All My Children # 011

Hello,
I hope this finds each of you doing well this week. Our week was good. Dad and I got some things accomplished that we have been wanting to get done. Dad got all the wood trim in the master bath done, nailed and caulked. He also got the guest bath wall fixed ( there was leak behind the shower faucet ! ) So he fixed that leak, patched the wall and painted it again and did some caulking in there too. I am in the process of getting the trim primed in the master bathroom now. I already got the big wood panels that go under the tub area primed and one coat of paint so tomorrow I will get the second coat on. I am hoping to get the rest of the trim double coated this week also. I am excited to see that room all done and put back together. And ... yes Ed ... Dad got the shower working in the master ! Haaaaa !! The shower head is on and working! The doors are working alright, not perfect, but... oh well. I have to get the wood all around the shower painted this week. Dad also put the 4 doors on the 2 tall cupboards in the laundry room for me too. So .. stuff getting done. I will be painting this week.

We went to church this morning and to breakfast afterwords. I am really starting to like our little church here. Father Jim is growing on me. He is actually a bit funny. He kind of uses a lot of humor with his stories. He does give a good homily, not boring. I am glad we are getting into it.

We had quite a bit of sunshine this weekend. It felt great ! I am hoping for warmer temps to start rising each week now too. Awwwe .... spring !!! I am so glad we made it thru the cold harsh winter ! Geez it seems long ! I can't wait to get my porch back together and start enjoying it again. Grandma & John got back home to W.Va. They had a good trip. They are still talking about how much fun they had visiting with Tommy and Jen ! So glad they stopped on the way back.

I am glad we will get to see you this weekend Ed ! ( and Oscar too ) We are looking forward to your visit.

Happy St Patricks Day to all ! Remember to wear Green !!

"May your troubles be less And your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness Come through your door. "
-Irish saying

I love you all ... Momma G

All My Children # 010

Hello !

I am back from a fun trip. Patty Jo and I went to Morgantown Saturday and met at Kathy Scotchels house with Dawn and Aunt Sheree. We then went to the WVU Theater and saw the musical " The Wizard Of Oz ". Wow ! What a wonderful production. Patty Jo sang along with the songs and we all enjoyed ourselves so much. Then the 5 of us girls went to dinner together. We all decided it had been way to long since sharing any kind of quality time together like that. Sunday morning, Patty and I drove over to Aunt Sheree's. Blake and Adam came along with us and we all went to breakfast together. Very nice. Adam is now at least 6 ft tall, I was surprised. He will graduate May 24th this year. Dad and I will try to be there. ( we went to Blake's) If anyone of you can make it, come on down.

This was a good week. I got the pantry primed and two coats of paint. I am glad. Now Dad will have to make the base board trim. Dad worked on our bathroom trim this weekend. He kept busy the whole time we were gone and continued even this evening. He had a roast/carrots and potatoes baking int he oven when Patty Jo and I arrived home this evening too. What a guy ! The whole house smelled great.

I started back to my yoga class again Monday evening. She had taken off a couple of weeks for her vacation. It felt goo to get back. It is hard still ! Haaaaaa !! She said she mixes it up each and every week so that it should remain difficult to anyone. Always using different muscles. That is good I suppose. It was harder to get Aunt Patty up into the attic this week to exercise along with me. As per her usual ... after something is not new and fresh anymore, she doesn't like it so much. (just like moving here, she would love to go back home now ! Haaaaaa ) I guess she has always been like that about everything. I just try to encourage her as much as possible.

Grandma and John are leaving Monday morning to start their travels back from AZ. They will be stopping by to stay a night with Jennifer and Tommy. I am glad they are doing that. Have fun you guys !! Remember to get your cards out and ready ! They love to play a good game of cards. Hey Tommy ... show John the Wii bowling game ! He will love that !

Have a great week everyone ! Take care of each other. Call one another once in awhile. It takes little efforts, and can really make a difference. Each of us need that family connection. We are all busy people. Just carve out a little time here and there. Do not think about whether it is always "you" who has to be the one to call, just BE the ONE. Reach out.

Dad and I are so very proud of each of you. You are so important to us and such a blessing in our lives. I thank God every single day for the gift of my family. I love that it is growing as we speak. You are our greatest joy. You are such wonderful, beautiful, unique,glorious souls. I am truly blessed.

"Beauty, truth, friendship, love, creation – these are the great values of life. We can’t prove them, or explain them, yet they are the most stable things in our lives." -- Jesse Herman Holmes

All My Children ... I love you so deeply.
Momma G

All My Children # 009

Dear kids,
How is everyone doing this March 1st ? Yeah ! It is March ! We are getting there. Past the long cold winter. The sunshine has felt really good here. Although it has been still quite cold, 27 was our high today, the sunshine felt good though.

Dad and I brought down (what seems like a hundred and one) cupboard doors from the attic into the Library room. Dad tarped it off in here for me to begin my work. The big job of painting all the kitchen cupboard doors. Sanding,priming, two coats each of paint on both sides, then speckling each of them, then waiting for ( I believe 2 weeks ?) then starting the poly process. ( 3 coats each,with light sanding in between) Uh huh ... you guessed it ... a lot of work to be done here. But hey ... I better get started huh ? I also bought the paint for the pantry. The color is from the purple family. More towards the red-purple side and with a grey undertone. Medium shade in color depth. So after Dad completes the sanding in there ( the walls needed patched somewhat) I will get that small room finally painted. I will be glad to get these things accomplished this month.

Aunt Margaret joined us at church this morning. She decided to start coming back to church regularly for lent. Then we all went for breakfast afterwards. Church is at 11 am here, so it is more like our lunch, but we still order breakfast. It was nice to be together. We really do not see her much in the winter. Aunt Patty seems to really enjoy going to church with us. Hey Ang ... I colored Aunt Patty's hair again ! I used a little lighter shade of red this time. I like it better. She is so funny, just as last time when you and I did it, she loved it. I also colored mine. I used a different color, but it doesn't look much different really.

I put up some new curtains in the upstairs hallway windows. Got rid of the lace balloon style, and opted for good o'l Martha Steward cafe-style. They are just crisp white cafe-style. A top valance and bottom panels. So you can still see outside in between. The panels themselves are opaque. ( not see-thru) I also put them in my bedroom windows, and I took down the sheers I had up. It allows more sunlight into the bedroom. Plus provides you with being able to see outside now. Dad said he likes to be able to see out the windows. I like it a lot. I chose the beige color for our windows and it looks nice. The beige match our decor in our bedroom better than the white and look antique sort of. I took down the tie backs off the drapes and just let them hang straight down on each side, and at night I close the drapes. It is so much better ! Now there is no light coming thru the windows at night. With living right in town all the street lights make it too bright.

Well, I shall email you again soon. Remember to say your prayers, to be grateful for each day and all your blessings. I love each of you so very dearly.

"Forget mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you're going to do now and do it. Today is your lucky day."-Will Durant

Love Momma G

All My Children #008

Hi kids,

well ... this is the last blog for February ! Yeah ! That means spring will certainly be getting closer to us ! Ooooooh ... that sounds so good to me ! This dreadfully COLD weather is getting old !! My skin feels all dried out even with trying to keep lotion on my hands they are so dry !

So this week was just a kind of slow, boring week. Although, I do know it is what "we choose" to make it. So ... you know what that means ? I didn't try too hard. I guess I should have made it a better (perhaps) more productive week. I did all the regular stuff, laundry,cleaning,taking care of Patty Jo, making breakfast,lunch and dinner, you know.... but ... not any projects really. So, maybe this week I should make an effort to get something accomplished in regards to furthering the progress of our house project here. I'll keep you posted on that.

After church today, Dad and I went for a nice long drive through a part of the country-side we haven't ventured through before. It was nice. Just to get out and drive and look around. The sun was out and even though it was cold, somehow that feels nice. I have said it before, but I must say again, it is really a BEAUTIFUL area around here. We saw spectacular views of the mountains and countryside and on one ridge a breathtaking view of Canandagiua Lake ! ( Sp ? ) We stopped and had a Starbucks coffee so that was relaxing too. Believe it or not ... we have rarely taken the time to just drive around since living here !

I am still using my new exercise room ! I am proud of that accomplishment. I intend to get our lifestyle into a healthier version. For Dad, Patty Jo and myself. I have also made grounds on eating better each day. Little changes here and there. So that will be an on-going progress that will evolve with each passing month. I still read and try to educate myself on information along those lines too. I think keeping informed and keeping new ideas, recipes etc., will keep me on the right path. I can tell I am feeling stronger from the exercise. It is still really hard on me to get thru some of the tapes. I was that "out-of-shape" I suppose. It does feel really good to know I am seeing signs of progress though. I am becoming aware ! This paragraph below is something I have read and so agree with !

"Here's something to keep in mind: Awareness raises consciousness. Read that last line again because it's important. Just becoming aware of your typical thought patterns will actually stimulate a move toward emotional health and balance. That's because the moment you notice a negative thought, you then have the ability to shift to something more positive. And then the fun begins. When you focus your mind on something good, it creates a good feeling, and that good feeling fuels you to make better choices. Better choices in turn, give you a better life.

Imagine, like so many people right now, that you're worried about paying your bills. Once you turn on your thought meter, you notice that your thoughts are focused on how little money you have. If you make a choice to shift these thoughts to a powerful affirmation like, "Abundance flows into my life every day in miraculous ways," and you keep returning to this thought, it automatically makes you feel empowered to change your circumstances. This feeling of being empowered - a life-affirming feeling - will lead you to find actions you can take right now to improve your situation. Then, once you identify an action and take it, you not only change the course of your life, you reinforce your positive thoughts and the cycle starts all over again."

This makes such great sense to me. Very many books and articles I have read states that your attitude and your own personal " self talk" that goes on inside your head, has a lot to do with your life and your ultimate happiness. So to each of you, I wish a sense of 'awareness' that may awaken something inside of yourself. Maybe to allow you to progress forward with something you are struggling with in your own life at this time. However it may work, awareness is a great start at bringing forth change. I know one of Dr. Phil's sayings is " you cannot change what you first do not recognise". Yep ... it is true.

Well, I know ... yadda ...yadda ... heeheeee. Enough from me.

Have a great week. Call us when you get a chance. We are always thinking of each of you and hoping things are going well.

"Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose." -- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I love you, Momma G

All My Children #007

Hi kids,

well, I can say this wasn't the best week for me. It was a difficult week. Patty Jo has been sick all week, which lead to her being extremely difficult and irritable to me. The good thing is as of yesterday, I think she has turned the corner and is starting to feel somewhat better. I did take her to the doctor, but they said it just has to run its course. She coughs all thru the night. I am up and down all night, every night, just checking on her, offering her water and cough syrup. I haven't had a good nights sleep, it seems, for ages ! So, here's to a better week.

"What we need is a cup of understanding, a barrel of love, and an ocean of patience."
St. Francis de Sales

I did get something accomplished in Patty's room though. I finally put up her curtains behind her bed. Hanging from high ( almost the ceiling) to down below, behind the bed . It makes a focal point of the bed when you enter the room now. She had seen a picture ( gosh ... two years ago now ! ) in a magazine and showed me and I kept it all this time with the intent I would do it for her. I still have to put up the outside valances for the finishing touch. She is happy. The other thing I did was to change my bedroom up. I moved the bed from the wall it was against to the wall beside the door entering from the hallway. As small a change as it is, it seems to me to have a big impact. The room seems to have opened up more. I like the feel of it much better. I moved the rugs, the bench and I just like the feel of it. I still have to move the pictures. Dad worked on the baseboards in the attic all weekend. Tedious work. There is the main flat large board, the top grooved molding and the shoe-moulding. So a lot to it.

Nothing else to going on here. Tom and Jennifer are in Las Vegas this week at a Photography Seminar. ( staying at the Marriott ) I hope it goes well for them. Angela had a Valentines Choir concert on Friday and Saturday, she even had an impromptu solo on Saturday ! I sure wish I could have been there. Bill has been working hard on their new Florida room. It sounds like he is making great strides in getting it done. Good work Billy boy ! CJ is feeling good with baby Vivianna growing stronger everyday. CJ may have a new job announcement very soon. We are so excited for her ! Ed is still studying for his test and looking forward to taking Oscar to training soon. I think the first week of March ? He also ( like his brother Bill ... ) got a new I-phone due to a miss-hap with water ! Haahahaaa !

"An attitude of gratitude creates blessings."
-Sir John Templeton

Take care and remember I love each of you very much.
Momma G

All My Children #006

Hello kids,

I am feeling so elated tonight. I just read Bill & CJ's new blog and saw pictures of my beautiful little granddaughter ' Vivianna Jo, in the ultrasound photos. I cannot get the smile off my face. I am feeling just like a small child at Christmas that cannot get to sleep Christmas-eve for being so full of excitement ! Haaaaaaa !! I cannot wait to meet my beautiful granddaughter for sure ! I bought some things for the baby shower today, that was fun ! Yes ... I know it is not until May, but ... we were in Ohio this weekend, and there is one of those party type stores there. So, before we headed back to New York, I figured I would stop in and get some things now. I haven't seen a store like around here. ( at least not yet ? ) It was fun shopping.

Dad, Ed, and I went to the Cleveland Home & Garden show on Saturday. After thinking about it ... I guess Dad and I have been attending this show for about 30 yrs now ! How is that for a long run ?! It is always good to be there. You walk thru some of the prettiest garden setting ever ! You get to smell the fresh flowers, see real green grass, all kinds of trees and shrubs and so many kinds of flowers than you could imagine. I will tell you this ... when you live in the North, by this time of the long, cold, winter weather, it is extremely refreshing to get a look into spring, as brief as it is. So, yes we enjoyed it. I was glad Ed went with us this year. It is nice to spend some time with you Ed ! Tucker and Oscar had a wonderful time playing with each other this weekend also. Too bad they do not live closer to each other, they would love that ! They were tired out today from playing so hard. On Saturday morning, Dad took them both to get their nails filed down, the girls that work there just love the two of them, and they came back each wearing ' Red Valentine Bandannas ... so cute ! Hey Ed ... could you post one of the pictures you took of them on this Blog under the comments or something ? That would be great !

Well, we are back home here in Hammondsport, resting up to start a brand new week. I wish a good productive week for each of you. Be safe. Be happy. Be healthy.

"Watch your thoughts; they become words.Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits.Watch your habits; they become character.Watch your character; it becomes your destiney."
- By: Frank Outlaw -

I love you so very much. Momma G

All My Children #005

Hi kids,

I trust you all had a good week. I know it was an especially busy and hectic week for Tom and Jennifer, with hopefully a productive and welcoming end to it all. You are officially now moved in, huh Tommy ? Trust me ... there will always be work to be done. Always projects waiting to be finished. ( or started ) Always improvements to be made ... just keep them all in prospective. Keep a list, prioritize things to be done, and just keep at it. Life is made up of all the "things" to do each and everyday. Take your time and enjoy your journey too. As the saying goes,' Rome wasn't built in a day'.

Well now, Happy February to you ! One month gone in this new year already. This past week was just OK I suppose. Nothing special I guess. Cold temperatures, snow, and grey skies. I guess I am having some seasonal blues. Missing some sunshine on my face for sure. But, spring will be here before I know it. I hope that groundhog does not see his shadow !

Aunt Patty and I held true to our exercising program this whole week. Yeah !!! Bless her heart, she has been a real trooper ! I am impressed ( and surprised ) by her attitude of wanting to go up to the attic each morning with me and try to follow along with the gal on the tape. She may not be able to do the movements correctly, or keep up with the continual changes during the work-out, but let me tell you, she stands right there in front of the TV, she smiles, tries, smiles, tries more, drinks a little water here and there, she laughs and she is sort of in her own world of seeing herself participating and doing well !!! She is happy ! I am so impressed !!! God Bless her !!! She is out of her room, she is moving her body instead of just sitting in a chair or on her bed as usual ! I am so very proud of her ! She loves the orange t-shirt that I bought her and told her it is her exercise outfit. She always has it laying out for the next morning beside her bed. I need to go to Walmart and buy her another one too. She lost a whopping 8 lbs the month of January ! Go Patty Jo !! Me ? Well ... I did not lose much ! ( 3lbs ... ughhh !! ) Disappointed big time. I hate the scale !! I exercises daily, but I must be still eating to much. Oh well, I have to give myself the credit for making a good change into the exercise routine for now, and just know it takes more time to change other habits. I believe something I read recently, "A balanced body helps you create a balanced mind. As a result, peace and order begin to replace the chaos and frenetic energy of a busy life. " So, I will continue onward toward my journey for better health.

Dad made his spaghetti today and it was as good as always ! Hmmmm !! Then, I watched the Superbowl with Dad tonight. Actually, Aunt Patty did too. Not really my thing, but, I felt sort of obligated. I would have felt bad for Dad to sit in there by himself and watch it. So I read a book and sat there talking with him Thur-out the game. It is times like this Dad really misses his kids. He would give anything to be able to be with any one of you, when watching stuff like this. Sometimes it is really hard to have so much distance between us. It can suck for us parents for sure. I hope Tommy and Billy's Superbowl parties went well. Dad said how cool would it have been to be able to show up at one of your houses and surprise you ! Haaaa !! Well ... it didn't go the way Dad wanted in the end .... he hates the Steelers. Maybe next year it will be ... "Go Browns "!!!!

Well have a good and healthy week. Take care of each other. This month is Valentines month, so be extra caring, extra loving, maybe do a kindness for some one un-expecting of it. It isn't just about romance you know, it is for all of us. We all need the kindness and caring. Be loving towards people in general this month. Share the " care ".

"Enthusiasm is a kind of faith that has been set on fire.-George Matthew Adams "

I do have to say, Dad and I did have lots of fun this afternoon. The sun had been out for a little while (it warmed up to 42 today) so it started to melt the 2 inches of rock hard ice that has been built up under the snow for a month, in our driveway. So, we each dressed warm and went outside into the driveway with shovels, and as Dad broke up the ice over the concrete, I shoveled it over to the side. We spent about an hour getting this accomplished, but, we couldn't get it all. The sun just didn't stay out long enough to get all of it soft enough, so we had to leave some for another winter day. Yeah ! I know, I bet your each saying " Man !! I wish I could be there to do that too !" The fun was all ours ! ( and the forecast shows snow for the next 5 days in a row here ! So great ! )

Remember Dad and I love each of you very much, Momma G