Katrina!

Well, we are all watching the terrible situation the Southern States are in, I am sure. The millions of people homeless, the devastating sights on TV.

But have you noticed what strange questions are being asked by some of the news people when they have a conversation with a mayor or governor or somebody living there. Like, "Do you think tomorrow is going to be worse than today?" Hello, look at all the water around there! or
"Is there any indication when the water is going down?" or "You have any idea how many dead people there are?" How can they know that for pete's sake!

I am talking especially about Aaron Brown, and now he is going past the hour yet. I am ready for a break from him. It is just that I want to know what is going on there. My heart goes out to those poor people. Some of you are going to tell me, switch the channel you dummy! Well, Ted just did, turned it to soccer!

Spice Cake

OK people, this you've just got to make one of these days!
This is my special recipe for:

Hollands Ontbijt Koek
translated Dutch Breakfast Spice Cake
(But it's really "eat-it-anytime-cake")

4 cups white flour
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup honey
2 cups water
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 gloves
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp bakingsoda

1. Mix all dry ingredients
2. Mix all wet ingredients with the
   blender
3. Add wet to the dry ingredients and blend on high speed until well blended.

One important thing,
Put it in a greased and floured bundt pan. AND ONLY A
BUNDT
(not in a loaf or square pan as it rises in the
middle. I have made that mistake.)
Bake 30 min on 400
then for another 30 min on 300, (ovens vary)

Should be dry to the touch,
and an inserted tooth-pick
should come out clean.
It should come out of the pan quite
easely.

That's all folks, too little work for such a good tasting cake! (And low fat too)

Keep in ziplock bag on the counter or in the fridge. It's even better after a couple days. In fact, the older it gets the better it gets! (JUST LIKE ME!!)

Enjoy!

Another day!

This is Ted and me at a family wedding this summer. Little Samantha asked me "How did you get Opa to smile?" So I just asked him and he said:, "must've been in a good mood!"

Behind us is my niece Sandra and Logan.

Today we, Yvonne the girls and me went to Wal-Mart, where I picked up a pair of funky slacks to mail to Jennifer in North Carolina. It was very difficult to get something over there that was affordable on my budget. I bought a few other items for her.

At Wal-Mart you can get those small magnetic whiteboard comes with a marker and a tiny eraser. I had bought one for Jennifer, since I find them so handy to jot down things I need to get from the store. Sammie liked that so much she wondered why I had not brought one for her. Well, since they are only 99ct, I 'll mail one to her.

Tomorrow, if it does not rain, I'll plan to mow the lawn, actually, it did not grow that much since I left for NC.

Yesterday they promised a very hot weather weekend in the 30's. Now I noticed it'll only be in the mid 20's. I wish they would make up their minds.

All you "full time" working people are looking forward to the weekend I am sure.

What kind of plans do you all have?

Back home!

Well, after a wonderful vacation and a very relaxing one, I am back in Winnipeg. I went to bed at 2:00 am this morning. The line up was long at the customs. Than I was hungry, 9I do not like to eat alone while traveling), so we drove by McDonald, the old standby!

The flight went without any problems, except the departure was very sad. We all were so close to crying, actually I did as I went up the escalator, and when the security had to look in my passport. I said: "I am just so sad, I am leaving my granddaughter", "I understand ma'am". Yea right!

When I had to say goodbye, I lifted up Sammie, and she cried: "Oma please don't go, Oma please don't go, I will miss you too much". I was trying to comfort her by saying we will be back in October, but that does not mean a thing, actually at that point that did not mean anything to me either!. That is just the bad part about going somewhere, you have to at one point say goodbye. It is amazing how many people stare at you when you are crying, may be it is sympathy and they are afraid to say something?

Actually, I found it harder to unpack this morning than to pack before my departure, 'cause at that point I am still there. But right now I am very close to crying. Ted got a couple CD's from his brother with Dutch Hymns on it, we are listening to them and THAT does not help either, makes me homesick for Holland where all my family is. Since they all are going on in years, (I am the second youngest alive), my wish is to see them all just one more time. But when I have some money to spare I'd find it important to see the kids down south. Can't do both!

What a shocker to come out of the Airport and finding it rather chilly and having to wear a coat which Ted had brought along for me.

Tomorrow I have to go back to work to make some money, same story, which is everybody's story.

Love Trudy (back in Winnipeg)

Last day!

This is my last full day in North Carolina.

Paul in his shop this morning and this afternoon we are going to a Shopping Centre out of town. Paul keeps on asking what would you like to do Mom?. My answer always is: I am doing what I like to do right now.

Jennifer told Paul, I wish Mom would stay longer, she is such low maintenance.
Yesterday we went to a store going out of business. They had Hallmark greeting cards 90% off. I bought some makeup, nylons, shampoo, I even used a Canada discount coupon $1.00 off. The cash register scanner went a bit haywire. The girl had to get somebody to help her!!! Well, it did not say "not to be used in the USA".

I also bought balloons for Sammie's Birthday Party. Which was held in the McDonald. Since they have the playstructure outside there is no party room. We had to grab the tables as they became available. So I put the balloons on the chairs. Finally we had half of the restaurant covered.

There were 14 kids plus parents. The kids actually played outside. I cannot believe with these high temp's around the 100F that they would have the playstructure outside. Since it was evening it was bearable.

So tomorrow 5:30 pm my plane leaves. We heard that Northwest is going on strike, before we heard that they came to an agreement, Both Paul and Jennifer said, alright!! Mom is staying!! Would you believe that! Poor Ted, he is counting the hours by now for me to come back. It is not easy to be in between those desires.

Sammie got many nice presents a lot of clothing and toys. I 'd bought her a huge ball, she got a second one identical! She also received a Cabbage Patch doll. I have not seen these in ages!

Since Jennifer home schools Sammie, she wanted a World Globe, so that is what I got her, it is standing in Paul's office for now. Do you know that Sammie know almost half of the states in the USA. She points to Winnipeg, "there's where Opa and Opa live, that is a long, long way", she said. Amagine, she turned four this week!

So this is my update, I probably wont blog until I am back home.

How to keep your hands wrinkle free!

Hands are one of the most visible parts of your body and they certainly endure a lot of physical abuse! You use them in everyday activity, and yet, they remain the ultimate "accessory." You should give your hands the same attention you give your face.

Some of the things you can do to ensure your hands remain in good condition and wrinkle-free can be summed up in the following tips. Try some of these out yourself and see the state of your hands improve!

You should always keep your hands soft. Soft skin is less prone to wrinkling because it is moisturized and supple. To keep hands soft while doing chores, add a little almond oil (about a teaspoon) to the dish water during dish washing time.

There are also soaks of various kinds that you can do from the comfort of your own home to improve the condition and softness of your hands. Wash hands thoroughly with warm water, then, using a washcloth (preferably a coarse textured cloth), rub briskly. While skin is still damp, apply a mixture of one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of olive oil.
Next, place hands in small plastic bags and then into a pair of cotton gloves for thirty minutes. The tightness of the gloves and the heat from the plastic will help the treatment penetrate.

For a Cleopatra-like hand "makeover," warm a cup of milk in the microwave for thirty seconds (until warm, but comfortable to the touch). Then, soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin.

This particular soak is great because milk is not only loaded with lactic acid, a natural alpha hydroxy that gently exfoliates dead skin, but its high calcium content will strengthen your fragile nails!

One other excellent help for your hands is "Udder Balm", Wal-Mart sells it. Ask the pharmacist if you cannot find it. It is very cheap, but amazing stuff!

A lot of people don't realize that what we eat can have a direct effect on the way our skin will treat us.
For hands that are wrinkle-free and beautiful, you have to eat food that is rich in carotene.

Update my trip

Yesterday we went to the beach, Myrtle Beach that is, 2-1/2 hours away. The temp is around the 100'sF everyday! The water was actually warm, and the waves great. My goodness is this ever a nice country. We had supper in the "Liberty Restaurant"at the "Broadway at the Beach" a shopping plaza where we walked around for a while.

I am sleeping with Sammie, so in the morning it is very difficult for her to wait untill I wake up. She figures she can speed up the process by saying: "Oma wake up, Oma wake up", all the while patting my head. So one morning she did it again but I kept my eyes closed and then all of a sudden I said:"Boo!!!" Well that nearly scared the daylight out of her.

This morning I woke up and no Sammie, she had told Jennifer, "I decided to let Ome sleep in". Now is that cute or what!

This evening, Paul told her to eat her food,"why" she asked, 'because I am your Daddie. When I am not here, you listen to your Mommie". To which Sammie said, "and if Mammie is not here, I do what I say!!"

Tomorrow is her 4th Birthday. she was telling me that her party is Friday at McDonald. So I said,"oh Sammie that sounds like so much fun, I wish I could come". "But you can Oma, that is why you came over right?"

Today we went to Wal-Mart and I bought some things for Sammie's Birthday and then to McDonald for a happy meal.

Tomorrow is another day!

Yvonne's topic today

http://www.yvonneparks.blogspot.com

How are you doing? by Yvonne Parks

I have always been facinated by people who can put on a good face. I have a number of friends, who were always doing "Great" and had a big smile on their face as they held their newborn children. Months past, and they eased through it floating on cloud nine. Happily caring for their new child....and all was right with the world.THEN....a couple years later I hear "OH yeah...I had severe post pardum. I just didn't let anyone know. It was a horrible time."

Please read the rest on Yvonne's blog:

The following is my comment:

It is good to share with friends. But I for one like to bring things to the Lord. Then when all is past, I have learned something and in turn use it to encourage somebody.

I don't want to complain and have people listen to my groaning and moaning. Who wants to be with a negative person, I don't!

Now, if I know for sure a friend is able, I say, able to encourage me, and they are going to pray for me, I will share with them.

Then we have to make sure it is not spiritual pride keeping us from confiding. I have friends like that. Everyting is always hunky-dorey, Then you hear later on otherwise.

One more thing, I would hate to find out some of my dear friends are going through a rough time and me not knowing about it.

What do you think?

Just another beautiful day in NC!

This is Sammie being silly with a tea cosy on her head,

and forever sitting with and on top of me.

No, I don't mind at all! I love being here,

it has been a long time coming!

And this is our son Paul and my dear daughter-in-law.

We are having such a wonderful time together.

We have a lot to talk about, afterall, it has been almost a year since we were here!

Tomorrow we are going to the beach as planned.

Winnipeg, eat your heart out, it will be 91F

Love Trudy

So I am here!

I had a good trip, read a book that Yvonne borrowed me. " The Divine Romance", an exellent book, I highly recommend it. I was able to read the whole book, finished it on the plane half way Minniapolis and Raleigh. Very easy reading.

One of my bags was missing, what a bummer, as I had crocheted a blanket for Sammie and it was in that bag, also my toothbrush and hairproducts. But I have learned over the last half year, to go with the flow, you'll be a lot happier, no use fussing.

So it finally came this morning, Sammie all happy with her cuddle blankie.

The weather is great here, around the 90's. Very humid, to sit in the sun is a bit too much for me. But we are going to the beach on Monday, that should be fun. with the small tornado they are expecting the waves are going to be high, said Paul. I kind of looked at him, I was thinking about the Tsunami!. Why would anyone want to be there. But it wont be like that he assured me. I don't mind jumping in the waves, yep, even with my age! Besides, we used to do it in Holland. The beaches in Birdshill are a joke compaired to that, but those are a lot safer for kids!

Little Sammie is so happy I am here, she even makes up songs like:

I love Oma

I love Oma

I love OOOOOMMMMMaaaa soooooo much

and

I love Oma, I love Oma

Etc.

I guess, the musical genes are in her as well!

Yesterday, get this, somebody told Paul (and I have to hi-lite this) I was not old enough to be his Mom, give me a break allready!

I will post a picture of Sammie and me, she is so cute!

Packing

Yep, I am packing, going to North Carolina tomorrow. I am wondering whether I need to mow the lawn yet this evening. I worked today, so I am kind of tired. Also need to water the flowers outside. I have been instructing Ted to look after all the plants inside and outside. He told me I can always stay home, got to make a choice here. A little late for that! So, I'll be praying for rain in Winnipeg, sorry people.

My plane leaves 1:35 pm, and am really looking forward to the pretzels!

It will be nice to see Paul, Jennifer and little Samantha.

But I am not very good at saying goodbye to Ted, he'll be lonely. Somebody asked him today, I guess you are happy to see her go, what are they thinking!

I'll be writing from down south.

Remembering more "kids stuff"!

When Yvonne was about the age of Aila, she might have been two. We had bought her a pair of red rain boots, she was sitting in the car. Stuck out both her legs and with a big smile, and with her very limited vocabulary (she makes up for that now), she said:"HAPPY BOOTS!"

We used that slogan a lot as she was growing up, and if I wanted to find out if she was content and happy with something, I'd asked, HAPPY BOOTS?

Ever since Yvonne was a teenager on Friday she would ask her Dad if she could borrow $5.00 or something. We are still waiting........

When Yvonne was taking piano lessons, people were wondering how I got her to practice. Well, it was simple, after supper, practice or doing the dishes! Hello, guess what!

My sentiments this morning

Psalm 92

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim HIS unfailing love in the morning,

HIS faithfulness in the evening,

LORD, I am so thankful with all you have done for me!

I sing for joy because of what you have done.
O LORD, what great miracles you do!

And how deep are your thoughts for me.
Only an ignorant person would not know this!

Only a fool would not understand it.

Although the unbelievers flourish like weeds,

and seemingly blossom with success,

there is only eternal destruction ahead of them.

But you are exalted in the heavens.

You, O LORD, continue forever.
Your enemies, LORD, will surely perish;
But you have made me as strong as a wild bull

How refreshed I am by your power!

The godly will flourish like palm trees

Even in old age I will still produce fruit;

I will remain vital and green.
I will declare, "The LORD is just!

He is my rock

There is nothing but goodness in him!"

Can you say AMEN to that?

Have a great day!

I have to get ready for work!

Remembering kids stuff!

Our boys Ron-(nie) and Paul-(ie) ( when they were about 8 and 5 years old), were discussing remembering things. Ron would say, I remember such and such..., Paul would say: "I remember this and that...." They were actually trying to out-do their remembering skills, going back and back. Ron said: "I remember I was sitting in the highchair" or something like that. "Well", Paul piped out, "That is nothing! Cause, I remember, I was in mom's tummy and in between all those bones I said to my self, how the heck do I get out of here!!"

Yesterday's barbecue!

We had a great time yesterday at Ron and Lynne's place. Ron made these huge thick hamburgers They were good, even though I am not a meat eater. I managed to eat the whole thing. I am more a salad/bread/soup person. But meat on a barbecue somehow taste better.

They are so nicely set up for kids, fenced yard first of all, than a play structure, Oma had to push the kids on the swing. There was a kiddy pool with a little slide going into, I think Lynne should poste a picture of that. Come to think of it, Opa should've brought his camera!!

The boys have those peddle cars etc. When Aila got there she did not know what to do first. She had so much fun. It is amazing how different each child is. At one point, I had Aila and Evan on the swing, we were watching them and all of a sudden, Evan pretended after I had pushed him, to be asleep, Ron and Lynne were laughing, but it scared the daylight out of me. I thought there was something wrong. "Oh", said Lynne, " he does that all the time, he is a comedian". I figured, he does that when I am babysitting, I'd call 911. What a funny kid. Actually, he has not done anything like that at our house when we were babysitting, Yet!! Now, as we were discussing it, we remembered that Paul would do that as well when he was little. Look at me now, I survived!

Thank you Ron and Lynne for a nice time. Lynne is a good hostess. And Ron great on the barbecue!

Beach!

We went to the beach yesterday, with Ron, Lynne, their boys, Yvonne and the girls, Jason's Mom Nancy. Yes and it was lots of fun. The weather was great. I was in the water with the kids. Now I have an even better tan. That is great just before I go down South! I am looking forward to this.

Yvonne said I could not have picked a worst time to go away, as Jason will be out of town all of next week. Also she is going to need dental surgery on the 17th. Oops, I did not remember all that.

There were a few other things I had to worry about as well. My work for one. Got to make sure everything is in order. I only have Monday and Tuesday do do all that, and I have work to do at home yet. Then I wanted to travel in such a way that Paul would not have to close his computer shop. He would loose too much business. A good connection in Minneapolis also important. My lay over is actually not that great. I better take a book along.

So, and that is my story for today!!

At 4 we are going over to Ron and Lynne for a barbeque, we have to pick up a few things yet. We are looking forward to that as well. Boy, life is great!

Trip coming up!

So, I will be going on a trip. Next Wednesday the 10th, I'll be flying to North Carolina. Samantha, our son Paul and Jennifer's little girl has her 4th Birthday coming up. I just wanted to go, as we have not been there for a while, because of my sickness. We are planning to go with the both of us this coming October. But I just could not be away from Samantha any longer. I need a Sammie "Fix".

Sammie was so happy when I called them with the news, she asked me to bring the "Jack in the box". Because that is what she remembers playing with the last time they came to Canada. I told her I would do that, then she asked, are you taking Opa along?

When I told her no, she began to cry, I want my Opa, I want my Opa. (Opa is also the one who holds the "Jack in the box", and as the thing jumps up so will Opa, which is of course a favorite thing with the grandchildren.) Y

I told her Jesus told me to come by my self this time, then it was OK with her, well sort of, she did not quite agree with Jesus though.

I mentioned Jesus, because she has been praying for Opa and Oma to come. Nevertheless, it won't be fun for Opa to be by himself, but he just does not have the energy I have to do things.
This is something he wants me to do!

I'll be there till the 21st.

I even was able to get insurance, but whatever happens that pertains to cancer, well then I am out of luck! Cost me only $37.00. I was surprised at that!

We went to Wal-Mart today, Yvonne , the girls and I. Of course we went to the big M. That Aila gets so exited as we drive up the parking lot . It is wonderful to have them back in town. The girls were talking as if they were making up for lost time after I got in the car. As Anneka was talking to me, Aila cupped her hands to her mouth and yelled. OOOHMMMMAaaa, with other words, can I have your attention for a minute please?

It was a fun day!

Chemo, done!

So as I write this I am taking the last chemo ($8.00)pill. (I was on four a day.)
Now, I finally have a change to get rich, just kidding! Just think of it, we could've gone out for dinner many times! Ha,ha.

I read!

There's a story about a group of scientists who decided that humans could do without God. So one of them looked up to God and said, "We've decided that we no longer need You. We have enough wisdom to clone people and do many miraculous things."

God listened patiently and then said, "Very well, let's have a man-making contest. We'll do it just like I did back in the old days with Adam." The scientists agreed, and one of them bent down and picked up a handful of dirt. God looked at him and said, "No! You have to make your own dirt!"

chemo!

One more day!

Chemo

Chemo, two more days, yeah!!!!!!