Colder Weather.....

That's what we are feeling right now and it's not just colder, it's fifteen below
freezing with no warmth in sight!
Now is the time of year I start really looking forward to the Summer sun.
My mind wanders to less fortunate souls that have no choice but to seek shelter
at the mission or anywhere else they can to keep from catching their death in
this crippling cold.
I pray that my loved ones along with myself, will never know what that's like.

Life around here lately has been pretty good and I have only minor complaints that
I'm trying hard to keep hidden because I really shouldn't ever whine about anything.
Archery is going well and I'm hoping to arrow up with my Hubby Bub tonight.
Our youngest still counts down sleeps until "skate time", it's super seeing him enjoy
it so much and I'm thankful for all the help and support we've been given, it's had
him in hockey mode since the start.
I'm also looking forward to a few things in the near future.
A trip to my Cousin's in Toronto with other adults in the family is something I'm
excited about. We will be preparing for our Cousin's upcoming wedding in May.
They have asked me to join them and I'm honored indeed.
We also have a trip in March planned that will include hunting for my
pack-of-penises.
I can't wait to cook, clean and play games with them while sitting around
the wood stove.
In further distance is the hopes of a vacation with my Husbands side of
the family, it's a long trip but one I always enjoy taking.
The passing years and time in between visits is sad to think about and I long
to see our branches bundle together, once again.
He has a very large family and our Son's continually ask about them.
I wish we could see them more often but I'll be good and grateful if we can
just get there and spend a week with them.

As you may remember, a Dear friend and family member who has been very
ill for years, is still fighting for her life.
Since Christmas, she has been in sweeter spirits and I can't express how happy
that makes me.
We've seen each other since then and have kept in touch on the phone as well
as in cyberspace.
She is planning many exciting things for this year and I'm hopeful she will achieve
all that she has set out to succeed in.
I gain strength and sweetness from her, like I do from many others in my life.
Seeing how others struggle has always helped me silence my own sorrows.
Maybe that's why I enjoy going to the nursing home so much.
You want to see souls who suffer and have not much left in life?, then visit any
nursing home and it will surround you the second you walk in.

I was also looking forward to a much needed "girls night out" but our plans fell
through and we are all trying to nail down a date in February.
It's a very hard thing to do when everyone has such busy lives but it's nice to
know that our children's schedules are the reason for it.
I love knowing that my friends and family put their kids first.
Today I don't have much in the way of plans, archery, like I mentioned before
and a visit with Meme later today but aside from that, not to mucking futch. :)
I'm warm at the moment and hope to remain that way, grateful and feeling pretty
fine in this day.
I hope you all are too!
I'm gonna leave these lines, quite possibly my shortest blog ever and grab another
coffee and curl up with either a book or a movie.
I'll lay down a song of the same title found above and a couple of pictures.
Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and until I post again, stay safe,
snugly and smiley!  :)

Everything Will Be Alright.....

Happy 2013 everyone! (waving a noise maker)
I'll start off by typing about our New Years Eve.
After my Husband returned from work we headed over to our friends
house on the other side of town. It was cold and snow could still be
seen anywhere my eyes etched over.
Though I'm no fan of Winter, I do love having the white stuff around
during the week of Christmas.
Our friends were happy to see us and we exchanged hugs and gifts.
I was given a cool Charlie Brown mug with him and Sally on the front
with a caption saying "Happiness Is Sharing The Holidays"
My friends know me well and it was a perfect gift for me.
The gifts they received from me were mainly edible.
Perogies of course, along with, hanky panky's which consist of
a ground beef, sausage and cheese mixture that's served hot and toasty
on appetizer breads, a favorite of my Dear friend.
We couldn't stay late, Hubby Bub had to work in the morning.
Our visit may have not been a long one but we did look at old pictures
that included a couple with our Sons.
It took me back to "remember when" moments, shots of Aidn in his
car seat only weeks old along with photos of his older Brother and
our friends two children.
One of them is now eighteen....wow!
It always amazes me how much speed time gains with every passing year.
Midnight found us at home with Hubby Bub sleeping while Aidn and I
watched the ball drop at Midnight, our oldest was at my Sisters.
I'm so glad that I am never alone for the Holidays, don't think I would
do well at all with that.
I need a set of smackers to smooch when that clock strikes twelve
and a New Year begins.

So far the first eleven days of two-thousand-thirteen have been better than not.
A few sad slopes are always in my path but so are peaks and the pleasure
I get in reaching them.
I'll share with you my yesterday, it had all three in it.
The day started with me being in a very chipper mood for any given morning.
I asked our oldest Son if he would like egg in a nest for breakfast, he replied
with an excited yes!, then I called up to our youngest and he also wanted
what his Brother was having.
Aidn's egg waited on the table while he played with a screen in the living room.
I called him in to come and eat, more than once, he then nerved on telling
me "No!", not once but twice.
That's when I lost my lid, yet again.
I turned the water off to the dishes I was doing and darted to where he sat
on the sofa. "Do you really think you're not going to eat that egg I made for you?"
After being escorted to his seat I told him if he didn't eat it, I would feed it
to him and it wouldn't be all pleasant like it was when he was a wee one.
Though he complained with every bite, he did manage to eat it, leaving only
a mouthful of the harder center.
During our five minute frenzy, I was loud, demanding and even though he did
what he should have in the end, I felt awful when he walked out to school.
We were back to cool by then but I still struggled with sadness over not
finding a better way of dealing with our "engaging Aidn"
Another great mood I let get out of my grasp!
I started snowballing the sadness and found myself longing to be in
my Father's embrace once again.
After many emotional escapades and trying times, Papa Chaz was there to
comfort and console me.
He was never a "deep conversation" man but he didn't once fail in making
me feel better after he hugged me and spoke this sentence.
"You'll see, Ger, it will work out, everything will be alright"
That's all I ever need to get me back to the good I always want to feel.
Unfortunately he is no longer living.
I do believe the Big Guy works his wondrous ways through others
and I would be shown proof, yet again.
Instead of sucking on sadness while beating myself blue emotionally,
I decided a nap would serve me sweeter and hoped that I would have
a happy dream about my Father or something comforting.
While in a very deep sleep with a decent dream in play, the phone shook
me from the sound slumber I was in.
It was my Dear friend calling to see how I was and let me know how
her days have been.
We talked for a good long time and it was wonderful laughing and
learning more about this women who inspires me.
After we hung up I felt blessed and filled with the same fuzziness
I always got after Daddy would hug me and speak those wonderful words.
That was the first flame in relighting my inner candle.
The second and third would come shortly after.
We had to go see Meme last night and I wanted to have a look online
before we left.
The first comment I read was from another friend and simply stated,
in a shorter way, what my dearly departed Daddy worded to me.
At the nursing home with my Meme would be the final flame.
A nice comical conversation with everyone at her dinner table along
with seeing Meme have a very good day, did it!
There were many other reasons that helped me sport a smile
for the rest of the day, including the kisses I received from my
pack-of-penises and caring comments from others.
The three mentioned above had a hold on happy memories for me.
To those of you that had a hand in it, thank you!
You helped me!, I always notice and appreciate it.

Well that's wordy enough for me folks, so sayonara I'll say for now.
Thanks for reading what's in the Mind Grounds and may this day
be dandily for us all!
P.S We had a happier morning today. :)

 

Out With The Old.....

Well it's that time again.
The time when an old year passes and a new one begins.
I've never been a person to make New Years resolutions but
I'm downright determined to make extra efforts in 2013.
Also, I'm fairly certain I will say sayonara to some sourness I've
been sucking on in 2012.

This past year has done well by me and most of my loved ones.
Really, how can any of us complain when we've been gifted
another year of life in this planet we're playing on?
I know that I've done my share of spitting sours and have no
reason for it considering how others suffer.
One only needs to think of the recent deaths of those children
and staff members at that school.
The horrific hurt their family and friends must feel.
Young lives not left to live on or have the chance to live at all.
I won't slide many sentences about it because it's been talked
about everywhere but I will state that it's still much on my mind grounds.
I vow to think off them when things seem shadowy for me.
If for no other reason than to realize we are indeed lucky to live
with the struggles we share, no one snuffed out our lives senselessly.
That's all I have to say about that.

I hope all of you had a happy Christmas and were able to indulge in
and enjoy many of your favorite things, I sure did.
A couple days before Jesus's Big Day, my Uncle hosted two parties
for family and friends.
The first was for our children and was a big success.
The second was for all of the adults and went wonderfully.
I'm hoping these parties become a tradition because they sure were
a blast for all who attended.
Thanks Uncle Tooker, take a bow you did dandily and we all appreciate it!

The next get together would find my Sis, her kids and my crew at our
Mother's house.
Though I envisioned an enormous explosion, it was a very nice night
and we all had an excellent evening.
The eruption would come from yours truly on Christmas day.
I'll get to that soonly but right now I want to focus on the piddly pride
I have over my efforts.
You see, for much of my life, having a happy relationship with my Mother
has not been my experience and recently I have been harbouring heaps
of harshness towards her.
Christmas Eve I didn't let it consume me and because of that, I enjoyed the
time spent with everyone.
Now why in the name of Nativity scenes was I not able to do that the
following evening?
I'm getting to it, got some praising I have to place here first.
Usually we have the traditional turkey dinner at Mom's but this year my Sister
asked if we could partake in Prime Rib that she so generously offered to
buy and prepare.
A big ole "Yay!" she got from me upon her request and from the waistlines of
everyone who enjoyed the feast.
Thank you Julie!, as always when you cook, it was pleasing perfection
to our pampered palates.

Christmas morning held some of my favorite moments.
We were hoping to be looking forward to the excited expressions on both
our Son's faces but the bow we ordered for Liam didn't arrive in time so
it was all on Aidn to deliver in excitement.
We did wrap a gag gift for our oldest though, a plastic kids bow.
Hubby Bub papered it all up in a big box like his Brother's was in and when he
opened it and we explained the situation, he sported smiles and took it swell.
Thank you Liam, I'm proud of how you reacted and you sure made us feel better.
Our youngest was also given a bow but the real kind, a not to shabby compound,
I might add.
He was so happy and excitable upon seeing it, dancing and bouncing about.
Those moments are ones we all enjoy, I'd say.
You'd think the memory of those moments would have stuck and been useful
later in the day,
I'd like to say that they did but I can't.
I plowed over any pleasantries with persistent pessimism. 
Almost there, please have patience with me.

After my Husband left for work the boys entertained themselves with
their new everythings and I headed back to the nest for a Seasons Greetings Siesta.
After lunch we would join the other branches in our bunch at the nursing home
to spend time with the family head, Memeness.
She is ninety now and I don't know how much of the time registers in her think tank
anymore but I sure do love being around her with everyone.
She started us all and I feel much pride and love over that.
Our Cousin even brought her little Teacup Chihuahua along and that kept
the kids entertained for much of the time.
Birthday cake was brought in to celebrate our Uncle's 66th birthday, he shares
it with Jesus you know.
I love that we all get to be with him on his big day, and hope he enjoyed his time
with us as much as we enjoyed ours, with him.

On to the tough typing....
After we left the nursing home it was time for the festive feast at our Cousin's place.
She has the perfect house to hold us all and lots of space for the kids to
bounce about in.
There was so much food and I couldn't wait to eat.
I must make mention of how the turkey was prepared.
A couple weeks ago on Facebook someone commented about deep fried turkey,
I replied that I had never had it and probably wouldn't be trying it because I wasn't
making the bird this year.
Well my thoughtful, kind Cousin saw those comments and decided to cook the
Christmas clucker that way.
I never imagined that it would taste so terrific, it's most certainly something I'm
hoping to have again in holidays to come.
There was also stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, perogies,
green bean casserole, gravy, buns, cheeses, pickles, olives and other things
that are surely skipping my mind.
I haven't even sentenced about the sweets that were set out, there was an
abundance of enticing edibles offered and I wish that I would have stayed to
shovel in some more.

Right before we all sat down to enjoy the delicious dinner, our youngest Son was
going wild in a rocking chair and though he was told to slow down, he ignored
everyone and ended up rocking over his three year old Cousin's toes.
I had heard people telling him to stop but my attention was held in the
conversation I was in.
Of course he was scolded by his Father and started to cry, that got me
right in his face.
Thinking back, I should have left it alone and let my Husband handle it.
Nope, not me, I can never let well enough alone and wait until later to deal
with things, black or white, now or never is most certainly me.
I was fuming that he had not listened.
Then his Brother threw himself into the situation and I discovered a
lie they had both been caught in.
My temper was brought to a boiling point.
It was one of those moments were a ton of everything gets unleashed and
hurt feelings are handed out.
Immediately afterward, my marvelous mood let guilt, shame and sadness step
in and there it stayed for the following two days.
Shortly after we ate I couldn't stop the eye leaks from flowing over what
had taken place and knew I couldn't stay and ruin everyone's Christmas.
Having loved ones see me like that and not being able to focus on anything
else even after they offered love and concern was just to hard to handle.
Sadly, I apologized and excused myself, leaving my Husband to answer
any questions about my absence.
I am not proud or happy with how I handled anything that night but find comfort
in the fact that I am willing to try and improve.
Well that's what Christmas included this year and I'm happy to state, it's good
to share more marvelous moments than miserable ones.
Overall it was all kinds of awesomeness and I'm grateful I was given the chance
to live it and enjoy my loved ones once again.

I must be getting busy now, it's our close friends anniversary today
and I have much preparation for the celebration!
Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and may the coming
New Year be filled with well health and happiness for you!
P.S I've included a few pictures and though Meme was a having
a short sleep, I'm still happy we snapped that shot.

Compound Coolness.....

That's what the think tank has been filled with since Wednesday night.
As I've mentioned in previous entries, we are arrowed into archery.
Wednesday night was my turn to shoot with our oldest Son and two
"firsts" took place.
1. Liam was "out  shot" by his old Mom.
2. I shot a compound bow!
Though I'm always happy when our children do well in anything, it
was nice to see improvement in my own efforts.
Though I am no Robin Hood I have hopes of being able to compete
in the future.
Until Wednesday, I was very much undecided on what kind of bow
I would buy when we are able to purchase one.
Now, there is no question about it.
I am going with a compound all the way! 

Before I slide anymore sentences here I just want to state that I am
in a well way today.
The last couple weeks have been hellish for me and I'm happy to have
a break from worry and woe.
I've now been clubbed by the Christmas Spirit and I'm glad it has a
hold on my heart.
This week I have spent time with three of my closest friends and it's
helped haul me from the hole I held myself in.
One gave me a ride home from the mall yesterday and I enjoyed having
a few minutes with her.
Just seeing her super smile and listening to what's being going on in her
world, did me dandily.
Another friend was kind enough to bring me to an ultra sound appointment
and came over for a few hours last Friday, we watched a movie and
feasted on Chinese food, always excellent to spend time with her.
Last night I had a long and lovely phone conversation with one of my
oldest friends.
We shared laughs, smiles, concern, questions, answers and a few frustrations.
I feel fabulously fortunate to have so many pleasant people in my life and
this morning finds me full of gratitude for them.
I'd also like to mention our first Christmas card this year.
Every year, faithfully, another old friend mails us seasonal sweet says.
I don't see this friend often and she never spells my name right even
after all these years but I love her anyway and it always pleases my
blood pumper to open that card.
Thank you to all of my friends and family, living life would be worthless
without all of you!

I'm sure everyone is aware of 12/12/12 that took place this week.
It held special meaning for me.
A friend/family member that I care completely about and have prayed
for constantly, turned forty two.
She wasn't certain that she would live to see it but she has and even though
I know she struggled with persistent, never ending pain, she sported a smile
and slung sunshine through cyberspace, words can't express how much
I love this woman.
If I could describe her in only one sentence so you all could understand
what I'm getting at, it would be, she lives life like taking a bull by the horns.
My one Christmas wish this year is that she is given many more years
to live out life in just that way.

Well this day is going on and I have things I need to do in it so I'll
leave the lines here and lay a couple pictures until my return.
In the one picture is our youngest "arrowing up".
In the second, a way back when pic of one of the friends I mentioned above.
Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and may this day deliver
decency to us all   :)

As Long As I'm Singing.....

That right there is a sure sign of whether things are good or bad with me.
If I'm singing, all is wonderful, if I'm not then you can be certain
I'm not in a well way and may need help getting back to beautiful again.
There aren't many positive things I can state about myself .
However, at the end of a few rough days, I can say that I am a person
who cares about people and I have no problem asking or offering help 
when needed.

I started this entry late last night and was to tired to type on so I'm
continuing it now.
Yesterday went well enough and we were happy to have some dinner
guests join us.
I didn't make anything extravagant, lasagna hamburger helper, mashed potatoes
(by request), steamed broccoli and beet & spinach salad.
We enjoyed the meal and each others company.
Today is the birthday of one of our guests from last night and I sure was
happy to be able to spend some time with her right before her big day.
Happy Birthday Space!, you helped brighten my day.

This morning I'm struggling my way out of a sad state.
Usually I don't dare offer an entry when I'm in such a low way but I've
been battling these emotions on and off for a few days and figured it was
time to due something about it.
My Sis helped me turn the light on and as always, I'm indebted to
her optimism.
To give you an idea of just how ugly I had become, here is what I posted
in cyberspace earlier.
"Moon Beam Gerene has the nails and hammer in hand and
is hard at work."
A friend asked what I was building?, I was so tempted to reply "I'm building the perfect beast" but didn't.
Maybe I should have, nah, this is a better way to get it out.
I was in fact in the middle of complete self crucifixion, hence the nails
and hammer crack.
Told ya I was ugly and that right there is proof of it!
In this moment I have my mind wrapped around something my Sis said
while we spoke on the phone.
"Come on Ger, you said this has been going on for three days, cheer up!,
we'll be there soon and we will have fun"
She's right, she's always right and I'm grateful to have her and so many
other smart, sweet, souls surround me.
Now why the hell am I swimming in sadness for?
I have more than I can use in life, always have what I need to survive and
am able to move freely.
Sometimes I believe I need a good slugging.
Tonight the boys and I will be making homemade pizza and then playing cards.
Today I am going to tend to some duties around here and go back to reading
The Spellman Files.
Maybe if motivation finds me I'll even get out on my bike. :)

Well I've done what I needed to do here so I'll leave you with a swell
song that has the same name as the title of this entry.
Thanks for reading what's been muddling around the mind grounds.
May this day deliver us kind and helpful to each other.
P.S Sorry there were no good links for the song on youtube. 

As Long As I'm Singing.....





.

One Month From Today.....

One month from today will mark another passing of Christmas on the calendar.
A sad day for some and for others a joyful time of year.
When Boxing Day comes along it means only one thing to me, five more
months until The May 2-4 weekend and the kick off of Summer.
That's right!, there is just no bad time to start thinking about the speedy season.
Though I haven't yet been clutched in Christmas's clench, I am looking forward
to being with all my loved ones on Jesus's big day.
I'm also anxious to give our Son's their gifts, I'd love to share what they are but
my oldest occasionally has eyes on my entries here so silent I must stay.
I will say, tonight we go pick up our youngest Son's gift and hopefully he'll be as
happy receiving it as we are to be giving it.

I've really nothing very exciting or life changing to tell you of but that suits me swelly.
I know that isn't a word but this is my blog and I'll toss about the letters, how I like.  :P
Things have been going fairly fine and I can't complain, sometimes I still do though.
Something took place this morning that I'd like to share with you.
It wasn't remarkable in any way but it's still sticking with me so I must pass
along it's pleasantries.
Who doesn't like sharing smiles?
As my two Son's and I were in the hustle and bustle of this morning, my oldest
told me of a book that will hopefully be chosen to read next, at school.
He started off by saying "Uhm ya, so Mom, the next book we may be reading is
Flowers For...." but he couldn't recall the last word.
I instantly knew what novel he referred to and he could tell that he held all
of my attention.
As some or more likely, most of you know, this is a well known work by
Daniel Keyes, later made into a marvelous movie.
Flowers For Algernon was indeed a wonderful read.
I won't get into the grit of it but I'll state that's it's always been a favorite of mine.
He asked me what it was about but I refused to offer him an ounce on any of it.
I'd rather build his excitement and offer continued interest when he starts reading it.
It was a nice moment and my youngest Son even joined in on the conversation
repeating his Brothers question and telling me again about the book his is reading with his class.
The Mouse And The Motorcycle, apparently another classic.
I'll have to give that one a look see, soon.
Ahhh a few moments we were all wonderful in!
That doesn't always happen when two or more very different souls take up
space with each other.
Anyway, what was I going to type on about next?
Oh ya, archery!
We arrowed up last night, well the two boys and I did, Hubby Bub will have his
turn to "shoot em up" on Wednesday.
It was a good night and even though I was "out shot" by our oldest Son, I enjoyed
the evening and love doing this with them.

A couple of emotional rain clouds have clobbered some of us since I last
slung sentences here but I'll not go into further mention of them because
I'm not about to dissect or destroy my decent mood.
I will state that I'm looking forward to many things in the next few weeks,
hopefully seeing or speaking with some of you.
My Sister is already planning Christmas Eve and I must admit that I'm also anxious
to be with everyone again.
Can't hardly wait for the Christmas chaos moments, those are like gravy to me.
Spending time with my Sons while Hubby goes hunting is also something I can't wait
to do, cooking, playing cards, eating popcorn and watching movies will hopefully
be enjoyed by us all.
Making Perogies for my Hubby Bub's trip is in my near future and I always
enjoy making him a meal to share with everyone.
As I have most times I type, music plays on in the background.
One song specifically strikes sunshine in me so I must end this entry by sharing
it with you, it could be my favorite from Mr Clapton.
Thank you for reading what's on my mind grounds and may kindness clobber
you when you least expect it! 

Leave The Light On.....

I constantly have to remind myself to do this when leaving unanswered
questions and truly trying thoughts in the think tank.
I'm having one of those days where if I linger to long in the mind grounds,
misery will make it's way in this day and I refuse to let that happen.
So, I'm choosing to do something more constructive instead.
Housework was also an option but I'm just not motivated enough for that
at the moment, laying lines here will help me get to the housework, later.  

This past weekend found our flock of families together at our Aunt
and Uncle's house.
Every year for the last several, my Sis and I collect our crews to spend
the weekend with our loved ones and help them decorate for Christmas.
It was a wonderful one and I'll remember it for some pretty good reasons.
First and foremost, I must make mention of all of our offspring's awesome behavior.
Take a bow, kids, you made good choices and because of that you'll get
praise from me!
It was fabulous being with everyone and our time together sped by way
to quickly for my liking.
Even the two hour car ride getting there was comical, chaotic but comical.
I know that I've went on about my Sis and her family before but it really does
deserve repeating here.

My Sis is one of those people who brightens any room just by being in
it but she's also always equipped with extra light bulbs.  :)
Her, my Brother-In-Law, Nephew and Niece were kind, considerate, funny
and very generous.
I was impressed with everyone this weekend and even our Sons were well
with each other.
That's not a frequent thing to find so you darn right I'm gonna compliment them for it.
Good job guys, Mommy noticed and I'm sure everyone else did too.

We returned to our hometown on Sunday morning with time to spare in attending
our youngest Son's hockey game.
They lost but it was wonderful that so many people came to watch him play.
My Step-Father was there along with my Sis and her crew, my Godchild,
two Cousins and our Uncle.
Afterwards we were all treated to lunch and though I was feeling fine when we left
the rink, soon things would slide sourly for me.
Never one to let selfishness shine I started in sternly on our youngest Son's
behavior after the game.
Aidn is a brick wall when it comes to arguing and was happy to go a round
or two with me.
I won't get into the ugly of it here but I will say that I was the one who ended
up getting stung by it.
At the restaurant it seemed like most everyone was angered with someone else.
It got to me and I refused to eat.
That's right folks, my forty-two years of experience in this planet we play on
looked like only two in a few short minutes.
I was miffed that so many of us were complaining, pissing and whining about this
or that woe when we were all being given a gracious gift.
I explained to my Sis why I was upset after everyone ate and I apologized for my
attitude but felt I had to take a stand.
The only one that it ended up affecting was me.
Yup, poor choices, I still make many of em but someday hope to make less.

Later that day we took our Son's and a Cousin to archery.
The two kids shot first then while my Hubby Bub brought the young ones home,
Liam and I stayed for the adult shoot.
We enjoyed it and though I'm not doing as well as I had hoped, patience I'm trying to
have with myself.
The best of this so far has being seeing my Son's take an interest in something that
was once a big part of my life.
I wasn't able to shoot a "bullseye" but I'm determined and get excited when
the kids arrow em.
Well I think this is wordly enough, for now so I'll leave these lines with a
few photos from our weekend away.
Thanks for reading what's in my mind grounds and may you be happy
and well in this day.
I am and thank the big guy along with those that love me, for it.