And a happy new year

We had a great Christmas.  There is something so nice about Christmas being on Sunday.   You have a candlelight service and sing songs to God.  It just makes the day so much better.  People you haven't seen for awhile come to church and you catch up on things.  Then you go home and have a happy lunch time with those you love.  Our son made most of our lunch while we were at church how nice.  We had opened our presents before Church h so it was very restful after that/.  Calls from all over, Thank you for sharing your birthday Jesus.
My husband did his usual thing and made me promise I would not get him anything and he would do the same.  He of course bought for me and I of course bought for him.  I think it's becoming a tradition .
For some unknown reason I started to give our children and then grandchildren pj's, a lifesaver book, and duck tape for their stockings.  I didn't do that this year and boy did I hear about it.  Especially the duck tape.  I get pastel for the girls and black for the boys.  I guess we will be making another box and sending it out
We were a little neglectful of our usual giving to the needy or alone.  We only did it for two people this year.  Our son has this thing of picking out a couple when he and his wife go out on date night and they pay for their dinner without letting them know. He is so happy when he tells us their latest giving.  we really raised some wonderful boys.  I am so proud of them. 
I took the tree down last night and our village down this morning the house looks so much better.  Isn't it funny how nice it looks when you put it up and how nice it looks when you take it down. 
Hope you had a blessed Christmas and that this new year will bring prosperity enough, employment enough, comfort enough, but most of all love enough to see you through.    Luv ya all  Sass


  

I have really messed this up

People who are computer challenged should not be allowed to play with all the gadgets and stuff in this blog.  I can't find anything anymore.  It took me five minutes to figure out how to get to new posts.  When I get through with this I am going to try and simplify it again, but I don't want to go out until I have finished because I am not sure I could find this again. 
Are you ready for christmas?  Ours is going to be no fun this year so I am ready for it to be over.  The only things that I looked  forward to are over so let it come and go. the 1st Baptist church, which is huge, takes over the civic center for a long weekend and puts on the most wonderful plays every year for the public for free. It is hard to believe the city still lets a religious play have center stage in the city but I truly believe if they didn't there would be such an uproar and many of leading citizens would be out of a job.  It is a tradition that I hope will go on forever.  This year they did Scrooge with a religious twist.  It was a little long (three hours) but worth every bit.  I also look forward to giving some presents to friends and loved ones.  That is pretty much done.  I was thinking that we give to a very interesting group. A couple who have been so good to us and always there when we need them.  A friend  and her brother who has a big family but they don't come to see her very often.  She is like a sister to me.  You know she is one of those friends you can call any time any day and she will be there.  Then we buy for two of our sons friends.  They are both alone and in their 40's.  It just seems like they would be lonely so we kind of adopt them.  Our son is always teasing us that we will end up with a whole house full of kids again if we're nto careful. We will have christmas with our son and then he will be moving to Nashville Tn. the first of the year.  We will miss him, but he has to move on and grow.  Our other son lives in colorado with his family and they want to be in their new house for the first christmas at their home.  We understand that and so we sent boxes to them and will talk on christmas morning.  We only have two grandchildren and they are at the age that they want to be with their friends. 
I wrote a short play a couple of years ago.  The only character in it was Santa.He talked sbout why he almost wasn't going to do Christmas that year because of all the termoil in the world.and how people have gone overboard on expecting things..  Then God spoke to him and told him he had to keep doing his job because he wss the spirit of giving and after all that was why God gave us the baby in the first place. I never let anyone do that play for some reason.  It is still my favorite   Maybe I will put it in here some day and let you be the judge of whether I should have a church do it.  
Well, I will quit rambleing and try to fix the layouts .  wish me luck. If I forget to tell you Merry christmas yes Merry birth of Jesus.  We are to love our neightbors as we love ourselvies.  So Luv ya Sass

Today is the day

 It's the day of the Christmas play.  The strange thing is I am not nervous at all.  I don't know if that is good or bad.  I reallly think it will be ok.  If I can just get everyone on the stage at the proper time.  enjoy it and let the chips fall where they may. 
Angels in the classroom.  Don't know how I came up with that.  Each angel goes to a class and finds out what department they will be in.  One goes to the garden of prayer, one is a greeter at the gate, one is in the heavenly choir, and one will be flying down and bringing up the new angels.  They need to go through the initial class in order to help make their decision and to find out where everything is.  I tired to put humor throughout the whole thing.  I hope it works. 
Well time to make the doughnuts as the saying goes.  I will let you know if it is a hit or not. 
Sasd

Today is my anniversary

I have been married 47 years today.  Amazing! who would have thought in this day of quickie divorces we could have made it this long.  Don't get me wrong there have been times I wondered why I married this man and I am sure he had the same thoughts, but it all comes out in the wash , so to speak, and you continue on. 
there have been some reallly great years and there have been some not so great years.  Either health or money, or jobs, cause hard times  Somehow you muddle through it and go on. 

To my Husband

When we said I do in 64
I had no clue what was in store.
I was dumb, ready and willing to see
whatever the future had  in store for me
we lost our first and then had two
babies both boys you see God knew
I couldn't fix hair, tie bows and such
all fussy things with a girly touch.
the boys made us proud in their own special way
for this I thank God each and every day.
But more I thank him for sending this man
I know it was written for us in his plan
So honey I love you I don't say that each day
but I try to show you in my own clumsy way
Happy Anniversay, is what you will hear

we will be together year after year.




 

A new friend

You know that song by Garth Brooks.  "I.ve got friends in low places"?  Well I met a hopefully new friend in a high place.  Church.  Her name is Karen and another lady brought her so we could meet.  She is one of my kind.  You know us shaky jakes. She doesn't shake so much and she doesn't sway as much as I do, but if you look real close and you know what to look for you can tell. 
Yvonne. the lady who brought her, had told me she had a friend with pd and I was anxious to see her symptoms.  Isn't it funny you just want to see and compare with others.  I have met more  and more people here lately and surprisingly it is an upper not a downer to talk and ask questions.
As you know I write plays and skits for church and we were practicing for the play. Yvonne is in the play so Karen and I didn't get to talk alot but we will in the future I hope, and as you know by now I tend to ramble on and on when I am excited so poor Karen didn't get to talk much in the little time we had. 

Speaking of the play, it is going very well.  The people chosen to play the parts are all dedicated to making it as fun as possible while still passing on the message. You are welcome to come and see it if you are in our area.  The more the merrier.  Dec 11th is the date. 10:30am   It's called Angels in the Classroom.
Well, back to work, spring is right around the corner and a new play is needed.  So much fun so little time.  Have fun this weekend. Go to church it will amaze you how much happier you will be the rest of the week. 
Just a short little prayer Dear God please give Yvonne and Karen a special little blessing this weekend they are so precious to me and others.  amen.  Kenny, Sharon, and Speedy too.

My birthday weekend

What a great weekend.  My husband decided to take me away to celebrate.  We went to St Louis and spent our time going back to visit our old condo and apartments while I was living there.  We did a lot of shopping and getting ideas for Christmas.  If you have never been to a mills shopping center you should try it sometime.  At St Louis mills there is an ice rink for the St Louis Blues Hockey team to practice in and in between everyone can use it.  What a good idea. We saw kids of all ages and their parents too out on the ice.,It brought back memories of our boys on the ice in Wisconsin. There is also a rock climbing wall, skateboard park, car racing, mini golf, and of course the arcade.  I also like the way the mall is set up in areas with the same type of stores.  section 1 is kids stuff, section 2 ladies , and so on.  After spending a lot of the day there we had a nice ride around the area to see what had changed since we left.Then lunch and off to the hotel to take a swim.  We had booked a poolside room in the hotel and were very happy with the accommodation's until we actually went to the pool.  The water was freezing I think they put ice cubes in to make it colder.  So we decided to go to the sauna to warm up.  It seems the sauna had broken and they put a flower garden in its. place.  So needless to say we didn't spend much time in the pool.  We had a great dinner in the hotel restaurant and called it a fairly early night.  The time change threw us a little of guard and we tried to continue to sleep the next morning, but we ended up going to breakfast and starting on our way home.  We had more shopping to do.  IF you have never gone to a garden ridge this is another place I recommend.  I find more interesting stuff there.  My husband had given me $100 to spend that morning and told me to pick the place I wanted to go. Isn't he great.  Garden ridge.  I knew I wanted to pick up a rug for the kitchen and I almost always get something for a bedroom when I go there.  I love to look at the paintings and pictures.We shopped and shopped and shopped.  Tired but happy it was time for lunch.  Lottawattacreek. A fun place to go. Go hungry though or you will have lots of leftovers.  The atmosphere is fun and the service is good.  We try to go there a few times each year.  The waiters wear tee shirts that say This is not a franchise restaurant we cook our own food. or something like that.  It is very good. Then on to what my husband says is my favorite store.  He gave me some more money and told me to buy a new outfit at where else ladies Bon Worth. Which I did.  On to home where there were flowers, a cake and new pjs waiting for me.  Lots of cards and calls.  The bank scrolled happy birthday to me just as we rode by.  What a weekend.  My family always makes it so special.  Now to just catch up on working off all the good food.  69 years old who would have thought when we were kids that we would reach such an age.  But to tell you the truth I think I am having more fun at this age than I did as a kid.  How about you.   Have a great day Sass.

Thank you Jutka for the quick lesson on wigs.  I think it is looking better. My family still has a problem of not laughing when they see me in it..so I  don't know how much longer I will wear it.  It has been fun playing with it.  I am starting a new leaf this next year.  I am giving up my place of the board of directors at church and that will mean more free time to do something else.  I will get more involved in parkinsons things.  I have been invited many times to some support groups in our area and have ignored their invitations, now is the time, I think, to find out more and take advantage of all their knowledge.  I am very interested in having the dbs (deep brain surgery) if I pass all the tests to qualify. Some say it stopped their movement completely and it lasts for at least 10 years. SO now you will really get bored with reading all about my fun times with pd.  Sorry I guess I will lose some of the ones who read my junk.  It's a hazard of the blog. who knows maybe I will get new readers who are in the same boat.  Well here goes prepare to be bored. 

What is Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and walking problems. The procedure is also used to treat essential tremor, a common neurological movement disorder. At present, the procedure is used only for patients whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medications.

DBS uses a surgically implanted, battery-operated medical device called a neurostimulator—similar to a heart pacemaker and approximately the size of a stopwatch—to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause tremor and PD symptoms.

Before the procedure, a neurosurgeon uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning to identify and locate the exact target within the brain where electrical nerve signals generate the PD symptoms. Some surgeons may use microelectrode recording—which involves a small wire that monitors the activity of nerve cells in the target area—to more specifically identify the precise brain target that will be stimulated. Generally, these targets are the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and globus pallidus.

The DBS system consists of three components: the lead, the extension, and the neurostimulator. The lead (also called an electrode)—a thin, insulated wire—is inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain. The tip of the electrode is positioned within the targeted brain area.

The extension is an insulated wire that is passed under the skin of the head, neck, and shoulder, connectng the lead to the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator (the "battery pack") is the third component and is usually implanted under the skin near the collarbone. In some cases it may be implanted lower in the chest or under the skin over the abdomen.

Once the system is in place, electrical impulses are sent from the neurostimulator up along the extension wire and the lead and into the brain. These impulses interfere with and block the electrical signals that cause PD symptoms.

Is there any treatment?

Unlike previous surgeries for PD, DBS does not damage healthy brain tissue by destroying nerve cells. Instead the procedure blocks electrical signals from targeted areas in the brain. Thus, if newer, more promising treatments develop in the future, the DBS procedure can be reversed. Also, stimulation from the neurostimulator is easily adjustable—without further surgery—if the patient’s condition changes. Some people describe the stimulator adjustments as "programming."

What is the prognosis?

Although most patients still need to take medication after undergoing DBS, many patients experience considerable reduction of their PD symptoms and are able to greatly reduce their medications. The amount of reduction varies from patient to patient but can be considerably reduced in most patients. The reduction in dose of medication leads to a significant improvement in side effects such as dyskinesias (involuntary movements caused by long-term use of levodopa). In some cases, the stimulation itself can suppress dyskinesias without a reduction in medication.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on DBS to determine its safety, reliability, and effectiveness as a treatment for PD. Currently, NINDS-supported scientists are trying to determine the site(s) in the brain where DBS surgery will be most effective in reducing PD symptoms. These researchers are also comparing DBS to other PD therapies to find out which is more effective.

Well what do you think.  Should I do it or not.  Who knows they may not want me for some reason. I will go to the Dr in Dec. to see if I can be a candidate.  Keep your fingers crossed.  My journey is just begining  Have a great week.  Sass 

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I got a wig

It doesn't look very good at all but I have been wanting to see if I could stand the feel of it on my head and this one was at the Halloween store so I bought it.  My husband and son think it looks silly, and truthfully I sort of do too.  My hair is getting thinner with all the meds I take and this seems like I will be bald before long. I wore it most of yesterday afternoon and it wasn't too bad.  There must be some secrets I don't know about though it keeps slipping up and then moves to the left. People tend to stare a little. and then you know its time to adjust yourself.    If you look at my picture on the side you can compare the look.  Hubby says if I really intend to wear a wig then I should get a good one with real hair.  He obviously doesn't have any idea of the cost. Just Another wonderful thing Parkinson's does for you.  I guess that is my complaint for today.  It is a beautiful day in downtown Marion  around 80 degrees with a slight breeze.  Nights are just cool enough to be comfortable is a sheet for cover. I love this time of year.  Think I'll grab my husband and the dog and go for a hike by the lake.  Have a great day.     sass                                                                                                                                                

Fun times with my friends

Went to see Anita Renfroe last night.  It was a great show.  Good company and lots of laughs.  She really understands about life. I Think.  Don't take it too seriously  We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner first.  I had eaten shortly before so Kack, Ann, & I settled for dessert.  Marilyn had chicken.  Two us had the apple dumplin.  It was huge.  We could only eat about half.  I took mine home and had it for breakfast this morning.  It lost some of its greatness somehow. 
Speaking of the show.  I had one of her cds. and enjoyed it so much so I knew some of her show, but it still makes me laugh.  She has a great voice and plays the piano really well.  I hadn't known she is married to a preacher man.  She says she really isn;t the best preacher's wife, but I think I would like to go to their church.  He quit preaching and is on the road with her.  They have been married for thirty years.  If you get a chance and she is in your area go see her show.  You will like it I am sure.  IF not buy her cd thumbs up and get to know her.
I need to do more of this stuff.  I used to but have been neglecting my friends lately.  I will be better.  Oh I bought a tee shirt  It says" difficulty is inevitable Drama is a choice. "  How true.  Have a great day  Sass                                             

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Things are getting back to normal kind of

This week has been a little boring after the recent past.  I am back in physical therapy and it is making me very sore, but I think I may be getting better.  That is exciting after so many months of constant pain.  I just hope it works for a long time.
I want to talk a little about my new complaint.  I don't know how things are where you live, but we live on a lake and there are subdivisions.  Each subdivision has it's own set of rules and regulations These rules are supposed to make sure no one builds something that will ruin the property value  or doesn't keep up their property so that the whole area is pleasing and  comfortable. Each subdivision has it's own access to put in boats that is kept up by those people. Ours is probably the nicest park and boat ramp on the lake.  Others try to put in their boats in our area from time to time but a chain which needs key stops them. There are things I do not agree with when it comes to telling me what I can or can't do on my property.  There is a yearly fee and it continues to raise each year.  Our friends in the next subdivision have it worse than we do.  The dues have doubled in price and the restrictions are
getting ridiculous.  You can't put up a shed or cabana for your pool without getting permission. We also have to join the Lake association and pay dues. That too is going up in price yearly. 
This all makes you wonder why didn't I know about this when we bought the property.  Simple it wasn't here.  It seems people can't be happy with live and let live they have to tell you how to live and what your place will look like that you live in.  This is more common than I thought in housing now days.  I pay my dues both places, we have to if we want to put our boat in the water that's why we moved to the lake in the first place.  Do you have restrictions like this too.  Have a great weekend Sass

It was great fun

Spent time with family in Wisconsin.  I had so much fun.  Friday morning was sadly wonderful as we got flowers and went to the cemetery. Our brother is the first in line.  His plane went down during the Viet Nam era.  He was a Capt in the Air force.  He has been gone since 1968.  We still think we miss him, but I think it's been a habit for such a long time that there are many things we have forgotten about him.  I would love to see his face again. Then Daddy.  He suffered with cancer which moved to different places in his body, it pretty much wore him so far down there was no getting back up again.  I don't remember how many years he fought it, but he sure did his best.  Mother in the last days kept telling him it was all right to go, she understood.  He didn't want to leave her alone, but our youngest sister promised to take care of Mother So he let go and let God.  Now Mother was a different story.  She was in constant pain from arthritis and other things but she was like the energizer bunny she just kept going and going.  In fact she had driven to the doctors office for a checkup and was at the desk making an appointment when an aneurysm burst and even though she made it to the hospital they couldn't save her.. It was very quick. 
when we had finished putting flowers on their graves we went down a little further and found Grandpa and Grandma.  I don't know how the cemetery's are around you but up there the flower vase is connected to the grave marker, and I do mean marker you are not allowed to have a raised stone. It must be ground level.  Their vase hadn't been raised for so long we had to pry it open.  It was full of mud really yucky.  Tears fall of course but they were love tears.
Then on to visit the living family.  Our niece is so cool.  She has taken in cocaine babies straight from the hospital for years/.  She never knows what kind of shape they will be in.  I don't know how she does it.  She has recently retired from doing this and has taken a normal job, and can't believe how much free time she has.  We went out to eat and the conversation was great/  The Margaretta  was good too. Three of us shared one big drink.  Big drinkers huh?  Next day on to my sisters kids and their families.  Our nephew has the cutest little red headed 2 year old.  Curls all over. and the neatest thing is the space between her front teeth.  When she smiles she is a knockout.  As the great Uncle and Aunt we have this thing about giving nieces a tea set when they are very young.  She gave us the best tea party.  Pretend of course so we drank tea for over an hour.,  Then on to the daughter of my sister and her family.  She has two girls.  The oldest one got her tea set years ago but the 3 year old was due.  She put fruit gimmes out for us along with the tea. Both girls are extremely polite and cute as buttons with their pretty blond hair.   Then we went out to the restaurant for lunch.  back to the son and on to dinner that night.  We Ate TOO Much. 
It was just the right amount of time to visit. So here goes.  Thank you Mag and Dean for the place to stay, then good breakfasts, for using up all your gas taking us around, for going to the cemetery with us, for letting us enjoy your family too. for the good conversations , and letting each of us voice our opinion without taking exception. , and for letting me love you as only sisters can. It was a much needed time for me. and I just wish Joyce had been there too.  We must make a time for that.  By the way Mag is the sister on the right.  Luv ya Sass

I can't wait

We are going to take a short trip to see my sister and others in my family. We lived in Wisconsin for a good part of our marriage while raising our two boys.  I loved the change in  it's weather and I even loved the winters.  My husband not so much.  My parents, brother, and grandparents are all buried there and I want to go put flowers on their graves.  We will be celebrating birthdays of great nieces and so there will be a party. that's nice as it will mean we all get together.  I love family get together.  We don't get to have them very often since the family is so spread out.
Have you gotten together with your family lately.  Better do it soon.  You just never know.  I had that brought home to me this morning.  I went to the doctor and he began by telling me that he could see progression in my Parkinson's.  I asked about what to do for the problem of my leg shaking so much I didn't feel like it would hold me up sometimes.   He said I might look into a chair for hard days.   I didn't want to hear that.  I have been trying so hard not to have to go there..  Some day I will have to face facts. I am getting less steady on my feet.  He suggested more drugs.  I hate that too.  The only thing I can hope is that I get a nifty scooter in red so I can zoom down the road. 

  

Spring cleaning in the almost fall

About a year ago my husband and I made a deal which has caused me many times to say to myself what was I thinking.You see he thought I was becoming a hoarder.  So now everytime I get something new I have to throw away something.  It has been quite a challenge to make myself do this.  And he doesn't seen to care that at times I get rid of much more than 1.  Just last month I gave 26 tees and blouses to our niece to either keep or pass on to friends.  You would think that would make quite a hole in my dtawerss, however, they are all still crowded.  I have this thing for clothes and I usually buy better brands so they last forever..I especially like pjs and have 3 big drawers full of them.  I get them from my sons practically every gift giving holdiay it's easier for them and they know how much I like them. This getting rid of things includes furniture too.  I found an old secretary desk and had to give something that takes up that much space away I chose a table that I really wanted to keep, but a deal is a deal.  Today I decided all on my own to get rid of some books and puzzles from the family room.  I have three garbage bags full so far.  I love books and puzzles and all winter long a puzzle is going on the coffee table in the family room, along with two or three books depending on if I am writing a story of my own. I am gettting ready for the winter making lots of room for the incoming good stuff.  I know I am not the only one who has this problem.  I have been in homes just like mine chock full of good stuff it's hard to let go isn't it?  Iwill say this the family room looks bigger right now, and kinda empty. I will have to do something about this.  Hope you are reading a really good book if so tell me cause I am looking.   Have a great day Sass

My new complaint

Are you ready?  OK Here's the newest complaint.  Why is it that when you get email of messages a commercial square comes up and it won't let you hit the word you want to instead you get what ever it is they are trying to get you to buy.  I get bunches of things about getting a student loan or insurance or some type of junk stuff and it is almost impossible to bypass because it covers up the  word you want.  I get so upset and I am sure others must too.  I wouldn't buy the stuff if I wanted it by then. 
On a brighter note we still have the dog.  I am surprised at that.  She is getting bigger everyday.  For some reason  the two things that seem to be growing are her legs and her ears.  She is going to be taller than I thought.  She is still cute but not as cute as at first.  I hope she is as tall as she is going to get. 
Company this weekend.  Young people we enjoy them so much.  I doubt we will see them much they are coming to meet friends, ride horses and dance.  Doesn't that sound like down home country fun. It amazes me people still do that.  There are rodeos and the boys all wear boots and hats.   Our niece loves to come see them. 
Have a great weekend.  Try to have a little country fun if you can.  It will amaze you how much fun you'll have.  Talk later  sass     

I had the nicest visit from two of my favorite girls.  They are both freshman this year and it is so exciting.  They have joined a sorority (the best one on campus).  And life is full of fun and surprises.
It is so fantastic to have them come of their own accord and not be told to do so.  It makes it all the better.  I wish them all the happiness and joy they could possibly want.  Oh and they both have found interesting young men to make life even more complicated and confusing at such a time as this. 
I am very happy to say there is no more Lindsay hanging around for the most part.  She may surface from time to time but hopefully it will be for the right reason.
I may still be  nosy Sharon Osborne, but you two make me feel special I will continue to ask questions that will embarrass them and make the blush.  After all that's what friends are for.  If I didn't care I wouldn't ask.  Remember ladies nice butts are a must.   Luv ya Sass  

The puppy certainly changes things

I love almost everything about Bella.  You will notice I said almost.  I don't love the way we are restricted from going anytime we like.  That is a hard thing to give up.  I don't love that she still has accidents. I don't love that she chews everything.  I don't love that our son is doing a lot of traveling so we are stuck with her 24/7.  She sleeps with him so guess where she is sleeping now until he gets back. Wrong!! She is sleeping in his bed and one of us sleeps there too. Nothing like having a wet nose pushing at you to go potty at 1 3 and 5 am.  Up at 6 and ready to play. 
Since I have decided to use this as a complaint department, I would like to discuss something that is bugging me We are adding on to the church this year.  I am on the board of directors and have been since the conception of the idea to expand.  It is a big undertaking to be sure. We decided we would do the building in phases.  Phase one was the parking lot.  We had the money it was completed.  Everyone was happy.  Phase two. expand the community room.which includes the kitchen, moving the  office, library, and store room, and the bathrooms to another place . Phase three would be the sancutary.  We are now working on phase two.  We think we have the money to complete this phase if we do a lot of the inside work especially.  The members of the church did so much when the last expansion was done and we are hoping they will again, and they seem to be willing.  We have great people in our church.  Now my complaint.  I can feel that some of the people either don't care or would rather not be involved and I am starting to get the feeling too.  I have decided that when my term is over I will go off the board and let someone with more enthusiasim take my place. 
This morning I was at the church helping to set up for a funeral dinner and I was approached by a member of the church asking why I was giving up the position.  I said it was time for new ideas and I am not very healthy lately and I need to concentrate on getting as well as possible.  I was told that I was one of the few to really take an interest in what was happening in the church. My question is if they can see this why don't they jump in and do something?  Now I feel guilty about leaving. 

Does it seem to you like more and more people sit back and expect things to be done for them.  They want everything handed to them with no expectations from them.  We are lazy lazy people.  No wonder we are obese me included.  We should be ashamed of ourselves.,  Ok enough complaining for today. 

I think Bella and I will go sit by the waterfall close to our house and relax and let the world go by.

I have been considering writing a children's book what do you think?

                                                                    Sassafras and Bella

  I am Sassafras and this is my best friend in all the world Bella.  We go on adventures almost every day.
                                                                      (picture)
Today we went into the woods by accident.  You see Bella saw something move out there and off she went.  I of course followed.  Friends stick together. 

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It was wet and scary, but I followed her.  I kept calling for her but she didn't come back. 
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I couldn't see her anymore and so I started to yell really loud.   Bella , Bella,  Bella.
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And then I heard her bark. She sounded so far away, so I kept calling her name and she kept barking.
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As I got closer I wondered why she didn't come back when I called .  She always runs as fast as she can to get close to me when I said her name.
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I found poor Bella finally and she was in trouble.  She had run into a whole big bunch of blackberry bushes.
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She was stuck inside and couldn't get out.  Each time she tried the stickers stuck her and hurt so bad.
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I worked and worked to get my hands inside the bushes and even though I got stickers in my hands I kept trying and Bella would lick my hands to thank me for helping her.
                                                                
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We worked together Bella digging in the ground and me pushing back the bushes and out she came.
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We laughed and danced all the way back to the house. 
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Mother checked me  and Daddy checked Bella for stickers and then we both had to take a bath.
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We promised never to go into the woods without a grownup until we were grownups too.
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We were getting very tired and Mother said we should take a nap. We went and jumped on my bed and laughed and danced and sang about our great adventure until we fell asleep. It was a great day.
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Sassafras  Bella

                                                                        THE END

Meet Bella

Although some say the puppy is mine others say she is our son's.  I prefer to say she is his,  She is almost 8 weeks old now and really does very well at potty training.  She loves vegetables of all kinds but I think her favorite is carrots.  surprising that Hubby agreed to try again with an animal.  Bella has a wonderful temperment and that was a problrem with the other dog.  She weighs 4 pounds and they say she won't get much bigger.  She is part beagle and part terrier. She rides pretty well in the car too, that was important.  She has fit in quickly and so that helps. She loves everyone and hasn't offered to growl or bite anyone. I think we got a winner.  Gonna go play with the puppy. Have a great holiday weekend.  Be careful out there.     Sass

                                                    She loves to dig for moles

I've got some good news and some bad news

This has been an incredible week and a half.  If it doesn't slow down pretty soon I may be put in a home for the (Where am I ) group.
One week ago Sunday we came home from church and our son said all that is blowing out of the air conditioner is warm air.  Bad news.  On Monday we started getting estimates and it is now over a week and they came this morning to say they are getting things ready to put a new one in.  Lots of money and a long time to live in  the high 90% weather.  Good news they say it will be in by Friday at the latest.
Bad news we came home around 7pm Saturday and the sewer was running down the hill.  We called the water dept and they worked on it until midnight Saturday and said they would be back on Monday.  Good news they came this morning and we now have water and can go to the bathroom and take showers. 
Good news the ice cream party went very very well.  Bad news my ice cream was terrible.  I will buy it next time.  Thank goodness other brought some too.
Good news in all this heat I have lost another 5 pounds.  Bad news my husband just came in with lunch and it is fast food here come the pounds back on again. 
Good and bad news Our son brought home the cutest little girl puppy named Bella.  SHe is part beagle and part terrier .  She is a lot of work and a lot of fun.  I tried to take pictures but can't figure it out yet but I will and then let you see them. 
That's it for the good and bad news so far this week.  Hope your week is less eventful.  Sass

There are friends and then there are friends. A Letter to Jutka

Hi Jutka,
  I knew if anyone would find me it would be you, and I am so glad you did.  I have missed you dear friend.  How are you?  I know things have been so rough for you and you are in my prayers.  Now that I think about it it was selfish of me to just dissappear away from you.  You are like me and need all the friends we can get don't we. 
It has been so hot all summer long or maybe it is as usual and I just feel it more.  I just want to stay inside and try to keep cool.  However I have found the game Mario Golf.  I had to get the memory card and controller plus the game and it was kind of expensive, but it has been very entertaining. I actually started playing with our grandson when we went to visit Colorado SPrings and got hooked.  We are having long distance tournaments.  I started out slow but I am getting better and  better.  Someday I will win.  The thing about playing all of these games is that it actually helps me in so many ways.  My hand eye coordination is getting stronger I do believe.  My housework is a little worse for wear.  My answer for that is "it will be there tomorrow." 
I am also trying to put together jokes based on Hee Haw.  I did not watch it when I was younger, and so I am having to watch old reruns .  It was not my kind of entertainment I guess.  One lady told me I was unamerican if I didn't love it.  Some of the jokes are just really dumb.  But I will get er done for the church.
Jukta take care of yourself.  I get the feeling loneliness is still big in your life.  We can do this.  We are very strong women. 

Helen Reddy - I Am Woman

  Here is our new theme song.  Anyone else who would like to join us feel free.
                                                         Luv Jutka,  Sass

this is so cool

I can do or say anything I want and no one will read it or care.  No one knows I am here so I am free to complain or brag or just be  dumb if I want to.  SO I will complain about having Parkinsons and everyone trying to take care of me.  People I can do a great many things for myself given the chance.  You are constantly watching me, I know because I am constantly watching you watching me.  Do you really think I would pick up a cup of hot coffee and carry it to the table if I didn't think I could do it.  You are just waiting for me to fail and of couse I fail because I am being closely supervised.  You even tell me every little obstacle on the way.,  People I have been the one who decorated this place, such as it is.   I put the furniture where it is and the rugs and  if I fall I fall.  I know I am slipping away bit by bit.  Someone tells me all the time.  I know I look tired all the time.I am. Not much sleeping with pd.  I know I limp alot.  I have constant pain in my leg and rear.  I no longer tell people I am great because they can look at me and know I am not telling the truth.  I now say I am fair to middlin.  That was an old phase used by my great aunt.  It just seems to fit.  I am not depressed I don't allow that, but I am stresed because now my husband feels he has to be with me 24/.7 in case I need him.  I need for him to give me some space,  Ok that's my pity party for today.  I think I should call this blog my pity party and write about it every day. How boring but since no one knows I am here  who cares.  Take the stress test if you like./  Who am I talking to anyway.    Have a great day Sass 

Sometimes i come up with the dumbest ideas

I am on the board of directors at my church. Can you imagine that? Ditsy me on a church board. As a member I have been put on different committees(oh Joy)things like the benevelent committee and the mentoring committee. I have taken on the challenge of getting the young married couples more involved in things. So to get them more acquainted with each other I am having an old fashioned ice cream social. It will be very informal no decorating or planning other than making tons of homemade ice cream and cake. I forgot about the drinks I guess I need that too. Non alcholic of course. I had planned on about 25 people, but when no one rsvped me I got worried so I invited the members of the board and their wives. Now the number is growing in leaps and bounds. I'm going to be making ice cream til the cows come home. My husband is not pleased to say the least, I just smile and say thank you dear I don't know what I would do without you. He
says get off the board, he thinks I get too nervous and it affects my Parkinsons. He is right of course I will be a wreck when this is all over, but I need to do this. He will do all he can to make it easier for me while grumbling all the way. I love him so. SO keep your fingers crossed for us and if you know any good games to break the ice let me know. I'll just be churnning away here on the ice maker.

OK Let's try this again

HI there,
Thought I would write a little letter to thank everyone for their concerns for my health physical and emotional. I am still not up to par, but I have decided I may never be again so go with the flow.
I have found I have wonderful friends who are not afraid to tell me what I need to know , and part of that is I need to write. Boring or not I just need to write. So you are going to be stuck with me I guess.
I believe people need to start talking about things that bother them more and so one of the first things I would like to complain about is how unstable our economy is. I am so afraid that I will lose what bit of investment savings that we depend on along with our social securty for our financal living. Are you scared too? I really don't understand all this stock market stuff and So I probably rely on my advisor too much. I pray constantly that there will be some kind of miracle in our government that will get our country back in the black again. We had it so good for so long I guess we are spoiled, but we also worked very hard to achieve this comfort.
I am going to try to set this blog up to be colorful and fun. So now I just have to figure out how. Any suggestions?
We're off and running I hope. Good to be back
sass

It has been fun

This will be my last posting on this blog. I have enjoyed being able to express myself. It was especially good for me to be able talk to all during the beginning of my illness. I was and still am at times confused and unsure of my strengths and weakness with this disease I must live with.
There are a few people who have become so special to me during my writng. Jutka I love you dearly. You always say the nicest things and have a calming way about you that I will always cherish. I know you have gone through so much in the last few years and I pray God will keep you close and give you peace and happiness.
Pokie, my first pd friend. I will never forget that infamous night at the Steak and Shake. I still would like to get together again and laugh as only you can make me.
Mariam, You are probably the smartest woman I know. We have never met but through different support groups I feel I found a ukulele friend. Keep up your good works.
Butterflyanna (sp) IF only you knew how I cheered with you when you found out you didn't have pd Such a miracle. Thank you GOd.
Sherri You write with such a flair. I hope you someday write a book about your life I would love to read it.
Judy Judy Judy, I love you so. You have gone through so much and just keep on fighting like the energizer bunny. Every time I see you I marvel at your spunk. I love it that you never quit. I hope I can live up to your example.
There are others of my pd friends. but these ladies have found a special place in my life. Oh Peggy I almost forgot you. Peggy the painter. One of my heros.
I have decided that I am not doing justice to myself or others in this blog. I am frustrated that things are not as they should be with the equipment, and I find I don't like what I write.
To my family I will say now you don't have to wonder what family secrets I am talking about now. Not that I would of course. I will still be writing somewhere. It is such a big part of my life and I need it.
Sassafras and Lemon are signing off and asking God to take care of each and every one of you and your families. Amen