tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55974072012-01-21T16:30:57.727-05:00Musings about Southern relatives and friends and backgound of writer.Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.comBlogger4601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-9656648933327480922012-01-21T16:30:00.002-05:002012-01-21T16:30:57.737-05:00

By Olivene Godfrey,The U.S. Department of Veterans approved my claim for a U.S veteran’s widow's pension and it has already started paying now. I'll use it for Tam's pay. I heard about the pension from my good friend, Genevelyn. And I applied for the pension at the local V.A office. A nice lady, Judy, assisted me with the claim several months ago. Then, last week son Barry received a phone call

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-42789671542973244412012-01-15T16:39:00.002-05:002012-01-15T16:39:12.617-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyWe're having a cold spell today and son Barry and I had tentative plans to eat lunch at a restaurant but "Best laid plans..."I woke up feeling weak and achy and stayed in bed longer than usual and Barry reminded me that I do have anemia. But, my blood test last week showed that I'm eligible for a booster shot. I'll check with blood doctor's office tomorrow.  I have been enjoying

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-15770058572853927172012-01-08T16:59:00.002-05:002012-01-08T16:59:28.118-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyI've mentioned to you all several times the past year that I have a form of anemia that has no cure but can be treated with regular boaster shots. I was getting these shots from a blood doctor which helped me function. Then, under Medicare's new guidelines, I was no longer eligible for the shots. I feel tired all the time now no matter how much rest I have.  I am going to have a

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-77759586363054896822012-01-01T17:00:00.002-05:002012-01-01T17:00:46.295-05:00

    By Olivene GodfreyThe sad event of the week,was the death of Sue Little, the beloved mother of my caregiver and friend, Tam. She had cancer but was doing well. Tam and her family are heartbroken and need your prayers to help them with this difficult sad time.             ---------------------------------Son Barry and I enjoyed Christmas dinner at my sister,Jeanette’s Dalton home.  Most of

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-90435591273535647482011-12-26T17:43:00.002-05:002011-12-26T17:43:09.226-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyThe setting of the sun on a new year is a kind of summing up time.  We think of what we have accomplished, of our goals, and what the new year may bring to us. Resolutions do little to change a way of life. They are easily made and just as easily forgotten.  Maybe we have a sincere to keep a resolution but unless we change inwardly, little can depend on the outward

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-45273338920954104802011-12-18T17:00:00.000-05:002011-12-18T17:00:35.764-05:00

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-62076815748698169652011-12-18T16:40:00.002-05:002011-12-18T16:40:33.457-05:00

I can't believe my parents (who named me after my maternal  grandfather, Oliver,) were aware of the handicap such a name would be for me. There was always some smart alec in school who thought it clever to nickname me Olive-Oil.  Being too skinny anyway, this nickname really smarted. But Ollie didn't please me either. I eventually developed a complex. My name is Olivene. "No I don't want to be

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-29247989573487063192011-12-11T10:42:00.001-05:002011-12-11T10:42:22.215-05:00

By Olivene GodfreySince I live such a quiet life now, I was eagerly waiting for Barry's company dinner party at a popular steak house in Dalton.My helper, Tam, did my hair and helped me get ready for the dinner so I would look as good as an 84 year old woman can expect to. The best part of the dinner party was meeting in person Barry's friends and co-workers, Kym and Denise, and their boss lady,

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-630604253765517972011-12-04T09:58:00.001-05:002011-12-04T09:58:22.888-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyLast Friday morning, my mind was filled with thoughts of Christmas and the pretty tree son Barry had put up in the den in front of the fire place. I was resting in my recliner when I suddenly thought of something I needed to do in the kitchen.Our den has a sunken floor with a step leading up to the adjoining kitchen. And, with no warning, in a fraction of a second, I lost my

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-88422109278902009522011-11-27T09:54:00.001-05:002011-11-27T09:58:00.978-05:00

Thanksgiving dinner with Tam, my helper,and her loving family and season cactus in full bloom, and accept gifts graciously.By Olivene GodfreySon Barry and I enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with Tam, my helper, and her loving family in their charming home in a North Georgia village.  Barry and I had never been to the site but with Barry's amazing gadget(ipod Touch) we were able to drive right to

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-62678378725498390652011-11-17T19:25:00.001-05:002011-11-17T19:25:52.213-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyBarry and I have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving day. This past year has been a time of positive change for both of us. And, we are grateful to God and a group which Barry calls The Ladies.  Our friend and neighbor, Genevelyn, has done so much for us. Then, my sis, Jeanette, highly recommended Tam, who is my helper now. Tam stays with me several hours each weekday and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-45272620940248583072011-11-13T09:36:00.001-05:002011-11-13T09:36:21.235-05:00

DOC VISIT AND PRAISE FOR MORNING HOURSBy Olivene GodfreyI had an appointment with my family doctor last week. Tam, my helper, drove me to the doctor's clinic and went inside with me.  I am just about deaf without my hearing aids now, and the aids didn't seem to be working when I saw the doctor. Son Barry said I probably didn't have them turned on as I seem to havetrouble trying to work them.

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-57223464981794491832011-11-06T18:44:00.001-05:002011-11-06T18:44:50.196-05:00

By Olivene GodfreySon Barry told me when he came home from work one recent day that one of his co-workers was critical of his table manners when he ate lunch.  "You should have told her that at least you can eat chocolate cake now without getting it in your hair," I told him.He replied that he did mention the chocolate cake incident, and he added that he guess she thinks he eats with too much

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-29667507503363631802011-10-29T16:17:00.001-05:002011-10-29T16:17:06.287-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyThe pictures posted yesterday were taken by son Barry after supper so I could show you my new haircut.  But, I hate pictures of myself now.  I know I can't expect to look like a young  or even middle-aged woman at my age (I'll be 84 December 10.) Still, I'm always surprised that I look so old! I'm like the old man who said he felt like a young man with something terribly  wrong

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-62181868491747158222011-10-28T18:01:00.000-05:002011-10-28T18:01:06.037-05:00

Olivene's  new hairstyle.

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-63720992957036413262011-10-23T09:51:00.001-05:002011-10-23T09:51:41.550-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyYears ago, Earl Wilson, in his syndicated column, wrote "A small town's a place where you can chat on the phone for an hour or so, even if you get a wrong number."  I've had a number of interesting telephone chats as a result of dialing the wrong number.  Several times strangers have dialed my number by mistake and we've winded up chatting for 15 or 20 minutes.But then Things

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-85996221515072583582011-10-15T15:22:00.002-05:002011-10-15T17:19:32.846-05:00

By Olivene Godfrey Each moment I look st the bouquet of exquisite red roses on the table beside my recliner, my heart is warmed not only by the beauty of the roses but of the lovely lady who grew them and sent them to me. She is the mother of my wonderful helper, Tam.  Sue is bravely fighting cancer.  Yet, she still thinks of others. Please remember Sue in your prayers. A huge thanks to

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-39169598251501356102011-10-09T08:21:00.001-05:002011-10-09T08:21:07.935-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyA number of years ago in the waiting room of a doctor's office, I overheard a small boy ask his father, " Daddy, if you call a lady ballet dancer a ballerina, what do you call a man balletdancer?"  The father thought for a few minutes, a puzzled expression on his face and, and answered, " Well, I don't really know".  The youngster persisted, " Do you call the man a balleter or a

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-46512110532338327852011-10-02T11:58:00.001-05:002011-10-02T11:58:42.520-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyIs breakfast time at your house happy and serene or does the day start with squabbling and stormy scenes?  According to a magazine article the reason for early morning quarreling is that some people's livers wake up much later than the rest of their anatomy, while other people's livers are all bright and  brisk when they hop out of bed.And woe is the family that contains both

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-18455315069049729832011-09-25T15:38:00.002-05:002011-09-25T15:38:52.905-05:00

Olivene GodfreyNow and then I go back and read pieces I wrote years ago.  And  some of my opinions and beliefs have changed over the years.  Still, my basic philosophy has remained the same. That is the philosophy that the past is gone and the future never happened, and the important thing is what happens now. I try to savor the moment of now. What I do today is important. Not what I did

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-44871871767152922702011-09-18T12:26:00.002-05:002011-09-18T12:26:41.844-05:00

By Olivene Godfrey The pretty marigolds in a large patio container were beaten down by the tropical storm, Lee. But, they are hardy and tolerated the rains well and perked back up and are blooming again. As I write this, we're having gorgeous weather today  with bright sunshine and an autumn nip in the air.Last week, I had an appointment with our family doctor and she gave me a copy of the recent

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-49386710559131460662011-09-11T17:13:00.000-05:002011-09-11T17:13:06.089-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyWhile it isn't officially autumn here in Georgia's high country, the mornings are chilly.  And, the recent torrential rains and strong winds that tropical storm, Lee, brought to us has sent a lot of brown tree leaves to the ground. Son Barry has had to use the leaf blower several times already. We've had such turbulent weather this year so we may have an early fall and winter.I

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-42075798443145214272011-08-31T18:12:00.002-05:002011-08-31T18:13:44.094-05:00

Reflections on memory, marigolds and More By Olivene Godfrey The patio flowers have that summer "droop" except for the marigolds which are at the peak of their blooming. Son Barry made pictures of the marigolds so we could share them with you. I read an interesting article last weekend in USA Weekend written by Madonna Behan. She wrote that "neuroscientists are making great strides in

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-58355251406693335572011-08-21T07:30:00.001-05:002011-08-21T07:30:50.146-05:00

Exercise is medicine & do what I say, not what I do. By Olivene Godfrey Since I started working out at Benchmark, Barry started thinking he should exercise again as felt he was out of shape. (He still weighs now the same as he did when he was 20 so he isn't too much out of shape). He has a bunch of weights in the garage and the riding bike in the house. I am supposed to be doing leg

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-34728651963119482482011-08-14T15:49:00.000-05:002011-08-14T15:50:00.321-05:00

I'm just plumb wore out. By Olivene Godfrey As we Southern old-timers say, I'm just plumb wore out, translated that means, I'm physically and emotionally exhausted. So much has happened to me in a short period of time and has left me drained of energy. Son Barry said one recent day,"It seems that you are a nervous basket case when good things happen to you just as much as bad news." And that

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-54221126896161877982011-08-01T18:19:00.001-05:002011-08-01T18:19:49.587-05:00

Intensive workouts at Benchmark physical therapyBy Olivene Godfrey"You're stronger than you think you are,", son Barry has been telling me. Then the physical therapists told me the same thing at Benchmark's Dalton clinic when they gave me an intensive workout last week. All the same, over the past weekend muscles I didn't know I had were aching. Fortunately, our wonderful, helper. Tam, had the

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-68794936899739207782011-07-23T15:07:00.000-05:002011-07-23T15:08:03.994-05:00

Thoughts on a hot summer afternoon in northwest Georgia.By Olivene Godfrey,When I wrote my last blog, I neglected to give son Barry credit for making and posting the pretty pictures in this space. He takes tender loving care of all the plants outside and in the house. He is a talented photographer, too.I have been having so many blood tests because of a blood disorder called Myelodysplastic

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-10723907435332593002011-07-13T15:10:00.002-05:002011-07-13T15:13:22.749-05:00

Stop the world and let me get off!By Olivene GodfreyWhen I recently said that son Barry and I felt like we were in a rut and wanted some changes,I didn't expect so many would occur in a short period, for Goodness sakes. I won't tell you all that happened today but later.To start these changes immediately, Barry's air conditioning in his car went out during this oppressive heat wave. For a few

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-69591061983431520942011-07-01T18:39:00.001-05:002011-07-01T18:39:55.724-05:00

Beginning new chapter in life.By Olivene GodfreyAs I look back over my long life, I realize that each decade brings a new chapter for me. And it has been nine years since my husband died and recently son Barry and I admitted that we were in a rut and it was time for a change for both of us.My new chapter opens with a wonderful caring person named Tamtaking care of me week days and also doing

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-86157707032358921602011-06-20T18:30:00.001-05:002011-06-20T18:30:17.233-05:00

Bad and good luck--Son Barry sugar free diet pays off--Bought freezer and discovered when opening carton, it had been damaged & he returned to store--strong storms in northwest Georgia topples trees and power outages but we escaped worst of it.By Olivene Godfrey,Son Barry has been on sugar free diet since our family doctor cautioned him about eating too many sweets. In just a short time, he lost

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-46757852927581026482011-06-12T15:01:00.001-05:002011-06-12T15:01:16.735-05:00

Medical update & amusing dreamBy Olivene GodfreySon Barry drove me to the blood doctor last week and my blood test showed I very definitely needed a booster shot. I was given an extra large dosage of the shot. So, I felt bad for a couple of days. I seem to be over the cold I had a month. But, I am still not feeling well and this week-end, I am having a bad IBS attack. Woe is me! I pray I

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-55500482171847537362011-06-04T14:35:00.000-05:002011-06-04T14:36:05.122-05:00

I FEEL AS WEAK AS A WET NOODLE.By Olivene GodfreyJust a brief update on my health and tentative plans for the next chapter in my long life. The anemia has me as weak as a wet noodle and I pray I will be eligible for a booster shot when I see the blood doctor in a couple of days.The time has come which I had dreaded but I am unable tostay alone all day by myself. With the aid of my dear friend,

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-83954326787525289032011-05-30T13:29:00.001-05:002011-05-30T13:29:40.793-05:00

ON MY MINDBy Olivene GodfreyToday is Memorial day in the U.S. and unofficially the first day of summer.The sun is shining brightly and the temp is in the 90s.The weather people say there is no relief in sight. I am not planning to leave my air-conditioned house until the temps go down. The turbulent weather we've had past month has been bizarre which is trying to tell us something,I think.Son

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-1899399404121118782011-05-17T18:16:00.002-05:002011-05-18T18:11:30.021-05:00

Untitled....By Olivene GodfreyJust a note to let you know that I've been missing talking to you in this space and hope you have missed me. I hope to be back on a regular basis soon.I suppose everyone thinks of Helen Keller as a phenomenon.being born deaf and blind did not prevent her from learning to read and write and speak. She learned to think with philosophical depth of understanding that

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-1469574557650123012011-05-10T18:00:00.000-05:002011-05-10T18:01:00.370-05:00

Feeling lousy from cold and cough.By Olivene GodfreyLast Thursday I felt a cold coming on and tried to get doctor appointment on Friday morning to no avail. I did see doctor Monday morning. I have a nasty cold and lingering cough. I am taking an antibiotic and a large pill to break up mucous in my nose. This is the first cold I've had in years and I had forgotten how bad it makes me feel.And

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-65664604292976804052011-05-02T18:13:00.001-05:002011-05-02T18:13:47.882-05:00

Comments on deadly tornado in north Georgia and Barry's sugar free diet.By Olivene GodfreyLast Wednesday night and early Thursday the most powerful tornado to strike north Georgia in years left a path of destruction and death in Catoosa County which is located near our county.And I have special memories of the small town of Ringgold which was in ruins after a deadly tornado rolled over the area.

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-49506889381684732492011-04-25T18:17:00.001-05:002011-04-25T18:17:10.885-05:00

Woman know when men are lyingBy Olivene GodfreyThe more sensitive your insight into the personalities of the people around you, the better you are going to get along. Those who lack the ability to see others as they are, are constantly disappointed in human nature. And, understanding people, trying to discover what makes them tick is important to us. Sometimes we think, " Well, I must be a poor

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-85485407103409717492011-04-18T17:57:00.002-05:002011-04-18T17:58:20.422-05:00

Beautiful spring weather sandwiched between April showers & storms here in northwest Georgia & church, "dinners on the ground"By Olivene GodfreyWe're having beautiful weather sandwiched between April showers and storms here in northwest Georgia. Some of the showers and storms have brought torrential rains. (One night, it rained three inches at our house.) Son Barry has been doing yard work and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-42390005276166251942011-04-11T18:28:00.001-05:002011-04-11T18:28:48.201-05:00

Mexican Coca-Cola evokes memories and thoughts on Sunday activities.By Olivene GodfreyWhen son Barry brought home groceries and supplies for a week last Saturday, he told me he had bought a bottle of Mexican Coca-Cola at our favorite supermarket. I asked him, "What's Mexican Coco-Cola.?" He explained that, its said to taste better than U.S. made Cokes because it still uses cane sugar as its

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-205296498834501712011-04-05T18:31:00.001-05:002011-04-05T18:31:27.355-05:00

Injured pot-belied pig took refuge in corner of our patio this week.By Olivene Godfrey,During the 33 years we've lived in our house in the country, a variety of animals have visited our yard, including a scary black bear! But, the pot-bellied pig was a "first" for us.When son Barry arrived home from work he asked if I'd seen the large animal crouched in a corner of our patio. I replied that I

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-81748394262427538852011-03-28T18:43:00.001-05:002011-03-28T18:43:35.014-05:00

Feeling tired and sleepy in mid afternoon? Do what the experts say, take a nap.By Olivene GodfreySon Barry and I were discussing the period of time in the afternoon when we experience transient sleepiness. He did some research on the web and came up with some interesting data.Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States and leader of the free world, routinely closed the door to his

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-40925186758182112252011-03-23T18:39:00.001-05:002011-03-23T18:39:26.498-05:00

Are all writers crazy? and My gut is my enemy.By Olivene GodfreyPsychiatrists have found that creative activity in the artist is similar to that in early phase of the schizophrenic. And some people believe Van Gogh and Edgar Alan Poe produced some of their most brilliant works during schizophrenic euphoria periods. But, I don't like to generalize, to say all compulsive writers are crazy.

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-792307857234041392011-03-15T18:20:00.001-05:002011-03-15T18:20:13.187-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyComments on daylight savings time & spring and allergies & a sty on my left eye, my first one ever.Once again, Daylight Savings Time has played havoc with my system and upset my usual routine. My late sister, Joan, used to say she didn't care which time we were on if we would just stay on one permanent time and Barry and I agree.And when we get up in the mornings for a couple

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-87291757712257620202011-03-08T19:15:00.001-05:002011-03-08T19:15:28.787-05:00

By Olivene GodfreyAre booster shots only for the wealthy now? And, do our rich politicians want old poor people to just roll over and die so they can get their greedy hands on Social Security? I think so. Read on for my own personal experience about how the new Medicare guidelines are affecting the quality of my life.Normally, I'm a good natured person but an injustice either to me or to others

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-13343011247224052402011-03-01T19:34:00.000-05:002011-03-01T19:35:04.844-05:00

HODGE-PODGEBy Olivene GodfreyThe weather here in Northwest Georgia is still spring-like with new growth and some jonquils and forsythia bushes blooming. As a result, the pollen count is soaring up to over a thousand several days and still incredibly high, causing discomfort to we allergy sufferers. It just seems to sap my energy. This past Sunday, son Barry and I made a quick trip to the mall

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-77021990904124945022011-02-21T19:16:00.001-05:002011-02-21T19:16:38.857-05:00

Writing for fun versus writing for pay.By Olivene GodfreyWhile suffering through a "writer's block", I remembered these words by John W. Vandercook, " Show me an author who says he 'just loves to write' and I'll show you somebody who doesn't make a living at it." Of course we who write wouldn't be happy doing anything else. There's something inside us that drives us to put words on paper and it

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-72308655055572194852011-02-14T18:59:00.001-05:002011-02-14T18:59:37.716-05:00

Random thoughts on an early spring & other topicsBy Olivene GodfreyAs I write this, bright sunshine is streaming into my office windows and I am thinking of an early spring despite the famed groundhog's prediction. Last week on two separate days robins swooped down onto our front yard and feasted on the bountiful bird buffet before flying south. And, some of our trees are showing signs of

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-7805834246490706402011-02-10T19:34:00.001-05:002011-02-10T19:34:54.939-05:00

Fear wears many facesBy Olivene GodfreyIf we live our lives fully, and if we live for very long, we have our share of fears and anxieties. While many of our fears are vague over unlikely dangers fear is a normal and purpose serving emotion. It is the awareness of a threatening situation.To be afraid when one should be afraid is good sense. It serves to warn us of danger and puts us on guard. But

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-9437786995193978392011-01-31T19:21:00.000-05:002011-01-31T19:22:03.516-05:00

Harbingers of spring, and we need more square people who won't roll when they are pushed.By Olivene GodfreyJust when I think I can't bear cold wintry weather another day, our Creator sends us the January Thaw when for a few days the weather is nice and warm. And if you look closely there are already harbingers of spring, such as the jonquils poking their heads up out of the soil. And, our huge

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-91553699391767852872011-01-27T19:28:00.001-05:002011-01-27T19:28:25.396-05:00

Aftermath of my fall.By Olivene GodfreyI'm back at my desk as I am recovering from a fall in my bedroom last week. My right wrist was badly sprained and this is the first time I've typed since the accident. I bruise easily and the front of my body is black and blue and I look like I've been beaten.As usual, son Barry has been his wonderful self, taking on an already heavy workload as I haven't

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-7395394132104642992011-01-23T08:57:00.000-05:002011-01-23T08:58:05.562-05:00

I fell in my bedroom Saturday morning & injured my right wrist and handby Olivene GodfreyI fell in my bedroom & injured my right wrist & arm. I am typing this with my left hand so bear with me. I fell five years ago & broke my right arm & shoulder and since that date I have been so careful but I guess when you get old these things just happen.I am sore on my right side & am having a hard time

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-12434130963863875082011-01-20T19:44:00.001-05:002011-01-20T19:44:41.921-05:00

HOORAY! OUR HEAT PUMP IS WORKING AGAIN & MORE ABOUT MY NIECE, AMI & COLD WEATHER HARD ON MY ARTHRITIS AND GIFT FROM FRIEND, RUTH,A LOVELY SERENDIPITY.By OLIVENE GODFREYHooray! Our heat pump is working again, keeping all the rooms toasty warm. Barry and I agree that our heat pump is the most efficient heating system we've had in our house since we moved here 32 years ago. ----------

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-16886486943587384382011-01-14T20:09:00.001-05:002011-01-14T20:09:18.591-05:00

SNOW STILL ON GROUND HERE IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA AND ORIGIN OF MY AUNT WILLOWDEAN'S NAMEBy OLIVENE GODFREYAs I write this, the heavy snowfall we here in Northwest Georgia had a few days ago has barely started to thaw. The sun is shining which helps our spirits. The temps have been very cold. The snowfall we had measured about ten inches which is the most snow we've had since what has become known

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-76422066238474683092011-01-10T16:01:00.000-05:002011-01-10T16:02:06.372-05:00

SNOW...SNOW..SNOW--The snow came during the night, turning our world here in Northwest Georgia into a winter wonderland. Son Barry captured on a digital camera these scenes as viewed from our windows.Olivene Godfrey

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-13403385192109545542011-01-09T12:33:00.001-05:002011-01-09T12:33:20.990-05:00

LOVE IS....By OLIVENE GODFREYI've written many words on the subject of love. Still, during the many years I wrote a daily newspaper column, almost every week, readers would request another "love" column. And, there really is no great mystery as to why love is of interest to all of us. Perhaps all the talk, songs and writings about love arises from our mixed emotions about love.We can't do

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-34951620289813954962011-01-02T11:25:00.001-05:002011-01-02T11:25:49.176-05:00

NEW YEAR'S EVE VISIT WITH SISTER, JEANETTE. & SON BARRY'S EXPERIENCE WITH SLEEPING UNDER STACK OF BLANKETS & CHILDHOOD MEMORY EVOKED WHEN BARRY DRANK AN ORANGE CRUSHBY OLIVENE GODFREY,Because of the snowfall on Christmas day, Barry and I were unable to attend the annual family party at my sister, Jeanette, home in Dalton. So, on New Year's eve, we visited Jeanette and her husband, Charles, to

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-22280329496907339342010-12-28T19:27:00.001-05:002010-12-28T19:27:07.530-05:00

CHRISTMAS POST SCRIPTSBy OLIVENE GODFREYIn my last entry, I told you of our Christmas day snowfall. And, now three days later, snow is still on the ground and with bright sunshine is blinding when I look outside this morning. The temp is 16 degrees this morning but a warming trend is on its way with temps forecast in 50s after today. I also told you that we had a problem with our heat pump and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-80644250373919018572010-12-26T09:23:00.001-05:002010-12-26T09:30:42.091-05:00

THE SNOWS CAME & CAME & CAME! ENOUGH ALREADY!By OLIVENE GODFREYWe here in north Georgia had a white Christmas to the delight of children and some adults. But, son Barry and I remembered the Blizzard of 1993, and we were wary of too much celebration of the event. And, sure enough, it snowed a lot during the night and it does look like a winter wonderland outside.We weren't able to travel to my

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-79729336350486856282010-12-20T19:23:00.001-05:002010-12-20T19:23:16.654-05:00

IN PRAISE OF ELECTRIC BLANKETSBy OLIVENE GODFREYFor several days, I've been under the weather with severe pain in my arthritic knees and lower back. The weather has been very cold here in North West Georgia. And the coldness seems to penetrate my bones. This past week son Barry, bless him, did some Christmas shopping for me. He will be at home several days this week on his Christmas holiday and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-75838351311299557762010-12-14T18:49:00.002-05:002010-12-14T18:51:13.594-05:00

THOUGHTS ON MY BIRTHDAY & APPLE PIE & "RAT CHEESE"By OLIVENE GODFREYIt's hard to be elated when you turn 83. But, on my December 10 birthday, I received e-mails and cards with notes from friends and relatives which warmed my heart and lifted my spirits. In fact, I was so stimulated that I didn't sleep much that night. But, hey, I didn't mind as it was so good to be remembered on my birthday.

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-8006109056697806202010-12-09T19:21:00.001-05:002010-12-09T19:21:06.903-05:00

GIVING SON BARRY CREDIT FOR PIX & MY NIECE AMI 'S COMMENTS A SERENDIPITY & 7 STAGES OF DRUNKENNESS & TALKING TO MYSELFBy Olivene GodfreyI want to give son Barry credit for making and posting pictures in this space. We hope readers will enjoy them and Barry promises to post more soon.My beautiful niece, Ami's recent comments regarding this blog was a serendipity for me. I hadn't heard from or seen

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-52044752187855498102010-12-05T14:54:00.001-05:002010-12-05T14:56:35.318-05:00

DREARY COLD WEATHER & OLD AGE NO FUN & POSTCARD VIEW LIFTS SPIRITSBy Olivene GodfreyWhile the first day of winter isn't until December 14 (Barry's birthday), we have been having cold dreary weather here in northwest Georgia. And, as I write this, we are having snow flurries. The coldness seems to penetrate my arthritic bones, causing a lot of pain. I understand now why some elderly people spend

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-70227803856839499792010-11-29T19:28:00.001-05:002010-11-29T19:28:47.866-05:00

OUR THANKSGIVING DINNER A FIASCOBy OLIVENE GODFREYThe beautiful, sunny weather started Thanksgiving day right. Alas, it was all downhill after that. When we arrived at the restaurant in Dalton, Barry had to park his car so far away from the entrance, we had to use my wheelchair which he had put in the trunk in case we needed it. There was a long line waiting to enter the restaurant but it moved

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-86919431696808443242010-11-21T16:12:00.001-05:002010-11-21T16:19:46.561-05:00

SPECTACULAR THANKSGIVING CACTUS & QUICK TRIP TO MALLBy OLIVENE GODFREYI have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving day. And, one is good eyesight, thanks to cataract surgeries. I thought of this today when I entered my office and my eyes rested on the huge spectacular Thanksgiving day cactus. It is right on time, I thought, with the healthy green plant covered with gorgeous red

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-29561080200008804022010-11-12T15:31:00.001-05:002010-11-12T15:31:29.456-05:00

EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT & DENTAL REPORT & WOMAN WITH A PARROT PERCHED ON HER SHOULDERBy OLIVENE GODFREYLast week, son Barry gave me exactly what I wanted for Christmas. I mentioned that I wanted an atomic clock with outdoor and inside temperatures like the one he has in his bathroom. So, he ordered a large clock with big numbers from Amazon on the web and a few days ago it arrived. He told me it

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-86922642035416746382010-11-06T09:45:00.001-05:002010-11-06T09:45:33.148-05:00

MEN LIKE WOMEN WHO SHOW WARMTHBy OLIVENE GODFREYSince time began there has probably been speculation about what kind of woman is most attractive to men. Over the years we've been led to believe that the beautiful but dumb girl is what men really want. From what I've read and observed, today's young men seem to believe the frosting doesn't necessarily make the cake. These young men seem to think

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-4000052431640342762010-11-01T18:22:00.001-05:002010-11-01T18:22:16.193-05:00

EATING RIGHT PAYS OFF FOR ME & SMART PHONES & MOREBY OLIVENE GODFREYSon Barry drove me to see our family doctor last week to review my recent lab work results. The doctor was very pleased as my report was excellent. My cholesterol was lower than it ever had been. I had lowered it dramatically several years ago by taking Lipitor and eating oatmeal every day but the report was even better this time

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-42955651922656098282010-10-25T18:47:00.001-05:002010-10-25T18:47:38.082-05:00

BY OLIVENE GODFREYTHINKING ABOUT THE "PINK STUFF" & CHILDHOOD MEMORIES & EARLY YEARS OF MARRIAGE & IN PRAISE OF CHOCOLATEI had a bad IBS attack this past weekend and son Barry gave me a dose of "the pink stuff" and it saved the day for me. And, I remembered when my late mother kept Pepto Bismol on hand for me when my "nervous stomach" acted up.Looking back, I also remembered when my sisters and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-32330563306860732522010-10-18T18:30:00.001-05:002010-10-18T18:30:19.790-05:00

FALL WEATHER--AT LAST & MANY MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS & TWO UNEXPECTED TELEPHONE CALLSBy OLIVENE GODFREYFall weather is here in Northwest Georgia--at last. We had a long, hot summer and the cold crispness and beauty of autumn is most welcomed. But, it's difficult for me to enjoy the beauty of the season as I dread the cold, bleak winter that follows which often brings ice and sometimes snow. Last

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-43715000972029759262010-10-09T15:51:00.001-05:002010-10-09T15:51:16.636-05:00

AUNT TAUGHT ME TO MULTIPLY & ACTS OF LOVE ETCHED IN MEMORIES OF CHILDRENBy OLIVENE GODFREYIt takes just a whiff of memory to take us back to another time....I loved my late Aunt Esther for many reasons but I rarely think of her without thinking of the multiplication table. Not having an aptitude for math anyway, I don't think I would have ever learned to multiply without her help. Being a school

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-88425584594080188652010-10-02T17:25:00.001-05:002010-10-02T17:25:17.174-05:00

TODAY I HEARD THE BIRDS SINGING IN THE YARD ... AND THIS AND MORE CAME ABOUT BECAUSE OF THE SMART HEARING AIDS IN MY EARSBy Olivene GodfreyToday I heard the birds singing in the yard. And I heard all the little sounds in our house, and son Barry's voice clearly speaking to me, and enjoying music on the stereo and T.V. And this all came about because of the smart hearing aids in my ears.As the

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-51053924793533160372010-09-26T09:18:00.001-05:002010-09-26T09:18:36.421-05:00

CONCENTRATION DRIVES AWAY FEARBy OLIVENE GODFREYSeveral years ago, I read of a surgeon who before an operationwould be extremely nervous. Yet, once he stood at the operating table he was amazingly calm. Many of our greatest actors experience acute stage fright before a performance. But, once on stage their nervousness vanishes. Their secret seems to be the power to concentrate their whole

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-38996540041232584642010-09-18T15:13:00.001-05:002010-09-18T15:13:17.573-05:00

MY NEW HEARING AIDS WILL BE READY FOR ME TO WEAR SOON & NEW TECHNOLOGY AWES MEBy OLIVENE GODFREYYesterday, son Barry and I went to the hearing center in Dalton to have molds made of my ears. When we were recently at the center, my ears were tested and the results were that I have hearing loss in both of my ears and needed hearing aids. Before the molds could be made, I had to have the hardened

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-63124056164986724952010-09-10T18:23:00.000-05:002010-09-10T18:24:05.866-05:00

A NEW STUDY REVEALS MONEY CAN BUY HAPPINESS. SO WHAT ELSE IS NEW?By OLIVENE GODFREYA new study reveals money can buy happiness. So what else is new? This news was reported by Randolph E. Schmidt, AP Science writer,which appeared in my local paper last week. It reminded me of the philosopher who wrote that money can't buy happiness but be sure you have plenty of it before talking such nonsense. I

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-78767030695415201492010-09-05T10:21:00.001-05:002010-09-05T10:21:14.864-05:00

HEARING TESTS RESULTS & SON BARRY SEZ MY SOUTHERN ACCENT IS SWEET & SYRUPYBy Olivene GodfreyThe day before I had a hearing test at a hearing and speech center in Dalton, I was a nervous basket case. And, by the time son Barry and I reached the center the next morning, I was a bundle of nerves. But, I was determined to pull myself together during the test.The audiologist was very nice and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-33922681977700116742010-08-29T12:03:00.001-05:002010-08-29T12:03:54.548-05:00

WRITE A LETTER TO A FRIEND TODAYBy OLIVENE GODFREYHow long has it been since you wrote a letter to a friend or loved one? Maybe you are the sort of person who never thinks of writing a letter unless your friend or relative writes one first. It's just as important to write first, to obey a friendly impulse, as it is to answer a letter. Correspondence is a two way business. And the more elated

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-52627005251444925122010-08-23T18:18:00.001-05:002010-08-23T18:18:24.313-05:00

GRANDPARENTS PRAYER CAME TRUEBy Olivene GodfreyI remember years ago reading about a couple who had been married for more than 50 years and were still so much in love they carried out a death pact rather than face the wife's entering a mental hospital. They had told friends that having enjoyed life's pleasures and shared its sorrows for so long,, they dreaded being separated from each other more

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-12256392715577163572010-08-16T18:25:00.001-05:002010-08-16T18:25:47.620-05:00

LISTENING ART & A NEW HAIR CUT FINALLY & A BIT OF PHILOSOPHYBY OLIVENE GODFREYDid you hear what was said to you today, or did you continue thinking your own thoughts and answer without really knowing what was behind another person's questions? There is a real art to listening. It's not easy to do. And the reason it isn't easy is because most people have trouble saying what they really mean.You

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-4062510081925486972010-08-06T16:04:00.001-05:002010-08-06T16:04:37.463-05:00

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDERBy OLIVENE GODFREYA beautiful movie, "The Enchanted Cottage", has always been one of my very favorite movies. It was based on a play by Arthur Wing Pinero and was adapted to the silent screen in 1924 as a timely story involving physical and emotional disabilities following the First World War. The 1945 version which I saw that year was an updated World War 11

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-1974347284729510202010-07-30T18:02:00.001-05:002010-07-30T18:02:46.790-05:00

BOY'S CAMP OUT WAS FIASCO!By OLIVENE GODFREYAdolescence is sort of an in-between time of life, a time when many young persons feel at loose ends. At times they feel like and behave as adults. At other times they swing back to childhood feelings and activities. I was reminded of that when son Barry was 14-years- old and had an experience that proved to me that a person doesn't become an adult

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-48729831643698010062010-07-23T15:50:00.001-05:002010-07-23T15:50:33.506-05:00

WE ARE INVOLVED IN DAILY WORLDBy OLIVENE GODFREYI suppose all of us at one time or another harbor thoughts of becoming a hermit, isolating ourselves from the world But, whether we want to be or not, we're all involved in the great events of our time. We are a part of humanity, in what is happening, and we can't dissociate our self from the world around us. John Donne reminded us that, "No

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-9748236721389311332010-07-17T14:56:00.001-05:002010-07-17T14:56:54.467-05:00

BY OLIVENE GODFREYAND THE HEAT GOES ON & ON & ON....There doesn't seem to be any relief in sight from this oppressive heat wave here in North Georgia, according to weather reports. Son Barry and I have been eating easy to prepare light meals, partly to keep from heating up the kitchen and because Barry is so tired after working long hours in a building without AC.We've had some rain showers and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-83762945856972210862010-07-10T09:38:00.001-05:002010-07-10T09:38:16.056-05:00

BEAUTIFUL RAINS CAME & REFRESHED THE PARCHED EARTH & BROUGHT COOLER WEATHER TO NORTH GEORGIABY OLIVENE GODFREYWe here in Northwest Georgia had a couple of pleasant days before the oppressive hot weather came again. I hadn't been out of the house for several weeks until Barry drove me to Calhoun, GA last week for my monthly booster shot. I was only outside in the hot weather for the few minutes

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-30196021598425121512010-07-03T15:20:00.001-05:002010-07-03T15:20:59.045-05:00

THOUGHTS ON A PLEASANT SUMMER DAYBy OLIVENE GODFREYMany thinkers deny there is any such thing as chance. They say chance is merely an expression of our ignorance of the course of events. They claim that when we don't know why something happens we ascribe it to chance. While its my belief that chance plays only a small role in our lives, many who have achieved prominence often admit that luck

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-34007860078720275832010-06-27T12:25:00.001-05:002010-06-27T12:25:30.697-05:00

DEHYDRATION SCAREBy OLIVENE GODFREYWhen this blasted heat wave got underway, I vowed I would not leave my air-conditioned house until it ended. I couldn't have known it would go on and on. But, I'm still not going outside no matter what until the extreme heat cools down. Still, I had a heat-related episode last week even in the comfort of my home which convinced me I needed to take more

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-14311421036353510462010-06-22T18:33:00.001-05:002010-06-22T18:33:58.713-05:00

REMEMBERING CONNIE By Olivene GodfreyMy niece, Connie, who had lived in south Florida since she was a young teenager, lost her battle with cancer last week. Her former sister-in-law, Annie, said, " Connie had fought with all her might to stay alive. She was one of the bravest people I knew."Connie's brother, John, called to tell me of Connie's death. And, we talked a few minutes about when he

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-18270342100906175122010-06-16T17:59:00.000-05:002010-06-16T18:00:03.212-05:00

WICKED IBS EPISODE & A BUSY WEEK & WHATEVER HAPPENED TO PEAR PRESERVES? By OLIVENE GODFREYI've been sick for about a week. For several days, I didn't feel well. Then while eating dinner about two days ago, I had a pain in my colon and I told son Barry I had to get to my bathroom on the double. That was the beginning of a massive IBS episode which lasted several hours and I am still not

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-15354811424102678712010-06-06T12:05:00.001-05:002010-06-06T12:05:32.126-05:00

MY DOC SAYS, "YOUR GUT HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN."By OLIVENE GODFREYMy doc says my gut has a mind of its own and I should have listened to my gut when it told me to cut red meats from my diet. The horrendous IBS attacks on the days after eating a delicious steak or slice of roast beef became more and more painful. Finally, son Barry and I could no longer deny the beef I had loved since I was a child

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-20380062810609615912010-05-30T13:51:00.001-05:002010-05-30T13:51:31.838-05:00

QUEEN ANNE'S LACE & MY RECENT RECLAST EXPERIENCEBy OLIVENE GODFREYOne recent, sunny day, I was resting in my recliner in the den and glanced out of the big window. My eyes caught a glimpse of some large white objects moving around across the road.At first, I thought they were white chickens but I quickly rejected that notion as I didn't think anyone around here raised chickens. Finally, I stood

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-58235842941274228332010-05-23T15:50:00.001-05:002010-05-23T15:50:13.566-05:00

GOOD MEDICAL REPORT & OTHER TOPICS ON MY MINDBy OLIVENE GODFREYLast week, I had an appointment with my family doctor and at the end of the visit, she told me I was doing so well, I didn't need to see her again for three months. We were both pleased that my COPD seems to be under control with my oxygen readings in the 90s and my lungs sound clear. The Home Health care nurse will continue to check

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-43634869110496922812010-05-16T07:51:00.001-05:002010-05-16T07:51:35.799-05:00

NOTES FROM YELLOW LEGAL PADBy OLIVENE GODFREYTwo adages I try to live by are, "When in doubt, don't!" and, "Put off until tomorrow what you'll make a mess of today.' Sometimes I don't follow this advice to my regret. Since I fell flat on my back with a horrible sensation of the room spinning on March 2nd, I haven't had much energy. And, I haven't dusted as often as I should and Barry has about

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-56038651127657768392010-05-11T18:42:00.001-05:002010-05-11T18:42:14.432-05:00

MY MOTHER'S DAY & GOOD LUCK VS BAD LUCK & BLACKBERRY WINTER IN NORTHWEST GEORGIABy OLIVENE GODFREYMy Mother's Day was wonderful, thanks to my devoted son, Barry. Actually, it started on Saturday morning. I have been searching for a pair of spring and summer shoes that were both casual and semi-dressy. Since I fell and broke some bones several years ago, I have only worn low heels with non-skid,

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-6024475457431387392010-05-01T17:40:00.001-05:002010-05-01T17:40:48.788-05:00

SPRINGTIME IN ALL ITS GLORY HAS ARRIVED IN NORTHWEST GEORGIABy OLIVENE GODFREYMay 1 is always a special day for me. I was married May, 1 1947, in a small, decorated chapel which was packed with relatives and friends. If my late husband, Ralph, had lived we would have been married 63 years. On our 50th anniversary Ralph gave me a gold chain which I wear now with my gold wedding ring on it. In

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-86777256642180680892010-04-23T18:05:00.001-05:002010-04-23T18:05:32.123-05:00

MAKING DECISION REGARDING MY FUTUREBy OLIVENE GODFREYI keep hoping I will get back to normal but I am still not feeling chipper and I can't do household chores that I've always done.Son Barry thinks I have improved a lot but it is discouraging for me to be so helpless. Barry and I had a discussion with our family doctor a few days ago. Barry told the doctor that I have become a social recluse

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-88510043943104957832010-04-11T17:28:00.000-05:002010-04-11T17:29:01.328-05:00

CAN YOU BELIEVE THE RECORD BREAKING POLLEN COUNT OF 7000?By Olivene GodfreyDescribing the weather here in North Georgia is difficult. Is it spring or summer? We had days when the temp was near 90 and it seemed like summer. Then, we had a few pleasant days and the record pollen count shot up to 7,000 followed by a down pour of rain which measured two inches in our rain gauge.The rain lowered the

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-1620903872286616592010-04-04T14:57:00.000-05:002010-04-04T14:58:00.149-05:00

RED MALE CARDINAL'S YEAR LONG ATTACK ON GLASS DOORS &BRIEF MEDICAL REPORTBy OLIVENE GODFREYDuring the past two weeks, I've had a bunch of visitors, including the Home Health Care people, who are helping me recover from my recent Vertigo Drop attack. And each of the visitors have been fascinated with the red male Cardinal's dive bombing into the glass doors in our den. Son Barry has done a lot of

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-49100234132310472202010-03-28T14:47:00.001-05:002010-03-28T14:47:19.333-05:00

I CAN SEE A LITTLE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNELBy OLIVENE GODFREYFirst, son Barry made some changes in this space recently. Please let me know how you like it in the Comments welcomed section.I can see a small light at the end of the tunnel. It's been two weeks since I had the vertigo attack. These attacks are spontaneous falls while standing or walking followed by a scary, spinning

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-5278096171100233372010-03-18T18:25:00.002-05:002010-03-19T19:50:40.301-05:00

IF IT WEREN'T FOR BAD LUCK, I'D HAVE NO LUCK AT ALLI am, hopefully, recovering from a traumatic and painful episode last Saturday morning. I was feeling fine and looking forward to some spring activities as I stood in front of the pantry removing food when I suddenly felt faint. I called out for Barry who was in his room, and the next instant I had fallen flat on my back on the kitchen floor and

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-64139051199910607662010-03-07T19:47:00.001-05:002010-03-07T19:47:28.488-05:00

MEDICAL UPDATE & SUNDAY OUTINGBy OLIVENE GODFREYLast week was busy for me and the next two weeks will be even more hectic. Because of my weak legs, my doctor recently prescribed Physical Therapy and a couple of procedures to try to help me regain my balance and to increase my bone density. I had the DEXA several years ago and it is a scan that shows the current condition of my osteoporosis. So.

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597407.post-68292152447005578782010-02-27T18:06:00.000-05:002010-02-27T18:07:08.601-05:00

DOC PRESCRIBES ACCELERATED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MY WEAK LEGS & MOREI had a recent appointment with our family doctor to discuss my weak legs. Son Barry believed that my weak legs were caused by a lack of exercise and the doctor agreed with him and prescribed an accelerated or "crash course" of Physical Therapy with six sessions in two weeks. The doctor also put into action an osteoporosis

Olivenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06012498143244387423noreply@blogger.com0