tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55747617863213935912024-03-14T09:00:20.360-04:00Gifts From GailRandom thoughts as I ponder life's journey...Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.comBlogger935125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-14257342128631513252020-12-15T19:20:00.001-05:002020-12-15T19:20:44.202-05:00LOST AND FOUND<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhBfq9pZXpOeKiNtxLbrhlxDgCt2X9DpFN3oPbBDpxqeDlN7Mx6O7eheQIwyAqvJeePqQMN3I0AiYU_9VlFinbGLDdhqo9RDAIaI-26jDMgsIgc-zGQwAz82RqaA0Bl5mzvbWso7N_r7O/s550/Sometimes-Christmas-is-just...hard_.-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="550" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhBfq9pZXpOeKiNtxLbrhlxDgCt2X9DpFN3oPbBDpxqeDlN7Mx6O7eheQIwyAqvJeePqQMN3I0AiYU_9VlFinbGLDdhqo9RDAIaI-26jDMgsIgc-zGQwAz82RqaA0Bl5mzvbWso7N_r7O/w320-h169/Sometimes-Christmas-is-just...hard_.-2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Christmas is hard. Nine years ago at Christmas time, I lost my son - and needed to find myself. I learned that when you lose a loved one, life goes on, and you have to go on too. You have to learn to live with the grief first, then the pain, then the acceptance of - 'life goes on'. Life is no longer what it was, what you wanted it to be, it becomes a NEW normal. But in all instances, God will see you through it all. </p><p>I devoted myself to my son for 40 years, and along the way I lost myself. I was so focused on his happiness, I forgot reality and my own happiness. I felt like I had lost my soul and was empty inside. </p><p>Ten years ago, I retired from working, after 50 years of a career that took many twists and turns. I started working in a shoe store when I was 16 years old. After high school and college, I lived at home and had a full time job. My father taught me financial responsibility by charging me $10 per month rent for my room. I never regretted learning the many lessons of life he taught me and standing on my own two feet. </p><p>I will never forget the one statement he drilled into me from the time I was a teenager: "you have two feet to stand on and a head on your shoulders - use them."</p><p>After I retired, I realized how dependent I had become on my son, as an adult, for help around the house while I was living alone. He was married at the time. But then soon after, I lost him. I went through the grief and the pain. I had to reinvent my life. I had to do things for myself. I had to stand on those two feet of mine, and use my head. </p><p>A long-time friend of mine told me I was good at reinventing myself after several traumatic events or circumstances I have been through in my life. I started going back to church. In my last job, I worked on Sundays, therefore was unable to attend. I grew up going to church, then life changes, marriage and divorce happens, moves to other cities, and then coming back home to stay in my parents house after their deaths. All these things change a person. Circumstances can change a person. </p><p>After years of soul searching, reevaluating my life, reinventing myself again and again, I think I have finally found myself again. I have learned to stand on my own two feet. I use my head, I am a problem solver, and a creator of things. </p><p>The biggest heartache of my life was to lose my son. But today, I believe I have found myself, and regained my soul. Love is stronger than any emotion, more important than any other emotion, and hurts the most to lose it. God's love got me through many years of hardships, difficulties, and years of pain. I am a survivor - a survivor of many things, physical abuse, mental abuse, and losses of loved ones until there was only me, standing alone, to take care of myself. </p><p>Now that I am older, I focus more on myself and happiness. I did so much for so many others for so many years. I still do what I can for as many as I can, but resources and physical help are limited now. So I again reinvent myself to do what I can physically around the house, and giving what I can, when I can, to others. That is part of my happiness - the search to find my NEW SELF. </p><p><br /></p>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-78968402709607011202020-12-06T14:26:00.000-05:002020-12-06T14:26:34.126-05:00Angels<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aaUD1-I0GKqF5ukwUAaJAlB_CtSco2hJRPcVH_lDBSoPJR64V_GaiWnvkumOORKUf6zvgWaepIFe2-H6nLfMQOxxOW6KCnYIt73L_lMAGn000unk0-Er6_g7hr4_tobAM8LcseK3d0H5/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="205" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aaUD1-I0GKqF5ukwUAaJAlB_CtSco2hJRPcVH_lDBSoPJR64V_GaiWnvkumOORKUf6zvgWaepIFe2-H6nLfMQOxxOW6KCnYIt73L_lMAGn000unk0-Er6_g7hr4_tobAM8LcseK3d0H5/" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-32598873377058374112020-12-04T18:57:00.000-05:002020-12-04T18:57:12.125-05:00Words Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpulC6Omh3SHmuP6U84XKXH4bMNQklqdaLmLKPOK_ugf2sA5mOUl5VyPHxw9MU5IyqHXjxb9oUpJ2GXyU7GkIAIxnVyJi6JF0ETV0an9qml2J-T6aTig3tCsHlhcQThopUZOkrwJH46Dg/s630/wordss.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpulC6Omh3SHmuP6U84XKXH4bMNQklqdaLmLKPOK_ugf2sA5mOUl5VyPHxw9MU5IyqHXjxb9oUpJ2GXyU7GkIAIxnVyJi6JF0ETV0an9qml2J-T6aTig3tCsHlhcQThopUZOkrwJH46Dg/s200/wordss.jpg" width="200" /></a>
</div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">
Words matter. Words can hurt. Words can harm. Words can offend. Words can
encourage. Words can inspire. Words can motivate.</p>I learned two new words this
week. Paradigm: noun, a typical example of a pattern of something. And.
Soliloquy: noun, an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself
regardless of any hearers. <div><br /></div><div>"They" say, you are never too old to learn. <div><br /></div><div>We learn
something, however small, every single day. Learning can come from an old friend
or a new friend. That is what communication is for, to make conversation.
Conversations can be long, as in talking, or a related email; or they can be as
short as a text on a phone. It is how you word them that makes the difference.
Conversations are a matter of interpretation. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't talk on the phone much, my
conversations are mostly texts or emails (long and short ones). The reason: the
recipients of my conversations are either too busy to stop and talk, have busy
family lives, or work and can't take breaks just whenever. Therefore, texts are
mostly short and to the point, and can be read at the convenience of the
receiver. Just be careful; some texts are not always considered conversational. </div><div><br /></div><div>A related event or circumstance sent as a text can sometimes be categorized as a
soliloquy. Therefore, the modern version of 'one's thoughts aloud' alone can
also now be 'thoughts typed' and shared. </div><div><br /></div><div>A paradigm is a routine, a way of doing
things, when done over and over form a pattern of being or conduct. A person may
not even know they have a pattern for a certain thing. For example, if you brush
your teeth the same way every day, that's a paradigm. A person can do the same
thing, day in and day out, over and over, and not realize it is a pattern of
conduct. It is just them, being themselves, how they have been for years. It
might have been called a habit. Some people are creatures of habit. For example,
"I am just me, and this is how I do it" syndrome. </div><div><br /></div><div>You should not have to change
for another person, or they for you. People should be accepted for who and what
they are, like them, love them, or not. We have choices. Improvements in oneself
are good, but a total transformation is hard. Sometimes, even the smallest
change is hard, if it concerns behaviors. </div><div><br /></div><div>If a person falls on hard times,
he/she might have to reinvent themselves to rise above it, or fix the problem
encountered. I have had many ups and downs in my life, and each one called for
reinventing myself to establish new goals, accomplish new things, change
patterns. For example, after a divorce or family death, or joblessness, or
poverty. I have been through all of those. </div><div><br /></div><div>I worked for over 50 years, lost
family, lost jobs, lost possessions, and was struggling to make ends meet. If
you fall, you must rise again, to live another day. </div><div><br /></div><div>My motto, just be yourself,
be the best you can be, try and try again if necessary. But keep going, look
forward, not backward. You can't change the past, but you can make a new future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be happy with where you are and
thankful for what you have. God will provide. God will protect.
</div></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-87141104257472122662019-01-13T22:46:00.000-05:002019-01-13T22:46:10.123-05:00Look To The Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUgoVv8v1pXmLRHhdu5_I9D6a8XzsiZNP-chzX6c55NplmbwF7AyU92j4quMB9EaegY6imSi2t3HXSSlUB9EstxBYDpNTbqSamPfMT-ObU9vo8EM27yM1XvwBL9emkcbAVEcIsbbOkTWj/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUgoVv8v1pXmLRHhdu5_I9D6a8XzsiZNP-chzX6c55NplmbwF7AyU92j4quMB9EaegY6imSi2t3HXSSlUB9EstxBYDpNTbqSamPfMT-ObU9vo8EM27yM1XvwBL9emkcbAVEcIsbbOkTWj/s320/blog2.jpg" width="320" height="119" data-original-width="669" data-original-height="249" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-58179039943294146012019-01-12T20:00:00.000-05:002019-01-12T20:00:56.902-05:00Un-Typical Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RwgOaYqxeYzYmfit-qGgnq0Yat4vMfCH0ZfdTdFAX1B5Za_ga0JFiMFclyjI7-JK9Vt1KhnZzk3TSmefCbDxqUf6vL4YGSbf7JA03xxfmIY925B1IzyrUMsmOY4pzvlTqUXCRSak2OYr/s1600/89829610-winter-snowy-scene-snow-on-the-branches-of-trees-in-the-city-park-on-horizon-road-with-moving-vehicl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RwgOaYqxeYzYmfit-qGgnq0Yat4vMfCH0ZfdTdFAX1B5Za_ga0JFiMFclyjI7-JK9Vt1KhnZzk3TSmefCbDxqUf6vL4YGSbf7JA03xxfmIY925B1IzyrUMsmOY4pzvlTqUXCRSak2OYr/s200/89829610-winter-snowy-scene-snow-on-the-branches-of-trees-in-the-city-park-on-horizon-road-with-moving-vehicl.jpg" width="133" height="200" data-original-width="867" data-original-height="1300" /></a></div>Winter has arrived. Today the snow came down, and came down...it covered the grass, the streets and the trees. We have now had the first official snow of the new year. My county is now under a Level 1 Snow Emergency for driving. <br />
<br />
Watching the falling snow is somewhat calming, while it turns the outdoors white, the indoors can feel warm and cozy. <br />
<br />
As the snow fell, I was wondering if the driveway would be so bad that I would have a hard time backing out to get to church in the morning. Then I looked out the window and saw someone shoveling my driveway - what a surprise. The man who lives across the street had shoveled his driveway a little earlier, and I noticed he was clearing mine. What a nice neighbor! It pays to make friends with a few neighbors - you never know when you might need one, or want to do a favor for them. <br />
<br />
This neighbor is in a profession well known to me (the job I retired from) and works at the same place I used to work. I am glad he bought the house across the street where my friend used to live (before she passed away), and his two daughters are the cutest. <br />
<br />
God put a few helpers in my world, but I never know when they are going to show up. I always have something to look forward to. I am no longer looking backward. The past is the past and I move forward at my own pace, but always forward. A new day, a new tomorrow to experience.Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-5435281184342446032019-01-10T15:31:00.002-05:002019-01-10T15:31:54.832-05:00Equality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY1PUpKRCPO5vGLr_FzkExEIfmfCCUkxLYaprpyiUvlbe6ONRer611Q_Ifeb-zXLzbxly6qy329-SvJ3eao_p6LUpPwjHlUowNCN-8aXqwx7wcRlQpq4L4bncMTOxpzHNg-WrG2TBd8az/s1600/david-allan-coe-musician-all-men-are-created-equal-it-is-only-men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY1PUpKRCPO5vGLr_FzkExEIfmfCCUkxLYaprpyiUvlbe6ONRer611Q_Ifeb-zXLzbxly6qy329-SvJ3eao_p6LUpPwjHlUowNCN-8aXqwx7wcRlQpq4L4bncMTOxpzHNg-WrG2TBd8az/s320/david-allan-coe-musician-all-men-are-created-equal-it-is-only-men.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-38843047201400518772019-01-09T19:01:00.002-05:002019-01-09T19:01:45.666-05:00Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHOeWvdo_HxtRCiAbmy_X4oEGQV9BGzot-DE7pzXNY9rhjxCq9SyI8Byami2GVxjOVeDnAgFcGRHfFuGb8ond0x45B0j17BgG5qKStp1FeoMTorA3ZzD1slqy3Z_365uPMMXfwqTFAS7P/s1600/forblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHOeWvdo_HxtRCiAbmy_X4oEGQV9BGzot-DE7pzXNY9rhjxCq9SyI8Byami2GVxjOVeDnAgFcGRHfFuGb8ond0x45B0j17BgG5qKStp1FeoMTorA3ZzD1slqy3Z_365uPMMXfwqTFAS7P/s320/forblog.jpg" width="320" height="215" data-original-width="612" data-original-height="411" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-40739554865415073802019-01-08T21:21:00.000-05:002019-01-08T21:21:03.317-05:00Love One Another<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oP55L43ajtCc5-_gsE1hq7LwbkCX7K4I4cA6m6UGp9xO4iMTCz1hvRBkG-ODlbMPpbT4WrSNV1NvIRZl3JoXNFY0RcVosGfcM948lUDNMiI7gIUez6fnOs86DFX9WBc6TVeCkDa-GWgL/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oP55L43ajtCc5-_gsE1hq7LwbkCX7K4I4cA6m6UGp9xO4iMTCz1hvRBkG-ODlbMPpbT4WrSNV1NvIRZl3JoXNFY0RcVosGfcM948lUDNMiI7gIUez6fnOs86DFX9WBc6TVeCkDa-GWgL/s320/blog3.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="1500" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-50622544128715760682019-01-07T20:57:00.002-05:002019-01-07T20:57:42.341-05:00Best LettersHILARIOUS! BEST DIVORCE LETTER EVER<br />
<br />
Dear Wife,<br />
<br />
I’m writing you this letter to tell you that I’m leaving you forever. I’ve been a good man to you for 7 years and I have nothing to show for it. These last 2 weeks have been hell. Your boss called to tell me that you quit your job today and that was the last straw. Last week, you came home and didn’t even notice I had a new haircut, had cooked your favorite meal and even wore a brand new pair of silk boxers. You ate in 2 minutes and went straight to sleep after watching all of your soaps. You don’t tell me you love me anymore; you don’t want sex or anything that connects us as husband and wife. Either you’re cheating on me or you don’t love me anymore; whatever the case, I’m gone.<br />
<br />
Your EX-Husband. P.S. Don’t try to find me. Your SISTER and I are moving away to West Virginia together! Have a great life!<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear Ex-Husband,<br />
<br />
Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It’s true you and I have been married for 7 years, although a good man is a far cry from what you’ve been. I watch my soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining and griping. Too bad that doesn’t work. I DID notice when you got a haircut last week, but the first thing that came to mind was ‘You look just like a girl!’ Since my mother raised me not to say anything if you can’t say something nice, I didn’t comment. And when you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY SISTER, because I stopped eating pork 7 years ago. About those new silk boxers: I turned away from you because the $49.99 price tag was still on them, and I prayed it was a coincidence that my sister had just borrowed $50 from me that morning. After all of this, I still loved you and felt we could work it out. So when I hit the lotto for 10 million dollars, I quit my job and bought us 2 tickets to Jamaica. But when I got home you were gone. Everything happens for a reason, I guess. I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said that the letter you wrote ensures you won’t get a dime from me. So take care. <br />
<br />
Signed, Your Ex-Wife, Rich As Hell & Free! P.S. I don’t know if I ever told you this, but my sister Carla was born Carl. I hope that’s not a problem for you.Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-4921703546068869682019-01-06T16:31:00.000-05:002019-01-06T16:31:05.172-05:00Good WillTo make this world a better place<br />
in which to spend your days<br />
try practicing good fellowship<br />
and you will find it pays<br />
try being just a little kinder<br />
and speak well of all<br />
for pleasantness and tolerance <br />
can scale most any wall<br />
try being just a little bit<br />
more open minded too<br />
and you will find real happiness<br />
in everything you do<br />
for well you know it is no fun<br />
to be the target of<br />
bitterness and ridicule<br />
instead of peace and love<br />
so try at least to understand<br />
the other's point of view<br />
and I am sure that other folks<br />
will do the same for you.<br />
<br />
by Ben Burroughs<br />
<br />
Make 2019 a year of helping others and showing more compassion for those who need understanding and grace. <br />
Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-2854869430970849652019-01-05T20:16:00.003-05:002019-01-05T20:16:59.890-05:00Wisdom and Knowledge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMERqNlvJfkTmxxPxrpl6ArUggyZD_jR4S4fSZXjFhT1lHIqzff9ssbqvNxbY9IO3KWiOjUwV2m7NJv07A49ATE1Rp6lZXDf8H7esgz8thAU5ZuMC9wgi5XJhrJ6UN7zUNYGsxP2O_9wxY/s1600/20181214_024917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMERqNlvJfkTmxxPxrpl6ArUggyZD_jR4S4fSZXjFhT1lHIqzff9ssbqvNxbY9IO3KWiOjUwV2m7NJv07A49ATE1Rp6lZXDf8H7esgz8thAU5ZuMC9wgi5XJhrJ6UN7zUNYGsxP2O_9wxY/s320/20181214_024917.jpg" width="320" height="147" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="734" /></a></div>"The greatest achievements of your life begin the moment you take the wisdom and knowledge you have gained and go out into the world to share it with others."<br />
<br />
Maybe that's why I like to teach - give crochet lessons to others. I've been crocheting for over 40 years and have made so many things. I made King Size Bedspreads, couch sized blankets, many hats, baby hats and blankets, and so much more. I have 2 items in the works right now (a couch blanket and a lap blanket). <br />
<br />
When I learned that the Red Cross in Kettering, Ohio needed red hats, I sent them a box of them. When I learned that the preemies in the NICU unit at Kettering Hospital needed baby blankets and hats, I sent them boxes (3 times). When I learned that a group of women Cancer patients needed hats, I donated some I had made. Giving to others - it is so fulfilling and satisfying - just to make someone smile. <br />
<br />
"Though an inheritance of acres may be bequeathed, an inheritance of knowledge and wisdom cannot." The well-educated can share their knowledge and the elderly can share both knowledge and wisdom. Listen, for you will learn much.<br />
<br />
Note: Colors don't show up well, but the above blanket is scarlet and grey for OSU.<br />
<br />
Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-39127187357610363862018-12-31T16:34:00.002-05:002018-12-31T16:34:23.685-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJEthfZolWgmUjJCQvTEDIF2kjhioOxK2hdm-SPH6T3AC9DlB7z4QcYaFBMfbX3vjVO3vyHlVFBMLsIcmEQJJ4k0Bi6wXCYraOJ0vqrMp7PMuexuYYbG8z3z0O0iKaFIk_IyWq-5uO6wU/s1600/150294-Thank-The-Lord-For-Opening-Another-Chapter-In-Our-Lives...happy-New-Year.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJEthfZolWgmUjJCQvTEDIF2kjhioOxK2hdm-SPH6T3AC9DlB7z4QcYaFBMfbX3vjVO3vyHlVFBMLsIcmEQJJ4k0Bi6wXCYraOJ0vqrMp7PMuexuYYbG8z3z0O0iKaFIk_IyWq-5uO6wU/s400/150294-Thank-The-Lord-For-Opening-Another-Chapter-In-Our-Lives...happy-New-Year.gif" width="400" height="364" data-original-width="550" data-original-height="500" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-84437605509449245862018-12-30T16:25:00.000-05:002018-12-30T16:25:05.602-05:00The New Year Approaches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6tEnXxCVeuG9ZjonQ8nly2ZXFkXsHLPDpYWq_UHgUUYIEvM4MKpdk-A4VA3VJO31Dy86y4YpH-EgGsXWzzq-9_AyV2P2HRDigr8IBftzeTPa2K8dTTY9NrFKHBTk0W2oAALBnP5um3mm/s1600/Love+One+1Another.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6tEnXxCVeuG9ZjonQ8nly2ZXFkXsHLPDpYWq_UHgUUYIEvM4MKpdk-A4VA3VJO31Dy86y4YpH-EgGsXWzzq-9_AyV2P2HRDigr8IBftzeTPa2K8dTTY9NrFKHBTk0W2oAALBnP5um3mm/s320/Love+One+1Another.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1350" data-original-height="900" /></a></div>Today's message at church this morning was inspiring. It was a story about how an immigrant boy was saved by a group of soldiers overseas who found him, saved him, taught him, mentored him, and brought him back to America. They taught him how to pray, and every night he thanked the soldiers by name at the end of his prayer. We all need more prayer in our lives. <br />
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We all need to help each other more in the coming new year. The division in this country has gotten more dangerous than ever. We are at risk of losing our Christian values to racism, bigotry, greed, lies and corruption. Those evils are not what this country was founded upon. The Native American Indians helped the Pilgrims when they first migrated to America. (Now we take away their reservation land and monuments, and pollute their waters with pipelines built by greed.) Bigotry and racism has led to mocking the immigrant, no matter where they are from. Remember, Jesus was a Middle Easterner who preached to many about helping one another, feeding the hungry, and praying to God. <br />
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Right now, we all need to pray and pray hard and constantly for God to save us from the evil that is being perpetrated upon us from racist, bigots who are corrupting our government with authoritarian ways. Ours is a Democracy born out of The Bill of Rights and the Constitution, both of which are being trampled upon by evil white men. ALL MEN WERE CREATED EQUAL, and we have Freedom of Religion. That means freedom to worship as we choose, not ban certain religions from entering this country. We are a country founded by immigrants and the Statue of Liberty will welcome all.<br />
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I don't like to make hard-fast New Years Resolutions. I would rather call them goals, something to strive for, to give hope. My goal for 2019 is to help as many people as I can. I have donated many crocheted hats and blankets for newborns and preemies to the Kettering Hospital NICU in Kettering, Ohio. I donated a box of red hats to the Red Cross for their collections. Recently, I donated ladies hats to the Carnegie Library collection for Cancer patients. I made dog and cat blankets for a friend who assists in rescue units for animals. I made warm shawls for ladies in the nursing home and lap blankets for wheelchair patients. And much more. In this new year, I will try to do more. Babies, the sick, and the elderly are being shoved aside, forgotten, abused, and each day those in power try to take away their livelihood and medical care. Please be kind to the sick, take care of the babies, and mainly - RESPECT the elderly. They have wisdom beyond their years and can freely share that with the younger generation. <br />
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My New Years suggestion: set a goal to LOVE ONE ANOTHER, be kinder, gentler, more forgiving, and help one another when you can. God will see your good deeds, because he knows your heart.Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-33204189480321510452018-12-24T23:04:00.000-05:002018-12-24T23:04:46.814-05:00Happy Christmas EveLast year, I wasn't really 'into' Christmas; I didn't even put up a tree. But this year I am a little more into it, but not as much as I used to be. I did put up my little 15 inch ceramic tree and my lighted churches, and I mailed out a few cards. <br />
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Christmas is usually a day at home alone, just me and the dog watching tv. I have no family anywhere close by, but I'm used to that at my age. <br />
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I wrapped a few gifts and made a few people smile, and that's good enough for me. To do something for someone else, to make a person smile, to let them know they are thought of, or that you care, is great personal satisfaction. I don't expect anything in return. Make other's happy. Put a smile on someone's face. A good goal. <br />
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I went to Christmas Eve church service where we celebrated the birth of the savior, sang songs and prayed. It was very rewarding and uplifting. I enjoy my time at church more now than ever. Christmas day will be a day of quiet reflection and to just be thankful for the blessings I have received. It was a rough year, but I am hopeful that the new year will bring about some changes that are much needed in this world. For example, the healing of people who are sick; the lessening of racism which is destroying our country; and taking better care of our elderly population. Some people shut out the older generation, just because they are old. The older generation has had experience in many things, is wiser on many levels, and can still teach the young great things. <br />
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Sometimes even relatives can shut out the older members of a family around the holidays, a time when family is needed the most. Its sad, but life has just gotten too busy to care about the older folks. It's all in the outlook. I will continue to be happy, count my blessings, try to help others, and make someone else smile. When we make someone else smile - the smile will be reflected right back to us.<br />
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Happy Christmas Eve to all, and to all a good night! Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-73407324613463683512018-12-17T23:35:00.000-05:002018-12-17T23:35:14.556-05:00How Time FliesIt is hard to believe that it has been four years since I last wrote a blog entry. My writing hiatus was longer than I planned. Something has drawn me back to writing. I can't explain it, but will give it a chance. <br />
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I looked back at some of the blogs I wrote a few years ago and my walk down memory lane showed me I have had a lot of life experiences. The last four years have been filled with sadness, happiness, change, spiritual reflection, new experiences, and a flurry of living. I have survived many hills and valleys, and ups and downs on this roller coaster of life. I am hoping that 2019 will be a better year. <br />
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I have stopped looking backwards and now only focus on the future, one day at a time. All the pain is behind me, I have experienced healing in many areas, and look forward to better days. It's been a long four years, and as I continue to Ponder This Life Journey, I will share my thoughts and experiences as often as I can. <br />
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Stay tuned and we will all see what comes next as the New Year approaches, since Time Flies faster than we realize. Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-90826725905719357832014-12-01T12:22:00.001-05:002014-12-01T12:22:46.278-05:00TENNIS BALLS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_npWj54LhHLKIRbzKJydh7-82n3ynOWOgvxonb-PNX7igKn0MfPedE6mCOxi77n29hYGmB0TIunHakrnGDLmIYt_vZFEnRHKeCWgTsdekbHXa2qfjG-g-Lwx6K-OlAFsqd8NrVGMKY2d/s1600/20141129_091945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_npWj54LhHLKIRbzKJydh7-82n3ynOWOgvxonb-PNX7igKn0MfPedE6mCOxi77n29hYGmB0TIunHakrnGDLmIYt_vZFEnRHKeCWgTsdekbHXa2qfjG-g-Lwx6K-OlAFsqd8NrVGMKY2d/s320/20141129_091945.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>These used to be tennis balls. My lab will be 8 months old in 10 days and loves to tear apart tennis balls. He throws them and chases them too. <br />
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My ten-year old dog never liked to play with tennis balls; she was a soft-toy dog growing up. <br />
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At least they do enjoy rest time together in the evening. They keep me busy, that's for sure!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dGeDkTMZnNG-O-e7n7tiSj7cjXZSdZtEQU19TujJzabL4rpG2LHlDwbOdwLas4LS9FixUUYeoyKk03Ff9tQKQhg4EWpsHr8rDi8P8VI6NZ6XcT3qfUZ5zXZOTBkoZhKn5Bli5GOVuTFN/s1600/20141128_190332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dGeDkTMZnNG-O-e7n7tiSj7cjXZSdZtEQU19TujJzabL4rpG2LHlDwbOdwLas4LS9FixUUYeoyKk03Ff9tQKQhg4EWpsHr8rDi8P8VI6NZ6XcT3qfUZ5zXZOTBkoZhKn5Bli5GOVuTFN/s320/20141128_190332.jpg" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-19381492405781611882014-11-27T17:21:00.000-05:002014-11-27T17:21:37.728-05:00GIVING THANKS<b>For me, Thanksgiving day is just another day. But like all other days, today I give special thanks for waking up in the morning, having a roof over my head, being able to watch the Macy's Parade on television, and for the love of my two dogs and a cat. They love me unconditionally.<br />
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I also am thankful for my small family and friends. I wish everyone a happy and thankful day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGPbz_OmI0oEe-lCFzuWyU_LVsLCInb1N5uUoOpFhhGAjaEEy30P6nDRxDTy1QHV8RJ4GKSQCCDpGPddiXRdN8dgv9GckD7wRc2OAlKI61IFEswdBKZadcsFvdTlPJnGtHE0z3q-iPw2z/s1600/Happy-Thanksgiving-Photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGPbz_OmI0oEe-lCFzuWyU_LVsLCInb1N5uUoOpFhhGAjaEEy30P6nDRxDTy1QHV8RJ4GKSQCCDpGPddiXRdN8dgv9GckD7wRc2OAlKI61IFEswdBKZadcsFvdTlPJnGtHE0z3q-iPw2z/s400/Happy-Thanksgiving-Photos.jpg" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-1906714506827934862014-11-26T13:38:00.000-05:002014-11-26T13:38:18.371-05:00THE TORCH IS PASSED<b>I recently acquired the book The Torch is Passed: The Associated Press Story of the Death of a President. It is an illustrated book on the death of President John F. Kennedy. I can now add this book to my collection of great books of history. The book included the most famous photo of little John-John ever taken.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_la9bFGEZvDOWMi45FaYWPEFYS3uYLO07nDT0vY5_2P14uvKwu0Uqf2Rhyphenhyphenvgzr8sg2xHUfqTVY8x-smhj3e3SsmbgU2iwNQogXfc_xMBqkEPDNeUzbLtwM_c50TIfZltDvNKFtHFXub3/s1600/liljohnjohn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_la9bFGEZvDOWMi45FaYWPEFYS3uYLO07nDT0vY5_2P14uvKwu0Uqf2Rhyphenhyphenvgzr8sg2xHUfqTVY8x-smhj3e3SsmbgU2iwNQogXfc_xMBqkEPDNeUzbLtwM_c50TIfZltDvNKFtHFXub3/s400/liljohnjohn.jpg" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-53782771529804994242014-11-25T14:31:00.002-05:002014-11-25T14:31:34.905-05:00NO JUSTICE - NO PEACE<b>That was the message on Michael Brown Jr.'s father's t-shirt on television during a news conference today. It is blatantly obviously that there was NO justice in Ferguson, Mo. yesterday. The prosecutor did everything he could during the grand jury to get Darrin Wilson not indicted.<br />
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The saying being heard on social media these days is "want to get away with murder (or kill a black kid), become a cop." Cops can kill unarmed kids and get away with it. No person being called for grand jury duty has the guts to do the right thing and indict the cop for doing the wrong thing. So he gets away with murder. It is a tragedy of enormous proportion. <br />
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The only hope is that the Brown family will file suit against Wilson and the Ferguson Police Department and win their case just like the Goldmans did in the O.J. Simpson case. There is precedent in these civil cases.<br />
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Now Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin can meet in Heaven and together seek justice for the future kids that will be killed by trigger happy cops. There was one in Cleveland just the other day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwSpreB1wxb845_ip318SU9Hyyo1YEIzsF67FJ_u9orC5Tp8CvlgUQCZmoraL0dfYgMYMqsX9vSfnfzWL64Jrtg5e0DvgnMWf4wvecRuk2SzXKAZL3YphRY76vM8GAMo_1eNzsbOsKBnV/s1600/MikeBrown-TrayvonMartin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwSpreB1wxb845_ip318SU9Hyyo1YEIzsF67FJ_u9orC5Tp8CvlgUQCZmoraL0dfYgMYMqsX9vSfnfzWL64Jrtg5e0DvgnMWf4wvecRuk2SzXKAZL3YphRY76vM8GAMo_1eNzsbOsKBnV/s400/MikeBrown-TrayvonMartin.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQh8QaIxnY8fDv2HqfGcyEk0g9NSDTKmlU1p2CW0Wz9c16TrtL1y4k-v6zAl7JdIb6UqKfGFWM1Kaq2aOtDn_nsWHiSiFHJ93TxxA5si79U-x613Vg3JjgpT_POi5qP5Ybb27JSt5W7VC/s1600/tumblr_nagzq6hcS91tgpj3zo4_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQh8QaIxnY8fDv2HqfGcyEk0g9NSDTKmlU1p2CW0Wz9c16TrtL1y4k-v6zAl7JdIb6UqKfGFWM1Kaq2aOtDn_nsWHiSiFHJ93TxxA5si79U-x613Vg3JjgpT_POi5qP5Ybb27JSt5W7VC/s400/tumblr_nagzq6hcS91tgpj3zo4_500.jpg" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-50101840502003863732014-11-11T14:37:00.003-05:002014-11-11T14:37:47.382-05:00TO ALL VETERANS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKS8vZ5ck2uJuLfPgPH0MGlh7034cc__od78pjAFWgB3fxW3H1FG4_mheyp4RQptzVuAJtT9r_fPxaN9OS1-74MBsHKmb8SZI5a05q2L4vulWUGUsJaU6y_IGi1U-7MrgDXI94nYFFBtn/s1600/images-of-veterans-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKS8vZ5ck2uJuLfPgPH0MGlh7034cc__od78pjAFWgB3fxW3H1FG4_mheyp4RQptzVuAJtT9r_fPxaN9OS1-74MBsHKmb8SZI5a05q2L4vulWUGUsJaU6y_IGi1U-7MrgDXI94nYFFBtn/s400/images-of-veterans-day.jpg" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-29353326288804151582014-11-07T17:18:00.003-05:002014-11-07T17:18:58.937-05:00BIRDS OF A FEATHER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUPVDOdMEGL9IPAOjqdIYlVPW2oIRKysRLiV1KK3Fw3SBPEaV4TspgUSn0zjY2GRzBPVs-9rppoida9m0-dOKpVjG0mvSn-Zwd3bsgqUuM2cKej889qGa0IOyleuaUJYaO3fjN8b4du2V/s1600/20141106_122402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUPVDOdMEGL9IPAOjqdIYlVPW2oIRKysRLiV1KK3Fw3SBPEaV4TspgUSn0zjY2GRzBPVs-9rppoida9m0-dOKpVjG0mvSn-Zwd3bsgqUuM2cKej889qGa0IOyleuaUJYaO3fjN8b4du2V/s320/20141106_122402.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>While sitting in the bank's drive-through isle, I noticed a lot of birds lined up on the overhead wires, all facing the same direction. <br />
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Being curious, I looked it up online. According to Wild Birds Unlimited, "Birds sit on power lines, trees, roofs or any perch, facing into the wind. Any other direction would ruffle their feathers. It's also easier to communicate."<br />
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When I was much younger, I learned that this high-wire bird formation in late fall also means that winter weather is VERY close behind. Be prepared, because winter is coming early this year!<br />
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First, I want to thank the great people at my local Home Depot – Ashley, Brad, and Kim for all their help (especially Ashley). Without their help, I would not have gotten this renovation job done. <br />
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A couple years ago, the tiles on the back wall of my bathtub area started to come loose. As time wore on, to prevent them from falling off, I put duct tape on them. One year later, more duct tape. When the tiles started tilting forward, I finally decided that something had to be done. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGamAg2PrhqIjOfYJ2dAkganzg5aNK3oGa9x6NxW2B_RPx5VVVRwNCPrZaLt-WukWarEp8bpi9L_OMzGsfC1akc_lmWp5p43tThrptghk7B77Jtuc9569lA5Eg_iBWz_HbTBDj9HcswV-2/s1600/tub+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGamAg2PrhqIjOfYJ2dAkganzg5aNK3oGa9x6NxW2B_RPx5VVVRwNCPrZaLt-WukWarEp8bpi9L_OMzGsfC1akc_lmWp5p43tThrptghk7B77Jtuc9569lA5Eg_iBWz_HbTBDj9HcswV-2/s320/tub+tape.jpg" /></a></div><br />
With Ashley and Brad's help, I priced the materials to replace the back wall of tiles and the proper method to do so. It seemed like hard, complicated work. <br />
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On another day, I priced the fiberglass insert (3/5 piece walls) – my other option. The insert and adhesive were about the same price as replacing just one wall. After talking to the experts (mentioned) at Home Depot, I decided to go with the fiberglass wall insert method. Kim, in the Home Appliance department, helped me pick out the Allura style insert, which the inventory list said was available. However, it could not be found while I was there. It was a Friday, and more stock was due in on Monday, according to Kim. I said I'd wait. <br />
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The next morning about 8 am, I got a call from Brad at Home Depot. He found the Allura box in the overflow stock area overhead and it was available for me to come pick it up. That to me is dedication to the job. I had spoken to Brad when I was pricing the tile replacement job. Kim related to Brad that I was looking for the item that was suppose to be in the store, and he took it upon himself to find it for me. Saturday, I went to Home Depot and purchased the tub insert and the greenboard drywall.<br />
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Sunday afternoon, the guy who was going to do the job showed up with his helper. The helper turned out to be the contractor, and the one who agreed to do the job was the helper, after the job started. A tarp was put in the tub and I pulled the duct tape off the wall and all the tiles fell into the tub. There was nothing behind the tiles in that section. The plaster had desintigrated and fell behind the tub wall under the house. As the workers removed the rest of the tiles on the wall, there was only a small bit of deteriating plaster between the rear studs. <br />
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The top of the back wall was in tact and usable; the right side wall was totally in tact; and half the left side wall was useable. Therefore, only three-quarters of the back wall had to have drywall attached, and half of the front side. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG49_qNC9WXO7bSrdLHg_WrDcn7HiIJBFhjvo3udBfjZHnd7STh_zNOB75Wt_1XYp2diGapcG-zPNS21jtpJcRiWX9MNbOjp3LINbHe8ACyba-poqsYuPIQPUHI63Ie_ErjeSrHyBL8OS/s1600/wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG49_qNC9WXO7bSrdLHg_WrDcn7HiIJBFhjvo3udBfjZHnd7STh_zNOB75Wt_1XYp2diGapcG-zPNS21jtpJcRiWX9MNbOjp3LINbHe8ACyba-poqsYuPIQPUHI63Ie_ErjeSrHyBL8OS/s320/wall.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The next day, the insert was installed with the tubes of adhesive I had purchased. The glue residue from the tiles was still on some of the wall area. It was sanded down and drywall mud was applied to cover that area. <br />
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Tuesday the guys came back to apply a second coat of drywall mud to the wall area. After it dries, it can be sanded and a primer coat of paint applied to protect the wall from moisture. In order to assist in the drying process, I put my small space heater in the bathroom overnight to keep the room warm. It worked, because it was all dry by noon the next day. <br />
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They were coming back to sand and primer on Wednesday. I contacted the “helper” but got no response. I contacted the “guy” but got no response. So now my handyman said he will finish the job. I bought the paint and primer. <br />
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After being without a proper shower area from Sunday to Wednesday, I took it upon myself to “make-do.” Rube Goldberg was always an inspiration to me, because my father would speak of him often. I used old-faithful duct tape to attach both my shower curtain and liner to the wall around the shower. The walls had not been caulked yet. It worked! I got an 'almost real' shower. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzobO7ivYk2R5zblsokQkP5aa4XB6_GAD4-LgqzN4T3mP1js3EZbSLt-AQIxLuWTwdNeCyZMAjqRsS2LsB3i6RkXme3q9_rhNFu-Pm5r0cfJr9CAEmaxr4VWhyphenhyphenSBYDGNYHN3EEtWdpXnYg/s1600/shower+curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzobO7ivYk2R5zblsokQkP5aa4XB6_GAD4-LgqzN4T3mP1js3EZbSLt-AQIxLuWTwdNeCyZMAjqRsS2LsB3i6RkXme3q9_rhNFu-Pm5r0cfJr9CAEmaxr4VWhyphenhyphenSBYDGNYHN3EEtWdpXnYg/s320/shower+curtain.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Needless to say, the contractors never came back after they got paid. I won't be recommending them any time soon! But they did get the job done those three days. My handyman came to sand and primer the wall areas on Thursday. Saturday he came back to paint the entire room after I stripped the walls of decorations. <br />
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On Sunday morning, I opened the paint can and touched up a few areas that needed attention and began to put the room back together. The wall decorations went up, the floor (and everything else) was cleaned, and the shower curtains went back up on the rod. When I was finished at 3pm, the room looked like a normal - newly decorated – bathroom. Success! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e8mBir8qrzD0BQG6N28_4ktbXaJpVCZGJiAQTEKkDPpa9ZxlJmqGrrjTq-ywMds2a9S5yPHgSTGmqWHt3TxlDfFlXu0oCHydJ7myCsKEaZTcYvtXNr_9T1HQc64kPNOCvc8MLCNHOxou/s1600/almost+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e8mBir8qrzD0BQG6N28_4ktbXaJpVCZGJiAQTEKkDPpa9ZxlJmqGrrjTq-ywMds2a9S5yPHgSTGmqWHt3TxlDfFlXu0oCHydJ7myCsKEaZTcYvtXNr_9T1HQc64kPNOCvc8MLCNHOxou/s320/almost+done.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The finishing touch was to add the border around the tub wall that matches the ceiling border. After 3 pm, I got my first REAL SHOWER in my newly decorated area and it was GOOD. One week without a proper shower area is too long; sponge baths get old fast. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5fyK_aAdJs3vfMn5SBq8AefFT5HYsMq51_4ym-NKsPF4aBcx5prIi4tUrwaXq_OZ5Wq9YofquM6LquDzhO5AOsOy3lhNVfvXoxRoYYuddfY7txXcVbfuNHK5b12yZemk1KZOgqbP3-I6/s1600/finished1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5fyK_aAdJs3vfMn5SBq8AefFT5HYsMq51_4ym-NKsPF4aBcx5prIi4tUrwaXq_OZ5Wq9YofquM6LquDzhO5AOsOy3lhNVfvXoxRoYYuddfY7txXcVbfuNHK5b12yZemk1KZOgqbP3-I6/s320/finished1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If it were not for the help I got at Home Depot, this job would not have been done in a financially responsible manner. I also want to thank my best girlfriend for her assistance in getting this mission accomplished. She is a TRUE friend! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zU90C5igGM7sjOffHdKQLt_NDS_W5oMiDY8DaApbbrgjTm4svBN7SQlFsM3tH6W_HzDnHc1yacEViu2EOD-SPD82AaIH4EPqeylVTEMkMZkIS4u2Dt-n5qz9tkUPHqOyjTz_5bErjbjC/s1600/finished2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zU90C5igGM7sjOffHdKQLt_NDS_W5oMiDY8DaApbbrgjTm4svBN7SQlFsM3tH6W_HzDnHc1yacEViu2EOD-SPD82AaIH4EPqeylVTEMkMZkIS4u2Dt-n5qz9tkUPHqOyjTz_5bErjbjC/s320/finished2.jpg" /></a></div></b>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-10963114932980353732014-10-24T00:30:00.000-04:002014-10-24T00:30:00.263-04:00FOR ME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmBvX_48qAHqlQY4Ipf5VDiNTAR5U8mKRvA2JsIIl1cVnS1BmFol9-ixoYqrJiUJvi0iv6z_mhFrYoBsPntGftM2IgCWEkmf72SAnr5d75YT7tANZjIUU2WAs5GTvHHTZiROou-F_o05v/s1600/10547643_10152609011288909_4592452393721394344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmBvX_48qAHqlQY4Ipf5VDiNTAR5U8mKRvA2JsIIl1cVnS1BmFol9-ixoYqrJiUJvi0iv6z_mhFrYoBsPntGftM2IgCWEkmf72SAnr5d75YT7tANZjIUU2WAs5GTvHHTZiROou-F_o05v/s400/10547643_10152609011288909_4592452393721394344_n.jpg" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-52781600617579816072014-10-22T00:30:00.000-04:002014-10-22T00:30:04.701-04:00FORGIVING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60yXrrSGsCacJ-vSsPTBgfePAXJxA0MINXFqc9ewTVFjw3vEZztflwK0UHg8CZO-CKtzFivCt3DFWuUQiM1XEavFrdsZG-iGb_a4UxHkXi3OnNarX156rmiuOsIGEbAkjITWk2pAKmRGA/s1600/media12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60yXrrSGsCacJ-vSsPTBgfePAXJxA0MINXFqc9ewTVFjw3vEZztflwK0UHg8CZO-CKtzFivCt3DFWuUQiM1XEavFrdsZG-iGb_a4UxHkXi3OnNarX156rmiuOsIGEbAkjITWk2pAKmRGA/s400/media12.jpg" /></a></div>Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574761786321393591.post-62573706229079021802014-10-21T02:16:00.001-04:002014-10-21T02:16:43.876-04:00MUTE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyS8ChYgkgvH2nC0KTIrp_KSkJi-XOFLlIYrYXjAJyp8OCWtaP7rIFzRvAAiXTF8rzVI5b0xDAkN3QyvTgePHL1VR4D_fYXS0pW2Aaj8TqQdZUCDVWz6BfnDMnpBmcGKpgOAfBdi3Ok6f/s1600/smash-mute-remote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyS8ChYgkgvH2nC0KTIrp_KSkJi-XOFLlIYrYXjAJyp8OCWtaP7rIFzRvAAiXTF8rzVI5b0xDAkN3QyvTgePHL1VR4D_fYXS0pW2Aaj8TqQdZUCDVWz6BfnDMnpBmcGKpgOAfBdi3Ok6f/s320/smash-mute-remote.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>I usually don't talk politics on my blog, but I will be so glad when the November elections are over. It probably won't change much in the Ohio State House or in Washington D.C., but I won't have to wear out my mute button on the remote to stop the lying ads on TV. <br />
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The dirty money in politics has overrun the airwaves with ads that are downright lies, because politicians are trying to BUY this election. The Republicans are the worst. I am so sick of listening to the lies and twisting of the truth, it is outrageous. <br />
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So everyone - please get out to vote on November 4th, because by then I will probably have worn out the remote button to stop hearing the lies. There is no law against lying in television ads, and the Republicans are sure taking advantage of every inch they can crawl under our skin. <br />
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I've decided they should make larger mute buttons on every size of remote control. I would like to have one like in the photo, so I could just smash it until November 4.<br />
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Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03624922242166354797noreply@blogger.com0