BOCELLI & DION

Andrea Bocelli & Celene Dion "THE PRAYER"

Here is the link to one of the most moving duets of all time.  I have posted it so that the lyrics can be read because some of it is in Italian.  

My little guy is healing!!!  He even jumped up on this couch by himself.  I was so afraid that I was going to have to make a hard decision depending on his quality of life, but he is jumping around as if nothing happened to his knee.  He limps some, but he is his old self!!  So thankful!

I  thought this was one of the most moving drawings of the week.  

I thought this was one of the funniest memes for the week!

And finally, I thought this was one of the most inspirational quotes for the week.  God protect the people I love...and those I'll never know.  

EASTER, PASSOVER, .....

For me a day of silence is my own best worship as we reach an apex of deaths from this pandemic. The world is trying to tell us something. I am feeling that no one in the world has the words for what is happening today that would comfort me. I need to just be quiet and LISTEN with my heart. I must find my own peace.

I'll be listening to Andrea Bochelli sing a prayer for all people...not just Christians at 1pm. He'll be in an empty cathedral in Italy where they have lost a whole generation of people.
God have mercy on us. For me to have a day of music praise feels disrespectful to all others of faith facing this atrocity. Yet, this is what I am used to and grew up with.  I am struggling to find a balance.  

One of the sweetest things I have heard this week is that a friend of mine bought two bags of carrots....one for himself and the other to feed to the bunnies around his dwelling.  That makes me smile in the middle of all this craziness and is oh so spiritual to me.

The daffodils are gone.  The dogwoods are blooming.  I scooped lots of "helicopters" from the pool yesterday.  I woke this morning and couldn't see through the woods because of all the foliage.  It's as if all the leaves and greenery popped out overnight!  

I miss people.  Then I feel guilty because of all the souls that are moving from this life to another today and the hurt their families have because they cannot be with them.  There are people in certain high risk places that I hope and fear for each day.  I'm so glad that Paul got out of NYC just in time, but fear for Darlene's son who is there in the middle of it all.   Allie and I had a fun visit online with Paul in Ohio yesterday.  I'll try to upload the photo next blog.  Thankful he's sober and happy and at peace.  

The next blog I want to post a link to Bocelli's  THE PRAYER.  

Now for some Nat King Cole....."Wise men say....only fools rush in."

TREASURES FROM THE ATTIC

I ventured into the attic today...it's been a LONG time I've dug through things.  I was surprised at how neat I had left it the last time I rummaged.  I found a hat box from when I was a 15, was a member of Thalhimer's Deb Council and modeled for them representing GHS in 1966-67.  Lots of news articles, photos...

Below is Allie's LAMB CHOPS cuddle, my old toe shoes and a safety patrol badge that belonged to either Eugene Washer or Pete Shepherd.  I shall find out at the GHS reunion if I go. 

This beautiful little photo of Grandmother was in the bottom of the box.  None of us have ever seen it or remember of seeing it.  It's such a beautiful photo!  I'm guessing the 20 written on the photo is her age.  

Marge Yanovitch is sending me her personal pattern for making face masks for friends during the pandemic.  It will be the first thing I am sewing on grandmothers sewing machine.  She would be all over this mask making!!

I'm still trying to crochet a square every two nights so that I can make another afghan at the end of all this.  So, clearing and updating my TCW desk, clearing the meemaw room to sew masks and play a little guitar each night to toughen up my fingertips.  It all looks good on paper! :)

LET'S TRY THIS AGAIN

Ahhhhhhhh, it's working again!  This is a photo the BBC printed of the SUPER PINK FULL MOON last night in Wales.  I went down to the pool and watched it come up through the trees.  The bats were swooping into the pool also to get water.  I LOVE IT!!!!  Seeing the moon made me feel close to people I love. 

Tonight at 7pm Dolly is reading another book from her Imaginary Library.  Last Thursday it was THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD.  It brought back a lot of memories of Grandmother reading to me in her squeaky old red rocking chair.  It looks like tonight she'll be reading her own story "COAT OF MANY COLORS".  Love her song about it too!

I thought this was an interesting read on my Facebook page today.  

People are so clever.  Here are a few of the funnies that are on the internet now making us all smile.  

One more day.....

JUST CHATTER

For all of us to be quarantined it seems like there is much happening.  My little guy Louie tried to jump up on the bed , missed and stopped using his back left leg.  At the vet, we were instructed not to come in and to sit in our vehicles and an assistant would come out to us.  Long story short, Dr. Phelps came out and said he had torn his knee "m" and that in two weeks I would know about his quality of life and what to do.  My day was full of tears.  BUT...the little booger is doing so well....happy, eating, following me around inside and out (on 3 legs).  I'm so thankful!  

I saw Al for the first time in a month.  She swung by the house to pick up something I set out for her on the porch.  We waved and talked.  This is so so so so strange.  

Walmart looks like a crime scene.  I order groceries online and pick them up at an allotted time...drive up and they put them in the back of my car.  They are only letting a certain number of people in the store at one time, so there are BIG men at the front of the store (which is taped off) and they are counting the number that enter and exit the store.  It's like something out of H.G. Wells.  

Still digging through old photographs to send to Rudy for the reunion which has been moved to the end of August.  

Video chatted with Palestine the other day.  Fr. Jamil was given the news that we wouldn't be able to see them this coming summer.  The logistics were just too fluid and also don't think they would let them into the US this year.  Too heartbroken to talk about it.  

Trying to pick up the guitar each day a little so that I can toughen up my fingers.  Ran across some old photos in an album of some of the places I worked.  Can't believe I played the guitar so much back then.

I love it when I get cards or notes.  Paige my "sister" always sends homemade Easter cards.  Love it!  Plus...I keep them  on my desk and cherish them.  I LOVE GETTING CARDS AND NOTES.  I try to send out at least 2 a day...even before this chaos began, it was one of the things that I always had on my to do list each day.  I guess it's in my DNA.  My mom loved sending and receiving notes.  A card saying how much someone means to you lifts spirits and that is so much of what we need right now. 

Getting ready to walk down Deer Run in a bit.  Was going to vacuum the pool but the wind has really picked up and is blowing bits in the water.  There are two kinds of squiggly things that are falling now.  That's our cue.  When they stop falling the pool is officially open.  No one has swum down there in over 2 years.  Finally.....

Blogger is acting funky again.  I'll try to type more later.   :) 

MORE RANDOMNESS

 Several days ago I started a project before the rain began.  Thank God the sun is out today.  I hate the nights...so dark...I've never minded being alone. One symptom this virus has brought about though is "loneliness".  And apparently it's not just me.  Now when I talk with people in the evening, we use some sort of "face" program.  I have ALWAYS loved faces...eyes....touching faces.  Anyway, I hate the dark now and busy myself multitasking to make it go by faster.  It's been really nice.  People I haven't heard from in years have been reaching out.  I can crochet, watch tv and talk with someone all at the same time.  Wears me out so I can have some semblance of sleep.  My internal clock is really messed up.  But I am productive.  Well to be honest, it comes in waves.  Creating music and songs has been a lifesaver.  If I could just figure out how to post music and videos online....on here....or maybe create a link.  

This little dude was creating so much ruckus that I went to the window.  It sounded like he was throwing acorns and "stuff" down on the deck and then diving after it.  So funny!

A niece in NY posted this little blurp and I thought it was ridiculously funny!  Something like what you would see on CHEERS.  Ok I am dating myself, because no one knows what that TV show was.  

OK, this is hysterical.  A bunch of us went down to Gloucester Point after school to help stuff envelopes, etc for this fellow's campaign.  To be honest, I had no idea who he was or what he stood for, but friends roped me into it for a few afternoons.  Don't know how I had time for such.  The funny thing is that I had no idea what party or platform he was.  Check out the print!  

Just a funny!

Friends on FB thought this was pretty funny.  They told me they knew "that we were in the middle of a real crisis because Coco was cooking!"  They knew it was me because they all know, if it doesn't fit on the George Foreman, I don't cook it!  

I'm listening to good music.  Writing good music.  Crocheting like a maniac in the nighttime.  I finally went to sleep last night at 4am.  So, anyone that can call with some comfort, get with it!!!

BLOGGER ACTING UP

Good gravy!  How long has this little jewel been in the back of the kitchen drawer??  I'm sure it's from the Dollar Tree, but how long ago!!??? Whew!

I just finished a walk down part of Deer Run. I need to write a song called "The Mailbox Blues" LOL.  I carried sugar cubes with me in case the horses were grazing and the road end of the pasture, but they were all the way at the other end.  

So the lavender flowers at the bottom of the photo are the ones that I purchased from Boulevard Flowers about 2 weeks ago.  The ones above them wild!  I think they are so beautiful and occasionally they grow all around the yard.  

Speaking of the yard, I'll go down under the deck within the next couple of days, pump up the tire on the John Deere and then see if it starts up.  Then I'll try the 4-wheeler.  If either of them gives me a challenge, I'll get Ben to take a look.  He and Al are coming by over the weekend just to drive by.  They are going to take a "Sunday drive" just to get out of Richmond.  They are being super safe because Ben is going in to work each day and they are afraid of giving me something. Thus, I am REALLY cloistered. At least I'll get to see their faces.  That's a terrific thing!  

I love FACETIME.  I can't say that enough!  

Skydiving has been moved again.  MAY 2nd, Saturday 10am.  (we'll see)

Also the 50th GHS 1970 Reunion has been moved to August 29th.  I'm glad of that change because it will give me more time to make friends with walking in alone.  Looks like Joan's trip abroad might be up and running by then.  

You know, it's not like I don't have anything to do here.  I have PLENTY to do...both things I like and things I dislike.  I just miss that human touch.  I never really realized how much I love to touch people's faces, hands, arms...It's crazy!  My mom was like that though.
When Al & I were in Nablus, I was taking a photo of Fr Ibrahim, the local Muslim  leader and Allie was in the middle of them.  She was closed to Fr Ibrahim but a little away from the imam.  I kept saying "Squeeze in.  Get closer."  Finally she gave me one of her looks...and I got it!  She wasn't supposed to touch the imam.  So funny!  I wasn't even thinking about culture.  I just wanted them tight in the photo!  

I can't put anymore pictures up on this page.  For some reason Blogger.com is having issues.   It's either that or the router is having issues.  

When the electricity went out the other day I had to unhook the garage door from the "opener" and pull the door open manually.  Now I have to open and close the garage door manually because I can't get the latch to the electric opener hooked back up!  People would think I'm insane if they saw me, but in order to pull the big garage door down, I use a snow shovel hooked into the crevice to get some leverage and rock it back and forth until it finally comes down.  That thing is HEAVY!  Thank goodness I knew how to do all of it!  Thank God for my dad's genes!  

Stopping because Blogger.com is refusing to accept my pictures..

THE SUN IS OUT!!!

THE SUN IS OUT!!!!  Whoop!!! It's so beautiful out!  It's been gray here for so long.  Today is going to be a beautiful day!  Thankful!!!

This is such a beautiful picture of the Coleman Bridge at Gloucester Point.  There is a website (I can't remember the name) attached to our reunion where photographers post photos of the county.  Some of them are so beautiful

Beautiful photo of my daughter dressed one Halloween as Audrey Hepburn. 

I think Jeff & I were singing at the Hampton Coliseum hotel....not sure who sent the flowers.  By the way, I heard that they are going to tear the actual coliseum down and rebuild with a new one.  Apparently is is less costly to rebuild that to repair???

This is on my list as the "think I don't want to do but needs to be done".  It's really not that bad. It will also feel good to have it done:)  

The house was quiet yesterday and at night.  I had a fun, relaxing time editing photos...put them on the last blog post.  Can't believe it is Friday again already. 

This post is already turning into a random thought post.  I hear every little creak and whistle.  I can't remember a time when there was SO MUCH TIME at my disposal.  I start to do my normal rush and then realize I don't have to rush.  Ben and Al may take a drive down one day.  Ben is off for 4 days.  I have to stay away from them though because he has been going into work each day with precautions.  

I'm getting ready to order some Rustoleum black paint so that I can sand and paint the rod iron chairs & table down at the pool.  They are at least 20 years old and have never been done.   That would be a good outside project after their visit.  I've wanted to do that for years, but no time.  Time is my friend now! 

 And it's the little things!  A note in the mail....a phone call just to say I'm thinking about you...the sunshine....the birds singing loudly...photos I haven't seen in decades...my doggie laying in the sunshine...the slow progression of the day giving me time to create....

When I talk with anyone on the phone, we try not to talk about the pandemic.  I'm looking at it as a time to laugh and be light.....and to be an encouragement to one another.  My brother, Jeff & I have a great time on the phone.  He is such an incredible singer.  He and I traveled and sang for about 3 years.  Our agent sent us great jobs in upscale hotels so we had great accommodations.  He has such an easy going attitude and great sense of humor.  He is really my half brother.  Terry and I were the only truly brother and sister.  Jeff & Jon and I share a mom.  They grew up in the Charlotte area of NC....I really didn't get to know them until Jeff graduated from high school.  He moved in with me in VA.  We set up equipment in the dining room and BAM, we started singing & building a repertoire.  So much fun!  Once I married though, he joined a band and I stopped.  It was then that I sought out the job at the local church with their youth and BAM...all of that started.  All of us are extremely close.  

Having a bit of a problem with the Blogger program loading photos.  Maybe later!

WE CAN ALL SHARE MUSIC

There is SO much wonderful music out there.  What a gift to have all of it flooding into my life at this moment!  Music is healing....music is fun...music is inspiring...music is sensual...music is ageless...music is worship...music tells stories...and music brings people together. 
Any of these songs I list can be  googled to listen to or just tell Alexa the name/artist and voila!

For me, this is one of the best albums of all time.  I remember the first time I saw Bette Midler perform.  It was on the Johnny Carson Show when I was a teen.  She sang through these panes of an old glass window.  I don't even know the name of the song she sang because I was so mesmerized. 
I LOVE to sing along with her. 

Google these songs:
"Some People's Lives"  
"From A Distance"  - a classic
"The Gift of Love"


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Nora Jones - I had never heard of her.  I asked Al about her and she said she's been listening to her for years....OK, ....I like to listen to her in the dark.  

"Not Too Late"
"Come Away With Me"
""What Am I To You"
"Turn Me On"
"The Nearness Of You"
"Carry O"
"Love Me Tender"
"Sunrise"
"I'll Be Your Baby Tonight"  Bob Dylan Song

And the list goes on!  I love her back up....blues....my, oh, my!!!

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Don't even know where to start with this group!!!  Dancing all over the house when I clean!  So much fun to jive around and sing at the top of my lungs!!  Yep, I'm showing my age on this one!! My brother, Jeff....he can really belt this group!!

"Saturday In the Park"
"Just You N' Me"
"Hard Habit To Break"
"You're the Inspiration"
"Hard For Me To Say I'm Sorry"
"Make Me Smile"
"Color My World"
and more, and more and more!!!

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I really don't need to say anything about this guy!  I bought the album after he died that his daughter cut.  She used tracks of him singing and made duets....Natalie Cole singing with her deceased father....unforgetable!!




"Unforgetable"
"Mona Lisa"
"When I Fall In Love"
"The Very Thought of You"
"The Autumn Leaves"
and more and  more and more 

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INDIVIDUAL SONGS AND ARTISTS:

"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson - let the singing and dancing begin!!
"Make You Feel My Love" - Adele
"Someone Like You" - Adele
"Walking My Baby Back Home" James Taylor
"Close To You" - The Carpenters - love to sing along with this one!!
"I Can't Make You Love Me" - Bonnie Raitt, been singing with her a long time!
"Shallow" - Lady Gaga - song of the year 2019
"Say Something" -Christina Aguilera & Colin Smith - song to sob to
"Always On Your Side" - Sheryl Crow & Sting

Any songs by:     The Beatles         Elton John          Whitney Houston

OK, I'm done.   Not really, but a great thing to while we are all shut in, share your  favorite songs, videos...movies.....

GOOGLE ANY OF THESE SONGS and TURN UP THE VOLUME!!!!! AND DANCE!!!

MORE PICS FROM THE PAST

Miss Kitty from GUNSMOKE :) LOL

LIKE MOTHER - LIKE DAUGHTER 

This post is going to be like a photo album. Some family....mostly Al & I as we moved through the years.  We've been quite a team the past 33 years!  I love it that we have so many pictures!  

Terry & I on Patrician Drive Newport News  

Terry & I - Huntington Apts - downtown Shipyard Apts

Foster siblings in Gloucester - House on Rt 17 - me in white coat

FULL BLOWN PREACHER'S WIFE MODE - UGH 

Al high school graduation 

We were quite the team all those years!

On Uncle Kemp's boat in Saluda - about 1990

Rollin & Eleanor I sang about in the song GOODBYE

Drove up to see IHSAN at UVA in the early 90s

Love this of my cousin Daniel & I in London - Al & I were there

This is TIPPI & I - many of my songs include her & her challenges

         

Al and I were travel buddies.  She was a terrific little traveler.  Just the two of us went numerous times abroad, she traveled to Spain with 3 other students and her teacher.  She's always loved different cultures.  The two of us did Disneyworld together, pageant trips around the eastern U.S. and it was just the two of us that journeyed to Palestine.  

Having her to explore different places with over the years has been so wonderful.  We've had so many magical moments together.  

She and Ben live in Richmond, so this transition to living alone hasn't been the hardship that most people imagine it to be.  It's hard to explain. We are both very independent women because of the past 50 years.  It's a good place for each of us to be during this time of our lives.  She & Ben are very much a team.  It's lovely to watch.  

More family photos later:)

ME TODAY :) Preacher's wife look gone thank goodness!