Want to Analyze a Couple of Dreams?

In the midst of this Corona Virus Pandemic, present-day life is definitely causing anxiety, and anxiety often shows up in our dreams.

This post is meant to bring some comic relief among the barrage of scary news stories. My sister is the funniest person I know, so I try to save pieces of her humor so I can have a good laugh anytime I read them again.

Friday the 13th of March, I received this gem of a text message from my sister:

Dreamed last night that Wayne told you he wanted a divorce.  You asked him to go to counseling and he said it was too much bureaucracy.  So you came to stay with us at our house.  Then you and I went back to your house to "break in" to Wayne's financials!   (This was a movie!!! What the hell?)  Also he was going to open a candy store and when we came to your house there was candy everywhere!

Anyone what to analyze this dream for me? Do I have something to worry about - other than the virus?


This Sunday morning I got an early morning call with another treasure of a dream.

Paula called to tell me that she dreamed that I dropped her off at my church and told her she had to lead a Sunday School class.  She was in a panic because all these people were waiting on her to help them fill in the blanks with the right bible verses.  And she couldn't find any of the bible verses she needed.  PANIC!!

Every person has had the "not prepared" dream.  But Paula must be clairvoyant because we watched our church service by live streaming it and the sermon series was on......ANXIETY.

Oh, and Paula, all the parishioners are still sitting in class waiting for you to give them those answers and scripture readings!  I think the answers can be found in  the book of Ecclesiastes!! (and that's a whole other story!!)

Feel free to comment below and share your analysis!

So, What Do I Do Today?

I'm trying to think of some options to keep busy today while practicing social distance.  The temptation is to sit around, watch TV, and snack!  All of which are bad news for mental, spiritual, and physical health.

So far today, I've completed my Bible Study lesson, which I think helps me find more peace. My class no longer meets, but I can still do a lesson each day.  I'm finding that at night time my thoughts become more anxious and I start to play little scenarios in my head.  So I definitely need some peace from the only ONE who has control and a plan to walk with me through this.

Then I tried contacting hotels, airlines, etc. because we had a lot of wedding and travel plans.  Alas, not a lot of success as we're still a little over a month before the travel dates.  So we have to wait in limbo.  My Mantra when frustrated:  Be kind, be kind, be kind!!!

So I now need some positive activity.  For starters it's on to the treadmill while watching my new binge favorite:  The British Baking Show.

It's competition and baking.  What's not to love?  I have to put the captions on so I can understand what they're saying cause those accents are a little tough to decipher.  (My age might have something to do with it too!!)

I am fascinated with the types of food they bake.  I've never heard of most of them, and the terms they use are so foreign to me.  I'm impressed by seeing how many men spend their time baking!!  

All I can say is I'd love to spend time baking with some of these people.  They are so knowledgeable about flavors, techniques, and decorations.  

Since we are all at home, why not try something new in the kitchen?  I got an email from America Test Kitchen.  They're offering a free trial for all of their tested recipes.

If you don't want the hassle of a trial membership, here's a link to some free recipes from them.  They have ideas for cooking with kids on this page too.

https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/2240-resources-you-can-count-on-to-cook-well-and-be-well

Lastly, today I'm going to learn to use Zoom.  Engage my brain in some new technology that allows me to video conference with family and friends.   I can grab my glass of wine, sit on the couch a talk to my entire family, or my set of KC friends.  We can all hangout together.  And it's a free app!  I always like free!   Check it out: https://zoom.us/pricing

Here's a You-tube video on how to use Zoom.  
https://youtu.be/bTSJ0YDoF7o

That's a good start on the day I have been gifted with.  Hoping that everyone has the opportunity to try something new, be kind, and help someone in need today!

Mandatory Home Time - Now What?

Gotta stay home. Minimal Contact. Those are the orders coming from the top.  And in order to keep our citizens safe from the "Virus", it's what we all should be doing.

Reality has shifted.  Some have to continue to work - from home. Some have lost their livelihoods - don't know for how long.  Parents have to juggle home - work - children and home-schooling.  In order to stay safe, grandparents can't help out their families.  The many who have to continue to work are putting themselves at risk for the benefit of those they serve.

Before this Pandemic many of us wished we had more free time to do all those things we rarely get to do in life (sleep in late, travel, not work - just play).  Well it's hard to sleep late when the kids are home unless you have teens; no one can travel even though there are many who now have plenty of forced time off; and no one is supposed to be socializing except in small groups with a social distance of six feet.  Not much fun in that.  Hey, raise that glass of wine to your friend six feet across the room.....and try not to breathe or cough on them while you are at it.  For heavens sake, don't touch anything in common unless you have a disinfectant wipe handy.


Feelings of isolation are setting in.  So I've been contemplating how to minimize those feelings and at the same time, do something for my community.  I love seeing on TV all the great examples of what people are doing to stay connected.  I think there is blessing to be had even in the midst of this Pandemic.

Yesterday, Wayne and I delivered Meals on Wheels.  There are so many more Seniors at home now that community centers have closed.  We've decided to deliver more days a week.  This is an activity we can do together, safe in our car - yet out in the community dropping off meals to hungry Seniors.  No contact.  We just drop off the meals on their porch, give them a call and let them know the food is there.  We can also monitor who is answering and who is not so we know if they are okay.

Now who can resist this face?  I think a walk everyday with this guy would be just great.  We're so lucky that our daughter lives a mile from our house.  Being outdoors, getting some fresh air and exercise, well that will help keep the blues away.  My daughter is able to work from home, so now we have time to meet for a walk.  I keep a 6 ft. walking pole handy so I can keep her far enough away from me.  

It's important to find just the right walking stick:

Tomorrow is another day to challenge myself to try something new, to foster new creativity, and to find ways to help my community.  And I certainly have the time!

We All Need a Good Laugh These Days!

Everyone needs a good laugh these days.  My sister continues to make me laugh.  This is from a few years back, but it is still funny!

The Laminator:  FYI  - almost had a near death experience in the library. Had my lanyard on…..reached over the laminator to make sure laminating paper was not getting wound back in…. when I felt a slight tug on my neck.  I looked down and my glamour photo was being pulled into the lamination.  Luckily,  because of my cat-like reflexes …. I pulled back and my picture ripped off my lanyard before my lanyard got pulled into the laminating machine. Would have been a long weekend if my lanyard got pulled in and I would be stuck.  Glad to be alive and going home. Have a great weekend! Cherish every minute.  :)

Now that March Madness has been called off.  Enjoy this rant by my sister.  What year was this?  I have no idea!  Still Funny.  Read to the end.

Basket Ball:  Did anyone see the push that Michigan State had?  On the replay there was a ref watching the whole thing and did nothing! Not only is the NBA dirty but these college refs are controlling who wins. I hate Michigan State and hope they lose the championship in 4 overtimes on a full court shot that spins around the rim 12 times before it goes in..   and the shooter was thrown to the ground during the shot, hits his head, receives a concussion and nothing is called. Only then will I feel justice was served! Wow! I feel better already! Read Personal Foul by Tim Donaghy and you will never view basketball the same way ever again.

Later that day....

Ok, I don't really hate Michigan all that much anymore.  Last night I watched the last 10 minutes of the game and thought Virginia was Arizona.  I was screaming and hollering, cussing out Michigan. Then there are all these emails about if Arizona wins....blah blah blah....and I am thinking, "Good God!  Don't these people know Arizona lost last night?

I had Rahn come in and read these emails from these stupid people....    Then I was told by Kollin , John  and Rahn that it was Virginia who lost last night, not Arizona!

I think I may have had a seizure or stroke.
So.....never mind and  It's all good ...unless Michigan beats Arizona

Last Message.......

Ok, want to know something even funnier?  Maybe even scarier?  I picked Michigan to win last night.  
I think I need to print out my bracket and have it with me when I am watching basketball.  
A picture of the team jerseys might be helpful too.. Just sayin.

And that's my sister!  Don't cross her!

What Do I Get My Girlfriends for Their Birthdays?

I admit it!!! I am horrible at shopping for gifts---for ANY occasion!  I am not a shopper. I do not enjoy shopping - even for myself!  

Unless you are a cute little girl of eight or nine - and related to me - I don't have a clue what to get you for your birthday.  I am totally unaware of my friends' home decor, dressing preferences, jewelry preferences, favorite colors, etc.  (I do remember their wine preference--but I've overdone the wine and Mani-pedi gifts.)  They do deserve a little more thought from me - but it is so HARD!

So, Patty's birthday arrives in a few days. Think, think, think, think.....

Time to think outside the box.... 

I wonder if Patty has ever experienced a Brazilian Wax???

Or perhaps it's time for a new look....

I hear that Botox does wonders!  

Is Patty ready to take a leap into the unknown???  

Getting more down-to-earth, might be Patty's style....

Every girl could use a little "Specialty Shapewear"!!!!

Last but not least, when I'm running out of ideas, I can always buy Patty a new T-shirt.  She loves to buy new T-shirts.  She buys them everywhere she goes.  

Now I know this is a "maternity" t-shirt, but I know Patty is innovative and she'll find a great way to use this little gem.

So what to you all think???  Have I achieved the "out of the box" gift-shopping plan for Patty? 

Please, feel free to weigh in....I'd love other people's input!

Still Having Fun

My Birthday this year was a memory keeper.  So I have to put it down in print so I can enjoy it again and again.

Cards started coming in a few days early from friends and family that lived afar.  Always good to hear from them.  

And it's a tradition now that one of my friends and I always take each other out for a mani or pedi for our birthdays.  Love the gift of time with a friend;  two good things all wrapped into one.

Another good friend knows my love of plants, so she brought me a beautiful orchid like the one I had been admiring in her home.  She hand delivered it the afternoon of my birthday, along with TWO cards.  One for the birthday queen--she still recognizes my royal wonderfulness-- and the other depicting our homes still right next door to each other in her imaginary neighborhood.  She will always be my neighbor of the heart!  I think I will keep these 2 cards so that in my old age when I can't get out of my chair in the nursing home, I can read them over and over again and wonder, "who the hell sent me these cards?".

Makes me laugh to just think about it.

Things heated up when my sister got involved--isn't that always the case?  I made a simple request on Facebook:

Since it was my birthday, I thought this was a reasonable request.  Over the next 2 days this is the conversation that took place!

Oh, aren't they enjoying themselves at my expense!!  On MY Birthday! So I shot off a response the next day.  And by the way, Paula has officially ruined the viewing pleasure of one of my favorite shows!

Round 2:  Time to put Paula and Laura in their place!

I should have known better!

Now my friend Jane wants part of the craziness!

Round 3:  I WIN!!!

Oh, the sweet taste of Victory!!

How could I not want to remember this 58th birthday?  How will we ever top this one?  Patty, Paula, and Laura, you have one year to plan the next foray!!

Oh, and Patty, you'll be happy to know that I invited Pete and Laura over to sample some of your Pecan Goodness.  Your bars were a hit!!

Now it's time to party with Hayley, cause she turned 6 on Sept. 5th.  Oh the birthdays she'll have.  Hope they're as fun as mine!!

Further Adventures with Grandma Patty

Just had to add this story from a day in the life of Patty.  It is a gem.  Enjoy the read.


Our trip to Magic Kingdom was a great experience, but even then had good and bad. I discovered that the drive to Disney was farther than I had anticipated and that an accident on the highway further slowed us down.
Space Mountain was our first destination with a wait time of 70 minutes – Bad. The Good news was that it was only a 40 minute wait, and Ev loved it. I read a notice about a Disney Experience App for your phone that would tell you the wait time for every ride in the park. I thought, hey, why not? I warn you – DON’T DO IT! That bugger zapped the power from my phone in no time – leaving me with no way to call, text or take pictures within a couple of hours. Thank goodness I took my actual camera along – Good. We enjoyed many more rides (Good) as the temperature soared -Bad. Everson decided that his feet hurt and he was tired, so we could go home (Bad). 
I said no way, encouraged him along, and we stumbled across the Celebration parade from the beginning! (Very Good) Ev loved the floats, characters, and he waved back at all those who waved at him. Very cute.
We rode a few more rides including the Haunted Mansion, and by this point we were on a mission to find some lunch. It had to be something that would appeal to both of us. This restaurant had seafood – bad for EV, this one had just hotdogs – bad for both, that one was just too expensive – bad for Grandma. During this hunt for food, another parade cropped up and we were caught on the one side with limited amenities. Sigh, corndogs and a bag of chips became lunch due to raging hunger.
After the parade passed, it was time to explore Frontierland and ride the Mine Railroad. It was closed for repair – Bad. We decided to take the raft and explore Tom Sawyer’s Island – something I had never done in all my trips there – Good. Massive heat and no breeze– Bad. On the way back across the lake, we talked to two young ladies who are interning at Disney and were enjoying their time off at the park. They invited us to accompany them to the Mine Railroad which was back open (Good) AND be part of their Fastpass group -Very Good. Ev LOVED walking past all the people in the “regular” line of which he had been part of all day while complaining about those that went in the Fastpass line. 
As we parted ways with these generous young ladies, one gave us Fastpasses to use for our next ride, Splash Mountain-Again Very Good. After enjoying that ride, we cooled down with frozen lemonades and I shopped in the store. When we were ready to leave with our baby girl gifts in hand, we found that it had started pouring down rain outside-Bad. 
After cooling our heels in the store a little longer, we headed through what had turned into just a sprinkle of rain-Good. Unfortunately, the next rides we wanted to enjoy were still closed due to lightning in the area-Bad. We eventually made our way to the Pirates of the Caribbean which was still open-Good. Ev liked it so much, that we rode it three times while it was pouring down rain again-Very Good.
After having corndogs for lunch, I was determined to have something tastier for dinner. You wouldn’t think it would be that difficult. Each place we tried either wasn’t taking any more names or was closed. Seriously?-Bad We continued trekking around the kingdom and wound up back in Tomorrowland. We hit the Laugh Show with Monsters Inc characters and the Peoplemover-Good. We were just ready to board the Astro Orbiter when it was closed due to more lightning-Bad timing. We finally found a place to eat nearby which looked out over the landscaping and castle – very pretty –Good. 
By then, people were lining up for the Electric Light Parade. Did we take seats? (Bad) No, you know me. We could check out one or two more attractions before it started if we kept going. (Good-right?) As we headed towards Adventureland, lightning streaked across the sky. Yes, the Jungle Cruise closed again-Bad. However, no one was guarding the entrance to the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, so we scampered up before anyone could see us and I explained the whole story to Ev.
Afterwards, I decided to break down and buy the Disney ponchos due to the continuing rain. (Good?) Hot, sweaty, and eventually really not necessary afterall. (Bad? – sigh) The Electric Light Parade was postponed twice due to the weather. We finally found a place to watch it from on the second level of the train station, so that Ev could see over all the tall adults-Good. Unfortunately, we were crammed down at the end and peering around this Asian family whose daughter kept her arms hanging out over the railing. (Semi-Bad) Ev loved the lighted floats-Good.
We headed down towards the castle to see the fireworks before leaving and found a curb to sit on-Good. This laser-light show was flashing on the castle re-enacting various Disney films, and we weren’t sure if fireworks would ever start. Ev decided that his feet hurt so much, he didn’t care about the fireworks. (Good & Bad?) We headed out of the park and caught the ferry back to the trams. As the ferry crossed the “pond”, we had the best view of the fireworks you could get! (Very good) The tram took us directly to our car, so no midnight hunting ensued for a car I don’t usually drive and may or may not recognize -Also Very Good.
On the way home, Ev jumped at the chance to play his 3-DS even though he has so tired and it was the end of a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g day. I was cruising home, rethinking the day, singing with the radio and eventually realized that the gas tank was on empty! (BAD) Hmmm… most of the exits with gas stations were far behind. I finally saw one ahead with a sign for a town I recognized, H for hospital, and four choices of gas stations – Good! As I exited and headed towards the sign for the town I recognized, I realized that the exit split and the fork I didn’t take was the one going to the gas stations. So did I mention that my phone died early in the day? I am on a road with NO lights, NO businesses or houses, NO way to turn around, NO phone, a six year old in the car, and the fuel needle that is sitting on E! (BAD) Is this a horror story in the making??? I drove and prayed for what seemed forever before spotting a gas station ahead-GOOD! I fueled up, confirmed that I was close to I-95, and headed on home to bed. A sigh of relief was heard the world over. If you didn’t hear it, you weren’t listening.