SUNDAY AND SUNNY

What a difference a day makes in Oklahoma. Today it is 65 degrees, calm and sunny. We were to have the worst snowstorm of the winter on Saturday night and Sunday. All predictions for Oklahoma City did not materialize. Everyone was planning ahead and grocery stores were packed with shoppers. I just knew I would not be able to get to the museum for my day of volunteering. We saw a dusting of snow and the temperature did get down close to freezing but luckily the ground was too warm for anything to freeze and stick to the roadways.

There were 35 visitors to the museum on Saturday, cold but enthusiastic. Mostly the visitors were from out of state and they were happy to see the museum was open. States represented were Nebraska, Arkansas, Indiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. Everyone that visits leaves with awe and appreciation of the many artifacts housed in the museum and of the equipment displayed on the outside. Last Saturday the visitor count was 298, but it was Spring break for many states. The weather was warm and beautiful and families were taking advantage of the first days of Spring. I am amazed that young boys are so knowledgeable about past wars and military equipment. They have gained their knowledge mostly by playing computer games. One family of a seven year old girl and a nine year old boy and their grandfather comes in every Saturday. It is the girl's favorite thing to do with her grandfather and she heads to the small chapel. The chapel is a consecrated chapel of Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant faiths. At the back of the chapel is a stained glass window of a 45th Infantry soldier (Thunderbird insignia patch on his sleeve) on one knee, rifle in one hand and a bible in his other hand. That stained glass window is beautiful and represents all soldiers on the battlefield. There is a folding organ and altar for the Chaplain to conduct services with right out in the fighting zone. I am in awe just thinking of religious services of all faiths being conducted on the battlefield. That is one place where everyone must feel God's presence.

I enjoyed a visit from a friend from McAllen, TX on Monday. We had never met but had been corresponding via instant messaging and e-mails for several months. A friend had put us in touch with each other and we had been corresponding ever since. We had a very enjoyable lunch at a local restaurant. It was fun getting to know Tom. He was in Oklahoma City visiting his son and family. His visit was cut short because of the impending weather predictions. He did not want to get snowed in and unable to return to his home for several days. As it turned out, he did not have to leave so soon and it would have been nice to have visited with him once again before he left. I have received instant messages from him and he did make it back home safely. It is 700 miles from Oklahoma City to McAllen.

Friends and family met last night to celebrate my granddaughter's sixteenth birthday. Rayna seemed to enjoy the celebration and was embarrassed when the waiter staff came and sang to her. She received several nice gifts and I believe fun was had by all that were there. I think she expected the keys to a new car (ha). Watch out world she will soon be driving on the streets and highways. The food was delicious and her birthday cake (furnished by Kelly) was pretty, moist, and tasty.

My grandson returned back to college today after having spent a few days with all of us on his Spring break. He is returning back to a very deep snow. I believe he said they had 15 inches of snow and I can just imagine how deep the snowdrifts are. Ryan will be leaving to visit his friend, Jorge, in Honduras, the latter part of April. I am thrilled he will be able to have this experience. Jorge was on Ryan's college soccer team but graduated midterm and has already gone back to his home. He is to return the latter part of April to attend his graduation ceremonies. These two boys have made a lifelong friendship. Jorge hopes to continue playing soccer on a pro team in Honduras.

As the day is ending (6:20 pm) I am thankful for experiencing good health and surrounded by good friends and family. What a boring existence it would be without loved ones.

SWEET SIXTEEN

Rayna, when you were born sixteen years ago, I had no idea how much love I would feel for that little bundle of pink. When Grandma O, Grandpa George and I were at Baptist Hospital, awaiting your birth, never would I have believed that someone so little could capture my heart and soul as you did right from the first moment I laid eyes on you. I think you and I bonded from the moment I held you in my arms sixteen years ago on March 28th. I didn't know that a granddaughter could be so special, having never had a daughter of my own.

Everyone but me knew that the impending birth was to be a baby girl. As you know, I was hoping for you to be a boy. What joy I would have missed in life had you not been the one born on that day. It wasn't that I felt that I couldn't love a baby girl, but I had only had experiences with a big brother, two sons of my own and your big brother, Ryan (my grandson).

The name Rayna Monet fits you so well, Monet being the name of a famous French Impressionist artist. His paintings are beautiful and colorful and so are you. You are a creative and artistic individual. You certainly are colorful with the changes in hair coloring from red, pink, blue, black, and purple, just to name a few. Whatever the new color is to be in the future, I know it will look good even to your granny. I don't always appreciate or understand your individualism, but I know you are a sweet, wonderful young lady beneath all the exterior colorings.

I was a doting grandmother when you were a baby. I remember caring for you many days while your mom and dad worked. Some people even referred to you as being my shadow, since we were always together. At your Baptismal I stood in for your godmother and you were never more darling or cuter than that night dressed all in white for your baptism. Your mother and brother were also baptised that Easter Eve in Norman, OK.

You loved playing dress up and you were particularly fond of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I bought you a Dorothy's costume and it transformed you into Dorothy!!!!. One evening we took you to a stage play at a local high school that was performing the Wizard of Oz. You were dressed as Dorothy and when one of the actors of the play asked you your name, you replied with no hesitation "Dorothy." There were other characters that you dressed up as, such as, Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas, cheerleader, bride, gymnast, and many others. We had all the costumes and you became that character when you were dressed in that costume. We also loved seeing you in your Easter clothing, hat included (what a little doll).

When you were just a toddler, the Murrah Building here in Oklahoma City, was blown up by Timothy McVeigh, and your neighbor across the street, PJ Allen, was one of the toddlers in the day-care center that day. We were all saddened that horrific day. We have watched PJ mature into a handsome, young man and he is doing well. You were the same age as he was on that day and I am so thankful that you were not in that building and had to suffer as PJ did for several years after the bombing.

Another remembrance I have is when you baked in your Easy Bake Oven and you served your Grandpa and me cake and cookies that you felt so proud having baked them yourself. We had tea parties served in the little tea cups and saucers, really we know it was a soft drink and not tea.

You love all animals, especially your dog, Luke, and your horse, Bud. We were all extremely proud of you when you took horseback riding lessons and excelled enough to perform in the junior rodeo. Some of your first birthday parties were at Ponyland and you and your guests had so much fun riding the various horses.

You have become a very good volleyball player and seem to enjoy the game and being with your teammates very much. You played some soccer but never seemed to enjoy it as much as you do volleyball. I love to see your enthusiasm and enjoyment the second you get on the court.

What a beautiful young lady you have grown up to be. Today as you celebrate your "Sweet Sixteen" birthday, I want to tell you how very much I love you. Happy Birthday to one of the "Joys In My Life."

MY BIG BROTHER

Howard Gene was my only brother. He was born a few years ahead of me to our parents, Alfred and Esther. I could not pronounce Gene and so as a young child, I called him "My Sheen". Somewhere along the way he became known as "Sonny" to everyone but me. Our sister, Janice, was born fifteen years after me, so Howard and I were the only siblings for many years. We had a very good brother/sister relationship and I looked up to my big brother for help in everything. We were both in high school at the same time and I will never forget his Model A Ford Coupe that he drove us to school in each day. Now don't jump to conclusions that we were that old --- we were not!!!! We were just lucky to have any vehicle at all. I wish I had that vehicle today. We had so much fun riding to school in it. It shimmed and shook but always got us to our destination. Howard was a member of the football team and was the envy of the football team with his Model A. All the team members wanted to ride in it, the car even had a rumble seat. The car was painted red and black, our school's colors. Each day our Dad gave us fifty cents for gasoline (those were the good ole days in many ways).

I remember my brother had many cute high school buddies that would come to our house. I was just a kid sister and fell for each of them, but none of the boys even looked my way and they gave me no attention at all. But I sure looked their way!!!!

Howard went onto marry Roberta (now deceased); they had two daughters, Debbie and Darlene. (Howard on the left with first born daughter, Debbie). His marriage to Roberta ended and Howard continued to raise the girls and see them through their small town high school. The girls are grown and have their own lives now and both are in loving marriages.

My brother loved to go fishing with his friends (he is the good looking fisherman on the left) and some of these same friends often got together to make music. I have a recording that they made. He also loved to play cards with friends, either in his home or theirs, and looked forward to the Saturday night card games.

Howard went to as many OU football games that he could, both at home and away. I guess his high school football playing days made him a football fan forever. George and I went with he and his first wife to the Texas-OU game. What fun we had that day at the Texas State Fair and the football game, but it was a long, silent drive home because Texas beat OU that day.

Howard married again and found happiness with Carol, two stepsons, and a step-granddaughter. He also had his dogs that he loved dearly. His untimely death occurred on May 12, 1997. Carol was home from work that day, but had left to run errands, and upon her return, found him in his recliner. He had a heart condition and possibly the early signs of dementia. It was very sad to hear of his death. Many friends and family attended the service in Shawnee and he was buried in a beautiful cemetery in Shawnee, OK.

Howard had worked many years in the trucking business and had retired a few years before his death. He was a respected employee and well-liked by his employer and fellow employees. I can't remember him ever not working, starting right out of high school. One of his purchases after obtaining a few paychecks, was a television. Our home was a gathering place for relatives and neighbors, since we were one of the first to have a TV. As I recall, the test pattern was the best thing to watch!!!!

We all know life goes on after the death of a loved one, and there will always be a void in our lives after their death, but our memories of that person stay with us forever. I remember Howard with such affection and love. My first son carries the middle name of Howard. Today, March 16th, would have been my big 6'3" brother's birthday, and as I sit here typing this posting to my blog, I am thinking of "My Sheen" and remembering.

JANUARY 2009

I started January off with a resolution to lose weight and I have been successful. As of this date, January 27th, I have lost 8 lbs. and I am still losing. I have 7 lbs. more to lose to get back to my September weight. I have many more pounds to lose after I do get back to the September weight. These birthday dinners and holidays do it to me every year. Then comes the new year and I start the cycle all over again.

January has had its ups and downs. The weather in Oklahoma has been very good up until yesterday and today. We started out with rain turning to ice yesterday and today we are having all kinds of weather, thunder, rain, sleet, and snow. There has not been an accumulation but driving conditions are treacherous. We Okies are not prepared for winter conditions because the temperatures are above freezing most of the winter, but today it is 18 degrees. Brrrr, it is cold!!!!!! This weekend is forecasted to be in the 50's.

There have been numerous birthdays of family and friends so far this month. My brother-in-law, cousin (today), and nieces had birthdays, and my neighbors, Ellan and Chris celebrated their 10th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to both of them. They have been wonderful neighbors to me.

It hasn't been a good month for some of my friends and their families. My McAllen, TX, e-mail and instant messaging buddy's daughter, Jo Lynn, was hit by a car while bicycling with her son. She was not injured badly but was taken by ambulance to the hospital. She has an injured ankle and there is still swelling and pain. The driver of the car turned left on a red light and hit Jo Lynn. Luckily, her son was not injured. My niece, Sara, had a second operation on her ankle and will not be able to return to work for several more months. Sara was injured delivering mail when she stepped in a hole in a lawn.

I attended a Memorial at the 45th Infantry Museum on Friday for my good friend and co-volunteer on Saturdays. Leon's death was a shock to the close knit volunteers and staff at the museum. Although he had been in deteriorating health for several years, we still did not expect the end was near for him. Leon brought donuts and rolls for the volunteers on Saturday and when he did not show up on Saturday with our weekly treat, we all started saying, "Where is Leon?" Sharon, his wife, called with the bad news a few minutes later. Leon had served as staff sergeant in the 245th Armor Battalion out of Healdton, OK, as a part of the 45th Infantry Division. Much of his free time was spent volunteering at the museum where I met him. His Memorial was beautiful and fitting for a man who had served in the military. Taps was played (a bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor, it is the most familiar call and one that moves all who hears it). The American Flag, held by the military honor guards, was then folded into a triangle reminiscent of the cocked hat from the American Revolution and presented to his wife. Leon, I will miss you!!!!

What will the last few days of January bring? No one knows, so before it is too late, I want to tell all my family and friends how much I love them. I wish I had told Leon how helpful he had been to me and how much I enjoyed working with him. I am telling him now!!!!!

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNING

I am happy that the old year has ended and the new year is beginning.

2008 was a good year for a lot of us, but for others they are definitely looking forward to a new year and a new beginning.

Several of my blogging friends were ill or had family members ill during the holiday season. I pray that it is all behind them and once again all is well with them. I especially hope Judy in Kentucky and her grandson, Thomas Wyatt, are on the mend.

I became a computer and blogger addict during 2008 and the computer has brought me so much pleasure and enjoyment. E-mails and instant messaging have connected me to old and new friends all over the world. It is a lot of fun to receive those e-mail jokes that you wonder who has so much time to think them up and the e-mails that inspire you to become a better person. And there are also those that are educational. Of course this year has been a banter year for political jokes, some funny and some not so funny, if they were about your own political party. My son called this to my attention, since we differ in our political views. The President Elect will be the brunt of these jokes during 2009 and years to come.

It has been especially a good year for me. My family and I have all experienced good health and the economy has not been as bad for us as it has for others. My son and Kelly (his fiancee) did not marry in 2008 and everyone is wondering when and if 2009 will be the magic year. It will be especially wonderful for me to know that Keith has found such a warm, loving and giving woman. I couldn't have chosen a nicer person for my son. Our family has known Kelly for approximately eighteen years, ever since her younger son, Kenneth, was a star on Keith's soccer team. Keith coached the four year olds (both girls and boys) and my grandson and Kenneth were both on his team. Kenneth became engaged during the holidays to a very nice girl. Wow! Two engagements in one family. Like mother, like son.

I had a lot of company over the holidays and now that everyone has left and the Christmas decorations are boxed and stored, the house seems rather empty and lonely. But don't misunderstand me, silence is golden!!!!! It is always such a relief when life gets back to norm, whatever norm is.

I started volunteering during 2008 at the 45th Infantry Military Museum and I have met so many courageous men and women who have been in the various wars and battles. It has been such a pleasure to get to know them and to listen to their personal stories. Many of their stories will never be told. Some just cannot speak of the atrocities of war. Recently there was a local TV documentary that highlighted one of our older volunteers (91 year old Army veteran). I have the pleasure of working at the museum on Saturdays with him and I must say what stories he can tell. He was able to bring back some artifacts of Hitler's that are prominently displayed in the World War II artifact display cabinet. The museum exhibits items liberated from Hitler's Munich apartment, his alpine home and the Berlin bunker.

I made my New Year's resolutions and they are the same each and every year, lose weight and exercise more. So, today was the beginning of cutting back on eating and to begin walking at the mall. I walked one mile in twenty minutes today. I have eaten like a pig since Thanksgiving and have packed on unwanted pounds. I will keep my resolutions, I will keep my resolutions. Maybe if I say it enough, I can keep them. Why do we let ourselves regain our old eating habits when we know what will recur?

I followed the Oklahoma tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. The tradition says that eating them will bring you good health and prosperity during the year. I should have a lot of each because I ate so much of them. Did you have your traditional food on New Year's Day? I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity during 2009.

MY LOVING MOM

Today is a remembrance of my Mom's birthday. Had she lived, she would have been 97 years old today. Esther Sadie was born in Mena, AR on December 18, 1911, to William D. and Eliza Adeline. Her parents moved to the Owl Creek Community near the small town of Stonewall, OK and raised several children. My Mother married my Father, Alfred A. on December 6, 1929. They moved to Oklahoma City where they welcomed three children into their lives, Howard (deceased), Peggy, and Janice. She was a loving mother and was liked and respected by everyone. Her home was where the neighbors congregated for coffee, conversation, and a good game of dominoes.

My Mom loved arts and crafts and was always doing ceramics, and trying her hand in the going fad at the time, like plaster of paris wall hangings, tea towel painting, embroidering, painting China dolls, etc. She shared her homemade crafts with everyone (I have several that I cherish).

After the five grandchildren were born, Howard (2 girls), Peggy (2 boys), and Janice (1 girl), she was always offering to babysit and I often took her up on it. She was the one I called on to care for my first son when I went to the hospital to give birth to my second son. When Howard's first daughter, (Debbie) was born, Mom made her many beautiful handstitched silk and satin articles of clothing with tiny embroidered rosebuds. She loved working with her hands and if she were not involved in some craft project, she was in the kitchen cooking. My family enjoyed many home cooked meals with she and my Dad. Her specialties were cream pies, fried pies, cream puffs, coconut cake and she always prepared the best Thanksgiving dinner, especially her dressing. My sister, Janice, inherited Mom's craft and cooking skills.

Mom developed crippling arthritis and was bedridden and in great pain the last years of her life. She was unable to sit, walk, or even lift her arms to comb her hair. Her hands were gnarled and especially painful to her. My Dad was there to the bitter end caring for her and making her as comfortable as possible. She kept smiling and never once did we hear her complain.

We lost Mom on July 22, 1981, and it was a sad day for all of us. Her great-grandchildren never got to know their great-grandmother. We do try to keep her memory alive and this is the purpose of my posting to my blog today.

Rest in Peace Mom and know that you were dearly loved.

Mom, we miss you so very much
On every Mother's Day
And not just then, but every minute,
Since you went away.
You were the center of our lives
Before your soul passed on;
It's just so hard for us to believe
That you are really gone.
But we celebrate the life you lived
And all the things you gave us;
Our wonderful memories, Mom,of you
Are the things that will comfort and save us.
Please think of us, as we think of you
With hearts so full of love;
We're looking up at you, sweet Mom,
As you look at us from above.

By Joanna Fuchs

MEMORIES OF MY MOTHER-IN-LAW

What wonderful memories I have of my deceased mother-in-law, Mame. Today would have been her 111th birthday. I was just seventeen years old when her son, George, married me in Oklahoma City and took me to Illinois to visit his parents. They could not be at the wedding, so it was the first time they had a chance to meet me. I was received with such warmth. Her arms opened wide to embrace and greet me and until she passed away many years later, she always welcomed me with opened arms and love. I have never met anyone that was more loved by everyone than Mame. She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. Her hobby of cooking was enjoyed by many. She was always being asked to bake for different occasions in the small Illinois town where she lived. My family's favorite food of all that she cooked was the chocolate cupcakes. Absolutely no one could duplicate those delectable cupcakes. It was a treat that all of her children and grandchildren grew to expect whenever they visited. She always baked dozens so we could return home with some. We knew we would not have anything that delicious until our next visit.

My mother-in-law was a homemaker and never worked outside the home. Her home was a real home where everyone gathered around the dining room table for their meals. She never tired of cooking for her family. She married my father-in-law in 1922 and he passed away in 1975 and together they had seven children. My father-in-law owned and was editor of the small town newspaper in which they lived. She did not live life without some burdens. Her first child, a daughter, was mentally challenged and she devoted much of her energy and love to making this daughter become as self-sufficient as possible. Patsy died in 1978. One other daughter and a son (my husband) have since died. If there ever was a mother more deserving of wings in heaven, it would be my loving mother-in-law, Mame.

This has been an exceptionally warm and sunny day here in Oklahoma City. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law from Michigan arrived today for an overnight visit. They are on their way to their winter home in Tucson, AZ. I always enjoy having Ben and Lori and Maggie (their adorable and sweet dog) visit. We have just returned from having dinner at The Olive Garden Restaurant. Earlier today Lori and I went to Remington Park Casino where I did not break my streak of losing. Lori won. There is always a next time for me.

My grandson and his friend from Honduras are in Oklahoma City for their Thanksgiving break from college. They, too, will be spending the night at my house. The more, the merrier!! They went to the Thunder basketball game and saw the great basketball player Shaq. Shaquille did not play tonight due to a hip injury.

I would be remiss if I did not comment that today, November 25th, was the day that President John F. Kennedy was laid to rest in the Arlington Cemetery after having been assassinated in Dallas, TX on November 22, 1963.

Tomorrow I will start my preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. This year we will be having dinner at my son's house and our sweet, generous hostess will be Kelly, my son's fiancee.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who read this posting to my blog.

VETERANS DAY TEARS (MINE)

How can you attend a Veterans Day Ceremony and not become emotional? Today I had the privilege of attending such a ceremony at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City, OK. Several hundred people attended including veterans from all branches of the Armed Services. It is heartwarming to see these former military men and women of all ages, and from all the wars, standing at attention and saluting or holding their hands over their hearts as the United States of America flag passes by. Grandchildren, children, wives, husbands, widows, and widowers were all there for one purpose and that was to honor their loved ones, many who did not return. This is a day that we all should show our gratitude to these veterans who unselfishly risked their lives for our freedom. I salute all those who served. As the keynote speaker said, "all gave some, some gave all." It was an honor to be among them. Have you thanked a veteran today?

The Master of Ceremonies was Mike Gonzales, Curator of the museum. The Governor's Own 145th Band played all Patriotic songs, the invocation was given by Chaplain (CPT) Jeremy Dunn, and the Veterans Day keynote speaker was Major General M. Wyatt III. Museum volunteers assisted in various capacities.

I have been a volunteer at the museum for several months and I am still in awe of the displays of the artifacts housed in the museum. There is a 15 acre park with all types of equipment used in the various wars. Inside the museum, there are 27,000sq. ft. of artifacts. The museum is the largest state operated military museum in the nation. Visitors come from all over the world to this museum. Last Saturday we had visitors from Brazil, Germany, Holland, and many from the U.S. Visitors return time after time to view these artifacts. My favorite displays are artifacts taken from Hitler's home, bunker, and apartment, the original cartoons done during World War II by Bill Mauldin, who was a member of the 45th, and did cartoons of Willy and Joe,two typical World War II GI's and the Reeves military gun collection. Other displays are too numerous to mention.

The 45th Infantry Division was organized in 1923 and their original insignia was the Swastika, an ancient American Indian symbol of good luck. The symbol became so closely associated with fascist socialism that it had to be abandoned as the insignia of the 45th Infantry Division. In 1939, the Thunderbird design was officially approved by the War Department. The document approving the design, which was to become famous in World War II and the Korean War, stated that the Thunderbird was a Native American symbol signifying "sacred bearer of happiness unlimited." This insignia is proudly worn by many.

Also present at the museum today was a representative from the Freedom Team. More can be learned of this team by logging on to FreedomTeamSalute.com.

Another interesting display to be at the museum for a few days was a Patriotic Quilt display. I have never seen such beautiful and original quilts. You, too, can be part of the quilt tour. The quilts will tour the U.S. for 3 years to blanket America in Hugs for our Soldiers, Stitches of Comfort and promote love of God and Country. See www.HeavenlyPatchwork.com under Patriotic Exhibits for photos, entry forms & under Calendar for scheduled shows.

I am a proud American. God Bless America.

EVENTS IN MY LIFE

So many events have occurred in my life since I last posted on my blog on September 3rd. I will try and update everything that has occurred since that posting.

My son, Scott, enjoyed my September 3rd posting on his birthday. Our family and friends enjoyed the baby picture of Scott and the picture of the two brothers together, one newborn and the other brother seven years old.

Oklahoma City was a receiving location for Hurricane Gustav evacuees from New Orleans. A building formerly occupied by Lucent Technologies was prepared for 2,000 displaced people and their pets. My son, his fiancee and I went out to see the buses rolling in and actually talked to a very nice couple. The couple we spoke with thought Oklahoma City had prepared for them very well, all the necessities were being provided. They were very happy to be in a clean, safe place. Thank God the levees held and Hurricane Gustav did not devastate New Orleans once again. All evacuees were able to return to their homes in just a few days.

Tuesday, September 11th was the seventh anniversary (2001) of the terrorists attacks on America. From the horror of the attacks there is a fierce resolve that terrorism may wound, but will never defeat us. We will prevail over this catastrophic day. Memorials were held for those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Shanksville, PA. This act of terrorism has changed, not only America, but the World.

I am sorry to say that a friend of my late husband and me has passed away. Pat became a friend when she moved from California to Oklahoma City to be close to her daughter, Janie, my former daughter-in-law. Grandma "O", as we all called her, became a member of our extended family because she was the other grandmother of my two grandchildren. Pat had been suffering from the effects of emphysema and related illnesses for many years. She lived in OKC a short time before allergies forced her to move to a drier climate. She relocated in NM and close to her son and remained in NM until her health worsened and her daughter brought her back to OKC to care for her. Her health kept deteriorating and she spent her last days in the hospital and a skilled nursing center. Janie made many sacrifices to provide the care that her mother required. There were many sleepless nights to ensure that her mother had her breathing treatments, many trips to the doctors and hospital, and the daily care she provided for the comfort of her mother. It is not easy being a caregiver and we all have some remorse after a death that maybe we could have done more. Only God knew Grandma O's death was imminent. Grandma O and friend, rest in peace.

My grandson, who is going to college in KS on a soccer scholarship, has just broken the all time school's record of number of goals made. The former holder of the record returned early from his honeymoon to be there when the record was broken. Ryan didn't let him down. The game ball was given to Ryan and his teammates cheered for him. Since that game, he has made two more goals. Records are to be broken and I want to congratulate Ryan on his achievement.

Since I last posted on my blog, I have been out to eat many times, volunteered at the military museum, and took bus trips to casinos (finally came home with $52.00 more than I left home with.) I have met more interesting visitors to the museum. We have had visitors from Russia, Belgium, England, South Africa, and almost every state in the U.S. There is to be a reunion of the 45th Infantry Division's Association the latter part of this month and at that time I will meet many former military men who have been in the different wars or was a member of the National Guard.

Sunday the 14th was my son's fiancee's birthday. We had a delightful dinner at an Italian restaurant and lots of fun and laughter. Kelly's daughter, two sons and their girlfriends, Keith, Kelly and I were all together and I can't speak for everyone but I enjoyed myself immensely. Only one of Kelly's sons could not be there. He lives in another state too far away to attend. Of course, we sang (off tune) Happy Birthday to Kelly. The restaurant provided the dessert for Kelly and we all took a bite to join in on her celebration. Kelly is always giving to everyone and I hope we were able to provide pleasure to her in this small way. Birthdays are to be celebrated with the ones we love and there was a lot of love for Kelly at our table.

MY BABY'S BIRTHDAY

Today is my youngest son's birthday, my baby. Where have all the years gone since he was a 7 lb. 4 l/2 oz. bundle of joy? His late father and I and his brother were happy to welcome Scott, the second son into our family in 1960. Our other son had been born seven years previously (1953). The first year of his life we lived in OKC near family, but his dad worked for the Santa Fe Railroad and was transferred to St. Joseph, MO, the home of the Pony Express and where Jesse James met his untimely death as the story goes. After a couple of years his dad was transferred to Kansas City, MO and Scott entered kindergarten. Again, his dad was promoted and transferred and this time back to our roots in Oklahoma City.

Scott is now a strapping 6'3" 200 lb. something young man. His late father and I have always been extremely proud of him and his accomplishments. He went through the public school system here in Oklahoma City and entered college on a baseball scholarship. He has never caused us one bit of trouble growing up, unless you call his obsession of Farrah Fawcett, when he was in high school, a problem. He purchased everything he could find with her picture on it. I even made drapes for his room with her shown in her famous red bathing suit pose. Somehow we lived through that phase of his life. He has been through many phases since that early obsession.

Scott has always been a good student and his interest in history was, and still is, a big part of his life. He has lived in many different places and has always chosen the larger cities full of history. He has lived in Kansas City, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and now resides in Santa Fe, NM. Three years ago he was living in New Orleans, when Hurricane Katrina and the broken levee devastated that city. When Scott was forced to evacuate New Orleans, he had just two days earlier, adopted a cat named Lanie, and Lanie was left behind in the townhouse with ample food and water to last several days. Everyone thought they would be back into their homes within two days, but when the levee broke, it was anyone's guess when, and if, they would be allowed back in. Scott came to my home to stay, worrying every minute about his cat that was left behind. After two weeks the residents were allowed back into their homes for a couple of hours and Scott expected the worst, to see his townhouse destroyed and his cat, Lanie, dead. But, miracles do happen and he found the townhouse almost like he had left it and Lanie well and food and water still remained for several more days. He found his office destroyed (he is a financial planner) and he decided to relocate in Santa Fe, NM where he resides today. With the latest Hurricane Gustav pounding New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana, Scott has watched all news accounts day and night. Many of his friends and business associates chose to remain in New Orleans after Katrina and his concern for them at this time is to be expected. After all, he has been there, done that.

Scott now spends all his long weekends and free time visiting historical sites in and around NM and CO. He e-mails me pictures of his travels and weekend excursions and I feel I have traveled to those places from looking at the beautiful pictures.

Scott, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and many, many more. I wish your dad were here today to tell you how proud he is of you and also to wish you a Happy Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SCOTT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU



I Love You, Mom

NEITHER SNOW NOR RAIN NOR HEAT NOR GLOOM OF NIGHT ........

Contrary to popular belief, the U. S. Postal Service has no "official motto." Actually it is just the inscription found on the General Post Office building in New York City, having been put there by the architects who designed the General Post Office.

The mail carrier assigned to delivering the mail in my neighborhood, in my opinion, is a saint and a friend. No matter how cold, how hot, how icy, how rainy, and how uncomfortable he might be, he delivers my mail with a smile and a "hello." Sometimes he brings those dreaded monthly bills, but oftentimes he delivers those letters or greeting cards that we all love to receive. E-mails just can't replace holding the personal greeting in our hands from a loved one. He has become a neighborhood friend and confidante to many of us. His concern for our well-being is a blessing. Due to his tight schedule, he is unable to converse for long periods of time, but he always has time to inquire if we are doing OK. He has been known for helping one friend of mine to look for her lost keys when she was unable to gain access to her house, not once, but twice. We were all saddened when he was assigned to another route, but eventually he was reassigned back to our neighborhood. The entire neighborhood was delighted to see him back and he was happy to be back also. Today I am writing about the different facets of the U. S. Postal Service, but to most of us, the home mail carrier is the most important of all the services the post office offers and he/she can never be replaced by the internet.

It all began back on April 3, 1860, when a fast mail service, the Pony Express, carried mail from St. Joseph, MO, to Sacramento, CA. The original mail service had messages carried by horseback riders crossing the prairies, plains, deserts, and mountains of the Western United States. It was founded by William H. Russell, William B. Waddell, and Alexander Majors. The westbound trip was made in 10 days, 7 hours, and 45 minutes. The eastbound trip was made in 11 days and 12 hours. Every 24 hours they covered approximately 250 miles. The Pony Express, established a year before the beginning of the American Civil War, reflected the need to provide fast and reliable communication with the West. Stations were placed at intervals of about 10 miles, roughly the distance a horse can travel at full gallop. Riders changed to a fresh horse at every station. There were all kinds of restrictions placed. The rider could not weigh over 125 pounds, riders were changed every 75-100 miles, and the total weight could not exceed 165 lbs., including the mail pouch, Bible, knife, horn for alerting the station master to prepare the next horse, rifle, and a choice of a rifle or another revolver. The riders were paid $100 per month. When my late husband worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, he was transferred to St. Joseph, MO, and we were able to visit the original stables where the Pony Express began.

Mail can be delivered in so many different ways today. We do not have to depend on the faithful horse and rider. There are boxes located in post offices, boxes located in offsite locations, mail is delivered by independents, such as UPS and Fed Ex, mail is delivered in some apartment complexes or neighborhoods to cluster boxes located in one area, we also have rural route delivery, and, in many neighborhoods, delivered to the door by a home mail carrier.

We take these home mail carriers for granted. I know first hand that accidents can and do happen to carriers while on their daily route. My niece and her father, my brother-in-law, are home mail carriers. My niece has injured her same ankle twice, has had one surgery, and at the time of this posting, another surgery is pending, both from stepping in holes or on uneven lawns. My home carrier has also injured his ankle while on his route delivering mail. There are also incidences of dog bites. In Oklahoma City, we do have a leash law and bites are probably not as prevalent as they once were. The carriers are permitted to carry mace for protection against dogs.

No work site is completely safe these days. On Wednesday, August 20, 1986, in Edmond, OK, 15 postal employees were slain by a disgruntled postal employee. This was believed to be, at the time, the worst mass murder case recorded in Oklahoma history. After killing 14 employees, wounding 5 others, the gunman committed suicide. Although two decades have passed, the memories remain vivid for those who were at the scene that day. Every single person, except one, went back that night to the post office to work. They had to; nobody else could sort the mail. Shell casings still littered the floor and blood stains were visible inside the building. The deaths were difficult to cope with because the postal employees are such a closely knit group. A monument has been erected at the Edmond, OK post office to honor those slain employees.

I wish to thank all U. S. Postal Service employees, especially Rod, my neighborhood mail carrier, for their tireless and thankless job of delivering our daily mail in snow, rain, heat and gloom of night.

FRIENDSHIP vs LOVE

This posting will be different than most of my entries, in that I won't be chronologically listing what I have done since my last posting. Yes, I have done the usual things I always write about, like walking, having dinner with family and friends, working at the museum, and gambling (another loss), but I have been thinking about my subject of this posting since a retired military man at the museum told me he loved me.

Love is used in so many different ways: I love my family, love my pets, love my job, love chocolate, love shopping, love my God, and love my friends.

Most people think friendship is the best. You have to be friends to love or to fall in love (two different things). My love began when I came out of the womb into the loving arms of my mother, this had not developed into a friendship with my mom, but came later throughout my childhood. Everyone can fall in love or love, but friendship has to come first. Without friendship and love it would be hard to exist. I fell in love with my late husband the minute I laid eyes on him. Was that love, friendship, or lust? He was a handsome man!!!! I developed a friendship with him and ended loving and being in love. Next I experienced the love of being a mom myself with my first born son, then the second son. Along the way I had friendships with many people, in the workplace, neighborhood, schools, etc. I grew to love many of them but did not fall in love with them.

Now I understand the differences in friendships, love, and being in love. Love is a bond between two people, friendship is just a form of love or respect for the other person, and being in love and married should be a bond between friendships that last forever. You can't have one without the other.

So, my friend at the museum really was trying to convey to me that he felt a love and respect for me and it had grown into a friendship. I can appreciate the difference and return my friendship to him.

I have many loves and friendships in my life now, but the one person I was in love with, is gone from my life forever. Who knows if I will ever be in love again, but at least the friendships are there and I rely on them each and everyday.

I hope all my loves and friendships read this blog and know I need them.

FRIENDSHIP vs LOVE

Author Unknown

FRIENDSHIP is a quiet walk in the park with the one you trust,

LOVE is when you feel like you are the only two around.

FRIENDSHIP is when they gaze into your eyes and you know they care.

LOVE is when they gaze into your eyes and it warms your heart.

FRIENDSHIP is being close even when you are far apart.

LOVE is when you can still feel their hand on your heart when they are not near.

FRIENDSHIP is hoping that they experience the very best.

LOVE is when you bring them the very best.

FRIENDSHIP occupies your mind.

LOVE occupies your soul.

FRIENDSHIP is knowing that you will always try to be there when in need.

LOVE is when you will give up everything to be at their side.

FRIENDSHIP is a warm smile in the winter.

LOVE is a warming touch that sends a pulse through your heart.

LOVE is a beautiful smile to which nothing compares:

A tender laugh, which opens your heart.

A single touch that melts away your fears,

A smell that reminds you of the tenderness of heaven,

A voice that reminds you of the innocence of youth.

FRIENDSHIP can survive without love.

LOVE cannot live without friendship.

FROM SPONGE BOB TO HANNAH MONTANA

I attended a 6-year-old niece's birthday party yesterday and the party theme was "Hannah Montana". Everything she received had the Disney motif of Hannah. Just last year the theme of her party was "Sponge Bob". Interests of children varies so much from year-to-year. There is always a new fad or new artist that children become interested in from all the hype they see on television. It will be interesting to see who Steff is interested in this time next year. It was a fun party held at her great-grandmother's and great-grandfather's home. All the kids were in the pool cooling off while we oldsters were in the house cooling off with soft drinks. Her grandfather had the pleasure of grilling hot dogs and hamburgers out in the blistering heat that we are experiencing here in Oklahoma. It was 106 degrees, tying the record for August 3rd set in 1930. More of the same is forecasted for today. My son, Keith, and fiancee, Kelly, attended the party also.

My trip to the Winstar Casino in Thackerville on Wednesday turned out like all my other trips, a loser. When is it going to be my time to win? We had to get up at an ungodly hour of 3:00 am in order to get ready and arrive at the designated bus departure. Upon arrival at the casino we received a complimentary buffet breakfast and $10.00 in cash. Every 10 minutes a random drawing was held for $200.00. We also had a drawing on the bus for cash. Do you think I won any of these drawings? GUESS AGAIN!!!! My next losing trip will be at the Riverwind Casino in Norman on August 13th. If I didn't have so much fun LOSING, I would just stay at home.

Thursday was my day to volunteer at the military museum. I couldn't let the guys down and not take some baked goodies, so the minute I arrived home from the casino I baked a cake and some M&M cookies. I don't know how glad they would be to see me if my hands were empty!! We had so many nice visitors.

Keith, Kelly, and I had dinner out on Friday evening. We always have a good laugh and enjoy each other's company. We chose a buffet and all that food in front of me is my downfall. I just have to have some of everything. After all that is why it is there so it will be eaten. They just don't plan on me eating all of it.

I volunteered again on Saturday at the museum and had 130 visitors from all over the U.S. I was very impressed with a Boy Scout Troop on their way home to Wichita, KS from a 6-day camp-out at Talihina, OK. They were worn out from the heat and outside activities at the campsite, but the leaders and boys were still interested in making one more stop to learn about the equipment and the men who have fought in the various wars. I have never seen such well-mannered youngsters. Most of the scouts plan to go all the way to becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting. If all young people had a goal and a mentor to help them carry out their goals, this would be a different world we live in.

I have never written too much about the 45th Infantry Division Museum but it is an awesome museum. With 27,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 15 acre park, there is much to see. The museum's mission statement is to collect, preserve, and display Militaria relative to the military history of the State of Oklahoma. Following World War I, the National Defense Act of 1920 created the authority to form the 45th Infantry Division from the four states of Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. After the Korean War the Division was restructured into an Infantry Brigade. I have so much to learn and appreciate about the history of the 45th. A lot of the volunteers served in the 45th. I did not come from a military family and know very little about the history, so I can't ever be as good a docent as they, but with their continued support, I will eventually be able to articulate to a visitor the history behind all the wars and artifacts displayed in the museum.

I am keeping busy and this week I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday, work at museum on Thursday and Saturday and have lunch out on Friday in Guthrie, the original capitol of Oklahoma. Guthrie has so much history and the downtown area is being preserved as it was in olden days. My girlfriend, Geneva, that I will be having lunch with on Friday, went to school there and married there. She always drives me around town pointing out where she worked after high school, where she first met her late husband, where they were married and the different places they lived in before moving to Oklahoma City. Her late husband was a member of the 45th Infantry Division and she has a 50-year background of military, having been married to him for all those years.

It is so quiet in my neighborhood on these hot days. Everyone is out early or out late to water their yard and run their necessary errands. Very few children live near me, so there are none of them out playing and the older people, like me, just hibernate. I did go to the grocery store early this morning.

My grandson, Ryan, just called from Great Bend, KS on his return back to his college in Sterling, KS from Denver and Vail, Colorado. He has been coaching a soccer camp in Denver and playing on a soccer team in Vail. He just told me over the telephone all about his trip and I inquired about the temperatures there in Colorado. He said it had been hot all the time he was in Denver and in Vail he wore a jacket at night. He said they went up the mountain in a gondola in Vail and there was very little snow on the mountaintop. He is a wonderful grandson, so responsible and reliable. He is having experiences and making friends that he will cherish all his life.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

Here in Oklahoma City we are experiencing "The Dog Days of Summer". Just what does that mean? It refers to the hottest days of the summer and usually falls between early July and early September. This week we hit 100 degrees or higher. The TV weather forecasters say tomorrow will be 101 degrees and then drop into the mid 90's the remaining days of the week. Everything is parched and turning brown, and it seems as though just yesterday winter was here and we were wishing for spring. I remember as a child we had no home or automobile air conditioning and survived the heat, but HOW? We had to sleep outdoors on a pallet or in a screened-in porch. In Oklahoma, we usually have a breeze and by morning we kids were looking for covers or heading for our own beds just before the sun came up. The morning dew had already fallen by the time we headed indoors, so our bedding was left outside to dry. Today's children do not get to experience the fun we had lying under the stars and seeing who could tell the scariest ghost story before falling into a deep, peaceful sleep. Sometimes the ghost stories kept us from a peaceful sleep and we had to gather up our bedding and go inside to feel the safety of our surroundings. My family took many long and exhausting trips in our car with no air conditioning, and I can still feel the sting of that summer heat hitting me in the face as we happily drove on to our destination. Even as a young bride, I did not yet have a/c in my home or car either. I will never forget when we took a trip from Oklahoma City to Washington D.C., in the month of July, with car windows down and hot air blowing in around us and not once did we complain. We were just happy to be heading for our first look at our nation's capital. I guess in certain parts of the United States air conditioning is not important to have, but let me tell you, here in Oklahoma, you can't be without it.

I had a busy week and enjoyed every minute of it. There were a couple of birthdays in my family, my sister's (see July 23rd posting to my blog), and my grand-niece, Steff's 6th birthday. Steff is a well-mannered little girl. I had the pleasure of taking care of her recently and she said, "Aunt Peggy, may I please take a nap?" I have never heard a child ask to take a nap. My kids and grandkids fought taking their naps. On Wednesday I got the much needed haircut. I only go to the beauty salon three or four times a year when my hair needs cutting. I have been blessed with naturally wavy hair and have never had a permanent. I worked at the military museum on Thursday, had dinner out a couple of times, walked, visited friends, and look forward to more of the same this week. On Wednesday I will be going on the gambling bus to Thackerville, OK. I am not looking forward to having to get up at 3:30 AM in order to get ready, drive to Geneva's condo and the two of us driving on to the bus pickup location. The bus leaves at 6:00 AM, with or without us. After we arrive in Thackerville at the Winstar Casino we will have forgotten all the hassles of getting there, especially if one or both of us win. We have fun just being with the crowd. Our bus will return early evening and I will have time to prepare cookies and cake for the guys at the museum the next day. I received an e-mail this week from a young 10 or 11 year old girl (Zoe) that had visited the museum with her family. She took a liking to me and followed me all over the museum. She and her family were so delightful and took a great interest in the museum. Her mother home schools Zoe and her siblings.

Keith, Kelly, and I had Sunday dinner at a delicious buffet. We all stuffed ourselves and I doubt if any of us will even eat a snack tonight. We had great conversation during dinner talking about our individual blogs. All our blogs are quite different and unique to our own personality. My blog is a diary about me, family and friends. Kelly's is about family, travels, historical places she has visited and current happenings. Keith's blog covers sports, sport postcards, historical places he has visited and current sporting events.

If you haven't started your own blog, you need to consider starting one. It can cover any subject or interest you might have. I hope in the future to be reading your blog just as you are now reading mine.

THE BIRTH OF MY SISTER

I will always remember the day my only sister, Janice, was born. It was July 23rd and one of the happiest days of my life. I was in high school and had only one sibling, a brother, Howard (now deceased). Janice was a surprise to all of us, having come late in life to our mother and father. It was considered late in life then to have a baby at the age of 37, the age my mother was when she gave birth to Janice. Nowadays a lot of professional women wait until that age or older to have their first baby. Howard and I didn't know what to think about our mother's pregnancy. I am sure he didn't tell any of his classmates, but I could hardly wait for summer to be over so I could show pictures of my baby sister to all my friends at school. I remember I carried her around like a doll, but she was cuter and smelled better than a doll and so much fun to watch her from day-to-day. Mother made her matching dresses and bonnets and she was adorable in them. I can't remember her ever crying because one of us was always holding her. She brought so much fun into our home.
When she was three, we moved to a new housing addition and the neighbors assumed she was my brother's and my baby, not having yet met my mother and father. Soon after we moved to the new house, I married and moved away to another state for a short period of time. My parents moved to Edmond after my marriage and Janice attended the public schools there (pictures of her during the school years). Janice and I have remained close. Now that our mother is deceased, I am almost like her mother, and from time-to-time, people have assumed just that. She calls to wish me a Happy Mother's Day each year.










Janice has her own family now, having married the love of her life, Stan, 35 years ago. He is my favorite brother-in-law, at least my favorite one living in Texas. Together they have raised a daughter, Sara, and now Sara is the mother of two darling daughters, Britt and Steff. Janice and Stan are wonderful grandparents. They include their grandchildren in everything they do, like cruises and trips to Hawaii. Sara, her husband, Steve, and the two girls lived across the street from Janice and Stan until a few months ago, when they relocated from Texas to Oklahoma. Janice and Stan kept Steff in Texas during the school year. Oklahoma does not have full day kindergartens and no one would have been home to care for Steff after school while Sara and Steve worked. This is the kind of grandmother Janice (Dojo) is, her grandchild's well-being to her own comfort and relaxation. Janice is a mother to several pets also, including cat, dogs, and several doves.

I am not going to divulge the year Janice was born. You never tell a woman's age!!!! And, if I give the year, you would also know my age, so the year is to remain unknown. I will give the prices of what a few things cost the year she was born. The price of gasoline was 26 cents/gal, bread was 14 cents/loaf, milk was 86 cents/gal, postage stamp was 3 cents, minimum wage was 40 cents/hour, and the price of a new car was $1,550.

I don't think I have ever told Janice how proud I am of her. She has undergone some life-altering changes with her weight reduction surgeries and it hasn't been easy for her. She is now a beautiful, slim, and creative individual. No one in our family can come close to being as good a cook as Janice. Her family is lucky to have homemade dinners when the rest of us are bringing home carry outs from the fast food restaurants. Her gourmet cooking is the hit of every family gathering.



Janice, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday on this July 23rd, and I want to tell you how proud I am to be your big sister. Yes, I remember the day that you were born. It doesn't seem like it was so long ago. I love you!!!

THE LIFE OF A WIDOW

A widow is a woman whose spouse has died. A man whose spouse has died is a widower. The state of having lost one's spouse to death is termed widowhood.

Today I am writing about widowhood. There are many of us in that category. I have been thinking today what it means to be a widow. How our lives are changed and what changes we have to make in our lives. Women have a longer life span and widowhood could plunge a family into poverty. Fortunately I was not forced into poverty. I have been able to live the lifestyle that my husband and I had created for ourselves with careful planning throughout the years. Many widows are not as lucky as I. They have been widowed at a young age or have small children to be the sole provider for. I did not fall into either of these categories.

We all grieve in different ways. You will know you are getting better when your memories make you smile instead of breaking you into tears, or when you can tell someone else that life really does go on, or you find a way to leave your grief in the past and find you are actually enjoying living.

Getting through the holidays the first year is hard for most widows. I find holidays do not bother me. I still have my children and grandchildren to prepare for and I have the memories of yesterdays gone by. As I set the table with the special linens and glassware that my family always uses, all the wonderful memories pass before my eyes. I smile to myself and go on, life has to go on. Yes, as a widow my life has changed and I have made the necessary changes to actually enjoy living. I have made a new life for myself by necessity.

IF ONLY

By Lord Alfred Tennyson

O that 'twere possible

After long grief and pain

To find the arms of my true love

Round me once again!...

A shadow flits before me,

Not thou, but like to thee:

Ah Christ, that it were possible

For one short hour to see

The souls we loved, that they might tell us

What and where they be!

I never knew how much my husband did for us. Now that decision making is my responsibility, I find it overwhelming at times. I do have sons to ask for advice, but ultimately the decisions I make are mine, right or wrong.

As I am writing this post to my blog, I have a smile on my face reflecting back on the good memories I have of the best husband and the best years of my life. IF ONLY!!!!

194TH DAY OF 2008

Today is Saturday, July 12th, the 194th day of 2008 with 172 more days to follow.

What have I done with the first 194 days of the year (where did they go), but more importantly, what will I do with the 172 days to follow?

I have now seen parts of three seasons already come and go this year and with each season there have been changes in my life and yours. We can't turn back the clock to correct or modify our mistakes or errors, but we can learn from them and move on to better things for the remaining 172 days. I have experienced good health for which I am thankful, and my son and granddaughter are doing well after their surgeries. I pray that we will continue to have good health and that we all will continue to prosper the rest of 2008.

So, for the remaining 172 days I plan to continue volunteering at the military museum to broaden my view on the wars that many men and women have fought in for the freedom of this country. I hope that all that are now serving in the war will come home safely and unharmed.

There will be family birthdays, a marriage (soon I hope), achievements, good health, friendships(both old and new), graduations, new homes, new cars, holidays (Labor Day Thanksgiving and Christmas) to celebrate in the last 172 days. I have a lot to look forward to.

Family and friends are there for us all year round. I hope you enjoy your family and friends as much as I do mine. ENJOY THE REMAINING 172 DAYS OF 2008!!!

Those born on this date are under the astrological sign of Cancer. Notables born on this July 12th include Roman leader Julius Caesar, American writer Henry David Thoreau, photography pioneer, George Eastman, composer Oscar Hammerstein II, comedian Milton Berle, painter Andrew Wyeth, pianist Van Cliburn, comedian/actor Bill Cosby, exercise and diet guru Richard Simmons, actress Cheryl Ladd, and Olympic gold medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

Temperatures are soaring here in Oklahoma City, being 94 degrees at 5:05 pm, as I am posting to my blog. My son, Scott, who lives in Santa Fe, NM e-mailed me this morning at 1:00 am rubbing in the fact that they were 56 degrees and said he had the windows open and how cool it was there. My grandson, Ryan telephoned today from Kansas, where he is a college student, and said it was 60 degrees there and he was wearing a jacket. I have only been out in this heat today to go to the bank, fill the car's gasoline tank up, and also filled the lawnmower container. Gasoline was $3.77/gallon. I understand we have some of the lowest prices in the nation. Even with the gasoline prices so high, all the bays at the station were filled with people pumping gasoline.

I volunteered at the museum this week, and went to the Lucky Star Casino in El Reno, with two of my close girlfriends. I enjoy both of these friends very much. Geneva was a neighbor but has moved after becoming a widow and Lorene lives down the street from me and I see her most everyday. Lorene's boyfriend volunteers at the military museum. He earned the Purple Heart medal after having been severely wounded in combat. The casino outing was fun but Geneva and I both lost and Lorene came out even. I also did my walking this week at the mall and last night had dinner out with Keith and Kelly.

I took Janie, my former daughter-in-law and the mother of my two grandchildren, to have an injection procedure yesterday in her neck. It was to be routine but she started having chest and shoulder pains and was taken immediately to the emergency room. It was frightening for them to come and take me to the ER where Janie was on oxygen and being given every kind of preventive test available. Nothing showed up in all the tests, Thank God, and she was released and I took her back home to Edmond where she is to rest for a couple of days. Janie gave me a beautiful potted plant for taking her for her procedure.

I am saddened to just learn of the death of Oklahoma's great baseball player, Bobby Murcer. He has been fighting brain cancer for several months. He was a player and a member of the Yankee organization for many years. Until recently he was a broadcaster for the Yankees. Many of the greats are gone now, including two of the greatest from Oklahoma, Mickey Mantle and Bobby Murcer.