Creative Endeavors

My daffodils are popping up from the ground and that excites me. Soon more spring flowers will make a show and I will take long walks in the parks again. It was foggy this morning and very chilly but the sun has come out now and the dew drops on the lawn glisten. I saw a hawk today sitting on a pole along the freeway. My back is feeling much better and I am looking forward to the future. I especially like going back to Master School of Arts. Most of my students are taking watercolors for the first time.

We had a great Super bowl party. Lisa made Lasagna and we had spinach dip in a bread bowl; pizza for the grandkids and a large vegetable platter. Our party was a little healthier this year. We played a football pool of each quarter with the girls and Jessica won. We are so glad to see the Saint's won the game and Brunell got to take a ring home.

Janna brought Holly over and Shadow, our very old cat, sat and hissed at her while Patches watched with interest. When Lisa put Holly on her lap Patches cuddled next to me, sat up and laid back into my shoulder...she is very jealous. Once I took the puppy back Patches wouldn't leave Lisa's side.

The stores are stocked with Valentine's paraphernalia and I notice more couples holding hands. The Town Center is filled with busy shoppers; so much that I accidently bumped a few people just walking through. I love mystery books especially if they have new cooking recipes and a love interest. I also enjoy visiting their very unique towns and neighborhoods. Nothing is more relaxing than a cup of tea and a good book to keep me company. Well maybe a hot tub.

I discovered new hours for my swim exercises, early in the morning. Now I can enjoy the hot tub and still make it home to shower and work. The other day I saw and older gentleman walking his Schnauzer on Mt. Scott’s road. I imagined doing that with Holly as she gets older. She is so pretty and gentle. Yes, I have my reservations about getting a dog but the joy of sharing her with the family has convinced me.

I’ve been accepted for the lap-band procedure and will start next month. This is a new journey for me of which I am not comfortable; however the only way I will receive a new kidney is if I lose about 30 lbs or more. Being diabetic that is not easy. However it is a much better option than to go to dialysis the rest of my life. One must do what one must do to be healthy, and my husband is looking forward to the thinner me.

January has been a good month. It’s a little warm for the season and Portland has had little rain. The sunrise is beautiful and the trees are so green. My herb garden perished in one freeze earlier and the roses aren't looking very happy but there is a feeling of an early spring in the air for us. Mount Hood, however, had a great avalanche that poured down like a river. No skiing for me; not like I’ve ever been but I always wanted to try.

We had new keys made for the car because they were lost and it took a good two hours for new ones so I made myself comfortable in the Panera Bakery near by with breakfast. There are a couple new restaurants in the Mall I am excited about trying them out. The best part is I can walk around and stay warm while burning calories slow but sure. It has been a challenge for me this winter but I am hopeful. I decided to get the spinal shot instead of the surgery, at least for now.

Lisa and I went swimming for our aerobic class and the people were so welcoming and friendly. It was difficult but I looked forward to the hot tub afterward. Then we went to a sushi bar near the mall that used to be Dunkin Donuts. I love sushi and theirs was so fresh. Janna and I had gone the day before for their opening.

Shadow has been such a loving companion while Fred is away training.

I am busy designing a cake for my grand-daughter Taylor’s birthday. Her mom wants to take it to a special cake bakery and have it created. Lisa is having me do a special name design for her nephew to hang on his wall. I have several other art projects coming up or waiting to be finished as well. I am looking forward to teaching watercolors in February.

The puppies are growing so fast. They are taking on individual features that are so precious. They follow their mother around but she is trying to wean them in a desperate attempt for some alone time. She will even bring them her food. They bark and wrestle so much except for one little girl Janna calls Sunday. She loves the human touch, to be held or left by her self calmly. She is small and looks like Milea. Holly is turning silver already and looks like her daddy. They are teething and will chop down on anything.

Since the computers hit the market so many other new tools and gadgets have come out. Makes me wonder how we ever survived without them; like instant messaging, mapping and locating communities. Pocket phones and games that even children take to school. When I was young my mother used to yell outside or ring a cow bell unless she knew I was at a friend’s house; but then that was in the country. Daddy had a CB radio and would follow my whereabouts with his friends when I went to the movies or parties. One time a young man from school asked to sit next to me at the show. I was with a group of friends and we were all too young to date but I let him. To my surprise my baby sister came around the corner and asked to sit on my lap. I turned around and there were my parents. You can imagine how I felt being at the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong person.

I don’t think young people really date today. Courtship has lost its importance and chivalry died before I went to school. This is sad because relationships are rushed and communication with that special person isn’t really developed. My children partied or went with groups to one of their friends houses. My talks with them were pre-historic and foreign. Lost were the days of learning to sew and cook together, although I am sure some families still share those experiences. The basics of learning things have turned toward a mirage of electives and experiencing for themselves. Marriage is more of an event or designer’s convention it seems. The financially cost is greater than the personal investment in each other. More and more I am grateful for my husband and the things we shared in our early years.

      I picked Lisa up from school today and realized how much I miss teaching. Familiar faces poured out to the parking lot with smiles and waves. These are such good kids so willing to please and work with you. I can hardly wait until next semester even if it is only one class I will teach.

      I love to take long walks, hike and exercise; perhaps if I go through with back surgery I will be able to do that again. My doctor wants me to see an orthopedic surgeon for some damage I created years ago tobogganing in Yosemite. In my fall in the bath tub I did the splits and more damage. Seems I am always falling or bumping into something. I’m a class act at times; to funny to seem true.

      My puppy, Holly Noel has opened her eyes and grown new features of the Schnauzers looks. She is adorable and starting to run around the room. Her mother is very protective of her and finally looks relaxed. Her daddy still isn’t sure about the whole thing but careful not to get too rough.

      These past six month have been very relaxing starting with my birthday where I left off my blog. I joined Facebook and got hooked on several games like YoVille and Farm Town. It’s brought many of my family members and friends together socially; people I haven’t seen or talked to for years.

It’s been a wonderful year with my daughter’s move to Oregon. I see much more of my grand-daughters. We’ve been skating, shopping at the Malls (Lloyd Center has a wonderful Ice rink); yes we took them ice skating too. We went to the movies and harvested the garden together. A new school was built across the street from their house and they are excited.

      Their Schnauzer’s, Milea and Marty, had 5 puppies. In a few more weeks I get to take one home for my own. We named her Holly Noel. She is the smallest and lightest in color of the litter. Yesterday I went to the store with the girls as Kayla needed a new fish for her Christmas fish tank. I ended up with a fish bowl and blue beta fish myself. We’ve had Shadow, our cat for 18 years now and she has slowed down a lot.

I’ve been visiting Master School of Art off and on as my health allows. My MRI came back showing I need surgery for problems I’ve had a long time. This coming Spring Semester I will only teach watercolors and color theory with Lisa. It is just too much to teach and keep up with all my college courses right now. I’m so grateful my daughter

Janna and Keith’s wife Christina are able to pursue college. Fred Jr. is working full time as a programmer for the big machines in a machine shop and Lisa is Executive Director of Admittance for MSOA. Also, Fred Jr. and Lisa have started a publishing company. Lisa teaches cartooning and novel writing as well. Keith is currently Sergeant First Class in the Army, very close to making E8 after 12 years of service. We are very proud of him and hopeful of them moving to Oregon as well.

      The Fourth of July we bought the biggest box of fireworks we’ve ever had and had a blast with all the kids shooting them off. This was preceded by a wonderful BBQ.

Seems whenever there is an event with the Barnes’ family, it usually involves good food. Harry and Nancy fixed up the back of their barn – facing the fields – with a kitchen like area, a refrigerator, stove, BBQ, pantry and tables. Tents were set up for the kids to sleep over night. What fun it was to prepare everything outdoors; the kids had a blast—even with llamas in the background and kitties running all over the place. On Halloween the kids dressed up and went trick-or-treating with us close behind. Dogs loved it too. Autumn in Oregon is so beautiful I wish it lasted longer.

      My husband Fred has had a prosperous year with Distinction Communication. He is traveling a lot these days. He is building more closet space for me and learning to cook a few of my favorite meals. He has been my helpmate and hero in so many areas of my life. He still teaches adult Sunday school and he takes the grandkids swimming on the week-ends.

      Lisa and I go to swim aerobics together. Patches their dog entertained us with opening presents this Christmas. She knows which one is her present and showed Marty her trick. She even let Marty have one of her new toys. We didn’t have much snow this year but what we did have caused several accidents; as most people who have moved here don’t know how to drive on the icy hills.

Thanksgiving was fun with the whole Barnes’ Family and friends. Fred was narrator in the Christmas Cantata. We had a wonderful ham dinner Christmas Eve at our house and

enjoyed the children opening presents at their home. God bless us every one.

   It is fun trying to tan in the sun.  I really want one of those covered swings to go outside and read.  I've been spending far to much time indoors.  I need to get out and walk.  Fred is suppose to fix our bikes so we can ride the trails.  My daughter is busy planting her garden on Harry's farm. Fred and Lisa are preparing for the school review and summer camps. Keith and Christina just bought a black truck and my  honey is home from Boston.

    I am anxious to hit all the garage sales and flower parks.  Kayla is into baseball, Jessica love the theater and acting, and Taylor is in girl scouts.  I am looking forward to Keith and his family visiting us. Wish they could be transferred closer to us...as he is in the Army.

   I have been very relaxed, playing games on facebook (keeps me busy).  My hand has healed but new problems developed in my fingers and bones.  I'm getting old, that's all there is to it.  The weather has been beautiful; we really appreciate it when when have seasons like this past year.  I love the various greens blending together along the hills and trees.  I've heard new bird songs and one bird just landed on my window.  Its also fun to watch the squirrels scamping up and down the trees chasing each other.  Yes spring has sprung. The air has a fresh sweet perfume.

    I've missed teaching at MSOA this year.  Substituting just isn't enough time with those kids.  I hope to go  back next year but I am waiting to receive a kidney...that means losing 30lbs.  I am on a very strick diet but the weight is coming off so slowly.  It is similar to weight watchers except caters to diabetes and monitors my potassium and phosphates.  My friend Imagene just got a transplant. We are so excited for her. She visited us and is so happy.

   Well so much for now. I wish you well.

 Some days it is all I can do to stay awake.  Coffee doesn't help and neither does counting sheep. On a rainy day like today I like to make soup and take a nap.  I can't believe how much rain we've had this year. I don't mind some cloudy-puffy weather but today is constant gray.  I want to go play outside but not in these icy cold pellets.

              My life is like that.  Everything seems to go smooth when some sort of cloud cluster follows over my head.  It is difficult to get out from under it; having so much to do and not enough time to do it in. I try to pace myself but there are so many interuptions. I have had to change my goals so many times it is frustrating.  I don't like choosing from the things I like to do and the things I have to do today.

             We've emptied out every cupboard in the kitchen to re-arrange my pots and pans (new set) and clear out some unused plastics.  I don't like getting rid of my stuff; I keep thinking I bought it for a reason and some day I may still use it. The thing is, if I put it back I won't be able to find it again; but I need a special place for all my appliances. I don't want to give away what I can still use either.  I need a maid and home organiser...this is too hard on my back.

  Life goes by too fast when you are having fun; even if you aren't having fun. There is no way of stopping it...that I know. Children grow up too fast. It seems just yesterday my grand-kids were half my size. Today they are taller and smarter than me. I ask them all sorts of questions instead of them asking me. I go to tell them something I learned and darn if they don't already know about it. You’ve got to love them.

I really enjoyed the fellowship at Church Sunday. The lessons were powerful. God's word is always current for today. It is living and touches my heart. Times are tough this year; everyone is cutting back. When we see someone in need my husband and I try to help. We extend a helpful hand, whether it is groceries, lawns being mowed, garbage taken out or clothes. It feels good and I know what it is like to be in most of their situations. So many people are laid off work, money doesn't stretch as far and many don't have health insurance.

I just celebrated another birthday along with Mother's Day. Each year gets better. We had a nice dinner and chat with my son and his wife over the phone. The presents we very needful items I will cherish. I regret to say this is the first year we haven't visited me mother-in-law. She has Alzheimer disease and it breaks my heart to hear her; especially when she doesn't recognize us.

      As I have said before we are enjoying spring with its clouds and intermittent showers. I see new flowers everyday and my dogwood tree is beautiful. I took Janna for a walk at the Crystal Springs Gardens and the Grotto. We took the kids for a long hike on Mt. Tabor's Park and we've walked along the Willamette River. I am doing very well on my dialysis/diabetic diet and hope to get a new kidney by next year.

The MSOA School is coming to a close for this year. Spring rehearsals have started and the exhibits are well on the way. I substituted for a class this year and the kids all asked me to come back next year. It feels so good to be around them. A lot of changes are taking place with the new MSOA Publishing Company. Our students are very talented writers so I am sure it will be of great support to them. Evie, our school's director, and her daughter Laura have already published a book called "I'm Not Stupid, I'm Right Brained." You can find it on Amazon.com. It is very good and soon they will have an animated clip or video about the book.

I’ve been spending many free hours on some of face book.com games. Such as: Farm Town, Hatchlings, Scrabble, Scavenger Hunt, and word search. I know it is somewhat mindless but it keeps me occupied and it is fun. I like to collect things and this doesn’t cost me money. Well I am off to do some grocery shopping. Have a good day!

  It is Spring in Oregon.  I used to thing Autumn was my favorite month but I am not so sure now.  Spring is full of color too.  The flowers are in bloom with heavenly fragrants. My dogwood tree and rhodedendrons are thriving and I love the smell of cut grass and morning showers.  The tulips and daffodils are everywhere.  I can hardly wait to go to the Oregon Gardens and Schreider's Gardens.

  We had a dry spell in business but my husband's Company is picking up again and that makes us very happy.  God is faithful. My health is also picking up.  I am walking about every other day.  However, I needed to take a leave of absence from teaching; so I just substitute and paint at home.

It is baseball season!  I'm am having fun going to Kayla's games. Jessica is in the Drama Clubs and loves it. Life with my family keeps us very busy.  My brother-in-law has plowed an acre on his property for a community garden and the chicken are laying eggs.

Kayla has an interest in music and just got some bongo drums to go along with her other instuments.  Grandpa takes them swimming often and Janna, Lisa and I will be hitting the garage sales again. Hopefully my son Keith and his family Christina and Taylor will move up here this summer. There is nothing that can replace family time together. 

  It is Spring in Oregon.  I used to think Autumn was my favorite month but I am not so sure now.  Spring is full of color too.  The flowers are in bloom with heavenly fragrants. My dogwood tree and rhodedendrons are thriving and I love the smell of cut grass and morning showers.  The tulips and daffodils are everywhere.  I can hardly wait to go to the Oregon Gardens and Schreider's Gardens.

  We had a dry spell in business but my husband's Company is picking up again and that makes us very happy.  God is faithful. My health is also picking up.  I am walking about every other day.  However, I needed to take a leave of absence from teaching; so I just substitute and paint at home.

It is baseball season!  I'm am having fun going to Kayla's games. Jessica is in the Drama Clubs and loves it. Life with my family keeps us very busy.  My brother-in-law has plowed an acre on his property for a community garden and the chicken are laying eggs.

Kayla has an interest in music and just got some bongo drums to go along with her other instuments.  Grandpa takes them swimming often and Janna, Lisa and I will be hitting the garage sales again. Hopefully my son Keith and his family Christina and Taylor will move up here this summer. There is nothing that can replace family time together.