Thanksgiving 2009

This has been a wonderful day. Jack and I were up early to prepare our share of the Thanksgiving meal. Ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole - the traditional Thanksgiving meal. We actually forgot the squash! Oh well, hum, does that give an indication of the state of my squash?
Any way. Who would have believed a year ago all the changes and things we are thankful for this year. 2009 had been a power packed, year and the events and happenings, emotions and commotions, the lows and more than that the highs of the year are too numerous to mention. There is nothing better than to be and express thankfulness for all things in our lives. And this Thanksgiving, with its memories of Thanksgivings past gives me pause to say how very grateful I am for family and friends and life's experiences. God bless you all, for He is the source of things to be thankful for. All good and precious gifts come from Him.

AAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHhhhhhhhhhh

Job Hunting.
Too many people are out of work. Scammers and deceivers are out in force to take advantage of those who are looking for good honest work. False pretenses abound. It is very disappointing. If the crooks and deceivers, the con artists and thieves, the disgusting greedy manipulators would put their creative energy into productive and helpful means rather than selfish, gluttonous greed, thinking of themselves only, would not this world be in a much better place. I have to admit, I am so sick of self centered greed and SIN!
OK There you have it for the moment.
Praying for a good honest job to come along.

Distances

The family had a big gathering at one of our favorite state parks in Vermont. Lots of trees, beach, picnic and play areas. The weather was perfect for the occasion, the food scrumptious and abundant. The family camaraderie, the love shared, the pride in the cohesiveness of the family to remain so connected through many many years, over miles and trials and always come together to support, admire, encourage and love one another is wonderful beyond words. I have had to work in the past and couldn't join the family. This year I was on call for my work...and 1000 miles away. I am thankful for modern technology, for digital cameras, cell phones, Skye and all other various ways to connect to each other. I really missed being there. Wanted to hug my sisters and brother. Wanted to share some new Mexican delights I have learned to prepare. Wanted to see all my grand kids together...and love on their parents...my kids, of whom I love so deeply and am so proud of them. Now I believe with all my heart the Lord has my husband and I here in Denver for a purpose. Jack's sister received the salvation message and followed through, repentance, baptism in Jesus Name and being filled with the Holy Ghost! We serve a mighty God indeed. Other events happening in our lives confirm to us, for now this is where we need to be and where we can be most useful to the Kingdom of God. We belong to a church abundant with faith and confidence in the Lord's miracle working hand...my sister has been healed and I believe it with all my heart...I have no doubts that is another reason why we are here...for her.
It is hard sometimes and other times the most fulfilling and rewarding place to be. I am growing and learning and hopefully helping others along the way.
Grace and peace to you all - may your dreams be fulfilled in spectacular ways that give God all the glory!

Espanol

Spanish. The language of countries and peoples south of the USA and across the ocean. Spanish is the second most common spoken language in the world. It originated in northern Spain as one of the hundreds of Romantic Languages from ages past. Today Spanish is among the 6 most widely used of the remaining Romance languages (of Latin origin). There you have it, a bit of history thanks to Wikipedia.

Many many more people speak Spanish in Denver, Colorado than in Burlington, Vermont. I guess that several years ago, I had an inkling that I might be learning Spanish in the future...but didn't see the need at the time. Now, I see that it can be an important part of my nursing here in Denver. Besides, I would love to know what the Spanish speaking people in the grocery line behind me are saying...not nosey you understand, but there is admittedly curiosity!

So to understand and speak Espanol one must practice, make mistakes, practice, make mistakes, listen to Spanish...they speak incredibly fast on the radio....listen to tapes, listen, practice...I am giving it a C effort...not an A or even a B effort at this time. My Spanish helper fizzled, so I was at a loss for a time. Now I use the radio, DVD and listen online. Jack is a good sport, but he isn't interested in learning for himself, he still is a good sport. One of the nurses I work with has a better grasp of the grammer, which I absolutely need to get down better, then it will be easier, and make sense. I am learning body parts. Intersting.

Love, grace and peace to you...adios

The mountains of Colorado are so spectacular, and the scenery amazing ... spell bounding. Echo Lake is becoming one of my favorite places. It is an easy drive from Denver, less than one hour west, on the road to Mt. Evans 14,000+ foot peak. The town of Idaho Springs is at the "bottom" of the "hill"...itself at 7000+ or so feet! Idaho Springs is a wonderful small town, very touristy and I am glad, it provides income for the folks who live there. I haven't yet shopped in Idaho Springs, but plan to on future trips. We have eaten in one of its fine Italian Restaurants, very very good. The Sousa Band of Colorado concert celebrating Idaho Springs' 150th Gold Rush Anniversary was the occasion that brought us back to this wonderful little mountain town...and to Echo Lake. Belinda got wind of the concert and she and Nori joined us for the gala festivities. They watched as all the towns people gathered for a photo of themselves; ala 1859 style, on the village green, as Jack and I shared a picnic up in the mountains. We met at the city hall...Nori helped as we parked the car in a spot directly across the street...couldn't get any better or closer. The concert was just superb (of course you realize I am in no way bias), the ladies of the town baked cakes of all flavors, sold ice cream and water and other goodies. Belinda enjoyed the chocolate brownie cake and I savored the homemade lemon cake. Moist, sweet lemon cake and icing oh, so good! We had water ourselves and Belinda had some hot tea - a black English tea that hit the spot. Being up in the mountains the temps were cooler than in the mile high valley below. Our temps were in the mid to upper 60s with bright blue cloudless skies, while in Denver they enjoyed the same blue sky and temps in the high 80's and low 90's. Chatting with Belinda was extra special nice. Reminiscing old days when our parents were still alive and the fun and adventures we shared. It is interesting that we have reconnected in Colorado, interesting and wonderful! We vow to keep in touch better...and I truly plan to make it a priority. Such very special people those Conants...Belinda, Terry, and their spouses, Nori and Colleen. They
Well, there are my thoughts for now. Lord bless you.
Grace and peace - grammie betimes.

Amazing and Frightening Storm

Monday July 20th. Nothing special. Work, home, quick dinner, off to Spanish Class, home ... short chat with my wonderful honey, then off to bed for both of us. Curled up together, peacefully sleeping and the phone rang. "Hum", I thought, "who would be calling us at 10:27pm?" (clock work). It was our newly acquired "Weather Call" warning service - severe thunderstorm coming your way, lightening, hail, heavy rain and "damaging wind". The service calls when our address is in line with a notable storm. So I checked to make sure outdoor furniture in a good spot... lightening and thunder off in the distance. 10 minutes later...wind, thunder, lightening, rain....then the wind picked up, the thunder and lightening in earnest...then the tornado warning sirens...very loud...very loud wind...rain, hail....yikes it was very very scary! I asked Jack if we should go into the bathroom(our safe place). Turned on the TV.... some guy had just called in - thought he saw a funnel cloud 2 blocks from our house! Double Yikes.... strong wind and black outside. I was frightened. Jack stayed in bed, sleeping, not a worry in the world. Meanwhile the TV weather reporter is warning of the severity of the storm..."this is a powerful storm, do not go outside, stay in a protected area", after about 20 minutes the tornado warning was lifted, the storm...still very active had passed and was on its way east. I went to bed, but didn't fall asleep for quite a while.
In the morning ... 2 verified tornadoes touched down in the Denver area (neither near our home) wind and hail and rain had caused 100's of thousands of dollars of damage to property, cars, trees in the greater Denver area and 10's of thousands of people were out of power. It was a fierce storm. Fortunately no reported serious injuries or deaths...praising God for that! So, last night was the first time I was truly frightened by a storm here in Denver. Even when we knew that tornadoes were happening nearby previously...it was daytime...a storm of this magnitude in the dark of night was a whole different situation and very frightening for those of us who stayed awake through it, and where lightening before was entertaining, last night it was dangerous and very alarming. Winds topping out at 70 miles an hour roared toppling large trees, and denuding them of their greenery, smashing windows with the hail and debris. Some slept through the storm, some were awakened and were as frightened as I was...
OK here is the kicker. One of my lady friends at church...who, with her husband, slept through the storm...thinks we've almost had it all..."just need an earthquake" to round out this wild wild spring and summer! AN EARTHQUAKE!!! (She's originally from California)...so OK....but only a 1 or 2 on the scale please!

July 4th 2009

It has been a long time since I have blogged - so sorry for being neglectful. I admit that most of my time has been on....on....Facebook. It is a fun place and I can see photos of my family in VT.

But life still goes on and I do need to write more. Though I remember now why I stopped blogging. I had put a little "banner" on a page and it shows up on everything I do, and I don't know how to fix it. I can only type in "central" mode. Odd, but not insurmountable.

Today is Independance Day for the United States of America. We are an awesome country. I have watched people as they celebrate in their unique ways. We all have the liberties that have been given us by those who came before. Americans dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness gave their time, their expertise, their earnest efforts and their lives to not only secure the Independance of United States of America, but to keep it over the years. We are the United States of America, wonderfully diverse and working to become better, and I hope and pray our efforts are guided by the Divine Providence that led our founding Fathers in the establishment of this wonderful country under God. God Bless America!

Morning Drive Thoughts

Oh my! I just realized that I have not blogged since March! Not that I have nothing to say, nor that thoughts to blog about haven't come my way, nor that I have been away from my computer. Nope. Just haven't really sat at this delightful keyboard and tapped away at the keys! Hmmmm.
Well. Just yesterday as Jack was driving me into work. He does that every morning, by the way. Up before the sun dawns, we share a quick moment over coffee then off to work for me, as he drives and I collect my thoughts and enjoy the ride. The sun was dawning, bright and warm, the sky blue and the sun just brilliant.
We were driving through a neighborhood with tree lined streets, huge stately trees with branches outstretched over a wide 4 lane road divided in the middle by a large grassy median. I found myself getting frustrated as I looked at the trees. Here it is a beautiful sunny morning. Blue sky, brilliant sun and the trees are still in their winter dormant state. Every once in a while a shrub or bush would have a few green buds, but the trees were bare, lifeless, sleeping. Then the Lord quickened a thought in my heart. He is the sunshine of this world...He being Jesus - the true Sonshine. And He; Jesus shines bright and clear everyday, His Spirit is ever present in the world. He longs to be a part of every one's life, to help them grow and blossom. To be the warmth and the encouragement, the friend and yes, the Lord. To be the light of our path, the lamp of our way is His earnest heartfelt desire. Yet, for all His shining, for all His presence. We sleep. We remain dormant to His presence, and the beauty that we could have in our lives, the vibrant life that awaits us if we would but awake to His presence is lost in our barren dormant sleep. I was frustrated that Spring had not yet arrived, tired of winters chill and the stark nakedness of those magnificent trees. And suddenly I became aware of the Lord's presence and was overwhelmed with the thought of how He must feel. Out stretched arms. Hands ready. A love unceasing and without partiality. Fully accepting. Ready. And I sleep, we sleep. My life, our lives barren to the great and marvelous things God has to offer.
Lord forgive me. Forgive us. For we do not rightly acknowledge you for who you truly are. We sleep as you surround us with your glorious presence and offer us all that you have. If we would but awake to your presence....

Grace and peace

Blizzard in Denver

Thursday March 26, 2009...

It snowed and the wind blew hard, the snow piled on the street, the scrubs and trees. It lasted 24 hours. The driving was treacherous for most of that time. Then the sun came out. And in a matter of one day, most of the snow has melted away.




When I got my camera out to take some pictures, I discovered that I had not charged the battery since January. No pictures in the midst of the storm...so sorry. I have early morning the day after and Friday afternoon pictures to share. Early morning darkness with the new fallen snow, and some afternoon pictures of blue sky and sunshine.
Jack and I did try to do some business on the day of that storm early hoping to get back home before the brunt of the storm hit. Unfortunately, we got caught in the midst of the fury of the blizzard...harsh wind and snow...on our way back home.Thankfully the with the help of angels, the Highlander's 4 wheel drive and Jack's purposeful driving brought us home safe and sound. We stayed put for the remainder of the day.

Grace and Peace

Colorado New...not so nice... Find

I just love bike riding. I love the places one can go and see while on their bike. In Colorado there is a nemesis to bike riders... the dreaded GOAT HEAD...per Wikipedia "Tribulus terrestris -The nutlets or "seeds" are hard and bear two to three sharp spines, 10 mm long and 4–6 mm broad point-to-point. These nutlets strikingly resemble goats' or bulls' heads; the "horns" are sharp enough to puncture bicycle tires and to cause painful injury to bare feet." My tires found several of these "nutlets" on my last bike ride around the community here. I know exactly where I encountered them...but did not know the lethal impact they would have on my tire. Flatter than flat! I will never ever walk around barefooted now that I have seen the results to my bicycle tire. YIKES!

So off to the bike shop to see what could be done....at home Jack had found two of these little spikes in my tire...the fixit man found 2 or 3 more. We live where they "populate". Hmmm. So he replaced the tube and provided some automatic fill the hole when it happens stuff and strongly encouraged buying a brand of tire called "Armadillo" - very expensive but almost always effective against the Goat Head, and nearly every bike rider in Colorado has them. The bike shop folks were awesome. Gave us a newbie discount, a welcome to Colorado discount and lots of advise on where would be great rides. Scott our friendly chatty gray haired understanding our plight and ages sales guy recommended Breckenridge for a wonderful not too challenging ride along side the river there. Fourteen miles downhill. I think it sounds great. Jack is somewhat more hesitant to do Colorado trail riding in the mountains. This is not a mountain trail per se, I presume similar to the Stowe VT bike trail.

So there you have it. A new awakening as it were, and frankly, I am thankful that my bicycle tire was first to encounter this stabbing experience.

Grace and peace to all

BIRDS IN DENVER

Couldn't help but add a new picture of Tucker .... isn't he just the cutest little boy ......





On to the story.....

Yes, yes we know there are many birds in Denver...especially geese! However; today, to our absolute delight, a bird or two visited our little feeder just off our patio, and Jack got some pictures. Amazing how this little visit boosted our spirits. Not that there was any need for boosting mind you, a wonderful little blessing is welcome anytime!

We are looking forward to consistent warm weather, even some rain, a good soaking would be good for the dry Denver area.

So here is the bird, perched on our new feeder. A local squirrel has also discovered the feeder, but seems the feeder is not conducive to the squirrel's hanging around as it were, and the holes for the seed are situated in such a way as to mandate unusual contortions the squirrel was not able to maintain. Hilarious! Not only that, Jack's quick trot to shoo away the squirrel with a loud boo, fended off the intruder.

**in the original post I had the birds as the main story...but, truly...Tucker is the main story, birds are the delightful sideline!

Tea and Sculpture

Last Saturday on the advise of a local friend we drove to Boulder to visit the Celestial Seasonings Teas Manufacturing plant. A very touristy thing to do, well worth the trip. We packed a picnic lunch and drove the 45 minute route with ease. Tea tasting, visiting the gift shop, Julie OOOooo's and Aaaawww'd over the lovely tea cups and tea pots and all accompanying stuff, the unique tour including a short movie about Celestial Seasonings filled our late morning and early afternoon. On the advise of our factory tour guide we then drove less than 1/2 mile down the road to the Leanin Tree Museum of Western Art. THAT was awesome and made our day more than enjoyable and complete. Outside was a Sculpture Garden...fantastic! Inside were paintings that took our breath away and more sculpture. We are in awe over Gods gift and talent to these artists who capture the essence of nature and western life so powerfully.


Celestial Seasonings Tea Shop - free tasting of every flavor they make is here, along with some morsels of cookies, cake, biscotti and the like for sale.

T'was a very sunny day as we sat outside enjoying the sun and a beverage

Jack with the Colorado sunshine on his shoulders...and it truly does make one happy as the John Denver song proclaims.

Boulder roadway depicting the tree lined road, foothills and Rocky Mountains...these views often wow us.

Mountain Lion sculpture in the Sculpture Garden at the Leanin Tree Museum.

HELP

HELP!!!!!! HELP !!!!!!! help, oh my oh my help help help!!

So here you have it, I tried to add this wonderful "blogging for Jesus" to the front page of my profile and have discovered that it is coming up in every new blog post I do! I don't remember what .... where I put it to take it off....ok folks, please, bear...bare... with me as I try to figure this out.

HOOOOOO BOY....

and I can't get the typing off middle of the road, and other stuff....

God Bless....grace and peace

Techno No Nothing

I wanted to put this on the front page of my blog...Like Northern Apostolic Mom did. I Love it. Could I figure out how in the world to do it???!!! I tried to edit my "settings", then edit my "profile"... then I tried to add a "gadget" and put it there...couldn't find a place. Next I tried "customize"...no luck... I figured out how to copy it...have it saved in my edit box....geez. I like skype better.

Grace and peace to all
Want this badge?

SKYPE

I don't know where the name SKYPE came from. I don't know if it is a clever acronym or the initials of the names of the folks who invented it. I do know Skype is a wonderful way to call home and SEE and talk with family in Vermont. It is fun, it is techno, and it is so heart warming, thrilling, amazing. Tonight I talked with George & Laurel. We just talked, toured around his home via the portable camera, watched as Laurel changed Tucker's diapers and George fed him. We played with the things that change the picture image, laughed, got serious....just looked at each other. The miles were still there, but so were their faces and to see and hear them at the same time is a miracle and so much fun. SKYPE - All I can say is "Thank you Jesus for the advancement of technology to make this possible."
Grace and Peace

Day Off In Denver

Jack was up early, had the coffee brewed and didn't disturb me as I slept well beyond our usual waking hour. It was bliss waking to a sunny blue sky, the delightful aroma of coffee wafting in while warmly snuggled in amongst my cardinals.

This is not a day for apartment dwelling. Off to the CAC Academy Chapel Service we went, having been invited last week to join them. Sorry, no pictures. It was a wonderful service. The students lead the worship service, with full instrumentation - drums, keyboard, bass guitar, rhythm guitar and worship singers. The message was on "Joy" which touched both my heart and Jack's. Then off to IHOP for breakfast. The service was a bit slow and we were regretting somewhat the decision to go there. The sunny day was beckoning and we were inside waiting.... then the food came. OK, the wait was worth it - the omelets and pancakes and hash browns were yummie. Then we waited again for the bill.....!

Once home, we decided to walk to the mail box and then just a short jont toward and on the shores of our little "lake". It is a beautiful day! We found some surprise blooms as well as some magnificent views and are looking forward to spring when things will green up. The geese were honking away and we discovered some baby geese among the adults. That was fun.

It is cold, very windy even though the sun is shining brightly, our walk ended with both of us getting quite chilled by the wind. Back at the apartment we did some book keeping. This is nice. One of the nurses I work with called and offered to take my call hours tonight! Hooray. I will take her call later in the month and Jack and I just may go out tonight. We bought a paper and are checking out the possibilities. For now, I am headed back to the cardinals for a nap! Oh the bliss!

Grace and peace to you all.

Glorious January Visit

Beautiful Mount Mansfield - Vermont's highest peak

Older picture of Holly, Allison and Rodney - we did get to visit with Holly and Rod, but I didn't get their pictures...too busy enjoying ribs and other great fare, laughter and storage shed work.

Peter and I drove to Leeds Massachusetts to visit Nancy and Roger - good food, great company and Nancy got set up on FB!!! How cool is that~

Holly and Nancy came for a day visit - what's that - another dining room photo, oh how we love our gastronomic delights!

Tucker James Mitchell - precious new arrival January 6th - George and Laurel are wonderful & proud parents
A very proud Great Uncle Peter with Tucker



"The girls"
Ben and children Jason Michelle Adam and Nick
Jason Britt and Ben - welcome back to VT Britt
Grammie Betimes and the Mitchell family - George Tucker and Laurel

What more can a mom say. Spending very precious time with the ones she loves so dearly, so completely and with no reservations nor strings attached. A mothers children, their children and spouses are more than a completeness to her soul, they are the living heritage that so swell her heart with pride, admiration and love. What can a sister say to her siblings who have so blessed her that words are hard to come by, my heart is so overwhelmed with their love. And friends, true friends through thick and thin, who greet you with warm bonds that last over miles and years.
Thank you for the wonderful two weeks. I love you all. You are precious to me beyond words, you are in my heart and I do pray for you often. I pray blessings and wisdom and strength. I pray the Lord be a part of your lives so completely that in His care you will have no worries ... ever.

OH HAPPY DAY

Laurel and Tucker

The new family George, Laurel and Tucker

Tucker James Laurel & George
Tucker and George


George holding Tucker shortly after birth

We got the call at 10:30 am Monday January 5th, 2008. George and Laurel on their way to the hospital. Their time had come. Laurel had been to the doctor, it was time to induce labor. Her body was ready. We waited for news. A call from George in mid afternoon with an update and sincere empathy for Laurel who was uncomfortably in labor. In the evening, while on the Internet Michelle and I connected. It was perfect. We were both anxiously awaiting the latest tid bit of news as to how things were going. George's brothers, Jason and Ben, were on their way to the hospital to offer moral support and companionship to their youngest brother. Then a burst of activity around 8pm, cervix dilating nicely, things looked favorable, anticipation that they were going to have a baby within the hour. One hour passed, Michelle and I ticking messages and conversations back and forth. Tending to household duties while listening for phone calls, text messages and keeping up with the Internet magic. All the while Laurel very hard at work laboring...and laboring....and laboring. Then the text message...."she's pushing now"! Oh the excitement and anticipation were so energizing. One more hour...no word. Laurel working very hard still. One more hour...now a tad bit of concern dampens the excitement, and the silence was hard as Laurel labored and labored and labored. Michelle and I felt such empathy for her. We knew and remembered our own laboring experiences. It is now January 6th, 2008. Everyone is exhausted. Jason, Ben, Michelle and I....and we weren't doing the hard work at hand. Then George went to talk with his brothers. Baby stalled in birth canal. Options had been discussed and the decision was made to go ahead with a C-Section. It would be at least 1 1/2 more hours before the baby would be born. George called me and Jason and Ben called their respective wives. Oh my what a night. Off to bed we all went while George donned surgical scrubs to accompany Laurel into the surgical suite for the C Section.

Shortly after 3:30am January 6, 2008 - the call came...baby boy, healthy 7#14oz, 21 inches ... "a beautiful baby boy" Tucker James has joined our family. What a blessing! What a miracle! George is exhausted, yet thrilled and proud...very proud of Laurel for how well she did for the entire day, evening and night....and a very proud daddy!

CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE AND LAUREL!!

TUCKER JAMES

no greater joy nor blessing!

grace and peace...a very proud and happy grammie!