THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL...

Eliza got her driver's license today on first try, and she's one happy girl!!!!!

UNDERGOING CHANGES

Blog Change: If you haven't checked into Namasté blog recently, you haven't seen the changes in the banner that I'm attempting to make on my blog header. I'm excited I used Piknik (as instructed by Mary Ann on her blog)! Now, I only have to figure out how to center the title, and I'm set to go. As I become more skilled in using the program, I'll be changing the blog banner with different photos along the way. Today's banner features one of my last summer's dahlias. Seeing it makes me want to zoom ahead into spring and summer. (By the way, Piknic is a free service on the web. All you have to do is go to the site and register.)

Life Change: The greatest change to report today, however, is that my father (87) finally realized my mom (89) can no longer care for him, and agreed to go live with his principal caretaker, Pansy. In fact, the move took place earlier today.

When I talked to my mom just a while ago, I asked her what it felt like to watch him leave after living with him for 63 years, and her response was that she felt like she just needed to crawl in the bed and take a nap. That speaks volumes in terms of her fatigue. She's cared for Papa everyday of the week since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over 30 years ago, sometimes getting up as many as 17 times a night to assist him. Were it not for her nursing skills, infatigable patience and love, her beloved Zeb would have been in an assisted living center long ago. In the past few years, he's become very feeble.

And lucky are Papa and we to have Pansy in our lives. She's a good match for Papa...a career caregiver whom we met when Daddy was in a facility after his back surgery several years back. Pansy's a mountain woman and lives fairly near where Papa grew up...She's strong in body and spirit and so loving and compassionate...one of those very, very special persons who loves old people and cares for them in her home. She provides great relief for us since we know Daddy will be better cared for with Pansy than any other place on earth, short of with Mom.

My heart is full of love for my both my parents today. Daddy's never been one to leave home, to want to be away...I know coming to the final realization he is more than Mom can take care of breaks his heart...

However, we've all known that this day was soon to come. When I talked to Mom earlier as Daddy was about to leave home, I will confess that the tears flowed for a moment, but then a wave of relief swept over me as I affirmed in my heart that this huge change for our family really is for the best...

I hold Papa and Petie close in my heart today and give huge thanks for all they have done for me and my children...

RELAXATION SEMINAR OFFERED AT THE FARM

Having trouble letting go of stress and tension in your life?

Got the winter blahs?

Crazy things happening all around?

Just can't get enough rest?

Feeling under the weather?

Well, here at The Farm, we've got the answer for whatever ails you!

Join Clousseau the Cat, feline relaxation specialist, for instruction in the latest relaxations techniques!

"Crash and Snooze---Any Time, Any Where"

A specialist in sleep all day / sleep all night, Clousseau will lead individual or group mini-sessions in

"Purrrr while you Power Nap"

&

"Advanced Snuggle Techniques"

Sessions totally free anytime of any day

Open to all who seek relaxation for whatever reason

Bring warm, cozy clothes, pillow and blankets*

(It's rather chilly at the farm these days...)

Other feline colleagues available for one-on-one sessions**

As our friend, Sherm, says...

When in doubt, mellow out...

( and Clousseau totally concurs.)

NO NEED FOR APPTS.

*(Those with cat allergies should also consider a decongestant, and those bothered by loud purring or snoring might want to consider ear plugs, as well.)

** (Disclaimer: Clousseau does not recommend signing up for a session with Loonis since she has a tendency to get bitchy and pissy without warning or the corgis, since they stink.)

ONE MILLION PEACE SIGNS

Check out these websites:http://www.onemillionpeacesigns.com/ /http://www.onemillionpeacesigns.blogspot.com/

There are some really neat photos and apparently so many people joining the site that the blog managers are way behind posting photos.

I tried to post one of my photos of the peace sign in the back field, but I don't know if I made it through all the steps. If it did post, I estimate that it would be past page 17 on the site.

Anyway, people are thinking about peace and seeing it all around...That's neat!

WHAT HAVE I DONE TODAY?

1. Taught three classes.
2. Written two recommendations
3. Written a response to a student's concern about her grade 4. Created a writing prompt and rubric for my Spanish II students
5. Responded to numerous phone calls
6. Responded to numerous emails
7. Written an agenda for a meeting
8. Chaired the meeting
9. Met with a person about putting up an art exhibit
10. Graded two sets of papers
11. Answered numerous questions from students and colleagues
12. Made lists of things that must get done this week
13. Sat a lot while I did all the things listed above
14. Fed the animals
15. Fixed brussel sprouts for supper...

If I read this list on someone else's blog, I'd think the person needed to get a life....Hmmmmm...

EDITORIAL COMMENTARY FROM THE FARM - 01/12/2007

I am blessed.

I have the best guy friends in all the world. Samuel, Joe, Brett, Tom, Chintu, Dr. Tom, BJ, Dean, Ricardito, Rodolfo, Norm, Andrew, Pepín, David, James, Ralph, Darryl and...they're the best! They're for real...

I enjoy being in their company. I find it easy to talk to the "fellers," laugh with them, listen to them...My guy friends are wise; they're perspective is important and always enlightening for me to ponder. I learn from them...Many are the men I admire...respect...honor...love....

My gratitude for them is HUGE...

HE'S LOST HIS ARMS, AND HE'S STILL SMILING

The winter hasn't been all that severe (yet!), but my garden Buddha seems to have lost his arms in the last wind storm. I can't find them anywhere. Additionally, it looks as if he'll need a new paint job come spring. Nonetheless, I can always count on this guy with the truly hefty belly for good humor and an unfailing smile, and he seems quite content to wait out the winter outside. Way to go, enlightened but tarnished one! I laugh with you every time I walk by...

Two extremely warm days make me extremely suspicious that freezing butt weather could be on the way. I'm alone at The Farm now, officially declaring the holidays have come to an end since Samuel and Megan have gone back to school, Eliza's off for her two-week stay with her dad, and the rest of the farm family has scattered back across the country. It's quiet here, so quiet I find myself ready for bed by 9:30 PM.

Return to work has been bearable thanks to the presence of Mary Ann and students who seem happy to see me. I am a bit dull of brain until late morning--actually until about the time I finish my last class. I bumble about like Inspecteur Clousseau and am good for a few laughs along the way. I didn't realize until I got to the office today that I pulled the slacks I wore today out of the dirty clothes. One didn't have to look too closely to see the coffee and dirt stains down the legs of my pants...OOPS!!

On a final note, if anyone hasn't yet checked in on Daily Coyote, I again recommend this blog as one of the best in the world. Go to http://www.dailycoyote.blogspot.com/, and I promise you'll fall in love with Charlie, Eli, and Shreve...It's a great read, and I'm sure their story will be a movie some day. Enjoy!

NAMASTE BLOG: TWO YEARS RUNNING

Time has flown by these last two years, and this week (Tuesday, January 8, 2008, to be exact) is the second anniversary of my blog. At the time I started blogging, I had no idea I would keep it up, and I couldn't think of anything to title my ramblings. The idea of Namasté is one which I embrace--a recognition of the common divinity in all, a friendly greeting exchanged with honor and respect for the person(s) to whom it is directed. It's both "hello" and "goodbye," "I honor you," "I respect you," and "We're all on this life journey together." Hence, the inspiration for the title of my blog.

Also embedded in my understanding of Namasté is the idea of peace and neutrality, in essence, freedom from turbulence of the spirit. I associate the term with joy...with happiness...with deep and free breath...with commonality and similarities in the human experience. Namasté for me means that Gomer Pyle is as great a teacher for me as Albert Einstein...that a cabbage radiates as much beauty as a rose...that anyone or anything that takes us to a greater level of compassion and love is something to be treasured...that we can all live life our own way (as long as we do no harm to others).

OK, enough philosophizing...If anyone would like to submit an idea for Namasté 2007 post of the year, just leave a comment. I'd love to know which entry captured my readers' attention and interest...And again, thanks to all who check in on Namasté from time to time....I'm deeply honored!

NAMASTE..

MEME TO BEGIN THE YEAR-WELCOME TO 2008

The new year's here. There was a wonderful gathering of family and friends here at the farm Monday evening. Photos will appear in the next day or so.

Until then, here's a MEME I stole from Mary Ann, who snagged it from someone else. (It has taken a good little while to get all this together here on my first day of work. SHHHHHHH!!!)

Age on next birthday:

Note how modern this '56 car looks!

A place you'd like to visit:

...only, of course, when Fidel finally kicks the bucket and it's safe for me to go...Nepal places a very close second, and at the rate it's taking for Fidel to check off the planet, it looks like I'll make it there first...

One favorite place:

...New Mexico, Land of Enchantment...

A favorite object:

... knitting needles, pretty yarn, and some music, and I'm in 7th heaven...

My favorite food:

...after all I am a GRITS - Girl Raised in the South - and I do love my collard greens...

Favorite color:

...a difficult decision since I love ALL colors...this thistle purple always catches my eye...

Favorite animal:

...yep, I'd love to be an otter!!

Name of first pet:

...Bitsy, a solid white mutt who didn't look a thing like this itsy-bitsy fellow...

Where I live:

...Marietta, OH - oldest town of the Northwest Territories and home of the annual Sternwheel Festival (2nd weekend in September of each year)...

First grade teacher's name:

Miss Charlie Putnam...yes, Charlie was a she

My middle name:

...Lee, just like Robert E....

A bad habit:

'Nuf said....

College major:

¿Hablas español?

My favorite holiday:

I love a good costume, a good costume party, and a trip to the graveyard!

WHEW!!!! This post has taken me two days to complete...Was it worth it?????