A Wonderful Christmas

Although I dreaded my first Christmas without Todd, it was a very wonderful day of great visits, phone calls and love.

Will spent the night Christmas Eve and we both woke up about 7 a.m. I made coffee and he helped clean up a bit. I taught him how to make a breakfast casserole with eggs, cheese and sausage. I cut up fruit for a fruit salad. Cody and Amanda came about 9 a.m. and ate quickly - my kids are still excited about Christmas. Will surprised me with gold/diamond earrings to match my necklace that I had made from our wedding bands. Such a thoughtful son. He also got me the book Eat, Pray, Love. (January Book club book) Cody and Amanda know what I like - they got me a one hour massage at Natural Options in Grove City. I can't wait to make my appointment.

The kids opened their gifts that were inside; Amanda got scrapbooking and kitchen stuff, Will got Todd's pistols and Cody had to wait for his big gift in the garage. We put on our coats and walked out to the garage through a light coating of snow.  Cody was VERY surprised to see a GIANT compost bin/barrel and two chairs for their dining room table. Will also got a bed and mattress set. It was an overall BIG Christmas this year. Jeff called to see how Cody liked his new GREEN toy and I told him he loved it.

I took a ride up to Mom's who is suffering from the shingles on her face. I made dinner of crab cakes and rice; she had coleslaw for our vegetable. Darren, Shelly, Nicole and Zac stopped in....mom gave us our gifts. My favorite is a small old jar of old buttons, it is already on my button shelf above my quilt hanging.

Thanks to all for making this Christmas a happy one - from all of the wishes on the phone, emails and visits....lets keep the homefires burning with love for each other.

202 days ago

It was a day that I will never forget - the day Todd's heart of gold stopped beating. He was so brave that last week of life - accepting the inevitable had finally happened in his confused, disease riddled body. The cancer had finally won but he also knew that it was a blessing in disguise - he was going beyond the Earth body we are all given and would arrive at a place he always knew would be his home - heaven.  He was a very loving, religious man who always shared his thoughts of God with others.  Dearest husband, you are sincerely missed by many - we all loved you and are so thankful for the faith that carried us to this point of accepting that vision of hope of seeing you again.

Todd, your garage is getting a workout! Jeff (one of Santa's elves) was busy yesterday constructing Cody's surprise. I can't wait to see his face when he whips the sheet off of the contraption that will be a BIG help in living life GREEN.

Last night, I took time to attend the Foxburg's Christmas dinner for some of the areas families with special needs children. I was the OFFICAL photographer - the kids humored me by smiling when I asked. Santa was there as well as the Grove City Barbershop Chorus; singing lots of lively Christmas favorites. The food was outstanding; so much on the buffet! Thank you Miss Becky for putting this all together this year again!

Visitors brought a thoughtful gift yesterday. Jim Anderson, who bought Todd's touring bike, and his wife stopped in to deliver a framed tribute photo of their trip to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Todd's dream was to ride his bike with Will and Cody on their's for a Rt. 66 trip -- to that very place. The photo is of Jim and his wife on the bike with the Grand Canyon sign in the background titled: In Memory of Todd 2010. They knew how much Todd would have loved being the one in the photo.

I also was given a monetary gift in memory of Todd which was added to the many already received; the church's Youth Fund is overflowing in memory of Todd!  Thanks Sharon and Bob.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New year to all of my loving family and friends. I could not have gotten through this year without you all! Love to you, Julie

The Week

Herb Glazed Chicken - Amanda loves to make this delicious Coast favorite with chicken breasts to counterbalance the healthy meat with the unhealthy (but yummy) coating of peach preserves and butter glaze. We have been enjoying this dish in our family for over 30 years. She, Cody and Will invited me for dinner one night this week and we feasted on this chicken dish.

I also got my monthly younger look applied to my head - a cut and color at Korner's in Barkeyville - my beautician of choice - Darlene Hanna. I have been going to see her for almost 20 years. I like things staying the same. It gives me a sense of family everywhere I go. I attended three days of ankle therapy for my 'broken' ankle that I thought was a sprain. While there, I saw an old neighbor, Mark Dunn. He and his son used to live across from us - we gave them the boys' basketball hoop stand when they weren't using it anymore.  I don't think I could ever move away - I like knowing people everywhere I venture in my own little world here in Northern Butler County, Eastern Mercer County and Southern Venango County. Mom and her friend Kaycee stopped in for a visit on their way home from seeing the Vatican display at the John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh; Mom's Christmas gift from Doug and Mary Kay. They loved seeing all of the history and spendor. Agway was here yesterday to adjust my water system and get the water on the right track.Handyman Jeff stopped in a couple of days for coffee chats - he is keeping me grounded lately with his visits and joking. This time last year Todd was buying lots of gifts with his first Social Security Disability check - he was living up his last Christmas with a smile and a tug on everyone's hearts. Bittersweet.

My most exciting day of the week was Saturday; Becky loaned me her kids for the day...for tons of fun. She was readying for the Foxburg's second annual Christmas for Kids dinner and party this coming Thursday night. She had to buy gifts for about 20 kids and then wrap them. A couple of helpers and eight hours later; they were done. In the meantime. the kids and I crafted and ate and crafted the day away. We used old Christmas cards of my Grandma Russell's and made some ornaments and boxes. The kids had so much fun and so did I!!

Photographs and Memories

This is the middle of my busy weekend. Friday night, Will and I were picked up by my friends Steve and Laurie Croy to attend the Keypoint Government Solutions Christmas Party at Shakespeare's in Ellwood City. No snow and no rain made for a good drive. The evening was so much fun. Will fit right in with our crazy table of coworkers and guests; Steve and Darla Adams, Brian and Karen Drew, Laurie and Steve Croy. We all kidded and harrassed each other the entire evening. I laughed til I cried and it was great that Will was able to come along - we were kicked out at 10 p.m. but could have stayed all night.

Last night Will and I zipped up to Barkeyville to the Coffee House - not too crowded so close to Christmas but the music was nice. I loved the Christmas songs of Paul and Karen Douds, you guys are awesome!!  The next duo up sang some wonderful songs; the one that made me sad was the Jim Croce song - Photographs and Memories.
 
Photographs and memories
Christmas cards you sent to me
All that I have are these
To remember you

Memories that come at night
Take me to another time
Back to a happier day
When I called you mine

But we sure had a good time
When we started way back when
Morning walks and bedroom talks
Oh how I loved you then

Summer skies and lullabies
Nights we couldn't say good-bye
And of all of the things that we knew
Not a dream survived

Photographs and memories
All the love you gave to me
Somehow it just can't be true
That's all I've left of you

But we sure had a good time
When we started way back when
Morning walks and bedroom talks
Oh how I loved you then

Check out the awesome website by Jim Croce's widow Ingrid;
http://www.jimcroce.com/

Today is the Miller Christmas in Barkeyville at the United Methodist Church, right across from our church. I won't have to do much traveling today. The weather is supposed to turn nasty so the ones far away might decide to be safe and stay home. I am sure we will understand.

Busy time of year

The month of December is busy for everyone - so much to squeeze into the days before Christmas. Tonight is my company's Christmas party at Shakespeare's in Ellwood City. I will get a chance to 'dress up' with my sparkly black jacket and camisole and my new boots to keep by feet warm in the large upper room of the castle. My date of choice (handyman Jeff) was called to work tonight so Will is my handsome stand in. He and I will look so fine and he will get to meet all of my work friends.

Yesterday I was fitted for and obtained an ASO (ankle stablilzing orthosis) for supporting my healing broken ankle. Shame on me for walking on it since August 30th when I 'sprained' it at Zumba. I did have it x-rayed the week after it happened at the GCMC and the results were said to be just a sprain. I finally went to the foot/ankle specialist in Grove City, Dr. Spencer, who said it is a healing break. I guess I should take care of this old 51 year old body a little better. I start my therapy Monday at 3 p.m. at Wise Physical Therapy on Cranberry Road past the hospital.

Last night, I was invited to dinner at Cody, Amanda and Will's for chicken and biscuits, one of their favorites. It was so cold to go out - but the roads were clear. I brought Will home with me so he will be here tonight when we are picked up for the Christmas Dinner/Party. Steve and Laura Croy will be letting us ride with them.

Saturday is another scrapbooking day, Coffee House at our church in the evening, Sunday morning church and in the afternoon - the annual Miller Christmas. It will be a very busy weekend. I guess I will rest on Monday while I am working.

Words to Live By

Photo by Keith Reynolds, local photographer

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland Ohio:
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.