Iowa Transplant via Semi-Sunny California

A friend sent this poem to me tonight ... she is born and raised in the area and probably feels significantly superior to this California transplant when it comes to snow and ice -- I, however, take my dog out in sub-zero temperatures (he wears boots and I do wear a hat now that it is below zero outdoors) and shovel snow (usually with gloves on). I just wanted to share this little piece of Iowa philosophy with you all because although some of us CHOOSE to live here in Iowa because of the people, the beauty and the peacefulness, some of us are obviously STUCK! LOL

Winter time in Iowa!

It's winter time in Iowa
And the gentle breezes blow

Seventy miles an hour

At twenty-five below.

Oh, how I love Iowa
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter

And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful

So I guess I'll hang around

I could never leave Iowa
'Cause I'm frozen to the ground!

Takes Faith ....

Someone told me yesterday it takes a lot of faith to believe in reincarnation .. it took me a minute to digest that, but then I realized how true it is. There just isn't any proof, nothing that can lead you to actually see that has happened anywhere. One person told me that a person had a birthmark where they had been shot in a previous life ... so it follows that most people were shot/stabbed or otherwise wounded in a previous life if this "logic" is to be followed, since science will tell you most people have some sort of birthmark --

This was included as part of my education this past weekend -- three other morsels thrown out for me to chew on were "sure, God is real, but He didn't create all this" (with a sweep of the arm to indicate ? what ? the world I assume) -- followed closely by -- "yeah, God is real but the Bible is just made up stuff " at which point I was hit with "someone had to make God, so who did that?" .... all put into perspective with the comment that Jesus was just "some guy" .... So maybe that tells you what my weekend was like and why I am about to get crazed here ...

I am 61 years old and although I was not raised in church or as a Christian other than the occasional trip to Mass from birth to ten years and then joining the Baptist church my best friend went to -- I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not believe there was one true and righteous God who created the world and everything in it. Not when that same friend - the most devout person I have even known, was killed in a fiery crash before she was 16 and I was 12, not when my father, my only link to sanity died at 43 when I was only 13 -- It was God I spoke to, yelled at and cried out to. I cannot think of a time in my life when Jesus was not the Christ child born on what we refer to as Christmas to become the saviour of the world, dieing in agony on the cross, spike, tree (depending on your belief system) to set us free from sin and death.

Nope, not when I studied witchcraft, nor when I read of reincarnation and the chance to mess up yet another life and another until I got "something" right (of course, you have no way of knowing what that "something" is), not when I looked at the Scientology group (ME? my own god? YIKES) not when I read with the Jehovah Witnesses and not even when I spent 90% of my time, drinking, gambling and partying -- I ALWAYS knew God was there, Jesus was crying for my sin and my life here was limited only by my own lack of commitment.

OK, you get it -- there were many things, people and beliefs I looked into on my way to handing it all to my Lord and Saviour -- but not once did I ever decide some accident happened in the outer reaches that caused the thousands of colors of green in the leaves, the millions of twinkling lights in the sky, the amazing animals who roam our world ... Nor have I ever equated myself to some slimy one-cell organism or amoeba slithering out of a pond and sprouting legs -- not to mention a jillion other cells, brains, reproductive organs which just happen to be male and female and work together perfectly to build another accidental being. And if we did come from primates, why are there still so many of them in the world?

In addition, the Bible, although penned (not written) in later years by man, was given to us through righteous beings by God, handed down through stories and text to show our history and give us laws and limits. The tougher laws of the Old Testament gave way to the Love One Another law of Jesus time. This is not to say the laws changed ... you do not kill when you love, you honor your parents when you love, you do not take what is not yours with love in your heart, etc ... same rules apply, just stated in a more user friendly way. There are no contradictions in the Word of God.

God opens our eyes to view, understand and apply scripture to our lives. No one has read Ezekiel in the past few months without seeing the wars going on, the election, the turns our world is taking ... It was written way before our time, but there it is, all laid out for anyone to see. It is relevant today.

It isn't just history, it is HIS Story. I cannot fathom how anyone can wake up every day and look outside at the lawn, the leaves, the animals and the humans, the amazing one-of-a-kind snowflakes and not believe a God of infinite wisdom and power built this world regardless of who or what they want to put their faith in.

Just enough snow to make me wish for more ...

OK .. I know 99% of you are groaning, but I LOVE the snow - it insulates the air and makes it feel warmer than the 22 degrees it is hovering around and it definitely insulates the sounds, making life around me feel pleasantly quiet and slowed. it makes even bare trees and brown lawn look beautiful .... besides, Scruffy thinks it is pretty cool beans!! He really enjoys the slipping and sliding and burying his muzzle in the white fluffy stuff! I just can't help myself ... think that could be why I moved to Iowa from California after all those years? I couldn't get Steve to stay up in the mountains -- "too far from everything" he said, so now we live in small town Iowa and still travel at least an hour each way to the city! Go figure! But he loves his home town so that makes up for it! Since I have not figured out how to put my YouTube videos here (DeDe I need your HELP!!) you can click here to see Scruffy in the snow if you like!

I am preparing for my California trip -- I have a ton of things to do and am very excited to visit with all the people I will see. I am visiting old friends I haven't seen in years, some of my children and grandchildren and some new friends I have only spoken to on the computer... not to mention my tried and true friends and my wonderful church ... Luckily it didn't snow enough yet to make me wish I could stay home, so am getting excited. They tell me it is still pretty warm out there -- well they are complaining it is cold, but 55 - 60 just isn't really all that cold in my humble opinion.

So blessed am I

Wow ... here I was feeling bad that I would be flying on Thanksgiving -- heading to an empty house in California as my hosts will be in San Diego ... when what to my wondering eye does appear but an invitation ...

A friend in Washington state told her daughter in California that I would be flying out and she immediately pummeled me about the head and shoulders to join their family at the grandparents house as soon as I arrive -- and offered to put me up that night to lesson my five hour drive to only four the next day! To be honest, she didn't have to pummel me very hard ... I love this family .. from the time I was 14, they have been a part of my life -- visiting and accepting visits, crying together, laughing, praying ... they are just an amazing group of people and I will be so blessed to spend this day of Thanks with them all. I will get to meet the next generation (#5) I am sure ... Julie's grandson, Ryker! Julie, who has had more on her plate than most, has always found time to write to my son in prison, send him a book, pictures, a smile ... she is an amazing woman! I am so excited about this trip now! Can't wait!

I am working more and enjoying less as I get ready for my trip -- making certain I have car rental money, hotel money, gas money .... not to mention the flight, cost of feeding everyone on the three day prison visit (about $70 to $100 during the visit, plus other meals outside) ... etc. But it is always worth it, and I won't have to work the whole time I am gone, so nice little vacation thrown in.

Not to mention, my church in California feeds my soul in ways that I cannot begin to explain -- strengthening me for everything that comes along. My pastor, Richard Cimino, at Metro Calvary is anointed by God and gives His word to all of us in ways that leave me hungering for all of His riches. If you want to experience some of that glory, click on the link and check out a lesson ... my most recent HIGHLY recommended one would be Monday, Sept 29 as we explored 1 Samuel 17 ... just awesome!

Be blessed!

Tears & Pride

Happy Veteran's Day to my husband, my children, my grandson and many friends...

Having a daughter (Julia -- but Julie to everyone but the one who named her) and son (Jason -- he uses the name his mother gave him) (well, he is her husband, but is my son in more than law) in the military (US NAVY) I can state with absolute pride and tons of tears that the ups and downs of a career in the armed forces affects everyone in the family. In times of conflict, war and peace there is always something that is just beyond what civilians think of as stress. The never truly knowing what might come next, where you might be - always being aware that anything can happen and you are the bottom line. So now ... or a month or so from now, I have a third to pray over, be proud of and worry about -- this time my son's son -- Ed's son Scottie has taken the oath and is a member of the United States Marine Corps. My gosh ... it was an emotional roller coaster all those years ago (yes, it has been 20 years) when Julia "joined up" -- and now, my grandson ... wow ... time flies and while my pride soars, my heart is heavy -- I'm guessing that is a normal reaction to this news ...

Life is a funny thing -- oh, I believe there is a plan and that HE always knows what is going on and uses it for good only -- I just sometimes have a hard time waiting for the good to show up. Silly me -- His plan, His timing -- and there it pops up ...

Just an example -- my son, Bill ... in prison, angry, hate-filled -- comes to the Lord, truly gives it up to Him, lays down his anger, gives and takes forgiveness -- and POW -- after ten long years of struggle, his daughter is back in his life (and ours). God is sooooo good and his timing is soooo perfect.
I'm still waiting on a few things, when it is time -- the perfect time -- it will all come together.

Oh ... speaking of Bill -- the slide show to the left and down a little is of a few of his bikes, built from parts or lighters, pens, watches and such, with minimal tools (fingernail clippers are about the most complicated) ... the red is Julia's, the gold is his daughter's ... The ship he built for me -- he did have a razor blade to cut the planks ... and all the threads were painstakingly removed from cotton underwear to tie the sails ... Just a little of what he does to keep busy "inside" when he isn't working at his job or reading.

Met 11 new friends and their families Saturday night -- online acquaintances in the Where's George hobby ... such fun ... the age range (not including the children guests) was from 14 to older than me ... WOW -- and the 14-yo set up the gathering -- a wonderful dinner and many stories, news and ideas were exchanged ... If you know me well, you know I register my money online, mark it and spend it -- and never spend the stuff in the special unmarked section of my wallet until I can do that -- if you don't know me that well, just go ahead and think I'm crazed -- you may be right! I enjoy the game -- and have met some very nice people along the way!

That is all I know ... it is COLD outside, but not cold enough to snow, so just dreary and wet .. no snow angels yet, not a snowman in sight .... but it is early ... that drizzle of snow just got me excited the other day ... I will be patient!

WOOO HOOOO It Snowed!

OK, the flakes were almost microscopic and it barely stuck around the edges of the grass in the really cold spots, but its a start! Was below 30 degrees most of the day and the wind is whistling through the trees at about 28 mph now ... almost winter ... yippee! Now, when it gets white out I will really be happy! Right now it is just too darn cold -- the snow insulates things and makes the bone chilling cold much more agreeable! It is sure to snow real good Thanksgiving weekend as I am going to be in California and that is just my luck. Seems every year I am in California for the first truly fluffy snowfall in Iowa- sigh!

OK, I admit it ---

I had a gambling problem for years ... however in the past couple years I have given most of that up ... finding that I can play on-line with play money and satisfy the craving without breaking the bank. Works for me at least -- So that was just me leading into a pet peeve that is driving me up a wall ....
Many sites allow you to put photos up .. not everyone uses that option, but I notice lately there are a plethora of cute baby and young child photos on these sites ... I want to ask these people if these are their children and if they enjoy the idea of some pervert sitting at his/her computer enthralled by their child dressed in leotards or diapers. Is it just me? Do I watch too much television? There are so many weirdo's out there -- we no longer allow our children to sit in the car while we run in the store, they aren't allowed to play outside out of our sight -- the schools have lists of who can pick them up and when -- and these morons are showing them to who knows what kind of blithering idiot on the Internet. I slap my hands a hundred times a night when I see these photo's ... I want to ask .. I really do .. Not my place, I know ... but don't you think ... OK OK I will let it go for now.

Just one of many pet peeves (hey, I'm 61, they have built up over the years) ... and I just realized I can voice (OK TYPE) them here and let them go even if it is only a temporary release. What a great thing .... my very own soap box that no one has to read! I can rant away - I love it!

I think I am going to make a slide show of my son's motorcycles ... they are miniatures made from things like ink pen springs, disposable lighter striker wheels, paper clips and other such things ... I have no idea how to do that, so it should keep me busy and off the streets for a few days!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Hard to believe it's 70+ in November

Such a gorgeous day out ... and the leaves on the old oak tree outside the kitchen window are so very beautiful. Wish the colors showed up better here ... so many shades of orange and brown with varied colors of green thrown in. The tree on the other side of the house is just barely turning, an amazing phenomenon to me. Just wanted to share a little beauty as seen from my window before they all fall and become the dreaded ground cover that must be raked before the snow turns them to solid mush.

I do love driving around and watching the colors appear before the trees bare themselves ... reds, golds, oranges ... God's palette is so amazing. How can this all be an accident? So much denial in the world today.

OMGOSH I am soooooo OLD!

Imagine, if you will, a 60+ woman who has been messing around on the Internet for well over 20 years -- yes, back when it was dial up only and just local BBs to visit -- and I had no idea what some people would go through to 'advertise' their blog and get more visitors. Of course I am from the last generation that actually took our coffee cups up and down the neighborhood when the kids were off to school and visited with all the other stay at home Mom's or night working Mom's (me), and we didn't need to advertise to make friends, we were just there, being friends.
Babysitting, running to the store for a sick mom, borrowing a cup of sugar (YES, we really did that!)
No need to advertise me -- I don't say much, just ramble from time to time ... get excited about other wonderful friends blogs, bible study or family ... no need even to read unless you just wonder what on earth I am up to these days -- I write "snail mail" letters to three people in my life now and occasionally bless another three or four 'special' people with cards and notes, but for the most part, everything is done via email or the phone these days. I do seem to remember a time when a book of stamps barely made it through a week -- but - oh yes - they were 11 cents and less in those days. Why are we so impersonal these days? Sending a hug on the Internet to 20 of our 'closest' friends just doesn't seem to be the same as writing a warm note to one who means a lot to us -- just ten or fifteen minutes a day, maybe twice a week and ~VOILA ~ we have brought a lasting smile to someones face. But I digress -- like that is something new for this old brain! HA!

Holy Moly -- gas was under $2.00 today!! I suggested in my naivety that we purchase gas for both vehicles since holidays are fast approaching, and in my minds eye I can see fuel immediately begin to rise again but my hubby wants to wait a few days to assure that it will again rise and we can pay our just desserts in gasoline taxes once more. Obviously, we don't see eye to eye on this but I gave in as usual in the hopes that it will indeed go up and I can justifiably give him the fish-eye told-ya-so stare (without actually SAYING it of course). Yes, indeed, I am a wicked and perverse old woman!

Am working late tonight selling Heidi Daus jewelry or Command Performance cookware ... something of the sort. Sometimes I love my job, other times it is so difficult to deal with people that I know I will be happy when I don't have to work any longer -- that is when the next five years looms large in my mind.

That is about when my son will be set free as will my aching heart! There could be an early release, maybe a year or more taken off, but we try not to think about that much - after 10+ years, getting our hopes up over anything beyond visiting day is not something we do much. We give the tough questions to the Lord and He does it in His time -- witness to that is finally having contact with Bill's daughter after ten years, many letters and packages ... some returned, some unacknowledged ... then suddenly and unexpectedly she was back in our lives -- YES __ He does provide.

So -- regardless of who or why -- if you haven't voted, get out there and make your voice heard on Tuesday .. it is a right and a responsibility to vote -- besides, if you don't actually mark that ballot, you truly have no right to complain when all is said and done!

Feeling winter in the air ...

Ok .. a little about us ...

Lucky folks a couple hundred miles away had a little blizzard last week -- my friends here groan at me, but I do love the white stuff and can hardly wait to see it. Everything just seems more peaceful when there is snow surrounding me and I do look forward to it.

I will try to stay off politics here -- suffice it to say, I am not a "party" person and I try hard not to listen to the mud slinging from any side (although it does creep through now and then). However, I do not believe abortion is an acceptable form of birth control -- I think gun control should be used on criminals only -- marriage? hmmmm bride & groom, Mr & Mrs ... Our founding fathers thought God was important enough to mention HIM in most documents, speeches, letters, etc --I have a daughter and son-in-law in the military over 20 years -- and I could go on and on but nuf said -- I will not judge you or question your politics - hope it goes both ways.


I am studying the Psalms' of Ascent with a very nice group of ladies here. I think there are about 16 in our group and another group meets a different night. This is a Beth Moore study and so far is very interesting. I think I may try this church out where the study is ... we'll see. I have had such a hard time planting myself in a church since we moved to Iowa. I still feel like my church home is in CA and luckily I am able to hear Pastor Richard's teachings online, so that helps -- http://metrocalvary.org/ -- not much fellowship there though when I can only travel every couple of months, so still looking here.

I just purchased my tickets for my next trip to California. For those who don't know me, I go there ever 6 to 8 weeks to visit ... I have a son doing a long term in prison and I travel there to support him. I have wonderful friends our there, so I always have a place to stay and a lot of moral support. I am always looking for penpals for my son ... it helps to pass the time.

I have spent most of my life in CA and most of my children and grandchildren live there -- and that adds up to a lot of people and many extended families ... about 35 at this point.

My husband is building his newest hobby ... an HON railroad countryside in the basement when he isn't at the shooting range or reloading for the gun range. He is also a woodworker (me too, but not nearly as accomplished as he is) and enjoys puttering in our 1000sqft woodshop -- the only new thing about our home out here.

There are many hobbies around this house ... stamping, scrapping, sewing, needlework, glass work, jewelry making, woodworking, collecting anything we don't feel like throwing out ... and way more. When we do tire of something, we hit Ebay and make some changes.

Our animals run our lives and rule the roost -- The bird - A Hahn's Macaw - has been with us since she was 12 weeks old and is about 15 years old now -- they live to be 80 so she will out live us for certain. The two cats were feral, living in a drainage ditch in 20 below zero weather when we found them -- couldn't touch them for a month, now can't get them off our laps! They are 2 years old -- Scruffy, our heart beat, is a mutt ... but the best mutt ever ... 2 years old - gives hugs, does tricks and stole our hearts forever!

I have worked on this for a week and am just rambling, so am going to just post it and move on ... I almost fainted when I saw someone read my blog -- I'm just doing it CUZ I can!

Silly me ...

Well, I signed up for this to watch my sweet DeDe on her trip ... then thought, oh why not a blog from the old broad with no life -- but on that day, my back went on vacation and left me home so thought I would wait for its return to go crazy here ... Silly me ... back's don't always return to normalcy on schedule, but I was able to get up the stairs today to my 'puter after two hours with the chiropractor, so thought I would have a word or three here.

Truly nothing of interest to write about -- it's raining and cold, which feels pretty darn nice to tell the truth since I am inside most of the time lately. Taking the dog out is refreshing!

My baby girl, Julia, got home from bobbing around in the Atlantic this weekend and made note that it was pretty darn chilly in Washington too. I know she loves it there, it is so very beautiful, but the weather just doesn't fit their lifestyle all that much. Maybe they will have two homes when they retire ... one for warm water diving and one for skiing! They can pretty much pick and chose by then, I'm pretty certain.

Have a lot of interesting stuff from the summer to put on here, but will wait until I am in good -- or better -- condition for that ... I'm pretty sure I will be the only one reading it anyway ...