My Reading Blog

We have had many Thanksgiving Days to remember and cherish, but this one was especially meaningful and rewarding.  Our son and daughter-in-law have been telling us about their Thanksgiving Day experience each year, but this year we were able to experience it with them, Michelle & her family and her in-laws. Ten years ago our daughter-in-law's uncle established a foundation in memory of his wife's life.  This fund was set up to honor our military men and women who give so much of themselves.  Jen's aunt and uncle started giving to service men and women years before when they bought dinner for those who were eating out without family.  After her aunt passed, her uncle continued in this tradition, but expanded it.  He found a local restaurant who would help, he found people willing to donate money, gifts and their time.  He contacted Great Lakes Naval Station.  And so for 10 years this tradition continues.  He has moved out of the area and so...

Veterans Day A day set aside to honor all who have served in the United Stated Armed Forces A day set aside to remember all that these men and women have done and continue to do for each of us. A day set aside to thank each of them for their dedication  and service. A day to remember all that they have given up so that we can live in a free nation. To the special men in my life  My Hubby My Son My Brother My Father My Uncle who have served in the Army and Air Force,  I say THANK YOU!

I've had a difficult time thinking of something to write about, so I thought I'd get out my "Memory Questions" and voila an idea appeared. April 10 would have been my parents 72nd wedding anniversary and I recently answered the question "Describe your Mother's wedding dress".  Not that I was there to see it, but I pulled out a picture and remember a little bit of what my Mom told me about their wedding. They had known each other for quite a while, but didn't get married before Dad enlisted in the Army and was stationed in California.  He came home on leave, asked her to marry him and return to California.  She said "Yes", even though she was working, taking care of her Father and 14 year old sister; even though it was a difficult time to move so far from home; even though life was so uncertain.  She said "Yes".  The wedding was planned in a week.  Trying to find a dress was a challenge, but Dad's brother and sister-i...

Today I was struggling for something to write about, but when I was reading a couple of slices this morning, I noticed the colorful word "CELEBRATE".  I decided that I have a lot to celebrate so I'll share some with you from this past week. Sunday - after several Sundays that we couldn't get to church due to weather, we attended and were uplifted by the message, singing and fellowship AND had a delightful breakfast with friends. Monday - making a decision after many months of pondering where we should be our house on the market AND called the realtor. Tuesday - The beginning of decluttering our house AND starting spring cleaning. Wednesday - Sunshine and 65!  AND meeting with my prayer group - sharing, caring, praying.  Meeting with my care receiver, who uplifts my spirits as much as I lift hers.  A phone call to a special friend. Thursday - Getting a check in the mail AND getting my Social Security check in my bank account (it only took 2-1/2 months to g...

As I sit here looking out the window this morning, I see snow and feel the cold temperature.  We've been very fortunate this winter here in the Ozarks until yesterday.  Still not much snow, but wind and temperature has us shivering.  I loaded my pictures from Florida onto my computer yesterday and thought today when we are all freezing that some pictures of flowers and peaceful settings were in order and will help all of feel better.  These were taken at the Bok Tower and Gardens (last week's slice).  Enjoy! Hope you have a little more peace and warmth in your day!

Last week I wrote about our Jar of Memory Questions.  Today, I'm sharing my answer to one of them. What did you enjoy in the winter? This question didn't trigger any fond or exciting memories.  I grew up in Central Illinois and we had snow and cold.  I never learned to ice skate or ski.  I remember we played in the snow, built snowmen, forts, had snowball fights and sledded.  I remember walking the five blocks to school in the snow and cold.  When I was going to college, I remember we had an extremely bad snowstorm.  I was about 15 miles from home, the roads were terrible.  It was a blinding snow and blowing across the open highway.  I made it home by going very slowly.  I pulled into our driveway and promptly got stuck.  Dad wasn't too happy, but I was so glad to have arrived home. Maybe that's why I don't really like winter, cold and snow and why we moved to Arkansas to get away from the bad winters.  Of course, we ...

Several years ago I was looking for a meaningful gift to give to some family and friends.  If my memory serves me, I found it on Everyday Cheapskate website.  It was a glass jar filled with strips of paper with thought provoking questions written on them which would spur a trip down memory lane.  I printed out the questions, cut them apart, put them in a quart glass jar.  Along with the jar of questions, I gave each recipient a blank journal to answer the questions. I also made one for hubby and me and we started out on a roll, answering at least one or two questions a week.  Since hubby isn't a "writer", he would tell me his story and I would write it down.  As I said, this was several years ago (more like four or five).  We haven't progressed very far, but the jar and journal are still on my table. I've been trying to come up with my OLW since December and nothing hit me, but this morning as I was pondering what to write about, the word "rememb...