For Those That Wish To Sing Along

There is something about the old songs that make life feel better...at least to me. When I was in grade school, I used to go to my friend's house next door and the two of us would sit at her grandmother's piano and play and sing this song. It is such a nice memory. Her grandmother's name was Mrs. Klammer. In the summer when my friend and her family would go to their lake cottage Mrs. Klammer didn't want to be home alone. She paid me a dollar to come and sleep at her house each night and then served me toast in the morning before I went back home.

Words & Music By Stephen Foster

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world, heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd away!
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea
Mermaids are chanting the wild lorelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

More Pictures Of The Tree Down In Sarah And Dave's Driveway

Here are a few more pictures of the tree down in Sarah and Dave's driveway. It is hard to believe how life can change while you are sleeping. What a shock to wake up to!

Sarah And Dave Lost A Tree

I just talked to Sarah and she said they had a storm last night. They slept through whatever passed through their neighborhood. The first they knew of the storm was when Dave opened the garage door to go to work and this is what he saw! The beautiful Maple tree in their front yard was down in their driveway.

Their house was the only house in the neighborhood that showed any sign of the storm. Help is on the way. One of Sarah's friends is bringing over a battery operated chain saw and then Dave will use her car to go get a chain saw. It is so wonderful to have friends!

As hard and as sad as the loss of this beautiful tree is, I am thankful that it did not land on the house and that all of them are ok.

I love you guys! You didn't need this!

Sounds On The Back Deck

I woke up early this morning. When I opened my eyes it was still dark. Sometimes that makes me groan silently and sometimes it gives me a little extra time to lie in bed and think about things. This morning was one of those think about things times. I guess I wanted to think about things out loud..(some people in my family know I have a habit of talking out loud to myself) so I got up in the dark and quietly slipped downstairs.

It was dark down there too. I didn't turn any lights on. I didn't want any lights on. Perhaps I wanted to be alone with my thoughts which seems easier in the dark. But, as it turns out my thoughts were interrupted when I heard a noise I wasn't familiar with. I sensed I was no longer alone with my own thoughts. I heard something on the back deck. I said to myself, "Hmmmmmm, I wonder what is making that noise?" Was it a tap tap noise? Was it a clip clop noise? I couldn't tell for sure.

I peeked up over the back of the couch and saw a raccoon pawing through the acorns. Within a minute another raccoon was there. I looked at them and I believe they looked at me. Soon they had had their fill and the two of them wandered down the steps and off into the woods. Whatever I had been thinking about was now gone and replaced by the wonder of nature and how nice it is to live where I live.

My Dad And The Reader's Digest

I mentioned in my last post that there was a story about my dad and the Reader's Digest. Since his birthday is coming up on September 1st, I thought I would tell this story as a way to share a little bit about what my dad is like.

As far back as I can remember my dad has loved to read stories that have heart. The tradition was that on Christmas the family would be called to gather around to listen to my dad read a story from a magazine like Ladies Home Journal, Redbook or Reader's Digest. It didn't matter if we wanted to do this or not and of course, we did. Why? Because it was tradition and it meant so much to him.

Over the years, my dad would become more emotional as he neared the end of the story and usually my sister, Linda, or I would have to finish reading it for him. That became tradition too.

I recently learned the history of my dad and The Reader's Digest. Here is the story as my dad told it to me.

I always wanted to learn. I tried to learn something new every day. In 1946, I went to business college one night a week. As part of the class, I was required to give speeches. I did well. One night, I didn't prepare in advance. I stopped on my way to class and bought a Reader's Digest and read a story for my speech that night.

The story was about a young college boy who was a football player. He wasn't good enough to be on the first team. The only time he could play was when someone was hurt. One night he told the coach that he had to go home because his dad had died. The dad and boy had often been seen walking arm in arm on campus.

When the boy got back from the funeral, he asked the coach to let him start in the game. The coach hesitated, but let him start. They won the game. The coach said, "What in the world happened to you today? You did such a good job!" The boy said, "This is the first time my dad ever saw me play football. You see, he was blind."

My dad got the top prize for the best speech that night and the above words are his words as he told me the story.

I think he must have told me this story when he was in his 80's and I believe it meant as much to him then as it did when he read it to his class in 1946. You see, he got a little choked up just remembering it and telling it to me.

I love you Dad!

And, now you know a little bit about my dad. He will be 95 on September 1st.

Just One Line

It is Sunday morning and the thermometer outside my kitchen window says the temperature is an unseasonal mid-fifties in mid-August. Sitting with my cup of coffee at the table I picked up the September 2007 issue of Reader's Digest. My dad has given us the Reader's Digest for as many years as I can remember. I recently learned something about my dad and the Reader's Digest, but that will be a post for another day.

I started to read a story about a young man in his late 30's who suffered repeated episodes of amnesia. His amnesia was a rare form of amnesia. While his story was fascinating and captured my interest, there was one line that led me to write this post..........Aristotle believed that memory resides in the heart.......

I guess I believe, too, that what touches our hearts we don't forget.

Thank You Rainee

I don't usually...in fact, I have never put a comment on as a post, but I had to share this beautiful comment today....(with Rainee's permission)

Judy this is Rainee from Australia, I have just read all through this Blog, and you know what? I have tears streaming down my face. It is the nicest story of your life I have ever read of anyones...so much has gone into it...your family, grand children ,the love and happiness of you all, something I missed ,never had that as a child and unhappiness,but by the grace of God I found the Lord. He makes up for everything I have ever missed and now has led me to chats where I meet such lovely people such as you and Joe, love all the info you have here. Thank you Judy for letting me share your world with you for the 1 hour I have been reading it. It has me enthralled to the very end...just wonderful Judy and I told Joe you were the loveliest person I have ever known and you know what, you really are... Huggs and love you for welcoming me to your world ....

Hugs to you Rainee! My life is richer for having met you! Judy

Bridge Collapses

It is with depth of feeling I write this post today. Two days ago a bridge spanning the Mississippi River collapsed and left our city, the nation, and indeed the whole world in a state of shock and grief.

My prayers are with the victims, their families, all those involved in the rescue and recovery operations, the medical staffs at our local hospitals, the unsung heroes who helped because they were there......perhaps just passing by on what seemed to be an ordinary evening.....and my gratitude for all those who have lit candles and said prayers because that is what is in their power to do.

Thank you to the people who have called or written me to check on my safety and the safety of my loved ones. I have heard from people in many states and across the ocean. Love is powerful and has such long arms.....Love to you all, Judy

Marquee Message That Made Me Think

I saw a marquee along the roadside as I was driving home from having lunch with my dad last Friday. You know how some things just catch your eye and make you think?

The message was............




"Problems are a chance to do your best."

I said to myself, That is right! That is absolutely right!" I don't know if any of us want problems, but sometimes problems or challenges become opportunities to discover or realize our inner resources.

Why this picture of Derek today? Simple reason...I like it! And, it makes me think about how we can always choose to do our best, but we cannot always do it alone. Sometimes, we need to ask for help, and trust with the innocence of a child that help is always available to us.

And, there you have it....Judy's thoughts on a Monday morning just because she saw a message on a marquee on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

A Nice Friday Afternoon With Josh

Tom and Josh, our 17 year old grandson, have been working on setting up a website for our friend, Steve. Friday afternoons are becoming the time set aside for this joint venture. It makes me think of the old days when Josh and his brother, Christopher, and sister, Amelia, used to come over on Fridays for Science Friday. Many a Friday I would come home from someplace to see pop bottle rockets flying in the driveway or step on an alarm system as I came in the house from the garage. (They really liked that one. Seems alarming Grandma was part of the experiment!) It was all good fun and many a happy memory was made.

It is so beautiful here today. It is 77 degrees and sunny with blue skies and lovely clouds. What could be better than working on the website out on the front deck?


I come in handy too. Guess how? When I come around I say things like, "Hey, are you hungry Josh?" Yep! Tis something I learned from my mother. "Feed them and they will come!" So, armed with a couple sandwiches and some apple juice boxes I got to enjoy a few minutes with the two working boys.


Later today, Tom and Josh will be doing a bit of driving into downtown Minneapolis. Josh starts his driver's education behind the wheel training tomorrow and they want him to have had a little practice in downtown Minneapolis first.

I had only one thing to say............"That will be in your car, right Tom?" I will be staying home. Tom will do really well with this. I think you got the right licensed driver Josh! I love you Josh!

Davey Is 4...Happy Birthday Punkin!!

On July 3, Davey turned 4 years old. We went over to his house yesterday to have a little birthday party and we had a really nice time. Here are some pictures from his special day!

He got lots of Thomas the Train stuff, computer games, puzzles and a motorized Big Jake Dump vehicle that he can ride all over the back yard. It can go forward and in reverse. It took Davey about two minutes to learn how to drive it, if that long! I think Bob the builder is still his favorite thing in the whole world though. I believe the Bob the builder party hat he is wearing is from his birthday last year. Some things just stand the test of time!

I sure love you Punkin! Happy Birthday! Love, Me Mah and Be Bah

Vitality

My last post had to do with three words that got my attention during a hallmark movie. Poverty of spirit. The context was realizing our dreams. I usually think of the word poverty as having to do with money. But, in the movie, the context was what keeps us from doing what we want to do? If we have a life dream, and don't know how we can possibly make it come true, the only thing that can stop us is poverty of spirit.

This morning I got a quote that goes along with this.

"Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over." (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

I have started so many things over. I like giving myself second chances or third chances or as many chances as I need to accomplish something. I don't use the word failure. I don't mind saying, "Well, that didn't work." And, then I try something else. And, I especially like giving myself "do-overs". The truth is, sometimes we don't know what to do, so we do what we know to do and that doesn't get the job done. In time, if we keep trying we will get the job done. We might even run into the answer by accident, and that is always fun.

One day, I was watching a video with Davey. He was sitting on my lap and he had the remote to the TV. He was pushing button after button just experimenting. He is almost 4 years old now. He pushed one button and the whole screen went fuzzy. He looked up at me and said, "Oh, oh!" I suggested he give the remote to me. He kept the remote. He kept pushing buttons. The screen returned to normal. He looked at me and we both smiled and said "Wow! You got it!" and we clapped and laughed.

Nobody was scolded. Nobody felt bad. I guess I think there is never failure in learning. (By the way Sarah, this was your remote at your house) So, there you have Judy's thoughts at 6:30 AM on a Thursday morning. I am going to get another cup of coffee now.

Good morning world!

Made Me Think

It is Friday night and I am watching a movie on the Hallmark Channel. I haven't seen it before. It is one of the good ones. One of the ones that makes you think. There was a three word phrase that got my attention. Three little words.........

Poverty of spirit...............

Back In Show Business

Dad just sent this picture! Looks like he was a guest on Adam's new Coffee Time talk show at the new radio station. This is so cool! Adam does such a great job with talk shows. He is going to have other guests too come September/October! Dad, Joe (from Ireland) and I will be doing a road trip to South Carolina and will get to be guests. I cannot wait! I repeat...I cannot wait!! I think I will need a new outfit!

Home Sweet Home

Here are some pictures of Adam's, Sara Beth's, Joseph's, Kallsen's and Parker's new home. It is beautiful and has a great yard for the kids to play in. There is a great safe driveway for them to ride their bikes on, a car port, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and lots of space! Thanks Tom for sending the pictures.! It really helps to see where they are. Now, I can't wait to see pictures of the family once they get settled. I also can't wait to get down there and visit. Soon..Soon...Soon!!!!

I love you guys and am glad you arrived safely! xoxo

They Made It!!

I wish I had a picture! Tom called and said they arrived in South Carolina at their new home about 4:30 p.m. our time. They were tired but doing ok. The house is a long brick ranch style home with four bedrooms and two baths and a big back yard. It is four miles outside of town.

His camera battery was low but he took some pictures of the outside and the inside. I doubt they will have internet access there but maybe he can find a hotspot and get the pictures downloaded and sent via email tomorrow. I will cross my fingers and hope. I bet he might just get a chance to go see Adam's radio station tomorrow and do it there. Let's hope!

I'm glad to know they are finally there!

The Journey Continues

While Adam and Sara Beth were picking out Adam's new glasses, Tom and Joseph did Kallsen and Parker duty in the mall. They found some play cars that kids love to climb into. Parker got his turn to drive with Joseph as his passenger. Wait, where is Kallsen? Life is ok when both little ones go the same direction. I can only hope Kallsen is standing next to grandpa while he is taking this picture!



While Parker is satisfied with the little cars in the mall, Kallsen just can't stand the thought of not being in the big yellow beep beep with his daddy!

They made it as far as Lexington, KY last night. They didn't stop until a little after midnight and hope to arrive in SC late afternoon or early this evening.

They will need to unload the truck then and get some beds set up and hopefully rest their weary bones. I wish I was there!

A Delay In The Travel

I talked with Tom a couple times today. They had a slight delay on their way to South Carolina. Adam's glasses broke last night so they called from Dubuque,IA this morning. They were in the mall there waiting for Adam's new glasses to be made up.

Later tonight I called Tom to catch him at the Waffle House in Indianapolis, Indiana. They were going to travel further tonight so they could have a shorter day of travel tomorrow.

Adam goes to work Monday morning and they want to get to their destination and do some unloading yet tomorrow night.

Wish them luck!

It not only takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to move a child and his family. The feeling doesn't change. I am going to miss you guys a lot!

Heading Back To South Carolina

The truck organizing crew

Yesterday was a big day! Tom, Kara, Christopher and I traveled down to Estherville, IA to help pack up our son Adam and his family for their move back to South Carolina. After a year of having them close by, they are returning to South Carolina where Adam has started a new job. He will continue to be in radio and is looking forward to his new position as general manager of an AM station there. Sara Beth has secured a teaching job fourteen miles from their new residence. She will be teaching fifth grade for half the day and working with special and gifted students the other half.

Packing and cleaning went smoothly and left none of us too much worse for wear. Christopher, who is 14, gave it his all. I don't know what we would have done without his cheerful and willing attitude and just hard work. He is so strong! Joseph worked non-stop throughout the day and at times looked at Christopher with awe!!

Tom and Adam organized the moving truck masterfully and Kara and I packed and sorted and cleaned and carried manageable boxes to the truck. There were no disasters unless you count one near disaster. Right as things were done and good to go, Adam opened the door at the back of the truck and their new filter queen vacuum tumbled out of the truck and onto the driveway...attachments flew and the case came apart. We think it is fine. It appears it just popped apart and didn't actually break. If that is the worst that happened, it is all ok. Nobody was hurt and nobody even got upset. This group just seemed to take things in stride and the mood was focused, friendly and doing what the situation demanded. Adam put it back together and back in the truck it went. No tears shed..just maybe a "shoot" or "what just happened" was uttered. I think that was me!

Tom is driving to SC with the family and Kara, Christopher and I headed home. We stopped off in Mankato to eat and doggone if all three of us didn't look like an old person getting out of the car! I wasn't sure any of us could stand up straight for about five minutes.

It was a big day! We are going to miss you guys! Thanks to Parker and Kallsen for being such good little boys! Man, I love you all!

Parker blowing gramma a kiss.......now that brought a smile

Parker was ready to roll

xoxo

All Of A Sudden

I was sitting in my basement this afternoon doing what I love to do....working with pictures on my laptop and talking with my friend, Joe, from Ireland on instant messenger. In a flash, the weather went from overcast and calm to a stormy hurricane, or the closest thing I can imagine to it. The trees were bending and waving in the wind and the rain was coming down in torrents.
And, wait!! Was that hail I heard?

I turned on the TV to see if the weathermen were interrupting the daytime soaps. Sure enough they were. Then the sirens sounded and I went upstairs to get my money box, my purse and my cell phone. I always take those few things with me to the basement so that, in the worst case or almost the worst case scenario, I would have some cash, my ID and my cell phone to "reach out and touch someone."

Within a half hour all was well, at least for my area. And, I went to work and carried on as though it was just an ordinary day.

When my daughter, Sarah, sent me this picture of my grandson, Davey, tonight I just smiled. While I know the weather wasn't as severe in their area, there was something gentle and calming and reassuring and warming as I looked at Davey experiencing and enjoying today's rain.

I love this picture. I love the sheer innocence of it. I love the pure enjoyment of nature's gift to us. It made me stop in my tracks and breathe. It is such a simple picture and yet had such a profound affect on me.