The Beach

June 2nd Prompt - Write about a time you visitied the beach.

Beach picture from Pixabay

Though I had seen the ocean on a couple of occasions, my first time to actually go down to the beach was on our honeymoon. We stayed at a hotel overlooking the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon. Our room had sliding glass doors with a view of the ocean. They opened up to a short flight of steps leading down and you were right on the sandy beach. Even though it was July, the air was cold enough for a light sweater or wind breaker. I remember walking along looking for seashells and pretty rocks. I didn't find too many shells, but I picked up a couple rocks for my collection. It was nice walking beside the ocean with my new husband, my love. It was fun seeing sandpipers running along the beach. We took off our shoes and walked in the very cold water. The sights, the smell of the fresh air, the sound of the waves, and the smile on my new husband's face are some of my happiest memories. 

#growmeastory

© 02JUN2022 ajjahner

Procrastinating...

I found the following in my "Drafts" folder. I've decided to go ahead and publish it today. The original blog post was written May 14, 2013, and was supposed to have photos of the table, which I haven't found yet. About time it was published on Blogger.

Original Post:

Posting today is just another way of procrastinating.  I'm supposed to be cleaning and sorting, but I'm just now on my first cup of coffee and can't quite get myself motivated yet.

It was a productive weekend.  I think I mentioned that I'd given away my dining table and chairs.  I just wanted something different.  I was looking for a rustic farm table.  Something I wouldn't feel back about putting extra nicks in, while working on craft projects.  A couple weeks ago, a neighbor was on the end of a three day yard sale.  I kept looking out my window and seeing a table sitting there.  I thought it was being used to display the small stuff, but finally got my husband to walk over with me just before she closed up.  I got the table for $10.00!

We've been working on it.  PJ sanded down the top.  We tried one finish, which we both hated, and he sanded it again.  I'd been thinking about a "shabby" white finish, but while looking at stain colors from Minwax, I spotted a water based stain called "River Stone" which has a blue tone to it.  I had my vision!  PJ painted the table legs black, and roughed them up a bit.  I used the River Stone stain on the table top.  It was a process of applying, wiping off, sanding, reapplying, wiping off... When it had the rustic look I wanted, PJ applied three coats of a water based Polycrylic finish.  I love it!  It's exactly what I envisioned!  

Beautiful Day...

It has been a lovely Saturday. I spent some time chatting with my oldest son about school, movies, life, etc. I edited photos for my youngest son's upcoming college graduation. Laundry is finished and put away. Checked Facebook, but nothing too interesting there. Read a couple chapters in the current novel I'm reading. Now here I am, following through on writing a few words each day.

Yesterday, I discovered we have ducks nesting in the front flower bed again. Oh dear! I was hoping they would find a less "high traffic" place to do this. The road behind us, which they have to cross with their ducklings, is now four lanes instead of two. I don't even want to think about it...

Last evening, my oldest son had his dad and me watch the most recent Star Wars movie. It was so good! It took me back to when I saw the original back in 1977! Action, humor, surprises! I was shocked at the loss of one of my favorites, but I will refrain from naming them. I'm sure I'm not the only one who hadn't seen this movie yet, and I'd hate to post a spoiler. For me, the Star Wars magic was finally back, and I'm looking forward to seeing what else they may have in store for us!

Christmas Traditions, and These are the Days of Our Lives...

I'm surprised Days of Our Lives has weathered the demise of the soap opera, but it's been around for a long time. It was mom's favorite. When I lived in Phoenix, before the advent of VCR's, mom had to work when the show aired. She convinced me to watch it for her and call her with the highlights once or twice a week. It was a connection with mom, and I became a fan of the show.

I haven't watched it for many years now, but while switching channels today, I inadvertently came across the end of todays episode. At Christmastime, they have a tradition on the show where they decorate the tree with special ornaments. The family members names are on each of the ornaments. It brought back a flood of memories of my mom, and made me think about the importance of traditions in families.

We still hang stockings by our fireplace, and every Christmas I have certain ornaments I love to decorate with, because it has become part of our holiday tradition. I have several given to me by my mom and my grandparents that are special to me, I have one with my dad's name written on it, some gathered over the years such as "Our First Christmas Together" which we purchased the year PJ and I were married, an angel given to me by my in-laws, ornaments I bought when our boys were born, and so many others. This year we had a tiny tree, and many of our ornaments are in storage, but I managed to put a lot of my favorites on our little tree. There's a special feeling I get from following our family traditions. I think they're important, and they definitely give me joy.  I hope each of you celebrated your holiday with traditions special to you, and I hope you had a Merry Christmas!

My Saturday...

I have had a somewhat productive Saturday. While my husband is at his favorite car show in Emmett, Idaho, I've been sorting through boxes of keepsakes and dividing them into keep, donate, or sell stacks.

In the background I've been listening to some Martha Stewart Christmas programs on Hulu. It's the perfect time of year to be creating handmade cards, ornaments and gifts, so they're done well before the holidays arrive. Right now Aretha Franklin is singing "Silent Night" and I can't help but think of mom, who would pull out Christmas movies every summer during the July heat.
"Sleep in Heavenly Peace" Oh my, nobody can sing it quite like Aretha!

MJ is off to a summer luau with friends. EJ is hanging around here and has offered to help me bake a batch of cookies to send to church camp, for the kids to enjoy this coming week.

I'm having a great Saturday. As Martha would say, it's a good thing!

A Sense of Humor...

Having a sense of humor goes a long way to help any situation seem better. Occasionally, just for fun, my husband or I will read the Horoscopes in the newspaper. This morning he read his to me, which made us both laugh.

"You have enough energy, motivation and stamina for two people, which is good because your partner might be dragging. Match his or her pace first, and then slowly pick it up."

"Might be dragging." Oh my, how true this is! After reading it to me, he smiles and says, "If I start where you're at, it may take me a long time to get up to speed!" We both had quite a laugh about that! I'm so thankful I have a husband who is able to laugh about the difficulties we face with my MS, at least some of the time. The ability to laugh and to find humor in what life throws at you, makes the journey so much easier. Fretting and getting frustrated, which if I'm honest we both do at times, makes it all seem harder. It's better to find that little grain of humor. Something to take your mind off the negative and lighten your mood and your heart. It certainly helps to have a husband, a partner in life, who has the ability to laugh and find joy in the midst of it all! His ability to make me laugh is one of the first things I loved about him. I am blessed to have him in my life!

Things We Take For Granted...

There are things I often take for granted. Oddly, my health is one of them. Even with the struggles I've had, I still forget it's something to be thankful for, to be cared for and nurtured. Over the past couple of months, I've had some big reminders as I struggle against some setbacks.

Time with family is another. When everyone is around, I tend to forget to focus on the moments as they're happening. I get wrapped up in the busyness of activity. I need to remember to be taking those mental snapshots, pasting them into my memory. Physical photos can disappear, but the things we carry in our hearts remain with us.

Since Valentine's Day is approaching, I've been thinking about the things I love and what I hold dear. My greatest treasures are my husband and my sons. Each one is irreplaceable. Each one is unique. Each one is loved. I don't often try to put my love for them into words. It's not easy to describe adequately, but they are my heart! I love them beyond measure, beyond words, beyond anything else in my life. If I had nothing else in this life, they would be more than enough!

It's May Already!

I'm shocked I missed an entire month of blogging!  Life has had some ups and downs, and I've just been very busy.  I've been taking care of some health issues, working on my family tree, done a little bit of work on my book, and a lot of other stuff!  Too much for one post.

I'm getting ready to go on a trial run with a new MS medication, so I had a brain MRI today as a new "baseline" to refer back to.  It had been about 4 years since the last brain scan.  They alternate, so two years ago it was the spine.  I'm excited about this new medication.  It's not a cure, there isn't one yet, but it is supposed to slow down the progression.

Afterwards, my husband took me out for lunch, which we rarely do these days.  It was so nice to be out with him!  Then we went to a second hand furniture store that I like.  I found a gently used sofa and chair at a bargain price!  They'll be delivered in a couple days, and my old sofa will go back with them to be placed on consignment!  A few days ago, my sweet husband brought home a new TV.  It's got a much bigger screen, so I can actually see it, and even read words on it!  We were able to indulge in a little shopping due to the road widening behind our home.  We're losing a wide chunk of the easement at the back of our lot, so there is a small financial compensation.  I'm hoping there will be enough left for some new flooring or carpet too!  Have to wait and see on that!

Well, I will try to be back a little more often.  No promises though!  Spring has been beautiful, and I have several projects lined up!  Wishing all of you a beautiful week!

Move In Day!

Tomorrow is "Move in day" for my youngest son.  Even though he won't be terribly far away, it's going to be so strange to have an empty nest.  My emotions have been on a crazy roller coaster for the past two weeks. I felt well enough to get out and make a couple "dorm shopping" trips with him.  Fun!  He and my husband are out on the very last shopping excursion, as we forgot new sheets, a lamp, and a shower caddy... rather important items!

This was from our visit to the campus last July!

Being the OCD personality that I am, I've had to wash every new item purchased.  I lost count of how many loads of laundry I've done in the past two days, and as soon as those sheets come in the door they'll go right into the washer!  When I told my husband I had to wash our son's sleeping bag (it hadn't been used all year and was in a box in the garage), he just snorted. Honestly, I'm so lucky he puts up with me!  Anyway, it was in the dryer for an hour and still not dry, so I just draped it over two lawn chairs.  If any of nature's critters dirties that bag, there will be heck to pay!  It may have a slight wildfire smoky odor, but we've lived with the smoke smells for so long that EJ will probably not notice. It's got to be better than stale, garage odor... right?  He has to have it for the two day Wilderness Experience that all freshman are required to attend.  Praying that there will be no problems with wildfires or excessive smoke blowing over into the area they'll be in.  It's near McCall, Idaho, and is such a beautiful place!

My oldest, MJ!

My oldest son, MJ, started classes last Monday.  After working a few years, he decided it was time to get back to school.  He's studying at BSU, while working full-time.  I'm so happy for them, and so proud!  I still don't know where all the years have gone.  Friends are always asking me why my boys are so nice, and how did I get to be so lucky that they never gave me any trouble.  Well, I don't know.  PJ and I certainly did our best, but really, they are just kind-hearted, wonderful men.  I prayed for boys who would have kind hearts, like my grandpa and like their dad... my prayers were answered.

So many seasons, so many memories.  Too many to post, but here are a couple of photos from their childhood days...

So many summers...

And winters

I'll be back after the big move-in weekend, with some new memories made to add to the thousands I already hold in my heart, and I'll let you know how it went.

Fire!

Here in Idaho, we're surrounded by wildfire in the surrounding mountains and deserts.  Sadly, we've even made the national news this evening.  I live near the capitol city of Boise, and we've been living with heavy levels of smoke in our air for what seems like weeks.  Those who work in the outdoors, like my husband does, have been faced with breathing issues.  PJ comes home with irritated lungs and eyes.  I can only imagine how difficult it is on the men and women on the fire lines, risking their lives fighting these fires.  It seems like the whole northwest is under siege, even down into California.

My heart and prayers go out to those who have lost lives, homes, livestock, pets, and those who are still on the verge of evacuation.  We could use a heavy, cleansing rain; a break from the heat and from the fires.

Summertime...

It's been quite the summer.  I lost the urge to write somewhere along the way.  There are just so many changes going on in our lives that creativity had to take a backseat.  I haven't even been keeping up with my email.  I have over 1400 messages to work through.  Yikes!  It's going to take me forever.  Thankfully, I'm sure most of them are spam-type advertisements from sites I visit.  I just have to have the patience get on it.

I've been watching a lot of the Olympic competition.  Kristin Armstrong is from my home state, and my husband got to attend a big celebration in her honor today.  Here's a photo of him with Kristin.

My handsome husband with Kristin Armstrong!

He got a signed postcard and poster.  He'd almost given up as the lines were so long, but when he found out I was happily eating leftover Chinese food and watching Scottish TV shows on Netflix, he decided to grab a slice of pizza and wait it out.  I'm so glad he did.  The weather is still too hot for me to get out much, but I love that he can go enjoy the events.  Plus, he shares the goodies with me.  The poster is really nice.  It's the picture of her with her little boy!  It's one of those "once in a lifetime" moments that are so special.  We're really proud to have a lady like Kristin represent Idaho, as well as the USA!

Dallas...

My husband is off to the Father's Day car shows, which is tradition for us.  We'll be celebrating with our sons, this evening, over dinner and a movie.

I'm sitting here watching the pilot of Dallas.  JR is back!  Yes, I was a huge fan of the show back in the day.  I still remember where I was when I watched the episode, "Who Done It?" revealing the question millions had been waiting to see the answer to... "Who Shot JR?"  It was being shown on a big screen TV, in the upstairs room of a local pub.  I was with a group of friends, and it was definitely the big deal of the day.

According to Wikipedia, The "Who Done It?" episode received the highest domestic ratings at that point, with over 90 million American viewers tuning in for the answer.  That record was broken only by the last episode of M*A*S*H in 1983. Wikipedia states that internationally, Dallas still holds the record for the most-watched episode, with nearly 360 million viewers tuning in to see who shot J.R.

I'm enjoying this new episode so far, but I don't know if it can pull me in like the original series did.  That was a different time for me.  I was totally wrapped up in Country Music, cowboys, and the fantasy of striking it rich.  Youthful fantasies.  It is fun looking back and remembering who I was, or at least who I thought I was.  I always got a kick out of Larry Hagman, from the time he was Captain/Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson on I Dream of Jeannie, until the iconic roll of J. R. Ewing on Dallas.  Larry's definitely looking his age.  In fact, a lot of my favorite stars and musicians are either older, very elderly, or have passed on.  I guess that means I'm not as young as I think I am.  I still have "young" thoughts, and then I catch a glimpse of an older, greying woman and realize that's my reflection looking back at me.  I'm not complaining, it just still surprises me a little bit.

I hope you're all having a wonderful Father's Day weekend, I certainly am!

Just Checking In...

First of all, I'm hating the new blogger layout!  I have a hard time adjusting to new formats, so I feel lost right now.

Secondly, does anyone know how to stop following a blog?  I tried to figure it out, but can't seem to make any changes.  I have decided if I am not inspired, uplifted, connected by friendship... maybe it's time to stop following.  Especially if there are things that I find uncomfortable.  Everyone has the right to post about anything they want, and rather than complain or rant in their comments (which I find that a lot of people do), I'd rather just quietly slip away.  If you know how to do this, please let me know.  I just can't seem to find the right "button" or place to do this.

Life has been hectic.  My family is still working through the loss of my father-in-law.  PJ made another trip with his sister to take care of things at the house, etc.  I'm continuing to work on organizing my home, and trying to plan a graduation celebration for my youngest.  He actually received his diploma in the fall, but we were waiting until good weather so that family could come.  He has been accepted into a very good college and will be living there, starting in August.  I am going to feel a little lost with both sons gone from home.  I do have a long list of new hobbies I want to try, and maybe even take an online course myself, so I plan on keeping very busy.  Even doing that, I know it will be a huge adjustment for me!

I've missed all of you!  I still don't have a new computer, but have this little laptop I bought from MJ. It's a little Apple, and I'm still learning how to use it.  I hope to be blogging more consistently before long!

Wishing you peace...

A Sweet and Sad Farewell...

Today was the funeral service for my father-in-law.  This was such a difficult day, especially for my husband, his sister, and my sons.  He was a WWII Veteran, so has been buried at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.  It was pouring rain, but we got a brief reprieve right about the time we needed the casket moved to the Committal Pavilion, a covered area where the service was held.

As we drove up the hill toward the Pavilion, I saw the soldiers standing at attention.  That meant so much to us.  I had never been to a military funeral and didn't know what to expect.  It does go very quickly, because they have services every hour.  It's handled with dignity, precision, and respect, from the moment you arrive until Taps is played.

My husband and sons were pallbearers.  Even though it's just a short movement of the casket, from vehicle to a transport cart, I was so proud to see my boys do this for their grandpa, and my husband for his dad.  One final act of love and respect for their grandpa, and of my husband for his father.  It's heartbreaking to say farewell, but we believe he was welcomed home by those he loved, those who had made the journey before him.  We will miss him.

I'll be absent for a bit...

My father-in-law passed away earlier today.  I may share about him another day, but today is too soon.  I'll just leave you with a couple of favorite photos...

Fishing with Grandpa PJ

With Grandpa PJ at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center - 1998

Our Lucky 13, EJ with Grandpa PJ

MJ and Grandpa

We have some beautiful memories... We'll miss him so much...

It's Just One Of Those Days...

PJ and his sister in Chicago, 2010

My sister-in-law, my husband's only sibling, made a long drive to our valley for the weekend.  The plan was to drop a newer engine into PJ's 1952 Chevy.  She was really looking forward to helping with it, and PJ was so happy.  It meant time with his sister and a much better engine for Old Blue!  

PJ's Old Blue 52!

As with many of our plans lately, it is not meant to be.  The Chevy engine was originally build for a 56.  Some brackets were changed between 52 and 56.  It will not fit!  Engine dreams have been crushed.  What to do tomorrow to replace the "main event" of the weekend?  We don't know yet.  I'll post an update after we figure it out. 

It's December, and Changes Just Keep Coming...

My  heart is going so many directions today.  I'm just getting over a flu bug.  It decided to hit the day I brought my husband home from the hospital.  He had two hernias repaired.  He's been in quite a bit of pain.  You forget how much you use some of those lower abdominal muscles.  He's doing much better today, as am I.  It's strange to have PJ out of commission, he's one of those guys that rarely gets sick and always likes to be busy.  Now that he's in less pain, maybe he can enjoy the two weeks at home.  He'll have time to caught up on some reading and watch some of those movies he hasn't gotten to see.

My youngest son received his High School Diploma this fall.  It was a long journey for him, overcoming illness and delays.  We still haven't planned a celebration, but hope to do that in the spring.  He is looking at schools and making decisions on what he wants to do.  He is still very interested in computer engineering, producing videos, and continuing with his cello.  Recently, he built his own PC!  It has all the bells and whistles that he's always wanted.  He's also started a fitness plan and is dropping weight!  I may have to hire him as my trainer.  Maybe after the holidays are over with. 

My youngest, EJ, building his own computer!

My oldest son was living with us for the past few months.  He found a roommate that he gets along with very well, and they found their dream apartment.  It's in the upstairs of an old home.  It's so nice.  He moved over Thanksgiving weekend.  I'm thankful that he's just in the next town.  He already told me he plans to come to our home for Christmas Eve and spent the night!  I'm glad of that.  I'm not quite ready to give up my Christmas mornings with my boys.  I will probably never be.

My niece leaves for Seattle on Friday morning.  I'm going to miss her so much.  She's been my Gilmore Girls and movie buddy.  It just won't be the same without her around.  I'm definitely going to feel it on Christmas Eve, which is our traditional holiday time together.  She's rooming with her sis and friends, so she already has a home waiting.  She'll be joining the music scene in Seattle, and I hope this will jump start a career for her.  She has awesome talent!

Speaking of Christmas, I have to share this YouTube video.  This is my cousin, Laurie and honorary cousin, Tammy.  They created a Christmas CD last year, and this is one of the songs from it.  Don't forget to pause my Playlist first.  This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs.  I hope it blesses you.

What Happened To October?

Oh my! Time flew away while I was busy enjoying the warm days, crisp nights, and colorful leaves.  I woke up today and it really is November!  It's been raining/snowing/raining/cold/wintry, and I just wasn't ready for that.  Oh well, I have started my Christmas shopping and list making.  I took down the Halloween stuff and put up the Thanksgiving decor.  I'm ready for whatever comes!

One wonderful thing that happened this week... my youngest son got all the pieces and parts delivered yesterday and sometime in the wee hours of the morning, he built his own computer!  The best part, he's selling me this one at a great discount, so now I have my own PC again.  I'm thrilled!

Warm thoughts going out to all the folks with outside jobs, like my husband.  He is one of the dedicated employees of the Post Office who will deliver your mail, no matter what the weather!  It is totally worth the price of a stamp to me!  I love getting mail... real mail... the kind you hold in your hand.  Post cards, letters, packages, fun! 

Oh, and while I'm talking about the Post Office, I just have to rant a bit...
I'm heard a lot of comments about packages being destroyed by letter carriers.  You would not believe how poorly people wrap packages to be sent through the mail.  Please wrap it like it's going to be tossed into a truck, onto a plane, stacked under hundreds of other boxes... not like you're hand-carrying it to Grandma's house in your own car.  By the time precious boxes of goodies reach your own letter carrier, they have traveled many miles under rigorous conditions.  And please be good to your carriers.  My husband has delivered everything from bills and birthday cards to live chicks and the ashes of somebody's loved one.  He takes pride in his job.  He watches out for the people on his route, especially the elderly. The following quote became part of the USPS 2001 Comprehensive Statement on Postal Operations.  It's a creed my husband lives by.

We are mothers and fathers. And sons and daughters. Who every day go about our lives with duty, honor and pride. And neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor the winds of change, nor a nation challenged, will stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds. Ever.

Time passed so very quickly...

It's been a busy week, but I just wanted to say "Hello" to all!  My oldest son celebrated his "quarter century" birthday on Monday.  How can that be? It seems like yesterday I was waiting for his arrival.

And soon he'd arrived...

I can't post all the photos that are precious to me, but here's one I love...

My son has given us so many moments of Joy... and still does!  He makes this world a brighter, better place, and I am a better person for having known him.  I am blessed!

Summertime is flying by...

This has been the craziest summer!  One unplanned thing after another.  Since my last post, we had another pricey disaster...

This is one branch from our willow!

Makes our home look tiny by comparison.

A huge branch from our Willow tree fell!  Thankfully, it dropped directly across the back lawn, right between our fence and our patio cover.  It did hit our little Maple, which has survived, but it broke off most of the branches on one side.  It looks a little sad.  Anyway, you would not believe how expensive it is to have a tree removed, and we even had them leave the stump.  On the bright side, our yard looks much bigger, and we have a place to create a rock garden!

Paul, getting ready for his flying lesson!

Doesn't my husband look happy?  If I had know how tiny the helicopter was going to be, I don't think I could have bought him the lesson.  I'm not a fan of flying, and this would have pushed my fear of heights and flying too far.  Plus it had no door!  I would have taken one look and walked away.  He said whenever he shifted his weight he could feel the chopper shift!  He wouldn't try "driving" it again... too complicated and touchy, but he loved being up there. 

I'm making progress on my summer projects, and must get back to work.  I'll try and check in again soon.  Until then, I hope you're all having a wonderful summer!