Lord I wouldn't mind having some normal minded people in my life in the future. Please?
Thank you Jesus <3
:)
Friday, September 25, 2015
OK God, I am ready for a change...
I wrote an entry back at the end of March about my dealing with a particular lady at the shelter. For sure, mental illness was involved (on her part.) Since then, I have traveled 6,240 miles with an 84yo who had Alzheimers and currently have a roommate who has told me he is a bi-polar schizophrenic.
Lord I wouldn't mind having some normal minded people in my life in the future. Please?
Thank you Jesus <3
:)
Lord I wouldn't mind having some normal minded people in my life in the future. Please?
Thank you Jesus <3
:)
Thursday, September 24, 2015
I made the leap!... ONGOING...
Last week, I made reservations to go to SWEDEN for CHRISTMAS !!! Am SO excited !! :)
I had thought I might be able to visit in the summer, but I really didn't have enough going in the right direction for it to work out. Then my youngest said he was going for Christmas, and I asked if I could tag along? So that was the start, and then someone told me about Norweigan Air, and I got very inexpensive tickets... no luggage, no seat reservation, and no hot food. So I will be taking a small backpack only, sitting who knows where, and cold food is available for purchase on the flight.
So far, my schedule is as such.... Arrive on a Thursday afternoon, and take the train to visit AS. and family for St. Lucia Day. I would like to see the castle, the red village, and the mushroom, if they are available for visiting in the winter. Then am going back to Stockholm where I have already reserved an airbnb room for three nights. I definitely want to go to the Christmas Market in Old Town, the Vasa Museum, and one of the History Museums, and see the Royal Palace.
Then I will be taking a train across the country to visit my oldest son and his fiance in the second largest city, Gothenburg, on the west coast. My youngest should be arriving around that time. Then we tour the city, and celebrate Christmas together with Z's family. Then I am traveling with my youngest wherever he is going, and I will be headed home on the afternoon of the 1st of January 2016.
* * *
Much to think about and plan... I will only be taking a backpack, so can't take too many items of clothing. Went yesterday and may have found a good jacket. The weather will be around freezing, which I can handle easily enough, but if it gets colder, then that may get challenging. Priced wool long johns... about $60, and I am on the lookout for some warm, comfortable and European-looking boots. A few tops, and a few undies, and that is it. I already have a hat, scarf and gloves :)
* * *
9/25 - Got an email from the airline, and I can add the things I said no to previously. I know I want to take gifts over, but was thinking I could send them through the mail. However, it just cost me $66 to send an 8 pound birthday box to my son. However, I can add a 44 pound piece of checked luggage for only $42 each way. This might be worth it. Best to pre-book the luggage as it will cost twice as much if I make the choice at the airport at the time of the flight. Something to ponder.
* * *
9/25 - Read an article online yesterday about the problems Sweden is having with refugees and immigrants, and how Malmo, the 3rd largest city in Sweden - where I wasn't planning on going anyway, is becoming the rape capital of the country. This has frightened me a tad when I think of walking around Stockholm, even during the daytime because it will be the darkest time of the year. I gave thought to not speaking out loud much, looking as Eurpoean as possible to as not to be an American target, and how to stay in crowds, just being aware of my surroundings and the people around me at all times.
Then I need to remember that the Lord opened the door for this visit, and I know He will be with me. I have asked for His hedge of protection about me on my travels, and I have faith that He WILL protect me. I just need to be smart and continue in my strong faith in Him :)
I had thought I might be able to visit in the summer, but I really didn't have enough going in the right direction for it to work out. Then my youngest said he was going for Christmas, and I asked if I could tag along? So that was the start, and then someone told me about Norweigan Air, and I got very inexpensive tickets... no luggage, no seat reservation, and no hot food. So I will be taking a small backpack only, sitting who knows where, and cold food is available for purchase on the flight.
So far, my schedule is as such.... Arrive on a Thursday afternoon, and take the train to visit AS. and family for St. Lucia Day. I would like to see the castle, the red village, and the mushroom, if they are available for visiting in the winter. Then am going back to Stockholm where I have already reserved an airbnb room for three nights. I definitely want to go to the Christmas Market in Old Town, the Vasa Museum, and one of the History Museums, and see the Royal Palace.
Then I will be taking a train across the country to visit my oldest son and his fiance in the second largest city, Gothenburg, on the west coast. My youngest should be arriving around that time. Then we tour the city, and celebrate Christmas together with Z's family. Then I am traveling with my youngest wherever he is going, and I will be headed home on the afternoon of the 1st of January 2016.
* * *
Much to think about and plan... I will only be taking a backpack, so can't take too many items of clothing. Went yesterday and may have found a good jacket. The weather will be around freezing, which I can handle easily enough, but if it gets colder, then that may get challenging. Priced wool long johns... about $60, and I am on the lookout for some warm, comfortable and European-looking boots. A few tops, and a few undies, and that is it. I already have a hat, scarf and gloves :)
* * *
9/25 - Got an email from the airline, and I can add the things I said no to previously. I know I want to take gifts over, but was thinking I could send them through the mail. However, it just cost me $66 to send an 8 pound birthday box to my son. However, I can add a 44 pound piece of checked luggage for only $42 each way. This might be worth it. Best to pre-book the luggage as it will cost twice as much if I make the choice at the airport at the time of the flight. Something to ponder.
* * *
9/25 - Read an article online yesterday about the problems Sweden is having with refugees and immigrants, and how Malmo, the 3rd largest city in Sweden - where I wasn't planning on going anyway, is becoming the rape capital of the country. This has frightened me a tad when I think of walking around Stockholm, even during the daytime because it will be the darkest time of the year. I gave thought to not speaking out loud much, looking as Eurpoean as possible to as not to be an American target, and how to stay in crowds, just being aware of my surroundings and the people around me at all times.
Then I need to remember that the Lord opened the door for this visit, and I know He will be with me. I have asked for His hedge of protection about me on my travels, and I have faith that He WILL protect me. I just need to be smart and continue in my strong faith in Him :)
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Toys, Childhood Memories and Parenting... MORE TO COME
Working in this little toy shoppe, I have had a front row seat this
summer to all sorts of toys, childhood memories, and parenthood. It has
been quite the adventure and a mixed voyage down memory lane for me.
It is so much fun to open up the boxes when a delivery arrives! Of course I never quite know what the owner has ordered for the store, so it is exciting to see what fun things have arrived. It is probably a good thing that I don't have grandchildren yet, and my boys are mostly too big as I would probably owe my employer money each pay period!
For the small space here, we pack a lot of goodies in here of great variety...
It is so much fun to open up the boxes when a delivery arrives! Of course I never quite know what the owner has ordered for the store, so it is exciting to see what fun things have arrived. It is probably a good thing that I don't have grandchildren yet, and my boys are mostly too big as I would probably owe my employer money each pay period!
For the small space here, we pack a lot of goodies in here of great variety...
Exploring the Oregon Coast...
So while I was waiting to hear back from this Antonio guy, and planning a few days to visit Gabe, I did a little exploring.
I headed north to Astoria, but it was a gray day, and I felt out of sorts. I never actually found the Riverwalk, or where the tourists went, so I walked for a little bit along the dock. It was cloudy and there was no sunset to speak of. I came back to Seaside.
Then I headed south to Cannon Beach.
Now what I knew of Cannon Beach is a little strange. Most of the churches we have gone to have had couples or family retreats there at a Christian Conference Center. We had never been. Years ago however, before the boys were born, Cedar Park Assembly had a couple's retreat there. The wife of one young couple, who had two little girls, returned from the weekend alone. Apparently, her husband had gone off hiking, and did not return. A couple days later, his wallet was found in someone's crab pot. How bizarre is that? That in all of the Pacific Ocean waters, his wallet made it safely into a crab pot? It sounded fishy to us. About 5 days later, his body was found washed up on the beach. They said he had fallen from the trail, but I guess we will never actually know.
Anyways, I always pictured Cannon Beach as being up on a cliff. It isn't.
I spent the first day at Ecola State Park.
Yep, these are the colors I want to live in....
I hiked Tillamook Head. I hadn't planned on it. I was only going to to the first viewpoint, but I must have missed it. This might have been it....
By the tme I figured I was past that point, I had then gone quite a distance, but didn't know how far to the top. Really couldn't turn around because then I would have turned around and not made the top. Several people I passed had already commented to me that the fog was coming in and I would probably not be able to see the lighthouse.
It was a tough hike! At one point I was ready to give up... and just a few feet down the path, nestled between two trees was the prettiest flower! I hadn't seen one so far on the trail and I just felt like God was telling me that I could make it :)
The trail...
In my flippy-floppies...
I made it to the top!!
I headed north to Astoria, but it was a gray day, and I felt out of sorts. I never actually found the Riverwalk, or where the tourists went, so I walked for a little bit along the dock. It was cloudy and there was no sunset to speak of. I came back to Seaside.
Then I headed south to Cannon Beach.
Now what I knew of Cannon Beach is a little strange. Most of the churches we have gone to have had couples or family retreats there at a Christian Conference Center. We had never been. Years ago however, before the boys were born, Cedar Park Assembly had a couple's retreat there. The wife of one young couple, who had two little girls, returned from the weekend alone. Apparently, her husband had gone off hiking, and did not return. A couple days later, his wallet was found in someone's crab pot. How bizarre is that? That in all of the Pacific Ocean waters, his wallet made it safely into a crab pot? It sounded fishy to us. About 5 days later, his body was found washed up on the beach. They said he had fallen from the trail, but I guess we will never actually know.
Anyways, I always pictured Cannon Beach as being up on a cliff. It isn't.
I spent the first day at Ecola State Park.
Yep, these are the colors I want to live in....
Looking out to the Tillamook Lighthouse which is no longer used. It is a bird sanctuary and a columbarium.
I hiked Tillamook Head. I hadn't planned on it. I was only going to to the first viewpoint, but I must have missed it. This might have been it....
By the tme I figured I was past that point, I had then gone quite a distance, but didn't know how far to the top. Really couldn't turn around because then I would have turned around and not made the top. Several people I passed had already commented to me that the fog was coming in and I would probably not be able to see the lighthouse.
It was a tough hike! At one point I was ready to give up... and just a few feet down the path, nestled between two trees was the prettiest flower! I hadn't seen one so far on the trail and I just felt like God was telling me that I could make it :)
The trail...
In my flippy-floppies...
I made it to the top!!
And, as predicted, the fog had rolled in. I know the lighthouse was out there somewhere though!
Headed Toward the Coast....
About the 3rd week of June 2015
Spent a few days helping my son move his stuff from his college house to a new apartment in the Portland area. He got a paid internship with a large, international company and will be working for the next 6 months with them. Nice apartment in a nice part of town, a pretty good deal. His roommate is a Reservist and was out on manuvers so met him only briefly.
His first place...
Friends said, "Go see Astoria, it's a neat place." I went east on Hwy 26, stopping to visit with a friend from L-town. I turned north on Hwy 101 and it was dark, so I found a place to park for the night near a motel, trying to look like I belonged there but couldn't get into their small parking lot :)
The next morning, I discovered I was only 1 block from the ocean! So I walked along the beach walkway, which I later learned is called The Promenade, or just The Prom, to the center of town. Seaside, Oregon. I really liked the "family-friendly" feel of the town.
This was the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail...
Awesome temp, but the humidity may take some getting used to...
The beach with Tillamook Head looming in the background...
Discovered that they allow campfires on the beach! What fun! I want to have a fire and s'mores on the beach! :)
June 22. My first of many sunset pictures to come...
I spent a 2nd might in front of the motel, and explored the area. I looked on Craigslist and saw a place hiring housekeepers. I realized the place was just a few doors down from where I was, so I walked in and got an application.
The next day I turned it in and they said they would hire me - Yay! - but did I have a place to live? I said no, and they said, find a place and get back to us. So I learned the trick to living in a tourist coastal town....plenty of jobs, but no place to crash.
I checked with the local A/G church about staying in their parking lot, I checked the cost of monthly rent at an RV park with no shower. Things were grim so I turned to Craigslist again. My luck with craigslist is about 50/50 but I found a few ads and responded. I even posted an ad for myself to find a shaded parking spot... no bites on that at all.
Got a response to my inquiry on this one...
2
level apartment complex. Family friendly. 2 bedroom unit. The utilities
are only around $30, and the full rent is $700; we would split it right
down the middle. If you want cable, you would have to get that in your
own name. Your room would be the large bedroom, could hold a king size
bed. Plenty of private parking, space to bbq right outside the unit.
What I am looking for in a roommate is someone who likes to read a lot,
is quiet, a non-smoker, non-drug user (even when it's legal on July
1st-pot), and a non-drinker. Someone who is well-educated and has a
mild-mannered, friendly personality. Even though I am a male, I would
prefer a female roommate. If you would like to communicate with me
through e-mail to get to know me better to find out if we're compatible,
that would be fine with me.
Antonio
Should have known better when we tried to set up a meeting, and he said this...
I have an appointment with my case manager Anne tomorrow. And was going to get back with you after I figure my schedule with her and my talk therapist so we can meet in person (if you like). I will stay in touch.
Antonio
But I never learn. I prayed a lot and set a meeting to meet.
In the meantime, I went to the Seaside Temp Agency and signed up. I got to thinking that I was unsure whether or not I could do a housekeeping job.
:)
Spent a few days helping my son move his stuff from his college house to a new apartment in the Portland area. He got a paid internship with a large, international company and will be working for the next 6 months with them. Nice apartment in a nice part of town, a pretty good deal. His roommate is a Reservist and was out on manuvers so met him only briefly.
His first place...
Friends said, "Go see Astoria, it's a neat place." I went east on Hwy 26, stopping to visit with a friend from L-town. I turned north on Hwy 101 and it was dark, so I found a place to park for the night near a motel, trying to look like I belonged there but couldn't get into their small parking lot :)
The next morning, I discovered I was only 1 block from the ocean! So I walked along the beach walkway, which I later learned is called The Promenade, or just The Prom, to the center of town. Seaside, Oregon. I really liked the "family-friendly" feel of the town.
This was the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail...
Awesome temp, but the humidity may take some getting used to...
The beach with Tillamook Head looming in the background...
Discovered that they allow campfires on the beach! What fun! I want to have a fire and s'mores on the beach! :)
June 22. My first of many sunset pictures to come...
I spent a 2nd might in front of the motel, and explored the area. I looked on Craigslist and saw a place hiring housekeepers. I realized the place was just a few doors down from where I was, so I walked in and got an application.
The next day I turned it in and they said they would hire me - Yay! - but did I have a place to live? I said no, and they said, find a place and get back to us. So I learned the trick to living in a tourist coastal town....plenty of jobs, but no place to crash.
I checked with the local A/G church about staying in their parking lot, I checked the cost of monthly rent at an RV park with no shower. Things were grim so I turned to Craigslist again. My luck with craigslist is about 50/50 but I found a few ads and responded. I even posted an ad for myself to find a shaded parking spot... no bites on that at all.
Got a response to my inquiry on this one...
$350 ****Roommate Wanted****(pref. female) (Seaside)
available jul 01
no smoking
private room
no private bath
no laundry on site
private room
no private bath
no laundry on site
Antonio
Should have known better when we tried to set up a meeting, and he said this...
I have an appointment with my case manager Anne tomorrow. And was going to get back with you after I figure my schedule with her and my talk therapist so we can meet in person (if you like). I will stay in touch.
Thanks for your patience,
But I never learn. I prayed a lot and set a meeting to meet.
In the meantime, I went to the Seaside Temp Agency and signed up. I got to thinking that I was unsure whether or not I could do a housekeeping job.
:)
All About Pigeon Forge... MORE TO COME
Copied from my FB entries:
April 9
Prayers needed for the upcoming adventure which has expanded in scope. (Details will come down the line a bit ) Feels like God's hand is upon this, praising Him for a smooth road ahead :)
April 14
Friends and Family: A new adventure begins for me tomorrow morning and I would appreciate your continued prayers. I am packing up my van today to park it in front of Joanie's house who will take care of my cats for a month, as I am leaving on a roadtrip to Tennesse. I am taking an 84yo Korean War Vet to a reunion/commemoration in Pigeon Forge. He will be awarded a Peace Medal from a representative of the Korean Government. We will also be visiting his hometown of Erwin, TN and around, as well as Nashville and a couple record shops. Going to be a fun adventure. HOWEVER, he has had previous heart problems, and a bit of dementia and his family has not been totally forthcoming about previous experiences with drivers in the past (which I have found out about from people in town I have talked with.) He moves slowly, cannot always track a conversation, and can be both sweet and cranky. I have been in prayer and I am not seeing God close the door, so it will be full steam ahead tomorrow morning in his Mercury Marquis. I am depending on God's Grace and Wisdom for all upcoming situations. Besides... I have the car keys! Lol... I can turn around at any time if necessary. I will be taking pictures and sharing on FB, so stay tuned! And please pray :) Thank you! :)
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
April 15
On our way! :) Look out Tennessee... here we come!
April 15
Down through Nevada... I think he was napping here...
April 16
This morning he told me I was snoring... but said that was good for me! :) Breakfast at McDonald's - we both like their coffee! We had a "moment" when I wouldn't turn off on a road over the mountains toward Bishop. God's Grace prevailed and after a few minutes he told me I could go the way I wanted. :) Then he wouldn't talk to me but after about a half hour he said, "Boo!", smiled and said he was sorry. We lunched at Denny's in Beatty, NV, made our way through Las Vegas at rush hour, and drove over the new big bridge over Hoover Dam which has thrown him off because he couldn't see where we crossed over the river. Stopped at McDonald's for a fish sandwich and have found a funky motel in Kingman on Hwy 66! Please keep us in your prayers :) Thank you!
Bumper to bumper in Vegas...
Tri-State Inn in Kingman... $35... not bad really...
On Historic Route 66, Kingman, Arizona...
April 9
Prayers needed for the upcoming adventure which has expanded in scope. (Details will come down the line a bit ) Feels like God's hand is upon this, praising Him for a smooth road ahead :)
April 14
Friends and Family: A new adventure begins for me tomorrow morning and I would appreciate your continued prayers. I am packing up my van today to park it in front of Joanie's house who will take care of my cats for a month, as I am leaving on a roadtrip to Tennesse. I am taking an 84yo Korean War Vet to a reunion/commemoration in Pigeon Forge. He will be awarded a Peace Medal from a representative of the Korean Government. We will also be visiting his hometown of Erwin, TN and around, as well as Nashville and a couple record shops. Going to be a fun adventure. HOWEVER, he has had previous heart problems, and a bit of dementia and his family has not been totally forthcoming about previous experiences with drivers in the past (which I have found out about from people in town I have talked with.) He moves slowly, cannot always track a conversation, and can be both sweet and cranky. I have been in prayer and I am not seeing God close the door, so it will be full steam ahead tomorrow morning in his Mercury Marquis. I am depending on God's Grace and Wisdom for all upcoming situations. Besides... I have the car keys! Lol... I can turn around at any time if necessary. I will be taking pictures and sharing on FB, so stay tuned! And please pray :) Thank you! :)
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
April 15
On our way! :) Look out Tennessee... here we come!
April 15
Down through Nevada... I think he was napping here...
April 16
This morning he told me I was snoring... but said that was good for me! :) Breakfast at McDonald's - we both like their coffee! We had a "moment" when I wouldn't turn off on a road over the mountains toward Bishop. God's Grace prevailed and after a few minutes he told me I could go the way I wanted. :) Then he wouldn't talk to me but after about a half hour he said, "Boo!", smiled and said he was sorry. We lunched at Denny's in Beatty, NV, made our way through Las Vegas at rush hour, and drove over the new big bridge over Hoover Dam which has thrown him off because he couldn't see where we crossed over the river. Stopped at McDonald's for a fish sandwich and have found a funky motel in Kingman on Hwy 66! Please keep us in your prayers :) Thank you!
Snake at Denny's...
Heading over the "over the Hoover Bridge" bridge... can't see the river or the original bridge at all....
Bronze statues at McDonald's
Tri-State Inn in Kingman... $35... not bad really...
Taking time for personal nail care... He also got a haircut just out of town when we left...
April 17
On Historic Route 66, Kingman, Arizona...
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