Worrying, Walking, and Writing

I know worrying is wrong.  I really try not to worry.  Actually, there are so many things I don't worry about and just let slide off.  I have come along way in the last 20 years to let things go and turn it over to God.  However, there is one area of my life that I just can't stopping worrying about--anything involving my niece and nephew.

This then leads me to lots of talks with God.  Most things I turn over to God.  I really work to let it go and just pray.  However, with my niece and nephew, I can't help but think of ways to make their lives better--to give them the best education, the most experiences, the best in life.

This leads me to ask God, "Why?". I hate that I do that.  I feel guilty that I can't just accept God's plan and wait.  I hate that I think the views, thoughts, and plans I have dreamed up for them are better than whatever God's plan is.  Maybe my plan is fine with God, but it will take time for others to realize and adopt my ideas and plans. How can the current situation or other things mentioned of late be what is best for them?  How can that be God's plan when there are better options?

In order to deal with my frustrations, questions, prayers, thoughts, and worries, I have thrown myself into walking and writing.

I start walking and really don't want to stop.  Some walks are with my BFF, and we talk about work and how to solve various work related issues.  Other walks are alone for me to process my thoughts and to talk to God.  I'm sure He is tired of me asking the same questions over and over, but I just can't get things processed and worked out that involve others' decisions.  I know there are lessons for me to learn, patience to have, a better plan from God, but I want to act, take charge, fix things.

I have turned to writing too.  If anyone is reading my blog, I am sure you are bored to tears.  My life is not that exciting, and I use it to process my thoughts about the hurt, anger, and loss I feel. I'm sure this is not an exciting blog and full of negativity rather than great ideas.  I'm sorry.  I have to use the blog for various reasons--to process, which I don't even really get the right words on paper, to share ideas for Girl Scouts, as a record of my crazy life, and just share info with others.

Thank you for listening and letting me share.  I will continue to pray and hope I can come to grips with God's plan.

Pros and Cons to Vacationing in West Texas

Pros to vacationing in West Texas:

-There are neat historical sites.
-There are neat state and national parks.
-If you are into lots of space, this are is for you. Everything is really spread out and there is ton of space.
-There are long scenic drives.
-Life is just different here.
-There are mountains and desert areas.
-The stars are amazing!
-It is a different experience everyone should experience.
-There are great "Mom & Pop" restaurants to try.
-You can see/touch Mexico without a lot of trouble.
-State and National Park employees are great--nice, polite, helpful.
-Spending precious time with my niece & nephew, making memories, and sharing great adventures & experiences.  These moments are priceless!



Cons to vacationing in West Texas:

-Most chain restaurants & hotels have not made it to these towns.
-It is not easy finding local eateries.
-It is not easy finding websites or Facebook pages for local eateries.  (I guess they don't really have to put their info out there for the world.)
-They haven't heard of gluten, don't know how to pronounce it, don't know what it is, and don't always have the most nutritional choices for those needing to be gluten free.

-Gas stations are few and far between.

-Gas is much more expensive (it is about $0.60+ more than when/where we left). I guess this is b/c there are so few stations, and they can charge whatever they want.

-Not sure I would choose this part of the state for a "girls only" weekend.
-Although you can drive 70-80 on the major highways and 70 on the state highways, you don't get anywhere fast b/c everything is so spread out.

-Restaurant owners, greeters, and waiters/waitresses are not nearly as friendly, welcoming, or courteous.

-You easily sunburn and sweat.  

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 6

Today, we headed back, but we wanted to see what we could visit along the way.

During breakfast, we discussed our plan for the day.  We could either see anything else they wanted there near Ft. Davis (really, not much left) and then see whatever was available in the towns along I-10 on the way back OR we could go to Big Bend National Park and then see whatever we could along I-10 on the way back if it wasn't too late.  

We decided to go to Big Bend National Park.  We overlooked the Rio Grande Valley, saw the Rio Grande River, and looked across to Mexico while at the Hot Springs area.

My GPS said BBNP was a little over an hour away from Alpine, where we had out motel.  Well, that wasn't exactly true.  That must have been to the northern most point, but that was fine.  I can't remember how far it was to Marathon and then it was 70 miles to the park "gate" and then 2 miles to the check-in and then 26 miles to Panther Junction (kind of in the middle) and then 20+ miles to the Rio Grande Overlook and Hot Springs.  All was fine. Let's just say that I didn't adhere to the 45 mph in the park.  Too dang slow!  We figured we would actually see the Rio Grande River at the Rio Grande Overlook.  Nope!  We went to the Hot Springs, and we found water (a stinky portion of the river) and could see Mexico across. To get in and out of the Hot Springs area, you had to drive on the edge of a cliff (literally).  There were rocks jutting out on the passenger's side and nothing but drop off on the driver's side.  Yes, I was driving.  I was unnerved! There is one way in and one way out.  We went back to Panther Junction (had to get gas) and then back to Marathon.

We got to experience Border Patrol on our way back--3 officers and a dog.

Make sure you have plenty of gas in this part of the state.  Gas in Marathon was $3.95 a gallon, and it was $3.80-$3.85 in the Park.

The next town we came to was Fort Stockton.  Still not a lot of choices for places to eat.FYI:  They have no idea what gluten is, what it is in or not in, or even how to pronounce it.  Do not go to Subway b/c they do not have gluten free bread or Thousand Island dressing.  Also, the Sonic Manager was not friendly either, and thanks to him, we just ate on the road as we drove.  I was never more ready to leave a town than I was Fort Stockton today.

Our final stop was in Ingram where there is a replica of Stonehenge and the statues on Easter Island.  When I visited Stonehenge in England in June 1994, I was so disappointed I couldn't go stand in the very center.  I got to do that today in Ingram!

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 5

As we drove from Alpine to the Fort Davis Historic Site, we stopped to read two Historical Markers along the way.  One was the first location of a school back in the 1800s.  The other was the ruins of a ranch home of a pioneer, which was abandoned in 1854.  It was later used as a Ranger Station from 1880-1882.

We decided to stop at the Chihuahuan Desert and Nature Center too.  It had a botanical garden completely made up of native plants to the Fort Davis Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert.  We walked through the botanical garden and a cacti greenhouse.  We then took a hike down to a creek, which we thought had water in it, but it did not.  It had a mine with items actually used in mining.  We thought it was a working mine or an area where the kids could mine, but it was not.  More of a little museum dedicated to mining. While it is situated in the desert area, it was a neat experience.  Take bug spray and sunscreen or an umbrella.

At Fort Davis Historic Site, we watched a movie about the history of Fort Davis and visited the museum.

We then walked the Fort.  A few of the buildings were open as museums for us to see how life would have been.  When comparing life there then to life now, they are very different.

We asked a few people at the Fort for lunch recommendations.  They told us about the Fort Davis Drug Store, Lupita's, and Cueva de Leon.  We decided on the Fort Davis Drug Store for lunch and we would choose one of the other restaurants for dinner.

We arrived for a late lunch, somewhere between 12:30 & 1:00.  It was a "seat yourself" kind of place, and it was full, so we waited. The people in front of us got tables, and then we took a table--a little small, but with 5 chairs.  During this 15-20 minutes, no one greeted us or even spoke to us.  We sat at the table for several minutes before a waiter came to clear part of the table from the former patrons.  He said he would get menus and a waitress.  Didn't happen.  We waited and waited.  Either Mom or my sister-in-law went and found menus.  We changed to a larger table.  Still no waitress.  Finally, a waitress walked by, and my sister-in-law stopped her and asked her to get us a waitress.  You should have seen the look the waitress gave my sister-in-law and heard the tone she used.  If there was anywhere else to eat, we would have left!  Once our waitress showed up, things got a little better.  She was kind, apologetic, and took our order.  However, a very large group of ladies came in after us and got their orders well before us.  Thank goodness the food was delicious (or maybe we were just starving).  By the time we left, we had been in there well over an hour and a half to two hours.  

Not only are towns few and far between in this part of the state, but restaurants are few and far between in each town.  Also, they do not have the best customer service.

We decided to go back to Balmorhea State Park to swim until dinner.

After our swim, we went to Cueva de Leon for a Mexican buffet of fajitas, enchiladas, rice, beans, and more.

We ended our night with a visit to the McDonald Observatory.  The view of the stars was AMAZING!!  We were able to look through telescopes after the constellation discussion to see Saturn, Mars, a galaxy, and a nebula.

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 4

When my niece and nephew were tiny, my brother and sister-in-law took them to the Fort Davis area on a rare family vacation that did not include Mom and me.  We did a little research, figured out how far it was, and decided to go for a weekend.  We hit the highway by 8:00 am and headed west.

We made it to Fort Stockton for a late lunch.  FYI:  They do not have anything gluten free at Pizza Hut except salad.  That just is not enough when you have gone that long without a snack.

When making this drive, you must get gas whenever you are in civilization b/c the towns are few and very far between.  Also, make sure you have snacks and water on all trips and blankets/coats during the winter.

We decided to drive straight to Balmorhea State Park to swim.  It is a spring with fish and turtles.  The water seems really cold when you are getting in, but once your body is in, you don't notice the cold at all.  I wish there was more shade around the swimming area.

When we finished swimming, we decided to go find our Value Lodge in Alpine.  I got a really good deal on this motel, and the pics looked decent for a family on a budget.  We weren't quite prepared for the dilapidated bathroom, but overall, the stay was fine.  You can tell the couple is working to fix up the place.  If you are used to fine hotels, this one is not for you.

We did a little research on places to eat.  We finally settled on a little Mexican food place.  When we arrived, we found it to be a house, and we noticed a sign saying they only took cash.  We made sure we had cash.  When we entered, we were greeted with "Do you have a reservation?"  We did not and had no idea we needed one.  Needless to say, we left.  We drove around town and saw a few saloons, but other than a McDonald's, we didn't see any place to eat that interested us or that looked kid friendly.  We decided to drive to Marfa to eat and then we could see the mysterious Marfa Lights on our way back.  We drove around Marfa and found even less than Alpine.  We finally found a restaurant, so we got out and went in.  Again, we were greeted with "Do you have a reservation?" Of course not! The waitress gave us a restaurant suggestion.  On our way out, a nice gentleman sitting at a table outside gave us the same suggestion.  Thank goodness for kind people!  We went to their suggestion--a Mexican food place.  We got out and went in.  This time we were not greeted with "Do you have a reservation?" but we did have to wait for them to clear a table.  The food was good, service was slow, and everyone in the place knew one another.

On our way back to the motel, we stopped at the Marfa Lights viewing area.  It was neat standing out in the cool summer wind watching the lights blink on and off making our own predictions.

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 3

Today, we went to the Cave Without a Name near Boerne.  We forgot to ask why it doesn't have a name, but we did enjoy our visit.  It is a fairly small cave--about a quarter of a mile in and a quarter of a mile back out.

They had a labyrinth outside, so I explained what they are and had my niece and nephew experience it.  They didn't quite get it, but they enjoyed walking around the "maze."  They had an area outside to pan for gems too.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch at Guadalupe River State Park and then we took a swim.

Bowling with My Man

Tonight, while my niece was at dance, I took my nephew (and brother & sister-in-law) bowling with arcade games and to dinner.  I love spending time with him doing what he enjoys.  Gosh, I love this little man!

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 2

Today, we went to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.  After our tour of the factory and eating a heaping scoop of ice cream, we drove through Chappell Hill, which holds significance on Dad's Mom's Mom's side of the family, to Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas.

The Barrington Living  History Farm was a big hit.  The lady on duty was completely in costume and in character.  She was great!

We stopped for photos at Junk Gypsy in Round Top.  Sadly, they weren't open.

Summer Vacation 2014--Day 1

On our first day of Summer Vacation with my niece and nephew, we went to the San Antonio Zoo.  The kids love visiting zoos, and we love doing what they love, so we braved the near 100 degree temps and visited the animals.  We rounded out our day trip with a train ride and picnic.

Another Amazing July Morning

I was awakened just after 6:00 this morning, and knowing just how uncharacteristically cool it was outside, I had to get up and take advantage of it.  I quickly changed, and with my walking shoes on, off I went for a morning stroll.  I walked along some of my normal streets, but then I added a few new ones in a little different direction.  I had hoped to make it 3 miles (since I don't have paths laid out or any real idea of distance along certain roads, it makes this difficult), but I came in just under.  That is OK b/c I will get that last little bit done at some point today.  And who knows? I just might get another 1-3 miles in this evening with my BFF.

I wish we had these mid to upper 60s and low 70s 90% of the time, but I would have to move, and that isn't happening.  So for now, I will cherish these cool temperatures and make the most of them until we hit triple digits again near the end of the week.

Fall Weather in July

It is July 19th.  JULY 19th, PEOPLE!  My weather app says it is 66 degrees.  66 DEGREES, PEOPLE!  In TEXAS!!

According to the meteorologist on last night's news, we have set around 4 records in the last 2-3 days with these unseasonable cool temps.  Some of these records go back 52 or 115 years.  We are setting coolest lows and coolest highs. Wow!  I have to say, I love these temps!  I would love to have these temps all year long!

We have had the doors and windows open, no air conditioning, covered in an afghan made by Granny, and loving every minute of it.  When was the last time we didn't have the a/c on in JULY??? Never, I'm sure. Well, except when it broke.  I have been sitting in my little spot listening to the birds and insects.  Such a peaceful morning!

I hope you have amazing weather today and can get out to enjoy yourselves!

Witte Museum with My Girl

While Bub is off at Boy Scout Summer Camp, I got to spend a little time with my niece. She really wanted to go to the Witte Museum, so off we went.  I love her excitement for learning and fun.  I love to explore new things and ideas with her.  I just love spending time with her.  Even if we are sitting silently.

Thanks for a great day, Sis! Love you!

She got to choose where to have breakfast.  Love that smile!

Maybe a future scientist??

Playing an old school pinball game to learn about digestion.

Life-size Operation

 She loves this exhibit in the Treehouse.

Riding a bike, but she is pedaling with her hands.

 Overlooking the San Antonio River.

 Taking a break while Gram and Auntie look at the art exhibit.

The Fiesta Exhibit had gowns and trains decorated from storybooks.  They were very pretty, and some dated back to the 1940s.

Order of the Arrow & Boy Scout Camp

Tonight, we had the privilege of watching my nephew be tapped out for Order of the Arrow, a special recognition in Boy Scouts.  I am so proud of him!  This is an honor bestowed upon him by his fellow Boy Scouts.

He probably would have gotten it 2 years ago had they not moved.  I have been upset for him that he was not chosen in his home troop, here where he used to live, b/c he wasn't here in person (as a reminder to them that he does exist), he wasn't known well enough in his new troop, and that it has taken so long.  Finally, he was chosen by his new troop, and we got to go to Summer Camp to watch/experience the ceremony.

Way to go, Bub!  Gram and I are super, super proud of you!  Love you!

He was lounging when we first arrived at camp.

Telling us something about his camp experience.

He was in charge of their Flag Ceremony.  He was so good and a great Caller.

Walking and talking with his Gram.  Moments like this make me sooooo happy!

Before the OA Tap Out.

After the Tap Out Ceremony.

A Little Piece of Country

I have blogged about how I love my house and street before, but I was reminded of why the last few days.  My BFF and I have not been able to complete our nightly walk the last few days, which we do in her neighborhood, so I set out Sunday and Monday night to just walk my entire street, which is about a mile, just to let off a little stress and emotion.  My street has about 22 houses on it, all with more than one acre, with most close to two acres. Not only does this allow space and land between then, but it gives the feel of a more open, country feel.  Various types of trees and wildlife fill the yards.  There isn't a lot of traffic.  More these days than in years past, but still not a thoroughfare. Walking after 8:00 gives it a feel of walking through the country or treed area. 

The crunch of dried pine needles and broken pine cones underfoot,
sound of birds tweeting and bugs buzzing,
glimpses of butterflies and moths fluttering,
sight of cotton tails hopping through the yards,
reminders of what might be deadly reptiles--snake skins, dead snakes, baby snakes too scared to move,
sadness of a dead field mice,
coziness of tree-lined skylines,
playfulness of the Moon playing peek-a-book through the tree branches,
memories of walking through the woods at Girl Scout Camp.

It is so relaxing, and I look forward to more evening walks.  I hope you can find a little place to unwind, relax.

This morning, I got out early to walk.  We are having extremely cool temps for July, so I wanted to take advantage of them.  This time, I left my street and added several streets in the neighboring neighborhood.  Once I left my street, there was a such a difference--houses closer together, fewer trees, more traffic, less country feel, less calming and relaxing feel.  It just made me love my street even more.

The Literacy Triad

Please bookmark our new literacy related website.
www.theliteracytriad.wix.com/theliteracytriad

My two BFFs and I have been working hard on our new site and developing a plan for our futures.  We would love for you to join us on our new adventure.

Love of Nature

Before church:
No matter how difficult life is, how lost, sad, or hurt I may be, or how out of control life seems, watching the cotton tails, birds, and squirrels out my back door in the mornings is calming and reassuring of God's greatness.

God doesn't give us more than we can handle.  At times, that is hard to remember, but God has a plan for everyone, all the time, through all situations, no matter how much they hurt at the time.

A little peek out the door observing His greatness helps ground me and remind me that He is in control, and I must take deep breaths and trust.  I trust God.  It is the humans I do not.

After church:
We heard the story of Isaac & Rebecca and the birth of their sons.  Isaac & Rebecca had such faith and always went to God in prayer. I really enjoyed the sermon, but it makes me ask:

How does God meet the needs of two people involved in the same situation, with the situation taking the two people in completely different directions, leaving a massive hole in one's life, and yet be working for something even greater and more miraculous for both people? What if the situation is being driven by human decision and not God's?

I'm not really asking that right or what I mean.  Most will look at my question and be able to give a matter of fact answer, but what I am needing to know is so much deeper and more involved.  The only thing I can come up with is: Have faith.  Believe. Be patient. Continue to pray.

For now . . . that is all I can do.
 

Educators on Summer Break

Educators, have you seen 26 Signs You’re a Teacher on Summer Break? Some of you will read it and immediately connect to several items on the list. 

My alarm has gone off 80-90% of my summer mornings.  When it hasn’t gone off, I’ve been up between 6:30 & 7:00 and out of bed soon after. I also know what most days are.  I have also been in professional dress 75% of my days off. Why?  Because my 2^nd and 3^rd jobs started the Tuesday after the year ended—teaching Summer Acceleration and writing 6^th gr Science curriculum.

There have been no beach visits & hammock swaying, or any other fun, relaxing days or activities either.  Summer is the time to get everything done that had to be put on the To Do List during the school year. I am cleaning out and cleaning up my grandmother’s house and cleaning up and reorganizing my house. This has been a huge, exhausting job.

My mind is constantly racing with ideas for the next school year, and I am reading various books and articles for ideas we can implement.

Yes, I do visit Pinterest looking for ideas for my house and school.  If I had children or some children to borrow, I would try out some of my new ideas. I had the energy, I would try out some of the ideas for the home I have found.

Sadly, because I have been so busy with housework, teaching, and curriculum writing, I have not visited the library. That doesn’t mean I haven’t read about 5 books since school let out.

Yes, my treadmill and BFF’s neighborhood streets are getting a workout.  I try to get 2-4 miles in a day.  More than when school is in session.

I hate deciding what to eat for lunch and dinner.  It just seems easier during the school year.

Yep!  An educator’s job is never finished.  We end working with one group and prepare to work with the next group. We read, find new ideas, think of ways to improve on last year, wonder about the new students and faculty, worry about those no long in our classrooms or schools, and prepare to make a difference in the lives of the students and teachers we will meet in August.

Resources:

Hudson, H. July 2, 2014.  26 Signs You’re a Teacher on Summer Break.

Retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/weareteachers/26-signs-youre-a-teacher-on-summer-break-h0xt on July 12, 2014.

Fitness Anniversary Day

Two years ago today, I rejoined Curves and started working toward a healthier life.  I began working out 30 minutes a day as many days a week as possible, and I started watching what I ate.  Along the way, I added more fruits and vegetables and switched from white flour to wheat.  Now, I have switched from wheat to gluten free.  On my 2nd anniversary of seriously trying to be healthier, I have lost 61 lbs and over 42 inches.

I am a little embarrassed to say it has taken 2 years to get this far.  I would love to say I have lost 75 lbs or 100 lbs or even 61 lbs in 9 months or a year, but it is 61 lbs in 2 years.  I can say that I have done it naturally and with hard work.  No surgery for me.  I have to continue to work hard as not to go backwards or gain it back.

There is absolutely no way I would have made it this far or stuck with it if it were not for my mom, who makes sure I eat healthy, my BFF, who makes sure I get to Curves or out for a walk, my other BFF, who has been supportive, and my coworker, who got fit herself and was a great support and role model for me.

I am not excited about these pictures, and 2 are not that great, but here is a little idea of where I was and how far I have come.

Late May/Early June 2011

Fall 2012

June 23, 2014

Yea, me!  I will keep trudging along.  Now that we have figured out that my body has been working against me, maybe things will go a little smoother losing even more.  (Hasn't happened so far, but I will keep trying.)

Painting Day

Today, we had the inside of Granny's house painted.  Wow!  What a coat of white paint can do for a house!  Mom and I painted it around the summer of 1990, and I'm not sure if it has been painted since then.

Since Mom and I are exhausted from all the moving and cleaning, we hired a company to paint.  While they painted, Mom and I worked in the shed, taking more trash to the curb and sorting more things for Goodwill.

A little more work and we should be finished.  Thank goodness!

Happy Independence Day!

July 4th
Independence Day

What comes to mind when you think of this American holiday?
What traditions do you have?
What do you and your family do?

I love history, and there are so many historical moments connected to July 4th.
If you visit Wikipedia, you will find a long list of events that occurred on July 4th throughout history involving various countries and governments around the world and impacting history, science, literature, and sports. There are also a lot of people who call July 4th their birthday as well.
The one that impacts us the most today is:

• 1776 – American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress.

When I was very young, all of the neighborhoods behind us did not exist.  There was a street with houses, which put 2 houses somewhat close to us in the back.  Next to them was just open field.  With so much land around us (we live on almost 2 acres), my parents would invite friends over, and we would play with sparklers and shoot fireworks.  Well, one year, a firework went crazy and landed in the field near one of the houses behind us. My parents and visiting friends grabbed buckets of water and took off to put the fire out.  Thankfully, they were able to put it out quickly with no one getting hurt and without the firemen being called. From that moment on, we have not shot fireworks at my house again.

There is a huge field at the end of our road.  Growing up, it was a cotton farm, but now it is corn or maize.  Every year, many, many people would shoot fireworks from that field, so we would sit at the end of our road and watch.  Somewhere in the last 15 years or so, that has stopped due to the overgrowth of the little road running down the middle and the changing laws to prohibit shooting fireworks in the city.

We have spent a few years going to a neighboring town's annual show too.  Especially those years before our town started their own show.

Six years ago, our little, yet growing, town started an annual fireworks display.  For 3 years, I would go with Granny, Mom, my brother (if he was in town), sister-in-law, niece, and nephew, and we would go to the high school stadium parking lot to have a pizza picnic and enjoy the fireworks.  Some years, if my aunt and cousins were in town, they would join us too. The kids had the absolute best time. Two years ago was very emotional for me b/c the kids were no longer here, so Mom and I took Granny, and we went to enjoy.  Last year, the first year without Granny, Mom and I got my Great Aunt and cousins (her son and daughter-in-law) to join us, and we had a nice time.  We did that again this year.  

The thing about this annual show is that it, like this year and last, could be a full week before July 4th.  So . . . what do we do on the actual date of July 4th?  On Independence Day?
We might go to the neighboring town.  A friend has invited Mom and I over.  Another friend invited me over.  I don't know.  We shall see.

Are there specific foods you cook or eat?  I expect to have BBQ.  Growing up, Dad would grill and cook BBQ chicken, pork, and/or ribs with baked beans and potato salad.  Since his passing, Mom and I haven't grilled.  One year, we went to one BBQ place, and they ran out of meat.  What??  We went to a 2nd place, and we enjoyed it greatly.  I wonder if we'll get any today and if so, from where.

Does celebrating Independence Day make anyone else emotional?  Besides not being able to celebrate it with the those I love like in the past, the playing of Patriotic music makes me cry.  I don't know if it is due to my love of country, my gratefulness to the men and women who have fought to keep us free, or what, but fireworks and Patriotic music make me emotional.  Anyone else?

No matter the traditions, memories, emotions, or special events, I wish you and your family a very happy and safe Independence Day!

Moving Day

Today was moving day.  Not my moving day.  Moving furniture out of Granny's house to empty it in preparation for the painters.  It was a little emotional standing in each room for the last time with her furniture (or what was left that we had not moved ourselves). 14 pieces of furniture and 6 items from the garage.  Once the movers were done wrapping, padding, and loading it, we headed to our house.  Some of the furniture was put inside our house for our use.  Other items were placed in the shed until we can find a new owner.  The tools were placed in the garage/carport until we find a new owner or need to use them. We don't really have room for all these things, but I just can't part with them.  We will have a dining room table again, we will have a place to store her china, we will have all her sewing equipment for me to make amazing projects (if I actually sit down and make the time), we will have her swivel rocking chair to enjoy (we love sitting in that chair), and so many more pieces. Now . . . to get our house in order.  Wonder how long that will take us.

Have you had to clean out a loved one's home?  What did you do with all the furniture and personal items?
What family pieces hold the most memories for you?

I'm so grateful my BFF shares her husband with us.  That did not sound right.  :-)  Her husband is a great handyman.  He can fix and build a lot of things.  Today, he came over to replace 3 light fixtures, unlock a lock, help us undo a lightbulb and found a live wire that should't be there, and fix the front door. I'm so grateful for him giving his time when we need him.

Remodeling a House is Expensive and Exhausting

Granny passed away a year ago February, and we have still not gotten the house, garage, and backyard sheds cleared out.  We decided to focus this week on finishing all we can inside the actual house.  Up to this point, we have cleaned out, trashed, and donated tons and tons and tons of stuff.  We have moved the major furniture and heavier items all we can.  Now, we are down to the last of the furniture.  We have made space at our house for those items, which meant rearranging furniture and moving some things from one room to another.  We've cleaned and vacuumed as well.  Our house is ready, and the furniture and big items at Granny's are ready.

I am so grateful to our family and friends who have helped us get to this point.  We surely couldn't have done it without them.

Yesterday, the electrician came out.  Since her passing, the master bathroom lights quit working, then the master bedroom lights/fan, then the hallway.  It is all quite strange.  The electrician fixed several light switches and checked outlets.  We now need to change out the light fixtures in the master bedroom and hallway.  Do you know how much electricians make?  I need to leave education to go into electrical work.  They made in 2 hours what I make in 2 to 2.5 days. Wow!

The plumber will be out tomorrow afternoon to change out the kitchen faucet, replace the disposal, and make the guest bathroom sink quit dripping.

Thursday, the movers will be there at 8:00 am to move the furniture.  We are praying they are finished in 2 hours or less.  Do you know how much movers make???

Saturday, the painters will come paint the entire house, ceiling, walls, and trim, white, so it will brighten it and make it look so much cleaner.

Now, we have to decide about flooring. All of what we have done has cost a lot, money we don't really have, so we have to decide if we replace the flooring throughout the whole house now or just get a serious steam cleaning for now and replace flooring in about a year. We are thinking . . .

Now . . . what do we do with all the little items in the garage and backyard shed?  We are out of space at my house.

For those of you who have had to clean out a loved one's home, what did you do with everything?