tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13288249986775421422023-11-16T07:58:08.348-05:00Bonnie's BlogMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-64749357127707756122012-05-10T06:32:00.002-04:002012-05-10T20:52:20.081-04:00Shopping Therapy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June 23 is racing here all of a sudden. Matt & Robin's wedding day. We girls took a shopping therapy day at Grove City, PA Prime Outlets yesterday. Paul let me take his new car. That was the beginning of many blessings. There are no words to express my gratitude for his kindness and generousity. Pamela bought him a carmel/chocolate apple in appreciation! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grove City is half-way between Deena and I so she and her girls met us there. A day of bonding - sisters, cousins, aunts/nieces, mothers/daughters - including Robin. I became very much aware of the bond forming between Pamela and Robin. Their friendship seems so natural. So easy. Not forced. I am a very proud and thankful mom. I also got some grandkidlet luvin when we picked Pamela up - great way to start a therapy day!!! Thank you God for all my blessings - great and small.</span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-30070234652935180122012-05-02T06:17:00.000-04:002012-05-02T06:17:01.226-04:00Butterflies and May<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Saturday, May 5, would be my mom's birthday</span>. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She would be 82. Most that read this understand the relationship between my mom and butterflies. Well, there has been one fluttering around here for about 10 days or so. Whenever I'm outside, the butterfly visits. At first I thought it was a monarch, but it is smaller and and I've caught glimpses of red and blue as it flits from place to place. Yesterday, while pulling in the driveway after work, it was fluttering around the trees in my front yard. Pamela was here sewing and as I sat in the living room with Buckaroo and Baby Girl the butterfly was fluttering against the picture window. Later, when they were leaving it was out back fluttering around the deck. Here's the gist of this post . . . my mom loved her birthday <strong>and</strong> butterflies. I'm thinking she sent me a reminder in the form of this beautiful butterfly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Honestly, how could I forget a birthday on May 5 - Cinco de Mayo!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ciao</span><br />Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-53445283352205224492011-11-26T21:24:00.002-05:002011-11-26T21:51:41.428-05:00Thanksgiving weekend<span style="font-family:arial;">I really need to be a little more faithful to this blog . . . time seems to fly by. Besides, each entry would be me gushing about my grandkidlets and who wants to read that, right? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">It must be in the grandma hormones or something. I can't help myself. I am over the top madly, deeply in love with them. They fill my world, my very life, with so much joy. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">A non-profit organization in town dedicates their time and talent to a holiday light display at Lake Shore Park. $5 a car load to drive through and it gets better each year. I was providing childcare for a couple of hours yesterday (<em>BLACK FRIDAY</em>) and made a plan in my head to take the kidlets to look at the lights. A friend drove us and it immediately became clear that the kidlets couldn't get the full effects of the lights while strapped in the 5 point harness of their carseats. I asked my friend to pull over and let others pass us. I turned in my seat and quickly released Buckaroo from the harness, lifted him onto my lap in the front seat then turned around to release Baby Girl and lift her onto my lap also. (shhh. Don't tell their parents) We drove ever so slowly,allowing them to see and take in all the displays. We weren't very far into the park when I heard Buckaoo say, "I love these lights". It gave me soooo much joy to hear that . . . and all of their expressions of awe and pleasure! Upon exiting the park, we immediately pulled over and buckled them back into their safety seats before heading to my house where jammies and a movie awaited us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When the Mommy arrived, they excitedly shared the experience with her! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">That was an evening I will never forget as long as I live. Hopefully it is a "Gramma" memory they will hold onto also. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Tomorrow is church. I love my church. I love my church family. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Ciao.</span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-52551913444162856212011-06-25T13:20:00.002-04:002011-06-25T13:36:23.972-04:00Work on Saturday?It's rare, but yes, that's what I did today. Only 3 hours. And it's cool, cloudy and dreary outside so I might as well work, right? Besides, it's the fisal year end. My boss thought yesteday's check run was my last for the fiscal year, but I begged him to allow me to do a small run, paying attorneys, security monitoring service, some retirement incentives - things I needed to get off the books by 6/30. <br /><br />Every year part of my duties in June is to pay/reduce the encumbrances against general fund down to $200,00. A large carryover in general fund negatively impacts our cash carryover balance. I've been doing this for 20 years and for each of those 20 years my treasurer starts to panic around the middle of June - forgetting that I pay May invoices in June. Payment of May invoices lets the large general fund encumbered balance take care if itself for the most part. I then (what I did today) go over the open purchase order list to see which ones can be reduced and/or eliminated. 2 weeks ago the general fund balance was in excess of $600,000. I ran a report before I left which shows the final balance $256,000. There are probably some purchase orders that I could still delete or at least reduce. I put the report on his desk before I left today, so we'll see what he says Monday.<br /><br />Since yesterday was payday, it's time now to pay my own bills and reduce my bank balance.<br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-69351902236959470972011-06-24T17:37:00.002-04:002011-06-24T18:02:51.393-04:00Summer DazeMy oh my! I haven't blogged since Christmas! It was a strange spring. I found I'm still growing. Still finding myself. Who knew I was so lost? It's been quite a jorney with a lot of bumps in the road.<br /><br />I just glanced out and its raining again. It's been a horrible spring/summer for motorcycle riding. Chance of rain most days. That's what really prompted this blog entry . . . rain.<br /><br />Yesterday Pam and the kidlets were here when I got home from work. She wanted to get groceries so I offered to keep them so she could get in and get out more quickly. They are going camping this weekend and she had lots of preparation. While she was gone it poured buckets of rain. Hard pounding rain. When we get a large amount of rain in a short time, the end of my driveway temporaryily puddles. Well, yesterday it was pretty much flooded! I was outside with Pamela & John when I got an idea. I asked the mommy of course, then ran inside and grabbed the kidlets and towels. We (the 2 kidlets and their Gamma) went splish splashing in the LARGE puddle. They were a little timid at first but Buckaroo was soon jumping and splashing, getting all 3 of us wet. We carried on, waving to the neighbors as they went by. I have a corner lot and there was a lot of rubber-necking whilst they turned the corner! Baby Girl soon started shivering, so John and I wrapped them both in towels while Pam headed to Vacation Bible School. John cleaned up Buckaroo's shoes, I dried the kidlets off and changed them into dry clothes. The only admonisment we got was the buckaroo should take his shoes off "next time he goes splashing in the rain and puddles with Grandma".<br /><br />There is something freeing about playing in a sprinkling rain and jumping it the puddles! Not sure I'd do it without the kidlets . . . something about being admitted to the hospital's behaviorial unit for observation frightens me. It's kind of like making snow angels in the winter. Staying young at heart, I guess. All I know is I can't wait to do it again!<br /><br />Ciao.Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-89464960914098271622010-12-27T15:07:00.002-05:002010-12-27T15:30:22.250-05:00Christmas Vacation!!!<span style="font-family:verdana;">I haven't taken vacation time during the holidays in a long time. I decided it would be nice to not have the stress of work to take away from the peace and joy of the holidays. I LOVE Christmas, and I must say, this was the best Christmas I've had in a number of years. I think the biggest difference is that I've been worshipping regularly this past year . . . and in doing so, have found a fabulous faith community that I have officially joined - Jefferson United Methodist Church. I felt the love of God this Christmas that He meant for us to have - along with His gifts of peace and joy. I enjoyed worship Christmas Eve better than I have in years. A traditional candlelight communion service. This probably comes as a shock to those of you who know I attend a <em>very</em> non-traditional service every Sunday in a biker bar. All I can say is that we each need to worship where our spirit is fed. The service at the biker bar feeds my spirit weekly, but for Christmas Eve I need a more contemplative worship experience. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This Christmas Eve we went back to a "no gifting" policy. The gatherings on Christmas Eve of my childhood were all about the gift of fellowship - family and friends being together. Food and laughter in abundance, then attending a worship service (midnight mass in our family). Christmas day (and the following days) allowed for other kinds of gifts. I think this helped my Christmas be more Christ-centered too.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And of course my grandkidlets make any day special and fun - just watching them takes my breath away . . . I fall deeper in love with them each time I see them. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ciao</span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-10539080207173338992010-12-14T08:20:00.002-05:002010-12-14T09:16:42.206-05:00SNOW DAY!!!!<span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, well, well. We are having our first snow (calamity) day this school year. The state wisely (?) decided to reduce (across the board) the number of calamity days from 5 to 3. If a district closes for more than 3 days, the days will have to be made up someplace in the school year calendar - usually at the end of the year. It is my humble opinion that consideration should be given to the local climates. Districts in southern OH have entirely different winters than those of us up North, especially those of us on Lake Erie. One good snow (ice) storm and we could us up our 3 days. It doesn' matter to me because I work all year anyway, it just seems unfair.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I've mixed and baked a batch of cookies, made some yummy candy things out of pretzels/hershey kisses/m & m's - all before 8:00. I'm ready for a warm blanket and a short nap. I may go into the office and take care of some things while it's quiet there. Then again, I may not... I'd like to get the tree in from the garage and at least put it in the stand, maybe string the lights. We'll see. With Mom's passing this past April, I fear some of the emotion of some of my decorations . . stuff she gave me from my childhood. Good memories. Happy memories. But emotional nonetheless. We'll see.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I am amazed that some folks continue to whine about the cold and the snow. This is Northeast OHIO in December. It's supposed to be cold and snowy. If you don't like it . . . MOVE. Otherwise shut up and enjoy the beauty of the different seasons. God planned it this way for us to enjoy - the changing seasons help us to not get too comfortable in our life....just as we go through different changes in our faith journey to keep us from getting too comfortable and take our salvation for granted. We need change. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">OK. enough ranting. Time for a short nap before I make some more cookies. Maybe I'll whip up a crock pot of Brunswick stew!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ciao.</span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-50898836631081129882010-12-11T14:50:00.002-05:002010-12-11T15:23:08.338-05:00I'm back!!!!<span style="font-family:verdana;">I've been having a lot of "moments" lately....mostly relating to my grandkidlets, and I thought I'd use this blog as the vehicle with which to share these.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">My CMA chapter helps the Salvation Army ring the bell during the holiday season. This year we had 2 locations that were both indoors - always a plus as the weather in North East Ohio this time of year can be chilly. Since it was only an hour <strong>and</strong> it was indoors, I offered to take D, grandkidlet #1. He's 2-1/2 yr old and is like a little sponge, soaking up things he hears and sees. He also likes to ride in Gamma's Jeep.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">So off we went to ring the bell. When he noticed folks putting money in the red bucket, I decided to make it a teaching moment. I explained in toddler terms about boys and girls that don't have peanut butter & jelly and are not able to have P B & J sandwiches. The kind people that put $ in the bucket are helping these children to have things they need like peanut butter & jelly. So we rang the bell, smiled and greeted the generous folks in Jefferson, OH.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This was on Saturday after Thanksgiving. On Monday I get a text message from my daughter : <em>So, your grandson has his sand pail and is going around saying, "put money in my bucket"</em> I'm believing his intention was to give the money to needy children! The afore mentioned sponge!!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">From infancy I've been telling him the same 4 words. I have continued repeating this same sentence to his sister, now almost 11 months old. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><em>I LOVE YOU IMMENSELY </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Last week I picked him up to hug and kiss him good-bye and I said my usual, "I love you immensely, Buckaroo". He hugged me and said, "I love you immensely, Gamma". My heart swelled, my feet felt like lead and my leggs felt like jelly. I couldn't move. Nor did I want to. I wanted to hang on to that moment (and him)forever. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I've explained to him how much "immensely" is. Someday he will comprehend and fully understand that there is no concrete measurement to the love I have for him and his sister. It is infinite. What can I say? It's a Gamma thang.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ciao</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-87907882032211624962010-02-15T08:02:00.002-05:002010-02-15T08:48:26.161-05:00GOSSIPDoes this bother anyone else??? I work in an office with 4 other women. At one time there were 7 of us and the gossip has always bothered me . . . to the point where I have picked up my lunch from the table and went to sit in my car to eat. That was a quite few years ago. My solution was to avoid spending time with these ladies so I wouldn't have to be subjected to thier gossip. When my son-in-law wanted to talk to me about marrying my daughter, he took me to a local establishment for a drink and one of my co-workers was there with a group of her friends. I knew that within 24 hours I would be the talk of the school district. By 10 a.m. the next morning, word was out in my office that I was seen out on a date with a much younger man. This woman went to everyone else in the office pumping them for any info they might have on my personal life. She never came to me. The one person in the office that I am friends with told "Ms Gossip" that he was someone I met online and the "drink date" was our first actual meeting! It's what Ms Gossip wanted to hear. Juicy gossip. So we fed it to her.<br /><br />I'm older and bolder now. I let my intolerance be known. Recently our CMA treasurer was sharing "in Christian love". She was <strong>repeating</strong> what she heard from another chapter secretary - about their road captain's son becoming a member of CMA and how he wasn't even saved and was living with a woman before he was divorced, etc, etc. Our treasurer doesn't even know the young man personally . . . let alone what's in his heart. I was livid. This was in our chapter's officer's meeting. I seethingly asked her to stop becasue what she was saying was gossip. I now regret the seething part, but not having asked her to stop. In retrospect I could have been a little gentler . . . but the young man's parents are friends of mine with whom I had spoken regarding this matter and felt I needed to stop the poison from being spread any further.<br /><br />A wise lawyer friend provided this test to me: Think about what you are about to say and ask yourself these 3 questions.<br /><ol><li>Is what I'm about to say kind? </li><li>Is what I'm about to say true?</li><li>Is what I'm about to say necessary to be said?</li></ol><p>If the statement you are about to make doesn't pass this test with all <strong>YES</strong> answers, dont' say it. </p><p>If what you're about to say would hurt someone if they knew you were saying it, if you don't have first-hand knowledge that what you're saying is true or if the statement could be left unspoken without dire ramifications . . . don't say it.</p><p>It's not rocket science and gossip hurts. Enough venting. Until next time and topic at least.</p><p>Ciao</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-15603701592288721072010-02-13T08:04:00.003-05:002010-02-13T08:26:20.037-05:00ThomasLast night was the opening prayerformance of Tetelestai - the passion play produced by the Cleveland Performing Arts Ministries. Our family has been involved with this ministry for about 13 years. This is my second season "sitting out" so to speak. My son, Matt, remains involved.<br /><br />A few years ago, I heard God telling me it was time to let go of that ministry. I didn't listen and the next year I was given a very powerful role - a converting LOE (Lady Of the Evening!) I knew that would be my last gift from God in Tetelestai. CMA has taken it's place as far as ministry and personal growth. Ah, but I digress from the topic at hand . . . THOMAS<br /><br />One of the "gifts" I received during my time in Tetelestai was an understanding of the apostle Thomas. If I could have any role in the play I would want to be Thomas. If I could meet any person in history I would want to meet Thomas.<br /><br />"Blessed are you because you have seen. But I say to you, blessed are they that have not seen, yet believe". <br /><br />When Jesus came back to that upper room, God could have "fixed" him so he was whole once again. But God knew of Thomas' unbelief and allowed the nail holes to remain in the savior's hands <em>just </em>for Thomas . . . to make a believer out of him!!!! How incredible is that????<br />Thinking about Thomas makes me stop and think of the ways God reveals Christ to me each and every day. It also provides a check and balance for me to make sure I'm reflecting Christ to those people that might need to "see" before believing.<br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-38832752593041751792010-01-23T21:00:00.003-05:002010-01-23T21:32:48.216-05:00A Busy TimeAnother Saturday! Seems the only day I have time to post! <br /><br />This week was busy...but I managed to get to the gym 4 days: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday(today). <br /><br />So, the days I didn't work out...let's see....Monday was a holiday. Could have gotten there early in the day, but was just plain lazy, then in the afternoon, I met a friend for an early dinner. Wednesday was the day our Sprout chose to enter this world. That's right! A beautiful baby girl entered our family that day. 7 lb 7 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. Takes my breath away just thinking about her! Friday I had tickets to the Improv Comedy Club in Cleveland. Matt got them for me for Christmas. Since I am unattached, I asked Matt to go with me. It's not unusual for he and I to hangout, but apparently it's an oddity to society. On our way to Cleveland I commented that people will think I'm a cougar - out on a date with a younger man. Welllllllll, we had VERY good seats....right at the edge of the stage where we were an easy target for the entertainers!!! There were 2 "warm up" guys and the headliner was a female. #2 warm-up guy asked our status...married, dating, other activity. Matt declared "this is my mom" and the guy remarked he thought maybe it was a cougar situation! The headliner made a bigger deal about it. Got alot of sweet awwwwwwws from the audience after making a comment about the cougar bit. It didn't bother Matt nor I. I have a son that is secure enough to let the world know it's ok to hang out with your mom (besides, she's picking up the tab)<br /><br />Today it was 49 degrees. The snow has melted enough for me to find the outside Christmas lights on the shrubs and remove them. The snow is no longer knee deep so I could take down the wreaths from the front of the house and find the outdoor outlet in the flower bed to unplug the aforementioned lights and retrieve my extension cord. I arranged to cook & deliver dinner to Pam & John today so they had 1 less thing to attend to today. I made chicken n dumplins in my crockpot and whipped up a batch of Jiffy cornbread. If I say so myself it was delicious.<br /><br />Tomorrow my CMA chapter will try to sell the rest of the soup we made and froze. I have 98 pints of various kinds of soup in my freezer. The Jefferson United Methodist Church is letting us set up our soup sale in their fellowship hall. I'm going to try to slip out to attend services at the bar around the corner. Maybe I'll attend the service at the church for a change to see how the people there are since I'm thinking about making the committment to join the church and become a full member of their faith community. <br /><br />It's about time to think about winding this day down.<br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-12008872484805918612010-01-09T19:37:00.003-05:002010-01-09T20:22:39.859-05:00It's been a busy Saturday!!I'm not sure why, but I was hesitant to De-Christmas the house this year. I began taking the tree down last Tuesday an finally got it completely undecorated and out to the street last night - Friday. Well, not out to the street exactly . . . that will entail plodding through knee deep snow . . but it is off the porch!!! I put away all the other stuff - stockings, santa collection, nativity, etc - this morning. Maybe it has something to do with going down to the basement to bring up empty boxes, filling the boxes, then taking the boxes back down to the basement. And they never fit back on the shelves the way they did before Christmas . . . haven't been able to figure that out yet. Then I have to remember where I put all the stuff I moved to make room for the Christmas stuff. Once I find these items, I have to remember what goes where . . . But it's done!!!<br /><br />After that, I loaded up all my recycle stuff and hauled it off to the city's recycle center . . . someday this community will go to curbside recycling, but until that happens, I will make periodic trips to the city dump to ensure my garbage isn't hanging around taking up valuable land space.<br /><br />Then I went to the gym. I know . . . on a Saturday!!!! All I can say is New Year . . . New priorities. After a shower and cleaning up, I went to the grocery store. There were lots of BOGO specials . . . porkchops and roasts. Now I have to divide the "family pack" of pork chops into single servings and freeze them. I got 17 thick cut pork chops for $15 ! That's at least 8 meals for me!!! Coffee was on sale and everyone must be out of coffee cuz the shelf was empty . . . frozen chicken breasts too!!! I'll run by tomorrow morning on my way to church at the biker bar and see if they have restocked the shelves/freezers.<br /><br />I had 2 coupons for 2 free movies each from Drug Mart, so on the way home I stopped and picked up a bunch of comedies. They are 7 day rentals so I have until next Saturday to get them watched. I think I'll pop some popcorn and get cozy under a blanket (it's 7 degrees outside) and watch one of them tonight.<br /><br />GREAT NEWS::::: Something on thing on the horizon . . . . I've got plans to travel to Texas next month. I haven't been there in 2 1/2 years!!! My sister Deena is going too! That means us 3 girls will be together with MOM . . . I'm sure the visit will be bittersweet as I know mom has deteriorated immensely since I saw her last. But she's been on my heart since the beginning of December so I stepped up my prayers. That helped but I knew I needed to get out there. I did some checking and I had enough flyer miles on my credit card to get 2 airline tickets (mine & Deena's) for $10! <br /><br />Popcorn and movie time!!!!<br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-81708633808643384832010-01-03T19:40:00.005-05:002010-01-03T20:15:06.628-05:00Wintery Sunday<div><blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsaqHiu9rfZ8a68_s1DeR-MvceQZ_Sjg6fIPMCiuupi4HXq87VBMNMgolmD7NY4QvssEPDSXJr6UA3hn8NxAG0MLsWD8AVKCH5QWqXghlNwOrijNx8dvh6WEYPCagbm_k3jJy9AyYKw/s1600-h/beansprout.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsaqHiu9rfZ8a68_s1DeR-MvceQZ_Sjg6fIPMCiuupi4HXq87VBMNMgolmD7NY4QvssEPDSXJr6UA3hn8NxAG0MLsWD8AVKCH5QWqXghlNwOrijNx8dvh6WEYPCagbm_k3jJy9AyYKw/s1600-h/beansprout.JPG"></blockquote><blockquote></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsaqHiu9rfZ8a68_s1DeR-MvceQZ_Sjg6fIPMCiuupi4HXq87VBMNMgolmD7NY4QvssEPDSXJr6UA3hn8NxAG0MLsWD8AVKCH5QWqXghlNwOrijNx8dvh6WEYPCagbm_k3jJy9AyYKw/s1600-h/beansprout.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsaqHiu9rfZ8a68_s1DeR-MvceQZ_Sjg6fIPMCiuupi4HXq87VBMNMgolmD7NY4QvssEPDSXJr6UA3hn8NxAG0MLsWD8AVKCH5QWqXghlNwOrijNx8dvh6WEYPCagbm_k3jJy9AyYKw/s1600-h/beansprout.JPG"></blockquote></a><div>I braved the chilly temperatures and made it to church this a.m. - I'm glad I did . . . the music and the message were VERY good. The message was about darkness. How that by our nature, we fear the dark and that Jesus pierced that darkness . . . and comparing how a single match can create light in an absolute dark room the same as each of us, no matter how insignificant we feel, can make a difference by letting our light shine - the light (love) of Christ - reflect off of us. I took notice that the door to the "other side" of the bar remained wide open. There was 1 patron and 1 bar maid there. Yessiree. Seeds are being planted.</div><br /><div></div><div>There is so much to do around here . . . a lot of organizing and cleaning out . . . however, I chose to spend the day watching the snow fall and the wind blow . . . and knitting a scarf to go with the new winter coat I bought yesterday. I bought 2 skeins of yarn yesterday and am on the second skein already! (Hoping for a snow day tomorrow - can clean and organize then)</div><div></div><br /><div>I am awaiting the arrival of Grandchild #2. Since daughter and son-in-law chose n<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsaqHiu9rfZ8a68_s1DeR-MvceQZ_Sjg6fIPMCiuupi4HXq87VBMNMgolmD7NY4QvssEPDSXJr6UA3hn8NxAG0MLsWD8AVKCH5QWqXghlNwOrijNx8dvh6WEYPCagbm_k3jJy9AyYKw/s1600-h/beansprout.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 122px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422683377905573650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHsaqHiu9rfZ8a68_s1DeR-MvceQZ_Sjg6fIPMCiuupi4HXq87VBMNMgolmD7NY4QvssEPDSXJr6UA3hn8NxAG0MLsWD8AVKCH5QWqXghlNwOrijNx8dvh6WEYPCagbm_k3jJy9AyYKw/s200/beansprout.JPG" /></a>ot to learn the gender of said grandchild, it has come to be known as our Beansprout. </div><br /><div>Our due date is Jan 16, but I would be <strong>very</strong> surprised if Beansprout waits that long. What do you think? <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpuULvk00h0/S0E_olDrlgI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Qme1RQoaxgU/s1600-h/arrow28.gif"><img style="WIDTH: 36px; HEIGHT: 11px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422685392705656322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpuULvk00h0/S0E_olDrlgI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Qme1RQoaxgU/s200/arrow28.gif" /></a></div><div> <br />Well, I'd better get back to knitting.</div><div> </div><div>Ciao</div><div> </div></div>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-18260934146704693422010-01-02T17:42:00.004-05:002010-01-02T18:13:48.781-05:00New Year . . . Similar Goals<div>I decided to re-visit last year's goals to see how I did:<br /><br />1. Committment to pray <strong>everyday</strong> for cure/treatment for cancer and alzheimer's - I would have to say that I was relatively successful at this, however, it will stay on the list of goals for 2010, cuz I believe I can do better.<br /><br />2. Get back to healthy food choices and regular excercise - meaning finding a balance between bicycling and motorcycling - This one definitely stays on the list of goals for 2010 - I wasn't on my bicycle once last summer . . . food choices were decent and if 4-5 times a week is regular excercise, then I did ok there.<br /><br />3. Plan and execute an overnight motorcycling camping trip. YESSSSSSS. Better than overnight! I managed to load my bike with 8 days of clothing/toiletries, sleeping bag, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW117NNtKIpyMvc2WuyNq_aUNM0LINkGgFLAOdPiO-DpNqrYvcQF7s-l0slMZfaFLddbBWnOTeihTQgM5i7U_Glvf10Uaxh-cqmAxeRBAPEPgZHjcJPCtGtOCIQzhE2PqB7GPEHH2iafI/s1600-h/Road+trip+ready.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 196px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422284122321012898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW117NNtKIpyMvc2WuyNq_aUNM0LINkGgFLAOdPiO-DpNqrYvcQF7s-l0slMZfaFLddbBWnOTeihTQgM5i7U_Glvf10Uaxh-cqmAxeRBAPEPgZHjcJPCtGtOCIQzhE2PqB7GPEHH2iafI/s200/Road+trip+ready.JPG" /></a></div><div>rain gear, and tent and rode to West Virginia for a week's campout at CMA's national East rally!!!! WooHoo!<br /><br />4. Find a church that feeds my spirit and just "feels right". It may stay on the 2010 goals list, but I'm getting closer . . . A Methodist church holds a Sunday a.m. service in a local biker bar, complete with B.A.R. band (born again rockers) that lead the praising! It's a service that is bare bones worship - singing/prasing, prayer, proclaiming the Word of God, breaking open the Word, more prayer, more praising/worship. Communion is celebrated twice a month. A bucket sits on the bar as you enter for the offering. This feels right. What is cool is that in the other room are bar patrons and it is my hope and prayer that seeds are being planted in their hearts as we raise our voices in song and prayer.<br /><br />* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />Now, for 2010's goals in no particular order<br /><br /><br /></div><ol><br /><li>Visit my mom in Texas</li><br /><li>Improve on my prayers for cure/treatment for cancer and alzheimers</li><br /><li>Continue the search and join a faith community</li><br /><li>Another motorcycle road trip - something relaxing and scenic</li><br /><li>Continue making heatlhy food choices and get on that bicycle!!!</li><br /><li>Spend less time on the computer . . . FB is a time thief.</li></ol><div><br /></div><p></p>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-90645719833345151072009-05-02T17:31:00.005-04:002009-05-02T20:58:49.695-04:00Run for the Son<div>Today is the day thousands of bikers all around the world were riding to change the world - one heart at at time. The 22nd annual Run for th Son - in support of 3 mission efforts:<br />1. The Jesus Film Project. The Jesus film is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, having translated the film into over a thousand languages and shown it in over 200 countries.<br />2. Open Doors. This ministry supports and strengthens persecuted Christians around the world. Bible distribution is an important part of this ministry.<br />3. Missionary Ventures International -through this ministry, CMA has been supplying motorcycles, bicycles and other forms of transportation(horses, boats, etc) to indigenous pastors and evangelists worldwide. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCx8uu-AfkfyBbQa2Htx291OpRrwHjb0zgrIyWCUmv3dHaCh8jm4SuQDnowk2kLOaQvIONcvELM_ROgHWNpT5gypaTBOMh-gmuTbwy0TwsyeryrwLN5zD9P1fkJNNBJLv8Ngel2UwuVA/s1600-h/bike+blessing.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 92px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331395611008063138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCx8uu-AfkfyBbQa2Htx291OpRrwHjb0zgrIyWCUmv3dHaCh8jm4SuQDnowk2kLOaQvIONcvELM_ROgHWNpT5gypaTBOMh-gmuTbwy0TwsyeryrwLN5zD9P1fkJNNBJLv8Ngel2UwuVA/s200/bike+blessing.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Our chapter combined our bike blessing with this day - we had folks show up early to ride with us, eat with us and be prayed over along with their bikes. We had folks show up even as we were cleaning up to have their bike and riding season blessed. It was an amazing experience. I put 97 miles on Miss Behavin today!<br /><br />Last night we went to the site of the event to set up and prayer walk the grounds. I was heading across a gravel area to get to the perimeter when a kildeer skittled off in front of me. She stood there yelling, trying to get me to follow her . . . I realized I must be near her nest. Knowing there would be a lot of people around the next day, another member and I started looking for her nest so we could rope it off and protect it should anyone happen to walk out there. We searched and searched and couldn't find her spotted eggs amongst the stones. We changed our strategy. We decided to go leave the area, go on with our prayer walk so she would go back to her nest. Once we knew where it was, we could secure the area. This plan worked. After about 15 minutes we saw she was back on the nest. Rosie walked toward here and I zeroed in on the location as soon as "mama" ran off the nest. It still took us some time as the eggs were larger than what we were looking for - but lo and behold. She had 4 beautiful eggs nestled together. We quickly got railroad ties and bricks to encircle these precious eggs. When I got there today, the first thing I did was check on our little mother. All the bikes and activity had her a little nervous. She was off the nest and trying to distract folks, but once she realized no one was paying her any mind or coming near her younguns, she settled onto the nest - I checked on her periodically and never saw her off the nest again.<br /><br />Bikers are an amazing group. They love and ride their own machines with pride, but stand in awe and admiration of each others rides. A couple of fellows rode in on some custom bikes - you see them build these things on TV, but to stand in front of one of these rides and talk to the owner/creator/builder is humbling. One guy I talked to just finished his this week. Today may have been its first ride, I'm not sure. It took him 2 years to build it!!!!! These guys are my heroes. It might take me 2 years just to install the sissy bar, luggage rack and engine guard that I purchaed to accessorize my factory made bike!<br /><br />I've lubricated my dry pipes with a bud light. I'm still a little thirsty . . . might hafta walk out to the beer fridge in the garage and grab another. Bed time will be early tonight - we are biking (kick stands up @ 8 a.m. at Austinburg McDonald's) to a church visit in Jefferson tomorrow, then off to Pymatuning, Pa for lunch, feeding the fish (this is affectionately called our "moldy bread run") then an ice cream stop on the way home. Another full day of fun in the Son!<br />Ciao</div>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-75973573755647117842009-04-26T18:59:00.002-04:002009-04-26T19:26:38.076-04:00Sunny days and warm nightsI'm loving this weather!!! Record breaking temps! Sleeping with the windows open! Waking to birds singing and the smell of spring flowers! I have a ton of yard work to do but need help getting winter things (snowblower a.k.a the beast) put in the shed and my deck furniture out. I also need to make a decision about the dogwood tree that was damaged in the November snow storm. The weight of the snow pulled half of the branches to the ground, splitting the trunk. I have to decide if I need to cut off the broken part or cut down the entire tree. I will need help either way. I've hinted to the kiddos but they aren't taking the hint. Sometimes, Senior housing looks mighty good. Freedom from house repairs and yardwork responsibilities. Then I remember that in 7 years I'll be mortgage free - with senior housing the rent goes on and on and on. Besides, senior housing doesn't offer a garage for Miss Behavin' and they don't have french doors for me to bring her inside for the winter. And there are probably noise restrictions which would prevent my friends with Harley's from visiting. . . better stay put, I guess.<br /><br />I rode about 120 miles yesterday and about 80 today. Today what I saw from a distance and thought was roadkill turned out to be a big ole turtle poking along across the road. I checked my rear view mirror and there wasn't anyone behind me so I'm pretty certain he made it ok. Nothing like 2 lanes of asphalt and the wind and sun in your face . . . I pretty much stick to back roads . . . highways get you there quicker but all you see is concrete and cars. On the back roads you experience God's creation with most of your senses. Yesterday as I approached Geneva on the Lake (looking for an open ice cream shop) I felt the exact moment the air cooled - It was right at the Lodge and Conf center. It stayed that way as I rode through the strip (no ice cream places open) and onto Carpenter Road. The air got warm again. You don't feel that in a car. That's just one example. When you're driving you don't smell folks grilling burgers . . . you might never see them, but you know there's a family having a Bar-B-Que! Kind of helps you understand why dogs prefer to ride with their heads hanging out the window.<br /><br />Ciao,Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-85573149875815650192009-03-18T21:56:00.003-04:002009-03-18T22:21:27.422-04:00It's Official!!!!Anyone care to join me in a happy dance? Motorcycling season (my favorite season) has <em>officially</em> begun. Last week we had two (2) good street washing rains and the temperature soared to 61 degrees yesterday. I got done work at 4:30 and Miss Behavin' and I were out there cruising by 4:50. We wound through the back country (all paved) roads, across the new covered bridge and on out to the bike shop in Jefferson where I picked up a new oil filter for her. I looked at new helmets for myself and just browsed there like some of you do in craft/scrapbooking shops. <br /><br />I'm happy to say the new leather jacket I bought at the International Motorcycle show in cleveland is wonderfully warm. The sleeves zip nice and tight around the wrists keeping my arms warm and the main zipper wind flap prevents the wind from penetrating the zipper. The zip-out lining adds a layer of warmth. I was toasty warm with only a longsleeve t-shirt and my jacket. I rolled my chaps up and crammed them in my saddlebags just in case the breeze was too cold for my legs - I could pull off and slip them on - glad to say I was warm enough with my jeans on. Oh and the lined leather gloves I picked up when I was in Sugarcreek a month ago were toasty also. I can see now the difference between summer leather gloves and winter leather gloves! Live and learn!<br /><br />I had her out riding for about an hour. She responded well and I was elated! The excitement of sitting astride her and starting her up . . . indescribable. Then there's the shifting, the cornering, the leaning and of course the camraderie of fellow riders low fiving as you pass each other! <br /><br />I came home to change her oil and filter but couldn't get the plug (it's actually an bolt. why they call it a plug is beyond me) loose with my wrench. Matt was at rugby practice so I had to let it sit until someone could help me. I<em> really </em>hate being/feeling helpless. But Matt came this morning after I was at work to loosen the "plug". He called asking where the new filter was . . . he was doing the job for me . . . isn't he the best. As badly as I felt I needed to do it my self, he felt he needed to do it for me . . . I thought that was pretty thoughtful of him. And I really do appreciate it . . .after all, with the miles I plan to put on her this summer I'll get plenty of practice maintaining her.<br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-41209325948022386392009-03-11T22:12:00.002-04:002009-03-11T22:47:29.024-04:004 a.m. Furnace WoesThat's right. Furnaces . . . got have em, but who can figure em out? When it's frigid and below freezing the blasted thing won't come on; but let the temperatures rise and hover around 45 and the blasted thing won't shut off!!!!<br />4 a.m. and I awoke in a sweat - I thought what any 54 year old woman would think . . . hot flash, right? So I did what the average red blooded american woman would do and I threw off my pajamas and settled back in bed hoping that would cool my body down. WRONG. I continued to sweat and the bedroom was VERY warm. I listened and the furnace was running and running and running and running. I'm not the sharpest mechanical pencil in the toolbox, but I knew from the warmness of the air the furnace should be shutting off. So I climbed out of bed, found my robe and wandered through a VERY warm house. I went to the thermostat - it was set for 67 degrees but the room temperature was 85 degrees. My first thought was to call my dear son in law, my heating/cooling expert. Then I remembered it was 4 a.m. and perhaps I should check it out myself and call him as a last resort. Good plan, but where do I start. AHA! dear son in law showed me the manual shut-off switch on the front of the furnace. So down to the basement and into the furnace room I went. Hit the kill switch (sorry, motorcycle term slipped in) and the thing shut off! Ok. That was a good sign. Then I came back up and examined the thermostat. It is electonic (this should have been a clue) and the LCD (?) read out was very faint and the buttons used to adjust the setting were inoperable. I used all my strength (good thing I work out) and popped the cover off the front. Electronics need an energy source to operate, right? There staring back at me were 2 AA batteries! The thermostat has been there since we put the new furnace in somewhere between 5-7 years ago and the batteries were a well-kept secret! I went to my trusty junk drawer and retrieved some batteries, made the quick exchange, replaced the cover and tried the buttons - VOILA! they worked and were crystal clear - not faded. I returned to the basement and flipped the kill switch back to ON and I was back in business. It was still VERY warm so I opened the bedroom window so I could catch a few winks before the alarm went off at 5:30.<br /><br />I've worked at my current job for 18 years. I'm on my fifth treasurer. And today, my work station was moved for the fifth time! The new treasurer asked what I thought and at this point I'm painfully honest. I told him - "It'll work. It's temporary. In a few years we'll have a new treasurer and I'll move again - that's why the maintenance men don't screw my desk pieces together - it saves them time when they need to dismantle it and move it." His jaw dropped to the floor before he chuckled and moved on. I'm probably a little bitter because he didn't take my concerns seriously. Offices have some very NOISY machines - copier, folder/sealer, postage meter etc. He moved the copier, fax and postage meter from our "work room" where all the machinery was kept to the main part of the office where we are expected to listen to them, concentrate and do our accounting jobs without error and have phone conversations with all the background noise. I explained my concerns and asked him to re-consider this plan - the problem is he didn't want to walk the extra steps to the work room. Or maybe it's one of the other girls that didn't want to walk and convinced it was a good plan. Who knows. But I'll be alright with it cuz IT'S TEMPORARY!!!!!!<br /><br />Ciao for nowMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-91889810381489308552009-03-10T19:38:00.002-04:002009-03-10T19:57:52.813-04:00RAIN, RAIN Glorious RAINThis may seem odd to most of you . . . but it rained Saturday night and all day Sunday. It has rained most of today (Tuesday). If my arithmetic is correct 1 rainy day + 1 rainy day = 2 rainy days, right? And the bottom line of this math problem is that all the salt should be washed off the roads!!!!! Sing with me . . . Alleluiah . . . Alleluiah! So this means I'd better book out to the bike shop in Jefferson tomorrow at lunchtime and get my oil and oil filter and git r done so she's ready to ride. <br /><br />I had lunch with my little buckaroo and his mom this afternoon. He wasn't exactly wearing cranky pants, but he wasn't all that loving either. I guess he didn't get to finish his nap. This didn't deter him from flirting with the cute waitress, however. There are some areas Grandma just can't compete no matter how cool she is.<br /><br />The other big news is I finally finished the new Grisham novel. I confess to reading the ending ahead of time. I think I was on chapter 33 and couldn't stand the suspense so I read the last two chapters - 41 & 42. The ending disappointed me but I figured that if I went back and read the chapters in between it would make better sense. Not so. The ending still was a disappointment.<br /><br />I've moved on to my first Jodi Picoult novel - Change of Heart. Not really what I expected - but I'm only on page 8 and keeping an open mind.<br /><br />Ooooh Ooooh - almost time for the biggest loser! I've lost about 6 pounds in the past week and a half - 10 more to go!!! Been working out regularly - even signed up for a self defense martial arts class at the gym!!!! Gotta run . . . Bob waits for no woman!<br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-9713154081270720772009-03-07T08:18:00.003-05:002009-03-07T08:38:02.927-05:00Daylight Savings Time and other stuffIt seems I only have time to blog on Saturdays. Not sure where the time goes during the week. Could be the fact that I work 40 hours a week, work out at least 4 days a week, have doggie duty several times a week for my granddog-daughter, babysit my buckaroo whenever I can and try to have a small semblance of a social life.<br /><br />I have 1 load of laundry to dry, fold and put away. Will dust and sweep the living room/dining room and take my trash to the recycle center. Everything else got done during the week! If it doesn't rain I could start working in the yard picking up debris and tree limbs that landed during the windstorm a couple of weeks ago. I could go to the motorcycle shop and pick up the oil filter and oil I need to get my bike road ready. . .<br /><br />I treated myself to a pedicure after work yesterday . . . complete with the pedicure chair with massage features! The poor guy earned his $$$ filing all the dead crap off my feet! My PedEgg doesn't do nearly as well as the professional tools. It was only $30 so I'm thinking I'll become a regular!!! Nothing feels better than soft pretty feet! And flip flop season is around the corner!!<br /><br />Which brings me to my final thought . . . when we turn the clocks back tonight will I be an hour younger??? <br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-86247792827206754042009-02-28T08:12:00.002-05:002009-02-28T08:35:06.801-05:00Tired of Winter<span style="font-family:arial;">I like winter because I know from science and experience that it is temporary. About this time of year, all the knowledge and experience is forgotten and winter seems here to stay . . . It is cold and dreary. At least during the peak of winter we have snow that makes everything beautiful and brilliant with its whiteness - I guess this is what "they" mean by the dead of winter. Everywhere you look you see vegitation that is dead - shrubs, flower beds, grass - that with spring will be re-born and vibrant. But waking to this day after day makes spring seem <em>very</em> far off. I've been invited to go to the Cleveland Botanical Garden tomorrow. I'm so eager . . . to see beauty and life in the dead of winter . . . I probably won't want to leave it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Add to this the anxiety of wanting to get on my motorcycle . . . in my circle of friends (mostly bikers) this is all we talk about. Planning events to ride in. Planning vacation rides. Planning ride and dines. Planning rallys to ride to. I have gone so far as to turn the heater on in the garage, move the jeep out and sit on my bike and "ride" her around the garage. If I had a trailer, Miss Behavin and I would definitely vacation in Florida!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Time to swap loads of laundry, then get myself to the gym.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Ciao til next time.</span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-39726799746714116032009-02-21T09:09:00.003-05:002009-02-21T12:49:32.333-05:00Another Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLXrXilA4uozooswXdDBvnP_n8lVbUMAY0E8Ff5DnN86aXWvqYQQrTeH4i8hr4rHcFKhOsHxO2B7SQpYLKILkp_z2KtpF2hRsBHlKFWdNZnwRMAxdvrDpAbQnpHGpx9WQLkU3bol1fAQ/s1600-h/jesus+and+apostle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305306425772483554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLXrXilA4uozooswXdDBvnP_n8lVbUMAY0E8Ff5DnN86aXWvqYQQrTeH4i8hr4rHcFKhOsHxO2B7SQpYLKILkp_z2KtpF2hRsBHlKFWdNZnwRMAxdvrDpAbQnpHGpx9WQLkU3bol1fAQ/s200/jesus+and+apostle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It started again last night - Tetelestai (on the web @ <a href="http://www.tetelestai-cpam.org/">http://www.tetelestai-cpam.org/</a>). I was stressing because I wanted to drive to Brecksville for opening night but we were under a lake effect snow warning and as I age, er, um, mature . . . I am growing less fond of driving in snow after dark. Something about not being able to see the road terrifies me - go figure. Well the warning was cancelled around 2:00 so off I went. It was a <strong>very</strong> good show. The director made some creative and spiritually powerful changes that left me with goose bumps!<br /><br />Being a former cast member, sitting in the audience was a different perspective. I stayed close to my comfort zone and sat in front of my peeps at the sound board - they know and understand my emotions whereas if I had sat amongst perfect strangers I would have felt somewhat self-conscience wiping tears and sniffling for self control.<br /><br />It was also good to connect with the rest of my "family" - my sunshine Elizabeth - a 26 yr old young lady with some learning disabilites whom had a horrid childhood until she was adopted by the most faithfilled humble attorney and his family. Then there's my favorite diva, Theresa. She has MS and is absolutely my hero. She gets up and into her motorized wheelchair when her husband Joe (one of my soundboard buds) leaves for work - about 6:30 a.m. and is in it unitl he puts her to bed at night. This is the wee hours of the morning on performance days. Theresa is often overlooked by the cast - she doesn't want special treatment and hesitates to ask for help. I was her advocate and oftentimes her mouthpiece. I remember one facility had 3 small steps down to our "gathering area" where we hold prayer and praise prior to the show and at intermission. She was "parked" at the top of the stairs and around the corner trying to participate as best she could - I went to my DS and requested he and some of the guys go and lift her chair down those steps so she could fully participate with us. They did and our family was complete once she joined us. See what I mean? How many cast members walked right past her before I got there and didn't <strong>see</strong> her? Anyhow, it was great to sit and talk with her last night. And by best girlfriend Barb - whom my kids swear is my twin and we were separated at birth! And my surrogate dad Tom - when he saw me walking toward him he just held his arms open and I walked into them. I hadn't seen him since I made the decision not to be in the cast. He's one of the people I miss the most. He's taught me sooooo much about trusting God and living a faith-filled life. I could go on and on because everyone in the cast has touched my heart at different times and in different ways.<br /><br />I got home about 12:40 a.m - and was turning my light off at 12: 51! Now it's almost 10 a.m and I'd better get started on my Saturday chores - Teen Challenge tonight with CMA!!!! I can't wait!<br /><br />Ciao</div>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-5866847846382275252009-02-19T22:02:00.004-05:002009-02-19T22:42:13.976-05:00Over Easy is good<span style="font-family:arial;">Thanks to my niece over at the Beaver Family Blog, I've been hungry for eggs over easy . . . Don't get alarmed, I'm relatively certain I'm not pregnant! Anyhow, tonight's dinner was just that - Eggs over easy and 2 slices of light whole grain wheat bread toasted. That was after my workout. My DS begins his role as Jesus in Tetelestai this weekend and dress rehearsal was tonight - an hour and 10 minute drive in good weather. Roads are snow covered and slippery and it took him 2 hrs to get there. I'll be up until I get a call saying he's home. Anywho, I had the pleasure of going to play with his dog and potty her in his absence. I think it's time for her to sleepover - we do a girl's night - you know, movie, ice cream, paint our nails . . . that kind of stuff. The last time I did her nails no one wanted to walk down the street with her . . . they were bright <span style="color:#ff0000;">RED!</span><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="color:#000066;"><span style="color:#6666cc;">I phoned DS and warned him she looked like a hoochy mama with her pretty</span> </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">red</span> </span><span style="color:#000066;">nails!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Soooo, on my way to see my grand-dogdaughter I stopped at the hospital to visit my cousin. I have 2 cousins in town on my Dad's side of the family - the older is dying of Cancer. Her battle began a year ago with breast cancer and now it has spread. She is in denial and has requested to proceed with Chemotherapy. I was shocked when I saw her tonight. Pale, thin, very weak and quite emotional. Her sense of humor is still in tact, however. I explained how my DS is Jesus and I'd see about him visiting her and turning her water into wine. I also said that made me the mother of God and I was going to start an RV Club . . . she gave me a quizzical look and I said that I am the Recycled Virgin Mother of God - an RV and I was looking for more members of the club. I thought she was going to fall off her chair laughing! Good thing her dear sister wasn't drinking a beverage - she laughed so hard it would have come out her nose! I was there about 1/2 hour before I noticed her beginning to tire, so I said my good-byes and I love yous and left with a heavy heart. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I went and pottied the wonder dog, then went to the grocery store. Came home and resumed the task of washing clothes. That's a vicious cycle isn't it? Wear them, wash them, dry (iron)them , put them away, wear them . . . Nudists might be on to something! </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">It's getting late. Think I'm ready to tuck it in and read! I'm more that halfway in the novel and haven't read the ending yet! Talk about self control. Grisham is the only author that makes me do that! I get to a point where I can't stand the twists and turns of the plot so I read the end then go back and read how it got there - besides, what if I die before finishing the book? I wouldn't know the outcome!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Ciao</span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-11789430354887580592009-02-17T08:21:00.002-05:002009-02-17T08:48:58.431-05:00Back to Reality<span style="font-family:Verdana;">It's Tuesday and I'm home enjoying my second cup of coffee before I get started on my day. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I spent yesterday travelling the backroads of Amish country. The rolling farmlands, children playing on stark, almost primitive playgrounds, laundry hanging outside and one farmer with his team of horses turning over his cornfield - all in 29 degree weather! Part of my attitude adjustment therapy is soaking in the hotel's hot tub with whatever novel I'm reading at the time. I guess when I was packing I was concentrating on the necessities for the many facets of my trip that I forgot my bathing suit. That's the real reason I cut my trip short. The next best thing will be a play date with my buckaroo!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I'll have a 3 day work week with an exciting weekend to look forward to! The passion play ministry our family has been a part of for the past 12 years opens Friday night in Brecksville! Opening night is always exciting and I wouldn't miss it. Saturday night is TEEN CHALLENGE!!! CMA is taking dinner to the men - my contribution will be taco salad this month. Please, if you are so inclined, add Teen Challenge to your prayer list. They are operating financially on a week by week basis. Thank you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ciao.</span>Motorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328824998677542142.post-90537772108414706682009-02-15T17:02:00.002-05:002009-02-15T17:46:24.747-05:00Attitude Adjustment? Me???Things have been so stressful at work I decided I'd show them . . . I took 2 days vacation - Friday and Tuesday. With tomorrow being a holiday that gave me 5 days off. Low and behold, with Wednesday's windstorm our school district was closed Thursday! 6 day weekend! yippee skippee! Not sure what I did Thursday, but I got up Friday morning and did 2 loads of laundry so I could leave town for my CMA Seaons of Refreshing rally in Zanesville. I had to pick up the lady riding down with me at 12:15 in Perry where she was leaving her car and 3 boys. Before picking her up I had to get to quick lube in Madison and get my oil changed. Why I didn't do all this Thursday is beyond me! But I got er done and we were on our way by 12:45.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was amazing! 251 Christian bikers under one roof! Singing, praising, laughing and learning about our common goal - winning souls for the Kingdom of God. When we were done Saturday, I left the group and headed east to my baby sister's house in PA. She recently bought a house to make her home and I was anxious to see her new digs. Spent the night and left not sure where I would end up. I wanted to go someplace different, but yet the tried and true works and since I know the environment I feel safe staying by myself there. When you travel alone as I generally do, it would easy to get comfortable and let your guard down - that's all it would take to become a statistic - one careless decision. So I am sequestered in a familiar hotel with my bible, my journal, my novel, my ipod and of course my laptop. (I'll soon have a comforter in the form of a pizza with ham and pineapple) I am in the heart of Amish country. This is my chosen place for retreating from the world. Spending time in the Amish community helps me regain my focus and put my life in perspective. They help me remember the importance of things: God first, Family second, and all the other stuff fits in someplace down the list of priorities. I usually stay 2 nights but I think I'm heading home tomorrow afternoon after visiting some of my favorite places here. The hardware store, the furniture store, the cheese factory and Chili's of Berlin (a specialty store for those who <em>like it hot</em>).<br /><br />Ok. I've got some chillin' to do.<br /><br />CiaoMotorcycle grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17710120436828088339noreply@blogger.com0