Living Rural

If you have tried to get here over the past few weeks, you probably had trouble. The reason for the delays,“experiencing high load” message, and “unable to load page” is a change of server, upgrading the system, and upgrading software, etc. The inconvenience to each of us should be worth it once it is complete. That is my story and I am sticking to it! Insider humor, bear with me it has been a long, hot week. Thank you for continuing to try, it is good to have you here!

In honor of the Fourth of July, here is a salute to our freedom and those who protect it and a little history lesson from my long distance carrier, AmericanFone …

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We declared our independence, our right to be free as a nation, 232 years ago this month. If there is one lesson we have learned in that time, it is that freedom and independence are not solid and eternal. They are slippery and constantly changing. You cannot put them in an air-tight viewing box, like the Declaration of Independence itself. If you do not watch carefully, if you do not tend them and keep them alive, they die out. They go away.There may always be people with less-than-honorable intentions ready to chip away at your freedoms and usurp your independence if you let them. But thankfully, America is also full of people who are fiercely protective of what our forefathers’ and patriots throughout the generations since have fought to protect. Not only in wars, but by writing, speaking out, voting and battling injustice in the courts. A salute to the courageous patriots who Keep the flame alive!

A SHORT HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY  “Taxation without representation is tyranny!” That was the rallying cry of the American colonists rebelling against British rule. The colonists were being forced to pay taxes to England with no representation in British Parliament. They had no say about how much tax they would pay no say as to how their tax money was to be spent. With rumors of rebellion, growing, British troops went in to keep the colonists in line. The colonists tried to broker a peaceful solution, but their attempts were repeatedly rebuffed. On June 11, 1776, the colonist’s Continental Congress met to declare officially, in writing, that they were no longer willing to live under British rule.Thomas Jefferson, known for his great eloquence and statesmanship, was given the job of creating the document. In addition, a difficult job it turned out to be! More than 86 alterations were made to the document before it was declared complete. On July 4, 1776, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was signed and copies were sent out among the colonists. The Fourth of July has been celebrated in the United States every year since, but it was not until 1870 that Congress officially declared it a National Holiday. In 1938, Congress re-affirmed Independence Day, making it a paid holiday for all federal employees. Today, people across the country celebrate and acknowledge their priceless gift of freedom they enjoy with parades, picnics and glorious fireworks displays.

 Mother’s Day, May 11, Best Mother’s Day of all …

 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

2008

1926  - 1989

1908 - 1998

with love for the memories 

is important to me in my Christian walk with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is a day of celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from death, which forgives the sins of all people who repent and believe in Him. Yes, I am a Christian. I walk in faith everyday, trusting my Lord that He has my life in His control. Without this faith, my life would be meaningless, as in materialistic and humanistic, i.e. of this world.

 What does Easter mean to you?    The King James Version can be found   here.

 I hope you know the Lord. I hope you will be with family and friends today in the church of your choice worshiping because HE IS RISEN.

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.(John 3:16-17) 

Hi,

2007 was a unique year. Many changes - good and bad, happiness, sadness, love, dislike and hope. Hope that 2008 will be better.

So far, so good! I hope yours is, too!
Life after SAHM

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Apple, iBook, repairs, track pad, hope

Do you feel like that, too? This week was very long and somewhat depressing after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Children will be returning to school (moms, too!), time to think about the end of 2007, get that tax information in order, cleaning (?), and whatever else needs to be done!

Leftovers … some ways to use them … Rachel Ray 

Taxes … help … IRS

Cleaning … help … Cleaning 

 Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Today was THE day to return unwanted items, shop for bargains, get out of the house, away from the relatives and the turkey!

So did you?

Well, from the title I am sure you guessed it … tooth number 18 lost a crown and had to be pulled last Wednesday. It hurt. It still hurts.

I am one of the lucky people with TMJ problems. I have had surgery twice, braces to correct bite, crowns to keep correct bite and hours of physical therapy to help with the pain associated with TMJ problems. I have been pain free for a while, until a gall bladder operation and trouble with the intibation, stretched the joint  and bamm,  TMJ problems again.

The first problems occurred in the late 80’s, my oral surgeon does not want to go in again, the joint is to fragile. I guess ibuprofen will be my friend from now on! At least it helps with the pain and when I have an extra $1000 burning holes in my purse I will have a new splint made to wear to ease the stress on the joint. This is not what I wanted for Christmas!However, I am so grateful to have it out!On this Christmas Eve, may you be warm, safe, full of good food, and remembering the true meaning of Christmas … the birth of a baby in a manger 2000 years ago.Merry Christmas!

tooth, dentist, TMJ, pain, bite splints, Christmas, baby Jesus, gift of Christmas

Yep, I’m dreaming of a white Christmas … are you? Our family is divided on this weather occurrence … two, yays … one, NO WAY … two, either way … one, maybe. Does not matter, I am still dreaming of a white Christmas!  

My excitement is due to this session being over at AIU. This one was really hard, Business Ethics and Psychology. The reading in one, technical and boring - got behind, played ‘catch up’ the entire session, did not catch up, instructor not happy - neither am I! The other one, loved it! Aced it! I am officially a sophomore, yea me! I am shameless, nothing like ‘tooting your own horn’. Now three lovely weeks to regroup, enjoy family, and have a Merry Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, only three more days … I am not decorated yet … are you? Not to worry, we always decorate the week before, sometimes on Christmas Eve Day! 

Tomorrow, our youngest will arrive for the holidays - our oldest will stay in NH - hoping the two in the middle will be off work and able to come. It would be nice to have a houseful again. Especially since the weather is still nice - one likes to camp, she might get too. 

 Always remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

AIU, college, holiday, Christmas, decorating, snow, weather, camping, Business Ethics, Psychology