House of Dreams

A street of dreams home has long since been designed to entice and encourage to buy! Supposedly to create the perfectly beautiful and functional situation in which the lucky family could exist in complete comfort and harmony.

I remember my street of dreams: where I could lie in the grass on a summer afternoon watch the ants crawl through the grass while the birds sang. Where noone bothered me to come and play or give them a push on the swing. Where I could daydream or plan or remember or think of new things to do tomorrow.
Where a new nest of swallows were worth keeping under surveillance to be sure you saw the first ones out of the nest.
To notice the cow as it came in for a drink and Mama's chicken pen that would one day furnish dinner and before that, eggs.
To keep track of the delivery man who bought huge sacks of grain and hay for the cow.

To watch for the ice man's truck as it came down the street to ourhouse and we knew we could always get a few free ice chips from the back of the truck.
Remember borrowing the grocery wagon from Butterfield's store and then returning it for the use of the next customer. That was when Mama bought big boxes of tomatoes and peaches to can.
But the 'corn man' came with gunny sacks full of corn and we knew we'd have roastin' ears for dinner that night and maybe even twice.
The junk man was probably our favorite. He was dirty and unkempt, but he would buy the old lids from Mama's canning jars--and we could get as much as five cents!
But all of this was just the activity of the day. It did not show the loving care Mama took to be sure we were safe aqnd secure. It did not show the plans and hopes and encouragement we received as we grew from knowledge we gained at school Neither did it show the friendships and encouragement we gleaned from friends. It did not repeat Papa's tutorial: ""Tis the set of the sail and not the gale that determines the way you go."
Add to this: show respect to your elders and siblings, help with a chore, keep a friend, make a new friend, volunteer, plan a party, remember a birthday, go for a walk.
Keep happy, keep busy, keep doing good, and smile.
What are your memories? Mom

Well, guess what happened at our house? I got a bill for Robert A Palmer at our address that was for an American Express card. Problem is that Bob doesn't have an AE card. So I called the company, told them what happened and when they put all the numbers in to check it out, decided it was fraud and they will take it from there. I told them about our stolen mail (checks, etc.) and they said it could be an extention of that. Great day, will it ever end?
Bob and I went to Costco yesterday after the doctor (to get his parking permit for oldie-moldies
) and when we got home we were so exhausted! I am not usually wiped out just going through Costco, but Bob always is. So I got out my trusty little carrier that has wheels, put the stuff in and couldn't pull it up the walk!
Bob is always telling everyone that I am just like a spring chicken, but I guess this chicken is beginning to molt! Guess the alternative is to quit eating and get skinny. That would be an improvement anyway.
Keep checking my email for more castle pix but so far, nothing. Now I'm stuck for more things to do on Bobby's scrapbook. I think I am having as much fun doing the book as he has had doing the castle---and with a lot less effort. He reports that so far his leg--broken--is a lot less painful than the foot and knee.
Carla did her usual thing for Wendi's baby shower. Tremendous amount of food--fatening--fun games--lots of enjoyment during the evening. And a lot of gorgeous presents including the essentials: diapers.
Karen reports that Ben is getting closer to that happy occasion, graduation. But first he has to check out his problem with a possible surgery. That will come first, and will be done in Seattle if needed.
Love to all------------Mom

Okay, I'm gonna try one more time!
Spent this morning trying to cut a piece of indoor-outdoor carpeting Dana and Doug brought over so that I can put it where it will kill weeds. Hope it works.
Then Grandpa came on the scene and started transplanting small tomato starts into bigger pots. It is all a big job and I don't even like tomatoes! Besides it is hard on fingernails.
Ruth

Looking back on the last week, I wonder what it would be like to not EVER see any of my kids again. Tami came on Tuesday and left the following Tuesday, but not a thing happened in between that was so spectacular that I could 'put a mark on the wall'. Just the usual, visits, smiles, exchanges of happenings, picture taking--all the usual stuff. Makes me wonder if I am getting so old that all of the 'usual stuff' is not penetrating my brain.
I seem to survive not seeing my other kids as often as I like. I guess it is because it is so far between Tami's visits that the score board flashes. There should be something we can do to relieve the nostalgia feelings that come when she comes and increases when she leaves. Anyway, I was happy to be able to go with her on one of the picture-taking safaris. Just remembering makes it all worth it. And makes me think that maybe the next visit won't be so long in coming.
I think I will write this again because it seems to have gotten lost in the fog. Or something. But Carla took Jackie and I for lunch for Mother's day. We went to a neat little place in old-town Silverdale where they make fantastic sandwiches, quiche and soups. After that we went to get our nails done. That makes the Mother's Day Feeling stretch out for a long time.
Bob was so antzy to get a riding lawn mower that he couldn't stand it. Finally got one---mowed the grass and was so tired he had to sit there and rest before he could make it off. Needless to say, I don't think he needs one. Maybe he can get a bunch of bunnies. Anyway, does anyone want a nice little mower? I'm sure this one is for sale!!
Did anyone see the moon Saturday night? I didn't but wished I had. Heard it was most spectacular, with rainbow rings in bright colors all around. Could it have been from the dust of the earthquake in China?
Luv y'all Ruth

Nostalgia and other stuff

on Tami's visit--reflections

I have been thinking about Tami's visit. One week. One week to cram everything into that should take months . Of course, there were other things she had on HER schedule besides hanging out with us. Visit old friends, cousins, do the picture-taking routine. I was glad to spend one afternoon along on one such trip.
One week. Not enough time for anything, really. Just to get used to her smiling face and conversation, and then she was gone again.
Guess I'm being nostalgic or just feeling lonesome or something.
One thing we can enjoy is watching the grandkids and their kids at the swimming pool. Made it nice that Jack and Jackie were there too. As long as the nice weather lasts, so will the swim team and the water basketball.
I'll try to get this one posted before I strike the wrong key. I lost the last one.
We love you, Tami, and look forward to more visits.
Karen and Wes just returned from a trip to Nova Scotia to visit family. We'll see them at Ben's graduation and catch up on the news.
Wishing you have the kind of day that reminds you just how Blessed you are.
Ruth, with love.

Happy Happenings

This blog business is the pits !! I love reading other people's stuff but can't seem to manage getting a word of my own in without help. Good thing Tami calls me.
I have been going gang-busters on scrap booking. Got a bunch done on the castle book and some more on the calendar book. I feel like a pro !
Carla took Jackie (her Mom) and I out for Mother's day lunch. We went to a neat little place in old town Silverdale that makes fabulous sandwiches, soup and quiche. Naturally I couldn't eat all of it so I had some the next day for lunch.
Jackie was a little retisent to stay the rest of the day doing stuff, but since Jack (Her husband) was up and going to town on his own after his last surgery, I told her that he wouldn't even know if she was home or not, so we all went to have our nails done. That is always fun and lasts for several days or weeks, so the Mother's day feeling lasts longer.
Grandpa Palmer has been chomping at the bit to get a new riding lawnmower. His friend, Bob finally got one and delivered it. Well, now he knows that he can't use it. I took pictures of it with him on it--with his cane--for posterity purposes. Now it is for sale again. Anyone need a riding lawnmower?? I told him that that would happen, but he just had to try
Lisa came by the other day and spent the day with us. It is always nice to visit with her. Last time she was here, she showed me how to make frozen french fries. So I took them out to cook but they package had not sealed and they were all freezer burned. So we made new ones and had french fries and chicken for lunch. At 4 o'clock she had to leave to pick up Mason to get a tuxedo for his friend's wedding.
Looking forward to Ben's graduation from Umatilla High School. And to Jon Carr's wedding on the same day. We plan to wing it over to Lisa and Mason's and travel together. Saves a bit on gas which is the main problem these days. Ben will soon leave for the army and I wish him all the luck he can carry with him. He will need it from what I hear of the military. But he has signed in and now he belongs to Uncle.
After living in Washington (again) for7 years, we finally became 'legal'. It took 3 days to get all the paper work together for the drivers license and car, but the parking permit for Grandpa
has to be run past a doctor again. That will come next week.
I would sign this Ruth and Bob but he won't touch a computer let alone write, so this will just be me...................Ruth

on the outside looking in

Okay, Paije, how come your blog is for 'invitation only!' Grandmas should have a secret path that allows them easy access !!

Washington License

Tuesday Bob and I went to get our new WA drivers license. No one told us about the new processes you have to go through, So we returned home to collect a document mailed by the government to our address, our passport, current drivers license (the only thing we had) and ss card.
Day two: returned with paper work. Got license. Went to licence office. Went home for more paper.
Day three: Will go back to the license office,get tabs, and from there to the doctors office to get a wheelchair parking permit for oldie-moldies. Don't know how long it will take the doctor to respond, but I can only hope.
Incidentally, I had my wig on when I took the license picture, so I don't have to worry about a 'bad hair day' in the photo.
Other than all the things we do from day to day I am currently working on a castle scrapbook for son,Bobby and that has been both enjoyable and challenging. Parri has been my right-hand and encourager and helper.
Blogging is fun. I told Grandpa that anyone could see his 86th birthday picture because it will be on the internet---and he cried! The idea of being famous was too much.

This blog business might be something that could easily be performed with no effort other than a flick of the finger. And nothing more than a thought that got lost in the fog. Well, we'll see if it amounts to anything if someone takes time to answer my ramblings.
Five of us met to do some scrapbooking the other day. It was fun and very productive.

I am currently in the process of making a book of my son's 'castle' in MO. It will be a wedding chapel if and when it is completed. (sounds like it may be a year or two in the process because he keeps falling off the roof) Well, not really, but it has happened. He is currently nursing a broken leg and feeling sorry he slid so far, but thankful that his daughter is skilled with the crane to rescue him.

Building this castle has been his dream ever since he spent time in Scotland, and not everyone has the opportunity to make a dream come true. So, I will say: Keep at it, Go for it, and all other words of encouragement.

Grandpa is 86!

Bob Andrews hosted a birthday celebration - held at the home of Grandma and Grandpa Palmer - to celebrate Grandpa's 86th birthday on May 2. The strawberry filled cake and ice cream were yummy!

Stan presented Grandpa with a "Grandpa's weeder" to easily remove dandelions. No bending required, a twist of the wrist is all you need.

The Sound of Music pereformed at a local playhouse in Bremerton was also on the birthday schedule.