title of blog

Honey, I'm Home's Morning Mantra ~~ Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, "Oh NO, She's up!"

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

30 Minutes of News Here at 11 ~~

Wow, lots to catch up on, and I am trying my best. Ok, let’s try to keep it short on this side (yeah, HA).

1 – Lee is home but having Home Care each day to come in and change those bandages on her leg. She can’t make the steps so a couple of us do the errands each day.  Now normally, her daughter would have done this, but she had knee surgery the very day Lee was put into the hospital.  I tell ya when it rains it pours.  Anyway, things are just very busy, and I haven’t had more than a few seconds to breeze by and even comment on a few of your posts.

2 – I saw a note from Kimmy (TnNature Photography http://tnnature.blogspot.com/). Good gracious, Kimmy, a thousand blessings to you. As you’ve all seen, you supposed to tell 7 things about yourself and then name the next 15 to pass it on to and so on.  I think it’s really nice because without too much work, it should make it around to all of us in a short period of time.  It’s a great way to get to know little bitty things that normally wouldn’t even make the page :)

My 7 things are: Like Kimmy, I go barefoot with every breath. I hate shoes. Hated clothes when I was a toddler, but that’s another story, so my lips are zipped for now. Suffice it to say, a belt was enough.

I am an only child, but I was never, ever spoiled. I had hand-me-down clothes all the way through school and never had a brand new dress of my own until I went to work after college.  Wow, that dress was something else! But can you imagine your first new dress at 21?

I have been married more than once, more than twice and finally figured out that it just wasn’t for me.  I’m just too much of a sucker for a sad song.  So, friends, yes, pets, yes, husbands, NO.

I have friends, male and female,  from when I was 4 yrs old and they are still my friends today.  How lucky is that!  They are the best!

I don’t have any kids. That was not by choice, it was by a killer emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix and that was the end of that. Supporting the thing about kids, I transferred all that mommy-love to animals.  I’ll bet I can out do all of you for the number of critters in bed with me at one time.  Try (seriously) 9 cats, 2 dogs, 5 raccoons, 2 birds, and 2 squirrels ALL in the sack with me without any fussing or fighting going on.  Amazing and absolutely true.  I had to vacuum  every single day and it was a kick to see all the matching placemats on the kitchen floor.  The cats all lived to 20 except for one that only lived to 17.  The dogs lived to 15 and 17 and the life spans of the rest were incredible. I was so, so lucky, and half dead from keeping everything spotless.

I was the US Champion for women’s duckpin bowling wayyyy back in 1963, and I was also the youngest person ever to be accepted to the NY Ballet.  That’s a story in itself for another time.

I was my mom’s sole caregiver at the end of her life.  She had 4 kinds of cancer and we never knew it until a month before she died.  I made sure she was in no pain, looked absolutely fabulous until her last breath, and she died in my arms.  My last words to her were, “Mom, I love you so much”, and she said, “Oh my darling daughter, I love you, too”.  There are some things you just never forget.  The unfortunate thing is that now it’s a year and a half since she died and I still fall apart at the drop of a hat. I need to talk to someone and I will --- If I can just finish all the paperwork and repairs first.  I feel like my own countdown is very close and it’s so scary. I’m going as fast as I can on all the stuff that needs to be finished.  Most of all, I worry about Sam & Lucy if anything should happen to me.  I need to find somebody really young to take over.  Sheesh.  Enough already.  Sorry, but it’s true, it’s what is on my mind every single day.

Last but not least, I love anything edible. What a shame ;)  There aren’t even a handful of things I don’t like. Luckily, I’m a wham bam great cook and have been told many times I should open a restaurant.  The shame is, I never write any of my recipes down, they’re just in my taste buds when I’m standing at the stove.

NOW……Ok, the next step is to pass the award to 15 recently discovered bloggers.  I’ll do that, although I’m not happy not to pass it on to about 50 or so.  The list is at the bottom of this post.  I will go to their page and let them know and then they can agonize like I’ve just done.  Awards are nice, but in my own mind it’s not an award of “bloggedness”, instead, it’s a great way to pass on those 7 personal things to everyone and that way get to know the inner workings of each other better.  There, done.  Now go check your own comments and see if I’m there with this Stylish Blogger Award.  If you see it, you’re supposed to name your 15 and also link back to me (jennydshappyhours.blogspot.com) . Man, this is tough!

And Kimmy, THANK YOU, sweet thing! XOXOXO

3 – Last but not least, I am trying my best to keep up, but with all the errands it’s tough right now, so if you don’t see me typing away in your comments, understand that I’ll be there later.

4 – Our Sally (Whispering Hope) wrote the greatest book about her brother and she was SO nice to send it to me.  You have got to check this out on Amazon:  The Spirit Beside Me by Sally N. Crowe.  This tribute to her brother PLUS a cd of such a song is breath taking!  Go check it out.

5 – Another blogger, Alex Roman (Poetry After Noon), has written 2 books that are outstanding detective mysteries.  The Superman Project, A Chico Santana Mystery, and China Town Angel.  You must check these out on Amazon as well.  Super duper reading!  Hey, Pen, you know Alex :)

6 – My cat blog is going just fine and I’m enjoying being the secretary to Lucy and Sam’s mewsings.  They have lots to say and have made a number of friends already on their page.  One of their human friends there makes the most wonderful mats for cats and Sam & Lucy have 1 coming for each of them this week PLUS a new birdie toy stuffed with catnip.  Hey, if you have cats, you know how great this is.

7 – Oh shoot, I might as well add one last thing to the list of “about me” stuff.  I have no middle name. It was tradition on my dad’s side of the family for women to forego middle names.  The reason is that once they married, their maiden name would become their middle name (or initial) and the original middle name was out the window.  So, not one woman had a middle name including myself.

LIST:

Dianne :  http://diannesphotographsandthoughts.blogspot.com

Carrie:  http://myworldwithaview.blogspot.com

Toodie:  http://babblelots.blogspot.com

Beth:  http://bmariede.blogspot.com

Joe & Co.:  http://morbidscorneroftheuniverse.blogspot.com

Penelope:  http://ladypfab1.blogspot.com

MizAngie:  http://mizangie.blogspot.com

Jodi at N8tureNut:  http://n8ur-nut.blogspot.com

Danahttp://danakunz.blogspot.com

Pen again forhttp://penpusherpen.wordpress.com

Carolehttp://ramblingon-ramblingon.blogspot.com

Mike Jacksonhttp://mj51day.wordpress.com

Lisahttp://redwillowlisa.blogspot.com

Marge:  http://whatwasithinking7734.blogspot.com

Sallyhttp://whispering-hope.blogspot.com

PLEASE know that I see this award as only a way to “pay it forward”, not as a way to hold any higher than the rest. We ALL have something to say.  Some have subject topics to discuss, some have family things, and some have this blogosphere as a way to write a mass letter, so to speak, to our friends all over the world.  All of the avenues are just wonderful and isn’t it astounding that we can do this! I figure in a month or so, everyone we know will have this Stylish Blogger Award posted on their page, and rightly so.  You can pick it up here. Right click, save as, and then add it to your own page.

stylishblogger14_thumb

Ok…..have your eyeballs dried up and rolled back into your head now?  I’ll bet they have.  Tomorrow it’s supposed to be awful weather and I’ll be home for the day.  My plan is to do a blog walk, or at least as many pages as I can read since I have the human blog and the cat blog to keep up with now (thanks, Carole xxx).  So I am signing off of this page this evening and will see you tomorrow!

XOXOXO

30 comments:

  1. I am truly honored Jen as this is the second time today I have received this award. Thank you!
    I had tears reading about your mom and smiles about some of the other things. I would love to know more about the NY Ballet.
    xoxo

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  2. Congratulations, Jenny! If anyone deserves an award for style, it's you! I had a tough time choosing just 15 and i guess my modem did as well because it crashed while publishing that blog.

    Buddy came home yesterday and seems none the worse for the procedure but he has been napping more than usual. That should come to an end once the pain meds wear off. Give Lucy and Sam a good tummy rub from us.

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  3. Wow - Hidden depths - duckpins and ballet. Since I took Mom to the doc today and once aggain, of course, she hadn't a clue who I was, I gotta say that it is easy for me to think how lucky you were to have had that last exchange with your Mom. However, I notice that every loss is devastating to those left behind, and I don't think there IS an 'easier' way. What it boils down to is that other people's losses are easier for us to bear than our own.

    I almost never wear shoes, except when there is one of those "No shoes, no service" signs. i hate shoes. the best part of living in Saudi was that the worst I had to do was wear those Saudi sandals - which kicked off easily as soon as I was at my desk or in anyone's home.

    I never had kids, either, but thank god it hasn't driven me to letting animals in my bed. Not even bedbugs so far, which would be better than cats, although not a whole lot, I suppose.

    I've never been married (it would be illegal), but I have had several long-term marriage-type relationships, all ending because of circs beyond our control - death, repatriation (never fall in love in a foreign land!) - but I know one thing: I hope and pray (well, atheist-pray) that it happens again. Chacon a son gout!

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  4. Hi Jenny,

    Interesting blog, sad in parts but full of life - some I can so relate to, you can guess which, Hugs Nita

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  5. (((HUGS))) I could not be more fortunate than to count you as a friend. And thank you too, by the way for the awardie and for sharing some of your life with us, ♥

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  6. Jenny , Thankyou so much . This morning and last night I sat for so long thinking about my Mom. Its five years now , my best friend in the world and she is gone. Its hit me hard sometimes and sometimes I just look at her beautiful photo and think back to the most beautiful life she gave me.
    I had tears reading about your Mom as well.
    Your a Lady with a heart of Gold and I thank you so much for this award . Im so very fortunate to have some very close friends that just love and accept me for what I am and what Im not.
    So what I cant do is take this award. Please pass it on . Im honored beyond words and humbled at the sametime that you and Chip would think of me and give this to me.
    There are so many blogs that keep me on the edge of my seat and so many with words that just penitate my heart and soul I could never pick . So I give it back to you my dear friend.
    Your so passionate about life and all there is , one of the most beautiful person on the inside and out and very much a mentor.
    Thanks again.
    With Much Love and I hope your ok with this.
    Lisa xoxoxo

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  7. You deserve the Award, my stylish friend...
    also please pass on my best ever wishes for a healthy comeback to Lee, and to her poor daughter. As you say, it never rains but it pours..
    I never got a chance to be there at the end with my mother, so I know how much that meant to you. I received a phone call from my brother saying she'd been taken to hospital in Ireland, I got there as quickly as I could as I'd been warned her mind was deteriorating, but I was too late. She didn't recognise me at all, I spent a wonderful few days by her hospital bedside, chatting and feeding her, to no avail though. I couldn't stay more than a week and the most difficult thing in the world was to walk away from her side, and leave her in Ireland, travel all the way home to England, and await the phone call to say she'd passed on... ( strewth, I'm crying like a little baby!!. ) What I wanted to say before completely drenching this keyboard is, thank you for your friendship and kindness... it means a heck of a lot. xx

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  8. Thank you, Jenny, you're all sweetness, inside and out. I, too, would love to hear about the ballet. :)

    Take care of you, please. ((hugs))

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  9. My word Jenny, I have a hard time keeping up with you, but what an interesting life you have led .... and are still leading. Your cats and your friends are blessed through knowing you, and I wish you lived closer as I think you'd be a wonderful friend. It's a pity you didn't have children as i'm sure you'd have been a very good Mum, but look at the animals who have gained by that omission.
    I'm sure that someone will look after Sam and Lucy a good home should it come to it. I know it is a worry, My good friend Sue will have both my dogs. but I would rather we all went together. oh get off the doom wagon Arlene. lol who's middle name is Elizabeth, actually the whole handle is Arlene Elizabeth Fotheringham nee Dunn. how regal is that????

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  10. Love how you did this! I also am honored to be chose by you for such things. You've been such a rewarding friend to have that I can hardly express it. You have been a blessing both on your blogs and your comments and strike me as one of the kindest people I've had the privilege of calling my friend. Bless you all over again my friend!

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  11. Hi Jenny

    Thank you for the comment you left on my blog. I appreciate what you said and thank you, but no need to feel embarrased. I think I have probably shared so much about myself already, that I dont need to add more and I dont think I know 15 people on here, who havent already been nominated. So, in this instance, I hope you will understand me not accepting, what I know, was a heartfelt wish on your part. God Bless My Friend - Nita xxx

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  12. Thank you, Jenny, for the award...
    I enjoyed reading everything you wrote up there...it sounds like a very interesting life...and a compassionate one...take care and get rest...

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  13. what an excellent note you had for me over there on WP. ♥

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  14. Thank you, Jenny for the award. You are a good writer and I always enjoy reading your posts.. I was touched when you told about your Mom's leaving.
    I must go to bed and I wish you a good night with Sunshine tomorrow.

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  15. Congratulations on your Award, Jenny D. I have only known you for a short time, and you are so sweet, loving, and kind. I found a real treasure when I found you, and we became friends. You really do make a differance and have touched many lives, and hearts through your blog, including me. Thank you for all your encouragement, and Thank you for giving me this Award. I will accept this award, not because I think I deserve it, but because of your generosity, and thoughtfulnes. Once again, I thank you.

    I was very touched by all you have shared here.
    You are in my thoughts, and prayers. Jenny D. you are loved by so many. Jesus Loves You and cares about you more than you can ever imagine.
    He shows His Love in so many ways,Even through all those animals that you love so much, and are such a big part of your live. God loves animals too! After all, look at all He has created for us to love.
    Love in Him, and many hugs.
    Dianne :)

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  16. MY thanks for your wonderful comments, Jenny,
    Just read through your info again, and my mind is boggling with 'you eat anything edible' I was just wondering what criteria you place on whether somethings edible?
    ('twas a joke honest injun!! :-D )
    many hugs....and many xxxx,from me 'n' Bess...xx

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  17. Jenny, yours is one of the biggest hearts in Blogland; I'm fortunate to have you as a friend.
    One of the things I love most about you is your generous nature, then there's your sense of humor, and your wit, and...

    and...

    you're one of the most caring, decent people I know. You help me to remember, when I'm feeling discouraged, how good people can be.

    Thank you for being part of my life.

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  18. Hey there, ma'am. Do you remember me? We haven't spoken in oh... probably more than a year. Which makes me VERY sad. But it looks like you're doing well, give or take a few things that have happened. I'm so sorry to read about your mom... I know you two were very close.

    The last time we spoke, I was living in Louisiana, probably still a student at LSU. I sure hope you remember who I am, because otherwise I'm going to sound like a rambling psycho, LOL.

    Shoot me an e-mail sometime soon! I have a lot to update you on... maybe one day we can talk on the phone again! I have sooo much to tell you! I miss my friend :-)

    Liz Stokes (formerly Liz Archer) from Louisiana

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  19. Jenny D-
    Wow, some very interesting thing about you and I'm so glad I was able to hear about them. I can't wait to hear about the Duckpin bowling as well as the ballet!
    Okay, I wanted to tell you thank you for all the suggestions and after I shared them all with my husband, he came up with kind of a conglomeration of those...ready?
    It will be called:
    Life through the Eyes of Hurricane~
    what do you think?

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  20. I and my snoopervisor here want to send our love.
    xoxox

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  21. LIZZZZZZZ! Oh my GOSH! I can't believe it -- I am so happy to hear from you! You married Ben! Oh wow, oh wow, I'm so excited. I'm going to email you tomorrow (monday) and really hope you still have the same email address. Wait till Angie hears all this. She's going to drop her teeth. And SHE'S getting married in March! Man, this is great. I'll be writing tomorrow, so be on the lookout for it.
    XOXOXO

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  22. You made my day.. I just love you Jenny. I cant wait to do just what you said and more.
    xoxo
    Take care of your babies too.

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  23. To Lisa: MUAH!

    To LIZ: OH NOOOO, you don't have the same email address anymore! I just sent a long email off to you and it came back. If you see this, please post your email here. I'll ck each day and when I see it, I'll delete your note for you. But you are safe here. All of these folks are just the greatest, I promise.

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  24. Just stopping by to say hello, and see what you have been up to. Hope you had a nice day. Thank you for stopping by for a visit, and your nice comments always make me feel good.
    Hope you have a good week.
    Hugs, to you, Sam and Lucy.
    Dianne :)

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  25. HIya Jenny,
    thanks for your lovely comment, my eyes light up when I see you've dropped by.(no not a sweet declaration of love, but of devotion maybe? lol!!) Just been to Ramlington's WP blog, and saw your comment, about traf -ing...made me laugh out loud!!
    Hope Lee's doing well, and you too, my most favourite of Stylish bloggers...xPenx

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  26. Hey Jenny,
    I know you are busy but wanted to let you know that I think you are right; Life Through the Eyes of A Hurricane does sound better than without the 'A'...good thinking!
    I'm glad you're you and in my life !

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  27. my thanks for your comment, Jenny, and I'm spitting mad about what they think they can get away with...Sell, sell, sell, you'd think they owned it all and not us, the people of the Country,who they're supposed to be representing. BUT saying that, I couldn't run for a seat, I haven't the nature for it, any opposition and I'd probably end up 'head butting' an opponent!! lol!!
    I'm off to find that Youtube video you mentioned so take care fellow campaigner....xPenx

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  28. Hi Jenny, To answer your question on why some people's blog feed's take longer to show up than other's, I really don't know the answer, but I'll let you know if I find out. I do know that you can see if someone's feed is working by going to the bottom part of their blog and clicking on the Posts (Atom) link. However, if they are using FeedBurner than it's more complicated and I see more problems about feed updates from people that use it. I leave those for someone else :)

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  29. Good morning, Jenny. If you have snow and ice, do be cautious. I may buy 2 steps so I can get rid of big clutter, one for the window, one for the bed.
    I sure hope your house doesn't wind up in that hole.
    You've got a blog there...lol

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  30. Gee, I just got around to your comment on my previous blog entry about Spring. I guess I'm too late to receive that award as I didn't make it onto your list. That's OK! I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to devote to my own blog, let alone think of seven things about myself that I want to divulge! Glad you got the award and was thrilled to learn more about you. Wish I lived closer---I know we'd be fast friends (more than we are even now!). Glad you're such an animal lover too! Write on!

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