Each day, I wish I had more time to explore. Exploring for me could involve research, enjoying a good book, or taking a hike with my pups. And for me that also includes less pain and more energy, so I take it day by day.
Category: Family Stories
My favorite weather is a sunny day with a set temperature of about 75 degrees, not too hot, not too cold. Growing up in California, I had many days that were perfect weather days.
Photo by Spencer DeMera on Unsplash
Yeah, I’m at that Point…
After a rough patch over the last four weeks, the word that best describes me is sapped. I’m just done!
Why Me?
“I hate this stupid thing, and I am sending it back!”
Sigh! My first “real” cell phone was a nightmare, and I hated being stuck with this new contraption! In the past, I had cheap flip phones to take on vacations that I would pay on a monthly fee. They were simple to operate and nothing fancy. Sometimes, I would keep them for a short time until I forgot about them and stopped paying the bill.
One time, some of my sixth graders asked if I were a drug dealer since I had a burner phone. I shook my head, gave them the “look,” and told them, “They watched too much TV.” At that point in my life, I did not want a phone at my hip 24/7. And I still thought phones belonged on the kitchen wall; you wouldn’t lose them, and it was easy to ignore them. And I never worried about leaving home without it.
Well, nearly two years ago, circumstances changed, and my sweet daughter told me it was time to get a phone or she would get me a life alert. This Grammy was not a happy camper, although I briefly contemplated all the fun I could have if firefighters showed up at my door each time I pushed the button on the life alert. However, Leslie reminded me that, eventually, they would send the sheriff. For some reason, that didn’t hold the same appeal. Finally, as much as I hated to admit it, it was time for this dinosaur to move into the 21st century. Still, I didn’t have to like it. Besides, to add insult to injury, my stupid smartphone proved to be much smarter than me.
My family and my students laughed at my struggles, but they also helped this Grammy out when I needed help maneuvering this strange device. While we had issues in the beginning, I eventually came to like my phone. And even love it…just a little.
Who wouldn’t love to have a camera nearby or enjoy audiobooks at a moment’s notice? And forget the alarm clock; this one is easier. I now do not get lost as often when I am taking road trips. With a touch of a button, I have favorite tunes ready to listen to at a moment’s notice while driving or working out. And, of course, I love receiving texts from my kiddos, and I enjoy ….uh oh… it’s official…my phone has become my sidekick and companion. And well, what can I say? Nobody puts Baby in the corner, or in this case, back on the kitchen wall!
Photo by Mihai Moisa on Unsplash
Dear Annie
Dear Annie,
Go to college as soon as possible; don’t wait! It will open doors and provide exciting opportunities. You will not regret going as soon as possible.
Save for a rainy day. Take a percentage of your paycheck, stash it away, and forget about it. One day, you will thank me.
Spend extra time with those you hold close to your heart. The time spent with them is precious. When they share family stories, ask questions, write them down, or better yet record them. Let them know just how special they are to you, and how much you love them. Trust me on this one.
Stay true to yourself, but be more adventurous. And don’t be so hard on yourself! You are one of a kind and a pretty awesome young lady with a huge heart. You can’t please everyone, so don’t even try!
Your life will not always be an easy one, but it will be a good one.
Laugh often! Don’t forget your veggies, and avoid men with blue eyes, blonde hair, and sweet lies. Seriously!
More than anything, enjoy your time. It flies by all too quickly. And never forget, you got this kid; I have faith in you!
Mitzi Moo
One of the best gifts I ever received was my pup, Mitzi. My dear friend, Cathy let me pick out my special girl from a litter of pups; she was one of four. I wanted two, so Mitzi would not be alone, but at that time all the pups were spoken for. At the last minute, one pup, my Max, became available. The man who wanted him could not take him at the last minute, and I am so thankful. My little Muttley Crew has changed my life, and I adore this pair.
Pork Roast and Sauerkraut
Ingredients:
Pork Roast
Sauerkraut
Potatoes
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
salt and pepper
Place a pork roast in a crock pot and cook overnight. In the morning, drain the grease. Add one or two large jars of sauerkraut and add the liquid. Add 6-8 chopped potatoes. Cook on low for eight hours.
This has always been one of my daughter’s favorite meals. The leftovers can be frozen.
Photo by Rohit Tandon on Unsplash
Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.
When I was a child, I enjoyed our holiday traditions. My sweet mother, Dotty Allen, made sure our childhood days were the best that they could be. Each holiday we spent together held so much magic and warmth and I have missed those days.
For every holiday and a few special Sunday mornings, Mom would make us those Pillsbury Orange Rolls to go along with our breakfast. We thought they were heavenly! As a child, my bedroom was right off the kitchen, and I loved to wake up to the sounds of mom singing in the kitchen while preparing breakfast.
The day before Easter, we would dye eggs, a family tradition my brothers and I looked forward to each year. Mom would buy the Paas Easter Egg Dye kits, grab coffee mugs from the cabinet, and make the colorful concoctions. I loved how the dye stained the inside of the cups, and I was always a little sad when the colors finally faded.
In the evenings after the boys went to bed, Mom and I would hide eggs in the house or in the backyard. On Easter morning, it was fun to watch my little brothers find the colored eggs. We even filled plastic eggs with jelly beans or chocolates and hid those little gems too.
Mom always made a special dinner for Easter too. She always made a ham with all the fixings. I loved it when my grandparents could visit too. Now, one year, I will never forget was when my Grandpa came into our kitchen laughing with my Grandma. When we heard their laughter, my brothers and I ran to greet them. On that rare occasion, they were affectionate with one another. It was the first and last time, I ever witnessed them kissing. Grandpa leaned down and sweetly kissed my Grandma. Then he stood up, wrapped an arm around my Grandma, and asked, “Isn’t she a sweet Honey Bunny?”
I have always cherished those special moments with my family.
Photo by Євгенія Височина on Unsplash
Tales of a Family 