Cold

Cold is coming.

Theodosia's Blog

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Reading

I just finished reading THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards. Before that I read THE ECHO MAKER by Richard Powers, which won the National Book Award. I'm listening to MODERN TIMES by Bob Dylan. I'm thinking about lots of things.

Elizabeth's Post

Hi im Elizabeth and im at my bubbes house. My bubbe got a new cat it is so small. we have not named her yet. I like sylvia. The cat jest pooped on bubbe and we all made fun of her. She said get it off me. it stunk. We gave her a bath.

Arthur Dalton House

The elements are getting the best of the Arthur Dalton house. Since I first saw it most of the roof has fallen in and the walls are giving way. I was hoping it would last longer. But I guess it is getting tired. The house hasn't lost it's dignity and integrity. It still fascinates me and tells me stories.

Gilbert Keown

Gilbert Keown is a good man. I know this because he saves his table scraps for a stray bob-tailed cat who lives at the city park where he walks every morning. He has plans to fix a sleeping box for the winter so it will have shelter. He says I should save my scraps and bring them when I walk, the cat doesn't much like cat food. Gilbert Keown will be 88 years old in December.

Georgetown Spider

This spider lives outside Susan's house in Georgetown. The spider is a hard worker, spinning webs and looking for food. They say it has been living there for quite some time. It's web spans the bush and attaches to the house which gives it a spacious living area. It is a fine spider.

Still Alive

Today I substituted at school. One of the little boys looked familiar to me so we were talking about people we both know. He asked me if I knew Pookie Ralph. I told him that I did and Pookie used to be my student. He was so shocked and said, "And you are still alive!" He said Pookie is really old and is grumpy too. He made my day.

Olivia's Birthday Party

Olivia's birthday party was today. She will be 4 years old tomorrow, September 11. Her favorite color is pink and she is a princess. She liked everything about her birthday except her balloons. She had said she didn't want any and was not happy to see them. She is afraid they will fly away and she will be sad so she doesn't want to have them around. We had to move them away from the table and then she was happy. She liked all her presents. She had requested a Rubber Ducky party so she was thrilled with all the rubber ducky things. Three of her friends came to the party and they had a good time playing and looking at the presents. Olivia is a sweet little girl.

Water

What is it about warm water that makes me sad? Even if I haven't been depressed all day, a warm bath sometimes shakes me to the bone with sadness. Usually it is fleeting but occasionally it grips me for days. I've been caught in it since last night. Not bad enough to put me to bed ,but close. I can almost pat Black Dog on his head.

Flowers

My flowers are blooming and blooming. I can see different colors all over the yard and porch. The bees and butterflies are having a wonderful time. The herbs are also blooming. I hope they all survive the coming winter.

No Julia

Julia has run away from home. The last I saw of her, she was frolicking with two dogs, boys, no doubt. Even though I like her, I hope she doesn't come back. Maybe her first owner came for her and she is now happy to be home. But she was really happy here. She ate like a queen and I talked to her. I hope she has food and attention tonight. But not attention from those two boy dogs!

Kitten

I have found a kitten that I want. But it doesn't look like it will be mine. It is a little calico kitty, long hair and beautiful markings.Since Chloe died I miss having a lap cat. Sadie wants to sleep in the room with me but she isn't a lap cat. I can read much better cuddled with a cat. I haven't given up hope yet but it is dimming.

Mud Turtle

I noticed the cat creeping around the yard with her back bowed and her tail as big around as an eggplant. She had found a mud turtle. He must have been lost and looking for water. His shell, tail and legs were as dry as a bone. I'm only guessing it was a he. Olivia was here and he scared her to death, she cried and screamed if he moved, even if she was far away. I poked him with a rake which made him snap and jerk. He made his way under the picnic table and rested there for a while. The next thing I knew he was almost at the back door. We fed him dog food which he liked quite well. I soaked him with the water hose and he almost said thank you. The last we saw of him, he was making his way to the garden behind us. He is probably eating tomatoes and cabbage, happy to be finished with his adventure.

Emergency Room

I took Mama to the emergency room and laughed most of the time we were there. We waited for what seemed like an eternity, Mama fussing most of the time. "If they don't call us in 5 minutes, I'm leaving." I've forgotten why we came." "I'm sure you're awfully thrilled we're here." "I'm not staying any longer." "Why are all these people here, I wish they had all stayed home." "Let's go." "Well, I'm leaving." "I wish everybody else would go home." "They've forgotten us." "I bet they didn't tell them we are here." "I bet the doctor and nurses have gone to lunch." "I don't think they like us." "I'm not ever telling you my head hurts again." "I don't know why I don't just die." "I bet you wish I would." "I'm starving to death." "You better go eat something, you'll be sick and it will be my fault." (x50) "I'm going to the car." "Why do they keep calling other people." "I'm going out the door." "Well, where is the door?" Finally, it was our turn. Several times, we were asked her symptoms, which were pounding in and around her left ear and pain in her head. The doctor discovered both of her ears were completely blocked. The nurses irrigated both ears, soaked them, prodded them, poked at them and finally strange things came out of them. Now, several hours later, her head is still pounding and hurting. But it was worth the trip, we laughed and ate. So it was a good day all around

Julia

Do we have a dog? It appears we might. A few days ago we noticed a dog hanging around. I tried to run her off and JW tried really hard to send her on her way. But she wanted to stay. Finally, I gave in and fed her. I fed her at one o'clock in the morning. She was very grateful. She became quite confused. As I fed her JW was still trying to send her away. She wouldn't go. She just rolled over on the ground and put her feet in the air. I bought a bag of dog food. She eats it but would rather have real food. She likes cat food. She has hurt two of her feet, one of them badly. She is hobbling around on three feet, holding the injured foot close to her body. It doesn't keep her from following me all over the yard. She is such a gentle dog, sometimes she howls at the light in the flower bed, and she likes me. Her name is Julia, a most unlikely name for a beagle hound.

Black-eyed Susans

I planted a clump of Black-eyed Susans in the front yard. There were lots of small rocks in the hole I dug so I pulled them out and pieced them together around the base of the flowers. They seem to be taking hold, I hope they live.

School

The girls start a new week of school tomorrow. Elizabeth says 4th grade may be her best year of school. Kristin says her classes are going okay. They will soon be settled in and going strong. Leah and Olivia will both be in day care tomorrow. I wish they could all just stay at home.

School Girls

Kristin, Elizabeth and Leah started to school today. Kristin is in the 8th grade, Elizabeth in the 4th and Leah in day care. Susan also started a new year of teaching. I hate for them to have to go. I would rather they be carefree and play in the swimming pool.

Girls in the Mountains

We recently took all four girls on a trip to the mountains. Our first stop was Cumerland Falls. The mist from the falls sprayed on them as they looked over the railings.

At Cumberland Gap we took a trip up the mountain to Hensley Settlement. We all had fun walking around and going in the buildings.

Digging Pix

Digging for Worms

Leah has been digging for worms in the neighbor's garden. She works hard to find one and then doesn't want to touch it. She is so excited when sees it though, jumping up and down squealing. The squirrels will be surprised to find their corn all over the ball court and shelled corn cobs all over the yard. She has also reorganized the dirt around the tomato plants, it should make them sweeter.

Rain

After days of weeding, planting, and mulching it is finally raining. It is gentle and persistent, just what those roots need. My hours outdoors were the best I've had in a while. The birds and cats kept me company. The cats are having a wonderful time with the catnip. Chloe found it first, she rubbed her face on the leaves and then she ate them. Everyday I have to straighten it up and pull the dirt up around the vines. Sadie likes it but not as well as Chloe. The birds seem to like the feeders better than they did in the winter. Little yellow finches are everywhere. No hummingbirds yet though. Maybe soon.

Easter granddaughters

Easter was fun with our granddaughters. They dyed dozens of eggs and decorated them with paint, stamps, and stickers. Then they left them in baskets for the Easter bunny to hide. The bunny had some help from Granddaddy. The girls were excited to find so many eggs. The girls all had beautiful clothes for church. They are all sweet wonderful girls. We all ate breakfast together on Easter morning.

Leah and her baby doll

Leah's baby doll can suck her thumb. Her arms and legs can move so she can sit while Leah reads books to her.

Leah's birthday pictures

We all had fun watching Leah open presents and having such a good time with her cousin and sisters. She liked all her toys and books.

Leah's Birthday

Leah celebrated her 3rd birthday on April 14. She had cupcakes and opened presents with her Daddy, Mommy, and sisters, Kristin and Elizabeth at home in Georgetown. On Saturday, in Fordsville, Leah had a Dora cake and ice cream. She had fun opening more presents, books, straws and a glass, a Dora video, and a baby doll. Leah is a sweet, beautiful little girl. And already 3 years old!

Leah and Sadie

Leah and Sadie sleep well together.

Raking

I have raked most of the herb and flower beds. I even have a blister to boast. The curry, rue, and tansy had to be cut back considerably. Thyme has survived being neglected and will soon flourish in the warm sun. I've been lost but I'm finding myself in the dirt and weeds, as well as the green things that are happy that spring is here. I moved some of the rocks and found the most wonderful bugs. No worms yet. The bugs are red and black, they scurry away from me, looking for a new place to hide. I saw one ladybug, red with black spots. It was tiny sitting on the handle of my snippers. Kristin, Elizabeth, and Leah also helped with the work. John Wayne hauled off the sticks and cut up the leaves with the lawn mower. Kristin and Elizabeth drove the mower and Leah rode in the wagon. We wished for Olivia to be here with us. Now I have to think about mulch and a summer of weeding. I want blooming flowers and fragrant herbs.

Sick Children

Yesterday Olivia was here sick and today it is Leah. Olivia and I read many books yesterday. Leah will like them today. They like THERE'S A WITCH UNDER THE STAIRS. Olivia doesn't believe us when we tell her we have a basement. I don't want her to see it, she might be scared. Leah wouldn't like it either. The contents of our basement could tell the story of our lives in this house. I went down there earlier today and it is a fright.

HATS OFF TO MARCH

Every March Sue would decorate her bulletin board at school with brightly colored hats she had made out of wallpaper samples. She had pink hats with flowered ribbons, purple ones with bows, red, yellow and blue hats decorated for spring. Her caption, HATS OFF TO MARCH, was cut out of green construction paper. The clouds and wind were made of white paper and cotton batting. She made me hats for my bulletin board after she retired. I always put them on the bulletin board as soon as March rolled around, then left them through April. Today, March 2, is Sue's birthday. So, hats off to March and Sue. I miss you.

BLACK CADILLAC

Getting mail from Jeanie is one of my favorite things in the world. This week I found a priority package in my mail box. I couldn't wait to open it but also wanted to hold on to the anticipation as long as possible. When I opened it, I was so excited to find BLACK CADILLAC by Rosanne Cash. The music is wonderful and gets better every time I listen to it. The package also brought me an article in Entertainment magazine. The title of the article is THE WOMAN IN BLACK. It tells about the relationship Rosanne had with her parents. Also in the package was a newsletter from the Alexander McCall Smith fan club. It is full of information about his books and pictures of Smith. His new book is BLUE SHOES AND HAPPINESS. So far I haven't found an advance copy (except on ebay) but I will eventually find one. A hand written note made the package complete.

We move on

We move on from day to day. Mama continues to gain a bit of strength, getting up by herself and walking a bit with just her cane. Her eyes are giving her fits.
Olivia is here today, we slept together on a pallet beside Mama's bed.
I'm reading Night by Elie Weisel. I read it years ago so I'm reading the new translation. I think Souls on Fire is my favorite Weisel.
Lunch with Jeanie yesterday, my favorite part of any week.
It's a warm January so far. Little green things are appearing in the herb beds. I promise I am going to be kind to those herbs this spring.

Tumor Control

The tumor continues to control our lives for another day. But we don't intend to let it get the best of us. I took Mama to the beauty shop, I know it made her feel better. It was a sunny day so that couldn't hurt either. I'm not sure if her weakness is from the medicine or her condition. She was much stronger before the incident on Saturday. It's a day to day process, hopefully she can gain a bit everyday. Her brother and his wife are coming to visit tomorrow, that will help her.
I need to clear my mind to be able to read and write. My concentration is deserting me, I need to be the boss and bring it back.
I may read CROSSING TO SAFETY by Wallace Stegner. Just finished ANGLE OF REPOSE and loved every word.
Now if I can just go to bed without eating a bunch of junk, it will be a miracle!

Meningioma

Meningioma has entered our life. Meningioma is a brain tumor and my mother has one. It's just a little tumor but the swelling around it makes it act like a big tumor. She is having bouts of aphasia and is having trouble remembering things. I'm not sure if her feebleness is from the condition or the medication. She's putting a good face on it all but I know it is worrying her. It is certainly worrying the rest of us.
She isn't happy to be away from her house and I can understand it. But she must stay with us for now. She has become my child.

Snow and Thunder

It's been snowing for a while, the cars are covered and most of the ground. The street just looks wet though. Now I can hear thunder. No lightning that I have seen so far. I've taken to my bed with my cold feet. I finished reading Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner and now I don't know what to do with myself. I have many books to choose from but I'm still living with Susan and Oliver. After reading a great book it is difficult to begin another one within minutes. But I have to worry about it since I don't want to be not reading a book, or books, as it usually happens. I need something fairly light but not silly. After Angle of Repose my brain will have to rest.

Early morning hours

It's after 3 am and I haven't blinked an eye. I did the same thing last night. I guess I'll sleep one of these days. Susan, Michael, Kristin, Elizabeth & Leah are here tonight. Everybody is asleep but me. My eyes won't cooperate so I can't even read.

January 4

The 4th of January! Before I know it, December will be here and I'll be turning 60. Oh, joy!
All of our granddaughters will be here on Saturday. It will be fun being with them.
I'm still slowly reading Angle of Repose. I love every word. I'll be sad to finish it.
I've been listening to news about Ariel Sharon. I wish I was in Israel. Always.

First Monday

The first Monday of the year found me at Walmart, of all places. But we must have food. The doctor told John Wayne that we only need to eat what it takes to survive and no more. I wonder if that means I don't need chocolate covered cherries!
Olivia and John Michael were here earlier. She took a bath before they left. I had pink soap flakes that I sprinkled on her head in the tub. She had the best time.
There was an earthquake today, I'm sad I missed it.

January 1

The first day of the year! I hope I can have some self discipline in the coming months. I'm reading Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. This will be my first book to finish in 2006. My reading has suffered lately, I intend to change that. I'm also going to read the Bible through again. I want to shoot more pictures, write more stories. Be quiet, sit still. Listen, talk less. Sleep all night. Walk. Pray.