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!