Nature Songs ~~~~
OCTOBER,1999
A light broke upon my soul ~
It was the carol of a bird;
It ceased - and then it came again,
The sweetest song ear ever heard.
~~George Gordon, Lord Byron
October 1,1999 - I'm gone to New Jersey until Wednesday, October 6. I'll update when I return. The trusty laptop will be by my side on my trip. ;o)
A busy day for most, but a lazy day for me - just the kind of day I like. Cotton loads up all the others and they head into New York City. This is the first time for BingoKid and he is excited about going to the top of the Twin Towers. I give them some money to pick up some tee shirts for me while they are there. This is my Do Nothing Day. Cotton has to be back early because she has things to do to get ready for the Agility Trials that her club is sponsoring this weekend. She is the Head Moncho and has a lot of loose ends to tie up or check on. Wes goes along with her to set up the tents that will be needed.
We have homemade lasagna' for supper so I don't even venture out of the house all day. It is just me and the dogs for much of the time, so I get to do some reading and resting - and answering the phone off and on all day I have run Cotton and her hubby out of their room so BusyKid and I can take over the bed. I don't even go to the computer to check any of my e-mails and such.
October 2,1999 - Cotton is up and gone by 6 a.m. to the field to have every thing ready for the agility, dogs as well as Mommas and Poppas of the dogs. We go by about nine to see how all is going. I've been there and done that just as I have been there and done that at NYC, so I sit in the car while they go out and watch the events. I get to watch all the doggies and how they have mastered their masters. It's interesting to watch as they go and come. Bunches and bunches of different breeds, but I missed seeing any whippets this time. I love watching them. They are so graceful when they walk and run. There were two Dalmatians I would love to have had. They are still my favorite breed because of their energy, playfulness and quick thinking. There has to be some mischief mixed in with their genes somewhere along the way. There was a miniature of Charlie, a white version of Oreo, Cockers of all colors, and mostly hunting/working dogs of one sort or another. All seems to be going well with the event as everyone is weaving in and out among the varied tents and paraphernalia.
We are off to Six Flags to take in the drive-through Wild Animal Safari. I give BingoKid my front seat and Wendy climbs in the back with BusyKid so that they can watch as we drive through and see more. The left foot for some reason never wants to go in the back passenger door when I can't slip over to the middle more (the car seat for the baby is there) to get it in. I work and finally get it to go in safely.
As we drive through we get close up views of the ostriches. EMU's, camels, giraffe, and monkeys along with a few others as they walk among the cars. We even get our windows licked a few times by the camels, and one monkey happens to swing down one side of the car just after coming out of the water. There was lots of things for the boys to take in and enjoy. All too soon it was time to end our drive through the safari. We stopped long enough to get back into our seats, buckle up and head back toward Matawan. This evening the in-laws will be down to have supper with us and visit for awhile.
Supper at TGI Friday's followed by ice cream and cookies back home as we view the video of Cotton recorded earlier in the week by one of the local television station as she was doing some ###onstrations and explaining some about the agility trials taking place this weekend. This is an event they do twice a year and have over 200 dogs taking part in it. Many of the dogs do multiple events throughout the two days.
October 3,1999 - Cotton and hubby are off to the dog trials again today. Quest is the only one not taking part in them. She is too young to begin just yet, even though she is being trained for when she is of age to take part. For awhile today it is just Quest, Franny and myself. Wes and his crew are off to see the Statue of Liberty. They will visit by ferry from the New Jersey park area since it is a shorter line to wait and easier to get to than going all the way into the City. BingoKid is very excited about getting to finally see the statue up close. The Ellis Island side trip was interesting to him as they walked through the building learning some about what it was like for the immigrants having to endure as they strove for a better life in a new land.
Cotton's hubby brings in Ginger and a huge ribbon she won in one of the trials today. It is proudly added to all the other ribbons and awards that line the hallway just outside the master bedroom. The wall is quickly filling up with all of them. One medal I noticed on closer inspection is not for the dogs, but for Cotton. She was awarded it for an article she wrote for one of the dog magazines. Hubby has a story printed in a book about his first experience with owning a dog; specifically, a Basenji. He had never owned a dog or cat as he was growing up so he had a lot of adjusting to learn to having one dog around, much less the five they now work with.
I wasn't going out any today but by late afternoon I was ready for a change of scenery. I rode to the store with Wes to pick up a few things for us to have supper in this evening. After supper, Cotton had to run out to a friend's house to pick up something. I rode with her. We rode, and rode and rode along dark and eerie roads that had few other travelers out on this dark night. Other than an occasional streetlight, a small town already deserted for the night, a flying glimpse of a house or yard decorated for Halloween, one would never believe that here is a state with so many people, homes and constant traffic. Here is a state where towns, urban developments, agricultural and horse farms mingle together weaving its own distinct flavor of Americana. Finally, we arrive at a house; turning in the drive there it is, the box we had come to retrieve. It is placed in the middle of the drive so it cannot be missed. It is late and no need to bother the household with its German shepherd dogs inside. We quickly put the box into our van and drive off - back into the night of quietude and serenity. Come morning no one would ever believe just how alone one can feel in the night hours out alone on the byways of life here in this busy state.
October 4,1999 - Rain and prain why must it be? The rains moved in during the night leading into a cooler, dreary type day for us. Cotton is off early for a meeting an hour's drive away. She hopes to be finished by noon. She in fact leaves earlier so she can talk Quest and Sega for a workout and any particular new details for improvement with the judges of the past weekend trials. They are still in the state through the day agree to rendezvous with her and the dogs. While she is not around we all get to laze around the house and take it easy. That is as much so as two active boys will allow you to do. We "sort of" lazed around when it was possible. Actually, I got to spend time on the bed stretched out with three bodyguards surrounding me. Ginger and Strider on each side of my legs, and Fran lying where I can stroke her head and spoil her a little more. Strider has a special little growl he emits when BusyKid comes around, so needless to add how that works effectively. BusyKid treads softly around him.
The decision is made that we will go out once again for our supper. This time it is to a Texas style restaurant where we get baby back ribs - all you can eat. For me that is one serving which was delicious. Because of the rain I am stiff and in slow motion, but still glad I decided to join the group and tag along. This is our last time out to eat together for this trip and apparently a good choice. We brought home the bones for the doggies and they had a feast as well. They will have more to enjoy tomorrow.
October 5,1999 - Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy. Yet, it must be done as bags are packed into the Explorer. Time to pack up and head back down the road first heading West on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and then taking the turn South on I-85 onward to I-77. We are on our way by mid-morning. This time the weather is on our side and we settle into a relaxed mode and enjoy the scenery as we travel.
Before leaving, Cotton remembered. I wasn't too sure that she or the others would and I certainly was not going to mention anything. Before we left, she wished me a Happy Birthday and that she was still undecided what to get me just yet, but that she owed me a present. She did tell me to check my e-mail when I got home. Wes was reminded by me that the best present he could ever give me was the one of bringing me up to visit with Cotton. All-in-all it turned out to be a fine birthday for me even though we were on the road all day.
October 6,1999 - Calls, calls, calls, and more calls. All day long it seems that the phone is ringing. Half of the calls are from Mother: "I thought you were coming over?" "When are you going to come?" "Are you coming over?" "Did you say you were coming over?" "My friend is here; when are you coming?" I go over about 2 P.M. to spend a few hours in her room with her as she sits with her back to me and watches the ballgame. he World Series is coming up and she is watching her braves and the others to see who will be in the finals. She also is miffed at her roomie because she sleeps during the day and keeps Mother awake during the night. She is just in one of those moods.
Quest4Life called and set up an appointment for Friday afternoon for my assessment for beginning workouts in their gym when it opens in December. Alle goes today for her session. She can clue me in for what I may be in for tomorrow. We are both getting excited about starting our water aerobics with them. Just wish we could already be doing that.
Off and on all day I take time to check my e-mails and get some things updated on the computer. I have bunches of birthday cards to read and reply to. There are those that have not forgotten me - and there are those that have. I was pleasantly surprised to find a card from my friend Treeheart. Here she is sending me a card and I have no idea when her birthday is. Hint to Treeheart: Let me know when you have a birthday. Pretty please?
Some where along the way I got into an online course which interested me . Before I knew it, I was signing up for a six week class on Express Yourself: six Weeks to Better Writing with VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY, a Global Online Learning Community - "Building A Bridge to the 21st Century". I am a student again with a Class Schedule and homework to do. For some of us the desire to learn more and keep searching never ends. I am signed up, got my assignment and ready to delve into learning something new.
October 7,1999 - A late night call and I agree to keep Giggles for the day. Seems Daddy had to work at the hospital today and tomorrow. I can only keep her half day tomorrow since I go for my Quest4Life induction after lunch. When she arrives it is amazing how much she has grown in just a week. She has cut tooth number two now and her hair has grown redder as it gets longer. She still does not have a lot of hair yet. It will be a long while before she will ever be ready for a hair cut.
October 8,1999 - With the morning comes the time for me to rise early once again. Giggles will be here for half a day. As it appears now she will probably end up with being in her daycare for five days a week since Daddy is having to work more than he had anticipated at the hospital. Come lunchtime and she let me know in no uncertain terms that she does not like mixed vegetables. She probably took about three tastes of it and the rest of the time her lips were so tight you would have thought they were super glued. After getting it in her hair, above her eyes and over her face I put away that jar of food and got out the pears. She ate the whole jar of pears in about five minutes. Someone else can have the privilege of persuading her to partake of the veggies. Grandmas are not supposed to do anything that will cause a grandchild to be unhappy unless it is something that would cause harm to the child. While talking to my own Mother on the phone, Charlie took advantage of the moment and sneaked both of her socks off her feet. He has this thing about socks and no shoes on feet. They turn into playthings.
One o'clock finds me sitting in a chair opposite the receptionist at the Quest4Life temporary office. Time for filling out forms, paying dues, having my picture made for computer recognition when I begin classes. From there the therapist takes over to fill in all the empty blanks on the information form. Height; back to where it used to be five feet, ten inches. Weight; 47% too much - a lot needs to dissolve. Unexpectedly for the therapist, I think, my blood pressure and all the rest was in the moderate and fair ranges. I got to forgo the treadmill since I will mainly be doing only water exercises to begin with. The other things will be added on as I build up my balance and strength. She wants me to come five days a week if at all possible; if not at least three days a week. Classes will start around Thanksgiving.
After going over the plan written up for me, I was given an envelope with a questionnaire to fill out and instructions for a twelve hour fast before having blood work done at the hospital. The questionnaire is to be left at the hospital when I go to the laboratory. They will call me when all the results are back. With my free Quest4Life tee shirt in hand I am all finished for this day. Next comes all the fun.
Forgetting the things for the bank, I head out for the grocery store to pick up some things I am out of. This is my first time out driving up town since my fender-bender and I opt not to go by Wally World. That I will venture into another time. Mother is playing Bingo as I stop by the Nursing Center. I take the time to talk with her nurses about setting up an appointment to have her eyes examined by the Optometrist. She is definitely losing her little remaining sight in her one eye. I have already been told that all that can be done has been done and she is taking all of the drops and medicines for her eyes that are now available. BJ is hoping that more can be done for her.
I make it into the Dining Room in time for the last game of Bingo. Mother is happy to have me roll her wheelchair and retreat to her room where we sit and visit as she eats the Wendy's Chili I brought for her and I munch on my Carolina Classic. I'm peeved at Wendy's. I stopped there just for Mother. I order two small frostys. At the window, the boy hands back my money dropping a quarter on the pavement. There is not enough leeway for me to reach it. If I pull up, the car behind me will drive over it. If I wanted to go inside, I would not be at the window. His comment, "Oh, that's okay. Don't worry about it!" Would he say that about his own money? On top of that he gives me two small fries instead of frostys! I'm not a happy camper.... Mother won't feast on the fries. I'm not inclined to sit and feast on them.
October 9,1999 - Sheer agony and torture strikes out as I attempt to enter into the world of knowledge and interaction. Not the type of problem that would affect the average Ms. John Doe. Maybe stress, excitement and involvement does cause numerous side effects in everyone, but it does not cause a flare up of that ugly layer of second skin and blisters - psoriasis. Those tiny devilish pinpoints are popping out in multitudes with an itchy vengeance. I shall resume taking the methatrextrate and look for relief.
I have no intentions of giving up taking part in the bustling world around me. I can not easily traipse over the by-roads of life taken by many, but I can click among the Cyberspace World learning new and exciting things along the way. There is a wealth of legal, inexpensive and clean knowledge to be attained through the looking glass of the Internet.
Being a wee tad on the self-perfection side of life, perchance I have that inner drive to overachieve. Over do or don't do at all attitudes build up stress - well, okay! I do admit that there is no such thing as a "wee tad" amount in perfection. It is all or nothing; jump in with all the gusto that can be mustered and search for every aspect of knowledge to be consumed. Not so. I need to recognize what is happening and step back to slow down; sorting out the amount of information needed to write a paper versus the desire to obtain all that is within reach. All is too much!
I sort of got carried away and signed up for two more courses as well. That is a commitment of at least twelve hours a week. Really not much unless I begin recording the amount of time actually spent with each class and try to stay within a reasonable time frame. The HTML class should not be too all-consuming unless I get carried away with redoing my many different sites to include my newfound knowledge. The class on lifestyle should help me to choose wisely and modify my actions and thoughts.
I'm off early to catch NascarKid's soccer game this morning. From there I keep my promise to DynoKid and we head out for Surpriseville which happens to turn into Hickory-Dickory-Dock. Older brother is unhappy that we are going without him, but he and his cousin did choose not to listen to me and share computer time with little brother the other week. Now the two of us are having our own fun for the day.
Six hours, a soccer game, Hickory-Dickory-Dock, Roses, pick up NascarKid, stop at a drug store and I limp into HOME! My legs begin to spasm on me while walking through the games and fun areas. Walking on more concrete through Roses only aggravated them more. Making it to the car I manage to slide my legs in without major cramps. It feels as though a hard rock is being stretched between my ankles and knees. I manage to get my shoes off and think, "Biofeedback." Surely, if it ever works for me now is the time to have mind-over-body to bring some release to all the tenseness. When I move, the main pain in my lower back and right hip. I was able to drive, but didn't dare get out of the car until I reached my own driveway, then I limped in carrying my shoes cradled in my arm. Biofeedback definitely helped me reach my destination safely. Rest time.
Continuedpage 2
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© 1999 by Stormy Jeanne
