Thursday, April 30, 2009

Swine Flu

Even though it seems far removed from the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Public Health Department had us send home information for parents today (should be going home from all public schools soon if it hasn't already). Let's hope we can stay away from this strain of flu! The big push is to remind folks to stay home when sick. That seems like a no-brainer but doesn't always happen with the little folks but ODE says that schools will close if the outbreak hits if necessary. All the more reason to countdown the days until summer, don't you think?

PS- I didn't have shingles.

Sneezing in the Spring!

A friend's blog included a video about how to cough or sneeze into your sleeve, exactly what we teach kids to do at school. Why is it then that I'm still covered with little droplets as these "educated" kids sneeze on me during reading! Well, to be fair, the little people are still learning that technique and it sneaks up on them! In any case, we keep trying.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Dinnertime!


The goldfinches are flocking to the feeders these days-isn't spring wonderful!
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Friday, April 24, 2009

False Alarm (I hope)

This afternoon at school my left arm started hurting a bit so I took off my cardigan sweater to check. I found a rash--in a line from my wrist almost to my elbow. It hadn't been there in the morning when I showered and dressed so it seemed a bit odd. Because it was raining last night, I hadn't been out gardening so it seemed far-fetched that it could be caused by something I'd connected with doing that chore. My sister's recent bout with shingles crossed my mind and when a friend thought it might be shingles too, I decided I'd better get checked. Of course, the Dr.'s office had no openings and sent me to the Urgent Care being suspicious of that same diagnosis. Anyway, the Dr on duty said he'd never seen shingles start on the arm but didn't know what it could be so, to be on the safe side, sent me home with a prescription to fill IF it gets worse or appears on the usual places. I'm not sure what it is, but very glad it's not "dreaded shingles"! My sister is still suffering and it's been months!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Into every life a little rain must fall.......

We are counting our blessings for the rain this evening. Not only will it water new plantings but it gives us a break from yard work! A couple of years ago a guest at a backyard wedding asked us how many hours a week we had a gardener! We chuckled but took it as a compliment. I guess, since Dan's not working yet, I can count up his backyard hours and add the nightly time I've spent recently to get the answer. We have all we need but we don't always appreciate all we have!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunny Saturday

What a wonderful Saturday! My friend Sherry took me to breakfast at WOM (a left-over birthday celebration from a month ago) and of course, it was fabulous! Then I just had to stop a a couple of nurseries to get some plants. We discovered that Godfrey's (off Shaw Square Rd) by far had the best prices! I'd already gotten a few at before I got there and was kicking myself for spending more but took the opportunity anyway and came home with a trunk full! Then the planting began. Two of the grandsons were over and loved to help in the garden. We thought if they planted "their plants" then perhaps when they come to visit Nana & Pa, they won't mind weeding either. (We'll have to wait to see if that strategy works). An evening barbeque was a satisfying end to a perfect day.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Editing

I just read by last blog and saw all kinds of errors! (I fixed them). Guess that's what happens when fatigue overtakes an old lady-and I'm usually so tuned in to the written word and edit mistakes others make in that area! But it did make me think--how often do I see my daily bloopers and inconsistencies but can more easily focus on another person's errors? Lord, help me look at myself and others through your eyes of compassion and love and not be critical!

Easter pictures
















Grandkids came over Saturday with the intention of coloring eggs for the next day's hunt. However, since the sun was shining and there was a promise of rain for Sunday, we decided to have the hunt while they were all there. Dads may have had as much fun as the kids while hiding the eggs! Sunday after a play by the youth group at church, Randy, Gina and Ruth joined us for dinner too. It was a busy, but enjoyable weekend!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Manna

It's the middle of April and still no work in sight for my hubby. We thought it would be a long winter without work but expected that he'd be back by the end of March at the latest. And yet, despite the forced changing of our financial status, God has provided what we need. Our house isn't in foreclosure, our bellies are (too) full, and we have much to be thankful for. Still there are days when I go into a bit of depression and then God sends something or someone to speak to me.

Here's a quote from the author of the book "The Purpose Driven Life", Rick Warren:
"I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems....But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others."

Daily manna--not to store up, but to gather just for that day with the overwhelming trust and knowledge that God will provide what I need again tomorrow!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Over the Mountain

I just got back from going over to Redmond for a workshop at their ESD. Long trip for a one day training, but it was worth it to see the sun and the incredible blue skies of central Oregon! The workshop was okay, but as always, I learned from the other attendees too. It always amazes me how different areas interpret the same mandates, etc. Even within the state Dept. of Ed, there are different ideas on the same subject. Oh well, the important thing is that we are continually improving our craft to give kids the best we can! All that being said, I'm glad tomorrow is Friday!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Reuse, Recycle Sale...or should we call it a stimulus effort?

Am I tired! Just walked in the door from spending a few hours beginning to sort through things for the church rummage sale on Saturday. We have a ton of stuff! Not sure if it's the urge to do spring cleaning, desire to simplify life, or just help out the church that motivated folks but there sure is a huge variety. Bikes, TVs, furniture, exercise equipment, clothes, and the list goes on. Which is good but I foresee a very long night tomorrow to get it all ready. Oh well, it's for a good cause. Blessings abound!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Back to Alaska At Last!

My poor sis from Alaska was stranded in the Portland area for days due to the eruptions of Mt.Redoubt. She had been in California for work and this was as far as she could get last Friday. Then due to a series of delays, cancellations and full planes she was stuck! It was wonderful getting to visit with her but it really messed up her schedule and finally, she's back home! Makes me appreciate my somewhat routine life!