CONFESSIONS
I do not like confessions. Well…those that I have to make, anyway. And, occasionally I have to. Yes. I tend to get excited and go rip-roaring through life, and sometimes that is not a good thing. I frequently find myself having to back pedal. Not fun.
But, my DH is usually just the opposite. Ambling slowly through life is more his style. And, that gives him a chance to correct things as he goes along, or sidestep them all together. And, that is probably a much better way of living than mine…but…it is what it is.
HOWEVER…there are times when he will lose his mind…temporarily, of course…and go on a rip and a tear. In sharp contrast to the ones that I go on…his usually only last a minute or so. What sets him off is usually something that is out of place, or some perceived ‘stack of mess’…which is, in all actuality, NOT. It is usually a ’stack of things that I want to get to when I have time’. I don’t ‘stack’ junk…just the things that are worthy of my time. DH, unfortunately, has quite a different idea of ‘junk’ than I. And, therein lies the reason for this post.
I have on my island/counter/hub of activity station a large wooden box. Inside are my candles, and salt and pepper, and other things that we frequently need here. And, so, knowing his bent to pitch what he considers junk…I put a small stack of papers and catalogs inside so they would be safe from his hands. Imagine, then, how I must have felt when I walked into the kitchen this morning to go through my stack of goodies while I savored my pop-tarts…and my stack was gone. GONE, I tell you—–nowhere to be seen. In times past I have sometimes been able to rescue portions of other ‘discarded by him goodies’ from atop the garbage can. But, his latest lapse was last night….while he was gathering the trash……to put in the big trash cans to take to the street…for garbage pick-up today since Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, which is our usual garbage day. So, there was no rescue going to take place. There was no getting back what he had thoughtlessly swept into the trash. [Well, actually, he didn't 'sweep' it...he had to make a conscious decision to pick it up and discard it. Which in my book is much, much worse.] So, here is CONFESSION #1——I don’t actually remember what all was in the stack…so I cannot be specific in my fussing. I do know that I had some important coupons, and a magazine, and a catalog that I was going to order something for our sweet little grandson on his very first Christmas and which now he will never have and it’s all his fault. DH’s fault…all his.
So, what was I going to do while I sat and ate? I realize that some of you dear readers do not find it necessary to do two things at once, but I function so much better when I do. Even though it doesn’t make sense, I feel the need to do something else while eating if there is no one to talk to. And, there wasn’t at 5:30 this morning. Looking around the kitchen and the den, I didn’t spy anything that grabbed my attention. There was only one small devotional book lying on the ledge of the box. And, so, here is CONFESSION #2——-I didn’t really want to read the devotional book. I had more important things to read. Not proud of that.
But, I did pick it up. And now I can tell you, that that is what I was intended to read this morning. It is what I needed to read. And, this is the blessing I wish to share with you. There was an article there entitled The Miracle of Food. What a blessing. I have never thought of food in quite the way that this author does. The article consists of an interview with Alton Brown, who is host of several cooking shows and winner of numerous awards for his culinary talent. I offer you the link, and hope that you have the chance to read this before the big day tomorrow. But, even if it is after…the thoughts contained herein are so worth your time. Read it here…The Miracle of Food, A Conversation with Alton Brown. Go, read it now…and come back. I have something else to tell you, but you won’t understand it unless you have read the article. So, GO, I’ll wait for you.
And, now to CONFESSION #3——–I am NOT the one with the gift of service in our family. That person would be my sister, Joy. Quoting from the article…”Cooking is an act of service, an act of hospitality……No one will cook as well for you as someone who loves you and cares for you. That’s the food that nourishes above all, because of how and why it was produced. And, so cooking for our families, eating with our families—that is powerful stuff.” Joy is in charge of Thanksgiving for our family. She has planned it…she is cooking it…she will set it all up at Pop’s house…and she has already told me- she will do all the cleaning up. That is a gift of service.
[I disdain cooking. It never goes right when I do. Someone always complains about this or that...and rightfully so. My mom was a wonderful cook...and my Mother-in-love was a wonderful cook...and my sister is a wonderful cook...and my daughter-in-love is a wonderful cook. And, I think that is plenty of wonderful cooks in any family!!! Seriously, I can cook, but I have never enjoyed it. And, now we have a gas stove which shoots fire at me everytime I turn it on and an oven with so many buttons and pings and dings and sounds it makes you nigh unto crazy just trying to preheat it!] But, back to Joy…
And, this is not the only area she gives of herself. She watches over all the members of her family with love and care and understanding. She serves our church by sharing her musical talents as our church pianist, and she loves and cares for so many of the older members of our church. She keeps in close contact with so many of them, and especially those who were friends with Mom. And, she is the major ‘go to person’ for Pop. She shoulders most of the load in doing things for him and with him. I cannot tell you what all she does, and she would be upset with me if I did. I am so often tied up with Alex and my own health issues, but Joy is always there. I thank her and love her for all she does for us our family. You have heard me say before how my boys love her. And, she, them. We, as the Townsend/Owens/ McKibben family are blessed beyond measure to have her as ours.
To end, CONFESSION #4—–I am still upset about my ‘stuff’ that DH threw away… guess I’ll just have to start a new stack!
Thanksgiving—-it has come to be thought of as most about the food…and that is important. And, it’s not such a bad thing really. Because it serves as a reason for our families to get together…to eat together…to laugh together…to recall blessings together…to pray together.
May God bless you and yours with health, happiness, and peace……and lots of laughter!
LIFE IS……
Yesterday I started writing a post to report on Pop (he’s doing great!) and showing some pictures of that sweet and precious Baby Levi.
That was about all there was to report on…it had been kinda of a ‘slow news week’ around here. Not that I was complaining, mind you…just reporting the facts. And, I know that there’s the old saying about ‘knock on wood’ that is appropriate at such times so as to ward off any bad luck. If you believe in that sort of thing. I don’t. Therefore, I didn’t. Knock on wood, that is. But, perhaps I should rethink that considering the events of today. Hold on…I’ve got some reporting to do now…if my fingers will hold up!
FRIDAY: Last week I asked Adam if he would take Finn to the Vet for me because he needed his shots and his annual checkup. He is just hard for me to manage, with his jumping and pulling. Adam said he would be happy to and he called yesterday and planned to take him. But things happened and he got busy and couldn’t. So, I told him I would make an appointment for Friday…which I did. And, all was going as planned. Life is good.
Today (Friday) Adam came to get Finn and took him to the vet. About 2 hours later, I called to see what was going on, since it usually doesn’t take that long. He said they had gotten behind and said for him to leave Finn and they would call him when he was finished. ”Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll get him and bring him home as soon as they call.” Life…still good.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I have been in ‘bad back’ mode. I finally took some stronger pain meds about midnight Thursday. I slept then, and till about 9 this morning. My back was feeling better, but I planned to take some muscle relaxers today and keep heat on it. So, I did not plan to leave the house at all…all day long. And, in Tonjaville that means that I am in comfy, baggy pants, the biggest t-shirt that I can find and no make up….and that I may or may not have on upper body underwear. Today, it so happens, I did. And, why I feel the need to share all the intimate details of my life with the blogosphere…I just don’t know. Except, I tell you everything else, so why not. And, it was to my advantage today that it so happened I was totally clothed. Life is comfortable!
After I talked to Adam, I lay back down, until the phone woke me up…and everything broke loose…
RING-RING
ADAM…”mom, can you go get Finn? I have to go pick up Levi from Suzanne at Circuit City and get him home. I have a client to meet with at 5.” [Suzanne and her Mom were going to Kid's Market, a yearly sale of used baby and children's clothes and toys and paraphernalia...sold so cheap you can get a whole wardrobe for $20!]
TONJA…(in her dishevelled state) ” sure. Or, why don’t you get Finn and I will go and get Levi and bring him back to the house. We’ll just meet up here”. [See, I knew I could get Levi and bring him home and not have to get out of my car and be seen by anyone other that Levi's other Grandmother, Mary.
RING-RING
SUZANNE..."Thanks for helping me out Mrs. Tonja, Call Mother and let her know where you are parked to get Levi. But, don't leave till I get there cause I have to smother my little boy with kisses because I haven't seen him since this morning!"
TONJA..."no problem, Babe."
I arrive in the parking lot and parked in a conspicuous space and soon Mary came and we switched Levi from one grandmother's car to the other. We sat and visited, and talked about how blessed we were to have Levi and what a terrific baby he is, and how fortunate he is to have such wonderful grandparents! 
Life is sweet!
RING---RING
ADAM..."Mom, I need you to come on home right now because Finn jumped up and hit the door and it slammed shut and my keys were in the car and I have called a locksmith to come and open the car and I need to use your car to get to my house to meet with the bride and then I will come back and get Levi and leave your car and get mine."
TONJA..."you do not have any spare keys?"
I see no need to share his response to that query. I told him I was on my way. I put the sweet baby in the car seat and headed toward home. Life is messy!
"Do everything without grumbling or complaining." Phillipians 2:14
RING-RING
SUZANNE..."Mrs. Tonja, Adam has locked his keys..."
TONJA..."I know...I'm on my way. Tell Adam not to call a locksmith...it's so expensive...let his Dad try to help him get it open."
SUZANNE..."I can not get him to answer his phone. I have called and called. OK Bye"
RING-RING
ADAM..."Mom, this is what we are going to do. The locksmith is coming and when you get here, I will take your car home and go meet my client and then come back and pick up Levi."
TONJA..."Sounds fine. I'll be there in 5 minutes."
I made it home and got Levi out of the car and inside. And, after I changed his diaper, I said, "Levi, let's go rock and chill out a little." I could tell Levi liked that idea...I know these things. I asked Alex to wait for the locksmith to get here. And, Adam left in my car. Sometimes, Life works out well!
Then Alex came down the hall with Finn close behind.
ALEX.."Mom, look at his face. Something is wrong with his face. Mom, LOOK!"
And with Levi on my hip, I looked down and sweet Finn looked like a Shar-pei. You know those big wrinkly dogs? And, he is a rat terrier. His face was huge! His eyes were almost swollen shut. I was worried that, even though he was breathing fine at the time, it might not last. And, while I know very well how to do CPR on an adult...I am just not up to date on canine CPR!"
I handed Levi off to Alex and headed to the phone. The vets office said to come right on back in.
OK. So I got the leash, and headed out the door and there was Adam's car and the doors were still locked. I realized quickly that I was not going anywhere. Life is unpredictable!
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not
in despair..."2 Corinthians 4:8,9
RING-RING
ALEX.."Adam this is Alex. Finn is having an allergic reaction to something and his face is getting bigger and bigger and his eyes are nearly closed and he needs to go to the vet and we don't have a car. When is the locksmith coming?"
ADAM... "they should be there any minute."
And, they were. Alex told them we had a dog in distress and the man said get your dog and I will have this opened before you get back and he did. I fixed a bottle for the baby, and told Alex what to do with Levi and headed out with Finn.
We made it to the vet before they closed and they called him a 'shar-pei' also. The vet said he was allergic either to the flu shot or the rabies vaccine. They gave him 2 shots and said he should be better by tomorrow.
[FYI: I was still in those 'comfy clothes' I put on this morning. (See why I'm glad I had on all my underpinnings?) I have not been afforded the time to comb my hair or apply make up. I'm a frightful mess.]
Adam came in while I was still at the vet. He was so worried about Finn, he called his client and rescheduled. He has a tender heart for animals…well, except deer, of course. (You know deer season starts about now. I’d rather not talk about it.)
The vets then gave Finn 2 shots to counteract whatever gave him ‘Shar Pei face’. We got him home, and there was Alex giving Levi a bottle. He was obviously still hungry so I sat down then, and fed him his food. And breathed. Life is exhausting!
“Let us be concerned with one another in order to promote love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
A baby and a Mama and a Daddy and a Lulu, an Uncle and a dog...all doing the crazy dance of life on this late November day. Working together, changing directions as needed, to get all taken care of...seeing to it that all were well and happy and safe and sound. Isn't that what a family is supposed to do? What a blessing to be a part of one who loves each other...
…Loves each other enough NOT to say, “YOU LOCKED THE KEYS IN THE CAR?”…even though one may have thought it.
…Loves each other enough NOT to say, “YOU FED HIM HIS BOTTLE AND FOOD AT 5:30?…Gee, thanks, now he’ll be up all night!”
…Loves each other enough NOT to say. “$65.00! $65 TO UNLOCK YOUR CAR!” (Oh, wait, I think I did hear that one!) Said in love, of course.
LIFE IS GOOD! And, all is well.
"I'm afraid my family tree is full of nuts!
But, don't tell them I said so." Levi
THOUGHTS IN A HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM
1. It is possible for a newscaster to talk from 6:00AM…till the present time (11:26 AM) about 1 story. I have been witness to such. The Sandusky scandal and Joe Paterno’s knowledge and involvement in it has been examined in every way possible. Every player and every ‘man on the street’ has given their viewpoint. Everyone finds it despicable, and everyone has an opinion as to what should be done. But really, do we care about what a player who was on the team 10 years ago thinks? Why do we even need to know what anyone thinks? Report the news…have a scheduled news conference if need be and then let it be. Update occasionally until a decision is reached. We don’t need to know what color of socks Paterno wore when he was coach. We don’t need to know what he instilled in his players. He, along with the others involved, dropped the ball. Innocent children were irreparably damaged and they are all guilty in one degree or another.
Adam and I have been held hostage by a big screen TV set to ESPN…and unable to be changed. I know all I never even wanted to know about the abuse and it sickens me. And, there were 2 others set the same, so there was no getting away from it.
2. I despise those paper towel dispensers in rest rooms that you have to wave your hand in front of and get a tiny square of sandpaper. Every restroom at this hospital has them. It makes me want to get a wad of tissues and bring with me to use instead. What disturbs me even more is that if you get one square to come out…it is nigh unto impossible to get another one to dispense…without waiting several minutes for the machine to collect it’s thoughts and get back to its job. What just TOTALLY UNNERVES ME is the fact that Sister can stand there with a satisfied look on her face and get it to send out rolls and rolls of the stuff. And then she offers to share hers with me.
Fact..she’s better at dispensing towels than I. I can live with that. She also had that’ car on the sidewalk’ episode at this hospital…just saying.
3. The chairs that line the walls in waiting rooms are designed by a sadist. Pleather seats with no…read it…NO padding. Hard wooden slats for arm rests. The little couches that seat 2 are better padded, and easy to sink into…but nearly impossible to get out of without help. And v.e.r.y. hard to get into a decent position to blog. And isn’t that what hospital waiting rooms are for, after all. I learned that I can only cross my legs and balance my laptop for a limited time. Then, parts of me need to take a break. But, that’s probably more than you needed to know, isn’t it?
4 .Obviously those who installed the vending machine at this hospital, had a wicked sense of humor.
Joy and I went to get a snack and something to drink because that dry biscuit we got this morning from the motel was fading fast. So, we stopped at the snack machine first and were able to both get something to eat with no trouble whatsoever…EASY PEASY. I mean we have used a few thousand vending machines in our lifetimes.
I then moved on down to the drink machine.YEA! They have Diet Dr. Pepper…in bottles!!! Life is good. UM I’ve never seen this before…machine only accepts $1.00 or $5.00 bills. Well, I know the drinks are more than a dollar, but I can’t see any price but ‘takes $1 or$5 bills’. OK. Well, I’ll try a dollar first. Money in and it gives me 4 quarters back. Obviously it is more than $1…so I put in a $5 dollar bill, and mashed the DDP picture. Nothing comes out…except a BIG pile of change. Sooooooo, I put in two dollars worth of change…and push the DDP sign again…all my change comes back…and no DDP comes out. I turn around and tell Joy that these are the dumbest machines I’ve ever seen. Well, what’s wrong says she-as she’s drinking her Coke. I keep putting my money in and it sends it back in change and it doesn’t give me my drink.
Then she starts laughing like a crazy, maniacal, possessed woman…with no empathy in her soul at all. She asked me where are you putting in the money and I showed her and she just pointed…here, I’ll show you…
Yes…I was putting my money in the change machine and and pushing the DDP picture. I’ll wait while you stop laughing. Sister is still laughing. But, in my defense…do you see how hard it is to see the money slot for the drinks? Stupid machine placement, if you ask me…I would have hit her but there were several other people there obviously enjoying these 2 daft old women from who knows where trying to figure out a simple drink machine.
5. Well, that episode gave us a little break…and in just a few minutes, they called us back to recovery. So, Joy comes down, and tells Adam to go and get the car and after leaving the deck to turn RIGHT, then RIGHT, then RIGHT and into the patient pick up lane. So Adam gets to the car and turns…..LEFT!!!!!!! We stood outside and waited for about 15 minutes and I called him. Is something wrong? No, I’m just lost. Where are you? I’ll call you back…I think I see it. Wait…10 minutes…call again, while standing next to the road in the rain so he could see me. Where are you now? 3rd Ave N. I ask the escort who brought us out and he just laughed and said that’s a long way from here and heading the wrong way. I told Adam to turn around…he did…and FINALLY after another 5 minutes, he makes it. We all just laughed. Cause what else can you do? This was the same hospital where Joy drove dowm the sidewalk to pick us up last year. Either it’s really a difficult thing to do, or our whole family is one brick shy of a load.
6. Seriously. no one should ever send an elderly person to a hospital by themselves. Everyone deserves to have some help maneuvering the ‘wait here’ and the ‘go to third floor waiting’ and ‘go back to the lobby’. We observed several elderly folks who were so turned around and no one to help them. And, that little twirp of a receptionist keeps using her ‘irritated voice’ when they get confused. She has also been reported to the supervisor. We are so fortunate that our family is as close as it is and that we know we can call on any member at any time. But, all are not so lucky. We must be available to fill in that gap.
_________________________________
O.K. the waiting room ordeal is over and we are all back at the hotel. We stopped at McDonalds to eat because Pop wanted a Fish Sandwich. And, now, Adam and Pop are going to take a nap. And, Joy and I are going to take the car for a little spin and perhaps stop if something catches our fancy. No need to hang around watching them sleep, is there?
Last night, Ian met us after work and took us all downtown to a local spot. He surely knows the locations of some fine restauraunts…this was no exception. We enjoyed our dinner and our time together, then turned in early since Pop had to be at the hospital at 6:00.
I wonder if I could tell this story any more out of order? Sorry. Adam was such a big help and right there with his Pop the whole time. Thanks, Adam!
We went back to the hospital the morning after the surgery to check in with the doctor. He had to dilate his eyes 3 separate times in order to check them well. They were much more swollen than he thought they would be. But..all was well, and he was very pleased. He has to be very careful and follow Dr.’s orders until he returns in 2 weeks.
Joy, Pop and I were glad to have one more step in this saga taken care of.
As we travelled around town and thre and back, we were delighted to see such beauty in the trees. The leaves were trying to out glow one another. 
Yes. Yes that is a reindeer head sticking up in that picture. The trees were decoration enough without adding Christmas in so early. What, we can not even enjoy Thanksgiving anymore? In store after store, the Fall merchandise along with the Thanksgiving items were already slashed to less than half price. Bad news if you’d like to purchase something for your Thanksgiving Dinner table. Crazy.
Joy and I made a quick stop at Pottery Barn and found nothing we needed. Right next door was PBKids, so we thought we just peruse their wares in case Sweet John Thomas or Baby Levi needed a thing or two. Bought a few cute little items and then, I totally lost my mind…totally! I bought a bean bag chair. A B I G bean bag chair. I forgot we were a little crowded already…so Joy and I rode to Dothan with a bean bag chair undulating in whatever spaces it could in the back seat. A convenient place to rest your head, though!
We are so thankful for the way the Lord answered our prayers. Pop is doing well and each day his eye improves. God, alone, gets the glory.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 AMEN.
MONKEYS AND TURTLES AND CANDY! OH MY!
On Saturday, our church hosted a Fall Festival for the community. There was nice weather…a little cool, a little windy…but no complaints from the kids who were playing games, getting faces painted, munching on pop corn, winning prizes, and jumping around in a huge inflatable! Then there were hot dogs for everyone…as well as a fleet of cars, full of candy, waiting for ‘Trunk or Treat’! I didn’t really get to observe the other areas, because my friend, Monty, and I painted without stopping for the whole time! Such fun! Too bad several of the festival go-ers wanted much more elaborate art work than we were qualified to perform.
We were distracted at one point by the cutest little monkey! He didn’t have any interest in having his face painted…but was happy to steal a hug and a kiss from us!
They then went to Abbeville to see John Thomas and the Fall Festival at Will and Tara’s church.
Hooking up with John Thomas, they stopped long enough to pose for a picture together…
Hold up for just a minute, John Thomas…we want to see your turtle costume…
Since Saturday, Levi has developed a cold. Teething and runny noses…they all go together. But, he put on his best face and made it through Trick or Treating (his version). First stop…Levi and Grandaddy…
And, one more…smile for the camera…
Isn’t that sweet face just the picture of happiness ? OK here’s a couple of cartoons…
Why, you use a PUMPKIN PATCH, of course!
Forgive me…only 1 joke. I’m about to fall asleep…
BEAUTIFUL BEARS ARE MISSING
Where, O where can my little bears be?
O where, O where can they be?
I’ve looked high and low
But they just won’t show,
O where, O where can they be?
O where, O where can my little bears be?
O where, O where can they be?
They all are so dear…
And I had them last year.
O where, O where can they be?
O where, O where can my little bears be?
O where, O where can they be?
I wish they’d come out…
If I found them I’d shout!
O where, O where can they be?
==========================
It’s true…they are nowhere to be found. And, there are 3 more not pictured. You would think they would be packed up with al the other fall decor that I get out and pack back up every year. But, no—–obviously I thought I had a better place to store them than in the correct place. Why do I continuously sabotage myself? Oh, well, it’ll be a great surprise when they do turn up. (Sorta like when I hide my own Easter Eggs)
So, if you happen to see any unaccompaned minor bears…please call 1=800=334=Fnd=Bers..
About Me
I am a Christian woman who has survived 56 years on the planet. God has blessed me with a wonderful family: husband, 3 sons and a dear DIL. I also have dear friends to keep me inspired. I am an artist of sorts and am finding my way through the great blessing of retirement. I recently retired after 20 years as a music teacher. Life is good!
My Parents
Me & Don
Gatherings
