I have never made any secret of my age. I'm 56. I will tell anyone who asks me what my age is. I don't really feel old - most of the time any way. But today as I was working in the kitchen I realized that I may be getting older. Here are a few of the ways you can tell.
1) You actually use the step stool in the kitchen for it's intended purpose. I have always been one to just pull myself up on top of the counter and walk around the counter to clean cabinets, etc. No big deal. If I wanted a step stool, I would get the wooden high chair and balance myself on the arms. It always worked. I've noticed that if I cannot reach something I actually pull out the step stool and climb up it. This allows me to safely balance on a step while cleaning the hood area above the microwave/stove. I also will hold onto the top of the step stool as I step down. I used to just jump down from the high chair.
2) Before accepting evening engagements you mentally go through that days activities and the next days activities to determine if you will have time for at least one nap on at least one of those days. You then calculate in your head how many naps you might actually be able to work in on both of those days.
3) You actually stop and think before automatically agreeing to any activity that your grand kids suggest. It doesn't mean you won't do the activity but you think about it before you say yes. No more automatically agreeing to street hockey in 118 degree weather. No more automatically saying "I'm in" when the kids ask who wants to go sled riding. You actually stop and contemplate before agreeing to two on two basketball with 3 teenage boys.
4) Before eating some of your favorite foods (sauces, gravies, shrimp) you ask yourself if it's worth the pain that will surely follow when your gout flares up. Doesn't mean you won't go ahead and have two helpings of shrimp with yellow sauce - you sacrifice because Gary doesn't like shrimp. You just make sure that you have your gout medicine refilled in anticipation of the flare up that is sure to happen.
5) You rearrange your cabinets for better ease of access. Any item you use frequently is put in a space that does not require you to get on the floor to get it out. You determine that you don't need near as many of the dishes or utensils that have always been a staple to use in the past. If they are required you require someone else to get them out of the back of the cabinet for you. Same goes when it's time to put them away - it's someone else's job.
6) You pick your seating depending on the ease of getting up from said location. You don't sit in the middle of any sofa. You know that you need an edge so you have something to hold onto and push yourself up. If you are required to sit in the middle of a sofa you try to be certain that there is a coffee table nearby that you can use as leverage. When choosing which side to sit on you stop to determine which side or limb of your body is giving the most problems that day. You also stop and determine which knee hurts the worst before you decide which one to put weight on when rising.
Yep, these are just a few of the ways you finally acknowledge to yourself that you are getting older. Doesn't mean you consider yourself old - it just mean you are acknowledging that you are 'getting older'.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
A Little Ice Storm
Well today is the first day of winter. And we are having another winter storm. We don't get much snow here in Tulsa but we sure do get the ice, and right now we are having an ice storm. Started last night and continued through most of the day today. Our one and only tree is covered in ice. While pretty to look at it is not very safe when the limbs start falling out of the tree from the weight of the ice. The poem below describes the scene in our front yard.
THE ICE STORM
Trees covered in ice, while pretty to see
Makes walking the path a hazard for me.
Limbs are dangling lower than ever before
They won't be able to handle much more.
A crack from above sends my eyes high
And I dodge the limb falling from the sky.
Ice crystals shatter as they hit the ground
Like breaking glass is the sound.
It's eerie and scary and I don't want to be
Anywhere near the ice covered tree.
I go back inside and settle myself down
But I can't help hearing that scary sound
A crack and a thud as limbs keep dropping
The noises alone just keep me hopping.
Each limb sounds louder than the one before
And each one sends me running to the door.
The night wears on and still the limbs fall
I'm not sure I will get any sleep at all.
Kathie Marrs
December 21, 2013
THE ICE STORM
Trees covered in ice, while pretty to see
Makes walking the path a hazard for me.
Limbs are dangling lower than ever before
They won't be able to handle much more.
A crack from above sends my eyes high
And I dodge the limb falling from the sky.
Ice crystals shatter as they hit the ground
Like breaking glass is the sound.
It's eerie and scary and I don't want to be
Anywhere near the ice covered tree.
I go back inside and settle myself down
But I can't help hearing that scary sound
A crack and a thud as limbs keep dropping
The noises alone just keep me hopping.
Each limb sounds louder than the one before
And each one sends me running to the door.
The night wears on and still the limbs fall
I'm not sure I will get any sleep at all.
Kathie Marrs
December 21, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Winter Memories
Gosh time sure does go by in a hurry doesn't it? I don't know what I'm doing with my time but it's obviously not been spent blogging. So thought I would get on here and share a few thoughts.
I have had a few conversations with a couple of my brothers recently. I really enjoy those. I love texting also. With the aid of his phone one of my brothers was able to share pictures and a video of the snow they are having. I miss snow, typically we don't get a lot here in Tulsa.
I was remembering winters from when I was a kid. Yes, I know some of you are thinking - wow that was a really long time ago. Well, it doesn't seem that long to me. We lived in a basement house. It was built into the side of a small hill - two of walls of the house were kind of underground and two were open.
My brothers and I used to make a fort at the bottom of the hill -- kind of igloo like. This was always fun. Sometimes we would go down to the pond and play ice hockey or go ice skating. Keep in mind, we didn't really have any ice skates - we just skated with our shoes. Our ice hockey sticks were actually sticks that we found around the edge of the pond.
We lived next door to the grade school. The grade school had a really awesome sled-riding hill. You could go down the hill and across the flat area (ball field). If you were lucky enough to get a good slide you could go all the way across the flat area and down the next little hill into the woods. My brothers and their friends would come over and they let me hang out with them. We had sleds but we used whatever we could find also. One time we used a car hood and all of us, Wayne, Bub, me, Leon, Butch and the Hansel boys all piled in we really went far.
We had snowball fights too. My brothers and I paired up for this like we did for football. Steve and I on one team and Bub and Wayne on another. This is were the fort came in handy. I used to play short stop so I can throw a snowball pretty good.
I was making some candy last night for work and go to thinking about all the candy my mom used to make at Christmas time. I don't do near what she did. Never have been able to make fudge - I quit trying many years ago. Never have tried divinity as I remember Mom saying it was hard to make. I do make Coconut Joys usually and Tiger Butter. Sometimes I make cinnamon candy and Peanut Butter Bon Bons. I like to make Oreo balls also (Lily calls these dog turds). I like to do sugar cookies and my personal favorite is Maraschino Nut Cookies. Unfortunately, I am the only one who likes these cookies and it makes a humongous bunch of cookies. Gary has recommended I try cutting the recipe in half but I never do. Why? Because my mom didn't.
I also remember drinking hot chocolate out of our big brown mugs. I still have those mugs. Some people call them antiques - I still use them on occasion. I have a lot of 'antiques'.
Hope you enjoyed my winter memories. More to come later.
I have had a few conversations with a couple of my brothers recently. I really enjoy those. I love texting also. With the aid of his phone one of my brothers was able to share pictures and a video of the snow they are having. I miss snow, typically we don't get a lot here in Tulsa.
I was remembering winters from when I was a kid. Yes, I know some of you are thinking - wow that was a really long time ago. Well, it doesn't seem that long to me. We lived in a basement house. It was built into the side of a small hill - two of walls of the house were kind of underground and two were open.
My brothers and I used to make a fort at the bottom of the hill -- kind of igloo like. This was always fun. Sometimes we would go down to the pond and play ice hockey or go ice skating. Keep in mind, we didn't really have any ice skates - we just skated with our shoes. Our ice hockey sticks were actually sticks that we found around the edge of the pond.
We lived next door to the grade school. The grade school had a really awesome sled-riding hill. You could go down the hill and across the flat area (ball field). If you were lucky enough to get a good slide you could go all the way across the flat area and down the next little hill into the woods. My brothers and their friends would come over and they let me hang out with them. We had sleds but we used whatever we could find also. One time we used a car hood and all of us, Wayne, Bub, me, Leon, Butch and the Hansel boys all piled in we really went far.
We had snowball fights too. My brothers and I paired up for this like we did for football. Steve and I on one team and Bub and Wayne on another. This is were the fort came in handy. I used to play short stop so I can throw a snowball pretty good.
I was making some candy last night for work and go to thinking about all the candy my mom used to make at Christmas time. I don't do near what she did. Never have been able to make fudge - I quit trying many years ago. Never have tried divinity as I remember Mom saying it was hard to make. I do make Coconut Joys usually and Tiger Butter. Sometimes I make cinnamon candy and Peanut Butter Bon Bons. I like to make Oreo balls also (Lily calls these dog turds). I like to do sugar cookies and my personal favorite is Maraschino Nut Cookies. Unfortunately, I am the only one who likes these cookies and it makes a humongous bunch of cookies. Gary has recommended I try cutting the recipe in half but I never do. Why? Because my mom didn't.
I also remember drinking hot chocolate out of our big brown mugs. I still have those mugs. Some people call them antiques - I still use them on occasion. I have a lot of 'antiques'.
Hope you enjoyed my winter memories. More to come later.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Branson Memories
So it's been probably a week since I posted on here. Sorry -- we were busy with a short Branson get-away and a snow storm. Anyone who knows us knows that if we plan a trip to Missouri (especially in the winter months) then it means a storm will probably occur. One time it took us 13 hours to make the 5 1/2 hour trip to my in-laws. This latest trip has been planned for a couple of months so the snow storm that came in should not have taken anyone by surprise.
We planned a trip to Branson. With the weather forecast we left a little earlier to get ahead of the storm. We rented a van for the trip so all nine of us could ride together. We had a great trip -- didn't run into any weather until about Springfield. Then we really hit the weather. We had our day planned to eat at The Burger Shack in Branson. We were going to ride the Polar Express that evening and go to Burger Shack afterwards. We decided that since it was lunch time and we were in Springfield we should go to Lamberts. Since it was lunch time there is always a concern about how long the line will be. No worries here today. Because of the storm there was absolutely no line at noon at Lambert's. We got right in to an almost empty restaurant. As usual, the food was excellent. Remington really enjoyed talking to the guy who threw the rolls. Remington now wants to be the roll-thrower at Lambert's when he grows up.
Onward to Branson we go. Roads are starting to get a little bit slippery by now but we made it with no problem. Checked into our hotel (a little place off the strip that Gary and I found). We unload the van and head down to Branson Landing to look around until time for our train ride. Due to the weather several of the shops were closed but we still enjoyed ourselves. Finally we go to board the Polar Express. Perfect evening to be riding it as the snow is falling big fluffy flakes. If you haven't seen the movie you should. The ride was great! Hot cocoa (well mine was kinda warmish but still good) cookies. They read the book Polar Express to us. We sang Christmas songs, Santa paid a visit awesome experience. When Santa visited he gave the kids on the train a jingle bell (watch the movie!). Remington and Lily happened to notice that the bell said 'made in China'. They asked the conductor where Santa got his bells from. The answer the North Pole was given and they asked why it said made in China? LOL Quick recovery - the job was outsourced so the elves would have more time to make toys for Christmas.
But the most exciting part of the trip for Remington was when the hobo came on board (again - watch the movie if you haven't seen it). He was beside himself with excitement!! Yes, our Polar Express train ride was very successful.
Off we go to Burger Shack. It's closed!! And part of the road is closed also due to icy roads. If you aren't aware, Branson is nothing but hills. We go another way around and end up at Pizza World for supper. Good food - bellies full ready to head to hotel. Our plans did include a ride through the Trail of Lights but it was closed due to the weather. Our hotel involves a turn that goes straight up a hill. Well, we slid a little bit and hit the guard rail. No accident to us but rental van doesn't fare as well. Gary backs out gets turned around and we try again. We make it part way up then get stuck. Gary, Michael and Chris get out to push. Not having much luck K.C. also gets out to help. K.C. is checking direction of my wheels when 3 guys show up walking and offer their assistance.
Lily is in the back seat. She held her jingle bell up and says: "If they only believe in themselves I know they could do it. If they only believe they have to believe!" She then jingles her bell and sure enough - we make it up the hill!! She said: They did it! They believed!.
Whew! What a day and our adventure has just begun. Next day most everything is closed as it has continued to snow all night. Guess we won't be going to Silver Dollar City today. We decide to head back to Springfield and go to Bass Pro. This was an excellent idea and we all had lots of fun. Gary said the drive was a little rough but we made it safe. We go back to Branson and head to Burger Shack for lunch. This was excellent - just like we were expecting. We then head off to the Wax Museum for the afternoon. What fun we had here. They took our picture as we went in and when we finished and were looking at our pictures the kids saw that their Elf on the Shelf Doug was in the picture!!! What excitement! He hadn't shown up at their house yet. Word was that he was training some new elves this year. We started looking at our pictures from Bass Pro and saw that he had snuck into one of them also. Man! We never even saw him around. Remington was pretty sure that when they took our picture at the Wax Museum he saw something red out of the corner of his eye.
Back to the hotel to rest for the adults and the kids played in the snow. We then decided to 'put on our Sunday best and head to Wal-Mart'. Had some fun there when we found some elf hats that lit up and played a song. I have videos of Lily, Remington and K.C.. I'll share K.C.'s if the price is right. LOL We had checked and Trail of Lights was still closed so we decided to pick up a board game to play. Good call on our part. We then went to ShoGuns to eat and then back to the hotel to play Quelf. On the way we stop at Wal-Greens (not my choice I boycott this store) to get some snacks. Gary and Michael go inside and the rest of us stay in the van. Chris was playing around with my seat and got the back titled way back. I then became victim of the Seat Attack. Stow and Go seats and I don't mix it seems. I unbuckle and move to the edge of my seat and turn around. I find what I think is the handle to move the seat back into position. All of a sudden the seat attacks me!! I swear it slammed itself forward, the head rest folds down, I get hit in the nose, my glasses fly off! Wow!
We finally make it back to the hotel and start to play Quelf. This game is so much fun. Hard to explain but we have some excellent videos. I do believe though that Michael and I got the worst cards of all and had to do the most stupidest stuff. And I gotta say - when I performed the Rockette moves for 30 minutes I surprised not only my family but myself as well. I may have arthritis and a fake knee but I did some high kicking. LOL I can vouch for the fact the Remington's socks stink BAD! Michael does a great job thumb wrestling (we were able to see how he spends his days at the office), Lily can make a paper airplane that will fly farther than Chris', and K.C. makes a great mummy.
Saturday - time to check out. Silver Dollar City is supposed to be partially open but we decide to do some shopping then head home (sorry Michael - thought you knew the plan. I want to go back and see the lights if we can). We make it up some slippery hills (small mountains) to find out that the Branson Mills we want to go to doesn't open till 11. We head back to Branson Landing where we spend some time at Brookstone. Remington and I loved the sand box they had there. Wish I could afford it but no way am I paying $60-$80 for sand to play with. Everyone except me enjoyed trying out the massage chairs. Back to Branson Mills to walk around then lunch then we head back home. As we drop off Michael, K.C. and the kids Lily tells me that she also fell victim to the Seat Attack. You might know it would be her and I that get attacked.
We had a great time, made great memories. Not the vacation we had planned but we still had fun.
We planned a trip to Branson. With the weather forecast we left a little earlier to get ahead of the storm. We rented a van for the trip so all nine of us could ride together. We had a great trip -- didn't run into any weather until about Springfield. Then we really hit the weather. We had our day planned to eat at The Burger Shack in Branson. We were going to ride the Polar Express that evening and go to Burger Shack afterwards. We decided that since it was lunch time and we were in Springfield we should go to Lamberts. Since it was lunch time there is always a concern about how long the line will be. No worries here today. Because of the storm there was absolutely no line at noon at Lambert's. We got right in to an almost empty restaurant. As usual, the food was excellent. Remington really enjoyed talking to the guy who threw the rolls. Remington now wants to be the roll-thrower at Lambert's when he grows up.
Onward to Branson we go. Roads are starting to get a little bit slippery by now but we made it with no problem. Checked into our hotel (a little place off the strip that Gary and I found). We unload the van and head down to Branson Landing to look around until time for our train ride. Due to the weather several of the shops were closed but we still enjoyed ourselves. Finally we go to board the Polar Express. Perfect evening to be riding it as the snow is falling big fluffy flakes. If you haven't seen the movie you should. The ride was great! Hot cocoa (well mine was kinda warmish but still good) cookies. They read the book Polar Express to us. We sang Christmas songs, Santa paid a visit awesome experience. When Santa visited he gave the kids on the train a jingle bell (watch the movie!). Remington and Lily happened to notice that the bell said 'made in China'. They asked the conductor where Santa got his bells from. The answer the North Pole was given and they asked why it said made in China? LOL Quick recovery - the job was outsourced so the elves would have more time to make toys for Christmas.
But the most exciting part of the trip for Remington was when the hobo came on board (again - watch the movie if you haven't seen it). He was beside himself with excitement!! Yes, our Polar Express train ride was very successful.
Off we go to Burger Shack. It's closed!! And part of the road is closed also due to icy roads. If you aren't aware, Branson is nothing but hills. We go another way around and end up at Pizza World for supper. Good food - bellies full ready to head to hotel. Our plans did include a ride through the Trail of Lights but it was closed due to the weather. Our hotel involves a turn that goes straight up a hill. Well, we slid a little bit and hit the guard rail. No accident to us but rental van doesn't fare as well. Gary backs out gets turned around and we try again. We make it part way up then get stuck. Gary, Michael and Chris get out to push. Not having much luck K.C. also gets out to help. K.C. is checking direction of my wheels when 3 guys show up walking and offer their assistance.
Lily is in the back seat. She held her jingle bell up and says: "If they only believe in themselves I know they could do it. If they only believe they have to believe!" She then jingles her bell and sure enough - we make it up the hill!! She said: They did it! They believed!.
Whew! What a day and our adventure has just begun. Next day most everything is closed as it has continued to snow all night. Guess we won't be going to Silver Dollar City today. We decide to head back to Springfield and go to Bass Pro. This was an excellent idea and we all had lots of fun. Gary said the drive was a little rough but we made it safe. We go back to Branson and head to Burger Shack for lunch. This was excellent - just like we were expecting. We then head off to the Wax Museum for the afternoon. What fun we had here. They took our picture as we went in and when we finished and were looking at our pictures the kids saw that their Elf on the Shelf Doug was in the picture!!! What excitement! He hadn't shown up at their house yet. Word was that he was training some new elves this year. We started looking at our pictures from Bass Pro and saw that he had snuck into one of them also. Man! We never even saw him around. Remington was pretty sure that when they took our picture at the Wax Museum he saw something red out of the corner of his eye.
Back to the hotel to rest for the adults and the kids played in the snow. We then decided to 'put on our Sunday best and head to Wal-Mart'. Had some fun there when we found some elf hats that lit up and played a song. I have videos of Lily, Remington and K.C.. I'll share K.C.'s if the price is right. LOL We had checked and Trail of Lights was still closed so we decided to pick up a board game to play. Good call on our part. We then went to ShoGuns to eat and then back to the hotel to play Quelf. On the way we stop at Wal-Greens (not my choice I boycott this store) to get some snacks. Gary and Michael go inside and the rest of us stay in the van. Chris was playing around with my seat and got the back titled way back. I then became victim of the Seat Attack. Stow and Go seats and I don't mix it seems. I unbuckle and move to the edge of my seat and turn around. I find what I think is the handle to move the seat back into position. All of a sudden the seat attacks me!! I swear it slammed itself forward, the head rest folds down, I get hit in the nose, my glasses fly off! Wow!
We finally make it back to the hotel and start to play Quelf. This game is so much fun. Hard to explain but we have some excellent videos. I do believe though that Michael and I got the worst cards of all and had to do the most stupidest stuff. And I gotta say - when I performed the Rockette moves for 30 minutes I surprised not only my family but myself as well. I may have arthritis and a fake knee but I did some high kicking. LOL I can vouch for the fact the Remington's socks stink BAD! Michael does a great job thumb wrestling (we were able to see how he spends his days at the office), Lily can make a paper airplane that will fly farther than Chris', and K.C. makes a great mummy.
Saturday - time to check out. Silver Dollar City is supposed to be partially open but we decide to do some shopping then head home (sorry Michael - thought you knew the plan. I want to go back and see the lights if we can). We make it up some slippery hills (small mountains) to find out that the Branson Mills we want to go to doesn't open till 11. We head back to Branson Landing where we spend some time at Brookstone. Remington and I loved the sand box they had there. Wish I could afford it but no way am I paying $60-$80 for sand to play with. Everyone except me enjoyed trying out the massage chairs. Back to Branson Mills to walk around then lunch then we head back home. As we drop off Michael, K.C. and the kids Lily tells me that she also fell victim to the Seat Attack. You might know it would be her and I that get attacked.
We had a great time, made great memories. Not the vacation we had planned but we still had fun.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Christmas at the Ranch
I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but when my older girls were little we had the opportunity to be dorm parents at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch outside of Amarillo. I have always been grateful for the opportunity my girls and I had at the Ranch. Plus, I have always been very thankful for "my boys" from that time. Through Facebook I have been able to reconnect with several of them.
I don't know how things are run at the Ranch now but when we were there Christmas was special. Most of the boys went home to be with their family for Christmas. Every boy received a new set of clothes (Christmas issue). A Cantata was presented the night before everyone went home and after the Cantata every dorm had a Christmas party. Santa visited each dorm and everyone received a Christmas present from him.
This past weekend while looking through my recipes for my Pumpkin Roll recipe I came across some poems I wrote at Christmas time when we were at the Ranch in the mid-80's. I want to share one of these poems with you.
Twas a few days before Christmas and all over the Ranch,
Boys had trimmed every bush and branch.
The boys were busy, they had suitcases to pack
And all were wondering what Santa had in his pack.
Dorm parents were dressed in their very best,
Praying for even a minute of rest.
When down at the Dining Hall we heard an uproar.
Everyone fell down trying to get through the door.
A jolly old man in red passed us by
As he brought his sleigh down from the sky.
"I just stopped at the Ranch to give the reindeer a rest.
And to wish all of you the very best.
I'll be back for the party tonight have no fear
But had to stop while I was so near.
I see you are ready, Cantata practice is through
And everyone is wearing his Christmas issue."
He walked among the boys and shook every hand
Gave candy canes to boys from Carter and Frying Pan.
"The reindeer are rested, I must be on my way."
We heard him exclaim as he jumped in his sleigh.
We heard him say in a voice cheery and bright.
"Merry Christmas to all. See you at the party tonight!"
Note: Carter and Frying Pan were the 'little boy dorms' for boys through Kindergarten age.
So here's wishing a Merry Christmas to my boys from the Ranch -- love you.
I don't know how things are run at the Ranch now but when we were there Christmas was special. Most of the boys went home to be with their family for Christmas. Every boy received a new set of clothes (Christmas issue). A Cantata was presented the night before everyone went home and after the Cantata every dorm had a Christmas party. Santa visited each dorm and everyone received a Christmas present from him.
This past weekend while looking through my recipes for my Pumpkin Roll recipe I came across some poems I wrote at Christmas time when we were at the Ranch in the mid-80's. I want to share one of these poems with you.
Twas a few days before Christmas and all over the Ranch,
Boys had trimmed every bush and branch.
The boys were busy, they had suitcases to pack
And all were wondering what Santa had in his pack.
Dorm parents were dressed in their very best,
Praying for even a minute of rest.
When down at the Dining Hall we heard an uproar.
Everyone fell down trying to get through the door.
A jolly old man in red passed us by
As he brought his sleigh down from the sky.
"I just stopped at the Ranch to give the reindeer a rest.
And to wish all of you the very best.
I'll be back for the party tonight have no fear
But had to stop while I was so near.
I see you are ready, Cantata practice is through
And everyone is wearing his Christmas issue."
He walked among the boys and shook every hand
Gave candy canes to boys from Carter and Frying Pan.
"The reindeer are rested, I must be on my way."
We heard him exclaim as he jumped in his sleigh.
We heard him say in a voice cheery and bright.
"Merry Christmas to all. See you at the party tonight!"
Note: Carter and Frying Pan were the 'little boy dorms' for boys through Kindergarten age.
So here's wishing a Merry Christmas to my boys from the Ranch -- love you.
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