Complaint To The Military (How dare they??)

Complaint to the Military (Read this)
  
Noise Complaint at Luke AFB, AZ
 

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.
 
A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed their day at the mall. 

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.
 The complaint:
 
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
 Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet.
 
Imagine our good fortune! Do the 'Tom Cruise-wannabes' feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyn's early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.'
 
 The response:
  Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets'
  
On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship fly-by of
 F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in  Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
 
At 9 a.m.on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly-by, and because of the jet noise,  I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.
 
A four-ship fly-by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those 
who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators 
and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
 
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show?
 
The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it  was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
  
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you... Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul and liberty; the other for your natural freedom.
 
(signed) 
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF

 'Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

~John Wayne~

Harry & Ike, Ronnie, Georges,& Espeically John McCain!

Harry S. Truman <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /> "The Buck Stops  Here."         "It doesn't matter how big  a ranch ya' own, or how many cows ya' brand, the size of your funeral is  still gonna  depend on the weather." -Harry Truman.

I have never heard that before!  I loved iT!  Dave has heard it, where was I when he heard it, I wonder.  I remember when Harry Truman was president.  I think I was in kindergarten or first grade. I remember it because no one thought he'd win. My Dad's family were stanch Republicans, but even they liked Harry Truman and his unique way of saying things like they are!  Yep, I remember.

 

Then came Dwight Eisenhower who looked exactly like my grandfather Hills had looked. Since I didn't have many pictures of Grandfather before he got sick, I put pic's of Dwight Eisenhower all over our house.  I also remember 1976,  It was a bicentennial year. Not that I got carried away or anything, but I bought everything I could with the date 1976 on it. Glasses, coffee cups, pictures, you name it.  I still have some of that stuff.

 

I loved Ronald Reagan. I will always love Ronald Reagan.  He was one of those people that changed the world so much in so many ways for the better. I still miss Ronald Reagan.  I am going on & on here, I am going to copy this for my journal.  That's what journals are for is blabbing on, right? 

 

I liked Bill Clinton. Throw bricks at me, I don't care. I liked the person especially when he was done being our President. We visited DC in 1999, when he was in Office, it changed the way I felt about him and history and my country. Can Bill be that bad if he did all that?

 

I liked both George Bush's. Lotza people don't much like that. But I don't care.  They were both good men and the son a better President than his Dad, I think.  I think George Bush held our country together after 9-11.  I don't see how people can't see that.  I think he will be thrilled to go back to Crawford, Texas.

 

Okay, this is the end part.  I liked all of these presidents. But not a one of them did I like as much as I do John McCain.  John is my man.  I am passionate in my support of him.  So, there you have it.  I am a proud McCain Volunteer and I will be helping his campaign as election day comes closer. And on the day election is.  I will poll watch. And I will pray.  And that's all I can do. Go John Go!

xoxo

Merry

Me! No, YOU!

Please answer this in an email to me, or put your URL for your journal in here and so I can read what you had to say. Come on Play, it'll be fun!

you

Lets see the funny shit you people come up with! YOU fill in the blanks about ME even if you don't have any idea what they are and send it back to ME. But first post a blank one out to all your friends so they can return the favor to you.



My name:

Who is the love of my life:

Where did we meet:

Take a stab at my middle name:

How long have you known me:

When is the last time that we saw each other:

Do I smoke:

Do I drink:

When is my birthday:

What was your first impression of upon meeting me:

Do I have any siblings:

What's one of my favorite things to do:

Am I funny:

What's my favorite type of music:

What is the best feature about me:

Am I shy or outgoing:

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:

Do I have any special talents:

Would you consider me a friend/good friend:

Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy, snobby, or something else (what):

What is a memory we have once had:

Have you ever hugged me:

Do you miss me...do you think i miss you:

What is my favorite food:

Have you ever had a crush on me:

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:

What's your favorite memory of me:

Who do I like right now:

What is my worst habit:

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would I bring?

Are we friends:

 

Checking In! Back to Normal (?) Life

Hi dear friends, my buddies, pals, confidants, (new & old alike!)

It has been a week since I made an entry. I have had mega AOL problems,  Now everything seems to be working okay. I still don't know WHY I got this version, but now that I can get into my Journals again, I am NOT changing back to 9.(whatever it was) Optimized. I have had so many people (all nice & well meaning) tell me that 9 whatever Optimized was the latest AOL version.  (I am talking of the "paid" kind not the free version.)  I just had this thought, what if this is the free version??  I don't want it then.  What this version says it is is AOL Desktop.  I am a lot of things, but never claimed to be computer savvy!  Okay, enough of the what if's, I am DOING an entry!

I feel as if I am a different person than the Merry before the flood.  I realize now (my family) was lucky compared to so many people that lost everything!  I truly thank Our Heavenly Father, for every day.  I know you may read this and think. "My friend Merry really "flipped out," but I think I just had a wake up call.  I honestly feel that sometimes we are sent tragedies to make us grow stronger, and hopefully become better people!  And in turn,  this makes us become better friends to those people who touch our lives. 

I will be 64 in November.  Usually, I don't talk about age much, because I don't like to.  The truth is I am too vain.  (I have never been one to take it as it comes, I have fought it every step of the way!) But, still fight it or not, IF we are LUCKY, & LIVE, age happens!  Perhaps, getting older isn't so bad, if it finally has allowed me (after all this time) to feel comfortable in my own skin! So, I truly am going to TRY to make the most of my days.  Each day is a gift & we can choose to fill it with fear, *I do have Generalized Anxiety Disorder + all the stuff on my "All About Me.  column. I think I will be changing that, too.  After all, those disabilities are not who I am, they are things I have, but they aren't all that I am as a person! They are misfortunes that I have to deal with it. But the bottom line is this....EACH DAY IS A GIFT.  We are allowed 24 hours each day. How we spend it is really up to us!  Sometimes, we cannot find much to feel grateful about, but most days, if we REALLY look and see how much we have, I think most of us can (if we make the effort) really realize how blessed we are.  I have so much, and I am grateful for every bit of it. I am not talking about financial positions, or lack of them. I am talking about "REAL" life, real friends, real family.  I live in a "real" town, a nice small town, should I spend my time looking for what is wrong with it, or should I spend my time realizing I am part of it and try to make it a better place? 

The same is true of our lives.  We only get one.  I don't think anyone goes through life without adversities along the way.  Sometimes we are able to sail through hard times, but sometimes, we get stalled "in the flood water."  However if we just STOP & THINK, we just fall down. We must get up, shake ourselves off and the be thankful!  We we are bigger and better people for everything we are forced to deal with in the space of our life.

Today, I am happy to report we are about 85% done with the flood drama, and what is left are things I have to go through to see what  effect the dampness had on them. That will take time. But as far as I know, I have that, so that is "no problem!"  We had our basement decontaminated. We have a roof over our heads, and many things that make our lives easier.  So many people in our town, in our state, and actually, in the Midwest, lost everything!  We just been inconvienced.  We are lucky!  Others are not. That really isn't fair. But to be honest, I am very thankful that we came out of this as well as we did. We lost things, not people; & we didn't actually lose much $$ wise.  Really, the costs that we had were for the trash guys to come and haul junk that needed to go anyway, away & for the basement to be professionally sanitized. What we lost can be replaced if we want to do that.  I don't understand why some people have huge losses and we don't. That isn't fair, yet I can't lie....I am grateful for everything we have!  Mostly, I am grateful for the people I love & I am so lucky to have a wonderful immediate family, and good, true, cherished friends that dear to me.  I also want to let my readers know I do see that I am lucky and that I KNOW that!.  I do see that God has blessed me with family love and the love of good, dear friends. You friends who matter MOST, know who you are, and you know you are truly dear to me.

I also feel comfortable in my own skin.  I know this is fleeting, everyday will not be a happy day for me.  I did not go through any born again experience, but I do think my "wake-up call" has made me think. The things that matter are not things you can buy.  No amount of money determines how many friends you have, or how strong your faith is.  As my Mom use to tell me "Happiness comes from within."  And so, for today, I have to tell you all, I know I am blessed and luckier than so many people. For the gift of life, I thank God.  For my friends that I have I thank God.  For those of you who came "out of nowhere" but gave me strength, you sustained me through a hardship; and I THANK YOU!   I love those of you who did that for me.  Even if I have never met you, I do know you and I love you.  I don't need to be financially well off, (although that's always nice) :).  I know people who have much more than I who are miserable; I know people who have so many less than I do, and yet they are very happy people. They reached out and touched my life with caring and kindness.  I don't need to list names, those of you that I am talking about know you are important individuals in my life. I actually think If I could fill my life with more people like you, and in turn be here to help you in your lives; Then, in fact, no greater legacy or wish could I have.

NORMAL:  This is what life is becoming again now for me.  I thank God for each and every blessing He has bestowed upon me & you, my Journal friends are precious beyond words, to me.

For all of you, I hope you have a "NORMAL" life. That is what I wish for you. If you don't, work at it.  I tell you, "normal" is wonderful, and it's what I wish for each of you. Work at becoming and staying "normal!"  Pray for it.  If I can help any of you who helped me, just call out my name as the song goes, "You know wherever I am, I'll come running to see you again, etc." (James Taylor). Bye for now!

With Love Always,
Merry

Sunday, Father's Day!

Part 2

Just like a bad penny, I am "back again!" You won't get rid of me easily, LOL.  Ah come on, I know you ya'all like me or are starting to, & I absolutely love ya'all!

I still haven't stopped washing clothes!  I am telliing you, I don't think there is a bottom to the baskets!  I actually love to wash, but I don't like to have an ironing build up & I will. I iron down in the basement & I can't stay down there and iron now, until it get decontimaninated. I run down to use the washer & dryer & race back up here. That place gives me the creeps since the flood.  I can't WAIT until the cleaning service that does decontamination work gets to our name on the list.   I had no idea; but we have heard it gets up into more than one thousand dollars!   When they get here, I will let you know if what it actually cost.  Don't know about you, but we don't have extra thousand dollars laying around. But, what can we do?

I would attach a picture of Gorgeous Jack , the grandson I have been braggng about, but we haven't downloaded the recent pictures of him  The old ones I have he looks like a baby yet in.  I only see him about every 2 1/2-3 months & he has changed dramatically every time.  He went from looking like a baby & crawling aroung to become a very tall slim toddler, who runs (never walks, LOL) around. Always with a smile on his face and like my own Dad, a twinkle in his eye.  He is precious beyond what words can say. When I hold him, I hug & hug him, and sometimes he squirms.  We waited 45 years to become Grandparents, most of our friends have Grandchlidren that are teens, some even in college. But Gorgeous Jack was worth waiting for! 

Today is Father's Day!  I have to pay a little tribute to my own Dad.  I can't believe it, but today I figured it out & my Daddy has been gone for 23 years.  Sometimes, it seems like only last week, but sometimes finally after many hard years, it seems like a LONG time ago.

My Dad was my Knight in Shinning Armour!  He was MyPrince Charming!  I was the baby in our family, I have one older sister.  I was born more  than 2 months early in a blizzard in Hinckley, MN.  I was born at the doctor's nurses home; because my Dad could not get Mom to the closest town that had a hospital.  I weighed 3 lb. They put me in a dresser drawer with warm jars all around me--that was my "incubator."  The doctor came shortly after the nurse phoned him and said he missed the big event.  He gave me 2 drops of whiskey, slapped me on the bottom & told my parents I would be fine.  I was & I am!  The only hard part was after I was born, for months my Mom had to feed me every 2 hours.  My sister  went everywhere with Daddy, until she went to school (she is 5+ years older than me).  But make no mistake I knew I was the baby, and I loved it!  My Dad always called me, Jo Baby.  (My middle name is Joann after his Mother). I could do almost no wrong in my Dad's  eyes, and he was my very best friend for the first 37 years of my life. At this point my parents moved to Florida, and we left Davenport, the Quad Cities and moved to Mason City, IA.  Dave's office transferred him here. But he could have chosen to go elsewhere; I had to talk sweet, to get him to Mason City--it was as close to MN as I could get him!!  (Mason City is about 20 min. tops to the Minnesota border!)   My Daddy was a  a caring, kind, compassionate, & gentle father to both my sister & I.  But for me, there was no one single person I would rather be with throughout  all my life than my Dad.  I had more fun with him than even my closest friends; and I have always made friends easily.  So, today, on Father's Day,  I am remembering all that my Dad did for me.  It makes we cry, but it would even make a stranger cry if they knew the dynamics of our special relationship. My Dad's only flaw was that he could never say no, and also, he could not discipline me or my sister.  Poor Mom had to do all that (in later years she told me she hated that, but "Someone had to inforce some rules on you two girls"). Daddy, I know you are looking down on me from Heaven above, and since Mom died 7 years ago, I know you aren't lonely anymore.  I miss you still, not every day like I did the first few years, but when I do, it is a deep loss.  Life without you, Daddy has never been quite the same.  But in his own way, Dave has become my Prince Charming and even my Knight in Shinning Armour. My parents always loved Dave, so, Daddy, I know would understand my feelings of transferance, and approve of it. When I picked Dave, I picked the guy that was the most like my Dad in every way that mattered to me!  Of all that I have done, I know you loved having Tim for a grandson more than any other single thing, I did.  But I also know you would be very proud of me. You taught me the love of reading and books, you instilled in me a deep quest for knowledge and while you were still alive (you were 71) at the age of 39, I presented you with my first College degree. I'll never forget the smile on your face.  Ten years later I was back in school on that quest for knowledge in a different field.  I know you weren't here anymore, but I also know you saw me graduate from Heaven.  Daddy, I love you just as much today as ever & I hope I have made you proud.  I know that you gave me another great gift.  You always had a way with people and you had many, many friends. Everyone who knew you, liked you.  I don't think I can match you there, but I do know I love meeting people, and I love my friends.  You, Dad taught me that a friend was one of life's other biggest gifts.  Here's to you, Daddy.  Hug Mom for me & hold hands, I hope it'll be a while before I join you! I am having too much fun, to leave this earth, so I hope God gives me a few more years here. I love you, Daddy!  Jo Baby

I have to go cry a little now, (but only a little, because I know you wouldn't want me to be sad!  So, I will leave you (finally, LOL). Then I'm going to watch TV with my dear husband, Dave!

See you all later,

Merry

PS Remember hold hands, look both ways and cross streets carefully. (This is something my sister use to say to me.) I guess Father's Day reminds us of all family.  Sooooooooo, I must add, I love you, Bev.  No matter what you will always be my big sister!

I THINK THE Worst Is Over for Us & CR, too! Yay!

Hi Friends!

I think the worst is over, finally! What a week this has been!!  It seemed like a whole year, but it was only a week.  We were okay, our son, wife and grandson in Cedar Rapids, IA were okay; but they, as our had losses and they had to stay at a motel for 4 days because they lost power.  Jack was staying with Patt's Aunt. If you saw 13 month old Jack in action, you'd know why he would not be a happy camper in a one bed small motel room!  He is 13 months and once he learned to walk, he immediately learned to run, and boy does he go!    I talked to Tim early this afternoon and they had been back home in daylight so Jack could play with his own toys, they had picked him up. Then went back to the motel & Jack was napping

(I didn't think he even did that, because the night we watched him we couldn't slow him down even by midnight, lol). That was one week ago Saturday, boy it seems like a month ago, tho with all that has happened!

They live 3 hours from Mason City.  He'd get a 2nd and then a 3rd wind. Patti & Tim came here to go to a wedding of one of Tim's friends daughters. This was our first babysitting gig!  We did A-okay, too!  He never cries, he has the best dispostion.  But, he is a mover and a go-er guy!   Tim said they had to throw out all their freezer stuff, and the refrig. freezer, and most of the refrig. as well. 

About 5 Tim called again when Dave was home to wish him a Happy Father's Day & they are HOME AGAIN with POWER restored!  Tim said 2 blocks away one way or another in that town, can be bad. Then the next block can be like "normal."  All you see on TV (& they have been showing Cedar Rapids, IA a lot) is the bad stuff. But Tim said they hardly have any more water in their basement than they get after a good hard rain.  They had NOTHING like we had, and no sewage backup at all!

Anyway, back to the point.  (Yes, I know I tend to ramble like I am a dumb female, but I assure you I am not dumb, I am a 2 time college graduate and belong to the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.)  We are still wating to get our basement decontaminated by a professional. We don't know when that will be.  We've only had water safe to clean with since Thurs. or Fri. So, this may be a while.  Our bathroom, and luandry room especially got the sewage backup, (don't mean to gross you out people, but floods are not for those who get queasy easily.)

Just to be able to run the dishwasher, wash clothes, drink the water is Heaven.  I promised God, I will never take water for granted again!  I leave it up to you, friends, to remind me of this.  Or if I complain about petty things & I probably will, you can tell me to "remember when."  We had water restored to flush the stool & take showers like on Thursday, but we could not wash clothes in it until mid day Friday. I think....I am not senile, it's just that in the midst of a catastrophe, you lose track of what happened when.  I think our brains are still in the stress mode. 

Iowa City is near where Tim works for a Business Newspaper there, he is a Journalist. He's a news reporter & a page designer.  It's only a 20 min. commute. Patti works for a big company as a Computer Engineer in Cedar Rapids.  Iowa City has not seen the wost of the flood yet. What is worrysome is the U of Iowa Hospitals have had to partially evacuated.  Same for a lot of the U of Iowa Campus, in Iowa City.  Down the road another hour, is Davenport, IA & the "Quad cities"). *Illinois towns are part of that grouping also.  We lived in Davenport for 21 yr as a family; Dave acutally lived their all his life until we moved here; as most of you know I was born and raised in Minnesota. Davenport will have damage, when these smaller rivers empty into the big Mississippi.

I think I am writing way too much, so am going to stop.  I'll do "Part two" in the next entry. I promise not to yak on so long there. 

Check both entries out!  I love all your comments & I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to have you all leave me positive comments and several of you have also Emailed me.  You are the best.  I think I am really a part of Jland now, and that makes me  a very happy girl.

Love, Merry

DAY 5 (Flooding, etc.)

Hi; I am just going to make this a short entry. I am beat tonight. I may write more tomorrow!  I do want to thank you who commented in my comments and those of you who Emailed me, and even those of you who thought of me even briefly today because...I need you all in my life!

Things are quiet for today. It rainded last night but today has been beautiful and sunny.  The forecast is bleak for the next few days, all over the state of Iowa.  Please keep all of Iowa in your prayers.  The tragic tornado with the Boy Scouts happened in one of my husband's overnight sales territories; he goes there every other week.  The surviving boys were so brave.  This was just a devastating tragedy!!  

I got out of the house & went shopping today!  I told my husband, "You know, the saying, 'When the going gets tough; the tough ones go shopping."  Well, he knows that too well. I bought a couple Father's Day gifts for him, some fancy, dancy cosmetics to make all my wrinkles go away (LOL, I am kidding). Well, at least I will feel better, wrinkled or not.  I also got more towels for us. We still can't wash clothes or dishes or drink our water.  Then I could not help myself I found two really cute short jackets that I had to have. One is bright line green, with white flowers in and will go with lots of my summer clothes & the other one is beige, I have a lot of beige things, (I usually wear pink things or pink prints with them. I have a pink thing!)  It started because of my concern for all women regarding breast cancer, but now I just plain love pink! 

They say we MIGHT have water that we can wash clothes in and dishes and even drink by Sat. or Sun.  I will believe that when I see it.

They sent water to be tested somewhere and are waiting to hear back.  However if it rains more, our water treatment plant will have problems, and we will get it shut off again.

Tonight, besides being very tired, I am doing pretty good.  It was a pretty good day although this AM I didn't think it was going to be. 

A good reminder that we should all just keep "trucking" because even a lousy day can turn into a very good day.  Life is like that, full of ups and downs.  Valleys, hills, & mountains.  But the streams at the bottom of the mountains refresh us and give us the strength to go on and make ourselves and our familes, happy. 

I wish you all a wonderful mountain stream tonight and that you will be refreshed and ready to go at the world again tomorrow and remember you never know what surprises might be just around the corner waiting for you. I hope yours are good surprises!

Love Always,

Merry

 

Day 4 flooding

Hi everyone!

I have gotten quite a few comments. I don't have a fancy journal like ya'll (LOL) do.  I don't have pictures in here, and I think folks like journals with pictures more.  I like pictures in other people's journals, but I care more about what they write.  Maybe that's just me, I want to be known and remembered by the things I do or have done, and also by the lives I touch.  That is what I try to do when things are fairly normal for me, which they usually really are.  Anyway, I want to thank all of you that took the time out of your day to send me a comment.  When you go through a crisis like this you really need support.  It was hard for me to share my feelings about all this flood devastation, I was afraid people would be too philosophical.  But a friend told me Jland would not let me down, so I wrote.  Gosh, what a great friend that was/is!  Jland is supportive and all that folks told me it would be.  You guys are awesome supporters and I love you for caring about me, my family, & my state!

Gee, we thought we were getting water this AM FINALLY.  All AM I had faucets on, but only got a trinkle. I called some neighobors that are home in the daytime, and they didn't have any more. That was real disouraging.

I finally got MAD & thought I don't care that they said the water we saved on Sunday should not be used. I am taking a bath and washing my hair. I boiled water  over & over & over until I finally got enough & I took a bath!  & I did it and I am not sorry. But I  had half cold water, I mean like ice.  I tried to pretend I was a kid again at our cabin in Northern Minnesota, the cold water never phased me.  But every time I tried to lay all the way down in the bathtub I could NOT do it! Finally I got on my knees and dunked my head upside down & washed my hair, then boiled more water,  and rinsed it and eventually got as clean as I could under the circumstances. 

Guess what?  About a half hour after I did all this water started coming out of the faucets. What a wonderful sight!  I thought like this, "And on the ___________day God created water", or something like that--I can't remember what day. (I am a good Lutheran and I know the Bible fairly well, but right now I am stressed.....that's my excuse for today & I am sticking to it.   Tonight my husband is taking a REAL shower.  I am too!  I promised God I won't take water for granted, EVER AGAIN I hope I don't forget that one. 

We still can't wash dishes or clothes with it; or drink it though. They say MAYBE next week. This is maddening and hard to take!

Several parts of Iowa also have been hit and Cedar Falls and Waterloo, IA really got it. Des Moines will tomorrow.  Cedar Rapids got some & some people got evacuated.  Our son, wife and grandson (Gorgeous Jack age 13 months) live there.  But they are fine and are not near any flooded areas!

I always thought I was still a Minnesota girl.  This moring when I saw those pictures on TV; I cried.  Iowa is my home, (gee, it only took about 45 yr. for me to say that, LOL0. This devastation broke my  heart and I cried and cried.  I guess I truly am an Iowan now.

Unfortunately we are supposed to get rain for the next 3 days, so who knows what will happen. This ordeal is far from over. If we get more rain, our foundation might not take it.  So, I am scared but I am going to put this in God's hands tonight. 

So for today, I am thankful for the water we had  & for my friends, and Jland.

I am going to go now and end this on an up note.  I hope it reads that way, anyway.

God bless you all, real good as the saying goes!

Love,

Merry

 

Flood update Day 3

 Hi!

Upon the advice of a rather new Jland friend of mine, I am continuing to post entries in at least one journal.  I don't usually communicate this way (about my personal life) (preferring to normally email people privately). But, it's easier to update a journal.  And because this friend of mine urged me to post, saying that Jland will be supportive to me and people really want to know what is going on with Merry. 

 

Hope people don't get too philosophical with me. Right now, I need to feel as I have some care and concern generating my way, BUT I must admit, I can't take too many ultra "Cheer up" from some people who have everything normal right now.  I guess I will just have to hope some folks can be concerned but also a little empathetic, cuz you never know what a disaster is going to do to you until you are in the middle of it. Yesterday I was so upbeat and cheerful and content to rough it out. This AM it's not as easy to be that way. 

 

My major hobbies are this computer,visiting with people, shopping, cleaning, washing (myself, then clothes 2 and or 3X a day) kinda in that order.  What?  If you are thinking that your friend Merry sounds a little bit obsessive compulsive, you are right, but it's not like I have to take medication for it or that bad, I have gotten this way more since I am not able to work outside the home anymore, due to my physical limitations.

 

I believe it's the way I handle stress by keeping myself, my house in perfect order. When unable to do that, I have to dig down and find the great core genes I inherited from my awesome parents!! Then, I rise again and can not only cope but maybe go down the block and at least talk to people.HELP SOMEONE ELSE!

 

I'm gonna make it through this, I just sometimes need to vent, but I am stronger than it may sound.  To those of you who have Emailed or called me, thanks again for your concern & Emails. It means the MORE than I can express!
Love your friend,

Merry

Day 2 of Flooding

 

Hi!

You think you will just have to deal with doing what regulations say, (No bathing, no water for coffee, that is if you can even find any right now in this town!)  I think I mentioned we have no water.  The dishwasher is full, and I don't have enough water to use to wash them anyway.  Sat. night we were busy watching Jack, and had no clue all this was going to happen, so I didn't run it or wash dishes in the sink.  OMG

 

One of the guys in Dave's office who lives in a small town here said we are welcome to come there and shower.  Dave may need to. I took a bath in the little bit of water (I had filled the tub yesterday AM to save to wash up with, to flush the stool with, etc.) in a kitchen Rubbermaid plastic container (actually our recycling bin. --I washed it first.)  We did have coffee this AM and not in boiled water, as I thought it was safe as we got it before they shut the water & sewage treatment plant down due to their flood damage. Now my neighbor told me they are saying that water, even boiled is not safe to brush your teeth in even. Well, this neighbor told me that if that's true Damn Mason City had a major water problem before this happened! She is right! 

Did I tell you I waded through the water yesterday (before the sewage really got bad in the laundry room) (now it's literally full of broken feces). I know, I know I am grossing you out but I want you to know the severity of our situation. I went down and brought up my iron.  Those of you who REALLY know me, I know can believe that one.

 

Also, after I sponge bathed (& I managed to wash my entire body in a plastic dishpan (there's not too much left of my body so that helps.  --See, being skinny IS advantageous, :)  I put on all my moisturizers and full makeup.  I didn't get to wash & fix my hair. Hey, I did this because I had to do SOMETHING, Dave will NOT let me back down in the basement.  He is home just for today.  My work will come when I sort out the multiple storage containers I have winter clothes in, extra sheets and blankets, etc.)  (In other words after the clean up.)

 

When I send my next update I may repeat some of this, (because I am  nervous right now) but I will be adding things to, so just read what's new and ignore what I already told you.

 

One neighbor who works for public health says we may not get water or be able to use even bottled water for a week.  It's sunny now, and not supposed to rain today, but more RAIN is coming again Wed, Thurs., and maybe Friday.

Love,

Merry

PS Worst case about getting evacuated like if we get more rain is that Kaycee couldn't stay with us at a shelter.  All the motels in nearby towns that are NOT effected by all this are full. I was on the phone this AM. If we are forced to leave, I will have my cell with me.  So,  if you can just pray we get to stay here and that the worst is over (we don't get MORE rain) that would mean the world to me.

Flood update (DAY 1)

How I First Discovered We Were Flooding

 

Dave was sleeping in the basement. (Our son from out of town and wife and grandson were in other upstairs bedrooms.  I was in our bedroom upstairs.)

 

  I had kicked Nice Dave out for snoring. He couldn't go to the spare bedrooms upstairs since Patti, Tim and Jack were in there. 

 

I went down to get Dave up to have coffee with me. I started to go in the bathroom downstairs, and one foot in there I step in water ankle deep!  What a rude situation to awaken to!  I don't think I will ever forget that moment!

I love you all.
Merry

I Am Charlie Brown

Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?

A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.

Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.

Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.

Then forward this to all your friends ( including the person who sent it to you ) OR leave me your journal address, then put this in your journal OR what the heck, EMAIL it to me personally if ya wnat, just answer!  Come on, it's cute!    And change the subject of this message to what character is you. 

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candle light dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts )
e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)

5 What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts)
d) Dark Blue(2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 p ts.)
e) Salad (5 pts.)

8. What is your favorite holiday ?
a) Halloween(1 pt.)
b) Christmas(3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day(4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving(5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
d) Hawaii (4 pts)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for! Put your character in the subject line and forward to your friends and back to the person that sent this to you.

Very interesting to see 'who' your friends are!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield :
You are very comfortable, easy going, and you d efinitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt y ou or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:
You are fun; you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you ' re never out of style , you are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned. Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times

(24-28 points) You are Elmo:
You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try no t to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:
You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to los e. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it' s funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people and you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown:
You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points ) You are Dexter:
You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family p ri nciples. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!
Now don't spoil it! Have some Fun!! Change the subject of the email to what you are and send it on.

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.  (Personally, not that I like mice, so I'm not sticking up for them--BUT, I like cheese better anyway!)

Hugs!

Merry

Come & Play!

Two names you go by: Merry, Toots (by my husband)

       Two things you are wearing right now:  A very "neat & nifty" pink T-shirt which has flowers on it & says "Iowa State" & NEW smaller sized (!!!) jeans!.  I don't normally wear theme or college attire, but even though my husband is a University of Iowa fan, I have to support Iowa State, because our son went there.        

Two Favorite things to do: Play on my computer, and go see our grandson (Gorgeous Jack)  AKA Jonathan David Kenyon, who will be 1 on May 18!

       Two things you want very badly at the moment: To continue to enjoy life with my wonderful husband (they don't make them like him anymore!) And, to continue to keep God and the Lutheran Church a top priority in my life.

       Two favorite pets you have had/have:  Glad this said two, because I have a long list of favorite pets who have made our lives very enriched!  I have to say my two favorite pets would be Jessi (my first Bichon) & Kaycee our current only dog ("The Wonder Maltese.")  I feel bad not mentioning TeddyBear, I Loved him too!  But he was more Dave's dog than mine. We just lost him in Dec, 2007.  Dave would probably say Teddy, & then either Kaycee, Jessi, Rocky (another Bichon) or Mike (our first pet, a Collie).

       Two people who will fill this out:   I have no idea, but it sure would be nice if TWO DID THAT!

       Two things you did last night:   Laundry & ironing, played on the computer.

       Two things you ate today:  I haven't eaten.  I don't eat breakfast.  I DO EAT, THO!!  SInce I am on a diet, I eat healthy, only 700 calories a day 2 meals and a bedtime yogurt, BUT I do make SURE I eat, vegetables, fruit, protein, and fiber EVERYDAY.  When I am NOT on a diet, I eat the same way, but I eat about 1400 calories, & eat out 2 or 3 times a week!

       Two people you last talked to:   My friend Renee in Vancouver, British Columbia; my husband David who was out of town, but as usual he called me last night to say he loved me...........................AWWWWWWW

 

     Two things you're doing tomorrow: Cleaning the bedrooms, and the living room.

       Longest trips taken:    In Distance or the time they took???  Mexico (3 times), Jamaica,.  Longest: WASHINGTON DC, (oris Florida further than Washington DC from Mason City, IA (no geographical wizard am I, LOL) ) & the ENTIRE WEST COAST

       Your favorite holidays:   Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sorry, I can't pick just 2!

       Two favorite beverages:  Diet Coke, caffeine free; Coffee (black only, please)

       Here's what you're supposed to do ... and please do not spoil the fun.  Either respond to me ONLINE by email OR  put your URL in my Journal comments section, in order that I may read YOUR answers! Thank You!  Then, you are welcome to pass it on to your friends if you choose to do so! (But you do not have to pass it on to anyone)

Love Always,

Merry

merry1621@aol.com

http://journals.aol.com/merry1621/Merrysthoughtshopesdreamsgoal/

Playing Val's game!

I found this over at my friend Valerie's journal (who found it at her sister Krissy's Journal.  I love these things so I will play along..  I thought the questions were a little different.  If you want to join in the meme fun please come back and leave your entry URL in my  (Merry's)comments section so I can read your answers!  Thanks! If not one person plays I am going to be very sad!!!

Your best friend tells you she is pregnant.  What do you do? 

(I can't answer this any better or differently, I agree completely with Val).I would definitely encourage her to keep the child and let her know that I was supporting her in any way I could.  I would help her find any resources she needed.

When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?

Should I lie here or be honest?  I am going to honest. A friend of mine has done some hurtful things to me lately and I can't say that I didn't have this reaction. (Val talked me out of being angry, bless her heart.  (Thank you Val!)  But I'd never really do it, anyway because I don't fight physically.  Which is a good thing for many reasons, but it started because I was always the smallest kid.  I may have been small, but I never was DUMB. LOL

What is the last thing you spent money on?

Groceries (90% Lean Cuisine's, I swear.)
Do you think you gained or lost weight this past month?

Lost, and I almost have to as I count every calorie and stop eating before I hit 1000, usually before I hit 900, actually.

Crunchy or Puffy Cheetos?  

Neither.  I don't eat many carbs, and no snack foods like that even when I am not dieting.  (Except for maybe red licorice when I get a hankering and am NOT dieting.)

Congratulations! You just had a son. What's his name? 

Patrick Daniel  (We lost a baby boy with that name who was born too soon and didn't live. We also have one son, alive and healthy, Timothy Russel.) (And a gorgeous grandson "Jack" (Jonathan David)

And if it was a girl, she would be
My favorite girls name is not popular now, but then I am not of child bearing age anymore. But when I was a girl would have been:

Stephanie Jo (I am Merry Jo)

What are you craving right now?

Definitely Caffeine Free Diet Coke

What was the last thing you cried about?

Thinking about our dog TeddyBear who we had put down in December of '07.

When you buy something and your change is 2 cents, do you keep it or tell the cashier to keep it?
Seriously, I use to throw my pennies in the street.  But now I save them for a favorite friend.  (You know who you are! :)

What color is your tissue box?

In this room it is green Puffs Boutique.  I only have Puff's Boutique tissues in every room, the color depends on the decor of the room they are in.  I will go to another store if I can't find the right color. Same with paper towels. Paper plates.  I am fanatical about these silly things.  (Oh, I guess that's part of my old friend, obsessive compulsive disorder.)

Do you have a ceiling fan in your room, and if so, is there dust on that fan?

Yes. We have ceiling fans in every room in the house.  Dust? Are you kidding, not in my house.  Dave loves ceiling fans; I like them sometimes!  Except in my bedroom, in the summer the AC vent in that room blasts out too much, so I frequently turn that one off.  Actually, If I am running the AC & I am all summer long no matter what, I use all of the rest of them. Especially in the dining room. I get so hot sitting at my computer desk which is in this room.  (Even though the AC is Central).

Scariest thing you've experienced in the last year?

Going to the dentist.  I am very lucky that's all I worried about, oh and the dreaded mammogram every year I worry as my sister had breast cancer in her 30's & I have had a lumpectomy.  My mammogram last yearwas normal, thank God. I have to go again this month though.  I'll be scared silly again, too.

  Oh, one more thing, Dave's angiogram & subsequent knee surgery. That is one long surgery & I waited alone.  (Everything went fine, though!)

Have you ever had a garage sale?

Yes, I have.  Dave and I did one of the first of 20 some odd years we have lived here.  And like Val and Krissy said, "It was NOT worth it!".    We, too, did so much gathering, tagging, and sitting in the heat, to get very little money.  I spent the day in the house with the 4 dogs we had then (I can't believe we ever had that many, but we did long ago!) Dave sold worked the sale.  He sold everything too cheap.  He is a nice guy and people kept talking him down in prices.  He & I both said after that, NEVER AGAIN!  And we haven't ever done it again.
What color is your iPod?

I don't have one. But I DO want one.  If they come in pink that's what I'd pick.

What is the last alcoholic beverage you had?

It's been so long I don't remember either but I too, think that it was wine at a dinner out.  I don't drink usually & we never have liquor in our house.  We really don't WANT anyone drinking here.  (Sorry if that sounds rude.) . 
Are you happy right now?  

I have moments of happiness, but I am mostly content, thank you.

Who came over last? 

Our next door neighbor's granson Zeke (He lives with his Grandma.)  He is 19 & the nicest young man!

Do you drink beer?

NOOOOOOO, I can't even take the smell of that stuff! And as I said, I don't drink.

Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted? 

Yeah, I think my sister told me that as a kid. She wasn't always very nice to me.  It wasn't true. But had it been true, I wouldn't have changed parents for anything, I had the best EVER!

What is your favorite key on your key chain?

My car key.  It allows me to drive my car.  Second fave would be my house key.  Cuz, once I get in here I can still lock the house with deadbolts with no key, which we usually do, but I ALWAYS do when Dave is out of town.  I feel very safe in my house.

What was the last movie you watched at home?

I can't recall the name of it. Some silly Lifetime movie this afternoon. It was supposed to be silly, but it was, because it wasn't very realistic.

What is in your pocket?

Absolutely nothing. My money and checkbook and etc. are in my purse. My purse is always on the right side (on the floor) next to my computer desk.  (Sometimes I pay my few bills here.  Dave pays all the household ones.  But I do have a couple charge cards which I pay out of that household & personal money Dave gives me for groceries, meds, clothes, and should I go on?)  I don't have a very tough life.  I am very lucky!  (Dave bails me out with my credit cards about every 18 months-pays them off.  No little matter, usually either, I am sorry to admit.

Where do you hurt?

 ~sigh~  My neck hurts most of the time.   As does my back, but my neck is the worst.  It's been really painful lately.

Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear? 

No, I don't know what they are! But I wish I did & that I had one!!

What's something fun you did today?

I have been on this computer.  We also went to the dairy queen. I wanted one. But after I got it, and took 3 bites, I threw it away.  I am on a diet. I couldn't eat those calories!  Dave ate his.  It's okay as it stopped my craving for it then.
What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart?

Like Val said, to tell you the truth, I don't like Wal-Mart.  I try not to go there anymore.  I have read a lot about them, and well, I try to support smaller, local businesses.  But to answer the question, I would the picture frame area, then the underpants area (I refuse to buy expensive underpants. Hanes is just fine for me), But I buy my outer clothes at the mal or at a private shop.
When is your birthday? 

November 8th

Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror? 

Yes, a Hawaiin fake flower thing, shortened, I love the colors in it.  It's actually an air freshner.



What kind of milk do you drink? 

1% in cereal when I rarely have it. I'd have skim, but Dave likes 1%.   I am not a milk person even when I am not dieting.  I do eat a light 0 fat Yogurt everyday.  60-100 calories, depending on the brand I buy.  I need the calcium.  When I am not dieting I still have one, but then I have one that is like 190 calories. (YOPLAIT, then, always.)

What is something you need to go shopping for? 

Believe it or not, clothes. I have 3 closets full and many big plastic storage containers full of them in the basement.  None of them fit now.  I have some, that I am not back into yet down in the basement, and many down there that are too big, too.  And, up in my closets all my clothes are too big.  (She types with a big smile on her face.)

Val's Quiz

Come , play if you haven't already!  I'd love to see your answers!

Merry 

Reactions Quiz:  Type the FIRST thing that comes to mind.

1.  Beer: Scares me

2.  McDonalds: Pretty bad & fattening mostly.

3.  Relationships: Wonderful mostly, but can be complicated!

4.  Purple: My favorite color!
5.  Power Rangers: They weren't popular when my son was young,so don't know much about them!

6.  Weed: Too often leads to other addictions, BUT should be legalized for cancer patients.

7.  Steroids: Dangerous and breaks rules!!

8.  Cartoons: Sorry, I draw a blank here.
9.  The President: Doing best he can with a Democratic Congress!!
10. Tupperware: I always lose the lids!

11.  Florida: Yeah, it's hot (my parents lived there for several years); if we move south that's probably where we will go, Dave has a brother wintering there.)
12.  Santa Claus: Is something we make up for children!
14. Alcohol: Drink with CARE, DANGEROUS, not worth the "high."
16: MySpace:I don't know much about it, but not heard good things.
17. Clowns: I hate clowns, (they are stupid to me,sorry if that sounds mean!)

19. Paris: Hilton (Actually feel sorry for her, she is not really happy.)
20. Redheads: My nephews were redheads when young. Wild and ornery, too.  My grandbaby Jack was reddish brown, but is turning blonde now.
21. Blondes: Usually have to touch up those roots very often!!

22. Pass the: Pepper
23. One night stands: Irresponsible and done by people who drink or drug, or longely, and to me are just SAD.
24. Donald Trump: Can be mean, but IS in fact, a good father (I saw a TV show with his grown kids on it.  They had to work for every penney they got!)

25. Neverland: Michael Jackson
26. Dixie Chicks.  They sing well but have no right to dennonce our leaders, like they did this last year.  I will never buy another Dixie Chicks CD.
27. Vanilla ice cream: is good , the ONLY kind I like
28. Vallarta:  Puerta
29. High school: Was fun, until I had to move my Sr. Year

30. Pajamas: OH my gosh, I wish I could wear them all day long!
31. Woody: An oddball guy who was once married to Mia Farrow
32. Wet Socks: I HATE wet socks!
33. I love: Dave

Okay, I have completed Val's quiz.  Why don't you?

HAPPY ENDINGS

Hi Everyone,

I want to share a wonderful "real life" story with you.  This one comes from Heartwarmers.com, and as you see below it is written (quite beautifully) by Michael Segal.  It tugged at my heartstrings and I bet it will yours as well!

HAPPY ENDINGS
by Michael Segal

      You could hear a pin drop.  Then, some sniffles in the mob of thousands.
      Eventually, after what appeared like an eternity, the crowd roared with applause as the ambulance took him away.
      His name is Kevin Everett and he was playing for the Buffalo Bills football team.  He was hurt -- hurt very badly trying to make a tackle on a kickoff.  The blow injured his spinal column causing a paralysis.  He could not give the "thumbs up" to the crowd, no matter how hard he tried.
      Meanwhile, back home in a small town near Houston, Kevin's mother was watching the game in a sport's bar.  Very few things in life are worse than watching your "baby" on television not being able to move.
      His fiancee was also near Houston washing her car.  Soon she would find out the horrible news.  Soon, everyone would find out the horrible news as the doctor reported in a TV news broadcast that Kevin was in critical condition -- his life was at risk, never mind the fact that he possibly might never again be able to walk.
      Luckily, Kevin's doctor who was in the ambulance with him, tried a new procedure to immediately cool his spinal column.  Also, he was fortunate he had a neurosurgeon waiting for him at the trauma hospital.
      Slowly, and very slowly, he began making progress.  Eventually, he was stable enough to be flown to The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR), a rehabilitation hospital near his home in Houston.  At TIRR he continued making great progress.  He took his first steps there.
      Mind you, very few people who sustain that kind of injury are ever able to take a first step.  But he did, and he continues to keep proving the experts wrong.   When he appeared and walked on the Oprah show recently, he
proved to have made a miraculous recovery.  If you had not known him or his story, you would not have realized that he had an injury that almost cost him his life.
      Back at TIRR, many patients are obliged to learn to deal and cope with dramatic changes after those life altering experiences.  A person, often, is simply thankful for the small things -- like being able to brush one's teeth, tying one's shoes, combing one's hair, etc.  Quite often the small things in life are really huge.  Often, it takes much time to deal with the many losses.  However, with a positive attitude, support, as well as many other factors, life, after a spinal cord injury can be very successful.   The proverb, "Be thankful for what you have and do not dwell on what you have lost" is a great attitude.  The patients at TIRR realize this, and people everywhere should accept that proverb, since everyone in life experiences some kind of loss.  That is the
definition of being human.
      Kevin Everett and so many others are trying to show the world that life is not over when one sustains a major loss.  In fact, perhaps, for many it is just beginning.  Perhaps the reason Kevin Everett healed so miraculously was because of the care he received in the ambulance, or in the hospital, or in the rehab hospital, or because of his excellent conditioning, or because of his faith, or because of so many other reasons, or a combination of the above.
      Today, he is doing great and helping others.      Many people, who have sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as those who have not, possess the desire to get better.  For many, that equates to being more independent.  People want to believe that getting better is possible.  People enjoy stories with happy endings. And people want to be positive.      Kevin Everett's story reminds us that sometimes there are happy endings  

                  -- Michael Segal    <msegalhope at aol.com>

One more thing!

Hi Everybody,

Krissy has just informed me that the voting has to be done (for the above made fragrance I described) at  The poll is in Angie of Peyton's Water's blog.  She is the one who is making the lotion for her home business.  Please go here to vote:

http://journals.aol.com/peytonswater/Peytonswater/entries/2008/02/03/contest-final-4-names-for-new-scent/1152

I'm sorry I didn't understand that, people.  And I am sorry I goofed, Krissy.  I didn't mess up on purpose. LOL  Love you girl!

Merry~

Please vote for fragrance name

I have been asked to post what to name a new fragrance a friend of friend of mine makes.  It's mysterious scent.  Different. I don't know how to describe it very well.  I will tell you this.  This person writes passionately in purples and blacks and reds.  That's why I voted the way I did. 

Now would  you please post in your journal what you would like to name this? It's for a nice person!  Thanks!

Merry

Well, thanks for everyone that polled in the 4 catagories, here is the FINAL POLL! The winning names recieves a 4oz Balm with there new Name, a Foot Scrubby Pad and a 2 oz Whipped Body Butter and a Lip Balm!!!!

PLEASE PAST THIS POLL AROUND IN YOUR JOURNAL! The more votes the BETTER! This Poll will end on Friday!!!!

Here goes.........

 

Together For Eternity

TOGETHER, FOR ETERNITY
by PS Gifford

      Two nights ago I went to bed as I always did.
      I took up a hot milky drink and a good book and as my wife
drifted into her dream world, I drifted into the imagination of the
writer.  At some pint, I became defeated on my battle to maintain
keeping my eyes open, and with the final remnants of my waking state
somehow managed to switch off my reading lamp and bookmark my book.
      Typically, I am a sound sleeper.  The only thing that ever
awakens me is a storm or my dog needing to go outside.  But that
night I found myself wide awake.  Fragments of the dream I had been
having still flashed in my minds eye.
      I glanced at the clock.  It was 3:30am.  I desperately tried to
recall my dream which was fading by the second.  I remembered faces.
Family faces.  I remembered tears.  I remembered black clothing.  But
what I remembered most of all was a feeling of peace.
      It is difficult to translate this feeling into words.  I somehow
felt strangely tranquil.  I instinctively allowed my hand to drop to
Tasha who was asleep on her bed alongside ours.  As I scratched, she
wriggled contently in her sleep.  My eyes managed to adjust to the
light and I could just make out the silhouette of my beloved wife
cocooned in bed sheets by my side.
      Three and a half hours later the ringing of the alarm clock
sounded particularly harsh as it pierced the morning silence.  I
abruptly awoke.  I remembered I needed to take my father to an early
morning doctor's appointment.
      My father, at 80 years old, has overcome some severe health
issues.  He is well on the road to recovery although he has
difficulty getting about by himself.
      At precisely 8am, on my third cup of coffee, I arrived at his
house.  Traffic had been unusually light and I made it in ample time.
He was still getting ready.
      As he got dressed he shared with me a curious thing that
happened the night before.  He told me how at 3:25am he had awoken
and was so restless that he had gotten up and had a glass of milk
before returning to bed.
      I suddenly recalled my waking at the same time.
      Then it all became clear.
      "You remember what day it is don't you?" he asked.
      I stared at him blankly.
      "It is the day that Olive and Frank get cremated."
      I could not believe I had forgotten.  Olive was his older
sister.  Their passing had come as quite a shock.  They were both
discovered dead at the bottom of the staircase in their home back in
England.  They had apparently been that way for several days.  They
were found after their son had called authorities to check on them,
after he hadn't heard from them for over a week.
     The coroner report concluded that Olive had fallen off a stool
while attempting to change a light bulb.  She had landed awkwardly
and had fractured her hip and several other bones, rendering her
unable to move.  We can only assume that she called for Frank, who
was 85 and incredibly frail and battling many health issues.  When he
went to investigate he must have suffered a fatal heart attack,
brought on no doubt by the shock of seeing her like that.  They had
been married for over 60 years.
      My father was naturally heartbroken by the news, as was I.  We
had discussed flying over for the funeral services but the 11 hour
flight was much too risky in my father's state of health.
      Because the coroner's report took some time, and because of
issues with their son, their only child who lives in the States, the
cremation was held back for an incredible two months.
      My father continued.  "The service commenced at 11:30am."  He
looked at me solemnly and I gave him a hug.
      Suddenly it all became remarkably clear.  With the time
difference, that was the precise moment we both awoke the night
before.  Perhaps, in some sort of spiritual way, part of us was there
after all.
      Here is a poem I penned the day I heard the dreadful news of
their passing:

      Sixty plus years spent together -
      With nary a single day apart.
      Through fine times and the dire,
      they stood by their sacred wedding vows.

      They raised just one single son,
       who fulfilled his dreams in the States,
      six-thousand miles from Birmingham,
      Where he was born and lovingly raised.

      He is a success in each and every way,
      Blossoming career, loving wife and three kids.
      His parents were overflowing with pride
      For everything their son had achieved.

      Fifty years spent in the same house,
      Which sheltered them from the elements.
      Yet, despite its diminishing condition -
      they stubbornly refused to ever leave.

      Yes, sixty grand years spent together,
      and a modest legacy to be proud off.
      For they lived, essentially as one - able to
      finish each others thoughts, with a knowing nod.

      And now they have passed on as one
      Unexpectedly and shrouded in mystery
      From this earthly physical plane,
      Carried up to the next spiritual level.

      They were uncovered hand in hand,
      At the bottom of their stairs,
      several days after their passing,
      by a shaken investigating police officer.

      We don't know the cause of their demise
      We will need to wait to Friday to discover,
      the results of their scheduled autopsies
      For the puzzling and elusive answer

      Yet, I know those sixty years together,
      were simply a beginning to their love.
      For now, it is undeniably destined,
      That they shall be together for all eternity.

                 -- PS Gifford    <psgifford at earthlink.net>

From Heartwamers.com