Happy New Year

Just believe it. Another year is coming up real soon-Jan. 1-2012.
May it be a good year for you and yours.

"If solid happiness we prize,
Within our breast the jewel lies,
And they are fools who roam:
The world has nothing to bestow;
From our own selves our joys must flow,
And that dear place---our home.

Life begins each morning..
Each morning is the open door to a
new world--new vistas--new aims--new tryings."

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Merry Christmas

After Thanksgiving was over I was ready to put out my Christmas stuff. Everything looks so nice.

I had picked up a few things at the Goodwill, which I thought were cute, and I couldn't resist taking them home with me. Even found a place for them. No one will know they are hand me down's , but me.

Outside the door I have all snowmen in various shapes and sizes. They are so cute.
Inside I have my ceramic nativity scene--houses--and ceramic people. It is simple, but right for a small apartment.

Enjoy the true holiday spirit. Mom

Preparing for Fall

As you all may know-Henrietta spent a few days with me last week.
We had a very good time. One day she took me to Silom Springs to a Music store, and we got a large new book for my organ playing. Then she took me to see "Courageous." It was very good, one of my kind. The next day she took me to Branson through the back roads. We saw the Hugh's Bros. and family. That also was very good. I really liked it better than the Dutton's. The next day she took me to another show, "The Help" Great. Part of Thurs. and Fri. we worked out in the Osage Gardens.

She loves to keep busy and I didn't mind the help. I did not suggest it, but gladly went along with it. Since it had frozen on Wed. many of the plants were affected. We pulled out a lot of sick flowers, put all the good soil on plastic bags on the benches and tables and when it was dry we bagged it and put in garbage bags to use again next year. We will mix it with some new miracle planting soil.

There are still two planters to empty, but the flowers in them have not frozen yet.
Then we have four hanging planters, which I will move into my room and try to keep them through the winter. 3 dianthuis and 1 Lantana. The Lantana is really an annual, but I'm going to try anyway. I already have 2 ferns-a cactus and ivy in my room, but always room for more. We also found time to play Pinochle and three games of Dirty canasta with Jonny.

Must close and watch the Series.

Signs of FAll

I know this is Sept. 13., almost half way through Sept., and fall is on the way, but I saw my first red maples turning yesterday when riding on the bus.

I had to go to Dr. Riley for my 1/2 year check up. All is well. Next appointment is in Mar.

Our gardens flowers are doing well. The two zinnia plants, one yellow and one rose, were so pretty, but they died while I was at Harrison. Was surprised they weren't taken care of better, but that's past. The mums are starting to Bloom. All in all it should be pleasant to sit outside this fall with a cup of coffee. Our sunflowers are all finished blooming, but one. The rest are all going to seeds. Our cosmos are slow this year. They just started to bloom this past week. Nice and tall and pretty though.

I got some very nice pictures from Belinda yesterday. Plan to put some in Dad's white book and some in the scrap book.

Had a nice shower early morning. The forecast is cooler weather coming in and showers most of the week. Hope all are well and thanks so much for all the love, work, and advise given me last week. Love mom

News Flash

I have received some news you all MAYBE interested in. I entered an acyclic painting in a state wide contest, for the Arkansas Health Care Foundation ( This isn't the picture). Over 100 people living in resident care homes, like Osage Gardens, entered.

I was informed yesterday by a form letter sent to the 14 winners, that we had been chosen to have owr picture on the 2012 calendar.

Katryna, our activity leader, has told me personally, that out of the 14 I have won 1st place. Our pictures will be in the Arkansas capital for the month of Sept.
for all to see. Then they will be sent to the Clinton Museum in Little Rock for s short time, and they will be actioned off to invited bitters only. This money is used to help activities in all state care homes.

Anyway, now I must get busy painting a picture for our Osage Gardens painting ,silent auction in Oct. This money goes to our activities for supplies which we can use, at no charge.

I will not get my picture back, but Katrina is getting me a laser copy of it , Mon.

My head really hasn't grown any.

Really--Nice showers

Just thought I'd let you all know how happy I am to see the beautiful rain, falling from the sky. We had our first nice soaker on Monday p.m. Then again that night. Ged and Banj. had come to visit me, and I told them they should have come much earlier. Then we had another soaker Tues. night and early morning. Well, Wednesday it has been raining off and on all day. Still another nice soaker. Oh, how wonderful. Already the grass looks greener.

Evonne's had to pick Kyrna up at the NWA airport, so they all stopped about 2:15. Kyrna took doughnuts along from Canada. Had a cup of coffee with them and boy were they good.

It cooled off a lot today. Only up to 78o. We've had over 100 for a number of weeks. Almost need a jacket- but I refuse to get carried away over one day. Fall is on the way though. School starts next Monday and soon our Osage Gardens will look beautiful.















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Summer Vacation

No, I'm not crazy or even near going there. It is summer time, and summer time is for vacations. Well, I've decided to take one. I'm going to what you see in the picture. I'll probably stay a few weeks, because this terrible weather is suppose to even get worse next week.

So why be here, when I can go somewhere, where the breeze is cool--the scenery is green and the nights are cold? That all comes with the travel package.

Had to wait a few days, since last night we had a big, wonderful neighborhood party. All of the Osage Gardens, Terrace and the Heights were invited, plus all the neighbors across the street. It was a big deal--Tents- Live music--balloons--flags of all sizes--popcorn--ice cream--prizes--hot dogs and hamburgers--Pop of all flavors and lots of fun. The staff and employees all worked so hard on it. And the rain withheld for the evening and again all day today.

School starts around here on Aug.15. Cindy wants me to come out to Garfield and spent a few days with the kids. Last time I played WI games with them for 2 days. Was that ever nice.

I've not been a big fan of sunflowers-but earlier this spring the residence planted about seven planters with seeds. They are short, but they are blooming. The blooms also are small in size, but do you know what ?--they are BEAUTIFUL, and add so much to the gardens.

I've been filling the hummingbirds feeders lately. Earlier I saw one, and now they come all the time and drink and drink. They don't just flutter by for a quick sip, but really fill up. Also keep the bird bath full. Used every day and need a refill.

Well, if you need me, I'll have my cell right next to me. I'll just stay cool and feed. Love Mom

Baseball

If it were not for TV, baseball-basketball and golf, I'd dpppppppppump the thing in the trash. You know? There is very little worth watching any more. Of course there is still Jeopardy--Wheel Of Fortune--News--Church programs from Pensicola Fl.--etc.

I can get all of the Cardinals games on channel 39. They just finished loosing 2games to 1 against the Cincinati-Reds. Tonight they don't play but I will be able to watch the Twins instead. Then Tues. they play a few games against the NY Mets. I'm glad I can sit in the cool living room instead of playing out in the heat and moisture.

I had my eyes tested. My left eye needs more adjustment than the right. Picked out a new frame. Hope you all like them.

Went to see dad this morning. He was doing well. We had a cup of coffee together-he smiled and laughed some. Ready for bed before the hour was up, so I just left.

Stay cool.

Heat

The result of this heat is even affecting us at the Gardens. We don't supply the world with food, but we do supply our little world her with beauty. We have a sprinkler system, but also do a lot of water can watering on all the annual planted plants.

It has been in the upper 80's and upper 90's for the last number of weeks now with no relieve in sight. I do under stand we are already in the "Dog Days" (what ever that may tell us) but even the nights start out in the morning in the lower 80's.

I'm really not complaining for I never had it so good as here. If I'm cold I turn the temp. up. If I'm hot I turn it down. Don't have to worry what the electric bill will be.

Really, it is all very pretty yet. We have tables and chairs on the garden patio, which I sit at often drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the goings on. The other day it was so cute. A baby robin was learning to fly. He had big intentions, but each timed he tried to make it , the furtherest he could make it off the ground, was about 12". By now I'm sure he's accomplished the trick.

The garden is doing well. We got about 8 ripe strawberries this year. (first year planting). The squash-tomatoes and peppers are all blooming and getting produce on. We did get a late start with the planting, because we didn't get stuff in the ground before all the rain in Mar. The neighbor did and you should see his garden. Beautiful.

All is going well. Will go see dad again tomorrow. He had a wonderful birthday week.

What is it?

Boy- do I have a lot to be thankful this week.

Ged has been very sick but is recovering nicely. Thanks for good surgeons.

Evonne came and gave me a hair cut for the summer, and gave me a perm. A good one also.

The flowers and vegetables in the court made it through the oppressive heat this week.

No bad news from any of the family.

I could hear a lot better than the week before, because a a big gift from my dear sister in law.

Our health is holding-etc-etc.

But last night a prayer was answered when it lighting -- thundered and rained. Boy--does rain make a difference on things instead of watering. Every thing looks so good this morning.

Nothing else world shaking. Love you all.

HELP

Something is going on in the garden. Two days ago we planted 4 pepper and 4 squash and 4 tomato plants. In the evening after supper I checked the garden and flowers and all was well.

In the morning I checked the garden and flowers again. Guess what? All the leaves on 2 of the peppers where chopped off and lying on the ground. Not eaten, mind you, just chopped off.

Last night I covered the 4 pepper plants with plastic containers. This morning, guess what? 3 of the squash plants were stripped of their leaves and lying on the ground, uneaten. What is going on?

We put a wooden pencil by the tomatoes plants we set out this week so the wind wouldn't crack them off. We had one pencil left over so staked it to 1 of the squash. That one wasn't touched. May have to try putting a pencil by each plant, and wait and see if it works.

Some residents think it is the bird-some say squirrels- others say a bug. I say--let the night shift stay out there at night and keep watch over the garden. It only happens at night. Got any idea? The plants aren't dead, so they will come back but sets the garden back that much more.

Vacation

I'm getting very excited about the upcoming few weeks.. I've ever gotten another canker sore. I'm already packing. In that way, if Cindy decides to leave earlier, I'll be ready. I know that won't happen though. She works on Thursday yet.

I am sure I will lose sleep over all my important decisions, about what to do before hand and what I should pack. I plan to visit a few friends, plus relatives. Lois even wants to go to Allen Neb. to see Joyce French. Henrietta wants to take me to Sheldon to some new -big greenhouse. Lyde Vande Stowe wants to have coffee with me also. She had another back operation and hasn't been working for some time. I believe she is planning on retiring. I plan to see Wally's lot in Maurice. I know it is close to dad and Mon's plot. Also want to see Viola's and Nellies resting places.

Then -I can't wait to see the Altena's and all the graduation celebrations. That of course is the high point of the whole vacation. Plan to pester them for a few weeks. (Sorry I mean days.) Must see all her new painted rooms. Of course I'm anxious to see all of them also.

If I enjoy everything as much as I did the trip to Bellville, Il. ,I will be a total wreck in a few days. That was so nice. But I know I will. I already have a mind set.

Must close and go to the church services. See everyone soon. "Are We There Yet"

May

Another month has rolled around. With all this rain we certainly should be having some beautiful flowers in May.

I get to see all the blooming trees-flowers and changes in the season while I'm riding the bus. I really enjoy it and I have no responsibly. They have sent me more coupons to board the bus and staring Monday the bus routes are changing.

We will be transferring at the Northwest Medical center now and then I will go way up to the Mercy Medical Center and Pinnacle Hill Promenade. That will be great. I'll have a way to get to the clinic any day now or the Hospital. That is, Mon. though Fri.

I plan to get on the bus tomorrow and try out both routes so I can see if any other changes will be affecting me. I will visit dad, but may even get off at the Helping Hand on Walmart's in Bentonville.

They are now dropping me off right in front of Innesfree and picking me up at which hour I ask them to. In that way I would have to walk to Walmart yet, if I ever wanted to go there. I've decided looking into letting them drop me off at the Bentonville Walmart and picking me up the next round. Each round repeats itself about every 45 mins. Sure sounds good to me. I can also be drooped off by the Bentonville Library and picked up at the next stop. I would have to get a card, but that should not be a problem. That well be so nice, I miss my Roger's Inspirational books in large print.

Sister Joyce is having a right shoulder replacement this Wednesday. She already has had both hips and left shoulder replaced. May all go well. I keep busy with all the activities around here. I have started there exercises program and really enjoy it and need it badly. I really am way out of shape. Lots of finches outside my window. The yellow ones are really getting bright yellow. Fun to watch. The robins are having a good time getting worms from the soft ground.

Never to old to learn

Really don't know why I did it- but I said yes, I would try and learn bridge. Just playing with two of the others is great--but the 3rd one is a pain in the patute. If you don't know what that is--ask your mother. It starts with an "A".

Last Fri. morning- I had excellent hands. My partner Velma is 98 years old and we hit it off good. We skunked Pyhlis and Beluah --875 to 2850. Beulah also is 98 and both of them love to play, just to play and have fun. Needless to say the other is only 85 and plays for blood. SHE hates to lose. I really love to have fun and watch those two older ones really enjoy doing something instead of just sitting in their room.

So much for that round of complaining.

Good Friday and Easter

What a wonderful day we had here at the Gardens.

We had one minister come in at 2 o'clock and had a Good Friday sermon. Then at 3 o'clock we had a communion service. Afterwords we sang about 6 different Easter songs. It was wonderful. I cried. Jesus did this all for me.

Sunday I will be going to church with Sentner. We have a good minister there-so should have a very good service. All month , both ministers preached on the coming death and resurrection of Jesus.

April Fools

The first of April has come and gone. I had a big celebration, all by myself. I celebrated , as always, 15 years being thankful for the halo I had for 12 weeks. One nurse told me it might be the only one I'd get.

When I remember back on it--it was terrible. I know I have consequences on account of it---but I'm alive. What a day to remember. The thing I remember best is going out to breakfast to say good bye to Cindy, Kelsy and Miranda. We were leaving the next morning for our first sower's project which was to be at Brono, Ar. at a boys camp. After surgery I throw up all night and the nurses knew I had a big breakfast. At least they said--You've got a good appetite.

A little colored joke I heard from one of my e-mail friends.

A lady got a phone call from her husband who was at work. "Dear will you back my fishing gear? Bob and Joe want me to go along to Canada for the week end." Sure.
"Set out my tackle box, net, rain coat,shaver and clothing. And oh yes-will you also back my silk blue pj.'s?" Sure. "I'll swing around and pick them up before we leave." OK.

He did, and left. Came back on Monday morning. His wife said. " How was fishing dear"? " OH GREAT. Got some bass, northern and pike." Good. "You forgot my pj.s though." "If you had looked in your tackle box you have seen them."

Project

About two weeks ago I saw surveyors working on the open lots between me and the Hospital. WELL -Thurs they moved in a construction trailer. Friday they set a new electric pole up and strung wire to it.

Now what? What's going on-I do not know-but it will be interesting to see. Hope it doesn't take all my view of the Hospital emergency door. I guess I have a little nose trouble, but I enjoy watching the goings on.

Don't know!

About time to change my nail color. Got all the clocks turned ahead and the striking clock to strike on time, so I feel like a big success.

Had the best week last week. Rich and Cindy took me along to Springfield to see Sarah in a gymnastic competition. She placed 1st in her age group and got a medal. We stayed over night and got to go through the remodeled Bass Pro shop.. It is amazing.

Then one day I walked over the Osage Terrace-just across the parking lot. Caught the 9:25 bus to Scotsdale in Rogers--transferred to the Roger's bus. The buses wait for each, other so no long wait out in a parking lot. Got off at Walmart at 9:50 and walked to dad. I had counted my steps at the Gardens, and the walk was less than 4 rounds around the Gardens, which I make 8 of, every day and some times more. He was sleeping the whole time I was there, so I only stayed about 1/2 hour. Went back to Walmart and caught the 10:45 bus back to Scotdale. Caught the other bus back to the Gardens in time for the noon lunch. Oh--was that ever nice. It will be a fun ride to see all the changes in the scenery .

I had gotten rid of the car to Miranda also last week, and am happy not to have it any longer. I feel very good that I have extra money now to spend as I see fit. The main reason though is I'm happy not to be the one driving in this heavy traffic. It's getting worse every month. Most of the times cars are lined up 3 blocks long. I just try to stay in the outside lane -keep the speed limit-and try not to do anything foolish.

Then Sunday, Earlene , my friend at Osage Heritage, took me along when she went to church at our old church on 26th St. She dropped me off at dad about 9, and picked me up again at 11:50 . I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with coffee, before church, with dad. All went so well. I had looked into a lot of things before hand and am very satisfied with the outcome.

Now for the best news. The transit bus gave me 20 free tickets-so it doesn't cost me a thing to take it during the month 20 times. Then by the 25th of that month I just call and ask for 20 more. What a deal! Earlene doesn't want anything-for she says if she is going any way for herself I may ride along. She will call each time she goes to Rogers. She goes every Wed. and almost every Sun. God sure is good to me. I feel so good about not having the car any longer and I surely will see more of the cities than I did when I drove. Then it was straight to dad and back again.

Reading lots of books and watching college basketball lately. No dull minutes.

Your Mother?

Actually! Can you believe it?

I, at this age, have been taking care of my looks, for once.

Last time Evonne was in Rogers, she helped me pick out lip stick (which I haven't worn for years). When Henrietta was here last, she left me a tube of age defying makeup, which covers all the dark blotches on my skin. Now today they are trimming by toe mails and latter filing and painting my fingernails.

I feel like a queen and enjoying ever minute of it.

They had a new riddle om the board this morning and I solved it. "Why is a cook mean?" Because he beats the eggs and whips the cream. For being so up on all that stuff, I got a large Hershey's candy bar. Now they have a new one. What do a Mountain--golf course and appliance store have in common? You tell me? Probably the answer is nothing.

I put the little old couple playing cards on the shelf outside my door. Trudy and Nelson gave us them years ago. I have had so many remarks about them. Everyone thinks they are so cute. One even thought the old lady looked like me (with tongue in check)

Believe it

Yeh-next month will be ushering in spring. The Bible has assured us that there will always be a summer- winter- spring and- fall. Isn't that great? It is beautiful outside the window this morning. The trees are all frosted up--the snow is lying untouched by tracks of birds or humans--nothing is moving except and occasional slow moving car.

In a few weeks the road will be cleared--the kids back in school--the suns rays will be stronger -melting the snow and the crocus will be pushing their heads up through any remaining piles.

Have been helping the activity director finishing valentines. Other residents have cut the valentines out -cut ribbons a right length--made bows and now I am gluing the hearts together and attaching the bows-- the end project will be used at our" Choclate Tasting " Valentines party next week. They plan so many nice things for us to do.

.

February

Well, believe it--it's almost February. Will the ground hog see his shadow or not? But the question today, is--are the National and local weather forecaster's right? Is it or isn't it? They predict-ice, rain and snow for 50% of the nation. They predict a 1/2 "of ice for place -- that's hard on the tree but good for the auto repair shops.

I worry about all those people who have to go to work in that stuff, while all I have to worry about is, will the electricity stay on so I can stay warm. Don't worry about it though, I have lots to keep me warm for some time. This year you kids don't have to worry about your parents, we both are taken care of well.

Went to dad yesterday and took him a valentines bear--candy --and a card. I took him to the dining room for coffee and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.( He just scarfs them down). I talked about the snow which might be coming in and then I wouldn't come if the roads weren't good. Before I left he thought we should go in, because the snow was getting deeper and he was getting cold. Poor guy.

I've been doing little things that had to get done since I moved--but I believe I'm caught up. Now what? Don't worry-if I take part in some of the activities they have around here I'll not get lonely. I started to play bridge (which I never thought I'd do). I enjoy that because two of the ladies are 97 and we play for fun, not for blood. Tonight we have wii-fi bowling. Sometimes we play Uno--phase ten or skipo. All are fine--lots of the not so well women , who know nothing about the game enjoy playing and wining( with a lot of help--(now lay this -- where --and when).

Evonne gave me a perm the last time she was here and it's a good one. Now I don't have to give my own. My finger nails are improving since I started taking calcium for nail breakage. I love taking showers , since I can walk right in and sit down. I use those bath balls they gave me for Christmas and that new bath jell soap. Does that work good. (Man, I've been missing 1/2 of life.) Also I now wear lipstick body cologne-and perfume. I've got all kinds of good cloths-some new -some hand me downs,- but all great.

Until more rambling--Keep well.

Lady of Leizure

It's me again after exactly - 3 months-16 days and 17 hours. Boy did I miss this thing. Boy am I glad it's up and running . And boy am I glad it's not costing me anything extra a month.

I had a lot to catch up with and Evonne helped me a number of times with things I had already forgotten.

Just want you all to know--I like it here and am now a lady of leisure. Painted finger nails--lots of activities--meals made for me--bed changing-vacuuming-mopping-taking out the garbage--washing all the dirty clothes--Can use all the water and electricity I want and set the heat to 87 if I feel like it.

Today a singing group came in at 2 and played about an hour and this evening I go to WI bowling. Also am started on another painted. Love you all. Ladene