"Oh Canada"

“Oh Canada!”


Several times this week I have discovered the tune for the Canadian national anthem bouncing about in the recesses of my mind. The excitement of the Olympics and the metal race has not gone unnoticed.

Ohno was robbed of a metal in his next to final race. That is all I have to say on the subject, until I interject again.

Growing up in New Jersey a trip to Canada was a frequent treat. Camping from the back of the Country Squire or the Belair was fun, sorry mom, and taught us a life time of survival skills.

The first time I remember going to Canada we took the Eastport Ferry from Maine to Deer Island, New Brunswick. The ferry was a barge guided by a fishing boat. Here is the link for those interested.
http://wikimapia.org/5740394/Deer-Island-Eastport-Ferry-border-crossing

Once on Deer Island there is a race to the other side via the paved route or the scenic route
(I have read the sign) to the free ferry to the Maritime mainland. I vaguely remember going through Customs and heading toward St. John’s to view reversing falls. No I have never seen the falls reverse, but I probably saw what I was supposed to see. Most of you know I am at times a dense literalist and if the signs says the falls reverse, I expect to see the water go up rather then down. I think we camped that night in Fundy National Park.

As we entered the Provence of Nova Scotia, we listened to a piper dressed in appropriate tartan welcome us. Each Provence or territory has a distinct tartan and would make a great category on Jeopardy. I can see it now; I’ll take tartan for 1200, Alex. Ding DING DING, a video daily double. Up would flash the reddish brownish green tartan and I would proudly state what is NEW FOUNDLAND? Pronounce the Provence, NewFOUNDland please.
Newfoundland tartan

Family vacation has not been fair or fun to Beth and Char. Ask them and they will admit to being born and raised on I 81. What was the difference? Location? John and I both grew up within minutes of relatives. Sunday dinner was always a circus at the Crowther household. Our girls travel hours sometimes days to visit theirs. I know it is not fair, but exposure to the idiosyncrasies of the family is imperative to understanding who you are. Ask mom the difference between biscuits and short cake. Well maybe not today. That is another long story.

Take the children on a road trip. We waited too long because our priorities were different. Sorry girls.

Twenty years

Do you remember where you were twenty years ago at this very moment? This is not a trick question it is simply a method of introduction.

Twenty years ago, I was pacing the halls of the Hospital at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, waiting for Charlotte to make her debut. The afternoon before, February 25, when were ready to start pushing her royal nibs decided to show some signs of fetal distress. Her heart rate was soaring as the credits to “Hush Hush sweet Charlotte,” were rolling on the television. All calmed down after a huge fluid bolus and Charlotte pulled her first “GILDA” (“Never mind”).

John’s Aunt Charlotte was staying at the old house in Parkway Estates with Beth who was ending the worse case of chicken pox in modern history.

It was now mid afternoon, Monday and I was getting tired. Labor was in full swing, nasty stuff all over the place and I am pushing and pushing and pushing. The doctor hates to deliver in the suites he is a “there is never an easy delivery in the suite, give me the labor room type of guy.” As he calls for the forceps, I pick up my head; hold up my index finger and say “One more try”. Finally this head the size of Gibraltar pops out and the delivery commenced. To this day it is very vivid memory. Sorry baby your head was huge!

We named her Charlotte Mae in honor of her two great aunts. I just could not name the baby Dorothy -Charlotte. Charlotte Mae was the surprise name that was agreed upon. Could you come up with a better combination of Dorothy Mae Kent Harvey and Charlotte Foster Kent? I did not think so. Charlotte was not a traditional name for the 90’s and Mae was just old. These two women have been some of my most true to life angels on earth. Some of you may remember when I had to go to be for 3 months before I could deliver Beth, Aunt Charlotte was there to experience the walking on egg shells with us. The aunts lived together and I am sure Aunt Dorothy was very lonely while Alabama was monopolizing Aunt Charlotte.

Last year, Aunt Charlotte (91) died from metastatic cancer. Two days ago Aunt Dorothy celebrated her 97th birthday.

Today is another reminder to honor and cherish the saints who have influenced our lives. Enjoy their childhood adventures let them live vicariously through you. Learned from them and pray a prayer of thanksgiving for their lives.

Happy 20th Charlotte Mae, love you with all my heart.
Momma

Singing myself to sleep

When at night I go to sleep,Fourteen angels watch do keep. Two my head are guarding: (Two are standing near my head) Two my feet are guiding: (At my feet two lightly tread) Two are on my right hand; Two are on my left hand; Two who warmly cover; (Two who cozy make me) Two who o'er me hover; (Two from sleep awake me) Two to whom 'tis given (2 who guide my steps aright ) To guide my steps to Heaven. (& lead me on to Heaven’s light.)

The tune is the lullaby from Hansel and Gretel.

Perhaps some of you recognize the lyrics to the lullaby above. Mrs. Peckham the director of the Junior Choir at Stratford UMC (NJ), made us sing this song, to the delight of our parents and blue head ladies. My remembered lyrics are in parenthesis. I am sure we sounded angelic and fooled the masses. What I have discovered lately is that the songs of our childhood can comfort us as we age.

Last night started off as a just plan horrible night. At 3 PM I was told by my doctor to go to the ED to make sure nothing else broke when I fell on Sunday. Final answer no fracture on left hip or shoulder. Soreness is another subject.

John and I got home shortly after 8PM. We ate and then attempted to sleep. I could not sleep, despite prescription measures. Finally after an hour I was able to doze after I sang this song to twice to myself.

Today’s lesson for me was to remember the Saints whom have gone on before us. They have left their impression on our heart.

Today’s Goal: What quality endowment will I leave behind?

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. NLT




Some Sundays are supposed to be spent in church. I should have been there today. I wanted to go, but I knew I would be exposed to a trigger. Triggers are irritants that interfere with my breathing. Instead of taking my chances and going to church I found my own trouble.

This morning was nice and Lacey needed some exercise. I opened the gate, released the chain and off she ran. Yes we close the gate and chain the dog to the tree. Lacey climbs the chain link and runs away if she is unchanged.

Focus… So Lacey is loose. I start walking toward the right of way and boom, down I go. We have a natural area behind the house with pavers to insure safe passage from the yard to the clearing. Not safe this time but stunned. The back yard is loaded with center point rock. Angels protected me from serious injury. When I was able, I got up and got a bag of peas from the freezer, best compress ever.
Lesson learned?

Probably not.

BLOG DAY 1

Saturday February 20Th 2010 is the beginning day of blogging. I am blogging because I want to think. In my former profession I audited patient records for various regulations but due to poor health have been sent to the house. For some stupid reason I cannot work from home. Ok that is off my chest. Medical chart or EMR ( electronic medical records) are to be kept contained at the mother ship. I do understand the regulations but not the double standard. If I were a transcriber I would have access. An RN BA BSN & MSN do not grant you access. Okay I am still not over this but perhaps blogging is my therapy?

Twogoldengirls is dedicated to Beth and Char because their mom is very proud to have two beautiful, yes beautiful daughters who have worked very hard. Both have their Girls Scout Cold Award thus the name for this blog.

Since I am batting 100% on daughters, I must add the man of the house is a helpless romantic and it totally taken by the women in the house. He is by no means a pushover, but for me, the best possible mate in the world.

Pets (outside) include Lacey, Baby and Fitzwilliam. Pictures to be posted when I can figure out where I have a group picture. All pets are rescue animals. I am a big fan of the "Dog on TV" available from a local humane society, but I have to refrain. Three is enough.

Fitzwilliam has the best name. Fitzwilliam Kermit Tallmedge Kent. The inspiration for the name came from Charlotte Mae. She remembers her daddy commenting that good old fashioned names are not used anymore. To her credit she named Fitz and John has been a fan most days.

Baby and Lacey are 14 years old and still going strong. Baby is a tuxedo cat and knows she looks good. Lacey is Beth's "PUPPY!" and thinks Fitz is her personal playtoy.

What I am doing to be productive is baking and crocheting. Aunt Barbie Bakes and Aunt Barbie Makes. Best catch phrase I could come up with at this time.

Thanks for stopping by,

Barbara