catch up time

Hi Guys...been a while since I blogged so here I am catching up....As you know, I fell last year at work...slipped on a wet floor and had to have surgery (recently) on my knee. I had the surgery last thursday and I am doing good. I was on crutches for 2 days and then I put them away. They were more uncomfortable than trying to hobble...I did have some considerable pain the first 3 days and took my percocet as needed. But now I don't need it...maybe some tylenol. Leanne...you must have really high tolerance for pain. I go to the doctor tomorow for post-surgery check-up. He wants me to have some therapy...maybe 2-3 weeks. I still hobble but not as much.
Before my surgery, the insurance company (Workmans Comp) called and told me they have a new program where I would go with aan Insurance Representative before a Judge and the judge will decide what amount of compensation I would get for having to have surgery...totally took me by surprise. I was just grateful that they were paying all my bills and reimbursing some of my paycheck. AS we were talking, he mentioned "I could get a lawyer but I didn't really need one and it might be some expense I would get stuck with....." Hmmmm, bells started clanging I got to wondering about it all. Without going into all the past details, the insurance company and my employer messed up pretty bad and my surgery schedule was dragged out for several months, possible as many as 6 months. I worked in pain, I missed work when my knee would swell and be more painful. I went to several doctors , had a ultrasound and a MRI,etc. I think that they are afraid I would sue for a lot of money....they are really dumb. It never even entered my mind. I was blown away when he mentioned it.
Anyway! Has any one had any experience with workmans comp. or dealing with insurance companies?? I am going to look into getting a lawyer...can you imagine, going before a Judge by yourself??? Now I have to concentrate on not getting greedy :-) Pray for me AP

STOMP!

Yesterday we went to New York and as we got to the NY skyline I had such pleasant flashbacks to when the Girls got together for the first time ( next time, Leane, you WILL be there). We had such fun and I can't wait til we do it again.
We went in to do something special. Murray gave us tickets to see STOMP at the Orpheum theater in Greenage Village. Hundreds of people, some of which you question if human, milling around the streets. All the little shops. They will put a store in the smallest of spaces. We ate at a Greek restaurant and the food was good.
If you haven't seen STOMP on TV, look for it...it is awesome. We had orchestra seats...which I normally don't like because it is too close. But the theater is small although it holds 350 . This time though it was great because you got to see the expressions on the performers faces. You could tell they loved what they were doing and it was funny also. STOMP is about these people taking all kinds of everyday items like brooms, garbage cans, rubber hoses, etc. and makes rythm...loud rythm... with them. The whole theater , walls, ceiling was covered with junk from a junk yard. It was great!!!!! Thank you, my Murray!
Speaking of my Murray...you remember he is getting married in a non-conventional way. I asked him if he was getting Mary a ring and he said not necessarily. I told him about two rings that I had if he would be interested...one was mine that Frank gave me when Gregg was about 2, so that was about 35 years ago. Actually it was the first ring he gave me. I haven't worn it in years. The second was from Frank's great-aunt Daisy. It was too small for me. Aunt Daisy was the renegade in her family...I always felt I could relate to her. :-) I think I might have met her once. Anyway, when she died, all her rings went to Frank's Mom and she passed them around and I ended with this one. I took the rings out and looked at them and decided I couldn't part with the ring Frank gave me :-) so I really pushed Aunt Daisy's ring. He loved it, partly because it is a pretty little ring , actually a real engagement ring. And partly because it is old and from the family. My boys are really traditional in family ways.
So I kept my ring...I wonder if Gregg will want it and if I will be able to give it up then? I really love the idea of keeping it in the family. I can't wait til Murray gives it to Mary....
Oh, did I tell you it is 4:00 in the morning? Can you tell by how long this blog is? :-)
Sometimes I wake up and can't go back to sleep...thanks for listening... Uh, reading this AP

marriage proposal

We were sitting in Charlie Browns restaurant (my favorite) a few days before christmas. It was Me, Frank, Murray and Mary. In the middle of our meal, Murray blurts out...."Next year me and Mary are getting married and I am moving into her house." We just sat there, looking at Murray for what seemed like minutes when it probably was seconds, with our mouths open and the fork suspended in midair. Mary later said she almost choked on her salad.
When we were able to speak, we probably said something stupid like..."Oh, yeah?" Then Murray went on to say that they weren't having a big wedding but were going to Costa Rica or Hawaii, possibly in Feb. Mary said that she had never dreamed of a big wedding. I told Frank later that she was probably just relieved that Murray decided to make that committment, which has been a big problem with Murray. In the past, the girls would push and he would run...fast and far. So maybe this means that it is the real thing...hope so!
Sorry, Leanne about the postage...forgot the rates went up. :-) AP

nostalgia big time!

We are finally putting away the christmas tree and decorations. ( I said we had 2-3 weeks grace after the new year) We listened to christmas music as we were taking off the ornaments. Frank went to do something and "Christmas in Dixie" came on. Tears ran down my cheeks and even now as I type this. I love my heritage...I am southern inside and out and no matter where I live I will be southern. I figured out today that I don't miss the ground of the south but all that the south is to me. ..Family ,no matter where they are, and memories of days gone by. I was ok with it until I stood in the yard and looked at the bare tree laying on it's side with the bare wreath on top of it, waiting to go to the chipper or wherever discarded trees go. I felt sad....not so much for the tree but for the wonderful memories put away for another year and for new changes showing up.
Murray is getting married and I wonder how our relationship will change. Right now, I am the most important woman in his life ( he told me so :-) ) Maybe some bad experiences has me a little scared. Our christmases will be different too. Will we go to California for christmas or Montana?? ( Kim, be patient with Brett's Mom)
Soon we will be retiring and all the major changes that will bring is alittle daunting to think of.
I am not worried or even scared, just a little emotional. I know God will direct and take care of us...not doubt about that. Praise the Lord for His grace and goodness!
Now I have to go finish putting things away...thanks for listening, I feel better...AP

It is almost christmas!

This is the time to be so busy, you can't think :-) I would go out shopping and come home after a while because I could just not think any longer. Then have to go out again....
I really love to shop for gifts, being in the crowds,seeing the decorations, hearing the christmas music. It is exhillarating!
Murray and his girlfriend are here...she is real nice, makes you comfortable to be around her. I was a nervous wreck before she came. My house , the walls in particular, are a mess. We were going to paint and ran out of time so we had to leave them in a mess. She is a Hollywood person, has lots of money and hob-knobs with movie stars. She is a costume designer for movies like Bewitched,The Terminal, etc. but she really is down to earth. so I was ok after she came. Any way, I am who I am so get over it ! ha ha I once saw a card with a cartoon lady and a hat, sort of like a Red Hat lady. She was standing with her hands on her hips and the caption said:
"Pull up your big girl panties and get over it!" I am at that stage of my life and it is fun!
So Mary is leaving today to go to her parents and I will be cooking all afternoon since I haven't done any baking. I am having about 8 people over for christmas dinner, that should be fun. We have been invited to someone's house for coffee and dessert but not sure if we are going.
So have a wonderful christmas day..it can be special no matter what you are doing and I am praying for that for all of you whom I love dearly because after all we are celebrating! and celebrating someone special! Jesus Christ , our Saviour. Love, AP

CHRISTMAS TREES

Yesterday after work, Frank and I went to get our tree. We are alittle late but so what!
I was very tired, cold, and frustrated. Sorry, God but this is not the year of the christmas tree!
We must have looked at a 1000 trees, or at least it felt like it. The top was good or the bottom was good...nothing in between. I was cold, fingers frozen ( sympathy, Kimber?) I did have gloves but not good ones. The tip of my nose was frozen, literally, I think. Anyway, we left without a tree. Today we went ,again, to get our tree. They were better but not much. We did get a tree, taking a chance that it would "fall out" good. By the way, all the trees are frozen since it is only about 20 degrees. We put it up but did not decorate it as it should "fall out" some.
I walked through the dining room and got a wonderful whiff of christmas tree. Ahhhh! It is worth all the hassle already. I am going to put everything I got on it this year. I have christmas balls with snowmen, thanks, Dottie. And some christmas balls that we made at Christy's, a small Crackle Barrell and alot more memories to hang. I would say that this has put me into the christmas spirit but I have been there since Thanksgiving, thanks, girls!

Today has been a very christmasy day. Not in the gift department but in the fact that we had a snowstorm of about 10 inches....gorgeous!!!! And I did not have to work. Then it stopped and the sun came out but it was still very cold. Frank calls me about 10:30 am while I was wrapping gifts to be mailed out to Montana. "Do you want to go see Narnia? " So he picks me up along with some friends and their 3 Teen boys. By the way,,,definitely go see Narnia...it is fantastic!
So after the movie, we come back to our house (I could have killed Frank for asking them over...I had wrapping paper and everything all over the house. Oh, Well) So we ordered 4 pizzas and ate them all...remember the 3 teen boys... After they left..I took a nap. I still have to wrap those gifts to mail no later than Monday. And now I am blogging you! Very special day :-)
AP

O ye of little faith

Our church has a Women's Ministry and this past saturday we had our christmas get together. We usually have a brunch, make our own wreaths with real greens and a special event, like Stampin Up, or Pampered Chef. This year I suggested that we have a Boutique since we have several women with home based businesses. After clearing it with the Elder Board, we went ahead. I regretted the suggestion. The head of the WM did not publicise it, make any plans for decorations...nothing! I had to step in ( I know...my control issues) and get these things done. So... 14 ladies signed up. How depressing is that. I got to work again..dreading that Sat. all the way up to friday night. The leader of the pack did not show up to help set up...there was no coffee made, no decorations done. I was at the church at 8am Sat. doing all these things..alone.
Well, it looked nice and we had hot coffee. Ladies brought in brunch food. It turned out to be a huge success. We had about 8 little "stores" including my candle store :-). I sold alot! I didn't expect to sell anything. Any way, my point is...when I was talking to Frank after it was all over, I realized I had actually "worried" myself to death. I always took pride in not being a worrier. Frank says I am the forever optimist. But I really worried! It was not a good feeling. I hope I will be able to put my fears and concerns in the Lord's hands in the furure, I will certainly remember what worry feels like for a long time.
Remember that little lady at my Nursing Home that chose to die...well, she is still hanging in. I can't believe it. I took care of her today and she is still alert. You can tell a difference in her strength but she still smiles and refuses every thing, like food, oxygen etc. She is taking a little bit of morphine as she seems to be having some pain. I love to go in and speak to her and rub her arms or cheeks. I want her to know , somehow that Jesus loves her and maybe my doing that will be used by God to convey His love. Thank you, God for loving us and forgiving our worrying and using us to convey your great love.
Have a great holiday season..it is so special NO MATTER WHAT!! :-) I pray it will be special to you. AP

a special thanksgiving

I have read everyone's blogs and say a hearty Amen! to them all. This year was so very special. I loved every minute of it. I missed my sister and brother-in-law so much but had so much fun with all the rest of the family. I loved when the kids ran up to me and hugged my legs and cried out "Aunt Patsy"
I nearly cracked up when Caleb ( I love that name) walked in and saw me sitting on the couch and did a double-take...about three times. It took him half the evening to figure if I was Dottie or not. I was so pleased that he finally warmed up to me and sat in my lap...of course it was the last day I was there. I think he did the same thing the last time I was there.
The time spent with each of you girls ( not near enough time with you Kelly) was awesome.
Getting to know Marcus better. Frank was so impressed with Marcus as a person, father and friend.
Meeting Brett (I love that name) ...it was like he has always been there. He and Frank had a great time together also and then the 3 of them together!
The food was sooooo good...you girls can really cook..oops! you too Marcus.
Leanne...you are such a gracious hostess
Kelly...always the light and laughter, hang in for school. You won't regret it.
Kimberly.. you will always be that little strawberry girl ( your 3rd birthday) full of life and love
Marcus..the good Dad, husband, friend, nephew-in-law
Brett...your spirit is so sweet, I could see your growth in fitting right in the family even though we are weird.
We really have such a unique family and I miss you so very much. I was so depressed yesterday , missing you guys and look forward to seeing you again.!!!!!

life is full of krimps

Hi Guys, I am so sorry about Larry. Life certainly has a way of knocking the wind out of our sails, doesn't it?
Uncle Frank and I will still be coming to Ky on Tuesday. We will let Leanne know what time later. We will have a good time with a tinge of sadness. AP

church

I must respond to my own blog regarding some ladies at church.....actually this has nothing to do with the ladies but church itself. I love the church, I love going to church, I love watching people greet and hug each other. I believe that church has a vital part in our christian growth not to mention our worship. We, as Christians need each other. We need to support and be supported, pray for and with others, encourage and be encouraged, worship collectively, pray for each other, HEAR the Word of God, commune with God and so much more. A major part of that comes from the church.
I know there are people that fall short of what they should be, are selfish, gossips, back biters, snobby, and sometimes down right mean. But aren't we all? We are sinners and we cannot get a way from being around sinners. There are the same kind of people at work, at the supermarket,at the gym...any where we go. But we don't not go to those places, do we? I have been hurt or offended at work and all those other places but I still go. And they don't have the presence of God and His love and grace like church does.
The bible talks about the organized church all over the place...including the kind of people I just talked about but God still gave all the directions for the church and the instruction to not forsake the assembling of our selfs together. (kjv) He loves the church because He made the church for "the church" (universal)
When we are offended by the church, we are to forgive them, learn from them and not be like them. That way we are a testimony to the grace and love of God. The church isn''t just for us but we are to be for the church. We are one body but many parts and we are to function together whether the finger pokes us in the eye or we step on the toes.
I could go on because I love the church...sometimes I don't like some of the body but I still love the church. I fell in love with the church the minute I got saved and my feelings have not changed. I have been through a lot of crap with people in the church but that doesn't matter in the long run. What matters is that we love God's church and forgive the offenders because He loves the church and died for it. We are the bride and we shouldn't be "bridezilla" to His bridal party, now should we ? So...go to church, get involved and be a part of it. Meet people, pray for them, encourage them, build them up because this is what Jesus does for us. It's a good thing Jesus didn't beat it out of here when he ran into offensive mean people, isn't it? :-) Thank you, Jesus for being our example and helping us to live like you. Because we can't do it by ourselves.

they can't ruin my sunday, even though the try hard enough

I love sunday's! I love my church, worship time, the best preaching in the world but I hate the people. :-( ( just kidding)
After a lovely time of worship and a great sermon, I speak to one lady and she doesn't answer me. I figure she didn't hear me. So I am talking to another lady and lady #1 is standing there also and I say hello again. Nothing!
Then later she comes up to me and asks me to bake something for next sunday night. I say ok. And then I ask about her daughter...Jen, who I haven't seen in a while. Big mistake! She goes into how angry and upset her daughter is because she wasn't asked to be on the worship team when the previous worship leader left (who happened to be her lady #1's son) She accused the new WL of lying without acually verbalizing it. You know how facial expressions can say more that words sometimes. Any way, it wasn't pleasant because I stood up for the new WL. Then I go and speak to a lady from the Ladies Bible Study and she says "I need to talk to you about something that happened in the last LBS. I say to myself..Uh Oh! Then she proceeds to tell how she felt we let another lady down ( who has never said anything about it) when she expressed some problems. That we did not build her up, etc. And that 2 other ladies had called her and said the same thing. BLah! Blah! Blah! Please forgive me if I sound uncaring but I think that if someone in a group has a problem they need to go to the Leaders and not talk among themselves . That just borders gossip and does not solve any thing. I was near tears feeling like it was all my fault. That I am the worst person in the world and about as spiritual as a door knob.
Well, anyway, they tried to ruin my life but I fooled them and went out to eat with my husband and had a good time. I came home and did my bills and actaully did not go over budget, and I don't have to work tomorrow,and now I am sitting in my PJ's and blogging my little heart out to my favorite people. What more can one ask for? :-) good nite!

this is waht families are for!

Wow! Do I love these blogs. It is so awesome that family can share tears and joy, encouragement and discouragement. Laughter plays a very big part in our sanity, doesn't it? No reason God said that laughter does good, like medicine.
I had a very good day at work. I got to counsel a lady that decided she is ready to die. She is an older lady, very sweet and gentle. She had a bad stroke a while ago, before I met her. She can't talk, walk or eat normally. She has a feedingtube, I always enjoyed taking care of her, she always had a smile for me. Well, she started refusing the nurses to give her the feeding. I explained to her what would happen and she still refused. I talked to her daughter and she said "My Mom wants to die" She was a very active person before her stroke and now she can do nothing...except suck on lollipops. She loves lollipops ;-)
Today, I got to take care of "Loretta" again. I went to her and now she is refusing all her medications and any water flushes for her tube. I again explained to her the possible consequences of not taking meds, etc. She shook her head No! Then I asked her if she was ready for what will happen since she has quit everything and she nodded yes. I ask her if she is ready to die? She nodded yes. I asked her if she knew believed in Jesus and she nodded yes. I asked her if she had accepted Him as her saviour and she nodded yes. I smiled at her and touched her face and said OK. She smiled. What an honor!
Then I went to our conference tonight on prophecy...WOW!!!! It has been a long time since I have studied Revelation and the end times. I can't believe how ready the world is for the tribulation. Everything, more than ever in history is in place. That means that the Rapture is truly imminent. The preacher asked..."are you ready"? So I started thinking, yes, I am ready spiritually but in reality...? There are times when I will be glad to see Jesus but then there are times that I would like to do more here on earth. Of course, that is when things are going good.
Then I think, I don't want to not be Frank's wife or do wifey things with him. I have always done everything with him, He has always been there. That's the worldly me thinking because I know that all I ever needed inFrank will be met a thousand times over in Christ. My marriage and relationship with Frank is only a precursor to my heavenly relationship with the saviour.
I think I just need to meditate on what being with Jesus means and will be like.
Well, another day tomorrow and what will God bring into my life ? Good nite! P.

Not a blogger day but I will go for it

Now I have read every body's blog and thoroughly enjoyed them. So I will blog and hope for the best :-)
I haven't been feeling too good...a weird cold but have literally made myself continue on with my busy life. I went to work yesterday only wanting to go home all day. Then I had a Home and Garden party I had to go to , while just wanting to put on my PJ's like Leanne's friend and crawl under the covers. But I went for my friend and she owes me big time! So I left early and did what I wanted to in the first place.
Then I had to work today and went in 45 min. late. I can do that, you know, since I am an agency nurse they can't yell at me. Not a bad day, a few shots and a enema. That guy hugged me afterwards (for the enema) It doesn't take much to make some people happy. Hmmm, it really wasn't sexual.
Then I went to the store after work and got some really good deals..cases of pepsi's for 1.99 each
.I love those grand openings!!! I got home and talked to my other sister, Betty for a while. Then heated some left-overs for supper and told Frank.."No, I am not going to church tonight" ( special conference) He said "Ok, I'll just tell the people you are not going to church anymore". I said " they are so used to that they probably won't even ask" :-) I really love my church! So now I am in my PJ's and blogging away. And now I am closing and going to look for something to eat while I am in bed under the covers...Good night, all

sunday and the week ahead

Frank preached today and came home and crashed. I had to go to a Ladies tea (more on this) and when I came back he was still laying down...in fact he is still laying down. I tried to tell him that you don't get over this illness quickly.
The ladies tea was at a "Tea House" we have locally. It is very nice, victorian in nature, real english scones with lemon curd and clotted cream. I always wondered why they name it those names when it is so good. I first had it in England and went many years without finding it in the states. Dottie and I went to a tea house called "The Tea Hive" and it was really much better...when any of you come, we will go there. But it was a nice time. The lady that heads it up always has a question for us to answer...kind of deep but the ladies respond real well. Today it was " Where are you in this season of your life" I was hesitant to answer because all the ladies there had children either very young or teens. But the Lord gave me this thought.... I am at a stage of freedom..free to do things and go places, experiment with home-based businesses or just be alone. But I told the ladies to not be sad or afraid when they come to another stage of their lives because each stage has it's blessings ( some had expressed a sadness of children growing up and going a way). There might be some sadness but along with that sadness will be an excitement at a new phase that God can do new and great things for and through us. Just be willing to grow yourself and explore life in a new way. It is way cool!!
Next week is very busy...I am working 4 days, aChurch Conference 3 nights, a decorating party, and I feel lousy with a sore throat and a headache. I am staying home with germy Frank.
So have a good week,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, counting the days til Thanksgiving! P.

IM GETTING THE HANG OF IT :-)

Hello all, what a day this has been...We found out my hubby has bronchitis and a bit of pneumonia..He is on an antibiotic so should start improving soon...Poor baby, he has been so sick And boy, does he hate it! Then I had Ladies Bible Study this am (this is a good thing) We are going through "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". I lead it with another lady. The Lord always speaks to me through this study and the other ladies being so transparent.
So after this I took hubby to the doc, then go get his medicine, then to get his favorite coffee and croissant so something good could happen to him. Then we come home to our septic tank over flowing through the downstairs toilet...yuch! So we call the septic people and they came quickly...amazing! So while they were working I made candles...soy candles. I will tell you about soy candles on my next blog...Kimber..I have a insta-candle for you...ask Leanne if she has made her candle yet :-)
Any way, I made 10 candles...5 cinnamon spice and 5 hyacinth...nice! I had already made some vanilla and cucumber melon. Yes, I hope to sell them.
So after the septic men left...guess what! Yep, I had to scrub the bathroom...yuck! Then I made marinara sauce and had spaghetti for supper. ( I am a nurse, I can eat after anything) I can eat spaghetti every day. I luv pasta!!
Now I am washing sheets and blankets from my germy hubby and rambling on my blog which I like to do...rambling that is :-)

blogging a new experience

Hi...this is my first time to blog. I have a few friends that have really made quite a fellowship doing this so I am looking forward to the same. My name is Pat and I live in new Jersey. I am a nurse, working in Long Term Care Facilities taking care of the elderly. I am married to a wonderful man, have 3 grown sons and 5 awesome grandkids. I enjoy crafts, reading,traveling and church. Church to me is more than a place to go on sundays or a tradition or place I have to go to. Church is truly a place to meet God, leaving all our cares and woes behind. A place to bask in His love and acceptance. I sound like an old person but I am not. :-)