WASHING CLOTHES RECIPE

6-15-09..."Warshing" Clothes Recipe

"Warshing" Clothes Recipe...
Never thought of a "washer" in this light before. What a blessing!
"Warshing Clothes Recipe" -- imagine having a recipe for this ! ! !
Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave a new bride the following recipe:
this is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook complete
with spelling errors and all.

WARSHING CLOTHES
Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water.
Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert.
Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.
Sort things, make 3 piles
1 pile white,
1 pile colored,
1 pile work britches and rags.
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.
Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil,
then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.
Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench and starch.
Hang old rags on fence.
Spread tea towels on grass.
Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.
Turn tubs upside down.
Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs...
Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.
================================================
Paste this over your washer and dryer. Next time when you think things are bleak,
read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks.
First thing each morning you should run and hug your washer and dryer, also your toilet...
those old two-holers used to get mighty cold!
For you non-southerners - wrench means rinse.
AND WE THOUGHT WE HAVE IT ROUGH

REUNION

6-15-09...REUNION

Back in 1987 when my life was a hopeless shambles God gave me something that made a bright spot in all my darkness. I was tormented and abused in my marriage, cut off completely from all my family who loved me and totally down to my last hope. My Son was out of it. He was in Arkansas with his Dad which wasn't good but he was out of the torment that was my life right then. In July of that year my last reason for living was taken away from me when my Son died in a car wreck. I asked God to please take me too. I had no more hope in my life and I wanted out. God had other plans though. A few months after my Dear Son passed away my step-son and his wife had a baby boy they named Joseph. I didn't see this baby as a replacement for Richard but he was a light in the otherwise darkness that I lived in.
The morning after Joseph was born my step-son took me by the hand and led me to his wife's room and put Joseph in my arms. Instant love hit my very soul when I cuddled this tiny little boy in my arms. Now the step-son hated my guts but he offered me the love of his son. I'll always be grateful to him for that. He knew I would love this little baby and the real grandmother was not interested. He wanted Joseph to have the love of a grandmother and I was it.
Over the next seven years I had this wonderful little boy in my life and in my heart. But my life had to change again because I caught my husband putting poison in my iced tea. I never let him know that I saw it but I knew I had to get away. Brenda, Dear Brenda showed up at my door one morning and whisked me away taking me to my Mamas. I had to hide for a long time because my X was stalking me. Finally I hid well enough when I changed my name by re-marrying. But I lost Joseph in the process. He was seven.
When I thought it was safe to do so I tried for years to find Joseph but was not able to. I never gave up but I had lost hope. I figured Joseph probably didn't even remember me.
One night a little over a week ago I got a call. A sweet Manly voice said, "HI GRANDMA I LOVE YOU". OMG!! I cried till I could hardly talk to him. I said, "Joseph I have tried to find you all these years". "I have been trying to find you too Grandma".
Joseph is 22 now. It has been 15 years and he had not forgotten me nor the love I had for him.
This is just the first chapter to this story. Bigger and better things are coming I just know it. Joseph said he will find a way to see me soon. He told me he is getting married in August. Here's the great thing about that. He had picked my birthday to be married. He wants me there. I can never afford the trip. It is clear across the States from me. I told him I wish I could but I can't. He just keeps saying there has to be a way. Well friends I do Believe in Miracles so we will see. Right now I am riding on clouds just for the fact that I can talk to him any time I want to. And that is enough for now. Boy is it ever enough for now!! YEP!!

MY FAVORITE JOB

6-13-09...MY FAVORITE JOB

I worked in Nursing Homes and Hospitals for 25 years. I started at a small one when I was 18. I at one time worked in all capacities. I did everything from cleaning their floors to giving them baths and medicine. The last 15 years I was Food Service Manager and Dietitian which didn't give me as close contact with the residents. But in those years when I was on the floor with these dear people I learned a lot. Some things were not really my cup of tea but others were more endearing and lasting.
You could get attached to these dear souls very quickly and be entwined in their lives as well as their families lives. Some of them had no family visiting and that was sad. I've been adopted by them in lots of capacities, such as daughter, niece, Mama, Sister, and last but not least Wife! That was Mr Cowell and I spent a lot of time trying to convince him I wasn't his wife. His Daughter would come and we thought we would have him convinced but not to be. I worked 7-3 days sometimes and would be there to get him up and feed him breakfast, and sometimes I worked 3-11 and was there to put him to bed. One day I had worked the day shift and gone home. About 7PM my phone rang and the nurse said, “Could I ask a big favor of you?” Huh Oh I thought I hope she's not going to ask me to come back to work. Well not quiet that but she did ask me to come back. Seems Mr Cowell threw one big fit and fought them at bed time. He wouldn't go to bed unless his 'WIFE' was there to say good night. Oh My Gosh!!! I went that evening and calmed him down but I knew I sure as heck wasn't going to do it again. Heck fire, no way, no how, PERIOD!!! I didn't either. They started giving him his med to sleep earlier so he wouldn't be combative. Why wasn't that thought of before.
Then there was a sweet little man who I was so attached to. I wish I could remember his name. Every time he saw me his sweet eyes would light up ad I'd get a beautiful smile. He never said a word. It was like he was just too tired to speak. But He was alert and I loved him. No family ever came to see him so he was one of my adoptees. One day I went by and he was slumped in his chair. I straighten him and gave him a kiss on the weathered old cheek. He gave me that beautiful smile and said as plain as anything, “Honey You are the prettiest thing thats a' comin' here. I'm shore gonna' miss you”. Kinda a strange thing to say when I had never heard his voice before. I said “ Well you are just as sweet as a puppy dogs kisses. Thank You sweetie”. I went on up the hall and did what I was heading to do. I wasn't gone but about 10 minutes. When I walked back by his room he was slumped again and was asleep. I was going to go ahead and lay him on his bed. When I touched him I never felt anything so weird in my life. Warm, clammy cold at the same time. I looked at his face closer and knew he had left this world. I was devastated but what he had said to me 10 minutes ago now made sense. He was gonna miss me. Well You dear little lonely soul I'll always miss you too.
So many times things tore at my heart but there were funny and heartwarming times too. When you got close to one of them, sometimes they would be sweet, next time they would try to kick your teeth out. Tell you they want a drink then knock it out of your hand. One thing for sure there was never a dull moment and I loved it. YEP sure nuff Loved it!!!!!

SEASONS OF MY LIFE

6-7-09...Seasons Of My Life

Thank you for reading my ramblings. My life has been simple. No fanfare, no big accompolishments. I'm not famous or rich, or beautiful. I never made a movie or sang on stage. I'm just me, A simple country girl that grew up in the south. I ran bare foot up dirt roads and through green pastures. I had Great Parents who taught me right from wrong then trusted that I would be as they raised me.. I became a born again Christian when I was ten years old. God guided my Parents life and He has guided mine.
I've never had much, never wanted much. I've had friends who betrayed me but more friends that didn't. I was a skinny girl, I'm an slightly overweight lady.
I've only included the good and happy stuff in my writing because those things have kept me going through adversities, heartaches, tragedies, and many bad times. I draw on my beautiful memories to get me through a bad time. Sometimes I get Very Homesick for my Childhood. My childhood was happy. I was protected from the harshness of the world but at the same time I was taught what I would need to survive in it on my own.
If you think about it life has four seasons, not only in reality but also in our bodies. Spring is when we are fresh and new, bursting forth in full bloom with rosy cheeks and dimples little pink butts. In the spring everything is refreshed after lying dormant as we had done in our Mothers womb waiting to come alive in the world. Everything sweet smelling, lots of smiles of adoration. It's then we need protectors like a soft new blossom that must withstand the ravages of weather and trampling feet. Our Parents are our protectors. Nourishing and watching us as we grow.. The very best times were in the springtime of my life.
Summer is a bit harsher but still a time of beauty and freshness. Still tender plants must withstand the hot harshness as they learn that every one is not tolerant of fresh sweetness and new life. It is hot and sticky and our tender leafs sometimes wither and fall off by the wayside lying there in the hot dust to die. A time of learning the realities of a not so tender and green plant. A time when we must learn to rely on our selves more. We still have some protection but we are urged to let go some and face more of the hard facts with our tender faces lifted up to the sunshine sometimes to sting from the harsh rays. We are moving on through life and we are learning that not all is beautiful and sweet and tender to us. That young spring bud has burst forth in bloom and must withstand harsh realities that they never knew existed in their springtime. It is not as easy as before but they have been prepared in the spring for what must come now.
Fall is another time of learning as we prepare for the coming dormant time. We are full grown. We have withstood the harsh summer and the air becomes crisp and nippy. We sometimes droop our heads wishing to again see the fresh springtime of our lives when things were easy and beautiful, loving and tender. No more are we beautiful and young but things along the way may have caused blemishes and flaws in our appearance. We now weep more and our leaves falter and trying to regain some dignity we strive toward the sun to remain warm and lively. We don't feel the gentle touches and love that was there in our first days of spring. Yet we feel the same inside. Still feeling young and vibrant only in a mature way. Our faces are sometimes drawn and wrinkled from the harsh rays of life. Inside we feel young but we realize that winter is coming and we can't slow time. Everything has a season of slowing down and contemplating what has come before. Of looking on our past mistakes and failings and wondering why. With winter approaching faster now we feel the need to hurry and slow down at the same time. A confused feeling of anticipation, wonder, and knowing. We don't know when the dormant season will come but we are ready in our hearts. We can now relax and once again enjoy the beauty around us as our foliages brightens in to splendor to glow and preen once again. The air is once again vibrant fresh and glorious. I love fall as I reflect on my Spring. I have come almost full circle now. I am ready for my winter though I don't really want it to hurry. I still have things to do so that I can leave behind something of beauty and newness for the spring once again.
I am in my winter now. I have endured. I have survived. I have led a full life that I was prepared for in my spring. My winter may be a long hard one or a short easy one. I don't know and neither do I ask. When winter ends and spring once again burst forth I will again be in the beautiful, fresh , fresh vibrant of a new spring. Once again I will have warm loving arms to rest in and my second spring will never end. I have reached what I have strived for all the four seasons of my life but not quiet accomplishing. I am in a New Home. All my loved ones that have also come full circle will be there once again with me in our Heavenly Home with God. We will hear God say Well Done My Faithful Servant. You have done well. Welcome home!
I will enjoy my winter and hope for a long painless one as I quietly reflect on all four of my seasons. Winter is the longest hardest season of my life but I will enjoy it.
It will be a time of contemplation. Looking back to my Spring often with the fondest of memories of those beautiful days down on a dead end road by the rail road track. Of my Mama and Daddy and my Brother and I in that wonderful house that was our home. Full of love, protection, contentment, and so many memories that flood back so sweetly and so often to me now.
God Bless You all who read this. Cherish each day as if it were your very last. Not everyone has as long a life. Some only have a short time to fulfill Gods purpose. Whatever season you are in now please enjoy and make the most of it.
I love you as God Loves you. Clydene Overbey

MY SPOT

6-7-09...MY SPOT

I sit each morning early in my chair in front of big windows looking out on Gods creation. I wrote this one morning as I sat there remembering years gone before. Seasons coming and going, changing and developing in to all Glory right before my eyes.
My everything spot in my house. I sit here and read, have early morning quiet time, watch TV or just look out the windows at the wonders that God has created for me.
I've watched days, weeks, months, and years roll by as the seasons change from one to another. The sun rises right in front of my chair as I watch in wonder. I watch the first green shoots of spring flowers then watch as they burst forth in all their beautiful glory right in front of my eyes as they move into summer. Only later to watch the leaves on the trees turn red, green, yellow and orange as the first brisk frosty mornings of fall arrive. Then in the cold days of winter I watch the snow fall gracefully to the ground all fluffy and white to form a winter wonderland before my eyes.
This is all a wonderful display that God sends me year after year. Who could not believe in the Great one who created all this. My Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. No man on this earth no matter how great he thinks he is can ever duplicate this wonder.
He made me like a computer. Every part having a place and all parts working together like a Grandfather clock that ticks and chimes throughout the days and nights.
We all have our purpose and place in Gods scheme of things. We are put where we belong at the time we belong there and taken up to God when our service is over. WOW!!!
Don't ever let anyone tell you you are not a magnificent being fine tuned by The Master!!!
You are important in this world if you were not intended to be one of His best He would not have made you. He made you to His specifacations. You are the finest brand made. It depends on how you use what God gave you what your rewards will be.

DO YOU SEE THE ANGELS

6-6-09...DO YOU SEE THE ANGELS

Alzheimer’s patients have some strange intuitions. If you think they are not paying any attention to what is going on around them, you'd better think again. Many times I have felt a comforting arm around me when a patient has just died. One of our alzheimer patients knows not only what has happened, but also understands and is compassionate. The unit gets quiet and still when a fellow patient is in the process of dying. How do they know? Do they see the angels?
While their brains may no longer make the necessary connections for everyday life, they are still human and recognize sadness and suffering.
Many Alzheimer’s patients are said to have delusions and hallucinations. I have found most delusions to be deeply rooted in the past, like the woman who spoke of dead babies all the time. When her daughter was questioned on this, it turns out she lost two children in a fire when they were babies. If it is true, it ceases to be a delusion.
Here is the story of my favorite "hallucination…"
I was sitting in the dining room of the Alzheimer's unit with "Grandma Kitty" late one night. We had to sit there so she would take a rest from her wandering.
Grandma Kitty never made much sense when she talked. Vague references to things that happened when she was younger and nonsense words were all you could get out of her. Most often Grandma would repeat the phrases, "Where's the dog?" or "I'm going to the store" over and over again till you were driven to distraction. My standard answers to these were, "He piddled on the floor so I put him outside" and "Would you pick me up a dozen eggs?" These answers satisfied something in her and she would cease asking for a while and give you some rest.
This was how the conversation was going that night, when suddenly, very clearly, Grandma Kitty pointed towards the opposite side of the room and asked me, "Do you see the angels?"
"What angels, Grandma?"
"Those two angels," she replied.
I tried as hard as I could to see the angels, but I must have missed them. Grandma continued talking in her disjointed way as if nothing had happened and soon fell asleep on the sofa.
The Alzheimer's unit is a locked ward; we had virtually no contact with the rest of the facility for most of the shift. As I went on my coffee break, I passed the main nurses station. The charge nurse called me over and told me that two residents had just died that evening. I asked when this had happened, she told me "About two hours ago, they went within minutes of each other."
I stood there with what I am sure was a stunned look on my face. The charge nurse asked me if I was all right. I told her the story of Grandma Kitty and the angels.
Hallucination? Coincidence? No, I'd rather think there were angels in the building!Do you see the angels?Grandma Kitty sure does see the angels.

WHISPERED THOUGHTS

6-6-09...WHISPERED THOUGHTS

MY NEW FRIEND
I wrote this several years ago for a friend. We'd hardly met before we clicked. Instant friendship, like we had always known one another. When I moved to another state I lost touch with her but I still feel the same way about her.
I have met new friends here on The Hill that I will more than likely never lay my eyes on but I feel the same way about you as I did her.
This is for you Dear ones.

WHISPERED THOUGHTS
We've known one another a short time.
Time doesn't measure friendships, for God walks beside us.
I know I can come to you in laughter or in tears
You will share in my moods, as me in yours.
We don't have to ask, "How are you today",
Whats on your mind".
We know one another's heart right to the soul.
We share our hopes, our dreams, our troubles, and sorrows.
We are there for one another, we are true friends and
I LOVE YOU!!!
CLYDENE

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY

6-6-09...HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY

Fathers Day is coming up. I think about my Daddy a lot. He has been gone for 20 yrs. But I still miss him. Fathers Day has been just a day for me for many years. No Daddy or Grandpa to honor. I miss that time. For several years after Daddy died I'd go in the store and go ahead and buy a Beautiful card for him. I'd write a special message to him. Something only My Daddy and I would appreciate and understand. I kept that up for many years. I have a card scrapbook with all these cards preserved in it. Sometime along the way I let that practice slide away. Then five years ago when My Mama also left this Earth I took up the practice again for Mama and resumed for My Daddy too. I even started adding pictures.
Now and again I get those books out and read them and look at the pictures and reminiscence . There are happy memories and some not so happy. Each year I tell them something about what is going on with me and write a memory of my times growing up with them. I tell them what is in my heart and on my mind at the time. It is a great thing to have and I believe my Parents have read them all.
Last night I took out the one to Daddy and was reading. This is not word for word what it says but as close as I want to get here. .....
Good Morning Daddy. Your special day is coming and I just wanted to say how much I love you. You have been by me every day Daddy. I know you get so aggravated sometimes when you look down on my life now. I know this is not what you wanted for me Daddy and my heart breaks that you are hurt when I am hurt. Sometimes I need you so bad Daddy. I need you to hold me and tell me it will all be Ok. But it wont be OK will it Daddy? You could always kiss my hurts and make them better but these hurts are deep Daddy. I know that you saw him hit me Daddy and I know you wanted to help me. You would have if you had been here Daddy so don't worry about it I know you would. I remember once when I fell on barbwire and cut my leg real bad and Mama and you cried. I never told you that I was pushed down because someone was mad and wanted to hurt me. I knew what you would have done if I had. You would have whipped the snot outta that smart elec wouldn't you Daddy? You rescued me so many times then. I know you can't do it now Daddy but thats ok. Just talking to you helps. I feel your gentle arm around me right now while you kiss my tears away. I feel better Daddy. Thank You. I Love You Daddy!!!
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!!!

FAMILY FOURTH OF JULY

6-5-09...FAMILY FOURTH OF JULY

The 4th of July when I was a kid was one of our family times. Oh we had so much fun. It was my Grandpas (Papa) birthday so our celebrations were really a birthday picnic for him.
The whole clan was all still around then. Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and whoever else happened to want to come along. Sometimes we had them in one of our yards. Most times we went to a summer swimming and picnic place in our area called Turner Bend. The water was clean and the surrounding area was nice. No one was there having drinking parties and throwing trash around. We would see friends and meet new friends. There would always be someone there who had moved out of the area to different States. They always came back for family time where they grew up.
The morning of the 4th we got up bright and early and packed our cars for the trip. Everyone brought things like a pot luck. Picnic foods. Someone would load up a big no#2 wash tub usually Daddy if I remember right. In the tub there would be a couple cases of coke. We went by the ice house in Ozark. Daddy would jump up on the platform and buy a big block of ice that had been chipped up with a big ice pick. It wasn't a plastic bag like now it was cloth. The man at the ice house would help Daddy carry the bag of ice and dump it in the tub over the cokes in the turtle hull of the car and we were off.
When we got there we found a spot to put our quilts down and get things out of the cars and laid out on rocks. The tub would be carried out and sat in the shade. By the time we got ready to drink them they were ice cold as the ice melted.
Anyone who wanted to took a swim in the cool water. I've always been afraid of water so I sat in the shallow part at the bank and got my butt wet and that was about it for me unless I got splashed. Brenda usually stayed with me. I don't remember fire works but one time and that was at home after dark. There were no boats on the water just people floating on their backs or taking a leisurely swim. Everyone watched out for everyones kids. It was a wonderful Family day. We took my Grandpa and did that for a lot of years. When some of us got older and Papa wasn't able to go every year everyone kind of went their own way and it stopped. The 4th was never the same anymore for me. We knew what we were celebrating then and I know now. The 4th is a solemn day for me now. It is a day to Honor our Veterans and be grateful for all who have fought for our Freedom then and now. I appreciate and honor them all so much and that is what the Fourth of July means to me.
I will never forget those wonderful times of family together on the creek though. I can almost taste that ice cold coke that Daddy took out of the ice and opened for me. Also those sandwiches with fresh tomatoes and green onions from Daddies garden. Potato salad and coleslaw and pork and beans and banana pudding. Oh my goodness I'm about to starve to death!!!! YEP!!

THANK YOU LADY

6-4-09...THANK YOU LADY

Now I don't have much money. I eat regularly, have clothes on my back, and a good bed to sleep on. But material things I never had, never needed. So when I walked out of a local store this morning and started to get in my car I spotted a little boy sitting on the curb. He was sweating heavily. It was running down all over his face in black streaks as it rolled over the dirt. He was breathing heavily as if he had been running and mixed in with those dirty tears I could see that there were tears mixed in. His little knee was skinned and bleeding and he was swiping the end of a tee shirt he had on across the blood on his knee. The shirt was too large for him and looked like it had never been clean. It was hanging over what looked to be a mans jeans cut off to match his shorter legs. He didn't look up at me as I walked around him to get to my car. I couldn't stand it. Tears came to my eyes and I said, "Are you OK honey"? "Yep" was his reply.
The store was The Dollar General. I only stopped long enough to remember how much money I had in my purse which was 12 dollars and a few cents. I asked him if he would wait right there for a few minutes while I went back in the store. "yep" again was his reply.
I went in and back to the children's clothes. I found a red tee shirt with Arkansas in white letters on front for three dollars. I found a pair of shorts in a small size black with red stripes down the legs for three dollars. Then I got a pair of what we used to call thongs. Little rubber shoes with a strap that sticks between your toes for 1:50. I paid for them and headed back to the little boy.
I said "Honey are you hungry?" "Yep". "Come on and lets walk over here to the drive in OK?" "YEP".
I had a package of wet wipes that I carry in my purse just in case I need them. I opened my sack and got out the clothes and shoes. "Here honey take these in the bathroom and change in to them. Here is some cloths to wipe your face. Wash your hands in the sink before you come out". "Kay", well finally something besides Yep I thought.
While he was in the bathroom I ordered a burger basket for $5.50. With my change I had enough to pay for his meal. For $12.50 and tax I had done something good for one little urchin that brought tears to my eyes and made a little boy smile broadly and say, "Thank You Lady"! I was beginning to think he couldn't say anything but Yep for a while there.
As I left and started back to my car I had the most wonderful feeling I have had in a long time. I don't know if the little dirty faced boy was in need or just tired and dirty from play. You know what?. It don't really matter does it? I could no more have walked by that little Guy than I could stop breathing. And boy did it make my day better. Sometimes we just have to do what we feel in our hearts don't we? YEP!!

A GIGGLE FIT

6-3-09...A GIGGLE FIT

Sometimes I get the giggles. I mean belly hurtin', side splitin', giggles. I hate it when I do that because invariably it will happen when It shouldn't happen. I can't stop when I get started with those darn giggles. A fit of the giggles will come on when no one around me sees a thing to laugh about. A look can even do it and all at once I burst forth with uncontrollable giggles. I've been known to giggle when some one stumbles, falls, walks in to a very clean window, or most anything. Sometimes I have gotten cursed out or even threatened. My Brother Norman climbed over a garden gate when he was about eight years old. As I watched him just as he straddled the gate getting to throw the other leg over a nail caught his jeans. There he was hanging over the side caught on a nail. I rushed over to help him. Just as I got there he dropped down on the other side and I heard a ripping. Now that scared me because I was afraid that was some of his vital parts ripping. But when both feet dropped down he was standing there spread eagled. His jeans were ripped all the way around at both leg seams and he looked like he had a denim skirt on. Giggle giggle are you giggle giggle huurrtt, giggle giggle. Well good grief he very well could have been hurt bad and all I could do was giggle until my eyes watered and my stomach ached. He wasn't seriously hurt but he had some scratches and I saw blood. I started crying then but now it was sob sob giggle giggle snot snot aaarrree youuu hurt? Did you ever cry and laugh at the same time? It hurts!!
One day about 15 years ago I was on a lake with my husband at the time. I wasn't in a boat but I was watching the people oaring around on the peaceful blue water and just relaxing while everyone else fished or whatever. It was very relaxing and I was dozing in my lounger when I noticed a man oaring in toward the bank. I could see he was not a young man and was huffing and puffing as he used the paddles. That is what got my attention on this one particular man. First I noticed his funny looking hat bouncing around on his head. I wasn't in to a full blown giggle fit yet but it would come. He rowed in to the bank. The water was very shallow and I guess he thought it was stopped on the sand. He got to his feet and the boat started going backward. That poor man stumbled around but couldn't get his balance. He fell straight back in to the boat and the boat took off backwards. He was rolling around trying to get to his feet again. There were people running to help him but guess what I was doing? Yep you're right I was in a bad giggle fit. In my mind I was thinking Oh My Goodness that poor man. I hope he's not hurt. Bur coming out of my mouth was giggles and I was getting loud with them. People were looking at me and I was so embarraced that again I was crying. All anyone could see was my giggles though. I was trying my best to stop but like I've said before, a giggle fit is uncontrollable for me.
They got the man back to the bank and on his feet. He looked up at me and started toward me. I hollered I'm so sorry giggle giggle sob sob then I ran like the wind up to my car, got in and locked the door. My husband finally came to the car and he was madder'n'a hornet. Seems he almost had to fight the man trying to keep him away from me. Oh My Gosh. All I've got to say is PLEASE DON'T FALL IN FRONT OF ME, PLEASE DON'T!! I hate having these giggle fits. I absolutely hate it!!!

I AM BLESSED

6-3-09...I AM BLESSED

A couple of months ago one of my neighbors (lives about a mile away) came up early one morning and wanted to borrow a cup of sugar. No problem, I got it for him. He said he would have it back to me that afternoon. I told him no don't bring it back. I was glad to loan a cup of sugar. That is something that don't happen much any more and I told him that I may need to borrow a cup of something one of these days. Used to be thats what we did. Many a time I've ran up the road with a cup in my hand to borrow something when I was a kid. I usually went to My Aunties but sometimes Mama already knew that Auntie was out of it too so she would send me somewhere else. Nothing was thought of it then. We just helped one another. Sometimes everyone around us was out of things too and we all just made do until someone got to town. Or maybe we had to wait until someone got the money to go buy it. Then we all has some of whatever it was until someone else got the money.
I remember we always had a bucket of sorghum molasses and that was used in the place of sugar when need be. Honey worked also but we didn't have honey all the time. If you didn't have milk then things were made with water. Water gravy, pudding, bread, and etc. If you didn't have flour then you used cornmeal. If you didn't have cornmeal then you just didn't think much of it. That is just the way it was and we accepted it period.
My neighbors wife must have worried about the sugar. She didn't bring it back and I never wanted her to. I forgot all about it. Then one day last week I had been gone. When I got home and pulled into the carport I saw a beautiful plant sitting on my steps. I was very surprised to say the least. It had a note attached to it. The note said, Clydene thank you for the sugar. I kept forgetting to bring it back so I thought you would like this plant. Oh My Goodness, I do like the plant but I sure didn't expect it. A beautiful plant for a cup of sugar. I wonder what I would have gotten if I had lent her five pounds of sugar. I called her and I was almost in tears. I couldn't thank her enough. I am pleased and happy but I wish she hadn't felt the need to do it. She said she just wanted me to have the plant anyway. Now isn't that sweet? The nicest thing I've had happen to me in a while and I told her that. I am blessed to have her for a neighbor and friend and I believe she feels blessed by me also. Now isn't that how it should be? Yep Sure Nuff!!!

INCIDENTS WORTH REMEMBERING

5-29-09...INCIDENTS WORTH REMEMBERING

There are things in our life that we just really don't want to remember. Other things we wish we could remember but somehow have forgotten. Now those things I strive to remember. Some of them I have bits and pieces of them stored somewhere in my mind but just can't seem to bring it all up into proper focus, leaving me wanting more than I can get. That is the way our minds work. It can be frustrating. But then out of the blue someone says something, maybe you get a familiar smell, sometimes a dream, see a color, or see a person from your past and here it all comes flooding into your mind like an instant replay of the event.
I was remembering several things recently after talking with Brenda. One morning it was very cold. I had spent the night at Brenda's. Her Brother Paul was probably about five then. We were gathered around the little heater in the front room. Brenda and I were getting ready for school and Paul was there. We were sitting in front of the fire getting our shoes and socks on and Brenda's cat was there rubbing against us being a nuisance. Paul reached over out of the blue and got hold of the cats tail and proceeded to stick it in the stove. Oh My Heavens what a catastrophe that was!!! That poor cats tail of course caught fire. It screeched and started jumping up. On the way up it's claws were out and we all got some minor scratches. We were lucky we didn't get major damage to our bodies but by The Will Of God we were protected . What happened then was not so lucky though. That poor cat jumped straight up and caught hold of the wall about five feet off the floor. It was running around up there and got the wall paper on fire. Of course we were screaming bloody murder at Paul for doing such a mean thing to that cat. Well heck fire he was five. A five year old doesn't really understand the scope of what was happening and he was watching the cat who was trying to walk on the ceiling by that time. Auntie came out of the kitchen to see what the heck was going on. She ran back and got a bucket of water and tried to throw it up where the paper was on fire. That didn't make much headway all that did was wet us all down so she yelled for one of us to get a broom which one of us did. First she beat out the small area of the wall paper. The cats tail was no longer burning just smoldering and stinking to high heaven. Auntie put the broom up and stuck in at the cats hind legs hoping to get it on the broom. The cat turned around and attacked the broom and she hollered, “Get in the kitchen all of you”, which we quickly did. She brought the broom down slowly and was going to try and check him out but he was having none of that. The cat took off to the kitchen and Auntie hollered “OPEN THE BACK DOOR FAST”. We opened the door. The cat skidded by us and out the door.
Paul got a tanning and Brenda and I got a holiday from school because we missed the bus. No one to take us so that was that.
Later that morning the cat came back to the house and Auntie put something on it's poor tail. Oh My Gosh! Is there any end to what a young mischievous kid can get their selves in to? NOPE! Guess not.

GRAVITY

5-15-09...GRAVITY

I guess gravity is a great thing in most instances but when it comes to my body I don't much like it.
It starts slowly. So slow that you never even see it. It creeps up on you like a bad seed. It grows until it completely covers your whole body and wraps around like a clinging vine. If you know about vines some of them are beautiful but you have to keep them controlled and tamed down lest they take over like a brier patch.
Well I sure didn't keep my vine controlled on my body. All at once I looked in the mirror one day and there I was in all my glory completely consumed in a vine of gravity. The first time I recognized this gravity vine I was overwhelmed so badly that I tried to ignore it. Ignoring was not an option I found out. Once you know something is there and realize there is not a cotton-pickin' thing you can do about it it just lurks close to you and shows it's ugly side constantly. Like a blood sucking leech it takes hold and pulls everywhere until the dropping and sagging starts.
Your chin drops down to your neck. The skin under your arms drop down and flop around like jello. A ladies breast drops down around her naval. Her stomach drops down on her thighs. Knees drop down to the shin. Now your face drags around like silly putty and flops around. Belly laughter is no longer possible it is now more like whole body shaking as you laugh. No matter how big or small, fat or thin you are it will be the same. Your gravity has quit working. Everything is just giving away and dropping and there aint' a thing you can do about it unless you go under the knife and come out looking like a bug eyed praying mantis. No thank you, buggy eyed people scare the heck outta' me. I keep my nose in the air now so the 4 chins don't show. Heck even my eyelids are drooping down and I was told I needed to get something done before they drop down over my eyes. Really true. Well heck I don't want anything cut on that hurts so as long as I can see no thanks. No way no how. I'll just learn to like what I see in the mirror and if someone don't like it they have the option to look the other way. Their snooty eyes are probably bugged anyway and I don't wanna' look at them either. Nope!!!!!

A SAD DAY

5-11-09...A SAD DAY

Yesterday was Mothers Day. A day to honor Mothers and show them love and gratitude. A day of flowers, gifts, candy and Dinners.
I had the sweetest Mother on Earth and I had the most wonderful Son on earth. My love was overflowing and ever fulfilling for me.
When I lost My Son at 16 in a car crash I was devastated. He was my only child. I would never see him grow in to the fine Man I knew he would be. I would never see him married with my Grandkids running around me the way I had envisioned. Calling me Grandma and allowing me to recapture the growing up of their daddy, My Son.
During my devastation I still had My Mama. I still honored and loved her. I still had a reason to celebrate Mothers Day.
When my sweet Mama died I lost the best friend I had on this earth. Mama died in November. Six months later Mothers Day arrived again. My first Mothers Day without my Mama and also without my Son. They were both gone and I was inconsolable.
On that Mothers Day I cowered in my house, in my room, in my bed, and didn't speak to anyone. I didn't want anyone around me. Didn't want to hear everyone talking about what their kids did for them or what they did for their Mothers. I couldn't handle it yet and was sure I never would be able to handle it. I didn't want to deal with that day ever again so I decided I just didn't have to. People close to me didn't understand and I thought they were being mean when They would say Happy Mothers Day. How could they? Didn't they know how much that day hurt me? Well of course they didn't understand. How could I expect them to? But I did expect them to understand. I DID!
It went on that way for three years. I just wouldn't go out of the house on Mothers Day. I couldn't! One Mothers Day I answered the phone and I related my feelings to the person on the other end of the line. This Person said “You are being selfish. It has been three years, you have to let it go”. Oh My Goodness, How that hurt. I lashed out and said, “ you have never been in my shoes. You have Your Mother today. You have your kids around you today. You are Blessed. Don't tell me I should just let it go until you know what you are talking about”. That person was cruel to me and hurt me bad but how could they know that. Like I said, until you walk in someones shoes and live their life you have no right to judge them. I couldn't judge her either. She really don't understand and I Pray she never does.
This is my second Mothers Day on The Hill. I have come a long way but I still don't do well on Mothers Day. To everyone who wished me a Happy Mothers Day. Thank You I do appreciate it and I know Your Hearts were in it. I love you for it.
I went to Church yesterday. I went last year also. When the Pastor asked for all Mothers to stand and be honored I stood proudly along with the others and received appreciation and applause. I was Honoring My Son and My Mama. They are in Heaven and I will no longer cower in a corner like they never existed. I know that was wrong even though I still desire to do the same thing and hide, I will not do it.
Yesterday was hard on me. It always will be. If I didn't know I will see them again I couldn't stand the pain. But I do know that. My Mama and My Son smiled down on me yesterday and I know they were Proud of me. I know I'll see them soon.