losses.  We have laughed together and we have cried together.  She is more than a friend.  She is family.

1. I am grateful for the kindness of friends.

2. I am grateful and fortunate to have friends who listen to me and support me.

3. Best of all, I am so thankful to have friends to laugh with.  They bring great joy to my life.

Tea

Gratitude Day #2

I love tea, but I confess that I am a tea snob.  I started drinking Lipton instant tea when I was a kid. Since that time, I have become very picky.  I prefer only black tea, brewed, and I like only good teas.  I am a regular customer at Gong Fu Tea in the East Village.  When I am in Minneapolis, I always pay a visit to the TeaSource.  Lipton tea would never cross my lips these days.

In order to brew good tea, you need lots of tea paraphernalia; teapots, teaspoons, and good teacups.  I also have lots of metal canisters to hold my favorite teas.  Believe me I have way too much, but some of the cups bring back good memories.  I have picked up cups from trips I have taken, and places I have stayed.  My son, Michael, and his friend, Sergio, gave me teacups from Spain, where they both live. I visited Michael in Spain two years ago.   Last year, my daughter, Lisa, and I made a trip to the North Shore. I came back with a cup from the hotel, as well as a Starbucks mug for Minnesota.  In the fall,  my sister and I visited the Joselyn Art Museum in Omaha.  We grew up in Omaha, so I had to add a Nebraska mug to my collection.  When I drink from these cups, it brings back cherished memories of time spent with my family in beautiful places.

My sister and daughter share my love for tea.  We each like different kinds, but it is fun to share that love for tea.  We include trips to tea shops in the time we spend together.

1. I am grateful for tea

2. I am grateful for my family.

3. I am grateful for the memories of travel and time spent in beautiful places with people I love.

Choices

I am very fortunate to be at a point in my life where I get to make more choices about how I spend my time.  I can choose to work just part-time or not at all.  I get to choose what kind of work I want to do.  You don't always have those choices when you are younger and trying to support a family.  I am grateful for the opportunity to choose.

We had spring break two weeks ago.  I used that time as an opportunity to try my first activities at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.  I assisted with a class called "Looking at Leaves".  We taught children how to use a microscope.  They made a slide with a bit of a leaf, and examined it.  It was really fun, and I learned a few things.

The next day I had a table where I taught children how to use a Chlorophyll meter to examine the amount of chlorophyll in leaves.  I had never seen an instrument like this, so it was fun to experiment with it and to show others how to use it.  It was fun to be in such a beautiful environment, and I felt very encouraged about volunteering there in the future. I am grateful that we have this beautiful garden in our community.

After helping at the Botanical Garden, I was inspired to come home and get seeds going for my own gardens.  While I have some flowers, I mostly like to grow vegetables.  So far I have two types of tomatoes planted, two kinds of peppers, both green and Anaheim, and some Kale.  I also have some marigolds started.  I am fortunate to have a big backyard.  I am really grateful that I will not be teaching summer school this year.  It will give me a lot more time to work on my garden, which hopefully means I will win the war with the weeds this year.

I saw this meme on Facebook from the Power of Positivity. 

I am going to give it a try. Day #1:

1. I am grateful for having choices about how I spend my time.
2. I am grateful for having the Des Moines Botanical Gardens in our community.
3. I am grateful that I have a home with a place to grow a garden of my own. 

Neighborhood Watch

Ever vigilant, these dogs are keeping our neighborhood safe!  Always on guard, they announce the arrival of every intruder on the street.  Well actually they aren't exactly intruders.  Some are just innocent people walking down the sidewalk, or standing in their own yards, but they have been warned!  These brave dogs are always on Neighborhood Watch, except when they are napping.  All that barking takes a lot out of a dog.

You will notice that the dog population in our house has doubled this week.  Our neighbor dogs, Frankie and Fannie have been visiting with us, while their human parents have been out of town.  My wonderful neighbors, Holly and Ken, took care of Chloe and Winnie when I went to Spain.  I am so grateful to have such good neighbors, and I have been especially grateful for the opportunity to get to know these two wonderful little dogs.  I have definitely fallen in love with them.

New Haircut

I got my hair cut today.  I decided to go a little shorter.  I like it, but what I really appreciate is having the flexibility to be able to do that and run other errands during the day.  It is really nice to be able to work part time.  I am grateful to be able to make choices about how to spend my day, whether it's haircuts, appointments or just hanging out with dogs.  It is a genuine luxury.

Drawing With Charcoal

Today was our seventh drawing class, with only two more classes to go.  Each class involves a new skill.  We are still working on value, the lightness and darkness of an object, but this time we are using charcoal.  We started out experimenting with the different thickness and hardness of the pieces of charcoal, just to explore what it would do.  Then we worked on our project.  It's a bit messy to use, but lots of fun.

Next time we will be using charcoal again, but that time we will be using thick pieces, which I have been warned will be really messy.  Wearing black seems like a very good idea.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn and try new things.  I am also very grateful for the patience of my instructor, Alyssa Tauber.

Winnie the Trailblazer

We have a nice size backyard, but no matter which part of the yard Winnie is coming from, this crazy little dog cuts across to walk along this trail she is blazing right through the center.  I can't explain why.  As you can see, the yard is pretty flat, and there is nothing obstructing her way along the fence or garden.  

This darling Corgi has a few other quirks as well. As you may know, Corgis are herding dogs.  Now I have a habit of plugging my cell phone into the charger right before I go to bed.  When I do, it makes a ding sound. That is Winnie's cue, that it is time to herd Chloe and I up to bed.  

In the morning, if she senses that I am awake, she begins barking to herd Chloe and I downstairs.  I really do not appreciate loud Corgi barks at 5:15 in the morning.  I do, however, love this crazy little dog, and I am very grateful that she came into my life.

Knitting Next Door

I mentioned in an earlier post that I love yarn.  This is the LYS, local yarn shop, where I buy it.  Knitting Next Door is way more than a place to buy yarn, however.  Thursday evening, I was there for my Afghan Crochet Class.  It is a place to take classes, but it's more than that.  I learn lots from the knitters and crocheters that spend time there as well.  If you're having problems with a pattern or not sure how to do a certain stitch, just bring your knit or crochet project, sit at a table, and someone is bound to be able to help you.  It might be Polly, who owns the shop, or one of the people who works there, or it may well be another customer.  Knitting Next Door is a community.  There are many people who meet there on a particular day of the week or just pop in when they can.  I often go in for just an hour, and end up staying for two or three hours.  Polly and the staff have made it that kind of welcoming place.  I am so grateful to know them, and to be able to spend time there.

Knitting Next Door is located in the Old Town area of Ankeny, Iowa.  If you want to check it out, here is a link to their website.  http://www.knittingnextdoor.com/.  I must add a word of warning, however, By hanging out in this friendly atmosphere, surrounded by all these beautiful items, you will be tempted to buy things.  For example, those gorgeous embroidered bags in the top photo were calling my name, and one did come home with me.

Princess Chloe

This is my little Princess Chloe and her favorite toy, or what is left of it.  I am so grateful that this little dog came into my life.  It was truly a case of divine intervention.  About a year after my dog, Bailey, died, I was ready to add a new dog to our family.  I had been visiting the Animal Rescue League on a fairly regular basis looking for the right match.  I needed to find a dog that would get along with my Corgi, Winnie.  I also was looking for a small dog.  Lot's of dogs end up at ARL, but many of them are large dogs.  Often the little ones, are not there for long.

About three years ago, I had attended a DMEA meeting, and was on my way home for the night.  I had even turned into my neighborhood, when a voice in my head said, "Go to ARL!"

For a change, I listened.  I drove over and went back to see what dogs were there.  Way at the back was this wonderful little dog.  She had just been brought in from the veterinarian, and was scared. They told me she was a poodle-maltese mix.  She was also a matted mess.  When she saw me she was excited.  I asked to be able to spend time with her, and then I filled out the papers requesting to have her.  The next evening I brought Winnie over, so they could get to know each other.

When I first got her, her name was Princess.  I changed it to Chloe, and now Princess is her title.  I am so grateful that Princess Chloe is part of my life.  I love her so very much.

Gratitude for Today: Shoes!

I love shoes!  I gave up wearing high heels some time ago, so at this point in my life, I like comfort.  One of my favorite shoe brands is Clark's Shoes.  I gave myself this pair of Clark's shoes for my birthday.  They are soft, cushioned, and oh, so comfortable.  I am grateful for my shoes, and I confess that I have a lot of shoes.

Art Class

One of the great luxuries of being semi-retired is having the time to take an art class during the day.   I am also very grateful to have the Des Moines Art Center, which makes this both affordable and accessible.  Last fall I signed up for a class called Art for the Curious.  Each week we tried a different art form, drawing, acrylic painting, ceramics, mixed media, wire sculptures, and jewelry making.  

Ready to begin.

Currently I am taking Beginning Drawing.  I have learned so much already, and it is very gratifying to be trying new things and growing in my skills.  This week we learned about hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling to add value to our work.  Value is the lightness or darkness of an object.  I really enjoyed doing this.  

I am very grateful for my teacher, Alyssa Tauber, who guides us and nudges us to stretch are skills.

My Church

I am so grateful for my church.  I have been a member of Urbandale United Church of Christ for about twenty years. That includes most of the past 7 years when I was absent, with the exception of a few Christmas Eve services.  I had gotten selfish with my time and drifted away, until this past summer when I began attending again.  I was feeling a void in my life, and the inspiring messages of Pastor Dave and our members have certainly filled that.

I was raised as a Disciple of Christ, and attended Highland Park Christian Church for many years.  It was my daughter, Lisa, who led me to Urbandale UCC.  She began attending after she graduated from college.  My son, Michael, and I would join her on Sundays that she was participating in presenting part of the service.  I remember her suggesting that I transfer my membership, and I remember my response, "I don't think so!"

Within a year, I did join.  I love this church because it is a thinking church.  I love this church because it is an open and affirming church.  I love this church because it is made up of people who believe in kindness and love.  I love this church because it is open to anyone who wants to be part of it.

In these troubled times, I am thankful to listen to a sermon that reminds me that there is hope and love in this world.  I am thankful to be reminded that Jesus never said it would be easy, but we must stand up for what is right.  Thank you Pastor David Sickelka!  Thank you, fellow members of United Church of Christ!  I am thankful to be back, and I am very grateful to be part of this congregation.

A Cozy Saturday at Home

Gratitude for Today:

After a busy week, I am so grateful to be stretched out in my cozy recliner with my little dog, watching Celtic Women on Public Television. Okay, Chloe is not really watching, but I am.  I love the variety that Iowa Public Television has to offer.  In fact, I really don't watch much on network television.  I am so thankful to have Public Television to turn to.  

Snow Dogs

Gratitude for Today:

Just two days ago, I was walking at Copper Creek in 73 degree temperatures.  Today it is 27 and snowing.  These are my little snow dogs, who are anxious to come back in the house.  I spent the day subbing in third grade today.  I am so grateful to come home to these two little dogs and my cozy home.

Gratitude for Today: Yarn Love

I love yarn!  I love the colors.  I love the textures.  I love the things I can make with it.  If you have someone in your life who loves to crochet or knit, then you know we are always yearning for more yarn.  We can never have too much.  Yarn should be posted on the list of addictive substances.  I started with the cheap stuff, Red Heart.  From there I moved to Vanna, then on to Encore.  Now I'm buying Madeline Tosh and Malabrigo.  As the yarn becomes more luxurious, the price escalates.  But to a yarnaholic, it is worth it.  The better yarns are so nice to touch and work with, and the colors are gorgeous.

I am so grateful for beautiful yarn, and the things I am learning to make with it.  For the past four months I have been taking a crochet class to make a sampler crocheted afghan.  Every two weeks we learn a new pattern, which we use to make two more squares.  These are just some of my squares.  By the way, this yarn is an acrylic called Uptown Worsted.  It is incredibly soft, and I love the bold colors.

Walking at Copper Creek

I have been listening to the book Making Life Easy:  A Simple Guide to a Divinely Inspired Life by Dr. Christiane Northrup.  I love listening to books on Audible, because I can do other things at the same time I "read".   Dr. Northrup mentioned keeping a gratitude journal, which I have tried in the past.  She mentioned a woman who did this by taking a photo each day of something that she was grateful for.  I really liked this idea, so I decided to give it a try.

Today was an absolutely glorious day.  The sun was shining, and the temperature reached 73 degrees.  This is particularly incredible for Iowa in February.  My sister met me at Copper Creek and we walked around the lake twice.  It was fabulous!  I am so grateful for the beautiful day, a wonderful place to walk that is close to home, and sister time!

Everyone was hanging out at Copper Creek.  It was even social hour for the geese.