Tuesday November 10 2015  PRACTICING RETIREMENT

 

We are still practicing retirement.  For me that means waking without an alarm, lying in bed as long as I desire, having no duties to attend, no place to go, and a leisurely breakfast.  And we have actually been fortunate enough to do that occasionally during these past 4 months, but they weren’t all in a row. 

Today was one of those days.  But I was committed to going someplace, (the gym) but that was okay because I could go at the time I chose.  As wonderful as it was today I don’t think I would enjoy a long diet of such inactivity.  I would rather get up, get lots done, and then do some more!  If it weren’t for health reasons I could probably give up being a gym rat very easily.  However, that is one thing I must do if I enjoy feeling good, and that I do.

So other than eating the delicious soup for lunch that I made yesterday, and preparing all the ingredients to stir fry for my Ambrosia pizza topping for tonight’s dinner, I have not accomplished much else.  My elbow, (the torn triceps) had been feeling better until I woke this morning.  It has given me grief today.  Probably because I haven’t been wearing my sling and I did way too much yesterday.  So I am backing off the work for a bit and practicing retirement.  If I am practicing retirement at least I don’t need to feel guilty for being lazy, because if you really think about it, I am accomplishing something.  In order to get good at something you need to do a lot practicing.  I shall be a good student.

I am also planning to put into action the promise to myself to be in bed by 9:00 p.m. every night.  Except tonight, that is.  Political debates are being aired tonight and Dave and I want to hear all the debates from both parties so we will have some insight as to who the candidates are and what they stand for.  So, I plan to be READY for bed, so that at 10:00 p.m. when the debate is over, I can go directly to bed.  I always seem to awaken between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. every day regardless what time I go to bed, and I need a full seven and a half hours sleep each night.  

I will say I am looking forward to Dave’s recovery which  hopefully be right around Christmas.  He has restrictions that limits what he can do until December 23^rd.  And the restrictions for my elbow use is until about the middle of December.  I am going to try to be very, very well behaved!  WE HAVE A LOT TO DO AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR! We both want to be at our physical best.  Hey, I wonder sometimes if there is such a thing as “physical best” when you get our age.  Oh well, at least we’ll try.

I had an interesting experience last evening.  I drove by a house that is in our neighborhood where an older lady lives, who I have noticed for 29 years, as I drove to and from town.  To me she has always been old.  She is a widow, has a huge piece of land which is almost all grass, some flower beds and lots of scattered trees.  As a matter of fact, the golden tree with the sun hitting it that I posted in last night’s blog is on her property.  Last evening I stopped to take a picture of the tree.  As I slowly drove by her house I saw her, head tied with a scarf, and she was bundled from head to toe with warm clothing as she drove a tractor lawn mower alongside her long driveway.  Her house sits on a rise above the road.  I had never walked up there and I was surprised at how beautiful the view from her place was.  As a matter of fact, the trailers of corn that I took a photo of a few days ago and posted on the blog is the view across the highway from her house.  The sad part of this whole story is that having lived here for 29 years I had never met her.  I knew very little about her as she does not socialize in the neighborhood.  As I walked up her driveway she stopped her tractor and sat on the seat just staring at me as if I were an apparition.  The tractor motor was running as I approached her.  From a distance I could tell she was indeed very old by her wrinkles.  The closer I walked toward her, the more beautiful she became.  Her wrinkles were lovely on her porcelain skin.  Her eyes were clear and sparkling blue.  She did not crack a smile.  No telling what she was thinking.

I stood to the side of her mower and simply said hello (motor still running).  Finally, she turned her motor off, I said hello again, introduced myself as living in the “Benjamin House”.   It’s how everyone in the neighborhood identifies where you live, by saying the original owners name, of the house you live in.  I could see her visibly relax.  I don’t have a clue what I must have looked like to her in my workout clothes, a scarf blowing around my neck, and my red glasses upon my face.  My very red glasses!  Before the conversation was over I knew quite a bit about her life story.  I won’t go into it here but I will tell you that she is 91 years old.  She was on her tractor blowing acres of leaves into lines so she could pick them up.  That is a long and hard job.  She goes to West Virginia each winter.  She drives herself and is planning another trip in a couple of weeks.  People thought I was brave at my age to drive all over the country but I don’t hold a candlestick to this beautiful aged woman.  She was alert, quick to respond, and had such a twinkle in her eye.  I think she was delighted that I stopped by.  If it hadn’t been for this elbow situation I would have liked to have helped her pick up her leaves.  Our neighbors have so kindly taken pity on our physical conditions and have taken care of our bountiful leaves and now I’m wanting to take care of hers.  I even wish I could drive her to West Virginia.  She invited me to come back and visit.  Never once since I have lived here have I seen any other car in her driveway except her own.  Her vehicle appears to be 25 to 30 years old.  And she will drive it to West Virginia.  YOU GO GIRL!  I hope she comes back safely because I hope to be her friend.  I have felt drawn to her for a long time.  I finally acted on that feeling.  When I looked into her eyes it was as if I was looking into the eyes of my mother before she developed dementia.  I still miss my mama.

A good neighbor I have not been to her.  But now that I am retired I shall  practice being a good neighbor too.

 

STOP AND GREET A STRANGER

By Kathleen Martens

November 10, 2015

 

We never know what joy

Lurks around the next bend.

If we listen to our heart

We may just discover a friend.

 

Be open to what you feel,

Let your heart lead the way,

Stop and greet a stranger

It may be your lucky day.

 

Friends are hard to come by

And age is not a factor,

You might even find one

Sitting on a tractor.

 

It seems God has always graced me with older friends throughout my life.  I have walked with several of them to their graveside.  No matter the sorrow I felt at losing them, I was so fortunate to know these wizened souls while they were still on earth.  I learned so much from our conversations and through the events that we shared.  Many conversations still linger in my heart of all that was spoken to me by those who had lived decades longer than me.  One of my elderly friends named Jacqueline told me a piece of advice that she had received from a very old lady years before.  This older lady who spoke the wisdom had lived a very long life and had outlived all of her relatives, including her children, as well as all her friends and neighbors that she had known throughout her years.  She told my friend, “When you make new friends always make certain you make some friends who are younger than you”.  I have never forgotten that seed of wisdom and I have made certain to nurture friendships from those who are a generation behind me, and now, two generations behind me.  Her reason for telling my friend this was because as all her friends died, she was left with no one.  Perhaps I can be such a friend to the lady on the tractor. 

Remember, never cease to make new friends!

Good night and God bless you.

 

Monday November 9 2015  TIME KEEPS MARCHING ON

PLEASE STOP RIGHT HERE AND READ THIS FIRST PARAGRAPH.  I HAVE ALREADY FINISHED MY BLOG AND FELT I WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING BEFORE YOU READ IT.  I ASK OF YOU ONE THING.  IF YOU CHOOSE TO READ THE FIRST LINE OF THE NEXT PARAGRAPH PLEASE READ ALL THAT I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE VERY END.  I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY TURN SOME OFF BECAUSE OF MY TOPIC, AND UNLESS YOU READ IT IN ITS ENTIRETY YOU MAY GO AWAY WITH AN IMPRESSION THAT I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE WITH YOU.  IT IS BECAUSE I VALUE THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS THAT I CHOSE TO WRITE THESE WORDS.  I WOULD ALSO VALUE TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK OF WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN.  I DON’T EXPECT MANY TO AGREE WITH ME BUT THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF LIVING IN A COUNTRY WHERE WE CAN TRULY SAY WHAT WE THINK.  IT IS NOT MEANT TO DEMEAN OR HURT ANYONE, RATHER, IT IS ME JUST SHARING PART OF MY SOUL WITH YOU, MY READERS.

 

Time happens and so does life.  And so many millions of different lives happening all at once.  Sometimes I wonder how God keeps up with it all, not to mention with every single human being.  When I think of the world in that way it makes me seem very small and inessential.  The synonyms for inessential are:  unnecessary, unneeded, superfluous, redundant, dispensable, surplus, and extra. I ask myself, does that really pertain to me?  And when I really ponder and think of the love that God has toward me and all men, that the answer is no.  He loved me so much that He sacrificed His only Son to die for my sin even before I was born.  I truly believe that He knew me and had a plan for me before time even began.  I believe His plan for every man is good.  But, it is man’s choice as to whether or not they choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  How different our world would be if all men desired to live according to the Word of God.  I believe that someday that is how the world will be when we have a new heaven and a new earth. 

I realize that what I believe is not necessarily what you, or even most of the world believes.  It is not my place to judge others for believing differently and walking their own path.  Our history, upbringing, culture, country, religious backgrounds, are all different.  I hold no disregard, disrespect, or discount the path that others follow. However, it actually seems that the world is now taking a different stance toward the person who believes in God and that salvation is through His son Jesus Christ.  They are the ones that are being disregarded, disrespected, and even persecuted and killed in many places of the world.  Even in the United States, the land of liberty, the country which was founded and based on freedom of religion, where we now cannot kneel and pray silently in public lest you be suspended from your job.  God’s name cannot be brought up or discussed at most work places or most schools without repercussions.  Freedom of speech seems to be a bit narrower for the “Christian” in the public sector.  And sadly, I must admit that there are many who profess to be Christians who have spoken out in the name of Christianity, that have greatly disparaged the name of Jesus due to their off the wall opinions and quirky beliefs, that have nothing to do with what is taught in the Word of God.  However, if there are those who do not know what the Bible teaches, but hear the “Christian” speak as if he has all authority according to how he interprets it, that may cause those who are ignorant of what the Bible says to disdain all Christians because of the behavior of just one such “Christian person”.

Why can we not, as a human race, respect all mankind, “do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”, treating others with consideration and respect?  And even as I ask that question I already realize I know the answer.  We live in a sinful world since the fall of Adam and Eve.  Evil is in the world and God has a plan that all should hear the way of Salvation and that none should perish but that all would have everlasting life with Him in heaven.  However, some choose not to follow the teachings of God’s Word.  God’s plan will eventually bring us back to His original plan, where His kingdom will rule upon the earth.  But there is much prophecy that He spoke through the prophets of the Old Testament that must first be fulfilled.  And the time is getting closer.  Time keeps marching on and every day is a day closer to the last days and the return of Jesus.  No man knows the day or the hour, not even Jesus.  But I believe it will happen.  Whether I die or I am still alive on earth when Christ returns, there is one thing I know for certain, and that one thing is, that I want to make sure I am right with God when my turn comes to stand before Him.  I believe Heaven is for real!  We have free will and free choice.  We each choose whom we serve.  I choose to serve the Lord, and because of God’s love for me, love others regardless of what they believe.  I love God and I hope you can still love me even if my faith is different than yours.

As I sat down to write tonight I had no preconceived idea of what I would write.  Again, as many times before, I wrote the title not having a clue as to what it meant.  Perhaps I was meant to write this tonight.  If it helps even one person then it was worth it.  In no way do I ever intend to offend anyone, but I will never say I am sorry or ashamed when I speak of God and His Son Jesus.  So far, I still have the freedom to write my true feelings and beliefs in my own blog.  Others may choose not to read it, and that is their privilege and freedom to decide.  I hope that this great country we live in, which was founded as a place to worship God in freedom OF religion (not FROM religion), will forever remain free to all who choose to live here.  It also means that those who choose other religions, or choose none at all, should also have the freedom to follow their beliefs as well.  None should be persecuted, ridiculed, or killed for what they believe as long as it does not violate or cause harm to another.  Can we not live in harmony, regardless of our beliefs, in what is called a “civilized society”.  It seems to be getting more and more difficult. 

 

IS IT SO HARD TO RESPECT ANOTHER?

By Kathleen Martens

November 8, 2015

 

Time keeps marching on

Regardless the path we follow.

Beliefs that others have

May be hard for some to swallow.

 

Can we not choose to be

Compassionate toward all men?

Regardless how their faith is viewed

Or their belief in sin?

 

Each man searches for truth,

That which satisfies His soul.

Is it so hard to respect another

Though different be his goal?

 

I just want my friends and neighbors and family to know that regardless our differences, in spiritual beliefs or any other belief, I love you and respect you.  I love my God and since He is my best friend I may talk about Him from time to time.  Would I love for you to know Him like I do?  Yes, but even if you don’t know or love the Lord, I will still love you and respect you and your beliefs.  That is what living in the United States is all about.  Oh, and just so you know, that pertains to politics too.  Regardless who you vote for, even if it is different than my choice, I will still love and respect you as I would hope you would me.  The very fact that we have differences and live in peace is a great tribute to the freedoms we enjoy.  Let’s keep our freedoms and offer respect and compassion toward all men, regardless of ethnic background, skin color, lifestyle choices, religious beliefs, gender, or political persuasion.

God bless you.

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath November 8 2015  A QUIET REPOSE

Sunday is the best day to practice retirement.  That is what we did today.  Dave felt up to going to church for the first time since his surgery.  My arm is actually doing very well so it was not a hardship for me to get dressed.  I even put on my own earrings.  By service end however, we both needed to be home.  It seems that any type of pain can easily deplete our stamina.  We had a leisurely lunch, a card game and then I had to try out a “Christmas present” that Dave bought for me and insisted I use it now.  It is an electrically heated throw for the couch.  In other words, a small electric blanket with the fuzzy soft feel.  IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY!  Oh man was it ever toasty and comfortable.  I watched some news and then decided I needed to stay where I was a bit longer so I watched a Hallmark Movie, “An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving”.  It was a simple, sweet movie.  Definitely a Hallmark movie.

If I had time to tell you just one thing of importance that happened today it would be this: If you are interested in the Biblical aspects of “THE END TIMES”, I would suggest you listen to the sermon I heard at Church today.  It was very, very interesting and enlightening.  I have been studying the Prophetic Books in the Old Testament in the Bible and then going forward to the New Testament to study the fulfillment of the old prophecies.  Because of my studies this sermon was very apropos for me to hear at this time.  I think it stands on its own however for being very insightful.  Our Pastor has a very easy way of explaining the scriptures as to make them easier to understand.  If you are interested in hearing this message google, “City Church Madison Wisconsin” and follow the information to listen to today’s sermon, November 8, 2015.  It will literally open up your mind to better understanding as to what is taking place in the mid-east, as  well as in the entire world.   I will be listening to it again with my Bible on my lap so I can better comprehend all that Pastor Tom taught.

And that is just about as much time as I have.  I still would like to write a poem so I must open my mind and see what pops in.

 

I WANT TO KNOW

By Kathleen Martens

November 8, 2015

 

God has a plan for all the world

And it is spoken in His word.

What we must do is search it out

For as you listen to the media it’s heard.

 

So many truths tucked inside

A book that some countries ban.

So many times the very truth

Is what the media pans.

 

Search it out so you will know

The facts laid out by God,

So when the times occur

To you it will not seem odd.

 

I don’t know about you and others

But, I want to know what God said

When He spoke through the ancient prophets

Who are no longer living but dead.

 

And when you read how the word aligns

To the truths of what is coming near,

You will have a better understanding,

And need not have any fear.

 

For God will be with us through it all

For our hope is not of this world.

He will be with us every step of the way

When His plan someday unfurls.

 

Hmm…the above poem even surprised me a bit.  I know that there are those who read this that might not agree with what I wrote in the poem or paragraph above, but I would suggest if you haven’t ever read the scriptures about “THE END TIMES”, rather than be ignorant of what the scriptures says, read it for yourself and draw your own conclusion.  I would rather be informed than left out in the dark as to what was written.  It is truly amazing, especially when you realize how accurate it is in regards to what is happening in the world politics at this time.

If Lana is reading this blog I single you out because I know that this is something you will really want to hear.  Thanks for all your comments in the past regarding what I have written.  It spurs me on to keep on writing.  I love doing it, especially if it helps others or it gives them incentive to seek out more truth for themselves.

Must keep this short for the evening has much ahead.  Part of the “much” is getting to bed on time!  Besides, I must finish “my quiet repose”.

Good night and God bless all of you.

 

 

 

 

Saturday November 7 2015  AND THAT WHICH HE GIVES HE GIVE FREE

 

It is dark and it is late (8:13 p.m.) and my arm worked too hard today so I don’t have much oomph left in me for blog writing.  I did want to come and say hello and let you know I am still kicking.  I worked in the kitchen doing one of my favorite things and I am ready for the bed.  But, I do want to tell you that the soup I made today (from an actual recipe) turned out unbelievably delicious!   With most soups I just make up the recipe and sometimes have somewhat varying results.  This recipe was easy and quick to cook.  Once it came to a simmer it took only 1 hour for everything to be ready.  It is called summer vegetable stew.  All the vegetables are still available from the market and perhaps even from some gardens if you live in the right clime.  If anyone would like to have the recipe just let me know and I’ll publish it in a later blog.  VERY, VERY DELICIOUS!  Even if I do say so myself.

I also have a crustless apple pie baking in the oven.  I just followed my regular recipe (made up) and put it in a baking dish, covered it with a glass lid and will wait and see how it tastes without the crust.  Probably will taste more like a lumpy, sweet applesauce.  I used honey crisp apples right from the farm down the road.

This morning as I drove to the end of the street at the top of the hill from our house I saw a beautiful sight.  I always love the view I see as I come to the stop sign to turn onto the road that takes me to the apple farm and the gym where I work out.  Every year there are rotating crops planted that change week by week.  This year corn was planted.  Last year it was soybeans.  The corn was in the process of being harvested.  The machines are huge and seriously scary looking.  Standing in the field by the side of the road a truck patiently waited to be filled with the harvested corn.  The harvester goes down the long rows of corn stalks, picks the corn, shucks it, and takes the kernels off the cob, all in one fell swoop.  As the corn is processed through the harvester it comes out a shoot and fills up a large compartment.  When the compartment gets full, the harvester comes over to the waiting trailers and transfers the corn.  Well, as I approached it I could see one trailer was already full and I had the advantage of being higher than the truck as the field was below the road.  I only had my cell phone with me but I couldn’t let the beautiful sight of the corn being harvested left uncaptured.  Besides, my first thought was that I wanted to share the picture on my blog.  I’ll post it below.  I just love all the beautiful sights I see every day and wish I could share them with the world.  The camera never does them justice. 

The leaves have finally fallen from the great oak tree outside our living room window.  It was dusk when I looked outside and I could actually see the backyard area behind our house because the leaves no longer covered the view.  I’ll post that picture so you can see the abundance of leaves strewn over the yard and terrace below.  Every season here has such a unique beauty all its own.  I never cease to be amazed.  I wonder sometimes if others see the beauty as I see it.  If so, I never hear people speak of it.  It is such a shame when we take the beauty of even one day for granted.  To have eyes to see is enough reason to revel in all that can be enjoyed.  Look around you and find things to look at that you pass every day and never take time to really focus on.  You may surprise yourself with all the beauty that is in your world wherever you live.  I just happen to think that I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I have never regretted moving to Wisconsin from California 29 years ago.  It gets cold, that is true, but even the stark white of winter is pleasing to my eye.  Another thing I love about country life are the fragrance of life around me.  Unless it is freezing I usually have my car window rolled down and just inhale all that I pass.  However, there is one farm down the road that I usually roll my window up before I pass when I have to go by it.  It is a very large dairy farm.  Need I say more?  There is one other oder that catches me unaware when I wish my window was up and that is the smell of a skunk, of which we seem to have a plethora.

 

 

AND THAT WHICH HE GIVES HE GIVES FREE

By Kathleen Martens

November 7, 2015

 

Stop and enjoy your day,

Look around and view sights unseen,

Let your EYES speak and say,

What your busy thoughts screen.

 

Instead of thinking of tomorrow

Be aware of the presence of now.

From the future do not borrow

When there is so much today allows.

 

Let your eyes gaze in shadow and mist

To see all that there is to see.

God displays such beautiful gifts

And that which He gives He gives free.

 

Do not be in such a haste

That you miss the glory that abounds.

What you don’t see is such a waste

For tomorrow it may not be around.

 

So many things are once in a lifetime,

Like the miracle of an individual flower

Enjoy the moments of the warm sunshine

And the miracles in every hour.

 

The baked apples with cranberries turned out delicious!  It would be great over ice cream!

Enjoy your moments because they are when you live.

Good Night.

 

Friday November 6 2015  TWO LITTLE BOYS

 

A day out, shopping for supplies, but it was still a day out.  Dave is eager to have a reason to go out when he has been cooped up for so long recovering.  So today he braved the world, I drove and he went along for the ride.  At our last stop he said it was time to go home.  So we did.  A bit of rest to freshen up for the evening ahead.  It will need to be a short evening because I don’t want him to over exert.  He is more apt to try to do too much if I don’t stand guard.  Anyway, that’s what I like to think.

Court and Amy are coming over.  We are going to go to Subway and get three, foot long subs.  The boys really like to go to Subway and this is to celebrate Xander’s fourth birthday.  I want each boy to always know they have a party at grandma and grandpa’s to celebrate the day of their birth.  No matter what other parties they have we ask them to come over so that they will always know how special they are to us.  I figure if the party tradition is ingrained in them while they are young, that when they become teenagers,  it will still be important for them to come over to be with grandma and grandpa to celebrate their birthday.  They are both growing so quickly and so soon adolescence will be upon them when their friends become more important than their family, especially the “older family”. 

After subway we plan to go to the MacDonald’s play land for a while, as they both still enjoy the fun it affords.  Zach will soon be too big.  He is growing taller by leaps and bounds.  He will be eight years old in a couple of weeks and he is almost up to my chin.  Of course that probably isn’t very impressive when you realize how short I am.  But to me, he is tall.  Built just like his father was (and still is), massive shoulders and strong muscular legs.  Our son had no chance for any other shape because both Dave and I have thick thighs and I guess it was passed on to the next generation too.  I am just so thankful that both boys are healthy, strong, and have a sound mind.  When we have healthy children we are truly blessed and should remember to be thankful for it every day.  One last thought about Mac Donald’s, we will have vanilla cones to celebrate the day (along with a treat which they don’t yet know about).

Soon our quiet house will be full of noise as the birthday boy arrives with his family.  Dad is coming from work and mom from home with the boys.  There is always so much excitement and kisses and energy that it just revs me up.  A good rev!  We love it when they spend the night or part of a weekend.  There is always a lot that goes on.  If you are not a grandparent you may not quite know what I am talking about.  Let’s just say it is a highlight of our life.

 

TWO LITTLE BOYS

By Kathleen Martens

November 6, 2015

 

Two little boys

With smiles and wiggles,

Makes a day brighter

With all their giggles.

 

So much excitement

That life affords.

Energy abundant

Which they never hoard.

 

Makes my heart glad

To see their faces,

And it’s off to the run

Like horses at races.

 

Kisses and hugs

Laughter and joy

Walk through the door

With two little boys.

 

They are here!  Must go and will return later.

 

I’m back.  What a fun evening we had.  We did just what I previously said we would do, Subway, MacDonald’s, fun time on the equipment, ice cream cones and cookies, and then the big present which Xander seemed to be excited about.  I don’t think the evening could have gone any better.  Dave’s energy lasted, and I felt good about already having written my blog.  I love writing my blogs, but sometimes I really have to squeeze them in to have the time between all else the beckons me.  Thanks to the notes you send me after reading the blogs. It is fun to hear your comments and learn what others are doing.

The night is still young.  It is only 8:33 p.m.  We squeezed a lot in today and now it is time to retire.

Good night!

 

Thursday November 5 2015   WITHOUT THE TANGLE OF TIME

 

WITHOUT THE TANGLE OF TIME

By Kathleen Martens

November 5, 2015

 

A simple day today. 

Life at its best.

Free

Without the tangle of time.

 

Leisurely arise before the dawn

To greet the darkened sky,

And the day awaits

Its first light of morn.

 

No rush…

No hurry…

Just life to be lived

At whatever pace

It so chooses.

 

Sweet hours unfold

Like a gentle flower

And time is tender,

Mild and calm

And the hours tick by.

 

One day older,

And wiser still

For I have tasted

In true wonder,

The sweetness of life

In harmony with self

Without the tangle of time.

 

And that is the synopsis of this day.  I sit here mellow and sated with peace.  My shoot tomorrow was cancelled, nothing else on my calendar, plans unmade, and the hours poured over me in sweet satisfaction.  Did I do anything?  Yes, actually quite a bit, but there was no haste or demands on my time, no urgent tasks to perform or a clock to punch.  It was lovely.  I accomplished more than I dreamed I could with only one arm.  I took this chance to just be.  I exercised and had a hydro massage.  Both wonderful! 

And here I am ready to say goodnight.  Today was an unexpected interlude in the hectic race of life.  I think I am really going to enjoy retirement when it really happens.  Until EVERYTHING associated with photography is over and cleared out I will not truly drop my guard.  But oh, I can taste it now and it is tantalizing.  I am going to make it happen.  And it will come to pass.  But today was delightful because I did not even think about work for one minute after the session was cancelled for tomorrow.  Lovely day.

 

Good night and God bless you. 

P.S.  I have some things brewing in my head about some upcoming blogs.  I have a few stories to tell that I think you might find interesting.  Until later…goodnight.

Below I added a couple of my favorite poems that I wrote in the past about TIME.  If you only have time to read one, read the last one.

 

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN TIME AND SPACE

By Kathleen Martens

July 15, 2010

 

Oh Lord, just take me off

To that wonderful place

Somewhere between

Time and space.

 

Take me into

The realms You know

Where there is freedom

Wherever You go.

 

The spiritual world

Where no time dwells,

Where there is no influence

Of that place called Hell.

 

Just existence,

Secure in God’s arms,

Shielded forever

From outward harm.

 

Your presence and knowledge

Just part of being;

Spiritual eyes

Given for seeing.

 

If I could but exist

For just one hour

In Your presence

Consumed by Your power,

 

I don’t think I could

Come back,

Too much of You

I would surely lack.

 

Someday it will be time

To walk through Your door,

And then I’ll be with You

Forever More.

 

But while on earth I’ll dream

Of that wonderful place.

Somewhere between

Time and space.

 

The following is one of my very favorites!

 

REFLECTION OF TIME

By Kathleen Martens

April 29, 2010

 

Always in a hurry I AM I AM.

And a day late!

What I do today

Was due last week.

What I do tomorrow

Should have been done yesterday.

But I can only live

My life in the now.

Yesterday is no more.

And never stays yesterday

More than one day.

Tomorrow actually never exists

For when you awaken it’s always today,

And so…

Today is the bridge.

Because yesterday, it was tomorrow.

And tomorrow.

It will be yesterday.

To live in the future

Or the past

Is a waste of today.

So…

I might as well

Just slow down,

Live in the now,

And accept the gift,

Of today.

 

 

Wednesday November 4 2015  EACH DAY IS A GIFT

 

Just how forgetful am I?  Well, I was informed that today is not my sister’s birthday.  Her birthday is November 7^th and I still have time to send a card.  So my dates all come into alignment.  Today is actually the day my father died when I was 17 years old.  My younger sister was 10.  My younger sister’s birthday was three days later.  So as not to have our father’s funeral on her birthday it was postponed until November 8^th.  All I will say about that time is that it was a difficult time and age for me.  But at least now I have things straight in my head.  (I’m sure my husband would have a wisecrack to say about that last sentence).

One thing I really enjoy about my husband is his quick humor.  There is never a day that goes by that he does not have me laughing and sometimes in stitches.  He has such rapid response with great one liners.  Our son takes after him in that trait.  I don’t know how their minds can work so quickly to have such rapid fire humorous responses.  I don’t know many people who have the retention power that my husband has.  His brain seems to store trivia.  He is a great Trivial Pursuit player.  I guess that is how he responds so quickly.  Usually he has me laughing before we are even out of bed.  His humor is not sarcastic and that’s what I enjoy about his quick wit.

These past few months have been very intense as far as illness, hospitalizations, and recuperation.  Through it all Dave has kept his sense of humor and has helped me through some of my own difficulties.  We are now facing another “setback” if one would call it that.  When I hurt my elbow yesterday it was a bit more serious than I expected.  I knew that is was extremely painful by nightfall but had no idea of the pain I would experience through the night.  I called the nurse on call through my insurance care and was connected with a doctor.  Of course everything is an emergency when you call in at night.  I didn’t take it as an “emergency” but as a time when I wanted direction as to how I should treat it until I could be seen.  I finally talked the doctor out of me going into the E.R..  He did make It clear that I would need to be seen this morning.  Well, when I called in at 8:00 a.m. my office had the information from the doctor on call and I was taken in quite early.  After examination of the swollen, immobile elbow, it was determined that I had torn my triceps on my right elbow.  My doctor did not believe it was totally severed so I am to have limited use of the arm with intermittent exercises to keep the elbow from freezing up.  The limited use is due to the fact that my arm will just not allow me to take my hand up to my face because of the excruciating pain that comes with it.  Not a fun experience.

It might seem at a time like this, when so much as happened over the past four months, that it would be the time when my circumstances might cloud my faith and perspective of who God is.  But the opposite is true.  It is during the difficult times that it is most important to keep my focus on exactly who God is and what He means in my life.  It is a time when I must rely on God and keep my eyes focused on the promises of His Word.  We are promised peace and joy through all circumstances.   God is always with me to give comfort and guide me on my journey through this life.  My hope and confidence is in the Lord.

The doctor informed me that this was a serious injury and would take weeks to recuperate.  “How many weeks?” my husband asked.  The doctor replied that it could take as long as two to six weeks.  Oh WOW!  At least I dodged a bullet.  If the muscle had been completely severed I would have had to have surgery and that would have been worse.  So now we have a household where my husband must not lift anything over 15 pounds, nor should he bend over repetitively, or walk on inclines.  And during the same time frame I cannot lift a spoon or toothbrush to my mouth, put on my earrings (the important matter), nor pick up much with my injured arm.  I can’t even pick up my camera and lift it to my face.  My arm just absolutely will not do it.  I do have motion in my hand and some flexibility in outward motions of my arm but it will not bend toward my face any higher than my chest.  One movement I am thankful for is that it does not bother me to be in a typing position here in front of the computer.  I can use my arm to the limit of the pain.  Even though that is not much it will allow me to continue making our meals, showering, careful dressing and hopefully driving.  I haven’t tried that yet.

Friday I have the conclusion of the school photo session.  I am not capable of doing what must be done.  I have already hired a fellow photographer who will come and set up for me and click the camera.  I wouldn’t even be able to fit the camera on the tripod due to its weight and bulk.  Between Dave and I we should be able to load the car.  I have one good arm and he can open the doors for me.  He said that between the two of us we are one whole person.  I disagreed.  I think my half is less than his half.  It is my purpose to keep him from overdoing it as I do not want a setback in all the patchwork that was performed during the surgery on his body.  Now his purpose is to keep me from overdoing it so I will heal properly.  What he doesn’t realize is that I have an internal monitor and it is not a matter of overdoing it for me, rather I am self-regulated by the limit that the pain sets for me.  And maybe that is a good thing.  I seem to obey pain better than I do people.

So I guess yesterday was a bit more exciting than I thought it was.  It is interesting how just one little thing that you do can set a cataclysmic course for the next few weeks.  I felt strong enough to do what needed to be done so I just did it.  I later told Dave that I think it is time that I start treating myself gently.  I will practice doing so.

Today was taken up with going to the doctor and sleeping all afternoon to make up for all the sleep I lost last night.  After lunch Dave’s Wednesday appointment met him here, I excused myself and laid down.  I don’t even remember my head hitting the pillow.  I slept long and deep.  Hopefully I will be able to get in a comfortable position with my arm tonight and thus sleep a bit better.  I am ever hopeful!

 

GOD GOES BEFORE ME

By Kathleen Martens

November 4, 2015

 

So thankful am I for my Heavenly Father,

Nothing is hidden from his view.

He knows all of my tomorrows,

And prepares me to get through.

 

He desires that I become aware

Of His presence throughout my day,

So that I will feel His comfort

When life doesn’t go my way.

 

Whatever comes He goes before

And gives me the strength I’ll need.

And He gives me such marvelous joy,

And my every step He leads.

 

He is my constant companion,

And my confidence is in Him.

He is the true beauty of my life,

A greater treasure than a costly gem.

 

It is so awesome to know that I never need to be defeated.  God knew me when He formed me in my mother’s womb.  He has never left my side.  I have no reason to doubt that He is with me now in this hour of difficult circumstances.  I need not worry or fret for God’s provision goes before me.  Won’t it just be awesome when we meet Him face to face?  Oh, how amazing that will be!  But until then (and I hope it is a long way off) I will trust in Him and take each day as it is given to me.  Each day is a gift and I accept it as such.

Good night and God bless you.

 

Tuesday November 3 2015  FELT WITH THE HEART

Work week at the Martens abode.  Well, at least for me.  It has been 10 days since Dave’s surgery and he still has seven more weeks before he is able to do more than walk and lift anything more than 15 pounds.  No bending, stooping, filling the dishwasher’s lower shelf, vacuuming, snow throwing, mopping, mowing or much else.  He can walk however.  He has been doing over 10,000 steps a day per his fitbit that he wears on his wrist.  He walks on the treadmill and then wears the carpet out in the house.  It was confirmed today at the Doctor’s office that Dave has officially lost 62 pounds since his hospitalization in July.

Today it was nice enough outside to walk in the street (remember, we don’t have sidewalks).  He walked while I cleaned the garage.  It was supposed to be a quick easy clean up, rearranging a few things, loading the goodwill bags in the car, preparing the potting shelf for food storage.  Well, it didn’t quite work out that way. 

I wasn’t going to write about this but for some reason it just seems pertinent to talk about what I did today.  We have two large blue quilted moving blankets that we use for winter insulation around the produce boxes that are kept in the garage.  Well, last spring (it was stilling snowing here) when I left on my big trip there was a lot of things happening all at once.  I was having a biopsy to see if I had cancer, the trip was postponed for the results, I was madly trying to pack and finish up wedding work, going to the doctor practically every day for some sort of testing, and I forgot about one very important matter.  Nor, in the course of 4 months did it even cross my mind to have Dave check it.  I left some produce in the garage all bundled up in the thick insulation blankets so it wouldn’t freeze.  The potting shelf is tucked back beside a freezer and not forefront in your mind as you come and go in the garage.  Well, today I went out to straighten things up, opened up the blanket and was assaulted in the olfactory area of my brain. P.U.!!  I won’t even begin to try to describe it to you.  Needless to say, I had a bit more work to do than I originally thought.  But I did it!  I will never again forget to make certain to put all organic matter elsewhere before I take off on another trip.  And of course Dave, being a man and not the one that takes care of the produce never gave it another thought.  And for four months while traveling, and the four months since I’ve been home, neither did I.  Between the garage and the laundry room I worked most of the afternoon.  Thankfully the other insulation blanket was okay.  The large one had to have a few washings and is now hanging on the neighbor’s outdoor clothesline.  I think I have learned my lesson.  Maybe the blanket will be dry by Thursday when our winter order arrives.

I wanted to clean the rest of the garage so I pulled the potting table out of the garage so it could dry in the sun after the scrubbing I gave it.  In the course of that action I somehow messed up my right elbow.  Now I type with an ice pack on it hoping it will allow it to again bend so I can get my hand to my mouth.  This is not a time when I have the luxury of being infirm.  Other than messing my elbow up it has been what my bloggers may think of as a dull day.  But to me there never seems to be a dull day around here.  I LOVE HAVING DULL DAYS.  Of course to me, what may be dull to others is never dull to me.  That’s when I sneak away and read and study and spend time with God and pray and write.  For me, that is an exciting day!   

As I was writing the little story of my day I started thinking about how the overlooked mess of last spring sort of relates to how our lives go.  Sometimes we have things we put on the back burner of our heart and mind; hurts, unforgiveness, anger, and a myriad of other situations, and then forget them for a while.  The trouble is, that which we do not take care of, does not allow us to forget them.  In some way they will eventually rear their head.  They may become worse as memory distorts them.  Just like in the case of my forgotten produce, that which is not tended will begin to spoil, become rancid, start smelling, and affect other conditions.  Stuffed emotional pain can lead to stress, illness, frustration, negative attitudes and will eventually need to be cleaned up.  And like my produce turning rancid, untended emotional pain can also begin to spoil affecting other areas of one’s life.  

Take time to take a deep look inside and check to see if there are those you need to forgive, if there is anger that needs to be let go of, or grudges that need to be dismissed.  Remember, when you get rid of all the stuffed emotional pain, it is you that it benefits, not necessarily the one you forgive.  I remember one time in my life that I held on to some painful memories and unforgiveness toward another.  This person was no longer living and I was still allowing the pain of the past to affect my life.  It wasn’t until I was actually able to forgive that person for the pain inflicted upon me that I was able to be free in my own spirit and get on with my life.  It wasn’t for the benefit of the person who had wronged me that I forgave, it was for the healing of my own inner heart.  If you have any emotional pain tied to another person, do yourself a favor and forgive them.  They may never know that you forgave them, but it is you who will be set free.  Don’t let it slowly cause you to decay and become rancid like my untended fruit.

I think today’s Calendar Wisdom above is right on.  “THE BEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN THE WORLD CANNOT BE SEEN OR EVEN TOUCHED.  THEY MUST BE FELT WITH THE HEART.”  I believe forgiveness is one of those beautiful things that must be felt with the heart.  I hold no animosity, anger or hurt toward the one who offended me.  Now I am free to be me, to feel the joy that life offers, to extend my love to others, and to have a relationship with God knowing I am living in the obedience of His scripture,  “and God forgives us our sin as we forgive others”.  Don’t let unforgiveness rob you of your peace of mind.  Don’t let anything rot inside you.  Take care of it in a timely manner, clean up the messes of your life, and go forth allowing the beautiful things of this life to be felt with your heart.  

 

FELT WITH THE HEART

By Kathleen Martens

November 3, 2015

 

Peace of mind is free indeed

Since Jesus died upon the tree.

He died for sorrow and for pain,

To live is Christ, to die is gain.

 

His Kingdom now has come,

And His will need be done,

Even while here on earth,

For in heaven is its worth.

 

He provides our bread

And we are daily fed.

He forgives our sins when we ask,

Never taking us to task.

 

For His is the kingdom power and glory,

Forever shall we tell His story,

That peace of mind is free indeed

Since Jesus died upon the tree.

 

The poem above is inspired by The Lord’s Prayer.  Now I know why I titled this blog FELT WITH THE HEART.  The Lord’s prayer is one of my favorite passages in the Bible and every time I read it or speak it aloud I truly feel it with my heart.  It is one of those beautiful things that cannot be seen or even touched.

TOMORROW IS MY SISTER FAITH’S BIRTHDAY.  AGAIN, A FORGETFUL SISTER AM I!  I FORGOT TO SEND A CARD.  SO I SAY WITH ALL MY HEART AND LOVE…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH NADINE!

LOVE,

WANDA KATHLEEN

 

Good night one and all.  

 

 

 

 

Monday November 2 2015  LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

 

It was warm enough to be outside today without a jacket.  I reveled in it.  Especially since I now know with a mediocrity of certainty that the warm weather will cease by Friday night.  On Thursday night the temperature is expected to drop to 48 degrees and on Friday night to 36 degrees.  That will help us out tremendously with all the farm produce that is coming our way.  We will receive 5 boxes total this week.  Two weeks later we will receive another collection of boxes, amount unknown.

We are so blessed to live in a country that has plenty of healthy choices to eat.  We are so grateful for the provisions that God has provided for us.  Never forget to say thank you to God for what you have.  As I go through the day I enjoy finding new things in which to be thankful for.  I believe a thankful heart adds health to my life and joy to my heart.  I try to never take anything I have or enjoy for granted.  One of my favorite thanks to give God is when I am in the shower and I feel the warm water coming from the showerhead.  I think of all the places in the world where water is scarce and must be carried from wells and streams in order to have it for personal use.  Never, ever take it for granted when you turn on a water faucet.  Stop throughout your day and look around you and think of new things to be thankful for.  I actually have a gratitude journal.  It is a separate journal dedicated to logging all the blessings I receive, and all that the Lord has provided for me to use and enjoy.  A couple of years ago I read a book about writing down all that we have to be thankful for.  I have well over 1,000.  I haven’t written in it much lately due to my schedule.  I look forward to getting back to it.  You might try it, it opens your eyes to all there is to be thankful for.  I wish I could remember the title of the book.  I’ll look it up later and post it at a later date.  It was a very interesting book.

Even though today was lovely and we are expecting three more wonderful days of lovely temperature, I am thankful that the cooler season is approaching just in time for us to store our vegetables in a safe temperature zone.

Yesterday’s rest did wonders for me today!  I felt quite refreshed and some of the body functions worked a bit better today.  I was able to get another portion of my desk organized and cleared so I have a place to spread out as I work on school orders.  I do not work efficiently with a cluttered desk.  I still had lots of mail to go through from earlier this year as well as the Branson getaway.  Fortunately, most of it was just things I wanted to take a peek at and were not important.  My throw away pile has grown and that is a good thing.  Now I just need to shred that which has personal information on it and I’ll be done with that clutter.  Slowly I am gaining control of the disarray.  It is a good feeling. 

Am I the only one that can make messes?  I never hear anyone else ever talking about their messes.  I can usually keep up with day to day life, but the whirlwind things like unpacking from long trips and going through all the papers and information of the areas I visited, is another thing.  Now I have another task ahead.  I must swap my wardrobe from summer to winter.  That is a big task.  I think I have too many clothes.  I hope to eliminate a lot while I make the swap.  In Wisconsin, seasonal changes constitute a whole different approach as to what attire you have in your closet.  We do not have a large walk in closet and only have room enough in the dressing area to hold what is needed for one season.  Each spring and fall we must do the switch over.  And believe me, it is not as easy as it sounds because I try to ferret out that which I didn’t wear much the prior year.  That will be my next task when I finish the school order, hopefully by the end of next week.  Dave is also going through his wardrobe.  Due to his weight loss of almost 60 pounds it is necessary for him to try on garments from several closets around the house.  Most of the clothes are way too big for him.  We have donated some clothes to the homeless in Madison as we were told large sizes are difficult to come by and there are quite a few who need them.  He has made the commitment to only keep what fits or is still too small.  As he loses more, hopefully, some of what he had from way back when, will still look okay on him.  And when he gets down to where he feels comfortable and settled, then we will have a shopping trip to outfit him in the correct, up to date, size and fashion.  He already looks so different.

When I do not do exciting things, I have nothing exciting to write about, so thus you get to hear about all the trivial things that happen in my life.  Sometimes trivial is very exciting to me.  Exciting because I love being home, I love it when nothing exciting is happening for a change, and I love it when my life would perhaps seem boring to others.  To me it is never boring to live.  It just might be boring for others to read about.  Sorry gang.  I promise not to do it too often.

Today I worked out, ate healthy, toiled diligently and only had a few telemarketing calls which I never answer.  Some days I receive upwards of ten or more such calls.  And we are on the no-call list!  Because my phone number is a business number they have the freedom to hassle me.  I just don’t answer if I don’t recognize the caller.  So if you ever call and I do not answer, please leave a message and I will return your call.  So all in all, this has been a productive day and I set no expectations and so therefore I was totally pleased with my accomplishments.  As you can tell, I am accomplishment oriented.  I don’t know if that is good or bad.  My mother was a hard worker and she taught me the value of being a good worker.  And, when it comes down to it, I enjoy being busy.

 

ONE THING I DON’T WANT TO BECOME

By Kathleen Martens

November 2, 2015

 

Just a little secret

I would like to share.

Being busy makes me happy,

And it doesn’t matter where.

 

If I can do, and do some more.

That’s just what I’ll do.

But to slow down is quite a task

For there is always something new.

 

But now I figure I must try

To slow my engine some.

It seems to be getting older,

And sitting down is fun.

 

At least for a short while

As I sit and write my blog.

One thing I don’t want to become

Is a bump on a log.

 

Do what you can for others

For it makes life worth living.

And great satisfaction found,

When to others you are giving.

 

Remember each day to be thankful for all you have, and even tell God how thankful you are.  Remember to do your best at whatever you do, AND DO IT AS UNTO THE LORD.  AND REMEMBER TO REST.  Our body needs a little TLC from all our toil.  I’m learning that!

May God bless and keep you.

Goodnight.

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sabbath November 1 2015  A DAY OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

 

I have found the answer!  If I want to have a day when I accomplish everything on my list, then I must make my list very short.  That is what I did today.  I realized that some of “my get up and go” had “got up and gone”.  These past four months have been quite taxing, both physically and emotionally, (not to mention mentally).  It was time for me to stop in my tracks.  So that is what I did today.  I guess you could say that I had come to the point where I needed a break.  By last night I realized that it had to be today.  I slept in until almost 8:00 a.m., listened to my sermon at home, did absolutely no work (except take the garbage containers to the street), did no cooking, rested long and hard in the afternoon, talked on the phone with a friend (oh yes, I did sweep the floor while on the phone), rested some more and decided it was time to get up and write my blog about all my accomplishments.  You see, I did accomplish everything I set out to do.  I had set out to do nothing and that is what I accomplished.  And it is a very satisfying feeling. 

Tomorrow is a new day.  I will put my running shoes on and not stop again until Friday afternoon!  But I will start out the week refreshed and that will be a good thing.  Who knows, since I am so refreshed perhaps I will be able to do post production work quicker and finish before the shoot on Friday.  Thanks to those who emailed and suggested I take a break.  I took your advice.  This was one of those rare days that are a gift in the interlude of life. 

Our wonderful neighbors are like knights in shining armor.  Again they have come to our rescue.  As I rested today I heard Sam on the roof blowing leaves out of the gutter.  Then later when my rest was over I looked out the window and saw that not only had she blown our gutters out, but had blown our front yard clean again!  She is absolutely amazing as is her partner Karen.  I hope we will have the opportunity to be as kind and considerate in return. 

We have two days of promised temperatures reaching into the low 70’s this week.  A bad time to have an “Indian” summer.  With my winter share box coming from the farm on Thursday we depend on the cold weather to cool our garage down to refrigerator temperature.  We have a potting table that we bring into the garage each fall to use as our outdoor refrigerator where we store all our winter vegetables we will be receiving this week.  The potting table was not used this year as I was not here, so Dave left it in the garage.  Any flat surface in our garage (including the floor) has the propensity to be covered with something if there is space.  And that is what happened to the table.  Two shelves full of stuff.  So that is one of my little jobs this week.  I must go out and reorganize, clear off, throw away, or do something else with what is there, before the Thursday delivery.  Oh how I wish God had allowed my organizational skills to follow me into the last third of my life.  I did pretty well as a younger woman with small children, but not so great these past years of incessant working.  When you own a business, the real truth is, that the business owns you.  I will be so happy when EVERYTHING is finished!!!  Including the sale of everything!  Back to the temperature however, I am praying that the forecast is wrong and the forecast drops considerable by Thursday.  However, those last two 70 degree days would be nice to live through. 

We have had enough cold already for me to realize that I am not acclimatizing as quickly as I usually do.  I wonder if that is because I had so much more of spring this year than usual.  Spring and summer here are usually so short that it is easier to acclimatize back to the cold.  This year my blood had a longer time to defrost.

 

I WILL NOT COMPLAIN

By Kathleen Martens

November 1, 2015

 

The cold of winter breathes its breath,

Warmth of sun is hidden.

The calendar beckons what is to come,

All because it’s bidden.

 

So soon the ice will still the veins

And fingers will become numb.

Mittens adorned will help a little,

And coats may benefit some.

 

No matter the layers one adorns

The cold seeps deep inside.

Muscles stiffen and joints will ache

As winter malady abides.

 

Red and burning frost bitten noses

Breathe between the wraps

Of mufflers and hats and woolen scarves.

And the cold our energy saps.

 

So to have a day that is seventy degrees,

Is like a breath of summer that remains.

I shall enjoy every moment that’s warm,

And of summer heat I will not complain.

 

Good night and God bless you (especially my neighbors).

 

Friday October 30 2015  LOVE THE ADVICE

Come on people.  Send me some advice.  I’m soliciting for it.  I can take it!  I LOVE THE ADVICE my sister sent me regarding last night’s blog.  And I will back her statement and say that it is true she has told me this many times before.  Remember that I need to experience the situation in order to learn from it.  Well, I have now experienced what she is commenting on and I just want to express loud and clear, I AM A BELIEVER!

Here is the advice OLDER sister sent me:

“Comment: I tried to tell you how short the hours are and how busy you will become after retiring. WELCOME TO THE RETIREMENT WORLD BABY GIRL.  Until you run out of energy and the get-up-and-go that you have now; and as long as you are semi working – the 24-hour clock is about 12 hours.  Best get used to it; at least as long as you live in such a large house and property – they own you. And if you want to eat healthy that takes time too.  You didn’t listen or learn from your big sister – now you are finding out what it is all about.”

I hope to be a quick learner.  With all the “get-up-and-go” that I seem to have, I wonder if it will be used up more quickly because I use it excessively (sort of like a bank account would deplete if you overspend in too short a time) or, if it will continually renew itself BECAUSE I am so active.  The days I do not work out I seem to have less energy.  So, until I run out of put-put power I will keep on, keeping on.  BUT…I do plan on reigning in a bit.

The older I become the more I realize how little time I have left to finish all that I want to accomplish.  None of us know how long our days are numbered, but they are definitely numbered.  From the last data I received, death has 100% results.  Only while I am here on earth can I be of service to God.  I will continue to help others, share His love with others, and most of all love my family.  If I accomplish some of my other dreams that will be a bonus.  If I don’t succeed, it won’t be because I didn’t give it my best try.  One of the saddest things for me is when I talk to other people who no longer have drive to follow a dream but would rather sit in front of a TV and live their life through the fantasy on the screen.  I’d rather live my life through my own fantasy, my own dreams and my own imagination.  Sometimes fantasies become reality, and that is when life becomes exciting.  Everyone’s dreams are different.  Some are grandiose and some are simple.  It doesn’t make one dream better than another’s.  What is important is to keep your dream alive and enjoy the journey.  And remember, just because aging creeps up on us it doesn’t mean our dreams must die.

My photo session went well today and was accomplished in the quickest time ever.  One reason being is that I have another session next week to finish the large group photos.  These photos are for purchase and all will be in the school year book.

So this afternoon is bonus time.  I have lots of little things I still hope to accomplish before 4:00 p.m. when I plan leave in order to attend my grandson’s birthday party.  He is now four years old and I must say he is a super kid.  And so is his big brother!  Dave will not be attending due to his precarious situation and coming face to face with a lot of bouncing, active, little children.  Of course I will take lots of pictures!

 

ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU CAN

By Kathleen Martens

October 30, 2015

 

If there is a dream

That lives deep inside

Fan the flames

So it will abide.

 

As you grow old

Keep it alive.

Make the time

To help it thrive.

 

Accomplish what you can

A little each day,

And soon it will grow

And find its way.

 

A dream will bloom

When it’s watered and fed,

Never give up

Until you are dead!

 

I send you my best. (It is hard for me to say “Goodnight” when the sun is still shining).  Have a great rest of the day.  I intend to!  I’M GOING TO A PARTY!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday October 29 2015  AN ORDINARY DAY

What is an ordinary day?  I suppose it depends on who you ask.  Since my husband retired I don’t  know if we understand what an “ordinary day” is anymore.  No two have yet been the same.   The thesaurus synonym for “ORDINARY” is:  ‘normal, commonplace, usual, regular, everyday, conventional, average”.  I am beginning to forget what those words mean.  When I find out what my “normal” day is I’ll be certain to let you know.  If anyone would like to tell me what a normal day is I’d be glad to share it with my readers.

Today was another one of those hectic days that run out too soon.  I won’t go into a lot of detail because my clock is ticking fast if I plan to be in bed by 9:00 p.m.  But, I will tell you that all the photo equipment is in order, checked, tested, packed and waiting to be loaded in the morning at 5:45 a.m.  I must leave at 6:15 a.m. and that means I must aim for a 6:00 a.m. departure if I am to actually be on the road by 6:15 a.m.  It is now 8:02 p.m. and I must still shower.

Dave’s pain level is still a nuisance but he seems to be managing it okay with half a pill every so often.  He said he may try to go through the night without one. 

Fortunately for me I do not even need to stop and think about writing a poem tonight.  I will use the one I wrote this morning in my quiet time with the Lord.  This blog will be short and sweet due to my action packed day.  It is good to actually sit down for a few moments to chat with you as I have been on the go my feet most of the day.

Just in case my longtime friend Albert (who I’ve known since I was 6 years old) is reading the blog I send birthday wishes to him tomorrow.  We’ve shared a lot of birthday cards back and forth.  He is much better than I am at sending them out.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALBERT.  REMEMBER I LOVE YOU.  I LOVE YOU TOO MARK! 

 

DESERVING OF ALL

By Kathleen Martens

October 29, 2015

 

Oh God, thank You for this day.

I need You, every hour I need You.

I long to hear You and obey,

And Your plan my life ensue.

 

Open Your word that it will teach

What it is You want me to hear.

Deep into my soul probe and reach,

To rid me of doubt and fear.

 

Open my heart and fill it with compassion

That my heart will turn to the lost.

Your likeness Lord let me fashion

Regardless of what the cost.

 

For you are King—mighty above all.

In voice I worship, my hands I raise.

You are the Father who hears my call,

Deserving of all worship and praise.

 

Good night.  Tomorrow has the promise to be even busier , as I will be attending my grandson’s birthday party tomorrow evening.  Dave has chosen to stay home due to his precarious situation.  I hope I have time to blog!!!

P.S.  By the way, my grandson is awesome and so is his brother!

 

 

Wednesday October 28 2015  THE DAY RAN OUT

 

Proverbs 16:9:  (Five different translations of the same verse).

NIV: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

KJ2000:  “A man’s heart plans his way; but the Lord directs his steps.”

NLT:  “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

ESV:  “The heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Aramaic Bible in Plain English:  “The heart of a son of man plans his ways, and the Lord Jehovah orders his steps.”

 

Then Dave found the following verse, Psalms 37:23 from the NASB translation:

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.”  

Then following that verse is the commentary  for verse 23 which states: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, rather, established, upheld, and made firm.”

 Well, today my steps did not feel established, upheld, or made firm.  All I can hope, is that it was God who established, directed, determined and upheld, and made firm my steps, because I felt as if I were blowing in the wind. 

Up by 6:00 a.m., had my crock pot full of pumpkin and beans and lots of other good things, plugged in and cooking by 7:30 a.m.   Then I took the time to pick a pomegranate apart for a salad.  The rest of the day felt like a rug was being pulled out from underneath my feet.  I found out that the new battery charger I had purchased in August would not charge the new battery that I bought yesterday.  With the long photo session coming up I must have plenty of back up batteries for the hundreds of photos I must take.  So the first thing I had to do was go all the way back to town (about 13 miles away) to buy a new charger to replace the other charger.  I had thrown away two other batteries (almost $100 each) over the last couple of months because they wouldn’t take a charge.  Little did I know that is was the charger and probably not the batteries.

I don’t remember if I mentioned about one of our large lower cupboard doors breaking a hinge yesterday and falling off.  I searched for a replacement hinge and went way across town to buy it yesterday (again with limited time to use that way).  I called and left a message for the builder who was the contractor we used three years ago when we had a water loss.  He returned the call as I was in the garage leaving for the Camera Company.  I came back in, we talked, and I had an appointment in one hour for the workman to come.  Well, I left, the store, exchanged my charger free of charge and the salesman threw in a used battery to boot.  I arrived home two minutes before the carpenter arrived.  He was efficient and quick and the job completed within the hour.  He did not use the hinges I purchased yesterday but was able to reinforce the ones that were already on the door.  It was a much better fix than having to reconfigure the cutout area that would be needed to use the new ones, not to mention it would have weakened the integrity of the door.  The doors are heavy solid oak.

He left and someone called and needed to change an appointment they had with Dave for this evening to this afternoon.  We ate quickly, and my plans were to go down and start working on my equipment.

Dave then answered the phone and it was a NILMDTS call to photograph a baby that was being taken off life support.  There went the rest of my day.  I must be honest and tell you that I had a bit of a grumbling spirit going on inside me.  I would never say no to doing such a photo session and knew I would do it if I couldn’t find someone else.  I just gave it over to the Lord.  And I did feel a bit better after that.  The hospital said they would call me when it was time to come.  So now I had to reconfigure my equipment for the kind of session I would be doing at the hospital.  And I still had batteries that were not charging.  By this time I am constantly praying in my spirit.  Dave’s appointment time arrived and I had to leave the area, as these are personal sessions with his care receiver.  I exited to the lower level and started working on getting things ready for the photo session in two days.  I became sidetracked with a bogged down computer and had to do a little work there.  I did accomplished some things but never did touch my equipment that I wanted to have completely tested and packed today (which is several hours of work).  I try never to leave something for the last moment just because of situations like today cropping up.  Now tomorrow becomes the “last moment”.

There were other phone calls, other people that I had to see that dropped by and my plans for today quickly dwindled due to the fact that the day had run out.  So that is what happened to my day.  I planned (what I thought was a good plan) and like I said, I certainly hope it was God directing my steps because I always want to be in His perfect plan, and I do hope He delights in me.  I then received a phone call.  It was the hospital.  And lo and behold, just when I thought there wasn’t anything left of today the nurse told me that the hospital photographer stopped by and had some extra time and decided to do the photo session since he was there at just the right time.  Then I heaved a big sigh and knew that it was God directing my day after all.  Now, if I had gone to do the session I would have looked at it the same way.  There is always a reason I am where I am when God directs my steps.

So…tomorrow…hmm…

Maybe I just won’t make any plans and allow God to lead me from the moment I arise.  Somehow He always helps me get things done.  I just need to remember that BEFORE I make my plans.  That alone would save me time.  One thing I am hoping however, is that when I go to bed by 9:00 p.m. tomorrow evening, that all my equipment is lined up and ready to load in the car in the morning.  Since it is too cold at night to have my equipment in the car I must load it in the morning.  The good thing, is the fact that there is no snow and I can still drive around back to the studio entrance and load from there. 

 

EVEN THOUGH I CAREFULLY PLAN

By Kathleen Martens

October 28, 2015

 

Lord, thank you for this day,

Regardless the mess I was in.

No time to do what must be done

So hectic it has been.

 

Even though I carefully plan

How my day is laid out.

Perhaps I should just wait for you

To tell me what it’s all about.

 

It would sure save me time

To always do it Your way.

With all the planning that I do

I’ll let you establish my day.

 

But I must remember

To give it over to You,

And allow your sovereign guidance

To show me what to do.

 

And I am always grateful

For I feel You are watching over me.

And I thank You for the joy you give

As you show me how to be.

 

So…tomorrow…I’ll just put myself into God’s hands and allow Him to establish, uphold me, and make firm my steps.  Then I will be ready for Friday.  I must remember, He never gives me more than I can handle.  But sometimes I forget that. 

I’M STILL LEARNING.  I AM A WORK IN PROGRESS!

 

Good night and sleep tight.  I’m looking forward to a beautiful tomorrow.

 

 

 

Tuesday October 27 2015  TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF

 

Well, I don’t know quite where the above title came from.  It just popped into my head after I typed the date.  So, what does “Take a look at yourself” mean?

Personally, I am a people watcher.  I thoroughly enjoy looking at people’s faces and any other part my eyes may wander to, but especially their faces.  If I am in a public place like an airport or mall I never need to be entertained.  I can sit in a seat and just watch the people for hours.  I often wonder if people really know what the expression on their face looks like, or may reveal to others.  I often ponder that, as I see such somber, serious expressions.  I wonder who are these people, what are they thinking, why are they in this particular place at this time?  Sometimes when I am with Dave waiting for a plane or at another public place where the wait is long, we’ll spy someone across the way, maybe a couple or family.  On occasion we will make up our own fantasy about them as we watch their expressions and antics.  It can be quite interesting.  

Back to the faces.  I think if people really could see the expression on their face they might actually try to change it.  Foreheads furrowed, brows pinched together, eyes squinted, mouth hanging open, tongues hanging out, aloofness, are all some of the picturesque demeanors I have had chance to view.  And I again wonder, do we really know what our face look like when we are not purposely engaged face to face with another person? 

Recently when I was in Branson at the Sight and Sound Theater I had an interesting experience.  It was intermission and hundreds and hundreds of people were all being dismissed at the same time.  Well, one guess where most of us headed.  I was in a quick moving line in the ladies restroom and had an interesting encounter.  Now I want to explain a little something about my primping for the day.  I take my shower, my hair is wet, I brush it once so it will lay down, I get dressed and I am done for the day.  If it is Sunday I’ll put on lipstick if I remember.  Sometimes I remember to brush my hair after its dry, but most days I do not.  This day at Branson was no different.  I’m close to the front of the line so it is moving quickly and I almost had a collision with someone.  Everyone was turning left so I decided to turn right where I saw many empty stalls.  Just as I turned I almost bumped nose to nose with a lady who startled me completely because I didn’t see her there just the second before. She was walking fast and I was walking fast.  You know how many thoughts swirl in your head at any one time, well my first thought was “there was a lady who knew where she was going as the look on her face was very determined”.  Within a split second my mind captures what I was truly seeing just a second before I collided with this “older woman”.  All of a sudden I realized I was going to collide with the mirror image of myself if I did not halt quickly.  That OLDER WOMAN was me!  In that split second of time I had noticed her wrinkles and they didn’t bother me at all UNTIL I realized, hey, that was me.  Those were my wrinkles!  At first I actually did not recognize myself until I was nose to nose walking into a mirror.  For once, I truly did see the expression on my face before realizing I was going to be viewing myself.  I find I can make myself look a lot better in a mirror if I hold my smile in place so as not to have too many drooping lines show.  I caught myself off guard.  I guess I better start taking a better notice of the expression on my face that I am exhibiting to the world.  What do you look like to others?

I must admit it was a quick, interesting meeting with myself.  I guess I just don’t realize how I really look.  Maybe that’s a good thing.

Sometimes I just put myself in situations so that I can people watch.  The Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison are a great place to do it.  People are usually in a good frame of mind when strolling through a peaceful garden and their eyes are full of wonder and curiosity.  I think the environment of the garden and other people close by give them a comfort level to smile back.  I usually get lots of smiles and lots of conversation when I go there to browse.

Sometimes I stand at the exit of a planeload of people who are debarking, with a big smile on my face, and try to catch everyone’s eye as they pass me.  I’ve actually done counts of how many will smile.  Just for your information, when I smile at a person their first reaction is a startled look, then the eyebrows furrow and most look away as quickly as they can.  There are always the two or three who will smile back and in their eyes I see a kindred spirit.  I will tell you who does smile, all the children.  They light up when we make eye contact and a big grin will become plastered on their face.  Many of them will watch me as they are being dragged away by their parents.  Sometimes when I am in Woodman’s Grocery Store in Madison I will smile at anyone who looks at me, and you would be surprised at the responses I receive.  Some do quick head turns to avoid any further contact, some look quizzical or look around to see if they are close to someone else whom I may be smiling at, and some will actually speak to me and smile back.  I’ll tell you who does smile back to me in Woodman’s, all the little old ladies, bent and shriveled, walking up and down the aisle with just a few things in their cart.  As a general rule, our world does not know how to smile at strangers anymore.  Strangers do not know how to spontaneously smile back.  Again, ask yourself the question, what does my expression say to another?

I don’t know about you but I want to look like I am full of life and joy and the love of God.  Others may not recognize the God-part, but I have often had people who don’t know me say there is something special they see in my eyes when I smile at them.  I truly hope it is the love of God being poured over them.  How much better would the world be if we could again trust enough to return a smile, or even better yet, to give the first one. 

Below is a short poem I wrote several years ago inspired by a friend’s smile.

 

Inspired by Jeanette’s Smile

February 26, 2011

 

A smile is always a special thing,

To someone else, joy it brings.

And because you give it away,

Another on your face

Can take its place.

 

Well, now I guess I know what “TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF” means, especially today.

 

Update:  Dave is still having intermittent pain.  I am busy constantly but not accomplishing what I must.  I tell myself tomorrow will be different because I am not even going to go out or get dressed.  I must work in my studio office ALL DAY and go through all my equipment and supplies for Friday’s all day photo session.  I won’t be answering the phone, but hopefully I’ll surface in the evening so I can find out what else is in my head to write about.  Maybe I won’t even take a shower or brush my hair.  I have those days too!  They are the ones I cherish!  (But I do brush my teeth)!

 

 

IT MAY MEAN A LOT

By Kathleen Martens

October 27 2015

 

 

What would it be like

If a smile didn’t exist?

And we’d never seen one,

So it wasn’t even missed?

 

How would we know

If one was happy or sad?

Would we be able to decipher

If they were joyful or mad?

 

So much our expressions

Speak louder than words.

The attitude that precedes

Must somehow be heard.

 

How we set our face

Is how it will grow.

What is in your heart

Your face will show.

 

Be careful the brows

That furrow down,

Sometimes that’s construed

As part of a frown.

 

Watch when you squint

At what others say,

Could it be mistrust

That you display?

 

Be careful your expression,

Know what you present.

It could trigger

An unlikely event.

 

So when you get up

And are ready for the day

Grab a few smiles

Before you go on your way.

 

And use them generously

When you see others pass,

Your smile may be fleeting,

But to another may last.

 

Take an abundant supply

Because there is no cost.

There is always another

If the first one gets lost.

 

The more you give,

The more will appear.

And they are always so nice

For those who are near

 

So purposely give one

Whether you want to or not

Because to another

It may mean a lot.

 

I hope you will stop and think of this poem or post it on your mirror as a reminder to smile.  I truly believe a smile is a gift that God created for us to give away.

 

Good night.  May you have sweet dreams full of smiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday October 26 2015  AND A LITTLE BIT OF SUNSHINE

I am purposely slowing down and still don’t have a moment to call my own.  Or at least it seems that way.  Not a lot going on around here right now so if this is too boring to read just skip down to the poems if you prefer. 

Up early, carved out time to spend with the Lord, fixed lunch for Dave as I would be gone during lunch time, went to the gym, stopped at the grocery store, made a stop at the CAMERA STORE in preparation for Friday’s school photography session, got my car washed and came home.  Ate lunch at 4:00 p.m., worked on laundry, and now I am here.  How does a day get used up so quickly?

Oh yes, I moved my red geraniums into the sunroom from outside.  That is where they will live for the next seven months.  I didn’t bring any geraniums in last year after doing so for many years.  I would bring the same ones in year after year, all nine of them.  They loved the sun room.  I had some sitting on the floor which grew up as high as my waist and huge in circumference.  They were a constant upkeep as I have carpet in the sun room.  I had four sitting in a row on an 8 foot bench like sentinels.  They had both southern and western exposure in a room that is almost all glass.  They thrived.  Others I had on the floor, on stands and on a table.  One particular day I had to debris all the spent blossoms from the geraniums.  I counted 210 flower stems I snipped off that day.  Most of the flowers would grow to the size of a grapefruit with a few others a bit smaller.  I have pictures of that somewhere in my archives.  It certainly makes for a cheery feel when I look into the sun room in midwinter and see all the brilliant red against the outside blanket of white.  This year I only brought in three small pots.  I have two very large pots that will be left to die in the winter cold.  Actually we will uproot them and put the pots into the shop.  Oops, maybe not this year.  I don’t have the strength to get them there.  That was always Dave’s job.  I’ll cover the opening of the pots and hopefully the pots will not freeze and break.

I guess my geranium tending is the most exciting thing I have done or will do on this day.  At least I hope nothing more exciting than that will happen the rest of the day. 

Dave is slowly making progress.  He is up frequently pacing around the house (doctor’s orders) so as to prevent blood clots or pneumonia from developing.  Yesterday he did over 5,000 steps.  I think he is aiming for that today.  It’s good to have a goal!  If that is the only thing you can do then that is a good goal.  He is an excellent patient. INSERT:  Dave just updated me that he will have over 6,000 steps in today.  YOU GO DAVE!!!

 

AND A LITTLE BIT OF SUNSHINE

By Kathleen Martens

Oct 26, 2015

 

A little bit of summer

Came inside today.

In little clay pots

Their area to play.

 

Cheery and bright

In stunning red preen.

Framed in velvet

Leaves of green. 

 

Fragrance of summer

All winter long,

And lots of blooms

That sing a song.

 

It is in my heart

The melody is heard

Because they don’t really

Whisper a word.

 

They plant a smile

Upon my face

When I glance into

My sun room’s space.

 

And a bit of sunshine

Greets me each morn,

And winter’s cold

No longer forlorn.

 

We had a nice break while I was creating the above poem.  Rebecca and Neil called to face time us on the IPhone.  It is always so good to see them that way.  They have a lot of building projects going on inside their house (Neil is a builder) and they are planning on having them finished in time for some special company that is coming in about two and a half weeks.  Rebecca’s birth father’s sister, and her husband, will be visiting from Chicago.  It is such a wonderful experience for Rebecca to be able to connect with both sides of her birth family.  We have also met most of her family and find them to be delightful and interesting.  We are actually hoping that when things slow down with us that they will come and stay with us a few days.  Dave’s family is very small, two sisters, a niece and nephew and that is about it.  My family on the other hand is so large that it is hard to get a handle on it.  My mom was the oldest of 12 children who grew to adulthood, and quite a few of those had large families, and their offspring had large families, and now there is even another generation having families.  I couldn’t even give a possible guess as to how many first cousins I have, not to mention the generations once and twice removed.  I think it is great that Rebecca has so many families.   And I think that everyone that has ever met her, in her new found families (located 9 years ago), fell in love with both her and Neil.  I certainly know I fell in love with Rebecca the first time I set eyes on her, and that was when she was bald! And she leaked!

Early this morning I had a sweet time with the Lord.  During that time I wrote two poems.  I will share them below.

 

I NEED YOU LORD

By Kathleen Martens

October 26, 2015

 

I need You Lord every day.

Open Your path and show me Your way.

Call to my heart that I will hear

And be aware of Your presence, ever so near.

 

I need You Lord in time of stress

That when I’ve sinned I will confess.

You are the God of mercy and grace

And I desire to seek Your face.

 

I need you Lord when joy prevails

I need You Lord when all else fails.

I need You in all moments of time

That I know I’m Yours and You are mine.

 

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I PRAISE YOU FATHER

By Kathleen Martens

October 26, 2015

 

Lord I praise You for who You are,

And for caring about me.

I praise You for your splendor

And that You, someday I’ll see

 

No longer through a glass darkly

But face to face in all Your glory.

Thank You Father for mercy unending

And for the miracle of Your story.

 

I praise You Lord, the King above all,

And I rejoice in the power of Your might.

You, oh God, who are high above the earth,

Are the very source of unending light.

 

Good night and may the God of Love watch over you.

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY SABBATH OCTOBER 25 2015  LEAVES…LEAVES…AND MORE LEAVES…

This morning as I sat here in front of my computer I heard a noise.  It was a loud noise.  I looked out back into my neighbor’s back yard, it wasn’t coming from there.  I looked into their side yard, it wasn’t coming from there.  But it was loud and close.  Oh well I thought, someone must be doing something in their yard.  After an hour or more I needed something from the kitchen so I walked to the front of the house.  What met my eye was amazing.   First of all, I located the noise and there was my neighbor with her heavy duty, gas powered back pack blower BLOWING OUR LEAVES OFF THE LAWN.  I know they told Dave that they wanted to do this for us but I wasn’t expecting it so soon.  But as you can see by the pictures below there were a lot of leaves.  The only problem is that they haven’t all fallen.  We have so many leaves yet to fall.  They informed us they would be doing it again in the future.  We were truly amazed and grateful.  I have no clue as to how to even begin to repay them.  They probably have twice that many leaves of their own still sitting in their own yard.  I find it amazing to have neighbors with such generosity of spirit.  And I thank them immensely.  Please take a look at the pictures I included below.

I have a little excerpt of an email I sent to my sister earlier today.  It is about what I was doing this morning and a memory it evoked.  I told her about it and decided I would copy it from her email and plug it into my blog tonight because it is something I would like my readers to experience through my writing.  Here is the excerpt from the email I sent her earlier today:

“I am sitting here in the sun room overlooking the back yard and the adjoining woods.  The sun is shining brightly on the trees.  Almost everything is gold and rust and red except one tree.  There is a large green mulberry tree at the end of the terrace (the pool yard area).  The leaves do not turn color.  The tree stays green with all its leaves until just the very right day.  What makes the very right day is a mystery to me.  On that day we will look outside in the morning and the entire tree is still intact.  Once the first leaf drops it just simply lets go of all of it’s leaves and they start fluttering down and every branch is emptied of its burden within a few short hours.  Last year Dave saw the tree was just beginning to part with its leaves and called it to my attention.  I quickly put a coat on over my housecoat and ran outside to stand under the falling leaves.  Oh what a surprise I had.  I motioned for Dave to come out.  It was cold and sunny, sort of like today, and Dave was not going to go stand under a tree in the back yard.  I kept hollering up for him to come.  I had a surprise to share with him.  Finally he came.  When he was standing beside me under the downpour of leaves I asked him to be very quiet and not make a sound.  I said, just listen.  It was so amazing.  There standing under the mulberry tree, being showered with little green leaves, it sounded like gentle rain as the leaves landed on top of the other leaves already on the ground.  It was a sound so delicate and exquisite.  Each leaf that dropped sounded like a little pearl dropping into a pool of water.  It created a quiet, simple, tinkling music. It also reminded me of a gentle rainfall.  I was just mesmerized!  Dave loved it too.  We stood out there for the longest time just listening to this private little gift of God’s creation sounding in our ears.  It was like what that young girl said to me in yesterday’s wisdom,  “Take every opportunity even if you do not think you will enjoy it.  You may surprise yourself”.  I think Dave really did surprise himself. He seemed to enjoy himself (although a shorter time than I did) once he came outside. I loved the above wisdom.  It is something that I have learned to do and so enjoy the discovery of what I find.  Standing under that tree was a once in a lifetime experience, one I doubt many will ever experience.  Who knows, if we are fortunate enough to be home this year and catch it happening, I can do it again.  But I don’t believe it will ever be as wonderful as it was the first time because I will be expecting, rather than being surprised. When the few hours of leaf falling is over there is a green carpet of leaves in a perfect circle directly beneath the branches of the tree.  I stayed outside that day for a very long time.  It makes me feel exhilarated to be in the midst of nature.  Experience has always been my best teacher. You’ve told me that many times.  I need to be in the midst of what is happening to truly feel what I know I must feel.  That is why I so enjoyed my trip this year.  I was in the midst of so much of God’s creation.  I never became tired of it.”

The friend who taught me how to administrate a blog invited me to an annual event he and his wife host called “ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN”.  It is a small group that meets to share stories of what living in the presence of God has meant to them this past year.  We share stories of miracles and prayers and answers and what we have learned through the past year in the spiritual sense.  This is my second event.  It is something that I enjoy and am so happy to be on Len’s invitation list.  I heard some interesting stories today and shared a few of my own from my trip.  I believe there are more that I have forgotten than what I remember.  I am glad that I wrote most things down daily.  I regret the three weeks that I did not have blog service and didn’t think to write the blogs in WORD and then later transfer them over when I had WiFi once again.  I have probably missed a lot that took place during those three weeks.

Dave was doing okay today, able to get up and down, and with his medication he is handling his pain a bit easier.  He has been cleared to drive but he doesn’t think he is ready for that yet.  We are sticking close to home for the next couple of weeks.  He’ll be home, I’ll be close.  I am planning on being out as little as possible.  So what should my poem be about?

 

HE’S A GOOD SPORT AND DOESN’T COMPLAIN

By Kathleen Martens

October 25, 2015

 

Ho…hum…I need something to write

Perhaps I shall tell you about Dave’s plight.

You know those men all chivalrous and strong?

And when they pick something up, something goes wrong.

 

Oops it was heavy, that old tobacco table

I truly believe it’s what made him disabled.

With some help he lifted it high

And it was later he said “Oh my”.

 

The lump showed up in its own time mode

And thought to be a swollen lymph node.

But alas, that was not to be.

It was a hernia that popped the bowels free.

 

Not a comforting thought when he went to see

That his doctor was definitely a she.

It’s got to be fixed before all pops out

We’ll put in a mesh to make it real stout.

 

And so they did with a cut and a sew,

And the sad part is, wouldn’t you know

That now he’s in pain like none other before

Sometimes a little, and sometimes more.

 

He must move easy, and get lots of rest

And sitting down he is at his best.

But he’s a good sport and doesn’t complain,

But he won’t pick up that table again.

 

When Dave helps me proofread I hope he’ll let me keep the poem. 

Tonight I am a lady of few words.  I have more interesting things to do.  I must take my husband’s bandage off tonight and make certain he scrubs down in the shower.  After two days he must come clean!

Good night and have a great tomorrow.  Be glad you didn’t just have surgery.  It really does hurt.

 

 

Saturday October 24 2015   AND AGAIN TOMORROW…

 

AND AGAIN TOMORROW…

By Kathleen Martens

October 24, 2015

 

How busy can I be?

It always surprises me.

Many are my plans,

Yet, I lack command.

 

A mile long is my list

Upon which I insist.

And daily it is my hope

With this list I will cope.

 

But, if my short day

Won’t go my way,

I’ll just do what I can do.

And again tomorrow, I will ensue.

 

As I sat down to write, my mind went back over my day looking for a point of interest on about which to write.  I like writing about the day which makes my blog a current update of my life for my future reference.  As I ponder all that happened today what pops into my mind is that it didn’t go exactly as I planned.  But that’s okay because it never bothers me if I don’t accomplish all I intend to do.  I just always try to do the most important urgent needs first.  I don’t use the word “urgent” in a serious manner, rather meaning those things that are pressing or have a time related importance.  I check my calendar at night for tomorrow and then again in the morning as a refresher of what is coming such as a doctor visit, child care for my grandkids, or other places I may need to be that day.  Even with all these measures, believe it or not I can still forget or miss an appointment.  After I do my double checking I then plan out my schedule for what must be done and what I would like to accomplish if I have time.  The “what must be done” items usually happen, but sometimes that which I would like to accomplish gets pushed aside for a myriad of reasons.  Life happens. 

Today was one of those days that I was not able to accomplish all I would have liked to accomplish.  It takes a bit longer to achieve my goals when I have extra duties, or prescription pharmacy runs, or preparing ahead for meals, or making soup to use up some of the provisions from our farm box.  And as such, I had a prescription run to do.  When I go into town it is about 7 miles away, all country roads so the traveling is pleasant.  It is so beautiful outside right now that I enjoy any excuse to get in the car and make a run into town.  There are three ways to enter into town so I have three different venues on which to gaze.  I had an interesting time at the pharmacy as I waited for Dave’s pain meds to be filled.  Sitting at a table off to the left in “Home Town Pharmacy” were four attractive young ladies all poised to offer me (and anyone else who would come in) an assessment as to whether or not I was a risk for diabetes.  I had a score of zero which they said was good.  I weighed below what my height level said I should weigh, I am physically active, my family history was good, and I don’t remember if I was given the fourth question.  I had a blood sugar test done and it was 96.  The test was about 3:00 p.m.  I had eaten breakfast at 9:00 a.m. and about 11:30 a.m.or so I had a teaspoon of peanut butter and slice of watermelon before I headed to the gym to workout.  I hadn’t actually eaten lunch yet so my number was fine.  Whew!!  We do not need two diabetics in the family.  And I am firmly believing that in approximately two years Dave will no longer have it either.  If you are interested in finding out why I believe that, read the book “THE END OF DIABETES” (I think it was written by Doctor Fuhrman).  Our long time doctor is working with us to follow the plan in the book.  A lot depends upon the next few weeks as Dave is weaned from his diabetic medicine.  The doctor wanted to wait until after the surgery so everything could be the same during this time of his recovery. Once he is off all meds he must have a two year track record of showing no symptoms of diabetes through his daily blood sugar tests.  So far he is doing excellent but he is still on meds.  There may need to be some adjustments in his diet intake after he is off the meds. 

While I was at the table talking with the young ladies, who by the way were all pharmaceutical students, I had the opportunity to ask them what their wisdom for the world would be.  I will write their answers below.  I thought they were all unique and interesting.  I had to fill out my age on one of the forms for the test.  I asked each lady to guess my age first.  I was guessed to be 60, 56, 82, and 62.  Hmmm…I don’t know about that 82!  I sit here smiling as I think about how old someone my age must look to those so young.

Alissa guessed 60:  “Most people are good people”.

Sin guessed 56:  “When you are making a hard decision make one you won’t regret”.

Joanna guessed 82:  “Say yes to as many opportunities as you can”.

Megan guessed 62:  “Take every opportunity even if you do not think you will enjoy it.  You may surprise yourself”.

If I were to guess their age I would estimate them to be 22 to 25 years old.  They all looked so young and fresh and beautiful.  I wish them all well in their studies and pray that they will have a wonderful life ahead of them.  And what I most hope for is that they know or will someday know God in a personal way.

Life didn’t happen today like I thought it would but that is okay. I will have all the days that God has planned for me and I do not wish for one day more. 

It is comforting to know I had one person read yesterday’s blog because I received a very nice email commenting on it. I have copied part of it right from the email as I think I shall take it as wisdom.  (Just as a point of reference I always sign my emails WKM to those I correspond with as those are my true initials.  I hear her words and hope to abide by them.

Comment from the email: I loved the poem. I am so thankful to the Lord that all went well today for Dave.  Enjoy the recuperation time at home – be lazy Dave – do your walking – watch the Baseball World Series and football.  WKM do your projects, read your books and have your quite time with The Lord.  Don’t let Dave over-do anything at least for six weeks.

It is even more comforting knowing that the email came from my beloved sister and I take it as an expression of love.  It is so good when you receive little “love notes” even when the writer might not be aware that that is how it is received.  Thank you Velma for loving me.

If this blog is a bit disconcerting today it is because I have been up and down a dozen times to stir my pot of soup cooking in my NESCO COOKER.  Remember, Thursday is Farm Box Day!  Yesterday was actually the last box of the normal season.  I also ordered a winter share which will be delivered in two weeks and another delivery two weeks after that.  The number of boxes I will receive varies each year.  I’ve had as many as 6 full boxes each winter delivery down to 3 full boxes each winter delivery.  It depends on the season, how many sign up for the program, and the weather.  Some years are prolific (like this one) and some are a bit sparser.  One thing our farm owners have is an irrigation system, which help tremendously if we have a dry spell.  Most farms rely strictly on rain for irrigation.  Produce fresh from the farm tastes so much different than the same vegetables purchased in the store.  I think it is probably because it is picked one day, and delivered the next, and is not refrigerated or stored for days or weeks before it gets to the table.  I am so thankful and feel so fortunate that we have the opportunity to take part in this endeavor.  We are now literally eating the bounty from the last two seasons.  We must do a lot of eating so as to get the freezers emptied out by spring for defrosting before the new crops come in.  Every day I go out and pick out a different homemade soup.  Yesterday I picked out Cabbage bean soup.  It was delicious!  We have enough left for tomorrow since Dave does not yet have his appetite back following surgery.

Update on Dave.  The pain finally got to him.  A friend of mine who is a nurse suggested we get the meds and have him take just a half pill to cut the edge off the incision pain.  His incision is quite large and in a very sensitive area.  He is suffering, but he suffers without complaint.  I can see it in his face and eyes.  I know it is believed that healing is quicker if the body is not under so much stress from the pain.  I hope he has a better night tonight.  He is still his sweet self to me.  He is getting up and walking faithfully every hour and breathing deep and coughing to lessen the chance of developing pneumonia.  My mother died from a strangulated bowel caught in her hernia and I had a cousin who died from pneumonia following a hip replacement.  We take Dave’s recovery and the Doctor’s orders very seriously in regards to this surgery.  Thanks again to all of you who have prayed for him. 

Dave wears a “fitbit” and it records the steps he takes and a lot of other data as well.  Today he has walked 3,100 steps.  His goal on his normal day is to walk 5,000 steps, and at times he walks over 10,000 steps.  When he goes to the gym part of his workout is walking on the treadmill with inclines up to ten percent which builds up his count.  He is not allowed (Doctor’s orders) to go to the gym for 8 weeks.  He can walk all he is able on flat surfaces only, but no gym exercise.  Since we have a treadmill here at home he will walk on ours and his gym membership will be on hiatus and extended two months past his renewal date.  That is a nice benefit.

Must close as Dave is waiting to help me proofread.

Good night and God bless all of you.   

 

 

Friday October 23 2016  IT IS FINISHED

 

Is there anything more beautiful than Wisconsin in autumn?  It is like a piece of paradise that is so fleeting.  When I left Wisconsin on March 7^th I waved goodbye to my husband standing in the snow.  When I returned July 1^st it was midsummer.  When we left to go to Branson it was autumn on the calendar but not yet in color.  When we returned this week it was full-fledged autumn at its finest.  This year has been so disjointed for me as far as the seasons.  As I left the snow behind earlier in the season I was soon into early spring.  From then on for the next three and half months it seemed to be perpetually spring.  Only when I drove back into the states from Canada did I feel true summer days, hot and dry.  And then when I drove into Wisconsin everything was so green and lush I knew I was home.  Summer is supposed to be green.  Autumn is supposed to be brilliant colors.  Winter is…well…winter is just white.  So in bits and pieces I have now tasted a little bit of each season.  Even though they were all mixed up I still enjoyed a little of summer and autumn and a lot of spring.  Tomorrow is the day I would chose to get in my car and just drive out into the country that is all around me just so I could view the beauty of God’s canvas in the making.  There are some events that just cannot be postponed for the open window is so short.  This month I will just fill my pockets with the beauty that surrounds me locally.  I will travel neighborhood streets lined with gold and rusts and orange.  I will imagine the hills displaying their finery in all their glory for God to see.  It’s as if this is a time when the trees offer their praise to God.  Unless you have witnessed this for yourself it is impossible to imagine.  No picture can do it justice.  It is like living in a three dimensional snow globe, but instead of snow coming down it is leaves that swirl around you. 

Dave’s surgery went well and he was patched up.  His rehab for this week is to walk around the house every little while, breath deep, cough, and keep ice on the reinforced area.  He is also instructed to place warm compresses on his upper chest to help the carbon dioxide dissipate that was pumped into him for the surgery.  We arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and he was taken directly back to the prep room.  After several mini consultations with the surgeon, anesthetist, pharmacist and the ever present nurses he was taken away at 8:00 a.m.  He was back in the post-surgical area a little after 9:00 a.m.  Then he was transferred to the recovery area and I was allowed to again be with him.  That was at about 10:15 a.m..  We were home by noon.  He ate his breakfast. I ate my lunch.  We both dozed in the living room for the next couple of hours off and on in the pretense of trying to watch a show.  We both had to keep moving the show back so we could see what we missed.  I roused myself and convinced him to get up and walk around and breathe and cough.  Now he is back in his favorite chair and I am in my favorite chair. His sits in front of the TV and mine sits in front of my blog.  Fortunately, I have nothing monumental to discourse about.  IT IS FINISHED!  The surgery is over.  All’s well and I feel relieved.  Autumn will come again next year and we can go out and drive and drive and see all the beauty God’s beautiful earth has to offer.  This year we will practice being retired, stay at home and heal. 

I have one goal left for the day.  My goal is go to bed very early.  I had about 4 hours sleep last night.  That is not enough for me and I can feel it.  I fight sleep during the day because it messes with my night sleep.  I slept such little snatches this afternoon that perhaps it won’t cause problems tonight. 

 

WE SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER

By Kathleen Martens

October 23, 2015

 

We should always remember

To thank God for the simple things.

Like seasons in their finery

And all the joy they bring.

 

Spring comes in on little cat feet

Tiptoeing through the snow.

Whispering melody in the wind,

Telling the secrets it knows.

 

And then comes summer in brilliant light,

Long days and warm afternoons,

Green and lush from seasonal rain

That makes the flowers bloom.

 

It keeps hold as long as it can

Against the sharp autumn wind

That lowers the temperature and the light,

Fighting what summer lends.

 

Alas, Mr. Frost rears his sleeping head,

Bringing with him gales of snow

And ever present frigid air.

More than we’d like to know.

 

It seems that winter lasts the longest,

Its blanket covering the land.

And when it seems to be unbearable

Spring again makes its stand.

 

The world once more starts singing

As music fills our heart,

And ever so softly on little cat feet,

Once again spring will start.

 

I am happy to have no more news to depart.  My husband is safe at home and each day will bring him closer to full recovery.  Thanks to all of you who have sent encouraging emails and prayer promises.  The older I become, the more I realize how tenuous life is and how much more precious my husband is to me.  I thank God for this day.  And especially I thank God because it is finished.

 

Good night.  Thank you again for reading my blog.

My word of wisdom for today:  NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED THOSE YOU LOVE.  TELL THEM EVERY DAY HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM!

Thursday October 22 2015  THE STORM BEFORE THE CALM

I asked my husband for a title suggestion for today’s blog.  He said, “THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM”.  Immediately I responded, “No I don’t think that is appropriate.  I think it is THE STORM BEFORE THE CALM”.  He agreed.  Today it was stormy around this place.  Not literally in the way of weather, but in our feverish attempt to get everything battened down so that after his surgery we will not be in the midst of the storm of preparing for winter.  Did we get it all done?  Of course not.  There is always more for us to do, regardless how much we have already done.  Anyway, that is how it seems around here. 

While we were having lunch Dave made a statement that made me realize just how difficult this year has been for him.  He always takes such pride in the yard, working every weekend attending its needs, mowing, weeding, tilling, planting, and weed whacking.  He said “This has been the year of yard neglect”.  And so it has.  He was under so much pressure the last few months of employment, working long hours trying to get everything finished on his plate before he retired.  Then when I returned home he became so ill with the infection in his leg.  This all took place during the time most necessary for Wisconsin’s garden season.  If it hadn’t been for our neighbors mowing for us during his hospitalization and recovery you might not even be able to see our house from the street. 

Courtland volunteered to bring his riding lawnmower over and mow and mulch the leaves that have fallen.  Our son-in-law volunteered to fly up next month and take care of the yard and do other jobs that need to be done.  And then, our neighbors came over and informed us that Sam will clean our gutters and Karen will blow our leaves that fall later in the year.  Dave’s on the phone now informing Neil of the kind offers of son and neighbors so that he knows that he will not need to fly up next month.  We were overwhelmed when so many offered to do so much.  We are at the mercy of the weather, how cold it becomes, when the leaves decide to fall, and how soon we receive our first snow storm.  Just knowing that we have help coming at important times makes going into tomorrow a bit easier.  I was at the computer looking up yard services to call when Dave came in and informed me of all the offers.  Slowly the storm started to abate and we began feeling the calm.  I thank God for our children, son in law and our wonderful neighbors for volunteering.  I believe TIME is the greatest gift anyone can give.  We are fortunate to live in such a great neighborhood.  The neighborhood is small, only four houses on our street, but I think that is what makes it work so well.  All total there are about 20 to 25 houses in our development. We are also blessed by wonderful children and their spouses!  We look forward to when Zach and Xander are old enough to mow lawns!!!

The patio furniture is put away but yet to be covered.  It is in an interior shop that is below our house and garage.  Due to salt erosion there are leaks that come into a limited area of the shop so we must cover what we store in that area.  That is something I can do after Dave’s surgery.  We just simply ran out of time today.

Tomorrow begins at 4:00 a.m. for us.  Dave is scheduled to be in the hospital by 5:30 a.m.  We do not know what time he will be home.  We do know that if all goes well he will be released tomorrow.  The sheets are clean, the fridge is stocked, but the bathtub is not yet scrubbed.  Oh well, it will get done…eventually.

Tomorrow is the beginning of our sabbatical (our “time out” in the hectic pace of life).  I’ve decided to join Dave and have as little on my schedule as possible.  There are a few events that we hope to attend but we will take into consideration Dave’s situation first and foremost.  I choose the word “sabbatical” with the dictionary’s definitions: “leave, retreat, time off, time out”.  All those pertain to what we want to do.  If you are given a bowl of lemons you might as well make lemonade!  I will take any situation that comes our way and turn it to the best of our advantage.  This situation with Dave is not a hardship for me.  It is a time when I can be there to help him, lavish him with love, help him get well, AND BE QUIET WHEN HE NO LONGER NEEDS TO HEAR ME TALK!  I can do that!

A little “time out” of life might be just what we need!   The idea of having time to spend studying God’s Word is also a great enticement. 

Before I become a hermit I better quit writing the blog.  I don’t want to write something I can’t live up to. 

 

HE KNOWS THE BEGINNING AND THE END

By Kathleen Martens

October 22, 2015

 

Man makes his plans,

But God directs his steps.

We know not what is ahead,

Our path by God is kept.

 

If we follow in His way

He is faithful to guide.

Through His Holy Spirit

Is how He does confide.

 

So we need not worry

About what tomorrow brings,

But rather trust in God’s wisdom

For every little thing.

 

He has a plan that is good

Designed to give us hope.

No matter the circumstance

He will always help us cope.

 

He gives comfort when it’s needed

And strength to get us through.

He knows the beginning and the end,

And we’re always in His view.

 

Good night and God bless you.

P.S.  Dave just took his night shower with hospital antiseptic (he has to take another one in the morning using more antiseptic wash and another clean towel).  Just wanted you to know he cleaned the tub and shower first.  He must sleep in all clean clothes and clean sheets!  All’s well!