Snow

Snow? In the Memphis area we know about snow we just happen to not get it very often. Some of our biggest snowfalls have been in March. We did have one in early April about 1987 or 1988. Anna was just a little girl. The apple tree was in full bloom.



This snow storm started about 1 PM. I thought we would end up with about 2 inches. The temperature was dropping and my mind started to change after a couple of hours. I was surprised by my reaction to the snow. As a wife and mother I had mixed feelings about the snow. I used to be concerned about Brent driving to work in the snow and the fact the children always wanted to go in out all day long. Wet clothes every where, thinking about all the extra laundry and if I needed to drive somewhere. Now, there is no worry about Brent driving in the snow, the children are older and don't go in and out all day and I don't have to drive anywhere. By 6:30 PM the wind was blowing hard and the snow kept on coming. It was going to be a beautiful snow. A snow that would cover the ground completely like having a soft fluffy white down comforter on your bed.





By 8:30 AM the next morning there was a beautiful yard outside. Picture perfect in my mind. I took some photographs to remember the beauty that was before me. The temperature was rising and by afternoon it would all be gone. I'm not sure how much snow we did have. At least 4 inches

Tae Kwon Do, New Belts for Abigail and Helen

The anticipation had been building all week. I was going to test for my yellow belt on Friday, March 14, 2008. I was getting nervous and was not ready to get out on that red carpet in front of everyone. What would everyone think about that old fat woman testing for a Tae Kwon Do yellow belt? Reluctantly, I wrote the check and paid for Abigail and I both to test. Some of the mothers of the other children were very supportive and told me I could do it. My thoughts were all consumed with what are "they" going to think. The drive to Tae Kwon Do took forever. Unsure of what my kicking combos were, I drilled Abigail the whole way there. She was reassuring and told me I would do just fine.

Avoiding the red carpet I sat down for a little while talking with the other mothers. They were encouraging me and said they would root me on. I found another distraction when I found out one of the students in the class was the son of a graduate from my high school. He and I caught up on over 35 years of our respective life stories. Abigail finally came for me and said it was time to warm up and practice my kicking combos. Before I knew it, the time had come for all students to line up. Our instructor, Mr. Wiggins, spoke to us asking how we were and reminding us of how hard we had worked the past two months. As a group we had to go through our drills of stretching splits, punches and leg lifts. We also seem to do a lot of sitting down and getting back up and sitting back down. By the time I get off the floor to stand the other students have already been up and down a couple of times. I just keep on going and doing the best I can. Doing your best is what is important.
These past two months have proven to me that I have more in me than I thought. The strength in my legs and arms has gotten much stronger. I realized it the other day when I had to bend down to the bottom of the refrigerator and look for something that was all the way in the back. In the photo on the left I'm doing a butterfly stretch. When I was younger my knees would be touching the floor. I wonder how long it will take for me to be able to get my knees on the floor? I notice that I sleep better and have a livelier step. One of the reasons I signed up was to get in shape. I'll admit there are pains in my knees that I'm not to fond of. They'll get better the more I work.
After doing my white pattern before the Black belt judges it was time for those dreaded kicking combos. My partner was fellow student and parent, Chris. Side kick, side kick reverse punch. That means I have to kick sideways with the top of my foot and before I let my leg down to the floor I must kick once again all the while keeping my balance. Oh, man! Holding my legs up for that short amount of time seems like an eternity when I'm doing it! It was over before I knew it. Our group, white belts through purple belts were finished and now it was time to sit and watch the higher belts break their boards. It's amazing to watch those little kids break boards.

Abigail and I received our new belts. She is now a blue belt which means she gets sticks! She's very excited about that. I'm a yellow belt. There will be new patterns for each of us to learn. After it was all over I realized that while I was out on the red carpet I wasn't thinking about what everybody thought about me. I was concentrating on what I needed to do. I really did enjoy the evening. I shook the hands of my instructors and told them I had enjoyed it. I felt it from the bottom of my heart.

Self defense, self confidence and exercise were why I signed up. I've gained them all and it feels good. You're never to old and you can teach an old dog new tricks! The embarrassment I felt before is gone. I'm doing something good for myself. Now, what's keeping you from doing something you've wanted to do?

Hospice

I visited with the caregiver today as my patient was sleeping. It is the art of small talk that makes things go smoothly. You listen, you laugh, you share your own stories and it all comes together to give the family some respite from the day to day living.

My job as a volunteer is not to change their lives or circumstances but, it is to give comfort for the long days ahead. Caring for a loved one who is in their last days can be all consuming. There is no rest for your body or your mind. The diversions of a volunteer are welcome relief.

Today as I was leaving the caregiver hugged me and thanked me for making them feel better. It is rewarding to know that simple gestures and small talk can make a difference in someone's life.

Hospices across America need your help. If you feel uncomfortable sitting with a patient perhaps you could volunteer in their office. I'm sure they could find a way to use the talents you have. Consider volunteering your time.

I came away today feeling encouraged.

A Cold Morning Walk

Abigail asked me to go for a walk Tuesday morning. It was about 34 degrees. There was a light, almost invisible snow falling. We walked up the long driveway taking small steps because of Sidney, the cat. He likes to walk right at your feet. Our yellow lab, Roscoe was also along for the walk. We saw some bluebirds and juncos. There were new buds on some of the trees. New life, new beginnings, spring is almost here! The field is full of clover which the deer love to eat. We see them sometimes in the early morning or a night. There are usually about 5-6 of them.

Abigail and I didn't stay out long. The temperature seemed colder than we thought. The kind of cold that is wet and bone chilling.

Just as we got to the end of the driveway there was some wind blowing through these pine trees. What a lovely sound. The sound of wind blowing through pines trees stops me in my tracks. Perhaps because we can't see air it's appealing listening to it whistle through pine needles.

What memories will our children have when we are gone? My children have taught me that the small moments we think are in insignificant mean the most to them. Spending time taking walks, having conversations, holding hands, hugs and kisses, listening to their ideas and thoughts, supporting their interest, preparing those specials meals, taking a drive around the community, teaching them to deal with people mean the most. They will cherish those memories. These memory making moments have nothing to do with money, but have to do with our time. Compared to a life time, their young lives are very short. The time you spend with them in their youth will last them a lifetime.

Dinner With the Children

Anna and Mike came over for a family dinner. Anna asked me to fix Pork Chops, Country Fried Potatoes, Lima Beans and Cornbread. I threw in an Organic Baby Spring Mix Salad for good measure! It's nice to have the children all together for some conversation, some laughs and catching up a news.




Mike and Anna have set their wedding date for June 07, 2008.

Hospice

I visited my hospice patient again today (Monday). I brought them some buttercups from my yard. They were appreciated. The patient was in a talkative mood again. We talked about our children, food, and the beautiful weather we had yesterday on Sunday. The patient took a couple of catnaps. We laughed, we were quite, and sometimes we just smiled at each other. As I was leaving an old friend stopped by to see how they were doing.

It takes so little to give someone joy and happiness. Being able to express their feelings helps them to relieve some of their stress.

The time I spend with my patient is uplifting and so encouraging.

My Niece and Nephew

Here are some recent photos of my niece, Kathryn, and her big brother, my nephew, Joe.

Homeschooling Group, About 1990

This photo is for all my homeschooling friends. The photo was taken in the fall of 1990 at the home of Bubba & Sarah Stewart. We were having a party for our Child Evangelism teacher, Ms Sue Taylor. My Anna is on the right in the back, the one with brown hair, peach or melon colored dress with the white collar.

It was a great time of fellowship for mothers and children. We met once a week for a couple of years. Several of these children are now grown and are homeschooling their own children.

This is my 18th year of homeschooling my own children. I can hardly believe it. The years have flown by. I have nine more years to go!

Click on the photo to see a larger size.

Organizing - Before and After

My kitchen table was a mess this afternoon. I let
one thing stay and it seems to attract more things. Most of the time I throw my hands in the air and think it will take all day long to get it cleaned. Tae Kwon Do outfits, toilet paper, books, groceries and other odds and ends filled the table. I set my kitchen timer and started sorting the items according to their home. I took my time and put everything in it's place. I went outside and picked some buttercups and made a flower arrangement. Well, it certainly didn't take all day long. I was finished in 13 minutes! Now, it's a pleasant place to eat a meal. Fresh flowers always bring a smile and make guest feel welcome. I did add some baby's breath leftover from a bouquet of roses. I added some Nandina berries for more color. I bought the tablecloth at the Dollar Tree. I think next time I'll invest a few more dollars for a sturdier tablecloth. The table is very old. After my parent's home burned in January of 1960 we were given this table by one of Momma's friends, Juanita. :) It really needs to always have a tablecloth on it. I think it must have had another leaf in it. I grew up eating most of my meals at this table. Momma was one of those mothers who would hover around the table serving the family and not sitting down to eat her meal. One of my favorite memories is after dinner. Momma would empty all the leftover tea in her glass add sugar and lemon. I loved taking sips of it. Daddy wouldn't let us kids have sugar in our tea, salt our food at the table or eat to much butter. I guess since Momma was an adult and the parent she could have her tea anyway she wanted it!

The World is Waiting for the Sunrise

First and most importantly this is a secret between me and you. I have taken parental control and made a decision that may get me in trouble with my son. Mum's the word. You didn't find this out from me, please! :) Probably best not to leave a comment and then he won't know!

In July when we went to Oklahoma (my dream trip) so Samuel could record a CD with our friend, Terry. While Abigail and I traipsed the countryside of Oklahoma for cemeteries, Samuel was recording his CD. It's all banjo tunes, because Sam does NOT sing. I have yet to have it reproduced. I better get on it! He and Terry put a lot of hard work and long hours into this CD.

This was one of the songs Samuel played at Brent's funeral. It's one of my favorite tunes.

Go to YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObW-NXqNGF8 and you can listen.

Remember, mum's the word!

Greenbeans in the Garden - The West Girls

Visit YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ3CPlD9YD8
You'll be watching the video of my friend Vicki West and her girls. I met Vicki and her family 23 years ago during which time we attended the same church. Vicki is an open, vivacious woman who has embraced the simple life. I had not seen her in many years. Back during the summer I was taking Samuel to the pickin' in Jackson, TN. I also happened to run into my friends, the Rhodes, who I had not seen in a few years. During the conversation I found out that Vicki was also there. My friend, Joanie, had her camera ready while I surprised Vicki with my presence. We gave each other the biggest, hardest hug. We were so happy to see each other. She stopped singing and Joanie, Vicki and I had a long wonderful conversation. We all felt the need to fill the void of all those lost years of personal contact. We took up where we left off! We talked about our children, homeschooling and all our blessings!

Vicki was the one who told me about frying squash blossoms! Yummy!

Vicki and her daughters were the winners of some contest (I can't remember now) and the prize was a music video and the making of a CD. Vicki graciously gave me one her CD's.

I hope you'll enjoy their music.

Tae Kwon Do

This photo of Abigail was taken on February 20, 2008. She's a purple belt, which is hard to see in this dark photo and with her wearing her blue suit. We usually take an adult class together and the other classes she takes with her peers. Taking classes with her peers she is able to spar. As a white belt I don't spar, yet!

I'm still alive! Through all the aches and pains of being an "older" student I can feel myself becoming stronger. Tonight (Friday, February 29th) we had to partner up. I partnered with a lady who is a black belt. She is shorter and not a heavy lady like myself. Oh, man! She does have power is that small body. We were partners a couple of weeks ago. Using the chest pad we did side kicks. I was in a back stance ready to take her kick. Knowing she was a black belt I felt sure she could kick pretty hard. That first kick knocked me back three feet. I was so surprised! She thought I was hurt. I explained that I wasn't hurt just shocked that she could kick so hard!

Tonight we used the chest pad again. We had to punch, punch and then hit with our elbow. While doing these punches we had to walk down the length of the red carpet and do it again back down the carpet. By the time I got to the end I was breathing heavy. Then, it was her turn. Down and back. It's easy to hold the pad. The next round was punch, punch, elbow hit and then a knee kick. When the knee comes up you grab your partners shoulder/shirt and pull them to you as you kick. While kicking you must make sure your knee is high and that your foot does not dangle. No dangle of the foot means someone else doesn't sweep with their foot and knock you down. Down the red carpet we go. The first pass had me winded and worn out. I was oblivious to what everyone else was doing. I wasn't conscious about how I looked. I only wanted to finish the drill. I thought each step, each punch and kick would be my last. My mouth was like the arid land of the desert! I need to practice breathing through the nose, and out through the mouth. The next drill was less exhausting! We started with the chest pad. We had to use a knife hand strike (open hand, fingers together and strike with the outside edge of the hand), then a ridge hand strike ( open hand, thumb tucked inside and strike with the inside or meaty part of the hand). Those pads seem mighty hard. Our last drill would be much easier!! Our partner held an old x-ray paper. We had to do a knife hand strike, ridge hand strike, spin and do another knife hand strike all while walking the red carpet! We did all these drills in about 30 minutes. The last sequence of strikes I lost my balance and went tumbling towards the wall. My partner was grabbing for me while I was reaching for the rails on the wall. Thankfully, I never hit the floor. I did not come out unscathed! There is injury to my big toe on my right foot. At the time I thought I may have jammed it a little. Now, 4 hours later I'm not sure. It's starting to hurt and uncomfortable to walk. The pain is moving up to the rest of my foot. Abigail has gone to the kitchen to get me some ice to put on it. Hmmm! I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Great Day Organizing

Today was a great day to organize. I helped the homeschooling mother who won first prize for 8 hours of my time to help organize her space. The Mother's Dinner was our first time to meet. Our day together was productive and we had a sweet time of fellowship. I'll be going back for one more day to help her organize.

On the drive to her home I was daydreaming about what I might find. I walked into her living room and thought she was much to hard on herself. It was tidy and clean. I couldn't imagine why she would need any help from me! Her clutter was hidden and really not that bad. She has a clean home and most would think she had no problems. Upstairs was a different story, yet it wasn't shameful. Not nearly as bad as she would believe.

I look forward to our next visit.

Shirley May Berry Currie

08 NOV 1922 - 27 FEB 1993, Today marks the 15th anniversary of my mother's death. It's hard to believe she's been gone that long. Momma was a pleasant woman ready to serve her family. For 20 years she worked as a Nurse's Aide at St. Joseph Hospital, on the third shift. While we were at school she was at home sleeping. By the time we made it home from school, she had already started dinner. Everything was made from scratch. Chicken 'n Dumplings, Pinto Beans and Cornbread, Lemon Meringue Pie with homemade crust, assorted cakes made from scratch, and just so we didn't get bored she would prepare something like Veal Parmesan. Every Sunday we had Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, a green vegetable and homemade rolls. The nurses on Momma's shift would say, "Currie why don't you just give them TV dinners?" The closest we ever came to having TV dinners were the times my Daddy would go out of town on business. Momma would have fried shrimp and frozen cream pies. It was exciting for us kids knowing we would get to eat those special treats! The three of us kids would sit down at the dinner table. She was taking the last of the shrimp out of the frying pan. She would count out the shrimp so that we each had the same portion. She was always fair.

After she retired her goal was to identify all the trees on the 52 acre property, to read a biography of each President, sew, and do volunteer work of some kind. She was a docent for the Memphis, TN Wonders Series, Catherine the Great and Splendors of the Ottoman Sultans.

She spoiled me after the birth of Anna and Samuel. She would come over everyday at 5 PM for about 2 weeks and bring a full course meal.

She was much beloved by her siblings. Being the oldest girl she was almost like a second mother to them.

I miss her when the spring comes. She enjoyed gardening and was always puttering around the yard, even enjoying mowing the lawn. She was a birdwatcher, great cook and loving grandmother too.