I love that some days, like today, driving to work I had to stop for three deer to cross the street and then saw a group of quail also running along, their little top notch bobbing.
I have lived in Oregon nearly all my life, and yet I still get excited to see a deer.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
24th Wedding Anniversary
24 years ago (yesterday) I walked down the isle, in what I must now admit was not the most attractive dress and said "I do" to a great man who has been a wonderful husband. Our married life started out with my two children and his dog. The kids loved him and he became "Dad" right away. The dog was a little slower to come around, but she finally accepted me.
Over the past 24 years life has had it's ups and downs. Another baby, the death of his dog, getting a new dog, teething, terrible twos, adoption, sibling rivalry, getting a new dog, teenage rebellion, purchasing a home, running a business, death of another dog, getting two new dogs, high school graduations, college, laughter, tears, fights and forgiveness. But always, through it all, there has been love and respect. But more than that even, we really enjoy being together.
Last night we went to dinner with Pete and Kathy (we learned a few years back that they were married on the exact same day we were). We then went home and danced to "our song" (Joe Cocker and Jenifer Warren "Up Where We Belong" in case you were not at the wedding) and then sat outside, watching the sky darken and the stars appear, listening to the rest of the Joe Cocker CD. It was a perfect evening.
Over the past 24 years life has had it's ups and downs. Another baby, the death of his dog, getting a new dog, teething, terrible twos, adoption, sibling rivalry, getting a new dog, teenage rebellion, purchasing a home, running a business, death of another dog, getting two new dogs, high school graduations, college, laughter, tears, fights and forgiveness. But always, through it all, there has been love and respect. But more than that even, we really enjoy being together.
Last night we went to dinner with Pete and Kathy (we learned a few years back that they were married on the exact same day we were). We then went home and danced to "our song" (Joe Cocker and Jenifer Warren "Up Where We Belong" in case you were not at the wedding) and then sat outside, watching the sky darken and the stars appear, listening to the rest of the Joe Cocker CD. It was a perfect evening.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Long, Long, Winter
I have not been blogging much. Partially because some things seem too personal to blather on about and partially because we have been in a slow, steady, un-blog-worthy (new word for the day) mode.
The economy has really hit us hard, and we have been trying to figure out how to survive. We are paying to keep the company going each month - but I do have two big jobs coming up. I just wish I had some more jobs lined up after these ones. Gene and I have become quite thrifty and I have not used my credit card in such a long time that the credit card company sent Gene a sympathy card - figuring I have died!
My hairdresser called and asked if I was upset with him, since I had not rescheduled a cancelled appointment. I assured him I was not - only that I could not afford to get my hair done. He understood and said that many of his customers were in the same boat. Then he offered me a free haircut! A couple weeks later I took him up on his offer. As I was leaving the office I told my friend Barb how excited I was to be getting my hair cut, and told her about Sam offering me a free haircut (I intended to tip him $20). Sam washed and cut my hair and then took a phone call. He hung up and then said to me "Barb is paying for you to get a weave". I was absolutely floored! I was torn at first, because a weave is expensive and it really was too much of a gift, and yet I knew that she wanted to do it, and did not want to spoil her wonderful gift - so I got a weave!
When I thanked Barb the next day, she told me she had received her tax refund and had us to thank for it, since we gave her a job. While I am always willing to accept thanks - she earns what she gets from us - so I guess we have a mutually beneficial arrangement - she is thankful for the job we give her and we are thankful for the job she does for us.
After waiting nearly 8 weeks, I was finally scheduled to see Dr. Townsend, the orthopeadic doctor in February. He said I have a torn meniscus and arthritis. He said I could opt for knee surgery to clean up the meniscus - but there was no rush and it was up to me. After doing some research, I opted for the surgery - and had it on February 20. The surgery went well. I was taken into the OR at 10:30, woke up in recovery at 11:30 and was in the truck and on my way home at 12:30. I followed orders and sat/laid around all weekend, iced it, etc. Gene and I each saw our orthopeadic doctors about 10 days later. Dr. Townsend showed me before and after photos and showed me the arthritis (areas of the bone where the cartilage had worn off completely). Dr. O'Sullivan showed Gene where his bone had all grown back. The following Saturday Gene and I hiked up the Upper Table Rock. We took it easy (22 minute mile) and had a nice hike. I was a bit surprised at how sore I was on Sunday and Monday - especially in the calves. Last weekend we hiked up again, at a faster, 19 minute mile pace. While I was breathing hard, I did not have to stop. The calves did not hurt after this hike - but I feel it in the backside.
Gene and I have decided to buy a couple of bikes and use them on the bike path to do some cross training (I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks). We counted up all of the change we have been saving for the past several years and actually have enough money to pay for the bikes with our change.
Poor Gene has had a long, hard winter. We have not been down south for almost a year. We cannot afford to do any remodeling projects. He took our end table and coffee table out and refinished them. Then he finished out the kitchen soffit. We potted some bonsai in cheap dishes we are using for bonsai planters. Several of ours have not held up this winter and new pots cost so much money.
We are looking forward to Kylie and Jason's visit the last week of March. Then my brother John and his family will be up for a visit the first week of April.
We have been trying to limit the amount of news we watch - as it is so depressing. A news hiatus, if you will. It has helped. The warm, drier days have been nice too, but now it is raining and has been for two days.
I have to finish up our taxes today and we have a job walk in Klamath Falls tomorrow.
The economy has really hit us hard, and we have been trying to figure out how to survive. We are paying to keep the company going each month - but I do have two big jobs coming up. I just wish I had some more jobs lined up after these ones. Gene and I have become quite thrifty and I have not used my credit card in such a long time that the credit card company sent Gene a sympathy card - figuring I have died!
My hairdresser called and asked if I was upset with him, since I had not rescheduled a cancelled appointment. I assured him I was not - only that I could not afford to get my hair done. He understood and said that many of his customers were in the same boat. Then he offered me a free haircut! A couple weeks later I took him up on his offer. As I was leaving the office I told my friend Barb how excited I was to be getting my hair cut, and told her about Sam offering me a free haircut (I intended to tip him $20). Sam washed and cut my hair and then took a phone call. He hung up and then said to me "Barb is paying for you to get a weave". I was absolutely floored! I was torn at first, because a weave is expensive and it really was too much of a gift, and yet I knew that she wanted to do it, and did not want to spoil her wonderful gift - so I got a weave!
When I thanked Barb the next day, she told me she had received her tax refund and had us to thank for it, since we gave her a job. While I am always willing to accept thanks - she earns what she gets from us - so I guess we have a mutually beneficial arrangement - she is thankful for the job we give her and we are thankful for the job she does for us.
After waiting nearly 8 weeks, I was finally scheduled to see Dr. Townsend, the orthopeadic doctor in February. He said I have a torn meniscus and arthritis. He said I could opt for knee surgery to clean up the meniscus - but there was no rush and it was up to me. After doing some research, I opted for the surgery - and had it on February 20. The surgery went well. I was taken into the OR at 10:30, woke up in recovery at 11:30 and was in the truck and on my way home at 12:30. I followed orders and sat/laid around all weekend, iced it, etc. Gene and I each saw our orthopeadic doctors about 10 days later. Dr. Townsend showed me before and after photos and showed me the arthritis (areas of the bone where the cartilage had worn off completely). Dr. O'Sullivan showed Gene where his bone had all grown back. The following Saturday Gene and I hiked up the Upper Table Rock. We took it easy (22 minute mile) and had a nice hike. I was a bit surprised at how sore I was on Sunday and Monday - especially in the calves. Last weekend we hiked up again, at a faster, 19 minute mile pace. While I was breathing hard, I did not have to stop. The calves did not hurt after this hike - but I feel it in the backside.
Gene and I have decided to buy a couple of bikes and use them on the bike path to do some cross training (I guess you can teach old dogs new tricks). We counted up all of the change we have been saving for the past several years and actually have enough money to pay for the bikes with our change.
Poor Gene has had a long, hard winter. We have not been down south for almost a year. We cannot afford to do any remodeling projects. He took our end table and coffee table out and refinished them. Then he finished out the kitchen soffit. We potted some bonsai in cheap dishes we are using for bonsai planters. Several of ours have not held up this winter and new pots cost so much money.
We are looking forward to Kylie and Jason's visit the last week of March. Then my brother John and his family will be up for a visit the first week of April.
We have been trying to limit the amount of news we watch - as it is so depressing. A news hiatus, if you will. It has helped. The warm, drier days have been nice too, but now it is raining and has been for two days.
I have to finish up our taxes today and we have a job walk in Klamath Falls tomorrow.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Trust - the Paradox
I have been pondering how to write about what has been going on for the past month and a half:
Trusting someone with the good side is one thing - trusting someone with the other side is much more difficult. And yet from that difficulty can come a greater intimacy - one that is real, rather than fake.
The paradox lies in trusting enough to do the difficult things - face the difficult truths - and trust that it will bring something good.
- trying to survive in this new economy
- appreciating the simpler things in life
- waiting for the other shoe to drop
- trying to learn to trust
If the foundation for trust has been properly layed while we are young children, then I imagine it is easier. But if that foundation was not, everything we build on top of it, has the potential to come crashing down.
Trusting someone with the good side is one thing - trusting someone with the other side is much more difficult. And yet from that difficulty can come a greater intimacy - one that is real, rather than fake.
The paradox lies in trusting enough to do the difficult things - face the difficult truths - and trust that it will bring something good.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Christmas Gift
"I wanted to surprise you - I was thinking about calling Chase and flying him out for Christmas".
Did I hear that right? Was my wishful mind playing tricks on me?
"I have been thinking about this for a long time", Gene continued.
I had recognized a definite softening toward Chase. "What are you getting Chase for Christmas? Be sure to put both of our names on it". But I had always thought, and in fact had been told, that Chase was going to have to make the effort. Now Gene was willing to forgive and make the first step towards reconciling our family.
I left for the office while Gene made the phone call, telling Chase he loved him, wanted him to come home for Christmas, promised no one would bother him, and that we needed to put everything behind us and start fresh and be a family again.
Gene called me, "Book the ticket"!
As we discussed the timeframe, etc, Gene added, "We will have to get him some jammies". (We always give the kids a new pair of jammies to open on Christmas eve.)
We decided that we would not tell anyone, and let them each be surprised when they saw Chase.
As I anticipated the visit my mind wondered, What will Sharna do? How will Kylie respond? I reminded myself to let them each forge their own relationships and simply enjoy spending time with all of my children.
I called Chase the next day to give him his flight information. He had just come back from purchasing some clothes, shoes, a belt, a razor and getting a haircut. "I only have work clothes", he explained. He seemed excited and a little nervous.
Gene and I were both excited, talking about having our family together, taking pictures, etc. We regretted that Arlene would not be able to see him during this visit, but vowed that there will be many more. Gene commented that he had discussed with Sharna the idea of doing this for my 50th birthday, but realized that things can happen in 3 years time, and that the time to reconcile was now.
Did I hear that right? Was my wishful mind playing tricks on me?
"I have been thinking about this for a long time", Gene continued.
I had recognized a definite softening toward Chase. "What are you getting Chase for Christmas? Be sure to put both of our names on it". But I had always thought, and in fact had been told, that Chase was going to have to make the effort. Now Gene was willing to forgive and make the first step towards reconciling our family.
I left for the office while Gene made the phone call, telling Chase he loved him, wanted him to come home for Christmas, promised no one would bother him, and that we needed to put everything behind us and start fresh and be a family again.
Gene called me, "Book the ticket"!
As we discussed the timeframe, etc, Gene added, "We will have to get him some jammies". (We always give the kids a new pair of jammies to open on Christmas eve.)
We decided that we would not tell anyone, and let them each be surprised when they saw Chase.
As I anticipated the visit my mind wondered, What will Sharna do? How will Kylie respond? I reminded myself to let them each forge their own relationships and simply enjoy spending time with all of my children.
I called Chase the next day to give him his flight information. He had just come back from purchasing some clothes, shoes, a belt, a razor and getting a haircut. "I only have work clothes", he explained. He seemed excited and a little nervous.
Gene and I were both excited, talking about having our family together, taking pictures, etc. We regretted that Arlene would not be able to see him during this visit, but vowed that there will be many more. Gene commented that he had discussed with Sharna the idea of doing this for my 50th birthday, but realized that things can happen in 3 years time, and that the time to reconcile was now.
We waited anxiously at the airport for his plane to arrive. Naturally it was late. We had told Kylie we would meet her for lunch and we had to call and keep stalling. Finally his plane was on the ground and we saw him walking down the corridor and through the revolving door. I reminded myself to be considerate and not "hog" too much of him, trying to keep from rushing to him, so that Gene could have a moment with him. I did not need to remind myself, Gene moved quickly to embrace him. They both hugged, tears in their eyes, pulled apart and hugged again.
We walked into the restaurant where we were meeting Kylie, and waited for her mind to catch up and recognize her beloved brother. They hugged and we enjoyed a nice lunch together. We told her that we were not telling anyone he was here and letting them each be surprised as they saw him. Our reasoning here was that it would be memorable for each person, and a bit less overwhelming for Chase if the reunions were staggered in this way. Also, we did not want others to know before his sisters knew.
Sharna arrived about 9:30pm Christmas Eve night. As she walked in the door and met her brother in the dining room her lips moved into a frozen "oh" of surprise and they embraced. We visited for a while and then Gene and I went to bed. I heard the kids up talking and visiting until late in the night.
Christmas morning was wonderful. Just before everyone arrived for Christmas dinner, Kylie and Chase left to pick up her boyfriend Jason. Of course everyone arrived while they were gone. When she came back, she commented "we brought a friend of Jason's with us". My mom looked up and then ran and hugged her grandson. My sister sat perplexed, wondering why her mother was hugging Jason's friend, and then recognized Chase as well.
The next day we went to lunch at the Cox'. Tammy was totally surprised and when she called Tom, he immediately brought his family over for a visit.
Over the weekend, we enjoyed visits with friends and family and then loaded Chase on the plane on Sunday night. It was a wonderful Christmas.
Before we picked Chase up from the airport my friend, Barb, gave me a Christmas card. In it she placed this poem she has written the night before.
The Christmas Gift
(written for the Kepplers)
The Man and the Son
Gave the Woman a gift
A Christmas give
By first giving to each other
...a gift of Love
...of Forgiveness
...of Healing
...of Wholeness
The Man and the Son
Gave the Woman a gift
A Christmas gift
As long ago, God gave a Gift
The First Christmas Gift
A Gift of His Son
...a gift of Love
...of Forgiveness
...of Healing
...of Wholeness
Yes, the Man and the Son
Gave the Woman a gift
A Gift of Love
A Family Together
A Christmas Gift
2008 Barbara J. Warner
Sidebar - I am struggling here, because blogger lets me put in the extra line between the poem stanzas and then the lines are not there when I publish the post and I feel I am doing injustice to such a meaningful poem by not keeping it exactly as it was written (and should be).
Monday, December 8, 2008
Neighborhood Walk
It has been two months since Gene broke his hip during the Portland Marathon. Recovery has been painful at times and Gene has been bored and restless at others - but he is making progress. A couple weeks ago he began walking with a cane rather than the crutches and this week he began to do some limited walking without the cane.
Yesterday we went to our storage unit and organized the mess that was there and brought our Christmas tree home. Then we had lunch and watched the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cowboys - YAY! After that, we took a short walk in the neighborhood. It was so nice to be out walking with Gene again. I think it helped him mentally, as much as physically - knowing that he is on his way back.
Yesterday we went to our storage unit and organized the mess that was there and brought our Christmas tree home. Then we had lunch and watched the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cowboys - YAY! After that, we took a short walk in the neighborhood. It was so nice to be out walking with Gene again. I think it helped him mentally, as much as physically - knowing that he is on his way back.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A Therapuetic Whine
I don't know if it is something specific, or just all the little things, but I have been feeling a bit down.
None of our kids will be home for Thanksgiving.
My beautiful butterfly koi was killed by a great blue heron yesterday. (Seems like every year at Thanksgiving one of God's creatures decides to help himself to a feast of my koi).
My knee is still bothering me a bit.
The weather is dreary.
The economy sucks and seems to be getting worse every day.
I do not have as much work lined up as I would like.
I had received an "Intent to Award" for a large job; attended a subcontactor meeting and sent submittals and was then notified that they "misread" my bid and signed with the another contractor - before even discussing it with me.
I have not decided on a plan for obtaining more work, and several families depend on us.
I have been incredibly disorganized at work (there are many piles distracting me).
Our business liability insurance carrier has decided they no longer want to write policies for roofing contractors, and I have been waiting for several weeks for my agent to obtain new quotes. My current policy expires in a little over two weeks.
Did I mention the economy sucks?
Okay - enough whining, time to get to work. At least tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I will be taking a 4 day hiatus from work and from the depressing news about all the problems out there.
None of our kids will be home for Thanksgiving.
My beautiful butterfly koi was killed by a great blue heron yesterday. (Seems like every year at Thanksgiving one of God's creatures decides to help himself to a feast of my koi).
My knee is still bothering me a bit.
The weather is dreary.
The economy sucks and seems to be getting worse every day.
I do not have as much work lined up as I would like.
I had received an "Intent to Award" for a large job; attended a subcontactor meeting and sent submittals and was then notified that they "misread" my bid and signed with the another contractor - before even discussing it with me.
I have not decided on a plan for obtaining more work, and several families depend on us.
I have been incredibly disorganized at work (there are many piles distracting me).
Our business liability insurance carrier has decided they no longer want to write policies for roofing contractors, and I have been waiting for several weeks for my agent to obtain new quotes. My current policy expires in a little over two weeks.
Did I mention the economy sucks?
Okay - enough whining, time to get to work. At least tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I will be taking a 4 day hiatus from work and from the depressing news about all the problems out there.
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