DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS

November 30, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

On this last day of bleak, cold weather in November, here in Northwest Georgia, I am finding some time to write my blog.  After a four day Thanksgiving holiday, Barry was glad to return to work today.

I've been recuperating from a "bug" that seems to be affecting most all of us.  I'm still taking an antibiotic that seems to be helping.

I had a serendipity Saturday when Tam interrupted her holiday to come over to help me take a shower.  With my remodeled bathroom, I'm not nervous taking a shower while seated on my bath chair.  But, standing up makes me very nervous.  So, when Tam isn't here, I just "sponge" off.  Tam also brought us one of her delicious cherry cheesecakes.

Tam will, if all goes well, come over today.  We need her as my desk is covered with stuff for her to take care of for us.  I guess I've been sounding like a broken record, but Tam is a jewel.

Yesterday, Barry put up an artificial Christmas tree which has it's lights already on it.  He got out a few decorations.  In the past, we often had a real tree but it was a hassle to put them up.  Tam usually gets out the decorations for our small tree.

Unfortunately, my holiday ended with a scary panic attack Sunday.  All my vital signs were perfect, including my blood sugar.  I don't think there is a cure for panic attacks.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

November 23, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

Here in Georgia's high country there's a nip of winter in the air.  Today (Saturday) the sun is bright but it's quite chilly.  I'm wrapped up in the luxurious throw my niece, Charlene Norton gave me for Christmas last year.

Last week Tam brought crocheted leg warmers for my birthday.  Her daughter, Carrie, crocheted them for Tam to give to me.  Carrie is a talented hair stylist as well.

Since I can't hear well on the telephone, I asked Tam to call my sister-in-law, Agnes, who lives in Northeast Georgia.  I haven't seen her in several years.  I gave Tam a list of questions to ask her.  Agnes is a year or two older than me, but is in perfect health.  She still lives alone and is still driving her car.  She also walks every day and mows her own yard.  Agnes never smoked cigarettes or drank alcohol.  She has two sons, John and Brian who still work at their crafts.  She has several grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  Agnes's beloved husband, Alvin, passed away a number of years ago.  They lived in Florida for many years.  During those years my late husband, Ralph (Agnes's brother) and I spent several years in Florida also.  We enjoyed playing rook and having picnic's and riding in Alvin's boat during those years.

Sunday:  I have felt awful since I got up this morning.  I felt like I had a virus but Barry checked all my vital signs and everything is normal.  I have been sneezing all morning and have "doctored" myself.  I had an upset stomach all night.  I hope I feel better soon.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

Monday update:  Olivene's doctor was called and they are calling in a prescription for her.  Please keep her in your prayers.

WANDERING THOUGHTS

November 17, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

As I rest in my sitting room, I am letting my thoughts wander.  Tam arrived at 9 am.  She helped me take a shower and get dressed in comfortable clothes.  I had read the morning newspaper before Tam came.  Tam had an appointment at Gordon Hospital at Calhoun, Georgia for a medical test in the afternoon.  She prepared a tasty lunch for me and served it in my sitting room on a TV table before she left.  I have been meditating in my recliner.  I wish I could tell you I've been having profound thoughts.

The truth is that my mind has been flicking from one simple thought to another.  I have thoughts about Thanksgiving day which is almost here and Christmas just around the corner.  I recently ordered a gift for myself.  A corduroy long dress which I plan to wear Christmas no matter how we spend the day.

Also, Barry and I have birthdays soon.  Mine is December 10th and Barry's is December 14th.  He was my birthday gift that year, and was the best gift I'd ever had.

Barry and I plan to stay at home on Thanksgiving day with Barry cooking our turkey dinner.  We're grateful for our wonderful home, and Tam is high on my list of favorite people.  I thank God every day for Barry and Tam.  I am truly blessed.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

I'M NOT A FAN OF COLD WEATHER

November 12, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

On a recent day, Tam drove me to the hearing center where I was fitted with hearing aids a few years ago.  It was my final visit on my warranty.  It just happened to be a cold fall day.  I wore a warm sweat suit which felt good.

We had a consultation with the very nice audiologist.  She examined my hearing aids and one needed to be returned to the manufacturer.  As a result, I'm only wearing one of the aids which affects my hearing.  The aid should be returned in two weeks, which is uncomfortable for me.  But, I did want to have it repaired before Christmas.

The cold spell we're having has my aching old bones giving me discomfort.  I understand why seniors who can spend the winter in warmer climates.

The weather will be even colder as the weekend arrives, says the weatherman.  Barry brought the patio plants inside just in time.  The holiday cactus is gorgeous.  All of the plants had to be pruned as they had grown so big.

I hope tomorrow (Friday), my favorite day, won't be too bad.  I start Friday with the nice breakfast prepared by Barry and finished with my coffee in my favorite china cup.  Tam shampoo's and sets my hair.  And after a rest, Barry prepares our fish supper.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

FIRE ANT INVASION!

November 5, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

A few days ago, I was relaxing in my sitting room recliner which is next to a window.  I glanced at the window and discovered we were being invaded by a mass of ants.  Tam killed the ants with some spray ant killer.  Some of the ants had wings which led Tam to believe they were termites.  Later, we discovered the ants were fire ants.

When Barry arrived after work, he said they were like the ants he had killed several places in the yard.  Barry did some research and discovered that young virgin fire ant queens have wings, as do male fire ants, but they rip them off after mating.  Males mate with the queen and die after mating.

The experts say that fall temperatures are perfect for fire ant activity.  The dirt mounds house hundreds of thousands of fire ants that are known to bite.  According to the experts, people may not realize they have a reaction until their bitten.

Barry said if the mounds of ants continue to increase in the yard, we'll need to call a pest control company.

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)

GHOSTS?

November 2, 2015

By Olivene Godfrey

Do you believe in ghosts?

Well, when you were younger you may have taken ghosts more seriously.  Perhaps, there is an aunt or grandmother in your family who claims to have actually had an encounter with a ghostly visitor.

Now, when I was a child my friends and I delighted in telling ghost stories.  We relished the spine tingling excitement of being successfully frightening.

If you're not one of those individuals who dismisses the idea, you still may be skeptical.  At the back of your mind, a tiny part of you is still intrigued by the thoughts of ghosts and mysterious unexplained forces.

To explore the origin of our customs and superstitions is a great adventure and it's a goldmine of fascinating information.  Superstitions have been with us from earliest times and even in this scientific age the most enlightened of us are often tempted to believe them as "there might be something in them."

I really don't care which time zone we're in, I just wish we wouldn't have to change every six months.  It upsets me for about a week when it changes.  Do you agree?

See you next time.  Comments welcome.  (As told to Tam.)