Just an update

So, we left the house in a Black & White cab at 9:30 am to be at the Albany NY airport in time for our flight at 11:50 am to Portland OR via Las Vegas. Ray believes in being early! We no more than got settled when, you guessed it, they delayed the flight to 1:40 pm. Better than 1:40 am!  We were concerned about our connecting flight in Las Vegas but they just announced that we should arrive in Vegas at about 4:15 pm.  It's going to be quite a site to see these two seniors, one with a knee brace and cane, bogeying down to the next gate. Hopefully the gates are close!  

We just split a sandwich at a new shop here in the airport, Brioche Doree.  Check it out! http://blog.timesunion.com/business/brioche-doree-opens-tomorrow-at-albany-intl-airport/16602/
We had the most amazing sandwich. Turkey, sliced green apple, a light touch of applesauce and brie on a crusty toasted roll.  It was amazing!  Even Ray liked it!  Note to Corey:: Is this number 16 or 17?  Just in case you're all wondering, we have a running contest of new things we're getting this Kentucky guy of mine to try besides meat (and by that I mean beef and ham), potatoes, eggs and biscuits.

Jamison left last night to meet a new friend and have a stay-over while we're in Oregon.  Sam is a little Beagle and came from a Beagle rescue.  Jamison hasn't had a "play date" or "stay over" since we moved to Troy.  He was so excited he could hardly stand it.  Katryn (forgive me if I misspelled your name Katryn) let him in the back seat and turned around and asked if he liked to ride in the front...he was already there.  She said, "we'll get along just fine".

I have never in my life seen such an active group of passengers on a flight in my life.  They were everywhere.  Up and down the aisles, calling for the flight attendants, back and forth to the bathroom.  I'll bet all 137 passengers on that flight made at least one trip up and down that aisle.  The lady next to me and I just laughed our heads off.  It was like someone fed the whole group an "upper"!

Our flight didn't leave Las Vegas until 2:05 pm and arrived in Vegas at 4:20 pm.  Our connecting flight to Portland was on time and scheduled for 4:45 pm leaving out of Terminal C.  We arrived in Terminal B and it's about a 20 minute walk.  The flight attendant arranged for a wheel chair for Ray. There I was surrounded by all that clinking and clanking and my pocket full of nickles and not a minute to drop one in and pull the handle.  Talk about frustration! The porter called ahead and made sure our luggage was transferred, had them hold a couple of seats and we ran!  The porter pushing Ray in the wheel chair and me right on their heels! We were the last two on the plane but made it with five minutes to spare. 


Its' now Sunday, 1:20 pm PST, we're at Aaron and Kristin's and it's a quiet, down day.  It was a long trip for us and a hard day for Aaron.  He was determined to come to the airport and pick us up but it was really hard on him.  Kristin did all the driving so we're all pooped and resting with the air-conditioning going.  It's 91 degrees.  I thought we just left the heat!

We're looking forward to our time here with the kids and participating in Relay for Life next weekend.  Aaron and Kristin have a team, "Choose Joy" and we'll be walking with them.  Aaron won't be able to participate as much as he use to or as much as he'd like but he'll be there when he can and do what he can.  The "kids" have really put a lot of effort into their team this year and a lot of hard work.  If you can drop by and offer a word of encouragement or walk a lap it would be great fun to share the time with you.


We've had a pretty quiet day and we all needed it.  Aaron's friend David, from Southern CA, dropped by this afternoon to visit on his way back home.  His mother is in Portland and also has terminal cancer.  Please lift them up in prayer as you do all of us. 

Ray and I have never seen any of the Harry Potter movies so we made a deal with the kids we'll watch the entire series while we're here and then go to the movie to see the final episode before we leave.  We just finished the first episode and really enjoyed it.  We'll see episode 2 tomorrow night.  The house once again is quite.  The kids and Belle have gone to bed, Ray is reading and I'm here in the living room determined to finish this blog.  I will admit thought, my eyes are getting heavy.


I'm looking forward to touching bases one way or another with many of you this week. Thank you for understanding how precious this time with our son is for both Ray and me.  Thank you for your support, prayers and encouragement. My cell phone works here so feel free to call or text anytime.  Love you all.

The Blue House

Blue Orchids at Home Depot

7:30 am, current temperature 63 degrees, humidity 93%...and so begins my day!

Yesterday was a gloriously gorgeous day and we were busy all day.  My favorite part of the day is when we take our, and I must say, frequent, breaks.  I have fresh iced-tea made and we sit in our eat-in kitchen and talk about our dreams and our heartaches, share together, be together, laugh together, cry together and be quiet together.


We accomplished tons yesterday, even with all the breaks, the chicken gate will be finished today, he needs several more brackets so we're headed to Home Depot this morning. I made serious headway in the studio, even got curtains hung, and now we're ready to make and put up a wall of shelves when we get back.  I organized the guest room so that I know where everything is to begin that project later this summer.  I did all those things that must be done prior to a trip so you don't come home to gnats and blue furry stuff in the fridge, did the laundry, changed the bed...all that fun stuff.  When we get back from Home Depot we'll turn on the fans, Ray will finish the chicken gate and I will get into some down and dirty housecleaning!

We had a great "skype" conversation with Aaron last night. It's so hard to believe.  I continue to have those odd, random, condemning thoughts but they disappear quickly when I remember as difficult as it was, with God's leading, he set this plan in motion.

Come on by share a glass!

Well, here I am at 3:06 pm EST taking an iced-tea break with hubby and puppy. Prior to intermission we made a trip to Home Depot, finished a chicken gate, vacuumed and dusted, two loads of laundry, and had lunch.  We're now taking a break from Ray being on his hands and knees cleaning the kitchen baseboards and kitchen floor and I'm scrubbing down the bathroom.  Tomorrow, chicken gate installation, final load of laundry, wipe out the fridge, give self pedicure, reconcile bank statement and set up Ray's Kindle he got for Father's Day so he'll have it for the trip.


About 20 years ago, while we were in Oakdale CA and Aaron was in Oregon he came down for a visit.  Oakdale is a great town, we loved it, but if you're 18, there really isn't a lot to do.  We had a doll house kit that I'd never gotten to so he set about putting it together.  It took him a couple of weeks and when he left for Oregon he asked me if I'd keep it for him until he could get it.  I said sure I'd do that.  I had an extensive doll collection at that time and it worked right in.  When later we went to Oregon Aaron asked if he could have the house and being the mom that I am, I said, "Absolutely NOT".  Possession is nine-tenths of the law.  The house is mine.  You built it, I'm keeping it.  He just grinned.  I am so thankful that little blue house is still in my possession.  Wherever we go that house reminds me of great times, my son's tenacity (evidently he didn't get that quality from me because I didn't even start the project), his love of building (and building goes far beyond the building with his hands), Aaron has always built with his heart.  He has always created with his heart whether it has been a friendship, a song, a painting, a drawing or "just being Aaron" as we told him every time he left the house. "Just be Aaron, son."  



But I digress. 

The Blue House

Today, I decided where I wanted the blue house here in our home in Troy.  For the first time that I can remember, it's in my kitchen. We are lucky enough to have an "eat-in" kitchen here so I put the blue house on the ledge above the cabinets looking down over "our vast domain".  From where I sit I can look at it and remember.  I wrote a poem about the Blue House years ago and I'd like to share it with you:

The Blue House

There's a blue house on the mantle

It holds a special place

It's filled with love and character

It's filled with warmth and grace.

It was made with hands so gentle

It was made with smiles and care

It holds a story of it's own

That's why it sits up there.

The blue house on the mantle

Will one day pass along

It will join the dolls collected

And to someone else belong.

As it sits there on the mantle

With it's face trimmed all in white

It smiles with gentle laughter

Through the day and into night.

The hands that made the blue house

\Never ever would have dreamed

That one day "she'd" adorn the mantel.

In a place befit a queen.

The blue house on the mantle

Was made by our dear son

The blue house on the mantle

There's one and only one.

It holds a very special place

Within this mother's heart

It holds a very happy time

Of which she was a part.

The son is now departing

To give life another try

To test the waters in this life

To question what and why.

As the blue house on the mantle

Sits quiet in its space

It reminds the mother of the son

Of his bright and smiling face.

by: jan Jamison, July 8, 1998

Always Expect the Unexpected

There's no escaping it any longer.  Today begins the pilgrimage into the "studio" zone.  Don't ask me why I left it until last.  Probably because it's going to call for putting up shelves and moving what furniture I have in there all around.  But today is the day. It looks like half the boxes we moved were boxes for the studio...but it wasn't.  Most of the boxes are larger however, and heavier.  Luckily I had the foresight to buy a cheap cabinet off Craigslist when I saw it and it's been sitting there....waiting!  As it always seems when I begin a project, I never like the placement of anything in the room, the starting point.  Which means, I have to move some boxes to get the cabinet where I want it.  Now it is already where I actually wanted it to begin with but I've changed my mind.  My mind, my privilege!  I know I won't get it all done today but at least the majority.  I want to have all project that we've already started in the house, finished before we leave this coming Saturday...oh, and that includes a full cleaning of the house and washing of the baseboards.  Dream big, that's what I always say.  I couldn't do any of this if Ray wasn't right on my heals doing whatever I need done.  He's a great house cleaner.  I'd loan him out but I keep him to busy here.  

Ray's taking a break this morning to pick up the materials from the kids house and make the gate for the chicken yard.  It's easier to build it here because all of his tools are here.  Tomorrow it's suppose to rain and storm so that will soften the ground and Tuesday we can put the posts in and attach the gate

Yesterday we hung the curtains in the dining room, put up some hooks in the laundry room, ran a couple of errands and took a break in the afternoon to just sit back and read. Ray also spent some time working with Jamison on his commands.  They're doing very well.

Of course it's red!

Out of desperation we finally gave in and put in a telephone in the house.  It got very tiring running up and down  the driveway trying to find a signal so we could answer make or answer a call.  And it looked pretty weird as well.  Most of the time even if we answered a call it would drop off.  We found a great deal at Verizon.  It's a wireless remote.  You buy the phone and plug it in to the remote, plug the remote into the wall and you're set to go...for $19.95/mo unlimited local and long distance.  I've sent most of you an email with the new number I think.  If I've missed someone just email me and I'll send it to you or ask someone who has it and they can share.

It was 8:15 am when I began this blog this morning.  It is now 6:26 pm.  Life happened in-between.


Crisis with the chickens!  Jon called and he and Josie we're half way to Lake George for a company picnic.  They left Biscuit (their dog) in charge.  A fox decided to visit the chicken yard.  Their neighbor lady, Naomi was visiting with a neighbor and they heard a ruckus around the chicken coop.  When they got there the fox was just far enough out of reach for Biscuit to get to him (Biscuit has an electronic fence and believe me, he knows where those boundaries are).  It didn't stop him from raising holy cane.  The fox was having a great old time trying to get in.  The chickens were cackling like there was a fox trying to get into their pen.  Oh wait, there was a fox trying to get into their pen!  Believe it or not, one of the chickens got out.  Naomi's cat took off after the chicken, the fox took off after both of them, Biscuit was still chasing all of them around the yard and ran the fox off.  The cat and chicken made a turn and headed for Naomi's house next door. Naomi saw them coming and quickly opened the garage door, they ran in and she closed the garage door.  The cat ran into the house, Naomi cornered the chicken and got it back into the pen.  By the time we got there, Naomi and her friend had pretty much everything under control. Now mind you, these ladies are in their 70's!  Corey is going to owe them big time by the time she gets home.  Uncle found the hole in the fence where the chicken got out, fixed the "leak" put the chickens in the coop.  We calmed Biscuit down, gave him some fresh water and headed on to do our errands.  Life is always an adventure here.  Mind you, this is a house of 9 and no one was home.  Imagine what's it's like when they're all home. What a ball we have! Needless to say, the chicken gate is going to be a day or two late.  Tomorrow is is scheduled to bring us severe thunder and lightening storms.

Progress...there IS a floor

It's 90 degrees out.  The sun is shining and yet we've only had the fans on today. We're very fortunate that our house stays cool.  Mom's right again.  We have two floors above us and they get all the heat. I even had the oven on this morning and baked a couple of cakes.  Ray worked in the shop downstairs while I began in the studio.  I think I get it finished tomorrow.  Depends I guess, on how the fox and chickens do!

When are miracles huge? When are miracles tiny?

Okay, so I'm not getting done what I intended on doing today.  I did, and am however, getting some things done. I didn't intend on writing this blog this morning.  It just happens when it happens. I just have something on my mind and wanted to share it.  Of course, when is that not ever true!

I'm finally at the picture hanging stage.  Should finish up most of that today.  Ray and I are also going to hang curtain rods and roman shades.  The next task is the studio which I have not even touched but want to have done before we leave on the 23rd for Oregon.  We do have a pathway to Ray's closet in that room though.  Does that count? Ray got the air conditioners installed yesterday just in time.  It was 94 yesterday and is predicted to be 96 today.  Our house is set up pretty well so that we only had to install 2 of the 3 right now.  When I get the guest room set up we'll put the 3rd one in there.  It seems we have a never ending list: clean and wash the car, hang blinds, organize basement and set up shop area, scrub down and clean entry hall to front door (this area is used by all three floor but it's current condition is not working for either Ray or me), get Jamison trimmed (tomorrow), scrub down kitchen, re-do laundry (never ends), finish hanging pictures, set up studio, transfer 17 chickens to new home, clean off front porch and back deck and all the usual stuff just like everyone else. 

Not my window but you get the idea

Okay, so now who defines what is a huge miracle and what is a tiny miracle?  I think it's all in the eye of the receiver.  I mean if I only have $20 to budget toward bamboo roman shades for my living room, what are the odds of that happening.  Well, if I believed in the odds we wouldn't be having this one-sided conversation now would we?.  The roman shade bamboo blinds at Home Depot cost $40 each. So last week, I pick up the cheaper version, matchstick blinds, which I've used often but they only last a season usually and decided to be happy with those. Sunday we decided to put them up and found that they are about 1" narrower than I actually need. Since I didn't have the money to spend $80 on the roman shades I decided to return the matchstick blinds and be content with the mini-blinds that are already hanging at the windows.  (Now anyone who knows me just the least little bit knows that I despise mini-blinds.  This was a huge concession for me.)  Yesterday we made a trip to Latham (about 5 miles from Troy but a vast shopping center) to their Home Depot so I could return the matchstick blinds and pick up some brackets for the absolutely gorgeous curtain rods that Corey gave me.  Ooh, ooh, I've got to tell you about that too.  Hope I can remember when I get finished here!  Anyway, we had Jamison with us and it was already 72 at 9:30 am so we didn't want to leave him in the car by himself...too hot, so Ray went in and returned the items I had and also what he had left after installing the air conditioners.  He came back, we switched and I took the money and went in to look for brackets. As I'm cruising through the aisles I figure as long as I'm there I might as well dream a little, so I'm looking at light fixtures for the dining room, dreaming, and as I wonder by the next aisle over I'm in the aisle for curtain brackets and right behind me are the bamboo shades.  Are you ready, cause I wasn't and I had to look three times to make sure it was the right size for the price.  The $40 blinds I wanted were marked down to $10 each!   I know, I couldn't believe it either!  So, is that a huge miracle, or a tiny miracle?  Are ya kiddin' me, it's a miracle, who cares huge or tiny.  God works them every day according to our need and His plan.  I got so excited I forgot about the curtain brackets and we had to go back.  Found those too. 

Okay, now curtain rods.  I had an idea in mind for window valances and already had all that I needed that worked perfectly with the exception of two windows.  I have 9 windows that need valances. I really wanted "fancy" rods for the valances but when I checked I just didn't think I should spend $15-$20 per window for curtain rods so I decided to be content with the standard rod.  Corey called that day and asked what I was up to and I told her putting up curtains. She said, "Aunt Jan, I have zillions of beautiful curtain rods in the basement, let me bring them over and you pick what you need."  So I did!  Hugh miracle or tiny miracle?  Who cares! It's a miracle to me every time God gives me what I need.  But when He allows me a desire and not a need?  That's a super-dooper miracle!

Yes, while I'm talking about miracles I should tell you I never give up on praying that God will provide a miracle and take Aaron's cancer away. That He will leave him here with all his talent and compassion.  That He will give him a long and prosperous life.  That is my prayer every day from a mother's heart.  How am I going to handle that if that miracle doesn't occur.  I don't know.  I hope I can handle it with grace and live by the example my son has been setting for me since he was diagnosed.  As you know Aaron believes that God has a plan.  He might not like it, but he will do it.  I too am trying to live by this principle.  Aaron makes it sound so easy.  His example is one I will never be able to match.  I know that I would not have the grace my son exhibits every day if I were living with the knowledge that my time is as short as his time.  Aaron is so strong and confident in his life with the Lord.  I'm not saying it isn't difficult for him.  Now he is in constant pain.  It never goes away.  He's having to up his medications and pretty soon he'll sleep more than he is awake.  He's been enduring more pain than he should because he doesn't want to sleep the rest of his life away.  I can't say that I blame him but I can say I'm afraid I know that I wouldn't have the grace to accept a path such as his if God had given it to me. The grace and stamina he shows every minute of every day can only come from God and his belief in God and for that I am ever so thankful.  Thank you son for the example you continue to be; for the life example you set and for exceeding the standard of the life you have been given. I will love you always and there isn't a moment of any day where I am not proud of the man of God you are.



We were trying to get out of here by July 20th but couldn't get tickets until July 23rd.  We thought about leaving from Logan in Boston but it's a three hour drive and parking is over $150.  Not in our budget.  The upside was that is was straight through, no plane changes.  The downside was that that's probably not good for either me or Ray because of hips and knees.  On return it would have been red-eye, literally, and then a three hour trip home once we arrived at Boston.  We decided we don't have that much spring in our step any more.  We're excited to see our son and Kristin and touch bases with friends while there.  It's going to be wonderful to be able to do Relay for Life with Aaron again this year.  He most likely won't be able to do many hours this year but he does want to do the survivor lap and visit when he is able. 


Cherish what God has given you whether you consider it huge or tiny.  Miracles and life should never be taken for granted.





 

And a Hearty Good Morning To All

And all is well in the Land of Troy.  Yesterday told us that's it's time to install air-conditioners that's for certain.  There was only about 2 hours yesterday when it was slightly uncomfortable.  Corey and Jon warn us that the heat is approaching.  We'd rather be ready than trying to install in the heat.  I actually got some curtains hung in the dining room yesterday.  I'm going to need sturdier rods.  I tried using cafe rods I bought for the kitchen curtains (which is another story altogether) but they droop in the middle slightly and I CANNOT stand that.  I have one rod iron rod with little swirls on the ends and I'll get another one today and I'll be all set. 

With any luck, we'll get the bamboo blinds and valances up in the living room today.  All rooms have the standard mini-blinds but those don't work too well in my world.  I'll also be working on hanging pictures.  All books and hutch items are all put away. 


Yesterday we went to Albany and met our new doctor.  We both liked him instantly.  He's full of energy and new technology but he's waiting until he knows us a little better before he begins changing anything around.  It's very difficult to find a doctor here but our next door neighbor is a PA.  She had worked with this doctor for 13 years and has just left to go back to school for a great job opportunity and she recommended him.  Yet another miracle.  They just keep piling up folks.


We worked in the basement yesterday afternoon.  It is so fantastic to have that space.  The Lord only knows where we'd be without that space.  We purchased a $30 "closet" for our winter clothes and put it together yesterday and got them all carried down and put away. Most of our stuff is in bins but the landlord says it can get about 2" of water in the basement during winter.  He brought us some pallets and we relocated everything to pallets yesterday (or Ray did I should say).  Corey and Jamo (her Jamison) are coming over this week and helping Ray finish carrying the tools downstairs.  We need to rearrange everything downstairs and 5-S down there but we're not going to worry about that right now. 

Now to do a complete turn-around....Aaron did a live radio interview last night about Relay for Life and "Relay for Laffs", an improv show this weekend at LCC on the Main Stage.  All the ticket information can be found on Aaron's website
www.judasforgiven.com  Please pass the information along.  This is a clean, family-oriented improv and is always fun, sometimes hysterical. Ray and I will not be there this weekend but we will be there for Relay for Life to support Aaron and Kristin's team, "Choose Joy" from noon July 29 to noon July 30 at Willamette High School.  If you can make an opportunity to come by and visit or walk a lap or two it would be great to see you.  The link to Aaron's live radio interview from last night is http://www.jimbotalk.net/  Aaron is the last of three interviews so I just forwarded about two-thirds through and caught his interview. As I've mentioned to several of you before, because of chemo Aaron has very little short term memory.  Aaron and I have a standing joke about how long I was in labor with him.  My standing answer is 38 hours.  He says it changes every time we talk about it.  It's been at 38 hours ever since I can remember.  Last night the one thing he couldn't remember when asked was his age.  I'm just going to tell him that the easiest was to remember is that his age is the same as the hours of labor...38!  It's a good interview and from his heart, as always. Here's his newest tattoo on the back of his neck.

Well, Ray and Jamison are waiting to head out to Home Depot and Walmart so guess I'd best get my hair done and some lipstick on!  Have a great day.  Talk with you soon.  Right now though I feel like I'm doing all the talking.  You guys are out there...right?

Happy 4th of July! Actually, Just Happy!

It's 9:45am on 4th of July 2011 and I have about 2,011 other things I could be doing but right now this is what I WANT to do so that's what I'm doing.  It's such a great feeling to be able to say and do that.  Retirement so far (5 months) is everything I dreamed it would be and more. 

I didn't get up yesterday until 9:30 am and by the time I finally got around and baked a cake (Which called for a trip to the store because somewhere I've "lost" a box containing my spices and baking essentials. It may have gotten carried to the basement with the tools.  How I have no idea but anything is possible when you're packing or unpacking.) it was time to leave. We spent yesterday afternoon with the Troy 9 beginning the makings of a fenced in yard outside the chicken coop for the chicks. They are growing quite rapidly.  They made their maiden trip outside in the yard late yesterday afternoon for about 20 minutes.  If you could have only seen and heard Corey as she's in the coop trying to get them to go outside and talking to them the entire time telling them she loves them and will protect them and they're going to be okay.  I later found out she didn't think she was talking to anyone could hear. I don't know if that's a good sign or a sign we should take her for a checkup. I mean, this is the woman who went to the feed store to buy chicken feed (and she did come home with the chicken feed).  

Jamison, Hunter  & the Chicks

She also came home with a "chicken kong".  (See the small yellow dot in the doorway?  That's the kong!) The kong is a hard rubber ball of toy that is hallow and you fill with treats and your dog has to work to get the treats.  She actually found one for chickens!  Only Corey could come home with a chicken kong!  The kids all discovered that the chicks love fresh earth worms.  That kept the kids pretty busy.


Today is a "down" morning just getting a few things done and then we're headed back to the Troy 9 to finish the fence and celebrate with friends this evening.  Fireworks are illegal in NY.  I don't know what those were in the night air last night but it wasn't a car back-firing. Not only is the thunder and lightening louder here but so are the fireworks!  The city does fireworks over the Hudson so we'll be able to see them from the backyard enjoying the pool and dinner of hot dogs, grilled cheese and maybe if we're all lucky, S'mores!  Sounds like a good plan to me.  Wish you were all here to enjoy it with me. There's joy here in Troy!  Just like  our son prayed there would be for us.  That makes me smile.


As far as the unpacking goes, we're just about there.  I found a hutch for my glassware on Craigslist for $25.  I'm changing out some of the lower door panel from solid wood to the metal grate that matches the other hutch for Ray's books.  I have one final piece I need for right now.  A small cabinet for Ray's old books and for our CDs and DVDs. I've expanded my search to Vermont which is only 30 minutes away. Yea! We should complete getting everything in place this week and then....a thorough cleaning.  We actually have more space here than we did on 6th Street. We haven't made use of the back deck yet, but Jamison sure has.  He sits out there for hours and watches all the animals and listens to all the sounds.  We fixed a place in front on the living room window where he can sit and watch outside too. 

Other plans in our future include a trip back to Springfield in July.  We not only want to visit with our son but we'd want to participate in Relay for Life on July 29th and 30th.  He's going to do his best to be there but events are getting more and more difficult for him to get to let alone participate in.  We've been there every year and it's an event we intend to continue every year as long as we are physically able.  This year's relay is at Willamette High School and begins on July 29th at noon and ends July 30th at noon.  If you get a chance, or can plan to come and walk a lap or two it would be great to see you and walk a lap or two with you or just visit for awhile.  Anyway, that's where I'll be on the 29th and 30th.  Kristin and Aaron's team is "Choose Joy".  http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8060669556593902972

The flag has always been an important symbol in our household.  Aaron has always loved flags and the red, white and blue.  Happy 4th of July son! We've always remembered the men and women who have left their loved ones and put their lives in jeopardy or died serving our country so that we can live this life that we love. Thank you to all of you who have served or are serving so that I might enjoy this time in my life and enjoy the freedoms that I have.  Enjoy a blessed day of freedom and remember those who are away from their families protecting our borders so that we have another day of freedom.  Happy 4th of July!

Hey, Wake Up! It's July Already!

A beautiful July 1st morning.  Although I don't see it as early as I use to I still enjoy it once I open my eyes.  Looking forward today to having another day at home to continue the "move in process".  I finally have a dining room with NO boxes.  I'm piecing together a very eclectic house which I just love.  I'm not a matchy-matchy person.  If I like it I use it.  The theme that does run through my home, and when I say my home I mean our home!  But, this is my blog:)  The item you will see throughout in many size, shapes and forms are roosters and chickens. I've collected many things over the years as the decor changed: butterflies, ducks, apples, moose but I've settled on roosters and chickens.  I guess for me the reason is that my grandmother and mother both had them in their homes.My mother still has them in her home.   My dad seemed to always had the live ones.  He'd buy dozens of baby chicks every year, he'd say for the kids and grand kids, but I think mostly because he loved to nurture and raise them.  He'd start out with a huge corrugated carton, a light, some feed and water and some hay or straw.  While the chicks grew he prepared the chicken coop.  Finally we had laying hens, a rooster and fresh eggs every day.  Usually plenty of eggs for us and anyone else that needed any.  Now, the Troy 9 have their chickens and how much fun they are having.  I have several of my grandmother's chickens, many of my mom's and many that I have collected and have been given to me.  So although I have many pieces of eclectic furniture I do have a continuous theme running through it all, kinda French Country.  I'll take pictures once I get more into place.  Yesterday was a big turning point. I mean, two room with no boxes.  Holy moly, how great is that!

I couldn't do any of this without my hubby Ray.  He's worked for a week now to get the laundry room in working order and the washer and dryer hooked up and the plumbing in working order.  Three trips to the laundromat was all it took for me to have a completely new appreciation for having an in-house washer and dryer.  Do they match?  They're both Whirlpool!  Are they new and fancy?  Hey, they get the clothes clean and dry.  What else is really necessary! 

Last night is the first night we didn't have to do a strategic course in our bedroom to get to the bathroom during the night.  All boxes are gone.  Each day as I go to put something away I have to figure out some cleaver way to make it all work. Yesterday I came across a stack of our winter afghans etc.  Where to put those?  So, I removed my shoes from the wicker trunk in my closet for the afghan and bought a shoe rack for the inside of my closet door for my shoes.  If I come up with more than 18 pair of shoes I'll be thinning them out yet again.  But hey, I don't know why I have that many shoes here anyway.  We live in flip-flops until the snow hits.  You have run-of-the-mill flip-flops for every day and you have "glitzy" flip flops for special events.  That's it.  My kinda life. 

We have three bedrooms here.  Two have closets that are 4' in width. Now the house we had on 6th Street had a 12' closet in the master bedroom and a 6' closet in each of the other two bedrooms.  This has been a challenge but you know what.  We're making it work.  We've put the clothes that we wear everyday during the summer in our closets.  We purchased a portable, zip-up closet downstairs and hung our winter clothes there along with bins for our winter sweaters and everything else.  Come winter we'll just switch out.

Ray and I miss Aaron and Kristin terribly but thank heaves for the invention of Skype.  We talk with Aaron every day but it is so much fun every other day or so when we get to Skype and actually see his face and have a conversation with him. As you've probably seen on his Facebook page, he's in tremendous pain most of the time and they've had to increase his medications.  He's in a wheelchair if they go out for any length of time as usual, that doesn't slow him down very much.  He's planning on going to Relay for Life at the end of July.  Ray and I usually participate but we won't be there this year.  If anyone is able to go and participate and walk with their team that would be wonderful.  Kristin is leading their team.  A fundraiser, Relay for Laffs
(Improv Comedy That May Save Your Life) is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th.  Here's the link for details. 
  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235639549788008

Aaron's not going to be able to participate in the event, but he will be there.  If you get a chance to go please take the opportunity. This group's improv is always great and it's for a super great cause.


I miss family and friends on the West coast but I hope you are all doing well.  When you get a moment now and then jot an email at princessofsantis@gmail.com or call.  I would love to hear from you.  I will admit, calling can be a challenge here.  We live in an area where coverage is spotty and calls do drop off but we can always make it work. Have a super great day, I am!