Century Of Honor

Boy Scouts has been a player in our lives for about 25yrs.  Jack has served in many capacities...as have I...for those years.  He, much more than me!  We always laughed when the organization says: "It's only 1hr. a week"...Ha!  However, it's been fun, busy, hard work and I believe, totally worth it.  Boy Scouts can shape the lives of young men in many positive ways.  Achieving "Eagle Scout" is something that will be a major impact in their future. I know men who received jobs over other candidates just because it has "Eagle" in the resume.  Even if a young man doesn't get his Eagle..he has still achieved many goals and learned valuable lessons.  In 1913 the LDS church became the first to charter Boy Scouts Of America.  Last night we celebrated that 100yr mark with the broadcast "Century Of Honor" and holding an open house for the community.  We really didn't think many would attend.  Here in Ohio and in our small town our Church isn't exactly welcomed and embraced!  We weren't even sure how we were going to approach this activity!  Salt Lake sent a wire to our newspaper telling them we were going to have an open house and the paper interviewed Jack and our Scout Master.  OK then, I guess we'd better come up with something since a photographer was also coming out to document this event!  I put together a few picture boards using 100 photos from the past few years showing what our little troup 555 had done.

Jack and our friend Kyle...his wife Stacy writes  the blog Crawford Clan, put some props up.

On the table we had some of our Klondike awards and Stacy's son's shadow box from his scout years...he received his Eagle a couple of years ago and Dakota is now getting ready to go on a mission for the Church!  We had a couple of old Scout manuals. One from 1946!

Reading them is fun and seeing the notes from the young..now old..boy/man who once owned it showing his advancements and the dates is pretty cool!  The best part is seeing that not much has changed...values that were important back then are still important today.  Duty to God and country, being honest, trustworthy, loyal, kind, courteous, clean, reverent and all the other values that seem to be a bit blurred by society today.  Since we were inviting our own scouts and the public, refreshments must served! (That's my motto..gather and feed!) I made a few different cookies. When I say "different", I don't only mean different flavors.  I had a cookie cutter shaped like the Boy Scout "Fleur De Lis" but somewhere between the cutter, the dough, and the oven it lost it's impact...

We decided they looked more like (a)..flying fish with 100 on them, or (b) ears of corn. Well, they tasted good! My other attempt at creativity turned out a bit better:

I thought some Boy Scout cookies were needed...can you find me in the mix? Hint: Pink scarf! Ha!  As predicted, we didn't get a huge turnout...although the photographer did show up.  I'll be curious to see what she came up with and if it makes the paper. The broadcast was good...a bit long...but good.  We enjoyed the company of those that came and the important part is inspiring these kiddos to continue on and also to go on to be adult leaders some day.  Here's the real reason we do this...

These are a couple of our scouts and they are great kids.  I've enjoyed being back in Scouting this past year and I hope we can go on for another 100yrs.

Three Little Words

 In the last hour I've muttered a few words...mostly three little words.  They are as follows:
 Are you kidding?
It's here already?
No way Hosea!
Guess what Jack!
Yep, it's here.
It's snowing out.
To explain it better I've included 3 little pics.

Snow on pumpkin

Snow on plants

Footprints in snow.....

Weekend Thoughts

Today we made the trip home from Chicago.  It's a trip we've done for the last 40yrs.  We've gone for many reasons...weddings,  baby showers, vacations with Grandma, cousins, aunts and uncles, holiday celebrations.  Unfortunately, we've also gone for funerals.  Yesterday was the memorial service for my Sister-in-law. A celebration of a life well lived.  She and my brother only had a short time together.  In the scheme of things, she only had a short time here on earth.  But the length of time didn't stop the amount of living put into those years.  Looking at the picture board of all the things Candy and Phil shared, you realize that no time was wasted and much time was enjoyed.  Phil's doing as well as can be expected.  He has plans to head to Florida this winter. He said he just needs a break for a while.  Unless he decides to leave earlier, I'll see him when we make the trek back to Chi-town for our annual family Christmas gathering.  I think our family is made up of survivors.  We get through things and continue on with determination, blind faith, and usually a good sense of humor.  It was good to see family there, holding, hugging, smiling, and supporting.  It was good to see Phil's 3 children, their spouses and his grandchildren all together.  Our good family friend, Father Damien, did the service.  He was wonderful as always.  He's buried, married,  baptized, confirmed, laughed, and broke bread with us and been a huge support to my Mom and sister.  He and Jack have a good relationship and for some reason I always have to smile when I hear him say, "Oh, it's Dr. Jack".  Father followed us down to the funeral home, an hour from my Mom's house.  He had a hard time keeping up with Jack's speedy driving!  When he asked if Jack always drove over 60mi an hour I really did laugh!  Are you kidding me? Chicago? If you don't drive fast you will be run over! Anyway, I took some pictures...of course...but left the camera at Mom's!  My sister will get them to me, but for tonight I'll leave with just 2.  She put together a really special tribute to Candy.

It was filled with lovely photos and stories of her life.

I know Phil was very appreciative.  After we got home I made some homemade soup and had some of my Mom's homemade bread she sent home with us.

The weekend went quick and thankfully so did the drive home...Yes Father Damien, we did go faster than 60 miles per hour! P.S...no I'm not asking for forgiveness!

Pink Scarf Project Full Circle

In October of 2012 I became involved in "The Pink Scarf Project".  This has been on my sidebar for a year.

The project was started by my blog buddy Vicki, at 2 Bags Full.  You can read all about it at her beautiful blog!  I can't believe a year as gone by so quickly.  I had some great friends here in my little town as well as other places over the country and globe contribute beautiful scarves. Some were purchased by folks who, like me(!), don't knit or crochet.  Most of the scarves I received however, were hand made.  So thoughtful, so beautiful.  Here is just an example:

My best friend Donna from Starkey Hollow was diagnosed last year with breast cancer and hearing about this project to make and give scarves to breast cancer patients really hit home. I decided to jump on this bandwagon.  It was my way of supporting Donna and others going through treatment.  Well, the month of October was the deadline to hand these beauties out.  Vicki asked Donna to give them out where she had her treatments.  I gave some to our hospital last week and the Cleveland Clinic, Wooster Ohio, will receive them also.  I made arrangements with our outpatient department where the chemo treatments are given, to hand them out.  They were really excited to participate. I contacted our hospital public relations person about it also and she had our local newspaper contact me.  The reporter came and interviewed Donna and me and did a great job of reporting!  I gave him a photo of 2 of our nurses from outpatient, Jenny and Kathy, accepting the scarves.

Today the article was in the paper and I hope they enjoyed their pic and the article!

The moto for this project was "Make a scarf, make a difference".  I added, "Give a scarf, give a smile".  I hope all who receive these gifts from the heart enjoy them and understand that we are all hoping for a cure and they are not alone in their fight. Thanks everyone who sent Vicki and myself the beautiful scarves that will touch so many lives.  Bloggers are the best!!

 

 

Scary Tales!

Happy Halloween! Yes, I can't believe October is over..almost.  I've lived in Ashland since 1977 and all that time I can't remember the city ever having Trick or Treat on October 31st.  They always do it the Thursday before Halloween...for some reason that I've never had anyone explain to me. Anyway, this year since Halloween fell on a Thursday they decided to have it tonight.  However, Mother Nature had other plans.  It's been raining all day and evening, along with gusty high winds.  So they moved Trick or Treat to Saturday.  Jack and I decided to go to Mansfield, about 20 miles from home, to shop at Sam's Club and then grab some dinner.  However,  Mother Nature had a "trick" for us!  As we were filling up the gas tank after shopping, the gusty wind grabbed the door of the Jeep and broke it! (Sounds like a great beginning for a horror story!) It was also raining!  Well, after many tries at getting the door to close we finally had to tie it shut.  Those crazy  Boy Scout knots really come in handy.  We nixed the dinner plans and headed for home.  Now we have to get the door repaired. Hopefully that won't take forever or cost us an arm and a leg....like this one I found next to my car in the Hospital Employee parking lot:

I came around the car to get in and almost had a heart attack! Then I couldn't stop laughing! Boo to me!  To keep in the spirit of the season one of the girls hung this guy up in the window of Operating Room 2:

We did a Laparoscopic Gall Bladder and when the lights went out he lit up! His mouth moved too...it was very funny and fun.  We do know how to celebrate in our own crazy way and still take great care of our patients.  Oh....I should mention that our decorated pumpkin won 3rd place...we were happy although we think ours was "THE BEST"!  It was a day filled with junk food, laughter, contests and also work.  I thought Dr. M was so tired from all the fun he needed to sit down right on the floor...

His back was hurting...Hey, I know a really good Chiropractor...just sayin'!  When I got home I tried to get a pic of the nasty weather:

It looks like a bomb is exploding..it's just my flash.  But you can see all the rain drops. Then I was trying to take a shot of my Japanese Maple tree and I caught something "paranormal":

Yes, an "orb".....every scary tale needs a ghost and here's mine.  Sort of lame...but it's the best I can do.  Happy Halloween!

Repeat Sadness

In 2010 my brother lost his wife of 41yrs to complications from leukemia.  He remarried last year and at our family Christmas gathering his new wife (Candy) told me she had found a lump under her arm and they were going to get it checked out after the holiday.  It was cancer and very advanced.  She responded well to treatment at first,  but after a long battle all year, she passed away this afternoon.  I didn't know her as well as I knew Bonnie, his first wife, but Candy was very pleasant, hard working and fit in well with my boisterous family.  She made my Brother Phil happy and they had many plans for the future.  You never know what life will hand you or why the trials keep coming.  I know Phil was devastated to go through this again and loose a wonderful partner in life.  He's a good man, a strong man, and someone that I think God knew would see Candy through this disease.  He hoped for a miracle and so did she and was left wondering about the answer to prayer and the fairness of life. I think he was her miracle.  I wonder who would have been there for her if he wasn't.  The miracle may be her release from this life of stress and pain into peace and comfort.  I know his kids weren't thrilled when he remarried...it seemed too soon to them.  But life is short, happiness fleeting.  Never judge, never say never, and don't forget to forgive. Grab that brass ring when possible and when it's time to let go, do it with grace and hope.  Here is a photo I took of them last Christmas.

Our hearts and hugs go out to you Phil.  Rest in peace Candy.

No Such Thing

There is "No Such Thing" as too much Halloween! Yes, I do enjoy this time of year. I know it's not everyone's cup 'o tea, but I'm a fan and my family has learned to just let me do my "thang".  I also work with some crazy folks who also like to have a bit of fun and have learned to let me do my thing!  Every year the hospital has some crazy events they do the week of Halloween.  There's a basket raffle that raises money for equipment and also to help employees who need extra financial assistance.  There's a costume judging and a non-carving pumpkin contest.  Usually a few of our group does the costume contest. I don't get involved in that.  I feel like a wear a costume every day as it is!  But for some reason a few of us jumped on the pumpkin  bandwagon.  I wanted a pic of the undecorated pumpkin and this was the only one I had:

The pumpkin is the round orange thing...the crazy person with the green light handles is Stephanie.  See what I have to put up with day in and day out?  Here is our finished product:

If you look closely you can see it's many surgical hands that can complete a million tasks...it's eyes that see everything at all times...it's crazy hair after you take a surgical cap off...and a knife ready to hand to a surgeon..yes folks, it's our version of a Halloween Surgical Nurse.  I'm hoping we'll win this one...wish us luck! P.S..I just noticed the "RIP" headstone. It's not the usual outcome of our surgery department. Just thought I'd mention that!

 

 

Just A Tiny Bit Of A Horror Story

Usually I'll end a post with a sunset pic, but this morning I'm going to start with one and pretend it's a sunrise!

Good morning! I haven't been posting much lately...not sure why exactly. It's not that I haven't had "blog worthy" moments.  I'm behind in visiting too so I'm going to post quickly and resume visiting later today. Yesterday was a rainy, cold October day. Sounds like the beginning of a horror story doesn't it?  Well, I got a call in the morning asking if I would be able to come into work and help with a surgery. That's sort of a horror beginning to a day off! Ha! But being the sucker nice person I am, I agreed.  The case went well, but I've been fighting a back issue, had Halloween party food to finish,  and the usual catch-up chores and errands.  I made a quick, but very helpful and healing moment in Hubby's office...thank the Lord for a good Chiropractor when it's needed..not to mention a wonderful husband who took great care of me! It was Sweetest Day and I also got a cute Mum plant in a cute planter that I'll reuse every Fall. You know I'm a sucker for cute!

Thanks Babe!  I got home from work much later than anticipated with only a short time to finish the food I had planned for the party.

Bloody bones? (BBQ chicken thighs)

Bloodshot eyeballs? (Deviled eggs anyone?)

A cake made to look like a treat bag...thankfully I had that one done by Friday night...right before the old back went into spasm! I thought it was sort of cute! The party had it's fair share of food, games, and of course costumes.

Mrs. Potato Head...(Vicky)

Witches and pirates...just a sampling. I took a few more pics but I don't like to post without permission so I'm ending this here.  Today looks sunny so far and I'm hoping to be able to enjoy a few more days of leaf peeping.

The trees seemed to be slow this season, but finally we have our color and it's not due to the sun hitting at the perfect time! Happy Sunday!

Art In The Park And Other Things

Saturday Jack had a Boy Scout clinic in Canton and I was on call so I stayed put here in Ashland.  However, I knew there was the annual "Art In The Park" event  at Brookside West and I've never been to it...so off I went!  I checked out the parking situation in case I had to leave in a hurry for an emergency.  That was no problem, so I trouped over to the many tents.

There were food vendors and all kinds of artisans.  I didn't take any pics of the booths. It seems to upset some who think you're trying to steal their ideas. So from afar this is how it looked!

Some of the items were pretty pricey but all were good quality. I found this item and thought it was different and I really liked it. Plus the price was very right...$5!

I could use it for different things...like this:

I need something surrounding the candle, but haven't decided what. I asked Jack what he thought of it. He said it reminded him of something our kids would have made in grade school...smart aleck...then I remembered this little number that Jordan made in grade school:

Maybe he as a point. Well, the weekend moved by quickly...as always.  I was excited however when I received a text message from my daughter-in-law's cousin..Leisy. She and her hubby and kiddos were going to be passing by on their way to see her twin sis in Buffalo and wanted to know if they could stop in.  Heck yes!  They have been living in Ohio while her husband was in Med school and now in his residency down in Dayton.  They've  joined us for Halloween parties, and a few Thanksgiving dinners in the past, but since moving to Dayton we haven't seen them. It was fun to catch up and see their youngest child that wasn't born yet last time we were together.

They're a cool family!  Kent is in the Air Force and will now have to serve 4yrs as a full fledged pediatrician come June.  They're hoping for an overseas experience. They are adventuresome! Thanks for stopping by guys!  

Favorite Time Of Year

So many of us love Fall.  Perhaps saying goodbye to Summer sun and fun is hard, but the gift of this time of year always makes me smile.  The air is crisp and cool right now.  We've had a bit of a warm start to October, but these past few days have been perfect. 

Cool mornings with the sun coming up over our trees.

I visited the cemetery today and I wish my photo truly captured the beauty of this tree

The Dogwood tree off our deck is in full bloom of red berries.

We joined these guys over the weekend to watch this guy play football:

Hey #70..(Anthony) congrats on winning your game 22-0!

Following an Amish buggy down my country road is an all year experience, but for some reason it's just more fun in the Fall! Yep, I do enjoy my favorite time of year!

Wow, That Was Fast!

This weekend was one of those times that seemed to go in fast forward.  I had Friday off because my family was making the trek from Chicago, which is something of a tradition each October.  Due to health and some other issues, only my Sister and Mom were able to come this year.  The weather wasn't the greatest but we managed to have a good time with my kids and grandkiddos and going to our favorite places to shop.  The weird thing was the fact that I didn't take many pics.  Friday turned out to be a test to see how many things I could accomplish before they arrived.  I did these things all before 2:30 that day:
1. Put fresh linens on bed in guest room
2. Dr, appointment for me...just routine yearly checkup...all good.
3. Post office to mail my friend Cindy her giveaway prize.
4. Stop at hubby's office for an adjustment...didn't need any back issues this weekend!
5. Wal-Mart for supplies for the party we were having that night.
6. Funeral for a dear lady from church.
7. Haircut....My Granddaughter Driana is a hairdresser and she came to my house to
    cut my hair and my Sister and Mom arrived around the same time so she cut my
    Sister's hair too!  Whew! There were a few other "inbetweener"  items but you get
    the idea.  Here is what I did manage to capture:

Addy's birthday cake I made.  She turned 5 so we had a tiny celebration Friday night. She already had one party on her actual day, which was Tuesday, and another planned with her other Grandparents on Saturday! Nothing like have a birthday week!  She wanted a ghost cake since it's October.  We were planning on having an outdoor gathering but the rains came down and we were inside instead.

Anthony and Cameron came to help eat cake and icecream!

Blowing out candles with Great-Grandma supervising.

Yep, it's great to be 5!

My Mom and my oldest son Jack enjoying some special time together.  It  was great to see Mom and Midge and I wish we were living closer than 6hrs away...but each of us tries to make it out as much as we can to celebrate seasons, special events, and thankfully many happy times.  Mom's doing great and I'm so happy she's healthy and able to go for the long drive with my Sis.  I didn't mention that my Sister actually made a slipcover for my couch in 1-1/2 days! I'll get a pic of that as soon as I have it all arranged how I want it.  She's a wonderful seamstress and I'm really thankful for her talents.  I wasn't expecting her to do that, but she knew I had wanted something different for that couch.  Thanks Midge!  See you soon!