Happy New Year

Merry Christmas Family and Friends

Please Note, Dear Friends

The other blog, "A Mountain Too High" will go private after Christmas - please be sure to let me know if you wish to be allowed access. Thanks.

"Welcome to our World" will remain public.

love Jean

In Honor and Remembrance

We toured the memorial while in Hawaii years ago. It was very touching and moving for me to know service men were still below.

Trees Ease

So yesterday I bought a pre-lit tree from my sister - she is very particular about her trees and this wasn't s slim line so it had to go!

Talk about easy!!! All my life I have dreaded putting lights on the trees as felt it was very difficult and result was so-so.

Last night took about 2 minutes and voila! (PS The tree is 7.5')

Today I carried the apple boxes up from storage and will decorate it.

A Christmas Challenge

So I have been wondering how I could help someone this Christmas and - - - my idea!

On a recent flight, the handle of my large suitcase wouldn't collapse. Alaska immediately tagged my bag as being received damaged and away I flew. Luckily, it didn't break off in the luggage compartment.

To make a long story short, I'm going to fill the case with long johns, warm socks, mitts, toiletries and all kinds of nonperishable food items. Then I'll troll the streets til I see someone struggling with shopping bags and give them my case.

What a windfall that will be - it's large and has all kinds of exterior pockets.

I challenge you to check around your home for a large bag of any kind, fill it and find some person who needs a hand.

Yeah. good news!

Received my letter from BC Cancer Agency:

Madame Coward:

"I am pleased to inform you that your recent mammogram was read by a program radiologist and found to be NORMAL."

The capital letters are theirs. I appreciate how prompt they are with their contact. Yikes, also prompt notifying me to visit again. It's a great service provided to us.
When I was in recently, a lady came in to book and commented she loved the reminder. Receptionist said some women call and are irate to have a reminder- go figure.

Twice the Misery - Just Kidding

Every morn, first thing I do is check "my schedule" for any appointments. With great happiness and merriment I saw: Mammogram 1pm. Well, now I just know it's going to be a lovely day. And I have all morning to get ready and fuss.

Anyway, off to the appointment. Checking in about 20 minutes early, I approached the desk- "I'm here".She smiled at me and said they would have to see the other victims first - their appointments were before mine. Fair enough. So I do what I always do, start writing recipes from their magazines. My issue featured chicken breasts.

Just as my sis and I were frantically scratching out recipes and forgetting why I am there, a little old lady marched out from the dressing rooms. She glared at me, all 5 feet of her and said"It's a torture chamber in there". I smiled my thanks and thought now would be a good time to wheel out the door with her- when I heard"Madame Coward, you may come in now".
Anyway, we head off for lunch nearby - afterwards I check my messages-"Madame Coward? Ah, there seems to be a problem with one of the films - could you swing by again (no pun intended) and we'll just re-do the right side." When I arrived, the lovely tech was indeed waiting at the desk - she is a nice gal and I appreciated her seeing me right away. I told her,"Don't worry about a gown this time" - She was cool and merrily said"Ok" to the clatter of several purses and magazines behind us - of course we meant in the op.

Serenading Me - - - Thank You

I awoke to a soft, dusky sky and his serenade - it just gives me goosebumps - I wanted to get up to take in his majesty but knew I'd disturb him so lay content to listen.

He varied between three and five "songs" before the music stopped abruptly - perhaps he spied his breakfast in the orchard or it was just bedtime for him.

Opened the blinds hoping to catch a glimpse to see if it were a white or grey owl. He was no where to be seen.

Pinging Pears

So, today I canned 14 pints of pears. Haven't canned in so many yeas, I guess since I retired.

Now I'm sitting in the rocker in the kitchen listening for the happy pings of the jars.

(Doesn't take much to amuse me:)

So, have you had yours? Went yesterday on my way to visit Hubby - took only minutes in line and to get "shot".

If you oppose 'flu shots, why? People have valid concerns - would be interested to hear yours.

Fall Decor

Since Wayne has been in care, I rarely decorate, at least not how we used to. Decided this fall to make a dining centerpiece and bought a wreath for the door.

This "all purpose" dining table plant gets gussied up for Christmas also - minus the fall stuff:)

Ok, messed these pics up -I was trying to get pics without moving the arrangement - have to go now but will re-do it tomorrow.

It Isn't Fair - - -

So, I find the locking gas cap a bit of a mystery, usually I can unlock right off - sometimes I have to "play" with it.

Anyway, was struggling with it and decided to ask a "young fellow" about 45 years old if he could help. Instantly I started babbling how usually I can unlock it but today I just can't, blah, blah.

As he approached,took one look, "You need the key, Lady!!!"

Now I started babbling apologies and he kind of laughed, got in his car and said I hope your day goes better. How embarrassing.

Is anyone else hooked on Chico's? I love the place and find the styles and colors wonderful for me.Signed up for their emails and catalogues - it's Christmas everyday in my mind:)

***The link doesn't work for me but if you're interested go to : Chicos.com

Flower Power

So I was deadheading flowers yesterday - a marigold seed head was caught in a pocket corner - what a disaster in the washer. The (white) pants are totally ruined - dye all over in splotches and another pair is stained on the behind.

I did the pre-wash thing and added dry bleach - didn't touch it. I'm considering chlorine bleach as the slacks are ruined anyway - I understand now how American Native Indians used plants for dye. It works!

Good Morning to Me - - -

So, I opened the kitchen blind which "caught" the lamp shade which moved the coffee carafe which knocked a glass on the floor - breaking it.

How's your morning going?

On another note, fall is in the air even tho it's 30 degrees (90) during the day. When I look out at 7am and open windows, there is a distinct dampness which wasn't there last week and the bright blue sky has high wispy clouds. Have a great day, I'm off the find my long johns.

Wow, imagineomit.blogspot.com has been on a cleaning frenzy - I haven't frenzied yet but I do my kitchen drawers and all the utensils about 3 times a year. Everything goes in the dishwasher and looks very sparkly til the next frenzy:)

This morn I ran a couple loads of Tupperware thru as not used much being on my own. Hopefully I will have a BBQ or two and try to crawl out of my shell.

Unreal

Can you imagine how wonderful this would be - kind of like the bear who wakes up in spring with new babe:)

Mother gave birth so quickly her baby slid down her trouser leg
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 7:59 AM on 9th June 2009


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A mother told of her shock today after she unexpectedly gave birth at home so quickly her baby daughter slid down her trouser leg.

Katherine Allan, 23, was having regular contractions, but was told by the hospital they were still too far apart to require treatment.

However moments later tiny Hannah made her surprise appearance at the bottom of the stairs as Katherine's partner Alan Moore, 25, helped her walk.


Special delivery: Katherine Allan, pictured with partner and proud father Alan Moore, wearing the grey tracksuit bottoms she gave birth to baby Hannah in, who popped out and slid down her leg in a sudden and pain-free birth

Little Hannah, who weighed 8lb 5oz, literally popped out where she stood and rolled down the front left leg of her grey jogging pants.

Petrol station worker Alan dived to scoop up Hannah just as she slid out across the floor - still attached to her mother via her umbilical cord.

The unexpected birth happened so quickly that Katherine did not feel any pain as the baby arrived at the couple's home in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

Katherine, who was preparing to go into hospital after her contractions got to seven and a half minutes apart on May 9, said the whole thing had been 'quite an ordeal'.

The full-time mother to two other sons, Ben, five, and Michael, three, said her previous labours had lasted up to 12 hours and stunned by the ease of this birth.

She said: 'I got to the bottom of the stairs and I just felt this massive urge to push when all of a sudden my waters broke all over the hallway carpet.

'I was in total shock at the speed of things and Alan turned a funny shade of green but he reacted really quickly to dive and catch Hannah when she rolled down my leg.

'It was a bit strange seeing this little lump roll down my jogging pants which was actually my daughter.

'My other births definitely weren't this easy and I will always recommend standing up to do it in future.'

Katherine wrapped Hannah in a towel and sat on the stairs waiting for ambulance staff to arrive, with the baby's umbilical cord still stretching down her leg, out of the bottom of her pants and up to her baby.

Paramedics and a midwife checked Katherine's condition before they decided she didn't need to visit the local hospital and sent her to bed for a rest.

Alan said: 'I was watching Katherine about to start climbing the stairs when all of a sudden she started screaming saying the baby was coming.

'I couldn't believe my eyes when it appeared and rolled down her leg - I was just thinking I can't let it hit the floor and dived to catch it.

'The whole think was frightening but really brilliant and I was a very proud dad when I cut the umbilical cord with the help of the paramedics.

'I feel like I have done more in a few hours with my daughter than some dads manage in the first few months - it's exhausting but fantastic.'

The Demise - - -

Came home to find the robin's nest torn from the light - egg shells scattered on our deck. We have so many huge trees where she could have safely built. A sad day for her and I. Feel for Mother robin and mourn her loss of the babies.

Poor Buddy!

Mother Robin appeared on our railing holding nesting materials. That's all good except her chosen nest site is 4 feet above Buddy's cat perch (inside). He nearly wets himself as she busily hops around doing her thing.

Actually, I was all set to wash the living room windows when I wondered why Buddy was chattering. Aw, too bad, can't wash those windows now and disturb Mama Robin:)

Women are Angels.
And when someone breaks our wings,
we simply continue to fly....on a broomstick.
We are flexible like that.

Before the storm - - -

Planters just starting to grow -

The Dump and the Deal:)

I drove behind the truck and homemade trailer for several miles. "Some lady is going to mighty upset to see how her furniture was piled - a beautiful damask covered bench resting on raw plywood."

As I headed toward home, a thought stuck me, "He couldn't be taking it to our landfill!"

Yes, indeed, he turned in and I followed, ignoring the lady in the booth.

"Sir, I just love that bench, may I have it, please? I'll pay you."

He graciously refused money saying he couldn't give it away and his wife told him to take all the furnishings to the landfill. I was just sick, a beautiful set of lawn furniture mad e of heavy metal, the cushions, a sofa and miscellaneous items. If only I had my little truck, I'd have taken the lawn set.

Anyway, picture will be posted soon - misplace my cable!

Before the rain storm - - -

We had a fierce rain and wind storm Wednesday night - it stripped all the peonies which were just in their glory - there are a few more buds to open, I hope.

Field of Daisies

My Experience

Flying home from New Orleans, our plane had 30 men and women just returning from overseas.

Part way into the flight, the lead flight attendant called our attention and said she'd like to acknowledge that we had very special passengers on board. I got goosebumps right away - I just knew it was troops she was referring to.

She gave a very short thank you to them. Only one was in first class sitting in the window seat across the aisle from me. I'd love to have nodded to him and smiled but the whole long flight he kept his face turned to the window - never moving. I did not know others were on board. I'd have gladly given my seat to one of them.

As the flight progressed, I wondered what this very young man was thinking.

Time to deplane and of course everyone allowed the troops off first. They were all very young except for one "old guy" about 40:)

While we waited for luggage, they hugged and kidded around with one another and we all gave them their space. There were 4 women.

My brother sent a piece about returning troops being greeted by former pres. Bush and his wife Laura. I attach one picture from his email.Thanks again to these brave souls.

Long but Worth a Read BTW, Thanks Troops!

WHAT A TOUCH OF CLASS LOOKS LIKE:




There's a group of ladies in the Dallas area who make and stuff neck pillows
for soldiers coming through DFW airport.


They go to the airport and meet the incoming planes every week and greet the soldiers coming back for a few weeks R&R, give them a pillow, tell them they pray for them, and thank them for their service.


The lady who took the pictures said everyone was so surprised to see George and Laura Bush recently just standing quietly in the waiting area with
others who come to meet the troop planes.


She said it was amazing to watch the faces of the soldiers light up in
recognition when they spotted them, and that many came over to speak and
shake hands.






























Enlighten me if any of you can remember any ex-president
and wife that stood in line at an airport to greet our servicemen
and women as they are coming home.

Definitely a big difference between talkers and doers.

Fly Cat(cher)

My new houseplants arrived with a gazillion tiny flies - similar to fruit flies. After a day, I decided on flycatchers and hung two. So far the count is 2 flies and 1 cat.

Buddy has a large fluffy tail which he swings from side to side, tail held high - in fact just the right height to catch the fly catcher!

I had the laptop on my lap, the cat in mid-flight, ready to sit on the arm of my chair and a coffee in my left hand. "Hssst!" He freaked and thrashed around with his tail firmly attached to the catcher - the catcher was attached to a floor reading lamp. Thank goodness it had a heavy base.

Eventually I was able to grab the cat and detach him:)Needless to say, I had to cut hair from Buddy's tail as the goop had really stuck to it.

I checked the catchers this morn - still only 2 flies but no cat - he's a fast learner!

My bowl of water on the kitchen cabinet caught more flies than the sticky catcher.

Voila!

So, I often buy products when Clinique or Lancome offer gift packs. Got a brain wave the other night - ready to toss the bright, bright apple green case from an offer.

Perfect to hold my cell charger when I travel. So far I've never left it somewhere but with this bright green wee bag in my toiletries it shouts out to me, "Charger, charger, you dummie:)

Lavender

I can't give credit for this pic as forgot where I found it! Isn't it amazing?
When I see lavender in a bouquet, I would never guess it came from large fields of it.

Smooch!

I slowed and then stopped just short of the pedestrian crosswalk. The young fellow smiled to acknowledged me and blew me a kiss! Be still my beating heart. Then he looked quite queered out and started to run. He turned and blew me another kiss. Oh, my!!! Be still my beating heart. Ah, he just appreciated a driver who anticipated his entry into the crosswalk - - -

Primula

The spring blahs linger, heavy rains, strong winds and cool temps - so I bought 21 plants and hope they provide the medicine I need. Once planted, I'll post their little picture. (This pic from online)

Happy St. Paddy's Day to You

It's the little things that drive me crazy with my arm/shoulder. last night my neighbor helped me take 3 leaves out of dining table and push it closed. We centered the table on the area rug and then realized the rug was "off". With great effort we adjusted the rug and now the table is not centered!!!

Neither of us noticed it last night - it bugs me every time I walk into the dining room.

Sorry to complain but I'm sick of not being able to do what I want to do, "right now"!!!

Marilyn Monroe

"Her image is forever locked in that beauty, we will never find a picture of her looking old or past her prime." Quote:Laura Beresford

Criminals are so heroic and such lizards

Thought you may enjoy this one! Wayne and I used to watch the TV show "Cops" and laugh at some of the criminals who turned into babies when caught.







(CNN) -- This time it was the intruder who called 911.
A man who broke into a house in Portland, Oregon, called police -- afraid the homeowner may have a gun.
The suspect, Timothy James Chapek, was in the bathroom taking a shower when the homeowner returned to the house Monday night, Portland police said in a statement.
Accompanied by two German shepherds, the homeowner asked Chapek what he was doing in the house.
Chapek locked himself in the bathroom and made an emergency call, police said. He said he had broken into the house, the owner had come home, and that he was concerned the owner might have a gun.
The homeowner also called the police to report that he had found a man in the house.
Police with dogs took Chapek, 24, into custody "without incident," they said. He was booked for criminal trespass.
They did not say if the homeowner did in fact have a gun

I heard him sipping - every night I leave a large glass to drink thru the night. Last night I slept so soundly that I didn't even get up once. Full glass, room temp but he's not fussy.

Walked out of the closet to see Buddy enjoying my water! Lately I've chased him off the vanity, never guessing what he was up to.

Anyway, tonight I'll have a lid on it and make sure my tooth brush is in the vanity!

Small Victories Add Up

So it's been just over 2 months since I broke my shoulder and arm.
This weekend I was able to insert and remove pierced earrings - a small but very exciting feat.

Also, once this weekend I was able to pull both socks on, usually can only get the left one on without help.

Got my hair cut again as can't manage it to blow dry or put up in a knot or hair clip - hopefully that is soon - in the meanwhile it's short and being curly, works for me.

Also, the biggest of all, I was able to pick up Buddy if I used my good arm for his weight(considerable:) and kind of held his one rear leg til I got him in my arms.

Small but wondrous feats.

Salmon Cakes

Salmon Cakes

"Salmon Cakes"

Salmon Cakes
Mix 1 pkg Stove Top with 3/4 cup vegetable broth.Add 1/4 Miracle Whip and 2 Tbsp lemon juice & 1 Cup Mozzarella.
Mix 2 cans salmon- drained and bones removed with 1/2 cup green onion.
Now mix both together and refrigerate 20 minutes.
Spray a pan and shape salmon mixture into patties. Fry about 3 min. each side.
They not only taste good, they look good, too. I may use for my next brunch.
Hope you try the recipe and enjoy it. As usual, I doubled the recipe and it turned out fine.
****Usually it is not suggested to double any baking recipes - found out the hard way.

Monday morning and the poor fellow still looked rather exhausted as he approached my desk. "Uh, morning, Ma'am. I met your hygienist on the weekend and she told me she worked here and I wondered - - - "Say no more, my Child".
Apparently in the heat of the moment names weren't exchanged - just occupations???
Using my most submissive posture, I proceeded to collect the hygienist and reunite her(figuratively, I hoped) with lover boy. I found her and the conversation was like this:
Me: "Someone is here to see you".
H: "Who?" icicles already well formed.
Me: "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't want to intrude so didn't ask".
She hesitated, then - - "I'll be out in a moment".
His drool had already puddled on my desk when I returned.
I sat in expectant silence - tension was thick, the door handle turned, she emerged.
They screamed in unison - hands raised in horror. Each fled.
She to her cold, lily - white sanctum.
He to the warmth of hookers on Main.

Panning for Diamonds

Really wish I had bought my metal detector when I was thinking about it - my diamond ring went missing a couple days ago - set it on the glass lamp table - went back for it and gone! Buddy looked suspiciously guilty to me but he always does. It was his unusual "ack!!" sound that piqued my interest. Ring stuck in throat? I looked at him and wondered if I could "shake" it out of him. Put that idea aside and decided to feed him mega meals to get the process going and therefore the recovery of my ring.

The vet is not going to like your weight, Cat.

The cat blissfully ate his offerings wondering why she was being so generous - but who's to question that?! I watched him eat - imagining my ring on it's journey! Soon we were both bored and I sat down by the glass table to decide how I would approach the recovery.

Picked my hair clip up and there was my ring, caught in the teeth of the comb! Happy, happy. Well, I am - the cat's back on regular rations.

"There she blows" "This, too, shall pass." any others?

If you are faint of heart, go now:)
So, I wonder Who hates me. Since Monday at 7:30am, I have had diarrhea and extreme,even projectile, vomiting.

There's got to be a conspiracy against me by Someone, I think.

Actually, as of 5:30pm tonight, I have been "free and clear" but am holding my breathe. It's been brutal, electrolytes out of whack, so weak I could barely function. Tis under control.

Haven't had a coffee since Sunday (!)and also very limited intake of food - if I never see certain items again it will be too soon. So, that's why I haven't been reading or posting.

It can only get better for me in 2011 - - - I hope.

And that's the good news

Yesterday the sling was removed for good - it felt so good to not be tied up although my arm felt like it were hanging by a little bit of tissue. Celebrated by walking 30 minutes on indoor track.

Mobility is an issue but I can move it a few inches - work on it every time I think of it. The orthopedic MD set me up with physio at our local hospital - there treatment is included where as private treatment is $65. per time.Due to a long wait list, I will pay in order to start next week.

After this ordeal, I will be extremely careful on wet leaves and ice.

One Hung Low - - -

(If your "sensitive", go away now:)

So, for the first few weeks I couldn't wear a bra due to pain/pressure on sore shoulder - I got help to tie a scarf around me, over my breasts, knotted in the back. Looked like the Hunchback of - - -

Anyway, was invited to a Christmas open house and went in my "arrangement". Sometime during the evening the left breast escaped (hence the title)- I didn't notice til sometime during the evening - who do I call for help? Couldn't just walk up to a stranger, "Pardon me, could you adjust and retie my scarf?"

My solution? Walked around like a weirdo kind of holding my left arm by my collar. Actually, I got quite a laugh from this once the initial shock was over.

Someone emailed re: treatment

The first 24 hours I had a soft type sling, then the next day, a two piece cast was put on. 7 days later, hard cast removed and sling on again.

Guess the broken shoulder required sling only but I had a vertical, short fracture of humerus also - he wanted it in a cast for initial healing.

Suggestions

(1)Rent a hospital bed right away I didn't think of it til I tried Wayne's bed out - you have to sleep upright for 3 weeks - a recliner gets mighty tiresome - no good sleeps.

(2)buy a gel cushion to sleep on- my bum was always kind of numb and the sciatica started acting up-cushion relieved both

(3) have a hair cut you and shower and go - not allowed to shower til 8th day and sponge baths were ok but was dreamy to heat arm and shoulder up under hot water before exercising

(4) have a low bath stool so you can fill tub and soak-just helps mentally to soak
(5) empty your purse of all items except absolute necessities

(6)if you can, sleep during day-a great healer - i still was able to sleep at night

Yeah. good news!

So today i decided to try to get a t-shirt over my sore arm and wear the contraption on top It worked! I feel so much freer and "normal". The doc didn't give me the ok but i did it.

Also did a few minutes on the recumbent bike and a few floor exercises.Feeling liberated.

Ideas

The first two weeks were brutal - even trying to rise from the toilet hurt. Sis brought a commode which helped so much - it fits over the toilet and is higher so the arm didnt pull as much to get up.

Also, she brought a picker upper gadget as leaner forward or bending over was agony.

I used safety pins to clip the ends of a hand towel so I could rub between my fingers to dry them.

Got my hair clipped off so could just let it dry naturally - I miss pinning it up but when I can reach up my hair will have grown enough again.

Sis loaned me some lovely clothes and I bought slacks a couple sizes larger so they were easier to pull up.

December 8/2010 4:30pm

Dropped into my sister's and BIL's for a coffee on my way home. At 4:30pm I cheerily waved goodbye to them - being cold out, I told Sis to get in the house - thank goodness she ignored my wishes for as I walked behind my car, slipped and landed on my right side. Everything hurt, especially my right arm which I held. Remember moaning, "Oh, my God,oh my God." My head and hip hurt but the arm was wicked.

Don't know why but 2 ambulances and a fire truck attended - Sis told me this as I guess I was in shock and not registering anything but my arm. More to come -