Materialism

Good Morning!

It started out foggy when I got up at 6:30 and now the sun is out!  I have talked to Rory this morning and his black jack tournament starts at 10 a.m.  I know he enjoys this and I also knows he enjoys things.  He told me that after he went to dinner last night, he came back to the room and he had a bottle of champagne that was put in his room by his sponsor.  He told me it was nice to have his birthday remembered by someone other than his family.

My devotional this morning was about the Queen of Sheba and the verse for today was 1Kings 10:1-29.  When I read the Bible, it astounds me at how much people, especially people higher up, had.  I am a very minimalistic person.  I like having my Kindle and my lap top and my cell phone, yes.  Where my gluttony comes in, is with food.  I am not a shoe person or a clothes person.  On my organizing days, I am really working at getting rid of things.

Mari and I are taking the train into Los Angeles and taking a Modern Architecture tour through the Los Angeles Conservancy.  I try to belong to groups that support saving certain, especially, historic buildings.  I know many people would like to tear down old buildings, but I really believe in saving historical buildings.

I got my computer routine done and Mari and I left about 10:15 and headed for Irvine train station. I had to stop at the bank to make sure I had some money for today.  When we got to the train station, there were a lot of people going southbound and the train was standing room only.  I have no idea what was going on.  Our train was slightly late and we headed for Los Angeles.  While we were waiting for our train, I realized I had bought business class going north, but coach going south.  When we got to LA, I upgraded us to business class going home.  We got some lunch and then we headed to the Red Line, which took us to Pershing Square.  We did a little bit of walking around and then we met up with our tour group. It was an interesting tour and we got done a little after 4.

Took the Red Line back to Union Station and got something to eat, while we were waiting for our train.  The train was on time and we headed home.  Stopped at Pei Wei and got dinner.  Got home around 7.  Ate dinner and watched TV.  Having alone time and then headed for bed around 10.

Good night!  Trudi

Watch what you say!

Good Morning!

It is a sunny day and all I am hearing is a dog barking and hopefully today is the last day of the painters.  One of the painters told me they are doing touch up today!

My devotional this morning was from Proverbs 10:16-22.  There were some verses that hit me:  Proverbs 10:19-"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."    Proverbs 10:21-"The lips of the righteous nourish many, but foods die for lack of judgment."  The devotional also talks about, how during World War II, there was a media campaign called "Loose lips sink ships", to help the people maintain a code of silence, which meant security.  In reading this, I have to think what I say in all respects.  Am I building someone up or putting them down?

Today, Rory is headed for Vegas.  Sweet Pea is getting a shot today and the girls of us are hanging out at home.  Today is Rory's birthday and Happy first day of summer.  Summer Solstice was last night at 10 p.m. for us here on the west coast.

I did not realize until today how much stress I have been under this last week and how it has been affecting me.  I have my usual stress of Rory, but I had two added stresses this week and it affected me with my energy level and my eating.  Today, I have more energy and I am making decisions to eat more healthy today.

Today is photography day, which means editing one day worth of pictures, working on scrapbooks and doing one lesson on photoshop.   I did one day worth of editing and I did get to work on some of the scrapbooks.  It is fun to look back at pictures.  This afternoon we took Sweet Pea to the vet to get a shot.  She hates going in her carrier and she becomes like kitty velcro.  She talks to us all the way to the vet and usually she is quiet on the way back.  When we got back from the vet, we got our snack and then Mari and I went to Wing Stop and ordered dinner and then took a 2 mile walk.  Came home and had some quiet time and then ate dinner and watched "Castle" and "Dead Files"  Having girl time  tonight, which is nice.

Going to finish editing my pictures from today and I may work on the 2nd lesson of Photoshop.

Good night!  Trudi

Hate, dislike and sin

Good Morning!

It is a sunny morning in So. CA and the birds are singing.  I can hear the painters around.

My morning read was Proverbs 6:16-19.  The devotional is on things that God hates.   One of the big ones is lying.    I would rather tell the truth than lie.  Rory has a tendency to not tell the truth, but I would rather live with the consequences than lie.  Rory blames me for not getting a job, as I told him to tell the truth about his diabetes and for some reason, the company would not hire him because of that and I have not heard the end of that ever since.  The one thing I really have to look at, is how am I hurting others with my words and actions.  Lying is one big thing that has hurt our marriage.  After the girls were born and Rory says, I pulled away from him, he started to gamble and he would lie as to where he was.  At that point in time, I had twins that I was trying to take care of, I had to work and I had to take care of the house.  By the end of the day, I was exhausted and Rory was really no help with the girls or the house.  He wanted to be taken care of as well.

Today, I have a docent meeting this afternoon and I am going to work on my blogs today.  Rory's birthday is tomorrow and since, he is going to Las Vegas for the weekend, we are going to celebrate his birthday tonight.  Today would have been my mother's 96th birthday.

I did my morning computer stuff, took a nap and did laundry.  I think the painting around our unit is done.  I hope!  Now to work on my other blogs. Did work on one of my blogs regarding the city of Carmel.  Had lunch and left about 12:15 for the Mission and the docent meeting.  Today's meeting was regarding what led up to the secularization of the Missions.  Interesting!  After the meeting I walked back to the car and had an encounter with a person.  Not bad!  There are times I really wonder about people who take advantage of others and I am not saying this person did that to me.  The person I talked to was taken advantage of.  I am just glad I was able to help this person.  On the way home, I stopped at Trader Joe's and got stuff for dinner and then went to Cinnamon Productions and got dessert for dinner to celebrate Rory's b-day. After I left Trader Joe's, Rory called to find out how I was and to tell me it had been 96 degrees in Anchorage.  I questioned what he said, but until I looked it up, I believed him.  There are times when he watches TV, he doesn't listen to the whole thing and he does not quite get his information correct.   On the way home I drove through Live Oak Canyon.  Talked to the girls for a little bit and then had alone time.

Making spaghetti!  Rory decided to eat upstairs and will come down after 9 to have tea and cheesecake.     The girls and I watched Duck Dynasty; which I am coming to like.  Going to hang out downstairs until Rory comes down and then I am going upstairs.

Good night!

Trudi

Wisdom and discipline

My daughters, two years ago on Father's Day!

Good Morning!

We are back to our overcast and cloudy morning!  I am thankful for this new day and the quietness of the morning.  The birds are singing and I can hear the ladders of the painters.  The painters will be doing touch up and trim paint for the next couple of days.

This morning, I was reading Proverbs 1 and that is the reason, my blog this morning is titled Wisdom and discipline.  Wisdom is something I try to constantly acquire, as I know by always learning it helps me in all sorts of other ways.  I try to be a disciplined person, although, I am not always that way when it comes to eating and taking care of my physical body.  I have acquired the habit of reading the Bible every day.

Today, I have nothing planned. Today is organizing day, which means I am going to do some filing and go over to the storage unit and go through some saved emails.  Mari and I are also, going to do a walk.

Got my computer routine done and did laundry!  Took a nap and then got some filing done and went over to the storage unit and did some organizing.  Came home and picked up Mari  and went to get lunch at Chipotle and also some cat litter at Pet Smart.  Came home, had lunch  and I was feeling tired, so I took another nap.  I think yesterday and all the stress, got to me.  About 2, Mari and I headed for Laguna to go walking.

On the way back, we stopped to get some frozen yogurt, stopped at Trader Joe's and then at Target.  Came home and had quiet time and then made dinner, with some help from Mari.  Ate dinner and watched TV.  Marissa still not feeling well.  I am not sure if her anxiety is kicking in, as well.  Just hanging out for the rest of the evening.  It was nice to watch "Ghost Hunters" with Mari tonight!

Good Night!  Trudi

Talking about the good things-Being positive

Good Morning!

Sunny morning this morning and the painters are at work and I am getting a new refrigerator today.  I have a tour at the Mission to do today as well!  I read Psalms 145 this morning and the devotional was talking about bragging about God.  This picture was taken in Yorba Linda a couple of years ago.  I love stained glass windows.

I know in many ways I have a tendency to be negative and complaining.    I am working on being more positive.  When you live with someone who is negative, this is hard.  I like being positive, rather than negative.  I am working on being content with where I am.  Yesterday, when Mari and I were walking down at San Clemente, I was watching a little boy walking with his mom and exploring everything.  I need to do that as well and enjoy being in the moment.  I said to Mari, later, that I have a tendency to think I have to hurry up and get home and now a days, I say to myself, WHY?  When I worked, yes, I did need to hurry up and get home, if I had work to do.  I am thankful right now, that I can enjoy the moment and not worry about hurrying!  I have to be thankful for all we have right now.

Better get breakfast and get the refrigerator cleaned out.  Breakfast made and Mari is getting the refrigerator cleaned out, better go help, as I am feeling guilty, sitting here.  I received a call around 8 saying that the refrigerator would be delivered between 9:45-11:45.  When I left around 10:15, everything was ready for the refrigerator to be delivered.  I headed for the Mission, as I had a tour of adults at 11:15 a.m.  During the summer, we do more adult tours, than 4th graders.  I enjoyed this tour.  I came out to the car and Rory called me and said that the refrigerator had not been delivered and this was 12:45.  The food had been sitting out all this time.  I got very upset and called delivery and they stated that the refrigerator was to be delivered between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., which made me more upset and then the girl on the phone tried to sell me something and I hung up.  I called the store and talked to a manager and told him the whole story and he wanted to know what he could do.  Rory had said to ask for $400 and I asked for $200.  He said he would call back and I have yet to hear from him.

Over the last month, our washer went out and I bought a washer and dryer from Sears and they were supposed to be delivered on the Saturday before Mother's Day and wasn't.  They were delivered on Mother's Day.  After we got back from vacation, I purchased a microwave from Sears and it was installed on time, but I could not open the cabinets above the microwave and had to have someone come out and take care of the issue.  When the refrigerator went out, I went back to Sears and purchased a refrigerator and had the issues I had today.  The sales people tell you that you will be called the night before the delivery as to what time and I was not.  Someone did call me this morning and tell me a time and then when I did call Sears, they told me a different time and the refrigerator was delivered around 1 p.m.  I do not want to go to Home Depot, but I am not sure I want to go to Sears either, anymore.  I will have to think long and hard about where I will buy appliances next time.

After we got the house back to normal, I tried to lay down and take a nap, but couldn't really sleep.  Mari and I hung out in the living room for awhile and then went to Target to get stuff for dinner and also went to Old Navy.  Came home, made dinner and watched TV.  Rory came down and wanted to talk.  I ended up coming upstairs.  Going to finish this, give Sweet Pea her injection and then edit one day worth of pictures and watch the rest of my Lincoln DVD and go to bed.

Good night!  Trudi

Love

This was taken in San Dimas a couple of years ago.  My father grew up in San Dimas and my grandfather worked on the railroad in San Dimas.

Good Morning!  It was very foggy this morning.

We start the process of getting our building painted this morning.  The first thing is a power wash!  Rory is getting some major teeth work done today.  Mari and I are going to San Clemente to walk this afternoon and we will see how Marissa is this morning and how Sweet Pea handles the painters being around.  Marissa is still not feeling well and her anxiety is up, because of her cold.  I feel so sorry for her.

My devotional this morning was Psalm 136-His love endures forever.  When I was growing up, I knew my parents and grandparents loved me.  Each had different ways of showing love.  My father's parents showed love by their actions, especially my grandmother.  My mother's parents showed their love with material things.  My mother, I really believe had issues with relationships, as my grandfather worked a lot and my grandmother treated my mother more like a sister.  Their was a story that was told about how, after my mother got married, my grandmother wanted my mother to come back and live with her. I don't really think my mother wanted kids, but my dad did.  My mother had a hard time being a parent.    I really knew love from my dad.  I thought I was in love with Rory, when I first met him, but now, I really believe it was lust.  He was the first person I had met, who "did not have a wall built around him" or so I thought.  Did I really know what it was like to have a relationship with a person, as the majority of people, other than my family, had put me down.  I was really looking for acceptance.  I was very needy.  I know in my head that God loves me and takes care of me, as I see His actions all the time, but it is hard for me to wrap my heart around that.  There are certain things I love, such as the colors of nature, especially flowers and the colors of green on trees.  I love water.  I love traveling in the car and on the train and seeing the passing landscape.  I enjoy doing things for others, but it is hard for me to allow people to do things for me.

Better start getting breakfast.  First round is done on the exterior.  Rory is off for the dentist.  Marissa is still not feeling well.  Mari and I are doing computer stuff and eating breakfast.  Got my morning computer routine done and took a nap, as Rory went to the dentist.  Got up and did laundry and now I am going to work on my blogs, as today is blog day.  Got some writing done before Rory came home and needed some help.  Mari and I went out to get lunch and came back.  Ate lunch and looked at Rory's pictures and then Mari and I went out to take a walk in San Clemente.  There is a path that goes along the beach and the railroad track.

On the way home, we stopped at Active Culture for some frozen yogurt and then came home and made dinner and watched TV.  Rory is struggling with his dental work and Marissa is still not feeling well.  She has her cold and and her anxiety.  Great combination.  My refrigerator is supposed to come tomorrow, but I do not know what time.  Patience!

Just enjoying quiet time in the living room!

Good night!  Trudi

Father's Day and the men in my life

Good Morning!

It is sunny this morning!  We are going out to brunch at noon today to celebrate Father's Day with Rory.

My father was my best friend and I miss him very much.  Yesterday, when I was picking out cards for Rory, I thought how easy it would have been to pick out a card for my dad.  I might have had the opposite problem that I had with trying to find a card for Rory.  Instead of having a few choices, I would have had too many choices.  My grandfathers were very similar, but very different.  My mother's father was an alcoholic and a workaholic and I don't really believe my mother had a great father role.  My dad's father had a green thumb and was a lover of sweets.  He expected my grandmother to do a lot.  My memories of my grandmother was walking with two canes and having braces on her knees.  One thing I remember about my dad's father was his homemade peach ice cream.  My father-in-law was not a nice man, to be nice.  Rex and I talked until the girls were about 5 and then I got very tired of his cigar and his monologues and Rory told me to tell him that.   I am sorry Rory had to grow up this way and it has affected him and in many ways, he has become like his dad, who he really did not like.  I am sorry the girls have to have a father that they do not really respect; but I am glad they got to know my dad.  I don't know if Marissa will ever marry, due to her Asperger's.  I hope, if and when Mari does marry that she can have a loving man in her life, who respects and treats her with love.

After brunch today, we are going to have to go buy a new refrigerator.  ANYTHING ELSE!  So far it has been the washer and dryer, the microwave, Mari's computer, new set of tires and now the refrigerator.  I am thankful we have the money to do this.

Marissa has now come down with the wonderful cold that is going around our house.

I got my computer stuff done this morning and the laundry separated and one load started.  I took a nap before we left for brunch.  Mari and I drove down and Rory took his own car.  Brunch was nice and not that expensive.  Went over to Sears and got the new refrigerator, which will be delivered on Tuesday.  YEA!  Mari and I went to Trader Joe's, Casey's and Ralph's to get some ice.  Came home.  Rory and Mari are watching the movie he got, Marissa is in her room and I am hanging out in our room.

Came downstairs and watched the end of "The Impossible" with Rory and Mari.  Got vacuuming done, dinner in the oven and the patio ready for the painters tomorrow.  I cannot go shopping and I cannot work on the patio, so my list of things to do is done for today.  I guess I will edit pictures.

Dinner is made and eaten.  Marissa has been having up and down periods and mainly hanging out in her room.  Mari and I have been hanging out downstairs and Rory is hanging out in our room.  Mainly going to edit pictures tonight.  May try to watch a DVD tonight.  Nice relaxing day today!

Good night!  Trudi

Wall art in Seattle, WA

Relationships

Good Morning!

This was taken in Astoria, Oregon.

This morning I was reading about Tamar in the Bible and the verse was 2Samuel 13:1-39.  In those verses, it was also talking about relationships.  Oh my, are relationships hard.  As with everything, relationships take work, except when people don't understand relationships.  I had a great relationship with my Dad.  My relationship with my mom was ok, my relationship with my sister is non-existent and has been that way for a long time.  My relationship with my husband has become more of a caretaker, plus he really doesn't understand relationships.  I am so blessed with the relationship I have with my daughters.  Yes, I have friends and I am thankful for that, but the majority of "friends" in my life are long distance and it has been that way for a long time.  I have been a person for a long time that has mainly kept to myself, as it is/was safer that way.  I want relationships, don't take me wrong, but I have to get past the fear of being hurt.

Anybody ever watching "Oddities"?  Interesting program.  Mari and I are having breakfast and watching TV.

After doing my computer routine, I decided to take a nap.  When I got up, checked our bank account and took care of some financial issues and some filing.  It was getting close to lunch time.  Rory was working on something he needs when he goes before the Social Security judge and I knew I would get in the  middle of it and I was trying not to.  My husband has really no confidence on certain things.  He wants somebody to do things for him and that way he doesn't fail. I really feel that a lot of this has to do with his dad and his upbringing.   After I finished lunch, I was about to head out the door and Rory wanted me to check what he was doing.  I did check what he was doing, but I really did not want to do that.  I finally got to Target and got some cards for Rory, which I hate doing.  Father's Day is tomorrow and his birthday is on Friday.  When I got to Target, I realized that I forgot my Franklin Covey and after I shopped at Target,  went back home and picked up the girls and my Franklin Covey and headed to Smart & Final and Yogurtland.  Mari got her lunch at The Corner Bakery.  Came home and since today is organizing day, finished working on a box from the storage unit.  I am also working on my patio, as they are going to be painting our building starting on Monday.

My building is on the right and one of the new colors is on the left.

Better start dinner.

There are some emails I save and some I read at that moment and do whatever I am going to do with it. When I have my organizing day, I make an effort to go through some of my saved emails.  One of the emails I set aside is my pastor's devotional.  This goes along withe my title of "relationships".    Hebrews 11:39-40." In Hebrews 11, God urges us to hang on because God hasn't forgotten us and will fulfill His promises one day.  He promises to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  He promises to take away our tears (Rev.7)"

We are getting into a habit and I am not sure I like it.  Rory is starting to come down about 8 and for one thing, there is no room for me to sit comfortably and I really don't feel comfortable with him watching the same programs as we do.  He, sometimes, has a tendency to make comments about the program we are watching and that bugs me.  He also, takes this time to talk to me or us, while we are trying to watch a program.  Anyway, tonight, I decided to come upstairs and do what I wanted, as I was not really that interested with what was on.

Going to go through emails and read for the rest of the evening.

Good night!  Trudi

This was the last day of our trip to Alexandria, VA and this is the view we had from our hotel room.

Bells and time

Good Morning!

This was part of Oregon that I loved.  The green and the waterfalls.  It was beautiful country.

My devotional this morning was reading Psalm 118 and the devotional talked about the bells on a clock and how fast we move now a days and how little time we seem to have compared to people in the past. When the devotional talked about the bells on a clock, I also thought about how the people in a mission, used to live by the bells.  The bells announced all parts of the day.  Somehow we need to slow down and enjoy the time we have and not take on so much.  I need to remember that as well.

Today, we are having someone from Sears come back out and reinstall the microwave, so that we can open the upper cabinet doors.  I really want to get out today and Mari and I were talking last night about going to Whole Foods in Tustin and getting some lunch and then maybe going to Laguna.  We shall see how she is feeling and what I can handle.  Marissa is going to a movie with a friend and Rory is staying home.

I was so nice, I gave Mari my cold!  Sorry, Mari!  What I want to know is why can't I ask someone to do something one time and expect it to be done, without having to constantly follow up with them several times.  I, really, do not like to micro-manage.  The issue with the microwave has been taken care of.  Mari and I drove over to Whole Foods to get lunch and some other things we needed.  Came home and Rory was downstairs.  I was hoping to have the afternoon in the living room, but I am going to go upstairs and edit pictures, etc.  He, either sleeps in the chair in front of the TV in the living room or he sleeps on the bed with the TV on in our bedroom.

This is the entrance to the toll road in Santiago Canyon.  I labeled it-Where does this road go?

Today is my photography day and I have been editing a whole bunch of pictures from our trip.  I did get another nap while I was upstairs.  Marissa left about 3:30 to see a movie with her friend.  Rory had to discuss all of the mail with me, so I decided to take a walk down the hill and take some pictures.  It cleared my head, which I was thankful for.  Rory loves to put everything on everybody else to do and I turned it around on him.  He went upstairs and Mari came out of her room after taking a nap.  Mari and I have been hanging out in the living room and now we had better get dinner.

Mari made Rory's dinner and I made ours and then we watched "Dead Files".  Rory came down about 8 and I came back upstairs for the night.  Going to try to finish editing pictures for May 28, 2013 before I go to bed.

Good Night!  Trudi

I am so blessed

Good Morning!

This is a picture of a lot of what we saw on our road trip and I feel so blessed to have seen this beautiful country.

My devotional today was Psalm 112.  We have so much to be thankful for, even in bad times.  I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord and I am thankful that He is always with me.  My marriage is not easy, but I know that God is taking care of me and I am thankful.

Today, Mari goes back to the dentist to have some cavities filled.  I am going to work on my other blogs.  I think Mari and I are going walking somewhere.

Mari got her cavities filled and poor baby, her upper mouth is numb!  While she was at the dentist, I got some beneigt's(sp?) from a Vietnamese restaurant, plus some coffee.  Came home and took a nap.  Picked her up, came home and finished laundry for the week and took another nap.  I never realized how exhausted I was.  Having lunch and going to do some planning for my other blogs.

I thought we were going out after lunch to Target and some places in Laguna, but so much for that idea.  Mari wanted to take a nap about 1:30 and I thought I did also.  Rory wanted help with groceries about 2, so I decided to come downstairs and try to rest.  The living room is really not a place to sleep, as there are too many interruptions.  I guess I just needed a day to rest, but I am getting antsy.  Got some planning done.  I guess I will do some writing.

I am a lousy patient.  I do not like to be confined.  Mari and I finally went to Target and got most of what I wanted.  One of the things I was trying to find was a tea ball and they didn't have one.  Rory wanted bagel chips and I could not find those either.  Someone told me to go to the 99 cent store; which we did and found bagel chips.  We went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and got a tea ball.  On the way home we went through the canyon, which I know Mari likes to do.  Made dinner and now, just hanging out!  I think Mari has my cold.  Oh wonderful!

Marissa and Sweet Pea!

Good night!  Trudi

Jamestown last year!

Growing older

Good Morning!

This is a perfect picture for my devotional this morning.  I read Psalm 103 and the last sentence in the devotional says "The truth is, you're getting older every day.  Embrace aging as your pathway to being ever growing, ever green with an eternal purpose.  This flower is at the end of my front walkway.  I have a Women's Devotional Bible.

Today, I am going to work on some organizing things.  I am looking forward to getting back to doing some things I enjoy.  I still have my cold; it is mainly my nose and a cough.  I decided I am getting to old to be a monkey.  I realized where my sore muscles came from.  I was trying to do something in a very tight space and I should not have done that.  Pretty good sleep last night.  More rest today.  Marissa has an appointment this afternoon with the psychiatrist.

This morning, I did get my computer routine done, two naps as one was interrupted by a phone call, put my last load of laundry in the dryer for the week and did some filing.  Going to work on a storage box this afternoon.  Interesting how the weather can change in one day; yesterday was 85 degrees and today is in the low 70's and cloudy.  It seems we are going to have June gloom all day.  We did not have June gloom all day.

Marissa and I left about 2 and headed for Dana Point.  After leaving, I happened to notice that my "check tire" light was on.  I did not have time to go to Big O to take care of it.  We got to Marissa's appointment.  Her psychiatrist gave me some ideas for getting Marissa on SSDI.  I will start working on this next week.  We stopped to get some frozen yogurt, then to Big O.  Found out that I had a slash in my tire and ended up getting 4 new tires, which I was going to have to get the new time I brought the car in for service.  I did not like the check tire light on, but I was not freaking.  Went to Target and then came home.  My energy level has not been the highest lately.  It was better this afternoon, but when we stopped at Big O, it went downhill fast.  Came home and lay down for a little bit.  While we were at Target, I asked the pharmacist what was best to take for my "cold".  After dinner, I took it and we shall see how it works.  I , hopefully, am going to get to watch Ghost Hunters tonight, but we shall see what Rory does.

This was taken near Marissa's psychiatrist appointment.

I will say good night!

Trudi

This is Agecroft Hall and is in Richmond, VA.  We took this last year.

One year and knowledge

Good Morning!

This is the Balboa Pavilion in Balboa, CA.  This was one of my father's favorite places. This picture was taken two years ago.

I have written 365 posts.  Wow!  I am not sure when I started doing this, that I would keep this going for this long.  I know I have grown and gotten more knowledge over this last year.

The devotional I read this morning was Psalm 100 and I liked the last statement in the devotional-"Understanding that the Lord is bigger than any of your needs, that he is your Creator-you belong to him-can't help but put the wow back into your worship."  I know knowledge does help and I know the more I read the Bible and study, I know more about God.  The more I learn, the more I know and I like that.  I really have to push myself, to know more and not to get complacent in where I am.  Yesterday, when Rory was having the bone scans, it will tell us what his bones are like and that is a good thing.  Knowledge is a good thing.

This has not been a good day in how I have been feeling.  I have been tired and my neck is still bothering me, as well as the cold/allergy.  I took a nap around 10 and then took Mari to the dentist.  While she was at the dentist, I went to the cleaners, Walgreen's to drop off Rory's pictures, Sprouts and the gas station.  I was headed home, when Mari called me.  She has a couple of cavities, so she has to go back on Thursday.  Came home, ate lunch and took another nap, as Rory was going to a movie and was being a grouch!  The girls and I left about 2:15 to take Marissa to counseling.  While Marissa was in counseling, Mari and I went walking.  It was not the most inspiring walk in the world, but we did take a walk.  On the way home, we went by Trader Joe's and got some things.  There was a group of people in front of the store, that I am not fond of and I made a fool of myself on the way out and was not happy with myself.

We got home and Rory was downstairs.  I have been going through having energy and then not having energy all day.  I really needed to lay down in the recliner.  I did some laundry and then I did lay down in the recliner.  Did some thinking.  Yes, I am not feeling the best, but I need to get back to doing things I enjoy, such as my organizing, my pictures and my blogs.  Tomorrow, I was supposed to have lunch with a friend, but she is dealing with some health issues and with my cold, I cannot be around her, so I will be staying home until about 2, when I take Marissa to the psychiatrist.  The house gets cleaned tomorrow as well.  Mari and I were going to watch "Off Limits", but Rory came down and that just spoils it for me, because he wants to talk and I really wanted to watch the TV.  I came upstairs and doing this.  Rory does not understand what is going on with his body and really does not want to change.

Going back down and give Sweet Pea her shot and then I will come up here for the rest of the night.

Good night!  Trudi

This was taken at Monticello last year.

Praise, birds and to the doctor

Good Morning!  This is the Howe-Waffle house in Santa Ana and this was taken two years ago.  I love Victorian architecture.

This morning, the devotional I was reading was Psalm 92 and it talks about how birds mark their territory; which I did not realize and how God wants our praise.   We can praise Him in many ways.  I am thankful for God in many ways and Yes, I do praise him.  I love music and that is one way I praise him.

Rory has a bone scan this morning and I am going to take the time to take a walk in the area and of course, take pictures.  He has to have the bone scan done twice and we will have lunch in between scans.  I am feeling better this morning.  I am still stiff, but not as bad as yesterday morning.

Made pancakes for breakfast this morning.

Rory and I left about 9.  We went to McD's to get breakfast for Rory.  After that we hit the road for the VA in Long Beach.  We got there about 10 and I dropped him off and then went to find a walk to take.  Found one that included Belmont Shores, which is an area that I like with the architecture of the homes and the downtown area.

After my walk, I went back to pick up Rory and we went to get lunch.  He had to be back at 1:30 p.m. and when he was finished, we headed for home.  Got home and I took a nap and now just having quiet/computer time.  Need to make dinner in a little bit.  When I take Rory to these appointments, I have learned to just go with the flow and do what he wants to do.  It makes things less stressful on both of us.

I made dinner and the girls and I watched TV.  Today, when Rory and I were at lunch, I had these feeling that we have two households within one.  I was telling Rory about what happened when we made S'more's last night.  Sad!  I am really tired tonight and my stiff neck is bugging me.  Another busy day tomorrow, but not as early.

Good night!  Trudi

This is a barn in Montpelier taken last year.

Fun and Pain

Good Morning, I think!

Yesterday, driving back from The Getty, my neck was really hurting and I had a very bad stiff neck and somewhat of a sore throat.  I didn't take anything, which I should have done.  I slept ok, but about 5:30 a.m., I could not handle the bed anymore and so I finally got up about 6:15.  I thought a hot shower might help, but it didn't.  Finally I ate breakfast and took some Motrin and that is helping.  About 9:30 a.m., I got really tired and luckily Mari got up, so I took a nap.  I have things to do today, but I need to not feel guilty if I don't get them done.

Today is home day.  The menu is done and I need to do marketing.  I need to start laundry and vacuum.      Part of my usual Sunday routine is to work on the patio.  That is the one thing, we shall see.  I am suppose to take Rory to the VA tomorrow.  This morning, I told him I don't know if I could do it.   The way I am feeling is I think I can do it, but I am not going to push it.  I need to take care of me!

Part of the gardens at The Getty we saw yesterday!

After I got up from my nap, a load of laundry into the washer, did some vacuuming and got a list together for going marketing.  I ate lunch and took a slight nap.  Marissa and I went to Target and then came home.  Mari and I went to Dana Point and then to Trader Joe's.  Came home and put dinner together and watched some TV.  Rory came down about 8 and I am now upstairs and will be up here for the rest of the evening.  I am tired tonight.

Good Night!  Trudi

We went to Mount Vernon a year ago today and poor Marissa was starting a cold!

Confidence

Good Morning!

Usual June morning!  Overcast early and sunny later!

Mari and I are going to the Getty Center today to see one exhibit!

Last night, I was working on a Photoshop class I am taking and Mari was helping me somewhat.  I am really getting to the point that the more I accomplish, the more confidence I am getting and this feels good.

I took this yesterday on our walk in Corona del Mar.

I got my computer routine done and then I took a nap.  A friend of mine ended up joining us, which was nice.  Left about 11:30, went to get sandwiches and then picked up my friend and then headed for the Getty Center.  We went to see the exhibit I wanted to see and then we went out to the gardens, which we enjoyed.  Got snack and then worked ourselves to the car.  Traffic was bad and it took us quite a while to get home.  Good day.  Picked up Rory's dinner on the way home.  Made dinner and watching TV with the girls.  I am tired tonight!

This is Getty Center, where we went today, as taken from the garden!

Good night! Trudi

This was taken at Ford Theater last year in Washington, D.C

Did not realize

Good Morning!

We had our usual June gloom and now the sun is out!  Mari and I are going walking in Corona del Mar and then going to Trader Joe's.  We will use my Map My Walk and I can get my ocean fix and Corona del Mar has been a place Mari has been wanting to go walking, as it has trees on the side streets.  So we  both get something we want out of a walk.

Wednesday night I watched the second episode of Extreme Makeover:Weight Loss Edition and last night, I watched the first episode.  The first episode effected me more than the second, as it dealt with a set of twins who were codependent on each other.  In the last week, I have come to realize how much I have grown and really did not realize I had grown.    I used to be codependent on Rory, but I feel like I am no longer.  The person I have to be really careful not to become codependent with is Mari.  I had a hard time sleeping last night, as I did not wind down after watching the first episode, plus Rory was having a hard time sleeping.

Today is my photo day and I am going to edit one day worth of photos, work on my scrapbooks and do the first lesson of a class I am taking on Photoshop.  I am going to see, if I have time, if Mari can help me edit a video I did, while we were on vacation.

Sweet Pea sitting in one of her favorite places!

Mari and I left here about 10 and drove to Corona del Mar and took a 2-mile walk.  I loved looking at the houses and we saw a house that reminded me of a fairy tale.  The waves were also huge today.  Took lots of pictures.  On the way home we stopped at Trader Joe's.  Our new microwave was installed, but now we have another problem, that the cabinet doors above the microwave won't open.  Luckily everything that was in that cabinet was taken out and I can put them other places.  Rory went out and I got a nap.  I am having some wonderful quiet time, working on the computer.  Going to make snack.  I like my quiet time, I like walking and I don't need things to make me happy.

Edited pictures:

Got some photos edited and did some work on scrapbooks and I am going to work on the class I am doing on photography.  It feels good to take one particular thing and work on it every day.  That way I am not getting frustrated of what I am not getting done.

Rory is coming down at 9.  I am going to finish this and work on my class.

Good night!  Trudi

The Smithsonian (Castle) taken last year, when we were in Washington D.C.  This is the one day we met up with Rory.