Today is the day

Today is the day for a new beginning. Today is the day for celebrating the sun. Today is the day for extending time in the sun. Today is the day for braving new adventures. Yes, today is the day.

I just have to admit that I am going to remain sore from my little tangle with the treadmill and get on with doing. Life will go on without me if I don't. Therefore, tomorrow I will return to the gym and beginning again. My PT may think otherwise but my trainer knows what she is doing and will only allow me to do what is best for me. I can walk. I can run. I can use my right side and I can and will do.

Not a whole lot going on right now. Getting ready to go to Georgia to watch my daughter in law graduate. Karen has been helping me put together her graduation announcements. My son asked me to do this and I was pleased to do so.

A cousin of my Father's sent me a picture of my Grandmother's Grandfather. Wow. Now I have pictures of seven generations to put together. How exciting is that.
This is David Whitcomb Ball born in 1864.

This is his daughter, Netta Mable Ball born 1891.

Her daughter, my Grandmother Leona Lillian Frye. Born 1909.
Then her son, my father, Norman born 1929. Here pictured with Mama.

Me born 1950 with Shelby.

The 6th generation is my sons. Matthew born 1974 on right and Kevin born 1977 on the left.

Then lastly Matthew's children. Marquis born 2000, Daniel born 2004, and Kymberly born 2007. Pictured here with me.



David Ball looks just like my double cousin Steven or should I say Stevie looks just like him.
Steven
and again David Whitcomb Ball.

Me, my sister, Cammie, my double cousins, Steven and Sylvia, and my brother, Bill. Stevie's and Sylvia's mother, Peggy, is my Father's sister. Their father is my Mother's brother, Sylvester.
We are are Great Great Grandchildren of David Ball.
So there are seven generations to the Family Ball. I thought it was very exciting.
Have a great day.

End of February

Well, I am not where I wanted to be this last weekend in February. I should be the Palouse Divide Lodge for the Paper Pal's Retreat. Instead I am home nursing myself. Oh? You want to know why. I decided it would be a lot more fun to stay home hurt. Wednesday I was at Snap working out trying to get myself tuned. So, after doing a round on the equipment I am assigned to, I went to walk on the Treadmill. Bright light that I am, I didn't put in the level of my workout. I just put in the program. I thought I wasn't moving fast enough, not realizing the program would increase the speed, so I speed myself up to a more desirable level. Before I knew it, the walking pace became a wailing pace. I was flung face down on the treadmill and then, subsequently, dumped at the bottom of it. Thank goodness I did have the good sense to put on the emergency cord which stopped the machine. OW! Does not state the impact good enough. My trainer, Deb, and a man were instantly at my side. I wasn't sure how badly I was hurt but I knew my nose hurt. I was also embarrassed to have had this happen. I knew others had had accidents on this machine. My son, Kevin, broke his ankle on one last year. So, I felt lucky nothing was broken.
I went home applied Ice, heat, and Ibuprofen. Thursday, I knew I needed to see a doctor though I didn't want to. Karen and Shawna both said I must. I did. He said no exercise for two weeks. Complete rest, ice, heat, and Ibuprofen 800.
So, here I sit enjoying a pity party all by myself. Wishing I was with everyone and enjoying this weekend I have been looking forward to. What I managed to do was re-injure or rather antogonize my injuries from my horrific wreck of 9+ years ago. I didn't cry until I had to tell Karen and Shawna what had happened. Now I feel completely angry and tearful.
I will get well and I plan on going back to the gym as soon as PT releases me. Until then I proceed with being me.
I did have a wonderful weekend last weekend celebrating my Granddaughters 3rd Birthday.
My next PLANNED adventure is for the 10th of March. I am going over to Seattle to help my youngest, Kevin, celebrate his 33rd. For now, I must get back to resting. I do not make a good patient.

A New Year

Happy Happy Joy Joy things have calmed down enough for me to return to and update my blog.
Things have been quite hectic since November what with holidays and all. I really can't believe that it is almost February. So for bits and snipits and updates.

First
I have lost 145 lbs. What a difference it has made in my life, feelings, and level of activity. I don't get tired as quickly; have more energy and can play with my grandchildren more. My diabetes is diet controlled and I am wearing a smaller size.
Yes, there are some things that I am still having difficulty with. For instance, many foods doesn't taste the same; am having difficulty eating 1000 calories a day and I hate vitamins which I must take.
Here are a couple of before and afters.




Having some shaping up to do and some more weight to lose but for the first time since before my husband died in 2000 I weigh below 200lbs. Just barely but still below.

Took my Snow Bird Aunt Sadie to Yuma, Arizona just before Halloween. As she doesn't have a computer, I couldn't keep updated. Stayed until December 3. Had a wonderful time the two of us. I must admit though I am no where near the shopper she is. We went shopping almost every day. She took me to the Swamp Meet. Now, talk about something huge. I couldn't beleive all the vendors and stuff. You imagine it and it probably was there. The only weekend we didn't go was Thanksgiving weekend.

The desert is to my liking but it is beautiful in its own way. Here is a shot from my Aunt's front door of a magnificent sunset. Most were just like this.

I got to get to know my wonderful cousins--Nathan his wife and two children; Julie and her daughter. Because of the distance we have always lived apart, even as children, and the fact that I am 9-13 years older, I never really knew them except as little children. What a wonderful gift they all are.


Julie is 9 years to the day younger than I am.

Sadie and I took a trip to Carlsbad Caverns. You go through Arizona, New Mexico, around a bit into Texas and back into New Mexico. What a trip and what wonderful sights. I not only saw Carlsbad but the desert with its forests of Saguaros Cactus. I never knew cactus grew in foresters just like ours here only in the sand and spaced a little farther apart.


However, you can keep the desert. I like my Pacific Northwest and its snow, rain, and evergreens and grass. I swear that every plant in Arizona bites. They all had thorns, needs, or prickles. Even the Palm trees had saw blades. I was, therefore, very glad to get back home.

Christmas
I went to Matthew's for early Christmas with him, Angie, Marquis, Daniel, and Kymberly. Had a wonderful visit. I enjoy doing Christmas before all the hubbub of the actual day. Gives them a chance to enjoy some gifts before the actual day.

Spent actual Christmas Day with my Brother Bill and his extended family. Twenty-one people there that day. I was overwhelmed not to mention that I had a kidney stone which put a damper on everything. Overall, though, it was a good day but very tiring.

Took Marquis to First Night in Spokane. What a good time the two of us had. I was surprised by all the things available for all age children. Hope to do it again next year but take the whole family.

Well, now you are caught up and I tried not to write a book and I assure you I could.

Hope your holidays were great and that you, too, look forward to an even better New year.

Oh, I also got to see London Bridge. The London Bridge. Now my trip to England has closed. I never got to see it in England as the good people of Lake Havasue, Arizona had bought and moved it.

Aunt Sadie in front of The London Bridge