Happy Mothers Day

Mothers come in many shapes and sizes

There are warm mothers, soft and round, likely to be found 
with flour on their noses, and always ready to pour 
you a glass of milk to go with the cookies on your plate.
These mothers are increasingly rare.

Some mothers are like bubbles of champagne; they 
surprise your senses, leave you giggly, but when you least expect it 
they erupt with an unexpected 'pop.'

There are sharp mothers, all edges, and not easy to hold on to.  
They don't mean to, but it often seems like, when you need them, 
their hands come up to ward you away.  

Then there are grouchy mothers, stressed mothers, exhausted mothers,
their faces lined with worry and their spirits tired and grey.

Other mothers are wise and reliable;
they are not prone to many words or to a lot of noise, 
but in your heart you know, that
when you need them, they'll be there.

There are fierce mothers, the ones you count on to be on your side
and to love you even when you've gone wrong.

There are absent mothers, whose memory shimmers in the air, so that 
it seems you'll catch them if you could just be quick enough to turn around.


There are distant mothers ... cruel mothers ... loving mothers ... giving mothers ... 
there are walk-away mothers ... save-the-world mothers ...  
too-busy-to-bother mothers ... mothers you cry for because you lost them, 
and mothers who make you cry because you can't ... 



May we hold in our hearts the mothers we have known ... 
those who loved us ... and those who tried ...

May we forgive the mothers who didn't get it right ... and release 
the knots of disappointment ... anger ... grief ... pain.

And may we remember always 
that mothering — nurturing — is a task 
not just for some, but for us all.

Whether you are young or old ... female or male ... 
may you make extra room for nurturing in your heart ... 
may you hug a baby ... smile at a stranger ... 
May you hold back just a little in traffic and, just this once, 
let an extra pushy driver squeeze right in.

May you say something real to a harried store clerk ... 
pet a kitty ... give a co-worker a genuine compliment ... 
take time to listen deeply to a friend.

Mothers come in many shapes and sizes.

So does 'mothering.'

May there be room in our hearts, to receive nurturing, and to give.

rev. maureen killoran - 2009

My 8th-grade graduation - posing for photos

I choose to remember and honor the "Mommy" I had when I was a child. She was loving and always there for me. As I got older, I admittedly put her through some hard times due to my rebellion. She was no doubt hurt - and angry with me. 

Mom 2.0 was not the same "Mommy" that I knew and loved. I still loved her but she wasn't the same. After her suicide, I realize she must have had some undiagnosed mental illness going on. 

friend, Mom, little sister, Donna, and me 

So I choose to remember the silly mom, the funny mom who could tell really good jokes - the mom who listened to me when I had troubles - 

friend, Me, Sister, and Mom

She was the mom, all my friends wished their mom was like. My friends were always over at the house - because she was fun and would tell some stories about what it was like for her when she grew up and she always made us laugh. 

So here's to you Mom! 

I forgive you - 

NO plans for the weekend

Happy Friday Everybody! 

I've been having quite a time trying to post - due to my mouse. I just changed the batteries 2 weeks ago. So I just ordered the old fashion mouse with a cord from Amazon.- or would that be a tail?  It will be here on Sunday. Every time I would type, nothing would show up, and then I saw that my mouse was dead. I kept opening it up and blowing on it - it would work for a couple of words and then stop. 

My first kiss

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday as well as their wedding anniversary. He would have been 91 years and they would have been married 70 years! (I'm 69) 

I sure miss my Dad. 

So what is everyone planning for this weekend? 

I'm supposed to pick out something to do for tomorrow. I don't know yet - 

This coming week is the Rodeo so I need to purchase tickets. Last year was my first time and I really enjoyed it. I surprise myself! 

Have a great weekend and Mother's Day,  for those who celebrate. 

Debby

 

Maybe three is the charm?

Foodie has covid and we have to reschedule the helicopter tour for Sat. The guy is the only family member who hasn't gotten Covid. He sure picked a great time...

Saturday is day 4 and his work wants him back on Day 5 which is Sunday. He was stressing out about it because of our plans for Saturday. Now he can relax and concentrate on getting better. 

I'm waiting on Navy to answer me - on the date. This is becoming more stressful than the actual event. 

UPDATE: He just texted and said he'll be there!

We're scheduled for May 20 at 10am. 

I sit on this bench at the Lake when I am watching Laydee swim. Yesterday we went over for an hour or so - and something happened that upset me and my husband. 

He had to use the restroom, and when he walked in, a woman came out and said, 

"There's a bird stuck in the toilet in stall number 1"

and that was that. Off she went on her merry little way. 

and when he opened up the lid of the toilet, there was a little bird inside - struggling, scared, and kept getting stuck way down in the bowl (curve) of the toilet. 

Now that bird didn't get into the bathroom, then jump inside the toilet and put the seat down. 

A human did this. 

My husband took his hand and reached into that dirty toilet - and rescued that little bird. Believe me, that toilet was disgusting. I was so proud of him and that is one major reason why I married him - he is a softy like me when it comes to one of God's creatures.  He didn't give it a second thought - he just did it. 

I made him clean up with disinfectant wipes - up to his elbows. But that smell which was probably only in our minds, was still there so we cut Laydee's swim time shorter so he could come home and shower. 

It made me so very sad - to think that some sick sociopath did this to that poor little bird. How anyone could do such evil and walk away. Then, of course, there are those who saw the bird but placed the lid back down, and never tried to help the little bird. 

I couldn't live with myself if I did that. 

We checked out the little bird, and he seemed fine. At first, he hopped a little and then flicked his feather and wings - and after about 5 minutes or so of preening, he actually flew into the bush. 

Poor little guy. 

The more I thought about it, I thought, that is what is happening in our world today. There are some, who see the problem but don't want to get involved for whatever reason. Just let someone else handle it. and go on about their day. 

And then there are those who take the reins and do what has to be done. 

Some may say, "It's just a bird." 

But can these same people be counted on, to step in to help a fellow human being if they needed it? 

 I do hope I would be able to step in, regardless of my own self - to help if a fellow human being was hurt or attacked. 

Psalm 50:11-12 

I know every bird on the mountains, 

and all the animals of the field are mine. 

Take Care,

Debby

The Mother of All Hodgepodges

It's that time of the week - The Wednesday Hodgepodge put on by Joyce over at 

http://www.fromthissideofthepond.com/

Anyone can join in - I did about 4 weeks or so ago. I find I look forward to the questions when they come out. 

You can join by clicking on her website. 

1. Did you watch the coronation of King Charles III? 

I kinda wanted to until I heard it was 3am here on the west coast. By the time I got up, it was over - I've only seen bits and pieces of it. 

Share some of your thoughts about that or about the royal family in general. 

I'm an American - and so really, what right do I have to say anything about the traditions of another country?  Or even to comment on their family...I think the history of the monarchy is fascinating.

2. What are you the uncrowned queen of? 

I'm blank - I can't think of a thing.  I guess that makes me the uncrowned Queen of Absolutely Nothing. 

3. In a box of chocolates which one do you usually go for? 

I like the nuts and chews; especially Sees Candy - another California treat that originated here. YUM! (although the Sees Family came here from Canada) 

https://www.sees.com/about-us/sees-family/

4. Something learned at your mother's knee? 

She taught and instilled in my sister and me, manners; how to set a table, and other girly girl-type things that are not politically correct these days. Housekeeping tips and sewing, and crocheting - she passed on her appreciation of history, love of country, and appreciation of other cultures.  

I wanted to be a "homemaker" like my mom.  She wasn't miserable like you hear some are - She was in bowling leagues and went to baseball games - took college courses at night - helped in political campaigns - she helped out at the school. She wasn't sitting on the sofa eating bonbons. After Michael was born I was happy to leave my dental assisting job - and with his orthopedic needs at that time, I was home with my baby.  I was not about to allow another person to raise my children.  So I found a way to stay home and have a home business. (Thanks to my dad who owned his own business.) She always encouraged me that my greatest achievement would be, raising strong healthy children and never allow anyone to tell me otherwise. 

Baseball. My mom was a huge San Francisco Giants fan and every Tuesday was Ladies' Day at the ballpark. I knew that when I got off from school that day, I was to go to the corner laundromat and wait there till the bus dropped her off where she would pick me up and we'd walk home.  When the Giants won the pennant in 1962, we were in the parade - I soon became a Giants fan and my sons are now 3rd generation San Francisco Giant fans. 

Finally, keep hydrated, and don't forget the moisturizer. 

Both my parents were very political - so I learned at a very early age, by listening to them and seeing them get involved. They both worked on the JFK's presidential campaign in San Francisco. I remember having our front windows blacked out for months with JFK posters. 

My mom never backed down or weenied out of any political discussion - she was right there with the men, discussing politics. I too, am very political - but there is a time and a place, especially during these times. Balancing that is key. I do not respect political complacency. 

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” 

5. 'Like mother, like daughter'...in what way is this saying true for you? 

 

The older I get, the more I remind myself of my mother. I look in the mirror and she's looking back at me. We had some hard times, her and I. Similar to the problems she had with her own mother. 

All In all, I am my mother's daughter, whether I like it or not. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm not a big "Mother's Day" person. It's always bothered me. Usually, I skip church because they have all the mothers stand so everyone claps for them. I think that is so corny. I don't need that affirmation. It makes me uncomfortable and downright embarrassed. 

I think of those who never become mothers - and wanted so much to have a child. It's like throwing salt in a wound for childless women who wanted children. They are no less of a woman, just because they didn't give birth or raised a child. 

During the later years when my Mom changed,  Mother's Day was a day of manipulation. I knew I would never guilt my kids into it. My sons know how I feel. If we all get together, fine - if we don't, I'm good with that as well. I know they love me and I don't need flowers, candy, a Hallmark card, or a dinner out to know that. 

And there you have it - 

My Garden of Weeden

OM Goodness - not only are the flowers bursting forth their beauty for all to see, but the weeds are right there behind them - trying to choke them out. 

Sounds biblical, doesn't it? 

I'm also seeing some new plants I've never had before. The rains not only unleashed copious amounts of rainwater but made alive some plants we thought were dead and gone yet here they are now - like a long-lost friend.

This is a ground cover that I never had before - it's like a thick carpet. I don't know what it is, yet. 

I found a new baby tree sprouting in the front yard - a western redbud. 

Like, where did that come from? 

This hill we have in our backyard can be beautiful but it is so hard to maintain. Forget about it being 100% weed free - we have lessened our goals to keep only the pretty weeds. 

My husband, calls all weeds, wildflowers, and native grasses - when he doesn't know if they are or not.  Honestly, he does this so he doesn't have to pull the weeds. He's partial to the grasses - that grow in bunches. I take a photo and show it to the garden club I am in, and they tell me if it is beneficial or not. Some of the grasses are food for the good bugs. Some weeds are just not what I want for a semi-maintained yard. 

Years ago we threw out some wildflower mix and I swear, most of it was just weeds. The birds do a much better job than I ever could bringing in a variety of flowering plants - and pretty grasses. 

I bet if they were to take my blood pressure reading, it would be high - just by looking at the weeds we have to pull out. 

It's the yucky part of gardening, that I detest. 

“A weed is but an unloved flower.”
― Ella Wheeler Wilcox

This rose plant I have mentioned before- had been a gift from my dad to my mom. They were the mini roses - you get at the store. After it was done in the house, he took a chance and planted it in the front yard. 

When we moved here - 16 years ago it was big and we made 2 rose trees out of one - and put the other in the backyard. 

It never fails me - and I always think of the little rose plant that started it all. 

“When life is not coming up roses
Look to the weeds
and find the beauty hidden within them.”
― L.F.Young

Life in the yard consists of a couple of frogs, fish, and 2 snakes, besides our many different varieties of birds. The water plants are getting ready to bloom. All life forms are awakened by spring. 

Last week, the pond was cleaned out -  

I am sure all who habitat there, appreciated it. Who wants to swim around in their own feces?

Besides sunflowers, my California poppies are my favorite. They are so bright when the sun shines on them. 

The fig tree has leaves now and we have baby almonds on the tree. The grapevine (seedless purple grapes) has little white bugs on the leaves - so we need to find out what to do. These same white bugs killed last summer's harvest. 

One thing that really kills the weeds is when it's HOT. The grasses get that golden color - and they don't seem to spread as much as they do when they are green and it's spring. 

Do you have a lot of weeds? What weeds do you have that raise your blood pressure? Or do you not care and go for the ala naturale look in your yard? 

“Such plants are "weeds" only to those who make a business of selling and applying chemicals.”
― Rachel Carson, 

This morning I had my hair cut - I was supposed to go to the book club, but my hair needed it and other things kept getting in the way - so I was the 3rd person in when they opened the door this morning. And now I feel a bit more presentable with my hair. 

Funny how that is, with our hair. When I had long hair it was easy - but in the last 4-5 years since I cut it off and went short - it's an every 6-8 week thing. I always try and stretch it and then get myself to where my hair is out of control. When will I learn? 

See you tomorrow - 

Debby

 

Now and then

A full Shasta Lake - with houseboats at various marinas getting spiffed up for an outstanding season. 

We drove over to the lake and let Laydee swim - This in Jones Valley. The weather was damp and dreary and the lake was calm and quiet. The sounds of a couple of motor boats in the distance. There were a couple of fishermen. 

It rained all day Saturday - good thing our helicopter tour was canceled. We got over 2 inches of rain - one reason why everything at the Lake was fresh and I'm telling you, you just can't bottle up that fresh-smelling air. 

Soon, it will be crowded with locals and tourists - especially after our epic rainy season. 

This was just in March -2023

About 6-8 weeks ago...and there is much more snow melt on the way once we start heating up. 

And this was exactly one year earlier -  March 2022

At least I know what it looks like under the water. 

To the left of this photo, I sat on a bench and watched Laydee swim in the lake. A couple of boaters coming in, both had dogs who looked like they wanted to play, too. 

It was peaceful - 

On our drive back home we saw mountain goats, lying in the cool grasses. 

The one is stretching his legs - 

I try and inch over ever so quietly - obviously they knew I was there and didn't appreciate my presence. 

Now two are up and standing - and finally, they all walked away from my gazing eyes. The photo would have been better if I could have gotten closer but I wouldn't have been able to even get these shots of them. 

Across from the goats were some smiling and friendly neighbors -

Isn't he a doll? He and his friend wanted their heads petted - very sweet. 

The white horse was a sweetie too - a smaller, younger horse. I wanted to take them home with me. 

I'm an animal kisser. I kiss cows and horses and anything that will let me. 

Looks like a Shetland pony and some geese. The pony was scared and stood there like a statue - totally frozen and wouldn't move. In fact, at first, I thought the poor dear was just a statue until it slightly moved a little. I felt bad for him and his uneasiness so we got back in the car. 

Well, we tried to get back into the car - left the key inside. Laydee was inside and accidentally locked the inside locks. Thank God the passenger window was rolled down a bit - still not enough room to stick an arm through so the husband found the perfect stick and managed to get the backseat unlocked. 

That would have been a bit of a "story" because it was starting to sprinkle and we had no cell service. 

So today is the 20-year anniversary of Michael's death. 

I went to PT - I went to the store. Life moves on, but ever so conscious that 20 years ago today I was devasted. My world was rocked. 

It doesn't seem it could be that long but it is. I think the next anniversary of 25 years will be rough - because every year after that, is older than he was when he died. 

Ohh I can't wait to see him again. 

So we're on for Saturday and the weather looks good for the helicopter tour. 

That's it for me, Monday, May 8, 2023. 

Debby

 

A garden mix of updates

*Citronella plant or Lemon Geranium

* The Citronella plant or Lemon Geranium has been growing in my yard for a few years. We don't have many mosquitos - mostly down by the river - We're just too dry here. My husband cleans and sifts the pond daily for any mosquito scum - and we don't allow any sitting water. Plus we don't get the summer rain so having a Mosquito plant is just for novelty and it does have a pleasant aroma. 

Source: Air Shasta

Well, well, well - Looks like we are rescheduling the helicopter ride for next Saturday on the advisement of the owner who is also one of the pilots. If we are paying $1600 we also want to see the views and visibility would be sketchy and the rain might be heavier tomorrow. Why risk it? 

I feel more relieved now and I know Navy's wife does. She's not going due to her fear of heights - but she was concerned about safety. 

What a difference a day makes -

Yesterday I took this photo of the yellow Iris 

and this morning it had bloomed out overnight. 

I won't cut them to bring them inside because I like them in my garden.

Anyway, Susie will just eat it. 

It is such a pretty color - this Iris is 

and with the raindrops on it, it looks so nice. 

Here's another one that just opened this morning. 

That's something we never get to actually observe in real-time. - that perfect

 moment when a flower opens up - that takes the skill of time-lapse photography. 

Last summer petunias survived the heavy snow - I'm actually surprised. I haven't

 been out there doing any gardening due to the weather being so unpredictable this

 year. I'm not concerned - we are blessed with an 11-12 month growing season and

 obviously, the snow doesn't affect petunias. 

You can see where I need to pull out and cut some of the straggly stems. 

Last night we went to a concert at our church from a local Christian liberal arts college called William Jessup University down in Rocklin. Our church funds many of their scholarships so once a year they come up to perform. 

They were awesome. And in spite of what is going on, and how the world seems hopeless, it did give me HOPE that there are young people who still love Jesus. 

There was a lot of that "energy" that young people bring...

Nothing stops these roses. Well except for 105+ dry heat. 

Next Saturday we'll be inching toward our typical hot dry summer. It should be 95+ and DRY. 

I'm not holding my breath though, that we won't still have some rain in the near future. This has been an unprecedented rainy season.

UPDATE FROM MY MRI 

I made a copy of my MRI and I compared it to my other one, which resulted in surgery. From my untrained eye, I read I do have several small tears in different places. Plus a possible "Old Hill-Sachs"  deformity from a past shoulder dislocation. 

I'm telling you, my bones and tendons and such are a mess. I'm paying the price of an active life doing dumb things and taking risks when I was younger.  And to think I just mentioned to my sons and husband that we all need to plan a white water rafting day later this summer. My Doctor might have a thing to say about that. 

No MRI if you have metals in these places. I had no idea. 

UPDATE on the Husband 

My daughter-in-law who is a nurse mentioned that perhaps my husband can get a CT Scan since he can't have a MRI due to the shrapnel in his hand. No need to have hand surgery and run the risk of nerve damage from that. So if the VA would approve it, then that sounds like something we can consider for him. 

Tomorrow I plan to fix a pot of tea and watch the King's coronation. My husband is not interested and so he and his daughter will go out and do something. 

I have some reading to do - other than that, I'll play it by ear. 

Have a great weekend. 

Debby