At A Loss For Words

The month of July has been filled with one California fire after another.  There are so many burning at this time that I have lost count.  The following photos (from Cal-Fire and local citizens) were taken of new fires this past weekend in my county and the next one over.

These photos are startling and at the same time - quite magnificent.   Just look at this first photo taken by a homeowner near one of the fires.

It is so shocking to see these photos and realizing that this is taking place at this time and it is only about 25 miles from where I am.  That is about 40 minutes away.  It is the area where I go to do my shopping other than groceries.

There have been new evacuation orders and one house has burned.   And, of course, many many acres have burned.

So many people are being affected by these fires and it seems that there will be more to come.   Fire personnel are coming into the area from all parts of California.  And, yet there are other fires still burning.  The fire near Yosemite National Park is nearby and still burning.   The Fire Departments are doing a fantastic job with the unrelenting fire season.

Evacuation Centers are being set up and animals are being transported to the Fair Grounds.

Positive Energy and Prayers are needed for all involved with this crisis.

Take Care Everyone.

Mary

I Need Some Cooling Off

From the Heat of the day, Yes - - - But that wasn't the main cause of me heating up.

Have you heard of Computer Problems ? ? ?

Well, as you may recall, last fall I purchased a new laptop with Windows 10.   I use it part of the time even though I have not learned about all the great things it can do.   My older laptop has Windows 7 and was bought in 2010.    With a lot of tinkering, I have been able to bring it back to good working order.    Because I have not transferred everything to the new laptop, I find that I frequently use the older one.   It is not without it's issues.   But, I guess it is like an old pair of slippers.   They are not perfect but that ol' familiarity has a strong draw. 

I like having two computers (and have had for many years) because I use one computer to problem solve when one is in my "repair shop" !

OK, let's get to the topic of this post.   Last night, all of a sudden Windows 10 would not connect to the Internet.   After trying several attempts a message comes up and says that it will no longer be available and I will be notified later about what to do.   With all the scams that occur unexpectedly, I really did not know what to think.   So, I "closed up shop" for the night and decided to return to the very annoying situation in the morning. 

Much to my surprise, there was an email in the morning from Comcast saying that there is a technical issue with the Wireless Gateway in my home (it is an older device) and they will send an upgraded model replacement that I will have to activate.  Wow, I hope this event turns out as good as it seems at the moment.   After being "burned a few times" I believe I have become a little cynical ! !

In reality, Windows 7 has been having delays in connecting to the Internet.  Hopefully, the new device will take care of that issue also.

Until Next Time.

Mary

Close To Home

California Fire Season is in full force - unfortunately!    As well as other places in the nation.

Yesterday, very close to my home a grass fire burned about one acre .   Actually, it was on the road that I always take to go to the grocery store.  Not much more than about a mile away.  Thanks to the quick action of the Fire Department it did not spread further or involve any homes or other structures. But, that is what I call  -  to close for comfort.

Sadly, there have been many fires already this season in this County. With the Hot Hot Hot weather and the Dry Vegetation we certainly are at High Risk.  One of the fires this past week burned 50 acres and the cause was the use of a Weed Eater.  Evacuations were underway.    Such needless devastation pictured below. .   There are so many causes for these disastrous fires but I am sure we all can be more mindful of our own actions that may be careless.

Unfortunately, the government funding for weed eradication along the roadways has been reduced and the owners of a lot of the larger older ranches are unable to maintain their land for various reasons like being elderly and financial.   And, of course it is so important to ensure that you have defensible space clearance around your home and any structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. It provides a good buffer space between a wildfire and your home.  A couple years ago when this area had a huge wildfire that destroyed  hundreds of homes it certainly seemed to me that the houses with defensible space were given more attention when choices had to be made by the Firemen regarding which properties to work at saving.    We all need to do our part!

Let's also take care of our forests and our forest creatures!

Wishing you a Safe and Happy Week.

Mary

Dirty, Dirty, Dirty Work And A Few Flowers

With the excessive rain this past winter my cement driveway, sidewalks and patio now have a heavy coat of green/black moss.  It not only looks horrible but additionally it is dangerous because it is slippery. It has been several years since I have had to power wash the cement.  I already have the power washer and it does a good job but it is very time consuming.

I can only power wash for about two hours at a time because of my back/leg pain level.  And, I have already spent eight hours on the project.  I think I have about two to four hours more before it will be finished.

The cement is looking so much better.  And, it certainly feels nice and clean and certainly a lot brighter. I wanted to decorate my patio but I could not get motivated.  I think it may be that it just didn't feel nice out there.

What a huge difference the cleaning is making.   Additionally, the filth tracks into the house. However, I usually do not wear shoes in the house since I work out in the garden a lot.

The SLUDGE is really awful.  But, soon it will all be gone!  

A few more flowers caught my attention when I was deadheading some of the garden.  SOOOOO  Pretty!

And, then I noticed my photos of the next flowers and how similar they look in the photos I took a few weeks ago.

Well, another week has almost flown by.   Sometimes it doesn't seem possible that we are already in the middle of 2017 ! ! !

Take Care Everyone.

Mary

Just Turned Two Years Old And Brother Turned Four

I couldn't help myself and had to share this little sweetheart photo of my Great Granddaughter.  From what I understand, she is a little shining light when she enters a room with a big smile  -  -  -  and she is FEARLESS!      I find it very amusing that her Daddy was hoping for a second boy when they were expecting.     This little gal can sure give you a "run for your money".   Quite a bit more confident than her big brother and she already has a definite opinion on most things.   Some, would say,   "A hand full".   I say,  Go Girl!  Girl Power!

And, this is big brother, having a bite to eat while taking a break from fishing. They get along well as brother and sister and certainly seem to be enjoying their childhood.    He looks so cute,  like a Mini Old Man with his flannel plaid shirt, outdoor clothes and sturdy boots!

They sure grow up fast.    It would be wonderful if I could spend more time with them.  However, I feel blessed to have them in my life.

I decided to do something that I remembered that I did for my Granddaughter when she was little and I am going to do it for these precious Great Grandkids.  I am writing a letter on fun looking stationery to each one of them.  They need to know about "snail mail" and how it was in days past. I hope they will be amused. If not now, maybe when they are older. My Granddaughter still mentions the little notes she would receive from me. We never lived close to each other. So, it helped. I also would send her stamps and personalized return address labels with a picture of the breed of little dog she had. Thus, I also received sweet little notes from her.    A win - win!  The little (love) things that are important.

Happy New Week to all of you.  It is a little cooler today. Thank goodness.  However, temperatures over 100 are predicted for the coming weekend.

Mary

From This To This - Hollyhocks

I have loved Hollyhocks for a long time. And, here are a couple that I planted last year. They were looking so healthy a couple months ago in April. They had not had the attack of the dreaded Japanese Beetle which are one of the most voracious eating insects with many host plants. And, those beetles work fast. When I first noticed in the beginning of June the little puncture holes in my beautiful big green leaves I could clearly see four adult beetles. Fortunately, I had some organic neem-based pesticide handy and that helped tremendously to eliminate the "visitors".

They grew nicely and looked like they were soon to bloom.

And, looking healthy with good looking leaves at the top and minus all those little holes.

And, look at us now!   Tall and blooming.  See, the stars I added at the tips of the stalks so you can see what I am showing you?

I like the grouping of flowers including the Daylilies, Dusty Miller, Garua (which the bubble bees really love) Hollyhocks and the Rose on the right, nearby.      I just learned that another common name for Garua is - - - Beeblossom.  Makes sense, to me.

These are a Double White Hollyhock named ICICLE.

Quite Lovely - - - - - - I think!     Bright sunshine makes photo taking a little challenging!

Cooler temperatures are predicted for today at 103 degrees!

Happy Weekend.

Mary

Today

These flowers would have looked nice with my 4th of July blog post with the red, white and blue Patriotic theme.  I guess they are more of a lavender/purple and deep pink with white ones.  But, aren't they pretty?  Yes, they are from my garden. The white glads are certainly more robust than the others and they are planted in a different area. Soil and light exposure sure makes a difference in the garden.   I have always enjoyed the beauty of Gladiolus.  And, I am so happy to have them growing again in my garden this year.

It's a very very hot day, again, today.   If I miss a spot watering I certainly know about it the next day. For the most part, my garden is all hand watering. The limited sprinkling system on the one side (where the valve broke) hasn't worked for the past two years. I just have not had the time to work on it.  But, on the other side of the house, several years ago I made a watering system with PVC that generally does a good job, especially when I run out of time. It is not the most water conservative method but on occasion it sure helps.

Sometimes gardening (for that matter, living) on a tiny budget sure - - - - - I guess it is best that I don't say the word that fits best ! ! ! ! ! !    I think you get my point!

(photo from three years ago)

Buy the way, the broken water valve has been temporarily repaired by me. First, PVC glue was used but did not control the leakage, not heavy duty enough.  Then I found some plumbers epoxy putty that I remembered I had in the garage. Boy! does that stuff work and it sure gets hard if you can control and stop the water that may be flowing. Surface must be dry and you have to work fast. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, I can hire someone who has time to work on my "water issues"!

How about ending with another photo of my Gladiolus from last year in a more formal and fun arrangement.  Yes, I do enjoy creating floral vignettes. I guess I should do it more often.

I hope you are enjoying your summer day and looking forward to your weekend.

Mary

Thank You

Mary

When I Was 21 - - - - - A Distressful Post

In 1960 I gave birth to my first born - a precious baby boy.  

            Yes, I am a lot more transparent than any time in my seven years of blogging - for various reasons. One, is that I prefer to have the documentation and also the  "the insight"  may provide some useful information.

It was a wonderful time, happily married to a loving nicely employed man, schooling finished for the time being --- and pregnant. And what an easy and healthy pregnancy it was, without a minute of morning sickness or any prenatal complications.   When the word "Glow" is used to describe some pregnant women,   THAT was ME.  I was so happy, happy, happy!

Even though we were temporarily living an hour drive away from our "stomping grounds", we decided to have our baby at the hospital where I completed my RN Nursing Program.   Being a petite lady weighing a little over 100 pounds (before pregnancy) I was what some call   "All Baby".   When my due date came about on December 5,    no signs of a baby about to be born. I was so very ready emotionally and everything was prepared for the joyous event. Unfortunately, it was two weeks more before my water broke at 3 AM and we were on our way to the hospital. It was lovely to be greeted by a familiar smiling face at the hospital. That face belonged to one of my nursing classmates. They got me settled and LABOR was on it's way.

The contractions were getting harder and harder but it seemed like it was taking forever for the dilation numbers to move along to a higher number. There were many, many hours of fierce pain. Whatever they were doing for me in regards to pain management was NOT working. The pain was so very harsh and unbearable. Eventually, medication was administered that put me out. And, I didn't remember anything until my baby was brought to me in my room all bundled up and crying. My baby was a very unhappy baby. Not the least bit interested in nursing or being held. I was very lethargic and felt worse in ALL WAYS than I had ever felt in my life. I don't believe I can put it into words just how horrendous the experience was for me.

Now it is time for a CAVEAT. The following  information may contain TMI. You may want to shift your mind to reading this as if it is a medical informational post. Remember, this took place years ago. Procedures and philosophies have changed drastically since that time.

Unfortunately, VERY unfortunately, obstetrical forceps were used to (pull out) deliver my 8 pound, 6 ounce baby boy. My body was severely damaged and required an extensive episiotomy (a surgical cut in the muscular area between the vagina and the anus made just before delivery to enlarge the vaginal opening). Many sutures were placed and the discomfort and pain was nearly insufferable post anesthesia. There was very little helpful medical guidance. Complete relief from the stressful physical situation took more than 6 months.

I gave birth on December 20th and was discharged from the hospital on December 24th with my baby boy who seemed to be very unhappy and seemed to never stop crying. Allegedly, he was physically healthy and did not suffer any abnormalities.  My mother was with me for a week but made it very clear to us that she did not plan on being a babysitter! And, she meant it!

With trying to be as succinct as I can in telling you what my son's childhood was like, I will say. From day one, every new life experience for him was traumatic and there were hours and hours and hours of crying. He seemed to have fear of everything. Yes, of course, all available medical care was summoned to no avail. To me as a parent it seemed as though the medical professionals considered him to be "just a bad kid".  There never was baby/mother bonding.   And, life was super challenging for our little family. To this day, his behaviors, I would say, continues to be borderline in interpersonal relationships. Nothing seems to come easy for him, but he manages to get by in the margins of life.

Now, let's flash forward many years to when I was in my early 50's. I started noticing some rectal incontinence. It started around the same time as my serious back injury. So a lot was going on with me and my body. The first question was whether or not there was an association with the back surgery. Many invasive and may I say disgusting medical tests were completed at Stanford University Hospital. Some nerve evaluations along with practically every test (for down there) that you can imagine were completed during a three hour session while I was awake. That was one of the most horrible medical testing that I have ever experienced but ,   not even close to the distress of childbirth. When it was completed and I returned to the waiting room the first thing out of my mouth to my waiting friend was "I Need A Drink".   And, I hardly ever drink!

The results of the testing was a referral to a Neurological Proctologist.

Studies show that a large baby , a mother with small pelvic bones , a prolonged labor , a baby whose head is in the wrong position during labor , or the use of forceps can be associated with the development of incontinence.  Rectal Incontinence being the most difficult to manage.

But, let's try to move along regarding the difficult life my son has experienced.  Throughout his life, I have felt so very helpless.  And, he was certainly misunderstood.  After studying medical literature, speaking with many doctors and feeling profoundly happy about advancing medical science I believe that my son experienced   BRAIN INJURY   at the time of his birth. It is my thought that my presence triggers a psychological and visceral response of PAIN AND DANGER for my son! So - so tragic !!  Additionally, during his childhood he experienced a couple concussions, one when he fell from a height during playtime with friends at a very young age and he was hospitalized for two days. The other time was when he was "beat up" at school.   Terrible ! ! !

On a positive note, just think of all the football players with the current attention about concussions and blunt force to the head.  Thankfully, there is a lot more information about Brain Health!

Painfully, I tell you that many years have gone by periodically without contact with my son. Additionally, he was on foreign land many years of his military deployment. At one time I made all the arrangements to visit him in Korea.  At the last moment he "shut me out" and I cancelled the trip. Additionally, when he came to visit for my daughter's wedding, he left town the day before the event.    But the time may have come - - - along with some medical and professional psychological guidance that relationships and health for my little family may be improved before I am gone.

I pray that with knowledge, medical evaluations/treatment, new coping skills and gentle guidance that the remaining years of life for my adult children will be flowered with comfort, understanding, peace, forgiveness and excitement.

What a beautiful day we are having here in Northern California. The temperatures are very pleasant but reported to be rising to the high 90"s by the end of the week.

Happy Day To You.

Mary

There Is Going To Be A Wedding And More

In March 2018

And, this is the happy Bride-To-Be, my Granddaughter on a day recently when she shopped and found her wedding gown. I have seen a photo of her wearing the gown and it is beautiful.

And, I will show you some of their Engagement Photos.   At least, that is my understanding of what they call them even though they were officially engaged in June, 2014 in San Francisco.   So, first let's look at the 2014 photos.

And these are the recent photos next.

There lives have been so busy during the past three years and it has not been easy. Sometimes I think my Granddaughter is a  "Wonder Women".  She worked part-time, finished her education (two years) for her Bachelor's Degree and gave birth to two children and they are not twins! Because of education financing issues they waited for completion of her studies and graduation prior to marriage. She is a Stay-At-Home-Mom and they are wonderful parents. Would you say I may be a bit prejudice?  Nah!

The mechanics of living life are so very different than when I was young.  I do not know a better way to phrase those thoughts. I have quickly learned to "just roll" with the new ways and enjoy the ride. I am thrilled to be a party to any activities that my family will share with me.

As I have mentioned, I have been working with a Psychologist with a focus on repairing the  relationships with my two adult children before my journey on this earth ends. I telephoned my son's wife (daughter-in-law) and as I expected, it was good. My son has had issues since birth and hopefully todays science may be of help! His wife and I will be talking again the beginning of next week.  He is the father of my Granddaughter who is getting married.

Trust me, it is all so painful and complicated. Just like so many families. But, at least we are on our way to trying to heal. God willing and the outcome will be worth the effort. 

Over the weekend I am hoping to try to contact my daughter who in time past before her current marriage was very close to me. She may shut me down (which I fully expect), however I strongly believe her husband is the controller. The last time I saw them, he stood over me, Yelling and Screaming at me (on Thanksgiving day 3 years ago when My Special Friend was on his death bed) telling me what a terrible person he thinks I am and has always thought.  Talk about HURTFUL.  And, no one (like my daughter) came to comfort and protect me!

I parented my two preschool children as a single parent with very little support of any kind. My daughter is a Master's Degree candidate. Unfortunately, she never wrote her thesis!  And, my son is a twenty year Air Force Veteran and continues to work at an Air Force base as a civilian.

There is absolutely no contact between family members.  I'll just leave it at that!  I feel fortunate to feel strong enough to be working with what I consider to be an excellent Psychologist on this very challenging situation for me and my adult children.

Two more Daylily plants have started to bloom.

Lovely!

That's it for today.

Hope your July 4th weekend is starting with happy preparations.

Mary