The Eyes Are the First Thing to Go...

I have a confession to make. I can not see the characters when I write my blog posts.

I'm not sure if this is due to my advanced age, or if it's because we got a new computer recently and now neither one of us can see the screens. (Note to self: remind Dan AGAIN to change the resolution).

This has been very frustrating as I like to publish a quality post with no typos, misspelled words, or weird punctuation if possible.

I have avoided increasing the font size because, well, because I'm vain about stuff like that and don't want readers to realize that I can only see words that are 1/2 inch tall.

But earlier this week I found the perfect solution! It's so great that I can't believe I never thought of it before.

Are you ready?

I change the font size as I'm typing it and then change it back when I'm ready to publish.

I know.

Genius, right?

I feel so much better about what I'm writing now that I can actually see it.

You know, it really is the little things in life that bring the most pleasure.

Blog Stuff

When I started this blog over six years ago I was a first time Grammy. I wanted to write about my granddaughter, but I also wanted to satisfy my urge for creative writing. Over the years I've reevaluated the blog from time to time and have been open in stating what changes I was going to make. Of course, as life goes, half the changes never "took".

I love writing the blog and have no intention of stopping. I have been reevaluating it again and have decided to make some changes. I thought this time I would be more circumspect by NOT sharing my intentions.. Maybe that way if (when) they don't occur I won't feel so guilty!

I can see that my posts have steadily decreased over the past couple of years. My excuse is that my husband has been so busy I don't have as much access to the computer. Also, having grandkids three days a week really cuts down on my "me" time. Which I don't regret.

So, at the end, I'm faced with the reality that I need to be more deliberate about making time to blog. Instead of blaming it on "scheduling" (isn't that a nice way to put it?) I need to adjust my schedule to make the time work for me.

So, this is my non-announcement about unshared changes I'm going to make in my blog.

Aren't you glad you read this post?!

Shake, Rattle, and Yawn

This past weekend I was talking to my son, JD about the increase in earthquakes in Oklahoma. There are several theories as to the cause of these quakes. I don't care about the cause. I only care about the fear factor. I am afraid of earthquakes.

Growing up in Kansas, we didn't have earthquakes. We only had tornadoes. And in all of my years of living there I never saw a tornado. I learned to grab my stuff and head to the basement when the sirens went off. (As I got older, I took my stuff to the basement and then ran outside to crane my neck to try to see the funnel cloud). In school we learned to all crouch under our desks or in the cloakroom when the sirens went off.

My mom watched a tornado destroy a neighborhood from across I-35 when we lived in Lenexa, KS. But that's the closest I've come to a twister.

I respect tornadoes, but I don't have a deep-seated fear of them.

Earthquakes are another story. You can't take cover from them. The sirens don't sound to warn you that one is imminent. They are very scary. They are why I never want to live in California (well, that, and the political environment and the tax rate and the lack of water).

This morning we awoke to the news that three earthquakes occurred overnight about 45 miles from our house. The first one was at approximately 9 pm - a 3.2. We were watching the Royals mount an epic comeback over the Mets at that time. We didn't feel a thing. Our pool didn't slosh onto the cool deck. Our dogs and cat didn't act odd.

The next two shakes happened at 11:30 and 11:50 pm. They were stronger - a 4.1 and a 4.0. I was asleep.

Now I know intellectually that earthquakes, like every other natural phenomenon can occur anywhere. But seriously, if we're going to start having them, I will start looking for a safer place to live. Where that is, I have no idea.

Although I have heard of plans to colonize Mars. Oh wait, I think that's just a movie...

SSMT #21

You are my hiding place;

you will protect me from trouble

and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 32:7 NIV

An Epic Sleepover

Last weekend Storm came to spend the night Friday and Saturday nights. I figured he might get bored with just us old folks so I invited the three cousins to come for a sleep over on Saturday night. It has been a long time since I've dealt with four kids. I was worn out on Sunday after everyone went home!

A good time was had by all as we ate pizza, watched a movie, played in the playroom, helped Gramps plant grass seed, ate animal pancakes, and played outside. Oh yes, and I think they got at least a few hours of sleep.

Here's proof of our fun-filled weekend...

Storm loves playing in the sandbox

Trying to fill Gramps' shoes

Sunny and Skye

(The rash you can see on Skye's cheek is non-contagious)

All four cousins - Storm was thrilled to be included with the big kids

Waiting for pizza

Planting grass seed

They liked to pretend they were "feeding the chickens"

Thunder was trying to be precise in his seed placement

Storm preferred the sandbox again

Handsome boy!

SSMT #20

My verse for this time is a verse of promise and serenity!

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Jeremiah 31:25

SSMT #19

As I sat down today to post my verse for this period, a totally different post began composing in my mind and another verse suddenly seemed more appropriate. I have experienced a lot of personal loss this past two weeks. Loss in the form of serious illness of friends, tragic outcomes for family members, sorrow for acquaintances experiencing devastating changes to their lives.

As I thought on all of this a verse from childhood popped into my mind. A verse I need to re-commit to memory.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2