Friday, October 24, 2008

Why Does Things Go Wrong?

Well I am highly upset. A few weeks ago I was looking on Ebay with my youngest daughter for a dress for my oldest grand daughter's pageant. I found one I liked andI bid a ridiculous low amount for it. 17.00. Crazy right? Well with the purchase price and shipping and insurance, it still came to less then 25.00. Would you believe my price won! We waited and waited and it finally came. It is adorable! I still can't believe I got it for such a low price. Anyways I marked it on the calendar and finally, today was the day!

I tried to keep myself busy all day awaiting the time for me to leave. A nervous grandma indeed, all day. What a wonderful day for a pageant, yeah right. It's been raining and gloomy all day. My husband did some work today but what happens? He hurt his back of course so he wouldn't be in any shape to go with me. I swallowed my feelings and kissed him good-bye.

I'd been planning for several weeks now that I would leave around 5:20 and that would give me more then enough time to make it out to the mall where it was to be held at 6:00. The phone rang at 5:15, it was Tyler, my son in law saying they decided to start at 5:30. 5:30! That gave me 10 minutes to get out the door, down 3 floors and into my car, drive about 5 miles, walk into the mall and make my way to where they were holding the pageant. Alexis was in the first group to go and was number 2.

I grabbed my purse, camera and coat. Made it out to my car and started driving down the street. Of course with it raining out the cars aren't driving their normal pace, Ugh! Well it turned out that, that was a good thing. I got about 2 miles down the road and the light infront of me was red. I stepped on the brakes. Half way to the floor, a weird noise. My foot pushed farther, NO BRAKES! Thank God I wasn't going any faster then I was and there were no cars ahead of me or in the intersection. I got to the corner and turned the wheel quick. I made it. I guess I should of drove up into the grocery store parking lot right there and buy some brake fluid but I wasn't thinking. Instead, I very slowly drove my 66 Nova back the 2 miles and made it into the parking lot where we live.

I parked the car and sat there for a minute or two trying to calm myself from what had just happened and fight back the tears that were swelling up in my eyes. I looked so forward to seeing Alexis walk down the runway in her cute little California pageant dress. I just can imagine how she was to look since she has just started walking on her own. That cute little wobbly girl all dressed up like a little doll. I still have misty eyes over missing that moment.

I just got a phonecall from Tyler. Alexis got 1st Runner Up! Now I have to wait until I get a chance to see pictures that his mom took. Why do things have to go wrong like this? It seems like it never happens when it's something un-important, it only happens when it's not supposed to happen.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Scared? Yeah I admit it

I just realized something. I am scared. Is it scared or is it worried? Is it, " I am scared to write my feelings because of what my husband will say?" OR " I am worried because of what my husband will say?" Maybe it's alittle bit of both. I know I can't help the way I feel about things, I DO have my own opinions (I just never told them out loud before)

Thirty some years ago I "was" scared of what my opinion would do to our relationship but hell, it's been thirty some years, what should I care? They ARE my opinions, they ARE the way I feel about things. Don't you think it's about time I let them out in the open?

It's a shame that I was beaten down so much that I went from a very extraverted person to a very intraverted person. I was so threatened that our relationship would end if I said what I thought. I see now that it was stupid and nobody should have that kind of control over another person. Even now I am afraid of what he might think or say about what I write in my blog.

I have been doing better at saying what I think to him instead of holding it inside. I am afraid that I taught my children "to keep it in" also and I am here to say right here and now that, IT IS NOT HEALTHY! Get your feelings out in the open, your sanity is worth more then that.

It's a shame that it took me till I was in my late 40's to get sick and tired of keeping my feeling in. I guess that one thing I can thank my mother in law for. She's gotta so good at getting under my skin that I can't keep my mouth shut anymore!

I want so much to just keep typing away on this blog. Get everything out of my head and out in the open but as always I can't. I have jobs to do around here. But don't worry, even though I'm away from the computer, my mind is still going 90 miles an hour constently thinking of all the thinks I need to get down on my blog. So until next time, I'm still boiling over with things to say.
Don't worry. I WILL RETURN!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Election Hanky-Panky

I've been watching all the Election stuff on tv. They just came out with some new interesting stuff about Obama. It seems he has removed the American Flag from his plane and replaced it with an Election logo! They included by saying, "If the United States isn't good enough for Obama then why would people think Obama is good for the United States" AMEN!
Well I'm voting for McCain/Palin and I am proud of it. In my opinion, Any Christian that IS a Christian would have to vote for McCain, Anyone related to the Military, would have to vote for McCain! If they have any kind of conscience at all, they would have to VOTE FOR McCAIN/PALIN!

I heard somewhere that there is more new voter applicates this year then ever before and that 85% of them are African American. It has become a racial thing and that in itself is awful! I also think that the only reason Powell is backing Obama is because he's african American. I recieved an email about the Book of Revalations and Obama, have you gotten it? Well it sure makes me wonder! All I have to say about that is , if he does somehow get voted in, people better get right with God just in case!

The more I hear and learn about Obama, the more I can't believe anyone with their right mind could vote for him!

Here's something else that will make you think. My mother in law (a registered republican" called for an absentee ballot. After waiting several weeks, she never got it. We called to inquire about why she hadn't got it yet. They informed her that it was "undeliverable?
She has lived in the same residence for 23 years. Now how could it be "undeliverable"?????? It seems to me that's just more proof of some more Obama hanky panky.

As far as I'm concerned Sarah Palin is more qualified to be President then Obama is! and she's running for Vice-President. So people better get this black/white issue out of their mind and come to their senses! Come on people, Don't vote for the color, Don't vote for the party, Don't vote for the person, VOTE FOR THE QUALIFICATIONS!!!!!!!!

I'm not usually into politics at all but this year and hearing what all is going on, I got a fire lit under my butt! So to all of you who think Bush did a bad job, if Obama gets voted in well you ain't seen nothing.
Well here I am again. I have been thinking in the back of my mind all day, "What can I write about my childhood?" It's scaring me, it's like all of it has been wiped clean from my memory! What's the matter with me? I mean sure, I can remember bits and pieces like how my dad used to drive me everywhere I wanted to go as well as my friends but I can't really remember family things. I don't know, it probably doesn't make sense to you or anyone else but it does to me. When I started writing this blog, I remembered all kinds of things I wanted to write about my family but after 6 months, I just can't remember! I don't know, maybe I'm trying to hard. Maybe I should just take it easy and things will start popping up. Whatever happed in my childhood made me what I am today right. I think I'm a pretty good person so it must be that I had a good childhood I do remember that I was spoiled rotten since I was the baby and I was my mom and dad's only child together.

I remembered something! When I was growing up, my sister was 10 years older then me and my brother was 12 years older then me. I remember my sister when she was in her teenage years. The normal boyfriends coming over and all. I remember her gettin g mad because they paid more attention to me then her. Maybe it was cause I was such a cutie?

I remember when she'd come home from a date and they'd walk her to the door (they did stuff like that back then) anyways, I'd wait for them to get up on the porch step at the door and I'd fling open the door, turn on the light and stick my face right up tight against the window and watch. Oh did she get mad! LOL I had very natural curly hair (like shirley Temple) and to get back at me, when my mom told her to brush my hair, she'd about yank it out of my head! I remember that I used to run and grab the brush and hide it from her and alot of the times when she did get ahold of the brush, I'd crawl under my parents bed where she couldn't get to me. I us to stay under there for hours until she'd leave the house or go to bed. Whichever came first! She used to go to bed early when she didn't have something to do. I mean early, like right after supper!

Wow! Memeories are starting to pop up all over! I am so glad. Here's another one. My mom was a great story teller. I remember her sitting at the kitchen table and tell me story after story of her childhood. Those were such happy times for me. I wish I could of had her record her story sessions so my kids could hear the stories. She did share some of the stories with my oldest child, Aimee, but she probably doesn't remember them. She was so young.

I think I've pushed myself too hard today after being sick. I am starting to feel wimpy again, I just caught myself falling asleep so I need to go for now. I'm gonna take a nap so I'll be able to cook some dinner when Michael gets home.

Back Online and Ready to Write!

I just noticed that on my first writing that more then half of it is highlighted. I didn't do that! None of it should be highlighted and I can't figure out how to get it off of there. I'm having alittle bit of a problem trying to get started on this again. Of Course, it might help tremendously if I go back and read where I dropped off.


Well, I just looked at it and I just realized how long it's been since I wrote! It's been about 6 months, oh where does the time go?


I had too change my email on this thing so if I had any followers, I hope it didn't mess them up! I'm still not really sure how to use this blog site. To me and hopefully to alot of others, it is very confusing.


I do know that the auto save really messes me up. All I have to do is stop typing for 2 seconds to collect my thoughts and ZAP! auto save. Why does it do that so fast? Some people just can't type or think that fast!


Ok, now I can't remember what my last post said so I'll have to go back and read it again. Geez, getting old really sucks! Everything goes! Memory, sight, hearing, moving around, etc.... it's nothing to look forward to believe me.



I guess I had decided to stop my blog writings until I got a chance to look through my trunk of pictures so I'm kind of on the right schedule except for the fact that my internet had gotten shut off and screwed me all up. That's the biggest reason I stopped writing for so long. Now it seems I'm not in the same mode I was in before. You know, trying to write of my growing up years so I'll just write whatever comes to mind and hope that you all don't mind.



I've been sick since yesterday and I don't know how to act when I'm sick. I'm hardly ever sick or when I am, I don't slow down. I automatically keep doing what a woman or mother has to do. Really, to be honest (and I'm sure you woman out there can relate) it doesn't pay for us to get sick and slow down. We usually get no sympathy, no help with anything. I do have to say that finally after all these years, my husband has changed. He does step up and try to help me out when I'm sick or at least doesn't make the normal demands a husband makes everyday. I have to say that, THAT alone makes me feel more loved by him. You all know what I mean, right? I do understand that he didn't have very good examples growing up and how a man is supposed to treat a woman but he has really broke that bad mold and has done really well. I am not just saying that because I know he'll be reading this blog, it's true.



I am having a hard time even thinking about my growing up years right now. I don't know why but I guess I just don't want to think about it right now. Maybe I'll get back into it soon cause I'm sure you're interested. So...... let's just stay in the present for right now.


I've been sick since yesterday and I don't know how to act when I'm sick. I'm hardly ever sick or when I am, I don't slow down. I automatically keep doing what a woman or mother has to do. Really, to be honest (and I'm sure you woman out there can relate) it doesn't pay for us to get sick and slow down. We usually get no sympathy, no help with anything. I do have to say that finally after all these years, my husband has changed. He does step up and try to help me out when I'm sick or at least doesn't make the normal demands a husband makes everyday. I have to say that, THAT alone makes me feel more loved by him. You all know what I mean, right? I do understand that he didn't have very good examples growing up and how a man is supposed to treat a woman but he has really broke that bad mold and has done really well. I am not just saying that because I know he'll be reading this blog, it's true.I am having a hard time even thinking about my growing up years right now. I don't know why but I guess I just don't want to think about it right now. Maybe I'll get back into it soon cause I'm sure you're interested. So...... let's just stay in the present for right now.This morning, just like most mornings lately, I have an altercation with my mother in law over her medications. Every morning I check her little "daily med box" to double check to make sure they are all there and every morning she comes out of her room and tells me I forgot to put in a xanax and something else. I tell her that I checked and they where ALL there but she demands I give her the missing ones. Then when they run out early she doesn't know why and pretty much accuses me or her son of taking them.Now yesterday is a good example of how she is. I'd sure love to secretly video tape her some time. She acts completely different when her son is around. He no longer walks out the door when her true colors (or feelings) about me come out. Oh I tell him but he doesn't believe me of course. She gets this evil look on her face and verbally attacks me in one way or another. In front of people, she says oh I love Beth she's like a daughter to me but when nobody's around it all changes. She doesn't like me, she never has since the first time she met me. The first real out in the open thing she did was on our wedding day. I had everything planned out just the way I wanted or as much as I could have. I did have the color scheme I'd always dreamed of having. Blue, cream and silver. I mean what's more simple? You know what she did? She brought her daughter (my bridesmaid) in YELLOW! We all went out to the store and I picked out a dress on the clerance rack that was 10.00. Not the one I really wanted but I knew they couldn't spend 30.00 for the actual one. I had to leave the store before she went through the check out line because of a prior appt concerning my wedding dress. Well after I left she put it back on the rack and didn't buy it!At the dressing room while getting ready for my "Big Day" she pulled out the yellow dress. I asked what happened to the one we picked out and you know what she said? She said she didn't like it so she was just gonna let "Delana" wear her prom dress for the wedding! Now that's just down right hateful!Needless to say, she was like that then and she's like that to this day towards me (when Michael's not around) She has opened up a few time's infront of my daughter in law Jessie. So at least I do have one person that has seen it. I'd still like to catch her on video though.Oh there is so many different things that she's done but I'll save them for another day. I have things to do today but maybe I will be able to write more after I'm done.
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Happy Birthday To Me

I was just thinking, it's funny how some things just kinda stick to your memory. There's no rhyme or reason to them. I still can't figure out why I remember some of them. They have no significate meaning as far as I can tell. I still haven't gotten the trunk of pictures yet but I am hoping that I will get a call today to come pick them up.

Well today is my birthday. 49 years old, dang I'm old. I said that to my youngest and she told me I wasn't old at all. That made me feel good. My daughter in law Jessie was the first to call and tell me Happy Birthday. I don't consider Jessie as an in law, she is just as close as one of my own and she is my friend. She has been a blessing to me ever since my son introduced us. Next to wish me a Happy Birthday was my husband. Then shortly following I got calls from my oldest and youngest. I suppose I won't hear from my son until later tonight since he is on duty at the base.

I have tried to call where the trunk of pictures are at to see if I can possibly go pick them up but no answer. It seems like they would want to get rid of it since it takes up so much space but I have a weird feeling about it. I'm afraid that they got rid of it but are scared to tell me. Oh that would be awful if that's the case. I will try to call again after dinnertime.

Well I have to admit that today has been a more boring then ususal day. I was expecting anything but something would of been a nice surprise.I do have to say that all holidays as well as birthdays have changed drastically since my mother passed away. Let me tell you about how it used to be.

On each of our birthdays, my parents would host a birthday dinner. The menu was of our choosing and no matter what we picked, nobody could complain about it. It was "Our" day. All of my family would be there including their kids and spouses. It got pretty cramped with all of us sitting around the table at my parents little house but it was great! I think the biggest crowd was a total of 15 of us. In my family all of our birthdays happened to fall in February and March so by the time it came to mine I was sick of cake so mom would make me my favorite pecan pie! She made the best and still to this day I haven't found one that tasted as good as hers. I sure miss that. That's what I'd like to do for all my family.I'd love to have a home so they could all come together for all the birthdays. Oh and of course Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc....Who knows, maybe one day.

I decided to take some time off from writing about my life until I get a chance to look through some of the pictures.Then maybe I will have more to write about.
Well I changed my mind. I was laying on the couch watching American Idol when the phone rang. It was my youngest April. She wanted to know if I would watch my grandaughter Alexis. Well, I can't say no to being able to see any of my grandbabies so I told her to bring her on over. She's asleep but I get to look at her anyways.
A commercial came on tv which jolted a long forgotten memory. Weird how that happens sometimes. It made me think back to when I was very very little, probably 3 or 4 when it first began. I used to and still do, ave the worst pain in my legs. No apparent reason except it always seemed to happen withing about 24 to 48 hours before it started to rain. I remember crying and crying from the pain and my daddy would get me up on the couch next to him and rub my legs for hours until I either fell asleep or they quit hurting. My parents spend hundreds of dollars taking me to the doctors trying to find out what was wrong. And you know, here it is 40 plus years later and still I have no answers. I remember my childhood doctor so clearly. His name was Dr McNeil, back then the came to your house when you were sick. He also had an office on Portage Street in Washington Square up above some stores.I still battle with those pains and still no one has figured out why or have offered me anykind of relief. No days the doctors look at you and treat you like your some kind of drug addict. I did happen to find out a couple years back during an ER visit with a bout of horrid headaches that I have a condition called Chiari. Oh well that's not what I had planned on writing about. But it could help someone out there that has had the same trouble.
I had wrote earlier about the birthday dinners my mom and dad had for all of us kids so I bet you'd be surprised to find out that out of all my years growing up, they only gave me 1 regular type birthday party. It was the year before I started school and every kid on the block was there. Maybe that's why they never had any more for me. Thinking back, I bet there were at least 2 kids in all but 3 houses on our block! That's about 40 kids! Yep, that had to be the reason for no more parties.
This blog probably isn't very interesting to most of you and I've probably lost all my readers. I admit, I'm no writer. My writing will most likely be about things I remember just all of a sudden. When your family's gone for so long and there's nobody to talk to about old times, it's not easy to keep things in your head for very long. Like they say,"out of sight out of mind" So if it's alright with you, I'll just type em as they pop into my head. Heck, it's not easy to keep track of what I'm trying to write about and it sure is harder to keep things in order.
I don't even remember what I was writing about in yesterdays blog!
I just remember little things here and there like I said, so I will do my best.











Tuesday, March 25, 2008

I Found My Lost Blog!

I know I already re-wrote my blog but I finally happened to run acrossed my first one so I'm just gonna post it. So here it is.

It all began in 1959. Long ago and not so far away. What do I mean by that? well actually I reside only 1 block from where my life on this earth first began. Yes the hospital where I was born is just down the street. I was born to Clyde E Edmonds & Shirley M Sills. I was there 3rd aniversary present! My dad was 48 when I was born and my mother was 33. Kinda old to have a newborn baby right? My father had been married before and had another daughter but she was way older then me. Maybe 30 years older. I didnt know her that well even though she lived within 15 miles from us. My mother also had been married before. She had my half brother, Allen and my half sister Sue. Allen was 12 years older then me and Sue was 10 years older. They lived there with us for their father had died when he was only 28 years old.
I can remember having Sue at the house with us but the only memory I have of Allen was him living up at my grandparnets house. Since they were both so much older then me, we weren’t really that close anyways. I guess the one thing that we had in common was the music. I grew up with the 50’s & 60’s always blarring out of my sisters record player. The reason I know all the words is because back then, we couldn’t afford to buy alot of records so the ones she did have, she would play over and over and over, etc......... Yes they were branded into my brain. I grew up with the Beatles, Turtles, Hermans Hermits, Bobby Vinton, Elvis, Dave Clark Five, just to name a few. I could probably sit here and name hundreds of them and most you’ve never heard of, but were great just the same. Oh yes, One I didn’t mention, and to me, the most important. Who, you are asking? My American Idol, Diana Ross & the Supremes! They were in a leaugue all their own as far as I was concerned. Until this day, she will always be my favorite and one person that I would just love to meet someday. When I was younger, I could mimmick her voice while singing one of her hits. As I grew, music changed, singers changed but the one thing that never changed was my love for those golden oldies. The one and only memory I have of doing something with my sister is when she "had" to take me with her to the roller rink. My first time ever on a real wooden skating rink floor was at the "Silver Star" downtown Kalamazoo on Portage Street. I think it was during the summer just before I started kindergarden.
To Be Continued >>>>>

Monday, March 24, 2008

Trying to Remember

Let me see, where did I leave off in my last entry? Oh yes, I was telling you about my family. I'm sad to say that I am not at all like my mother who could sit for hours and tell stories of her childhood. I miss those days. I wish we would of sat her down with a tape recorder so I could listen to them over and over. I can't remember very much of my childhood really. I wish I would of at least kept a diary so I could go back and re-visit back then. Now there's something I can suggest and maybe even urge you to do. Don't think of it as a girl thing either, write in a diary! Guys, if it makes you feel better, call it a journal but never the less, keep one! You will be so glad you did after the years go by.
Ok, I got that out of the way. My memories>>>> not very interesting I suppose, at least not to all of you who read it but more for me. I can, in my mind, remember walking hand in hand with my father over to the store that was caddy-corner from my house. I was wearing a sweater that he picked out for me. It was a cardigan with big stripes of gray and a soft yellow. Golly that thing must of been down right ugly! I don't know why I remember that but I do. I also can remember when I was very little. Still in a crib in my parents room! Behind one end of my crib I managed to bang a hole in the wall, I remember my teddy bear fell in the whole in between the walls. I don't know why I never told my parents about it so they could of got it out for me but I didn't. I wasn't allowed in my parents room except to sleep and one day my dad patched up the whole. Well, bye bye teddy! I was devistated and that is when I finally told them about it but it was too late. He wasn't about to tear a holw back in the wall just to get it out. You know, still today I wonder if we opened the wall up, would my teddy still be in one piece? Probably not but I'd like to think so. LOL
The memories I have don't have any rhyme or reason. I remember 1 time going to the nursing home and seeing my grandma. I remember putting snow skis on for the first time, going down the hill, falling in a big slushy puddle of ice water (that was the only time I was on skis), I remember my mom talking on the phone and finding out my brother was in jail out of state somewhere. See what I mean, none of these memories make any sense. I mean why do I even remember them?
I remember being at a motel that had a pool (that part is unusual) we never stayed where they had pools>too expensive. Anyways, my sister was watching me at the time & told me it was time to go in and I refused. I got out of the water and she started chasing me around the pool, tripped and fell and broke her ankle.I remember the motel was blue.
I wish someone would explain to me why I remember all these weird things that don't make any sense. Lately, I've been very interested in the past. Like I'll go down a street and remember what stores use to be on a particular street or corner. I have even tried to find books in the library that have old pictures in them to help me figure out what was where. Somestimes it's then when it jolts a memory in me of something I did in the past. I guess I should add that everybody's gone that I could of asked. None of my siblings, parents,grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins are around anymore. They have all past away, I am it! I am the only one left. I think all this is why I decided to start writing a blog. I suppose in hopes it will help me remember more of my past. I think also that I feel it so important to get my own home where all my kids and grandkids can come to. A place where we can share times together and make memories for them. It is very lonely not having the people around from your childhood to talk to. I hope that you all take this to heart and stay close to your family, don't drift apart, talk to each other. Make memories with your family while they are still alive. It looks like my writtings today have went a complete different way then I intended when I started. I have 1 person left in my extended family and that's my brothers 2nd wife Emma. In fact, we haven't spoke but maybe twice since my brother past away. I just called her at work, thank goodness she still works there! She has been holding onto an old trunk full of pictures that my brother got when my mom past away! I am making arrangements to go pick it up later. I am so excited! Pictures are important too!
All this has left me alittle emotional so I must stop now. I'm sure I will have all sorts of things to write about after looking at all the pictures from my past. So stop back by tomorrow or the next day and see what I've managed to dig up. I want to add that today would of been my parents 52nd wedding aniversary if they were still here. What a wonderful present for me! To be able to find a trunk load of pictures of them, of me, of all of us on their aniversary! I made arrangements to pick them up tomorrow! What a birthday present!!!!!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

I'm gonna Try Again

I don't know if I should even try to do this again but I will. It won't be as good as the one that disappeared but it'll just have to do. It is so aggrevating after working on my post yesterday for 5 hours off and on to have it just poof! I previewed it so shouldn't it be somewhere? My advice to anyone that writes a blog> always save it in the drafts before you post it!
Now, let me try to remember where I started last time. It's no use, my memory escapes me but I do remember I wrote about my family, you know, when I was little. I am the the only child between my parents, Clyde E Edmonds & Shirley M Sills. I was born 3 days after their 3rd wedding anniversary. My dad was 48 and my mom was 33. They both had been married before, from what I've heard, my dad had been married quite a few times but only had 1 daughter before me. Her name was Phyllis and she was around 20 years older then me. She lived in a small town about 15 miles from us but we very seldom seen her because her mother forbid it. Now my mom's former husband died when he was only 28. They had a son and daughter. While I was growing up, they lived with us for the most part. Allen was 12 years older then me. He moved into my grandparents house about 5 blocks away. Sue was 10 years older then me, her I remember well since we shared the same bedroom. We didn't do much of the sister things that most do since I was so much younger. My love of music came from her though. With her in her teens, she was like most other girls at that time. Listened to records non-stop. The 50's and 60's is what I grew up with and to this day are my favorite! Groups like Herman's Hermits, Dave Clark Five, Jackson 5, Turtles, Beatles, so on and so forth. The Greatest Music ever produced! That era is where my "American Idol " came from. Whom other then the wonderful Diana Ross & the Supremes. To this day, if I ever sing karaoke or something, I always practice by singing one of their songs. Ok, ok, time to move on.
The one and only time my sister and I hung out "I was forced upon her" she took me roller skating for my first time ever. We went to the local rink downtown on Portage Street. The name of it was "The Silver Star" and it was on the 2nd floor of a building which unfortunately has been gone for a long time. I remember downstairs, maybe next door was Ron's Billiards. Wow, I plum forgot about that place until now.
Another memory, well let me tell you more about my family. We lived in a nice neighborhood called Washington Square. We lived in the smallest house on the block, a 3 bedroom 1 story. We didn't even have a basement! My dad worked fulltime at a papermill. It was called Parchment back then. It changed names several times. KVP, Brown Company and lastly, James River. He worked there 45 years! I thought he made good money until I grew up and learned he was making the grand total of 3.25 an hour. Back then though I suppose that was alot of money. We managed to have what we needed and some times got just what we wanted. His phylosophy was "if you don't have the cash to buy it then you didnt get it" I wish I would of lived my adult life that way, it sure would of saved me alot of heartache. I could of lived my life that way but after you marry, it's not just up to you anymore. Gosh, I'm wondering again.... My mom didn't have a job outside the home. She stayed home and took care of the house & family. The way it should be.
I remember that every summer when school was out, my dad would take his 2 week vacation from work. Each and every summer we would get in the car and go on a long trip. I remember going to alot of places, I just can't remember which trip it was on. Over the years they all kind of melted into one. My most memorible is when we drove over to Chicago to start our trip. We drove the whole length of the "Mother Road" Route 66! All the way to Santa Monica, California. Back then, it was the only highway that went all the way out west. I was 6 years old on that trip. We went in a 1959 Chevolet Impala, the one with the wings! We had a full car on that trip. Dad, mom, brother, sister, me & my grandma. She was in her mid 80's but she was an active, fiesty old lady! She lived with us until she died at the age of 92. Before then she lived in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
Better move on now or I'll be stuck on that topic for a long time. Growing up, I was very active. Dance lessons, roller skating, bowling, swimming, cheerleading, singing and ice skating are what my world consisted of. All that disappeared once "BOYS" happened. I remember my dad taking me ice skating for the first time. Since I basically lived at the roller rink which was 12 miles from our house, it was trecherous driving there in the snowy months. Back then, 2-3 feet of snow was normal. Anyways, there was a city ice rink only a couple miles from our house, over on Lake Street so he figured since I liked to skate so much, maybe I'd like ice skating. The first time he took me, I had a pair of those double-bladed skates. I went around the rink 1 time and took them off. I wanted the regular 1 bladed ones like everyone else! He tried to talk me out of it thinking I'd really hurt myself but I took to the ice like a duck does to water! I was very petite anyways so they said it looked weird having me out there skating with all the big people. I was so tiny that I would skate between peoples legs! LOL Ice skating from then on became my passion. I joined the figure skating club and was 2 patches away from going Olympic when I finally lost interest. It was a mixture of getting interested in boys and the fact that the city was nice enough to close down the rink. I still think them closing it up was the worst mistake they ever made.
I better stop for now and start thinking about making dinner. It is Easter Sunday and all. Come back in a few days and I'll try to add to my story.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

AHHHHHHH.......

I am so mad! I just spent 5 hours typing a continuation. Pushed preview then hit the publish post and it all just disappeared! All that work just GONE. I'm too tired to try to do it over tonight so sorry people, you'll just have to wait.

Let Me Start Again

It all began in 1959. Long ago and not so far away. What do I mean by that? well actually I reside only 1 block from where my life on this earth first began. Yes the hospital where I was born is just down the street. I was born to Clyde E Edmonds & Shirley M Sills. I was there 3rd aniversary present! My dad was 48 when I was born and my mother was 33. Kinda old to have a newborn baby right? My father had been married before and had another daughter but she was way older then me. Maybe 30 years older. I didnt know her that well even though she lived within 15 miles from us. My mother also had been married before. She had my half brother, Allen and my half sister Sue. Allen was 12 years older then me and Sue was 10 years older. They lived there with us for their father had died when he was only 28 years old.
I can remember having Sue at the house with us but the only memory I have of Allen was him living up at my grandparnets house. Since they were both so much older then me, we weren’t really that close anyways. I guess the one thing that we had in common was the music. I grew up with the 50’s & 60’s always blarring out of my sisters record player. The reason I know all the words is because back then, we couldn’t afford to buy alot of records so the ones she did have, she would play over and over and over, etc......... Yes they were branded into my brain. I grew up with the Beatles, Turtles, Hermans Hermits, Bobby Vinton, Elvis, Dave Clark Five, just to name a few. I could probably sit here and name hundreds of them and most you’ve never heard of, but were great just the same. Oh yes, One I didn’t mention, and to me, the most important. Who, you are asking? My American Idol, Diana Ross & the Supremes! They were in a leaugue all their own as far as I was concerned. Until this day, she will always be my favorite and one person that I would just love to meet someday. When I was younger, I could mimmick her voice while singing one of her hits. As I grew, music changed, singers changed but the one thing that never changed was my love for those golden oldies. The one and only memory I have of doing something with my sister is when she "had" to take me with her to the roller rink. My first time ever on a real wooden skating rink floor was at the "Silver Star" downtown Kalamazoo on Portage Strret. I think it was during the summer just before I started kindergarden.
To Be Continued >>>>>
Kept myself pretty busy today. Even though it went from T-shirt weather yesterday to 14 inches of snow today, Michael & I walked to the public library today. Actually it wasn't that bad of a walk. We talked all the way there and back. I am amazed that even after 30 years we still have stuff to talk about. Weird huh? We ended up with 2 bags full of videos to watch. After we got back for awhile, I deiscovered we were running short of our "nasty habit" cigarettes. The smoke shop isnt really all that far but it's about a half mile one way. Well I refuse to drive when there's snow on the roads so if I was gonna go I was gonna have to walk. All our vehicles are not running at the moment for one reason or another anyways. Our son & daughter in laws car is here but I told him I wouldn't drive it unless I asked first but I would in no way take their car out on these roads even with permission. That's all I need is to have one of these no driving idiots these days run into me.
Yes my back is still in intense pain but if you don't make yourself get up and move around, it'll tighten up and hurt worse, right? Needless to say, I set out walking the long mile haul, in the snow. To get to the store is basically a main street, fairly busy 24 hours a day. The first block is like a strip mall (none of them had shoveled) the next block is the hospital (No they hadn't shovel either!) Finally I have to walk past a church and thank the Lord they shoveled! Rest of the way- snow. I couldn't even get relief by trying to walk in the road, they roads hadn't been plowed either! I had to drudge through knee-high snow all the way there and back EXCEPT for in front of the church. My word, it's Friday, they don't even have church on Friday but people came all the way in just to make sure the sidewalk was shoveled. Now whats wrong with the rest of the people who are behind those business walls the rest of the half mile? Where's the city plow trucks? I mean you did notice I said I had to pass a hospital right? That's bad when they don't even keep a path open for ambulances!
Where was I going in this blog writing anyway? I forgot! LOL Oh well. By the time I walked that long mile, trudging through 14 inches of knee-high snow, I looked like the abondible smowman. Tonight, I am paying for it. My back is killing me! I guess I would of been better off walking alittle slower? I guess even though I don't have any insurance, if my back doesn't let up in another day or so I will have to go to the ER and get it checked out. If I do, I'm sure I will have alot to say about my visit. I don't know how it is where you live but around here, the doctors treat you like your a drug addict so getting any help for pain is almost out of the question unless the admit you into the hospital and with no insurance--might as well forget that idea unless your on your death bed.
Oh my goodness, it's 2:30 am! I guess I'd better stop for now and try to get some sleep. I didn't get much sleep at all last night because Alexis was here until almost 4 am. Oh now I remember what I was gonna write about! Oh well, too late now. Maybe I'll write about that in my next blog. To all of you--- Have a good night or day, whatever time it is for you!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Time Goes By

As this day comes and goes, they seem to go faster. Iwas busy doing something and needed to go somewhere by 5 pm, the sun was brightly shinning through the window as it does in the afternoon in the western side of the apt, I looked up at the clock and oh my gosh! It was going on 8 pm. Needless to say, I didn't go where I was suppose to. Time is working against me. More so since I am NOT looking forward to another birthday (which happens to be only a few days away) Michael (my hubby) and I spent the evening together making fruit filled pastries and watching a couple of our favorite shows on the tv. I enjoy it more and more just spending those times together. Oh there was a time a few years back when I would of done anything possible to NOT spend timew with him but I'm happy to say it's not like that anymore. About 2 years ago we decided to work together delivering items that people purchase on the auction sites. We spent hours upon hours, days upon days, weeks upon weeks in our truck. Driving all over the USA. I thought it would be boring and strenuous being cooped up in such tight quarters with him BUT boy was I wrong! We took turns driving and sleeping, talking and laughing. I did most of the navigational stuff and he drove more then I did but it worked out well.
As it turned out, instead of driving us apart, we became closer and happier then we had been in our whole married life together! To be honest, even after being together for 30 plus years, we found out things about each other that we never knew! Blows your mind doesn't it!. They were right when they said, "you never really know a person". So to those of you out there that think living together before you get married helps, well, oh how wrong you are! You just gotta jump in and swim.
It is now going on 11 pm and I am still doing housework. I hate housework, especially when it doesn't belong to me. Other then that, I am patiently waiting for my grand daughter Alexis to come spend the night with us. Of course she will be asleep the whole time she's here but thats ok. I could spend hours just sitting here looking at her. Actually after her being here yesterday and me carrying her all over the building showing her off to all the residents, well I really over did it where my back is concerned. I have been in agony all day and night. I just hate that! I'm just grinnin and bearin it. I have too many sweet lovable grandbabies to let my back problems keep me from enjoying them.
Off to a different subject. I have ran acrossed a video that just fasinates me. If you ever get a chance to see it, watch it! It's called "ANIMUSIC" they have taken computers, instruments and music combined them and well, I can't explain it but it is amazing! These instruments walk around and play themselves. I can't do it justice. Just take my word on it, you gotta check it out. Let me know if you do get the chance, I'd like to know what you think about it.
Well I have been doing pretty good the past 3 days. I am just a regular person, no depression, knock on wood.
Is anybody out there besides me that is sick of all this election junk? In the end, everybody votes for the less evil one, right? Well that's all for my political views!
Now I must take a short break and finish up the dishes and housework. Break? I did say Break didn't I? Now I know I'm losing my mind.
Finally done for the day. I did good. Still have what 12 minutes left of today. I guess I will stop for now and do alittle relaxing before my "little woman" gets here. I do kinda wish it wasn't so late so we could play together but there will be other times so I'll let her sleep tonight.
Well to all of you that have stopped by to read my blog, I'm sorry I don't have anything more interesting to talk about again but give me a few days. I'll get in one of my moods and then my blog will get real interesting, I promise!

It's Another Day

Woke up this morning just to find out it's just another day. Actually I find myself in more pain then usual. It is a result of having one of my grandchildren over last night. Her she is, only 4 months old and I can't hold her for 3 minutes without experiencing back pain. Do you know how bad that sucks? I've waited all these years to have little ones in my life again and now I have 5 (so far) and because of the work I've done in the past, I can't have the kind of fun I was planning on having.
I know I'm getting older but I was really wany=ting to do things with my grandkids that I did with my kids when they were growing up. Things like helping the girls with thieir cheerleading acrobats, playing ball with the boys, you know just running around with them acting like a big overgrown kid. Well I guess that's out of the question now.
Wow, I just realized that I will be another year older, officially, next week. Yuck! Why can't we look back in oiur lives and just pick an age we liked and just stay there? Even that in itself would be a very hard choice to make. I can't believe I will be 49! yes, I said it, 49. It sounds so old doesn't it? I don't know how some people do it. You know, I wasn't even a teenager yet when my mom was the age I am now? How did she do it?
Oh well, life goes on. Better for some then others I now realize. There's something else I've had on my mind. My husband and I aren't bad people and we justy can't seem to get a break. Yet, we have some close relatives that waste money with drugs and it seems like they ae always coming into money. Not long ago, they received 40,000 dollars in a settlement and within just a couple months were broke again because they just basically threw it away on illegal substances. And here I am, with nothing. Do you know what all I could do with that much money? I cold pay my bills, relocate, invest. You know, get something good accomplished and have something to show for it. But no, money like that always seems to go to those that have no sense and throw it away like it's nothiong. I just don't understand it. We have always had to work very hard for the little bit of money we have and then thwere's people like that, that just don't give a damn that always seem to have money coming their way, it just basically gets handed to them. Isn't that the way it always seems to go?
In the past and really even now, we share what little we have with those around us. We always have and always will. If we have it to give, we give it. But when we are in the position of needing, there's nobody out there willing to give us a helping hand. Why can't someone out there just hand us over a good substancial amount of money that would help us out? Shoot, we don't even have a rich uncle out there that could give us money when he died. Yes I'm having a pity party. I feel I have a right to every once in awhile.
I guess I'm in a position right now, getting older and realizing that I have no idea what I'm going to do in the future. When I was growing up I always assumed that I'd marry, have kids, have my own house where all my kids and grandkids could come over to visit. I'd have birthday dinners for them like my mom did. But now find myself living with my mother in law and taking care of her. I have so security for farther down the road. I have no idea what so ever as to how I'm going to live or where money will come from.
If I could have what I wanted right now it would be to move to the south in a home of my own. Just a small house with alittle bit of land to have a garden and maybe some animals. Right now I can't even have a cat! I would have somewhere I could call home where I could live out the rest of my days and not have to worry. I don't want much, I don't need much. I am not a high maintanance person, never have been. Most people have parents or siblings that they can fall back on but I have none of that, they are gone. I'll tell you more about that at a later time. Maybe along with my feelings, I'll try to write my life's story so you can get to know me alittle better. Guess I'll stop for the time being. Hope to see you back here again soon.

Guess I Gotta Start Sometime

Well, here I go! Gosh, what am I thinking today? LOL, I have no idea! I guess I'm sitting here thinking of what in the world to write. Believe it or not, this is the first time I really don't have much on my mind. Man this sucks!
As my grand daughter is asleep on the couch, I guess I have to say, "What a Blessing"
Right now, she is the only grandchild that lives close enough for me to see and spend time with.
I also have on my mind, the thoughts of how, in the future, can we possibly be able to live somewhere, where we can be close to all of our kids and grandkids. With them spread over 3 states, it's not gonna be easy. I have in my mind, the hope that some day, we will own alot of acreage where we can all build a house on each four corners so we can all live close to one another.
I always thought about having a blog but never got around to doing it until my husband started one. His is way better then mine. I guess today wasn't a good day for me to start my blog since my mind is blank but I suppose you have to start somewhere. All I can say is to check back at a later time because usually I have alot on my mind. I have so many pieces of paper laying around the house with my thoughts and feelings wrote on them.
Most of what I write I never even give to anyone. In fact I write it down, leave the pages laying all over the place and then eventually throw them out. I suppose I will write in my blog like I would write in a diary. I know, I'm boring. Give me a break will ya. I never did this before so it'll take me some time to get the hang of it.
Ya'll have a good one!