A Christmas Miracle- the Details

The weeks following hurricane Ike and the last minute and harrowing adventure of the cardiologists office, Roy told me the verse he was praying for me

'My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever'
Psalm 73:26

I too had found that verse and believed and prayed it. I also added verse 28, 'but for me, it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.'


Let me tell you of all His works!

Yesterday was my 2 month check up with the cardiologist. It was an examination and a echo cardiogram. I didn't think there would be bad news, probably cautionary good news. I sat in the ninth floor small examination room watching all the shoppers at Memorial City Mall when the Dr came in. He asked me a few questions, listened to my heart a lot and then took me to the test room. He told me to put on one of the paper fashion gowns and Chris would be in. OK, I panicked with the paper gown. I never get it on right and I rip it up. Chris comes in and says, you don't have that on right, it's all twisted...turn to the corner while I get another gown for you and when I leave put it on. Embarrassed! Once my wardrobe malfunction was corrected, I hopped up on the table, OK I don't hop up anywhere, I crawled onto the table to begin all the tests. The last time I had seen Chris was under different circumstances. So, he began the conversation with the aftermath of Ike. Then he said, the first thing I asked when we all returned to the office is, had anyone heard if you had made it through the storm. As he moved that wand thing all around my heart, he didn't say much. Just some hmmms... oh.... hmmmms... When he finished he told me to go to room 2 and wait.


Room 2, I am across the hall from the Dr and Chris. They both shout an OMG and Dr Morris yells, Nancy, you are a Christmas miracle. Come and look at your heart. Your heart is normal...look at it, it looks brand new. Nothing wrong at all!!! I start crying. He continues, "do you know I never thought I would be telling you, your heart is normal. We didn't think you were going to live much less have a normal heart." The only thing medically he can explain that kept me alive at first and my heart beating, is the heart arrhythmia I still have. They showed me my heart on Sept 11. He took his hand and moved it slightly to show me that is how little my heart was beating. Then they showed my my heart from the test, you could actually see it all, moving and the valves opening and closing. He begins to tell me the details and fears they had, but at every appointment I showed up so joyful and hopeful, they decided to follow that direction with me too. He was always serious and told me the facts, well the facts he wanted me to know, but he always ended the visit giving me hope. I had placed my hope and faith in God, but the encouraging words of the Dr were faith building.

Right there in that Dr office I began to cry. Chris was tearing up. I cried and thanked God. Then I started laughing for joy and then crying for joy. Glory to God! His mercies are new every morning! My soul magnifies the Lord and rejoices in God my Savior. I looked at the Dr and Chris and said Joy to the World! The Lord has come.

I will tell you the truth, there were times during the past few months I was fearful and frightened. I didn't feel as good as people were telling me I looked. There would be times of pain. It felt like I was in a constant storm. Almost every morning while getting ready for work, there would be some kind of heart episode that slowed me down. But I knew the Lord was with me and the strength of my heart Psalm 73. At Jason's Ministries Staff Christmas party, Pastor Gregg said something to the group and he talked about a scripture in I John. I felt it was from the Lord just for me. I John 3:19, God is greater than our heart and He knows everything.


Back to yesterday, the Dr kept saying, you have been given a second chance. You must have some purpose that you are to do. I shared with him how Roy, friends and family had been praying earnestly for me but especially for me and my heart. Then he said, well God has something for you to accomplish. He talked to me in his office and gave me his thoughts on what I need to consider going forward. He gave me things to ponder and reflect upon. I am still on my heart pills for a while, still watching stress levels and then he released me. Told me to make a 3 month appointment before leaving. I asked about exercising more than juest walking, he said you can exercise, go sky diving, mountain climbing...then he says, no mountain climbing, that wouldn't be wise. Dang, I was going to set out to do that today... :)

A wonderful side benefit has been losing almost 65 pounds. I have more to go for sure, but almost 65 pounds since September is good.


Thank you! I cannot tell you what your words of encouragement have meant. I could feel the prayers of friends and family surrounding me. My friends are the best walking through this with me, reminding me to take it easy and making me laugh. Roy, wow, he walked through such a difficult season with me. He had so much going on at the office and then came home and took care of me and things around our home that I could not do. He never complained or made me feel guilty. He walked in love and blessed me beyond words.


I know there are more things I can share, but I am paralyzied by God's goodness. I sat here yesterday afternoon just thinking and remembering. This morning I feel the same way, in awe of God. I have fallen to my knees and flat on my face in gratitude to Him. Stunned yet rejoicing that God would be so involved with me and love me and give me this wonderful Christmas gift.


Happy Birthday Jesus! You gave, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.' Exekiel 36:26


Now here is something exciting too. Our computer didn't work yesterday. Roy worked on it for a long time, nothing. This morning after writing my quick update from the phone, I prayed and asked God to heal the computer... He did!!!! I am writing on it right now. Praise Him, He heals hearts and fixes computers!

A Christmas Miracle

Our computer is still on the fritz. This will be the short version of what happened yesterday. I am in such awe of God, how much He is in the details and how He works.
I had the echocardigram after the Dr examined me. I was waiting across the hall as he and the tech looked at the results. Dr yells out Nancy! You are a Christmas miracle. Your heart is normal! He hugged me. He said I never thought I would tell you this. They were shocked at this result. He began to go into detail how serious and fatal my heart condition was and now he said my heart looked brand new. I was crying and so was the tech. I was crying because God knew and He heard our prayers and healed me. Glory to God. Once I get to a computer and tell details you'll see what an amazing thing God did!!! My heart is normal!! He told me I could do anything but go mountain climbing! Dang :)
Jesus came as a baby to bring life. What a gift what a wonderful gift. Life in Him and a healed and clean heart! Merry Christmas !!! JOY TO THE WORLD!

Good News

I just got home from the Dr. I have such amazing news. Only the Lord could do this. Our computer is acting up so I am doing this on my phone. This is a time to ponder and cherish and once I can get on a computer I will share what the Lord has done.

Monday Stuff

This evening Roy came home before 6:00 pm. I was shocked, surprised and delighted. Other than Fridays, he hasn't been able to get home until after 8:00 pm. This has been the regular routine since the first of November. He came home to a surprise, I had dinner prepared...well prepared by the Play Grocery store, but that is much better than anything I fix.


In fact as I was pulling into the parking lot at Rice Epicurean this afternoon, just in front of me was a black jag. I was so excited because I thought it was the hip 90 year old lady that I want to talk to and share the Lord with her. It wasn't. Rice had a keyboard player playing holiday tunes for the shoppers. He was very good and I left a tip in his tip jar.


Too bad the cold weather leaves tonight. It was invigorating to be out and about today. I took a walk around the parking lot taking in the cold. Errands were a joy today and on the way home I treated myself to a skinny Cinnamon Dolce.


If you are looking for a good read I can recommend Providence by Chris Coppernoll. This is a book that I could have sat down and read in one sitting, it is that good. I made myself read a couple of chapters a night trying to make it last. It is Christian fiction... and it is good Christian fiction. Not contrived but so very real. I marked several quotes not because they were good, but because they ministered to my heart.


Tomorrow is a big day in heartland. I am anxious to do the tests and then talk with the Dr.


One thing I have been doing during the holidays is burning candles. The fragrance has been spirit lifting. One of my friends is so good about having a candle lighted during the evenings when she is home from work. When I have been to her home it is so warm and inviting the different fragrances. So, I am doing that. Today I have an Amish candle that is the fragrance of Christmas. Add to that a candle with the fragrance of balsam pine. It is wonderful!

Goofy Times with Gerti

Today after church our Sunday School class, oops, I mean our Adult Sunday Bible Study class, went to Cafe Adobe for our Christmas lunch. This year Bill and Peggy were able to attend. While we were waiting for everyone to show up, Peggy gave me part of my Christmas from her. You are looking at the book she made for me. This Christmas gift is a home run, no a grand slam. I absolutley love it! Enclosed are a myriad of pictures from parties, Easter, Christmas, July 4th and miscellaneous just being friends type days. As you can see from the binding end of the book it includes other assorted friends. Like I said about journals, pens, books, etc...this is the way to my heart. Not many would know but Peggy and I are very sentimental people. I keep letters, ticket stubs, notes, cards, and all types of mementos from events of significant and insignificant days. My cousin Becky sent me a snail mail card and letter for my birthday this year. She knows me all too well and my love of cards and notes. It meant so much for her to do that. If y'all knew her schedule, you would be impressed that she was able to take the time to stop and write a letter.

This year my journal is a travel diary. I wrote in it as if I were on a trip and in reality we are on a journey. Psalm 84 is a key scripture for me this year. It has been one very different type of year. Not one I had envisioned. I mean really, I feel like I have taken a journey to old people land with the amount of pills I take and the amount of information I can't remember. Several of us were talking this morning about how in a regular routine of getting ready we don't remember if we have already conditioned our hair or if we have already put on deodorant. I am still on the journey in heart land and I pray that I am doing everything my Dr has asked of me so that after my next appointment on Tuesday I will have a better well being and understanding of "heartland" security. I journeyed with Roy on his adventure in unknown or unspecific health and blood issues.

This year has been an Emmanuel year, God with us. I love that the hair salon I go to is named Emmanuel. It is owned by God believing and loving Christians. This week Stevie and I were so blessed to talk about Converge and what Word we got from the Lord from it both in worship and hearing the Word taught. It is also nice to know I go to a salon, Emmanuel, God with us, knowing He is there and the chance of getting a bad haircut is significantly diminished. And when I get the bill for haircut, blow dry and highlights, I pray Emmauel with my bank account. Or would that be God help us...no God with us. But I digress, God with us. Every step of the way, even in the dark places of not knowing what in the heck is going on, God with us.

So you are asking me now, Nancy, what in the Sam Hill does God with us have to do with Goofy Times with Gerti. It is just this, the importance of letting our loved ones know, in the good and in the bad, and in the uncertain of life, God is with us, and He many times uses our relationships to let us know He is there. Don't let tasks and duties inhibit your "with" time. A note or card is a good choice to express concern, prayers and love. This year, I pulled out a box of cards that have come during these uncertain times. God used that time and the words and Word of the notes to encourage me. I knew "with". I loved what Pastor Gregg said this morning about the importance of "with".

I love my goofy times with Gerti. They are some of the best times of my life. I love this book. Peggy gives me a hard time about my love of books. When Jackie Kennedy died, her son John made a statement to the media, "she died surrounded by her family, friends and her books. She was surrounded by that which she loved." Peggy said who would want to die being surrounded by their books? I meekly replied, "me". Peggy, when that times comes and I die, this book will be right by my side.

Joy to the World!!!

Joy to the World! I heard that song several times last night, in different musical forms and played on various known and well known instruments. When I awoke this morning, my first thought was joy to the world! Although I am having my doubts whether the world really knows that joy has come. It is so obvious in traffic and in parking lots, most have forgotten joy has come to the world. When stores have marked down almost everything as enticement to shoppers to part with some bucks, little joy. I was in Restoration Hardware yesterday and the mighty have marked down a whole bunch. As I stood in line with the checker outers it was obvious the last little bit of joy the employees had was banged out by a little boy who was fully in control of the musical drumsticks turned up to max volume. The mom by this point was too embarrassed to claim the boy as everyone glared searching for the mom or any mom to stop the noise. My vote was on the woman who was trying out the noise diffusing headphones. Maybe not, that is too obvious.

Joy to the World has been on my mind. As I traverse the streets, stores and malls of Houston I am asking the Lord to use me somehow to bring His joy to the world of shoppers, both cheerful and grumpy. It has been a fun experience for me and I'm especially thankful for the merry heart aspect given to me by the Lord Himself.

Joy to the World, Roy was able to come home at a decent hour yesterday. Granted he was tired and worn out, but he was at least tired and worn out on the couch in our home. We met Dena at Los CuCos last night for dinner and we had even invited her to accompany us to the 99 cents store afterwards to buy tissue paper and gift bags. Can you believe it, she turned us down!

Joy to the World, Dena came bearing gifts from Australia. Joy! Joy! Joy! She came bearing really great gifts from Australia. Dena is one of the best bringer backers from trips I have ever met. I was not disappointed last night and among the treasures are slippers made from sheep skin and kangaroo fur. They are so wonderfully warm. O come o come chilly temps. They have also become Buddy's best friends. Buddy cannot get enough of the slippers. I finally had to put them up this morning out of sight. I also received a totally fumigated and officially stamped for export journal made from leaves, sticks and greenery. Love it!!! Dena got me a pen from the Sydney Opera House to accompany it. There were other things, but the way to my heart is a journal or pen or book or book mark, or notebook...

Joy to the World, Roy is out buying a new TV for our Christmas. I love that he doesn't make me come along. He probably likes it that way cause I can and I know this will shock many, be kind of high maintenance or put another way whiny when it gets down to the tedious aspect of the whole deal.

Joy to the World, I have been reading and pondering Luke 1 and 2 this Christmas season. How unique! Ha ha.... Anyway I have been looking especially at the 3 times angels are involved in telling Zechariah, Mary and the shepherds what is about to happen. More so, the responses of those have me very interested. Zechariah answered out of unbelief. And out of he, Mary and the shepherds, he was actually involved in God's work as a priest. Ya know, it was his job. Mary asked the angel because it seemed out of how this will happen and then quickly responds with obedience. The angels declare joy and peace of a baby lying in a manger who is the Savior, the Messiah. The angels leave and the shepherds are like, dude let's go see what this is all about. Zechariah was the only one to respond out of how can I be sure, the odds aren't good. And as we learned at Converge, this is the one time in his whole priestly life he would get to enter the temple and burn incense. His heart should have been open to receive a word that night. Hey, I am not going to be too hard on the old guy cause we have all been there in unbelief. I just like thinking of the comparison. Sometimes working at a church dulls the heart to true joy, to true peace, to a true Word. We see the bad side to ministry and we must fight cynicism and apathy if we want to be lights in the darkness of joy to the world. We are brighter to the world, but to our own brothers and sisters, we can be dim and off key in our joy to the church world because we've seen it or heard it before.

Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King. Let eveeeeeeevry heart preeeepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing and heaven and nature sing and heeeeeaaaaaven and nature sing.

8 Things

I have been tagged by Cheryl. So maybe you'll learn some new things about me...but maybe not. Maybe you don't want to know...if so, go to another blog right now.

8 Things

8 TV Shows I Watch

1. Project Runway
2. The Simpson's
3. King of the Hill
4. Seinfeld reruns
5. Dog the Bounty Hunter
6. Parking Wars
7. Will and Grace reruns
8. The Sopranos on A&E

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Lupe's Tortilla
2. Prego's
3. Goode Company Seafood
4. Massas'
5. Taste of Texas
6. Good Company Bar B Que
7. Pappasita's
8. Carabba's

8 Things That Happened to Me Today

1. I woke up
2. wrote a letter to my friend Beth in Seattle
3. Fed Buddy
4. Went to the Play Grocery Store
5. Made Taco Soup
6. Read Facebook
7. Talked to Roy
8. Had a quiet time

8 Things I Look Forward To

1. A nap
2. Good heart health
3. Being in charge of my own schedule
4. Roy coming home on time
5. Doing stuff with friends during the holidays
6. A SPA day
7. Seeing Jesus face to face
8. Sleeping through the night

8 Things I Wish For

1. My mom not to have Alzheimer's
2. My single friend (and you know who you are :) ) to have a godly, rugged and good looking man find her and she becomes his wife
3. My nieces to live godly lives and graduate from college
4. Roy to get bumped up to the position he would like at work
5. To know the Lord more and more
6. An unlimited account at the Nord (paid by someone else)
7. For good health
8. To live, laugh and love with everything I've got

8 People I Tag

1. Laurie M
2. Laurie J
3. Ali
4. Kelly B
5. Sharon Z
6. Jennifer M
7. Michelle
8. Lauren B

OK...there ya go.

Shopping, Shopping, Let's Go Christmas Shopping

This morning I got out early to finish up some Christmas shopping. The Nord opened at 9:00. I went to Home Dept first. Prices were falling even while I was looking. There was a beautiful Nord tree I had seen and it went on sale as I was standing beside it. So now we have a little tree decoration for the holidays. I went on down the mall and used all my coupons. Macy's, $25.00 off in Origins, and $10.00 off in Eddie Bauers. Then I headed over to Highland Village. Got the last parking place in the lot and it was just 11:05. Anthropologie is having a huge sale, just a FYI for those who love the "Pologie." I also went into Williams Sonoma, where they are forever trying to sign me up for cooking classes. I tell them I only know people who cook, I don't. Last stop was Coldwater Creek. The sound of bag pipes were off in the distance. And as I shopped, the two bagpipers came right up to the window where I was looking at sweaters. I got a personal concert right then and there. It was wonderful. For a recession, there are tons and tons of cars on the street and in the lots. The other thing, at each and every store someone in front of me had to have their card called in for approval. The women were really nicely and expensively dressed. They might have never had a call in before...guess times are changing and hard even for the ladies who lunch.

Buddy is curious and is investigating the tree. I got my camera to take the cutest picture and dang it if the battery is dead. So, it is charging and I am hoping for another photo op. I also hope that Buddy doesn't get a mind to destroy the tree.

The timer on the dryer is broken. So now we have to remember to check the dryer and not let it run on and on for hours and hours.

Why is it while I am shopping for others I keep finding things for me at really good prices?

I probably need to find one more thing for my mom. Those out of town will get checks or gift cards. I mean I think I am a cool aunt, but probably I am not cool enough to pick out clothes for a 17 and 15 year old.

A Monday Look Back at the Weekend

Vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What???? VACATION!!!!!!!! Oh yea, it's the most wonderful time of the year...

It is another cold day in Houston and I'm loving that. I have several scented candles lit and wassail on the stove. It may not look like Christmas in our home, but the fragrance says otherwise.

To catch you up... On Friday I took the morning to stay in and relax. Friday afternoon I headed over to Cafe Express for a bowl of their chicken soup. That is one thing I have been craving through the holidays. Then I headed out to The Woodlands. Even when I played tennis, I never quite knew where anything is there. But, I did some hit and miss and finally landed where I wanted to be, Market Street. Scored a very good parking place and began doing some Christmas shopping. I had decided to head out early to miss all the heavy traffic around 5:30 in Houston. Dena's plane came in around that time and I was picking her up. Once I finished my shopping, I headed over to the airport and parked. I had a couple of minutes of reading when Dena called and they had just touched down. Once we got her luggage, we headed off for some Mexican food. You know when you have been gone two weeks to Singapore and Australia, you are wanting some Tex Mex in the worst way. She looked pretty good considering she had been up for about 24 hours straight. I don't think my hair, skin and clothes travel as well as hers.

Saturday night was one of the few times this year I have had to be Mrs. Monarch. We went to Roy's office Christmas party. This year instead of it being at Capital Grill (dang I was looking forward to that), the party was held at an executive's home in Fairfield. There was a lot of traffic for a Saturday night on 290. It was almost like a week night in rush hour. I met someone at Roy's office who knows just about all the same tennis people that I know. So the couple got me caught up on all the lives and times of tennis friends. It has been six years since I have played any serious tennis and you know, sadly it is all about the same stuff that was the talk of the tennis clubs when I was heavily involved with the politics and games. Roy asked me on the way home if I missed tennis. No! That was a great season in my life but that season is behind me.

At Converge Thursday night, Beth said, look for Him during the holidays. God doesn't just show up, He has been giving hints along if we just pay attention. Whenever there is a huge tennis reference made in my life, I pay attention. God is working in my situation and I got a Word from that tennis conversation that let me know God's presence is all over something He and I have been talking about.

Being Mrs. Monarch wore me out. I slept well and got up earlier than usual for a Sunday to get to church for a reception for Linda Wadsworth, who is retiring after working over 24 years at the church. I wanted to make sure my part was taken care of and assist our volunteers. The volunteers had it all under control. After church, Roy and I ate lunch and ran a few errands. When we got home, I took a nap. I laid down about 2:15 and didn't wake up until 5:00. And, I had no problem going to sleep Sunday night. Saturday night really took a lot out of me.


My plans for tomorrow are to finish up Christmas shopping. I am hitting the Galleria early.

That is the weekend. Tonight, the air is laced with the fragrance of freedom that only saved up vacation days can bring.

Spending Time with the Nieces at The Nord

Thanksgiving week my brother and nieces came into town for the holidays. Megan, Erin and I did one of our favorite things that as of late and until they no longer want to do it, includes time at the Nordstrom Spa. Since Megan and Erin will soon be 17 and 15 I thought they might like to do a facial or massage, but I had not talked to them about it, so I went with the pedicures.

This is Erin relaxing.

Megan is relaxing and waiting for a Depth Regcharger Elixir.

This is me and my baby brother Doug.

No visit is complete until Dena joins us for dinner or to do something fun. Thanksgiving week, she was getting ready for her trip to Singapore and Australia. So she had time to join us all for dinner at Collina's but no Christmas Light Hunt. The girls were disappointed in both facts, that Dena would not join us like she traditionally has or that we found many lights. Only Highland Village seemed to be lit up. The good thing about that is we made a stop at Anthropologie.

Uncle Fancy Pants, Foo 2, Aunt Foo Foo and Foo getting ready for our brisk and cold hunt for Christmas lights.

Uncle Pants, also called Uncle Fartlando...(don't ask besides it is not what you think) all bundled up with our orders of hot chocy. Well, he had the orders but hadn't gone in yet to get the hot chocy.

We waited in Mustang Sally ready for a good night of lights. Since the pickings were slim I kept taking them on the same street about 3 times. They caught on the second time around.
I realized this afternoon I had already posted the pictures from San Antonio. Hopefully, my brain will soon return to its original owner.

Playing Catch Up

With my heart issues and with computer crashes I haven't been able to upload any pictures that I had on my new camera. So, I thought I would add this to the blog. These pictures are from San Antonio at the Living Proof Live/Siesta Fiesta weekend. This is also the weekend the Dr has pinpointed as a time when I had my heart attack. I look at these pictures and remember how bad I felt that weekend, but I am thrilled for the happy ending...


The above pic is Missy from the OKC. She lurks. I saw her the other night at Converge. She is one of the nicest people, but she is plagued with thoughts of, you must think I am weird. Well, we are all a little strange and odd. She flies in for Tuesday night Bible study and while in the Houston area, she hangs out at the Nord. Come on, now that is not weird.

This is Peggy, Courtneys, Lisa P and me before the conference started. This has to be one of my favorite pictures.

This is your brain on drugs....no it is Gerti aka Peggy. I love her!!!! Never a dull moment, well except for when she takes her 10 minute cap naps. Her awakening from naps is never dull either.

Oh, on another note that has nothing to do with San Antonio. I finally heard Merry Christmas Darling on the radio yesterday. I was on the Hardy Toll Road on my way to The Woodland's. I barely was able to make the call and sing the song to CourtneyS. It finally is Christmas musically.

Staff Pic

This is my favorite picture from the staff Christmas photos taken on Tuesday. You can see Gregg has been carried up from the sidewalk to the top riser and almost over the top riser. The funny comments while his trip via staff to the top was, "Wow, we couldn't have done this with Brother John."

Of course there were other silly photos and oh yes, the official serious staff photos were taken too. I love how at the end of the day even if we have agreed to disagree or see thing differently, we all love and enjoy one another. It was obvious while we were bowling at the staff party. We love to hang out with each other and welcome the opportunity to get to know those on staff we don't see or work with on a daily basis.

It is the morning after Converge. Blown away by God's Word in music and spoken words. I'll do a separate post of this complete with pictures. :) It is a good morning easing into the day. One of my favorite finds of the season has been Nature's Own Cranberry Raisin Bread. Awesome toast and adds pop to sandwiches. Why do I write that here, cause I am enjoying some cranberry raisin toast right now.

I have not heard Merry Christmas Darling yet. What is up with that? I am only a second away from calling CourtneyS when I do hear the song. I was in Brighton's the other day and their staff and I were talking about Christmas music while working retail. I told them of CourtneyS and my tradition. They offered to dial up MCD for me but I told them I would have to sing it into the phone and they might not like that happening in their store in these tough economic times. Besides, that wouldn't be sporting. It has to happen on the fly. I have heard In the Bleak Mid Winter a lot this season. Maybe it is the theme of a lot of radio and retail folks, I don't know. The words of the song are soul rocking but the title maybe should have had a focus group. When it was snowing the other night, it was snow on snow...snow on snow... in the bleak mid winter long, long ago.

Scared Spitless and then Some Snow

It is a cold, snowy blustery day here in Houston. OK, I only get to write that like once every 4 or 5 years. We are crazy over a few flakes. Cheryl is probably shaking her head thinking we are crazy over something that she sees ever winter. Guess we get that way about the heat in the summer when someone says it's 90 degrees and we go into our stories of the hottest summer or April days we ever experienced.

So, I pulled out my official tea pot. And I am making hot tea in the official way I know. Instead of just sticking a tea bag in some microwaved water, I boiled water, poured it into the tea pot and let it sit for a bit. Poured it out and added fresh hot water, put tea into the basket, added a couple of lemon drops (I don't have any lemons) and it is steeping. I am going to sip it out of a china cup complete with saucer. I am celebrating the snow, the cold and the settling in for the night feeling. If only I didn't have to get up for work tomorrow.... be patient Nancy you will soon be on vacation next week.

The catalogues, they just keep coming. I must be on every mailing list in the country. I am getting catalogues from companies I have never heard of. Some clothing catalogues, that I will never fit into their size 0 clothes and reminding me this might be my last catalogue unless I order something from them soon. Gee, I am thinking about dressing up my thighs in twin outfits. Now there is something you don't see everyday. Probably, I don't think my thighs will fit in the sub zero sizing range. Today we received a Dog and Cat catalogue. Looking through it there is about 3 pages dedicated to cats, all the rest is stuff for dogs. I can buy this polish for Buddy's claws. All I have to do is trace Buddy's paw on the order form... uh, she isn't going to sit still for that to happen. Then upon receiving the polish they tell you how to put it on and it will last 6 weeks. It will take 6 weeks to get polish on Buddy's nails. I am not going to do that, but really, why???

Oh, I forgot to tell you why I was scared today. I had a courtsey call from Bank of America. Now right there you know it isn't a call to find out about me or how I am feeling or dealing with the stress of the holidays. I got out the copy of the check...no I don't pay online too much. Anyway, I had underpaid the amountowed by $4.28. I misread the bill and they were charging me $15.00 to take the payment over the phone and a $39.00 late fee. On the inside I was freaking out and I was trying to remain cool, calm, you know collected upon. I apologized. I am thinking, they think I am a deadbeat who doesn't pay my bills, $4.28. Since I so graciously said they could deduct that amount from the checking account and then I said, what is the amount I owe for this month, go ahead I am paying early, they sympathetically told me they were waving the $15.00 and the $40.00. For that I am all too happy and gushed my thank you's to the customer service representative. They must hear a million different stories and excuses in a day and I was hoping she knew I wasn't just making up some story, I misread the amount. In fact I said something to her about that and she said mam, your voice and the fact you have apologized over the $4.28 a thousand times lets me know you aren't pulling some fake story out of the bag.

The tea is so good. I am going to go get my book, light my Christmas tree fragrance candle and settle in wrapped up on the couch, drink tea and wait for Roy to get home. Maybe he'll make the evening complete and bring home dinner.

Bowling...Holy Rollers...and Laughter

Today was the staff Christmas party at HFBC. It was an awesome get together. We had lunch and then bowled at the remodeled and totally fine bowling alley on Bunker Hill. I was a lame, I mean lane captain. First game we bowled like always and the second game was wacky bowling. That was a lot of fun to watch. I only made it through the first game. I brought and wore my knee brace, but I could tell bowling was a little too much on my heart. David Well, Amy Kuntz and I had a blast looking up bowling cliches and using them as if we banter in bowling colloquialisms all the time. It was an afternoon filled with laughs and good times. I thought all the Midwesterners on our staff should be really good at bowling. Not the case at all. There were a couple of ringers that brought their own ball and shoes. I left around 2:00 and came on home where I promptly took a nap until 5:00.

On the way to the bowing alley I received a call from the cardiologist office. They want to move up my appointment. So now I will go in before Christmas, which is a blessing. I won't have to worry if I over do it a little food wise on Christmas day. I told them I was on my way to go bowling. They didn't seem to be too thrilled about that, but I assured them I would not over do it.

We had Ministries Staff meeting this morning. I love this group of friends. We work hard, but also laugh and enjoy one another. We honored Jason and all his hard work this morning. I think Jason was deeply touched.

It won't be too much longer and I will be on vacation...yahoo! OK, I know some of you are thinking well heck, you are not fully back in the office yet, what's the big deal? The deal is just some needed time to enjoy friends and family, stock up on rest cause we will hit the floor running when we all get back from the holidays, and I have a stack of books on my nightstand that are just begging to be read.

Who Are You?

I saw this test on this blog and took it. I am:

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Bette!

You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Stand up for yourself... and me.


• * Be confident, strong, and direct.


• * Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.


• * Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.


• * Give me space to be alone.


• * Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.


• * I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.


• * When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

• * being independent and self-reliant


• * being able to take charge and meet challenges head on


• * being courageous, straightforward, and honest


• * getting all the enjoyment I can out of life


• * supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me


• * upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

• * overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to


• * being restless and impatient with others' incompetence


• * sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it


• * never forgetting injuries or injustices


• * putting too much pressure on myself


• * getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

• * are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit


• * are sometimes loners


• * seize control so they won't be controlled


• * figure out others' weaknesses


• * attack verbally or physically when provoked


• * take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

• * are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted


• * are sometimes overprotective


• * can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz

Just Hanging Around on a Friday Night

Roy just left for dress rehearsal. So Buddy and I are home, she's asleep and I could go to sleep right now. Had a great day. Last of my injections this morning and this time I got right in. Did some Christmas window shopping and then went for my massage. It was great. Afterwards I went into the steam room for a few minutes and that was so relaxing.

I really don't have anything to blog about. I thought I would tell you about something I am trying. I saw a story on TV about this woman who decided she wanted to save some money in a fun way. Everytime she got a 5 dollar bill in change, she didn't spend it but saved it. In a years time she had saved about 1500 dollars by doing something that wasn't too painful to do. So, I decided I would do the same thing. And in about a month and a half I have saved $150.00. I have some 5's in my wallet that I need to add to the total. Roy is even helping me and gives me 5's when he gets some in change. I am going to try and keep doing this for a year to see what my grand total is. It will be in time for Christmas next year, so guess it will be like my own Christmas account like they used to do at banks.

Sightings...

Luck be a lady at the play grocery store, I saw the 90 year old hootchie mama again. I wrote about her before with the low riders and her midriff showing... Due to the cooler temps, she didn't bare her midriff today, but she had on low rider jeans with a white shirt tucked in and a black blazer. She looked really cute. She must wear size 0 or size negative 3. In fact we were parked side by side in the lot and I was so tempted to take a picture of her only I would have to look like I was taking a picture of something else and that is deceptive. I truly thought of her today in terms of does she know Jesus? Probably not...her summer outfit kind of gives her away as well as the flirting she does with the young sackers. It really is sad and not funny. I asked the Lord to make a way for me to begin talking with her. I need to get on her grocery store schedule.

If I am ever looking for a job when I am much older, I think I will apply at Macy's. I have been helped by some of the oldest senior adult women ever while shopping there. On Monday, with coupons in hand, I went to Memorial City. I just happened to find another pair of Michael Kors pants deeply discounted to $25.00. Also found a couple of other things... the lady that was checking everyone out was ancient. If you had a regular shopping experience, it was OK. Anything out of the ordinary...oh, that was another question all together. The kind lady in line let me go ahead of her because she had an extraordinary problem with a refund and the saleslady was about ready to have a coronary episode. Good thing I carry my pills with me. Believe me, I helped the saleslady by removing the hangers and folding the clothes. I would have taken off the security device if I only knew how. She was so sweet and trying so hard, but you could tell she was very, very nervous. Maybe it was her first week or something. I am going to look for her every time I go to Macy's so that I can begin to share the love of Jesus with her. She just needs to be able to hold on to that job so I can begin visiting with her.

I worked a full day yesterday. Wow, it took a lot out of me to do that. I am not yet quite there yet working all day, but I feel like I am getting closer. It is going to be hard to give up those late afternoon naps. There are so many loose ends to tie up before leaving for the holidays and time running out.

Today I talked with Penny and gave her my list of presents that I will be purchasing from The Nord. Tomorrow starts the customer appreciation event and for every dollar spent you get 10 Nordstrom points per dollar and that adds up to getting some Nordy Notes to spend. So Penny will go to the different depts and get the things I asked for and wrap them and I pick them up tomorrow. Wow, I love the Nord. That just about takes care of the last of my list. Most everyone else wants gift cards.

Monday Stream of Thoughts

I learned a couple of years ago to take the Monday after Thanksgiving off instead of the Monday before. After all the time off, giving thanks, being with family and friends, frantically getting things done that we have put off too long, sleeping in and leaning forward into Christmas is a whole lot to take in over the period of 4-5 days. Thus the Monday to readjust while readjustment happens at the office. I have the morning and then this afternoon Peggy and I are going to hang out. Yep, I am really glad to have taken off Monday.

Origins keeps sending me emails with all kinds of shopping inducements. Today's may just have my attention. I am silly sick in love with Origins Ginger. I start wearing it on Thanksgiving weekend and through New Years. Well, I wear it at other times of the year but it is a holiday mainstay.



Roy has iTunes back on the computer. I think we are just back to normal, she said with a grin. Well, normal in everything that a computer should be able to do. Roy spent the afternoon with techs and got everything back on here. It is in different places than before, but heck that is what keeps you young, stretching the mind. No this is not a 70's LSD drug reference, although that is my generation's claim to fame. That reference would be mind blowing or a reference to the all time hit, by the Chi Lights, Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time.



Please overlook all my misspellings, for some reason blogger is spell checking in French today. I checked my settings and I have it dialed up for English, yet there is the French lurking behind the spell check icon. O La La...now spell check is not working, maybe they are fixing, pardon my French, the problem. O Pepe Le Phew...where are you now?



I think we have become the offsite showroom for Carpet World or Carpet Giant. I'm just saying, but I think that HFBC has made a deal with somebody cause we got every kind of carpet going on in the building. Since I am ADD the constant change is nice, but due to the Ultram ER the constant change has no consistancy. Think I will make a pictorial blog of all the choices you have at First. Just off the top of my head, there is the old red combo carpet in the CLC entrance, new blue pattern carpet on the CLC main floor around the gym, blue track carpet, second floor new carpet up to the Worship Center area where it branches off into three different modes (don't know if that is a carpet representation of the Trinity or not). The blue carpet with brown insets is interesting. We could play flag football in the hall and have our first down markers already in place. Into the different offices is a plethera of different carpets or flooring. The blue with brown inset carpet is paired with the new stairway carpet that runs into the quasi Worship Center theme, second floor classroom hallway carpet. The new stairway carpet goes down into the beige, oh we didn't think this choice through, main foyer carpet that wraps around both sides of the downstairs Worship Center. Did I mention that the carpet in the elevators is different? It is a verible cornicopia of carpeting. And this is off the top of my head, a walk through would be more insightful, a great tour and something for the fam during the holidays. I know we are in remodel, financial upheaval transition, but it is pretty funny if you think about it.



I am in mourning. The five finger girl painting has been removed and I know not where they've laid it.

I have been watching trends of late. So I wonder since Starbucks is not the hot trend anymore, how are churches going to respond who have bet the farm that this trend and interior design would be a long standing, recession proof withstanding one? Don't think fair trade coffee is going to be enough. Churches are going to have to go eco green. It's a hot trend right now, but a lifestyle changing choice in the long run. It is being a good steward. I follow a marketing blog and it has done a great job in processing all the mind sets that are coming so fast and furious right now. Seems a dominate way of thinking is the clearance mindset. I am not a highly trained professional and by the way, I am really suprised that marketing's professional organizations don't have a continuing education requirement. Roy has to keep up his hours for both his legal and CPA license. Seems like all professionals whether they be in marketing, advertisement, communications, lawyers, accountants, stock brokers, church staff, pilots or engineers should have some kind of professional development requirements to be able to keep current and excellent in the chosen professions with work or licensing ramifications. Some of the above mentioned do, I am in a stream of consciencenous mode. OK, now I have done it. I took a rabbit trail and I have no clue now what I was going to say about trends. I think it was on the clearance mindset... Oh well. Another day, another time.

I better stop because I need to get ready to meet Peggy. And maybe get a couple of my errands ran beforehand. Thanks for listening to my ramblings this morning.

So Close....

We were so close to getting into the parking lot at Rice Stadium. We had idled along Greenbrier and then made the turn that would take us to our entrance. We sat there for the longest time, we didn't seem to move much. It dawned on me the radio wasn't on and I thought sneaky Roy who wasn't really ready to listen to Christmas songs one right after the other had distracted me and turned it off. I mentioned this to him and he was all, I promise I didn't turn it off. But we couldn't get it to turn on either. The trac light was on for traction on wet roads. How did that come on? Then I looked at the gauges, my theft light was on, then low fuel, my oil, battery and temp gauges looked like metronomes. It was freaky and we were stuck. I gunned the motor a little and everything settled down and back to normal. Roy kind of miss planned how many people would be at an inner town rivalry football game, both teams with good records, and great football weather. He has been going to Rice games and it has been nothing to leave at 2:00 and be in the seats for the kick off at 2:30. He was frustrated and he was a little harsh in how he talked. The traffic, car, and voice stressed me out. We both made the decision to blow off the game and just go eat lunch.

We decided to get on the freeway to charge the ol' battery and we decided on Sweet Tomatoes. Roy totally apologized about his frustration and said what would you like to do? Where would you like to go? Dang it, I couldn't really think of anything... But then I remembered how much he hates to go into Pier One. So, that is what I wanted to do. He wasn't thrilled but he was agreeable. Turned out OK for him. He found some new coffee/tea mugs. He is a huge hot tea fan. I found some place mats on sale for 98 cents each... So, we both had stellar finds at the Pier One.

Off to the Kroger for yogurt and bananas then returning home. Just as we pulled into our parking lot again I noticed the radio off and the gauges doing the haunted car thing again. But this time the battery gauge was in the orange beyond low. Roy got the cold stuff out of the car and then took off for the Shell station where the battery died as he pulled up. We are the proud owners of a new 3 year battery.

I love how God took car of us in the midst of the ordinary. This could have happened far away from home or in less desirable circumstances such as stranded in the Rice parking lot after the victorious Owls won. It could have happened at the airport when I was dropping off my friend. Uh, that would look great, can't start my car on Thanksgiving weekend in front of the departure area. It happened when I was with Roy and not by myself. God watches us and knows our coming and goings, when we rise and when we sit. Tonight we have given Him some praise, He knows the times...He knows the seasons. I have been reading and praying Proverbs 3 for my friend especially toward the end of the chapter about not fearing the storm of the wicked and not being afraid to lie down...to be led by wisdom because all the ways of wisdom are peaceable. Don't you know I was rejoicing and praying Proverbs 3 for me today.

After Black Friday Comes Gray Saturday

It is an easy going morning. Leisurely breakfast and nothing too pressing this morning. Roy and I are going to the U of H -Rice game this afternoon. Although we both are Cougars, I think we will be rooting for Rice this afternoon. All season I have been telling Roy I would go to a game and it has worked out, barring post season play, that I am attending the last game of the season. Rice has become Roy's "wish I had gone there" university. After the way LSU let the game get away yesterday, you can see why he is looking for a pretend school right now. Actually, it is his love of college sports and the atmosphere and spirit of college games.

Yesterday morning I took a friend to the airport. I need to take packing lessons from her. If I was traveling as far and as long as she is, I would be packing at least two suitcases. She got everything in one and didn't even use her expand zipper or the outside pockets. That is one amazing packer. On the way home from the airport, I stopped at Starbucks, then headed home for a day of reading. It seems like I get so few days like that. I was in no way interested in Black Friday.

Family dynamics are interesting observations especially during the holidays. Everyone seems to slip back into the all too familiar role, well at least they do in my family. I tried to stay out of all the roles and rolls this holiday, but from time to time I would find myself reprising the part assigned to me so long ago. It has been some time since Thanksgiving has included anyone else but Roy and me and my parents. Doug, Nancy, the girls, and a friend Ronnie were here this year. My brother gave the evening an 85. It did go fairly well with no sarcastic words or put downs in his direction. After dinner Roy spent the rest of the evening setting up my dad's new computer which kept my dad out of the thick of things and in the office with Roy. To thank Roy, my dad did his customary put down of Roy who happens to be the smartest person in the room. It saddened me to watch my mom and her inability to process everything going on. Even though Nancy hasn't been around for the holidays at my parents for some time, she found herself in a role I am sure she wanted no part of. It felt like Doug and Nancy had never divorced. She had no hope of surviving in a sea of word wranglers and put down artists. I am very happy to report, I did not take part in that role. Praise Him!!! There were some all too familiar scenes reminiscent of an unhappy past that had a role. My dad was making his last gasping attempt to control everything about the evening, but alas he is not feared and his power diminished. Something did catch me by surprise. Nancy and the girls had left, Doug, Ronnie, Roy and I were staying around a little bit so that everyone didn't leave at once. As we were saying goodbye, I walked past my dad. He has never been one to take part in hugs and kisses good bye. He has always waved from a safe distance. He stopped me and asked if I was going to tell him goodbye...I was shocked. But I hugged him and thanked him for everything. He looked at me and here is where I got sucked in because I thought he might say something heartfelt. No, he only wanted to inform me that he had done more than prepare the brisket, he had done everything. Dang it, we were so close to a break through... It does give me hope that he is trying.

I woke up around 3:00 am Thursday morning and I took inventory of the prior evening. On the scale of holiday celebrations this was no where near the worst and maybe even placing in the top ten of all the years. There is still a lot wrong and here is where the enemy tries to trip me up, dwelling on all the wrong of the past and present, but I breezed past that into thanking God for His goodness and mercy. Thanking Him that He gives good gifts. Thanking Him for a glimpse of hope for family. After my time of prayer and praise was over, I turned over letting Buddy and Roy get situated and we all went back to sleep. We were ready to welcome in Thanksgiving Day.

The Day Before Thanksgiving and all Through the Store...

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. We had ordered some food from the play grocery store and today is pick up time. Had my quiet time and listened to some praise and worship before leaving. I pondered wearing a HFBC shirt, but that might be going a little too far. My parking space, right in front of the door. Wow! As we all entered the store we were greeted by a man playing a keyboard and singing Christmas Carols. Nice touch. Went straight to the prepared food area and there wasn't even a line. In fact while waiting a manager and several employees asked if I had been helped. Went over and picked up some cranberry sauce and coffee. Now to check out...I pulled right up and checked out with no line. Awesome! Wonderful! I love the play grocery store...

I had a good reminder again yesterday of who I don't want to become. Had a quick look see at the cardio. There is some concern over a rash that is developing on my feet and lower legs. The rash is really my veins bruising when there has been a quick change in circulation. This new development began last week with the stress ambush I found myself involved in. It is something that bears watching...Then I went to get my second set of injections at the Ortho. At 9:45 the waiting room packed mostly with older whinny people and the noise level high. There were people in wheelchairs, on walkers and even one on a stretcher. I thanked the Lord for the ability to still walk. The couples are the ones that get my attention. It seems to be one or the other of these scenarios: spouse who does everything without complaining while the "patient" doles out commands and complaints left and right or the spouse who has given up on the "patient" and makes them do everything even though it looks to be a total pain to do so. There is all kind of sarcastic banter, it saddens me. It took awhile for patients to be seen yesterday, but it didn't matter to me because Kevin was there doing the injections. He looked at my knees and noticed that Dr. K had banged me up a bit last week. Kevin did the injections in the front of my knees yesterday. Never had that done before...no blood, no drama and no fainting.

The highlight of the day was meeting up with my nieces Megan and Erin for pedicures and shopping at the Nord. I am late, late, late so many times with birthdays, but if I do that, it is usually worth the wait. So I gave Doug his May birthday gift yesterday and he had fun shopping in the Nord. The girls didn't have a lucky shopping day. Nothing in BP or shoes caught their eye. So, I gave them checks so that they can shop at their leisure on the rest of their trip or at home. On the way home, we did the drive through pick up at Walgreens for my prescriptions. I now know I am officially old. While most people get one or two bags at the most, mine came in a big ol' Walgreen's bag. I mean really, I am picking up 5, 2 for mobility and 3 to keep my alive.

Uncle Roy and Buddy greeted us, well Buddy was interested but wouldn't come close to Doug, Megan or Erin. Buddy sat strategically to keep an eye on them and to watch my movements. After snacking on some delicious cookies from Memorial Bakery, we were off to Collina's were Dena would be meeting us for dinner. Dena is like a member of the fam and I mean that in all the best possible ways and connotations. Megan and Erin are really close to her and a trip to Houston is never complete without spending some time with Boo Foo. That is her Foo name. The girls really wanted her to come with us as we looked for Christmas lights in Mustang Sally, but Dena has a full plate right now at work and it just wasn't going to work out. Besides, there really weren't that many lights, but we had a blast laughing and drinking our hot chocky from Starbucks. I kept driving around the same streets seeing if I could fool them looking at lights. Uh, they didn't fall for it. Highland Village was the light scene last night. Uncle Roy keeps us in line and supplied with hot chocky. We made a quick trip into Anthropologie...yea, Uncle Roy was loving that place. :)

Tonight we are all going over to my parents for brisket and all the trimmings. Today, other than the quick trip to Rice, I am resting. My body is telling me I over did it yesterday.

Have a great Thanksgiving Day tomorrow. Don't forget to give thanks to God. We are recipients of so much mercy and grace. Tell friends and family, thank you. I am thankful for all of you who read my blog, whether you lurk or don't lurk.

Kick Back Sunday

I am still in a kick back mode, but will soon need to make the think about Monday mode in just a bit. We have had a great weekend. The boxes of books accumulating in the den/closet went to Half Price Books this weekend. Clothes for the Mission Training Center, gone, Dyson cleaning along the baseboards and corners, done. Rice football game for Roy...they won, Collina's with a friend, awesome, and to cap off a great Sunday morning, lunch at Lupe's.

Roy is such a great encourager...after church we were having our usual after church discussion of "where do you want to go for lunch" with Roy's standard answer, "I don't care." I mentioned that some Lupe's was sounding pretty good, but with it being so close to Lakewood, it is probably packed. Roy said let's go for it and if it is too much, we will go somewhere else. The beauty of being Baptist and going to the 9:10 is out of the parking lot before noon. Lakewood has just probably finished the first sermon before taking up the offering...we are good on time (in Full Gospel churches there is always a sermon to get your faith up for the offering, then comes the regular sermon). We got there before any crowd. Well,the crowd was by the sand lot. All the prime, I can eat lunch and watch my children play in the sand, tables were gone, but we wanted to be far, far away from that land. We got the beef fajitas, which are the best in the city of Houston. It was the best, great food and lots to talk and discuss with all the great things we heard in big church and in our Sunday School classes. The only thing that would have made the trip to Lupe's complete is, stopping at Border's on Kirby. But Roy has this thing with food and refrigeration, so with all our leftovers, he wasn't too hip on making the stop. That's OK, I just got home a little sooner to take a glorious and soul refreshing Sunday nap... a nap that lasted a little over 2 hours. Ah...fiesta and then siesta...muy bueno.

Our Sunday School class finished up Acts today. We have been in Acts all year. I laughed when Roy said, his teacher covered 15 chapters in II Samuel to finish up their time there before beginning I Thessalonians in two weeks. I have to admit, I almost cried as Dena told us about Paul's last few years before returning to Rome and being executed. I will never be the same after this study of the early church and Paul. Paul has never been one of my top all time favs in the NT. He is now. I've seen him in a whole different light.

This week is in and out of the office, nieces in town, Thanksgiving and then some rest and book reading. I have been on a roll of reading some great stories. Roy is a shepherd in the Christmas program and it is that time of year when I hear these words, words I never thought I would hear my husband say:,
I have to take my make up off before going to bed.

Just Hanging Around on a Thursday Night

The past few weeks we have had roofers overhead, even on Saturdays. The condo bee's usually prohibit Saturday work of any kind as not to disturb the weekends. This roofing work was scheduled to happen the week before Ike. All the supplies were unloaded one day and loaded up the next and stored in a warehouse for safety. The past few days there have been several times Buddy and I thought one of the guys might just fall through the roof and into the living room. On Monday the crane dropped something on the roof and the whole building shook. As loud as it has been, I have been able to sleep right through it in the afternoons. The sky lights have been repaired and cleaned. I thought the natural coating on them was some type of frosted Plexiglass. Nope it was just dirt that had accumulated on the outside all these years. We are greeted in the afternoons by warm sunlight in the halls. Also the fragrance of fresh cut wood is still in the air. The hallway's fragrance makes me think I have moved into a new home. Reality hits when I open the front door.

This week we in the Ministries Suite have been treated to free lunch both times by the Preschool Ministry. On Monday for lunch we had leftovers from the parent dedication on Sunday. Light lunch fare, cheese, crackers, fruit and veggies. OK, there were a lot of cookies too that were very tasty. Today, we had the leftovers from Director's meeting last night. So we were treated to fajitas and all the trimmings. Delicious! Free food is one of the many unsung bonuses of working at a church.

I had the first major test of dealing with stress yesterday. I found myself quite by accident in a situation where I reacted to a reactor. Midway through, I felt my heart beating so hard, I wouldn't have been surprised if I could have actually seen the beats through my jacket. I'll be honest, I was pretty steamed. Two out of three body stresses showed up, coughing and swollen legs and ankles. This morning at 3:00 am when I woke up, I rehearsed the event in my mind again, mind you with background music from KHCB playing, No Not One, Jesus Cares for Me, Take Your Troubles to the Lord, and Just as I am, I could not go back to sleep. Since I have been listening to a series of messages on gratitude, I decided I better start thanking God and thinking on gratitude things. God reminded me that about 5 or 6 years ago I made a quality decision not to argue or wrangle with words anymore. No brag just fact, I was VERY good at this. He began to reveal to me how much easier it has been for me to practice less stress now because of obeying Him those years ago. Yesterday, I didn't get into word wrangling with this person, but I reacted because I felt I was being unjustly accused of something...and dang it, if we just didn't have a Sunday School lesson on this and what we can learn from Paul. It was a wake up call for me physically and spiritually I know that I will stay in peace if my mind stays on Jesus.

I am keeping a count of extra mail pieces and catalogues that bombard our mailbox every day. Most of the stuff lands in the garbage or in the shredder. In the past week and a half we have received almost 175 catalogues! That is just a week and a half!!! We are still in November. The number of mailings from area churches has shot up as well. If we were so inclined, I believe we could find a Christmas program to attend every night for the first half of December. In today's mail we have received offers to join health clubs, one of the health clubs is in Dallas. Nope, a little too far out of the neighborhood. Magazine offers are plentiful too. Just this week addressed to me was the offer of taking Ode, the magazine for intelligent optimists. I wasn't aware there were unintelligent optimists...maybe this magazine has mistakenly appraised my intelligence. If I subscribe my world will be opened to food for optimists, the search for ethical bananas, what is to be learned from termites, how to free my eyes, and why 10 million giant crabs have been crawling south for the last 40 years. I was happy to see I would learn that God is not dead. That made me very happy intelligent optimists know this.

Roy has a photo shoot tonight at church for the Christmas program. He is a ticket taker on stage and a shepherd. Those are two different scenes. Although, maybe having someone charge entrance into the manger area might have some post modern commentary on social, ecomoic and spiritual matters in this fast changing world. I have $40.00 in Nord Notes burning a hole in my pocket. I know what I would like to go buy. Yet, I really need to mop the bathrooms sometime this weekend. What will win out? I don't know.... Stay tuned to find out if I am an intelligent shoppist or an intelligent moppist.

An Eventful Morning

I had an early morning appointment at the orthopedic office for my second round of injections in my knees. Hate the early time, but it is much easier to find a parking place. Kevin, the guy who usually does the injections is out sick today. Dr. Kruetzer did the injections. The right knee injection stung a bit more than usual. Then he did the left...oh my! He removed the needle and blood was flowing out of my knee like a fountain. In my mind I am thinking...there is a fountain filled with blood. He gives me this big pad and says hold that and stop bleeding. What? Guess he thinks I can do this on command. He said, I am going to have one of the girls come and clean up your blood. Here is a little known fact about me:

Mention of blood +seeing blood+ warm room = Me fainting

My head was swirling, the room was getting smaller, I am sweating like a pig and I begin fanning myself with wild abandon. I do not want to faint. I tell you, I felt like a well known choir member who has fainted several times in the loft on Sunday mornings cause she is wearing wool and a choir robe, but I digress. The nurse realizes I am heading to the floor and will faint into my very own pool of blood. She being like 5 feet tall, maybe 90 pounds and me...6 feet tall and well, you know, more than 90 pounds was a huge battle for her. She is propping me up against the wall while straddling already mentioned pool of blood. Somehow I don't faint. Although after all that, she looked like she needed to lay or lie down. She barely got the words out...stay here as long as you need. Well, I know they need the room, so after a bit, I get up and walk to the front to pay my bill. Second round of dizzy hits. I ask for a glass of water, they inform me there is a water fountain in the hall. They look at me and know I have gone whiter than white...I am looking rather pale. They hand me a clear plastic cup, I think they want a specimen and they say, here you can put water in this. From the water fountain??? Uh, no thanks, I don't know where that cup has been. I mange to make my way out into the hall, stop at the water fountain, take the elevator downstairs and stumble into my car. I waited a little while and then drove to Starbucks. I go back and get the second set of shots next Tuesday. Gee, I hope Kevin feels better and is there to give me my injections.

This and That with Nancy

Here are just a few random things from last week.

• Tuesday- I went to the Play Grocery store for a few sale items. I parked close to the front door. On the inside of me I heard the Lord say, put the bags in the trunk. It was only 2 bags and my plan was to put them in the car with me. Again I heard, put the bags in the trunk. So, I did and as I was doing so, a man and a woman came up to me with an unbelievable story asking for money. There were so many holes in the story I told them I can't give you any. The woman looked like she was on crystal meth and the man, he wasn't as rough looking. The woman stayed by the passenger door and he kept coming closer. I finally looked back to the store as to go in and they left me alone. I got in my car and decided to call the store from the road. As I was leaving they had a woman pinned in as she was putting things in her car...I saw why I heard that still small voice. I was talking to the manager and they were coming out to rescue the woman.
• Got a great deal on Friday using my Macy's money. I love buying at deeply discounted prices.
• I feel responsible for the October recession in the retail industry. I was not able to be out and about doing my regular shopping for the economy...and even The Nord reported a loss. Roy told me I didn't need to help out the economy this month either.
• After church, Roy and I had lunch at The Nord. OK, the parking garage was beyond crowded. And they have already shut off certain routes which makes parking even more difficult. I thought there was a recession. The Bistro was crowded and it usually isn't that way on Sundays. It was a break even kind of day. I took back some pants that are now too big and a couple of blouses I never wore this summer. I also took back some makeup stuff that I already had something similar. Found 2 pairs of shoes...not counting lunch, just a few dollars apart.
• Saturday Roy and Scott went to the Rice basketball game. Dena and I had a late lunch at Escalente's. Their salsa is some of the best, right up there with Lupe's and Pappasito's. We went to the Whole Foods over there and I can't believe how little that store is. I usually make a once a month run to Whole Foods in Sugarland and that store is gigantic.
• Speaking of Dena, if you want to hear some great teaching, come hear her teach in Dayspring. She brings it!!! We have been in the book of Acts for a while. In fact, I think the ink had just dried on the parchment scroll from Luke's writing when we started. She is finishing Acts next Sunday. It has been an awesome study. For once I understand the missionary journeys of Paul. Really, those maps in the back of the Bible just confuse me. They use too close of colors of ink to differentiate between the journeys. And I kind of like Paul now. He really didn't endear himself to me reading his letters...but he is a grateful man full of thanksgiving for God, His Word and his friends. Really, Paul had a lot of friends that he really cared about and I love nothing better than a story about friends. My friendships mean so much to me and now I have something in common with Paul. Yesterday as we studied the shipwreck at the end of Acts, I was taking frantic notes. There is so much there that I have not ever seen. Bar none, Dena is a wonderful teacher of the Word.
• I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week!

Bunko and Bunko is the Name-O

Last night was Bunko and it was so much fun as usual. Most of us were friends before Bunko and we've made some new friends along the way. We almost have a difficult time starting Bunko because we all have such a great time talking. But once we are into the game...uh yea, Katy bar the door. Last night at table one, Michelle and I rolled onesies in a row. When you do that, you loose all your points. We made a valiant try to make a come back, but we were laughing too hard. Christine and Linda were the queens of table one last night. When I played tennis, I believed in lucky underwear...and it worked. So, I thought why not try this for bunko. Apparently I did not wear a lucky pair last night. Dang it! CourteyS had bad self talk and Amanda won the booby prize. I won the twosies prize and it was really nice. Afterwards we had some awesome yet healthy dessert. We hung around and visited and we finally tore ourselves away to return to our homes. We are women of differing ages and stages in life and we have so much fun. We'll pick back up in January.



Mustang Sally has sprung a leak. I called Roy on the way home last night to come meet me with some towels. While he did the clean up, I inspected the roof...the roof which was not on fire and found the spot. Roy said he'll take it to the dealership soon to get it repaired. I love that he does car stuff and doesn't make me take care of it. He also takes care of computer stuff and we are waiting to see if Micro Center determines we need a new lap top and replaces our old one or just repairs the CD loader.



Besides water in my car last night, I had another surprise and this one was good. Peggy has finally joined Facebook. There was much rejoicing in the land last night. Many of us have been encouraging her to do this and now she has. I mean really, she has retired and has plenty of time to be addicted.



Another happy happening, my insurance approved a second round of injections for my knees. I begin the process next Tuesday. Note to self...shave legs or at least just my knee caps. With my knees strengthened and my heart pumping along, my walking program should advance really well. Knees, heart...now if I only had a brain....



I so appreciate those of you willing to confess that you sometimes say stuff out loud and didn't mean to. I have heard some funny stories. In fact one I heard this morning involving the same song over sung, Thank You for Giving. Maybe I will start a FB group for people who are just worn out and tired from hearing this song. Surely someone has written something or should write something to take the place of this worn ballad. Don't get me wrong, good song for back in the day...it is time to let it go and move on. Also it is an ear worm song and now I have it in my head. I will start singing It's a Small World After All to replace it.

Friday Thoughts Out Loud

Please tell me others do this. I say things out loud that I am thinking. And until I hear the reaction of people, I truly believe I have just thought it, not said it out loud. This happened to me Thursday morning in our Ministries Staff meeting. It happened right after Cindy's devotion on salvation and Jason asked the group for any additional thoughts. It seems Ben is the only one that has something to share and as he is sharing he references that oldie but goodie, song over sung, song over referenced from way back in the day, 1985...that one time "contemporary" tune over remembered by my generation, Thank you for Giving to the Lord by Ray Boltz. And as he says that I am thinking to myself, and Ray Boltz is gay! Only I didn't think it to myself, I said it OUT LOUD. Well, that disrupts whatever mood was in that room and everyone starts laughing. I asked Harlie who is sitting next to me, oh did I say that out loud? Ben isn't happy, Cindy isn't happy, Carolyn is giving me the universal sign of zipping my mouth (that usually makes me do the opposite but you know heart attack thing and trying to stay calm, so I let it go) and I'm waiting for the laughter to die down. Yea, I did it. On our break I did apologize to Ben and he is OK with it all. Cindy came to me and said she had worked on that devo till after midnight and for it to end that way...although technically the devo was over, and she stood there for awhile, so I apologized to her as well. I think that is what she was looking for. Anyway, for the rest of the meeting there were so many more opportunities to say something, but I didn't. I tried to stay focused complete with filter.


Nancy Mon went walking down the hall
Nancy Mon had a great fall
All Roy's attention
And Buddy on site
Couldn't help Nancy Mon feel alright

It happened again, I fell. Didn't trip, my knee didn't give... It feels like someone pushing me down. Last night I had just returned home from an especially good shopping night at The Nord. Roy had met me at the car to help bring in some Diet Cokes and bottled water that was in the trunk. It was about time for me to bring in all my Mildred stuff from Sunday too. So, we come inside and I'm bringing the Mildred bag to our bedroom, when I fall splat in the hallway. I am so thankful for the bag cause it cushioned my fall. Buddy runs for cover and Roy comes running to assist. Only I hear him laughing... Now, I know he laughs for a moment every time someone falls or gets hurt, but that sound of laughter just didn't sit well with me last night. He's trying to help me, I am assessing damage and Buddy is playing in my hair. Right arm bruised as well as my knees. Pride injured mostly.

Today Buddy had her rabies shot and her pedicure at the Vet. Since she was such a good girl, we brought Buddy home some new toys from Target. One is a funny looking crinkly bug with organic catnip. I have never seen Buddy take to a toy as the one with organic catnip. She is rolling around on it, has it up to her nose, and then rubbing her head all over it... She laid there in the kitchen on her back, holding onto the toy for a long time. That caused her to have the ya ya's and she's full of energy. Hmm...we may have to have an intervention.

Roy and some of his friends are going to the Rice football game tomorrow. He is not going into the office, a miracle, and he is going to take a bunch of clothes over to the MTC for me. He is also taking our computer back to Micro Center. It still isn't right and half of it doesn't work right. So if I don't post for a bit, that is the reason.

More Social Than Usual

Buddy must be feeling the effect of cooler temps. She is alive with activity this morning. She is playing with wild abandon. She is playing like a kitten. She is chasing balls, wrestling with toys and is waging war against some ribbon attached to an empty paper towel roll. Maybe she plays this way everyday and I miss it. Soon she will be searching for one of her top five napping places.

This has been a fairly social week. The past month's routine is work, home for lunch, rest, with a few dinners out thrown in here and there. With things at the office demanding his attention, Roy has been getting home a little later than usual. It was very enjoyable to have dinner with him on Monday night.


On Wednesday Amy treated me to lunch at The Houston Club. We had great conversation, fabulous food, and a bit of a surprise thrown in. We were seated in The Bush Room. We were enjoying ourselves when a bit of a stir of activity took over the room. We saw two men with those little cords in their ears and of course we both thought, oh must be Barry West and Tray Mounce...the Pastor is here. No, to our surprise it was the Secret Service and President George Bush 41 who entered the room. He and his guests were seated in the back corner of the room, but his secret service agents sat at a table very close to Amy and me. They had stationed themselves to watch the entrance and the President. Talk about focus, in that room filled with a lovely buffet and all they had was bread and water. I have to share this; Amy stood up to make her way to the buffet. She made an awkward move that was interpreted as a move toward 41. Those secret service men were on her like a sick kitten to a hot rock. (I don't know what that means, but Peggy says it) Being the kind compassionate and helpful friend that I am, I ratted her out to those men. I said, she is from Missouri, who knows what evil lurks in her heart! While one of the agents kept his eye on the President, the other one whisked Amy over in the corner. He asked which dessert on the buffet was her least favorite. He had one of the waiters bring over the key lime pie and a fork. He made her eat a piece of pie and then demanded to know why she had made an aggressive move toward 41. She didn't answer, he made her eat another piece of pie. He asked the question again. No answer. Third piece of key lime and I intervened. Not because of my friendship with Amy, but due to the fact key lime is one of my favorite desserts and if he kept making her eat it, there wouldn't be any for me when dessert time arrived. I pleaded with the agent that she is just clumsy and awkward...and there was no ill will intended. At that time, Amy stood up and made the same stumbling move. Game over, case proved. She was released to continue eating lunch.

Last night I met Dena for dinner. Afterwards, I ran over to The Nord to check out the sale. Ran into CourtneyS and Lisa P. That was a nice surprise. Another nice surprise was buying pants a size smaller. I think I have lost about 40 pounds.

OK...I have to confess, while President 41 did eat lunch at The Houston Club on Wednesday, Amy did not have any engagement with the secret service. They just sat at their table focused on safety and protection. They didn't even move a muscle when Amy threw that fried chicken leg in the general vicinity of the Presidential group. OK, she didn't do that either.

Please over look any misspellings, my spell checker isn't working on blogger this morning.

More Conversations with Peggy

I don't know how many of these I have done on the blog, but I love conversations with Peggy. Since her official retirement, I think she has only had one day in which she has had nothing to do. Peggy encourages me to quit so that we can hang out together, but I am not convinced that she has the time or opportunity to do that. She and Bill have traveled, had several parties at the Bain Compound, had a summer full of guests at the Bain Bed and Breakfast, grand babies being born, kiddos moving into new homes and then all the other stuff that fills Peggy's life.



Something I have noticed in doing events and also being in charge of events at church. If there is a speaker, musician, or act coming, we love to have them in house arriving early in order to cross off program speaker here on our lists. When we do Mildred and Gertrude we are asked to come early to do sound checks, get the lay of the land and to talk with the person we will be interrupting. So after all that we usually have an hour to an hour and a half to kill. This is the time we ad lib our lines and some of it sticks enough to make it into the program. I had forgotten a line we used to say years ago; "Ed is like Jesus; he never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow." You would think we would take that time to go over lines, and we do...but maybe just once. We talk about anything and everything otherwise. So yesterday I had Conversations with Peggy.





We solved a lot of the worlds problems yesterday, but we can't get anyone to listen to us. We told funny stories to each other about embarrassing situations we've found ourselves in at the mall. She reminded me that I promised her last year I wouldn't die. I told her that very thought was in my brain and then to God's ear when I was being rushed to the cardiologist on September 11th. I haven't written her lines for the eulogy (I write the scripts, Peggy comes up with the materials we use). We love the conversations we find ourselves in after a performance with people who want to talk to us. We laughed about several memorable conversations we have had over the years. Yesterday we had several ask for more info, so that is always a good thing. I think this is our only M&G for the holidays. Our Sunday School class is studying the Book of Acts and we discussed some of what we have learned. I think that is a first for us before a performance. Don't worry teacher, it was all good discussion. Of course we discussed Bill and Roy, both their good and aggravating qualities. It was almost a shame that we couldn't keep on catching up because once we are finished our part of the program we are ready to change clothes and head on home.


I am sure that I'm forgetting something really funny, but I can't forget and wouldn't want to, how much I love Peggy and our friendship. We have walked many roads together and have a few more roads to conquer. She makes the mundane adverturesome and the sentimental something to treasure and cherish. There isn't too much that is boring when Peggy is around and I love the fact she can fall asleep just about anywhere. She can sleep 10 minutes and be refreshed as if were a full night's sleep. look forward to many more conversations with Peggy.

Fall Back. Thankyou I Think I Will

I love fall back weekend! Went to bed early, slept a little later than usual. It is great to feel rested for the days ahead that turn dark at 5:00 pm. It is wonderful! It is my favorite time of year. I am also glad because that gave Peggy and me an extra hour to prepare for Mildred and Gertrude today at Pine Forest. I'll get to that in a minute.


Friday I went for a massage at Lifetime Fitness. That is where Stacey works now. Oh, it was so wonderful. It has been since the first of August since I have had one. Lifetime has very comfortable facilities. Afterwards, I went to see Lindsey and decided to join the club while there were still good offers on the table. Roy wasn't interested but they gave him a free pass for the month of November. I have to delay several of the amenities they offer since I can't do that type of testing of endurance right now, but I can do it once I get the go ahead from the Dr. Since I felt so relaxed and rested, I decided to make a quick stop at Macy's. Not a good idea.


This is such new territory for me of knowing how far I can go or push the limits. I found 3 tops and a pair of pants on sale. Can I make a mention that the pants were a size smaller...Praise Him!!! Paid for them and went to stand in line for Macy's money. That is where I thought I might hit the floor. I probably looked like I was a shoplifter or something. I was sweating like a bad girl's dream... Just my head. That I have found out is not a good sign. I couldn't decide whether to sit down for a bit or tough it out to the car. I chose car. Probably wasn't the choice to make, but I finally made it, winded, sweaty and breathing hard. I drove home with the A/C blasting and napped until Roy got home.


Roy and I have rediscovered Cafe Express. We went there for dinner Friday night and he picked up some chicken soup for me to have on Saturday lunch. It was great. I love the olives and could chow down on those and eat very little dinner.


Yesterday, I took it easy. I did some cleaning in the den/closet. I had a purpose in it, I had lost my Mildred wig and knew it had to be in that room. It was. I also went through my shoes in my closet and got a bunch ready to go to the Mission Training Center. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon going over M&G lines for today. Even read lines with Peggy over the phone. It is funny, we love to do M&G and I love writing scripts, but we hate to practice the lines.


Today we did M&G for Bear Creek United Methodist Church. They were such a totally fun and wonderful group. We love it when people become a part of the script and we have a lot of interaction. I had them put a chair on the stage just in case and I am happy to report I only had to sit down for a few seconds to catch my breath. We had a blast! And as much as we have a blast we are always glad when it is over. We had several come get info from us to book us for some future things. That is always encouraging.


I think I will now go enjoy some reading time. Hope everyone had a fun weekend!

Time for a Praise Him, Praise Report

Yesterday morning I woke up a little bit before 4:00 am. It has always been my habit to have a radio on for most of the night and here of late, the station is KHCB. Now, don't age me up because I have been doing this, but I like that they read scripture in between the music all night long. And these days you know for me it is all about keeping a low stress level. Anyway, in my groggy state I heard them reading Zep 3:17. My spirit soared because that verse so ministered to me after our near miss of being in New York on 9/11. Then a song began to play and it seemed so familiar to me. I realized it was a song from the first youth musical I was ever in after becoming a Christian. Of course those two times are milestones for me and on the day I am to get my nuclear stress test results, how loving is the Lord to use KHCB to minister His presence in such a specific way. Oh for those of you that have no clue what a youth musical is, it is a 70's contemporary phenomenon. Upbeat music, with 70's themes of what youth were facing back in the day and then of course the big production number that ties everything up nicely in bow. We got to wear PANTSUITS! Never been done before, but if our heads bobbed a little too much or there was any movement to the music, that got shut down in rehearsals. Oh what a forerunner I was for the contemporary of now.

Off task...so I am grateful to Jesus for that little somethin, somethin extra for me yesterday. I wrote in my journal before going in the DR. office of what I had experienced, read and felt was from the Lord the past few weeks, dated and timed it.

Here are the Praise Him results

• My heart is up to 36% usage up from 10% on September 11
• Very little damage to my heart from my heart attack
• No blockages
• I have a virus in my heart and it has cause all the health related issues. I have had the virus for a short amount of time, heart wise, and I will have the same or better quality of health than before all this happened
• Not back to longer hours yet at work, but that will happen as I work back into that. I also now have a walking plan in place to help me recover and gain strength
• Holidays can be celebrated again. I did not tell Roy yesterday, he got home too late. I am sure there are holidays to be celebrated all week long :)
• I am tolerating the medicine very well.

I will have a echo cardiogram December 30 and will have a few more appointments in between now and then.

I was so excited I asked the Dr if I could do a little jump and scream. He told me I am not out of the woods yet being at 36% usage. So I did a little 36% jump and shout. He just looked at me kind of strange.

Again, I appreciate the prayers, kind words and thoughts. I have been so encouraged by such wonderful known and unknown friends. I am on the right road and moving in the right direction...Psalms 84 is the shout and cry of my 36% physical heart and 100% spiritual heart.

Saturday, Saturday

October is why we live in Houston the rest of the year. Yesterday, was a perfect day weather wise. Early morning temps were cool, the afternoon mild and breezy, and the evening turned back to cool. It has been great convertible weather. Last year I brought out the crock pot to coax the weather to become fallish, this year I haven't had to resort of any such thing.

Roy returns home today from Branson. He was at a conference and just the mere fact of getting away has been beneficial to his health and outlook. Really, think about all he has to manage at the office and then come home to do things around here that I am not able to do. He had no place of refuge. When he called from Tulsa on Wednesday, I could already here the change in his voice. He decided early on not to read any emails from the office. I think that was a good choice.

Yesterday, I went to Sugarland to get my hair cut and on the way home again tried to locate the Life Time Fitness in the Town and Country area. I was successful. Made an appointment with Stacey and took a tour of the facilities. Wow, very nice. I came home and knew I really didn't want to stay inside, although there are many things that need taken care of inside. The phone rang. It was Dena, she had been at a business meeting and lunch off site and had returned home. She was thinking the very same thing about being inside and offered the suggestion of Starbucks and enjoying the great out of doors. She came by and we were off for an afternoon of enjoying the weather and delightful conversation. Oh yes, the people watching was good too. On the way back taking me home, we stopped at Cafe Express to get to go. Right now I am in love with the chicken soup and bought some for lunch today. The play grocery store was my chef last night.

I go Tuesday for an appointment with the DR for the results from my tests.

I am trying to have an easy going Saturday morning, but Buddy has different thoughts. She has discovered the bookcases in the den/closet. She is full of energy this morning. She seems a little disheartened that I don't want to join in the fun. So to keep me somewhat interested, I hear something drop to the floor from time to time. Of course, I go investigate. I think she has finally settled into her morning nap time.

New Mary Mary CD is good. I listened to it yesterday while running errands.

Again, the great outdoors is calling my name. I am contemplating taking my book and iPod out by the pool or sit in the courtyard. Probably the courtyard. Seems the older ladies here take great offense if you sit by the pool and don't want to visit.