So my wonderful hubby bought me one of those REALLY nice fancy-schmancy digital cameras for Christmas... you know the "big" ones that are not "compact". It is a Canon Rebel XTi. It is really cool because I have owned the film version of the Canon Rebel for about 8 years now and I can use all of my old lenses from the film camera on the new digital one! I have been snapping all of these pics of our new property back home and pics of the holiday memories... yadda yadda yadda. And guess what? The JPEG files of these pics are 5 to 7 MB each! I have not been able to find any instruction in the Owners Manual about how to "shrink" the file sizing and was wondering if any of you, my readers, know of any. I am looking for something easy to download and FREE if at all possible.
Any takers?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Trees Be Gone!
Well we made it through the holidays with no major problems. We celebrated Christmas in Pine Mountain (PM) from Sunday the 23rd until late morning on Christmas Day. Then, we drove back to Marietta for Christmas with my in-laws on Christmas night and the following day. All in all, it was a wonderful time with each of our family members. I really enjoy watching them opening their gifts… my Mom was so surprised when she opened her new digital camera. I had saved the money for it because I knew that I wanted to give her that for a while now. Santa brought my nephew, Austin one of those Wii game systems. This is one of those games that you act out the actions when you play tennis or bowling or baseball. You should have seen us doing the actual movements of bowling in the den without an actual bowling ball in our hand. I thought I was going to throw my shoulder out of socket! Amazingly enough, I am MUCH better at bowling on the Wii than at the lanes… hmmm…. Makes me wonder why… We drove back down to PM to work on the property. We hired a guy to come do some brush and tree clearing for us. We learned that the people who farmed this land back years ago must have raised hogs. How do we know that? Because we spent 2 and ½ days cutting the hog fencing and barbed wire! We also dismantled an entire chicken coop that we found along the way. Even though it was cold outside, we were drenched with sweat trying to work ahead of the machine. Oh, I forgot about the machine- this thing is like a Bobcat with a huge grinder-thingy on the front. This thing can lift the front grinder up to a tree and just break it and then chew it up all the way to the ground…
We watched in awe for three days as this monster just ate through trees and brush. We went back down there again this past Saturday and worked from 7am to 6pm… We just kept finding more and more fencing in the brush that we did not know was there before. I completely wore out my leather work gloves by mid-day Saturday. My fingers are still so sore from gripping the wire cutters and my fingertips are raw from dragging old metal parts and rubbish, fencing, barbed wire, cedar posts, tree limbs, etc. Oh, did I mention that a large part of the hog fencing also had wood pallets entwined in the fencing wire? Not fun to dismantle!
HOG FENCING
We went back Sunday just to walk the areas where the trees and brush are no more. We took lots of photos and came home. And I am still beat even today…
BEFORE
AFTER
We watched in awe for three days as this monster just ate through trees and brush. We went back down there again this past Saturday and worked from 7am to 6pm… We just kept finding more and more fencing in the brush that we did not know was there before. I completely wore out my leather work gloves by mid-day Saturday. My fingers are still so sore from gripping the wire cutters and my fingertips are raw from dragging old metal parts and rubbish, fencing, barbed wire, cedar posts, tree limbs, etc. Oh, did I mention that a large part of the hog fencing also had wood pallets entwined in the fencing wire? Not fun to dismantle!
HOG FENCING
We went back Sunday just to walk the areas where the trees and brush are no more. We took lots of photos and came home. And I am still beat even today…
BEFORE
AFTER
Thursday, January 3, 2008
The Wooden Bowl
My Mother must be on a role this week... she sent me another great email today that just really tugs at the heart strings. I am seriously sitting at my desk with tears in my eyes over this one! Considering everything that has happened in the last few weeks, I am still pretty sad these days... so I thought I would share my sadness...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Wooden Bowl
I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson.
.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
"We must do something about father," said the son.
.
"I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."
.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
.
He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
.
"Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.
.
Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.
.
Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."
.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.
.
You need to be able to throw something back.
.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Wooden Bowl
I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson.
.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.
.
When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
"We must do something about father," said the son.
.
"I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."
.
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.
.
There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.
.
Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.
.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.
.
He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded,
.
"Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.
.
Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.
.
Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."
.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.
.
You need to be able to throw something back.
.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
.
People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Count Your Blessings 2007
My Mother sent me an email right after Thanksgiving that touched me on a whole new level. I wanted to share a portion of that in this Blog since it is my last one of 2007. There are so many things that I am thankful for… I am so blessed in many, many ways. Yet, this blog probably will not capture even a small portion of these blessings but I will try to anyway:
-----------------------------------------------------
First the Thanksgiving email:
++++++++++++++++++++++
Everyday be thankful for what you have and who you are.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud.
Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.
Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.
Thank you, Lord, for life.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Man, is that a great read or what? I am so moved by just reading those few thank yous!
-------------------------------------------------------
Now my own list of blessings from 2007:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We are blessed in that we can keep my Grandmother in an assisted living facility where I can sleep soundly at night knowing that she is warm, safe, fed and loved by the wonderful staff that endures her daily. I made it through her first year there and did not physically harm her or myself!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have learned that having respect for my elders still gets me so much further in life…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for my never-ending patience with my Grandmother and all of her antics, issues, and constant reminders of her ailments. Every day is a new saga or ordeal and some days I feel like my patience box is about to run dry.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I pray for the day that a cure for Alzheimer’s will be discovered… and what exactly causes it…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you, thank you, thank you for my wonderful, beautiful, understanding husband of 16 months. We celebrated our first anniversary in September and my love for him grows every day. His ongoing support of ME and my day-today craziness makes our me wonder how I ever lived without him before…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Little love notes on email from my husband makes me so happy…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am so thankful for my ability to do my job and succeed in this male-dominated industry. Some days I question why I even entered the field of construction… but, then I remind myself that I would have never met my husband if I had not…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for our health. Yes, Mike turned 40 this year and my turning 34 made me realize that 40 does not seem so OLD any more… We were fortunate enough to find a Family Doctor that really cares about US and wants us to live better, fulfilling longer lives.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for our ability to afford what life throws at us… we are so fortunate that we both have good-paying jobs and can save for retirement too!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We finally found property near Pine Mountain and closed the deal in October. We had been looking for quite a while and are so thankful to have found it in Harris Co. and so close to family!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Being able to travel… to the beach, to the mountains, wherever life takes us…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am also thankful that I am able to recognize when I make a mistake and admit to it…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Having an open mind when meeting new people or dealing with unforeseen conditions…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for advanced technology… without it I would not have my iPod, digital cameras, our computers, my text-friendly cell phone, satellite radio, wireless, cable television, the camcorder, and most of all- the Internet! How lost would I be without all of this? I am thinking back to 1990 right now… that is how it would be…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Having the strength to endure tragedies when they happen unexpectedly…the fatality of a co-worker on site, Jamie at VT, losing Berkeley to cancer…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chocolate… the one thing I will NEVER be able to resist…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Being able to keep my friendships alive- old friends, new friends, long-lost friends… I lost two great friends in the course of the past 5 or so years and made the effort to reconnect this year- and I did!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am most thankful for living in a country that allows me to live my life freely at my own accord knowing that there are others fighting for this freedom overseas. God bless the soldiers!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lastly, I am thankful for being blessed much more than I deserve.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008- Bring it on!
-----------------------------------------------------
First the Thanksgiving email:
++++++++++++++++++++++
Everyday be thankful for what you have and who you are.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud.
Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.
Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.
Thank you, Lord, for life.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Man, is that a great read or what? I am so moved by just reading those few thank yous!
-------------------------------------------------------
Now my own list of blessings from 2007:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We are blessed in that we can keep my Grandmother in an assisted living facility where I can sleep soundly at night knowing that she is warm, safe, fed and loved by the wonderful staff that endures her daily. I made it through her first year there and did not physically harm her or myself!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have learned that having respect for my elders still gets me so much further in life…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for my never-ending patience with my Grandmother and all of her antics, issues, and constant reminders of her ailments. Every day is a new saga or ordeal and some days I feel like my patience box is about to run dry.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I pray for the day that a cure for Alzheimer’s will be discovered… and what exactly causes it…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you, thank you, thank you for my wonderful, beautiful, understanding husband of 16 months. We celebrated our first anniversary in September and my love for him grows every day. His ongoing support of ME and my day-today craziness makes our me wonder how I ever lived without him before…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Little love notes on email from my husband makes me so happy…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am so thankful for my ability to do my job and succeed in this male-dominated industry. Some days I question why I even entered the field of construction… but, then I remind myself that I would have never met my husband if I had not…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for our health. Yes, Mike turned 40 this year and my turning 34 made me realize that 40 does not seem so OLD any more… We were fortunate enough to find a Family Doctor that really cares about US and wants us to live better, fulfilling longer lives.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for our ability to afford what life throws at us… we are so fortunate that we both have good-paying jobs and can save for retirement too!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We finally found property near Pine Mountain and closed the deal in October. We had been looking for quite a while and are so thankful to have found it in Harris Co. and so close to family!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Being able to travel… to the beach, to the mountains, wherever life takes us…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am also thankful that I am able to recognize when I make a mistake and admit to it…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Having an open mind when meeting new people or dealing with unforeseen conditions…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thank you for advanced technology… without it I would not have my iPod, digital cameras, our computers, my text-friendly cell phone, satellite radio, wireless, cable television, the camcorder, and most of all- the Internet! How lost would I be without all of this? I am thinking back to 1990 right now… that is how it would be…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Having the strength to endure tragedies when they happen unexpectedly…the fatality of a co-worker on site, Jamie at VT, losing Berkeley to cancer…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chocolate… the one thing I will NEVER be able to resist…
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Being able to keep my friendships alive- old friends, new friends, long-lost friends… I lost two great friends in the course of the past 5 or so years and made the effort to reconnect this year- and I did!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am most thankful for living in a country that allows me to live my life freely at my own accord knowing that there are others fighting for this freedom overseas. God bless the soldiers!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lastly, I am thankful for being blessed much more than I deserve.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2008- Bring it on!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
In Loving Memory of My Berkeley 1998-2007
The pain seemed to worsen each time I saw her since she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (aggressive bone cancer) back in early December. When we went to my homeplace for Christmas, she would slowly get up to greet me… but, getting up and lying down seemed to pain her tremendously each time… whimpering as she did each time. The meds were not working… when we went back to the homeplace this past Thursday, she struggled terribly when attempting to go for a walk… on Friday, my Mother walked her up to the house so we could spend some time together. When I arrived that evening Berkeley did not even try to get up to greet me… she just laid on the blankets and looked up at me all the while wagging her nub of a tail. That is the moment that I knew she couldn’t go on… her ability to stand up or to get excited was gone. She would never run or jump again. Walking was out of the question… She just laid there with her head on the ground- no movement… just laborious breathing- she could not even breathe easily any more. When we took her to the doctor for the last time, they found more large tumors on her rib cage from her battle with cancer… My brother built her a pine box and we buried her under three large cedar trees on our new property in Pine Mountain. Now she endures no more pain and can rest in peace…
In Memory of Lady Berkeley Mitchell
June 4, 1998- December 29, 2007
Beloved Companion
Just a pup when I brought her to her new home in the city...09/1999
This was the cover of my Christmas 2003 CD 12/2/2003
She loved lounging in her pool in the country 07/2005
Always on guard with her Mommy 12/2006
In Memory of Lady Berkeley Mitchell
June 4, 1998- December 29, 2007
Beloved Companion
Just a pup when I brought her to her new home in the city...09/1999
This was the cover of my Christmas 2003 CD 12/2/2003
She loved lounging in her pool in the country 07/2005
Always on guard with her Mommy 12/2006
Monday, December 24, 2007
Happy Holidaze
Here we are in my home town for Christmas again… it is so hard to believe that another year has flown by! It was this time last year that we were preparing to move my grandmother into assisted living… And that was a year ago??! Last year I was dealing with my grandmother’s broken rib and this year I am fighting my own demons…
It all started Friday afternoon about 2pm… I was walking across the job site to my truck from the office trailer… intending on a hopefully stress-free drive home since I was leaving in the early afternoon on the last day before the holiday… Then, in an instant a pain shot up from the top of my back up to my neck… It hurt like hell! I started rolling my neck in each direction and the pain kept getting worse. It felt like it was pushing my head downward… I hurriedly got into my truck and cranked up. I knew as I was driving that this was another bout with my neck again… I called the hubby and told him what was happening… he reminded me of his scheduled appointment with our doctor at 4:30… So I drove to the doc’s office and sat in the parking lot until he got there. We go in… the doc takes one look at me in passing and sees my pained face and my tightened physical appearance. He questions me… the next thing I know I am being administered a Demerol shot and hubby is driving me home. I was in bed and out like a light by 6:30pm… Now keep in mind that I was supposed to wrap gifts, bake cookies and go to my Mother-in-laws for Mike’s brother’s birthday supper…. Well let’s just say that NONE of the above happened. I was out for 14 hours! And now almost 3 days later I am still in pain… muscle relaxers and pain killers are keeping me going through the holidays… Yes, I wrapped gifts for over 4 hours on Saturday in a drug-induced haze… I floated through yesterday’s Christmas lunch with my grandmother and my immediate family… And this Christmas Eve morning greeted me with the same amount of pain that I woke up with Saturday… This is the worse neck saga to date… it is the third one this year…I just have to make it through Wednesday afternoon… in the meantime, we are floating…. Merry Christmas every one!
It all started Friday afternoon about 2pm… I was walking across the job site to my truck from the office trailer… intending on a hopefully stress-free drive home since I was leaving in the early afternoon on the last day before the holiday… Then, in an instant a pain shot up from the top of my back up to my neck… It hurt like hell! I started rolling my neck in each direction and the pain kept getting worse. It felt like it was pushing my head downward… I hurriedly got into my truck and cranked up. I knew as I was driving that this was another bout with my neck again… I called the hubby and told him what was happening… he reminded me of his scheduled appointment with our doctor at 4:30… So I drove to the doc’s office and sat in the parking lot until he got there. We go in… the doc takes one look at me in passing and sees my pained face and my tightened physical appearance. He questions me… the next thing I know I am being administered a Demerol shot and hubby is driving me home. I was in bed and out like a light by 6:30pm… Now keep in mind that I was supposed to wrap gifts, bake cookies and go to my Mother-in-laws for Mike’s brother’s birthday supper…. Well let’s just say that NONE of the above happened. I was out for 14 hours! And now almost 3 days later I am still in pain… muscle relaxers and pain killers are keeping me going through the holidays… Yes, I wrapped gifts for over 4 hours on Saturday in a drug-induced haze… I floated through yesterday’s Christmas lunch with my grandmother and my immediate family… And this Christmas Eve morning greeted me with the same amount of pain that I woke up with Saturday… This is the worse neck saga to date… it is the third one this year…I just have to make it through Wednesday afternoon… in the meantime, we are floating…. Merry Christmas every one!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
It's Official
Well it's official... I am sick AGAIN. The creepy-crud that I had a month ago is back... and with a VENGEANCE!! It reared its ugly head when we unloaded the plane on Sunday morning at the Atlanta airport from our trip to NC. We were both coughing and sniffling the entire way home. I broke down and went to the Doctor this afternoon... I barely made it by 5pm but, they were nice enough to see me anyway. It is chronic bronchitis and infected sinuses... NICE. No wonder my face hurts all over and my head feels like an over-inflated beach ball. I cannot taste a thing, my throat burns and I cannot breath unless my mouth is gaping open. The rims of my nostrils are so red and raw from multiple nose-blowings that I really cannot do facial expressions without the skin cracking around my nostrils. Yes, I am outta commission. Yet, I still have to go to work tomorrow!! Things have to done that cannot wait on poor, sick Kelly... Oh well, I guess I can recover on my vacation during the Christmas week.
In the meantime, we took Berkeley back to the Vet yesterday. The week of medicine has not helped her leg at all. So we are trying one last option- they gave her a steroid shot. We will see if that helps any between now and Christmas Eve... more on that later...
Another great day together last Christmas Eve 2006...
In the meantime, we took Berkeley back to the Vet yesterday. The week of medicine has not helped her leg at all. So we are trying one last option- they gave her a steroid shot. We will see if that helps any between now and Christmas Eve... more on that later...
Another great day together last Christmas Eve 2006...
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