Wyoming Breezes

Monday, April 20, 2009 Outside My Window. . . a beautiful day is in the making: clear blue sky, birds chattering in the trees, and a slight breeze flapping the flag. Last week's snow has melted, encouraging the world to come out of its winter slumber. I am thinking. . . of opening up the house today and letting in some fresh air. I am thankful... for a Monday morning at home. I switched shifts with another volunteer, so I will work this afternoon at the hospital. In the kitchen... an early lunch is in the works - leftovers (planned overs from last night's meal). I am wearing... casual clothes: a tee and some khaki pants I am creating... some knitted items for the troops: neck gators for now. I am planning... knit some helmet liners, in addition to the neck gators. The CitizensSAM site has more information. I am reading... Toxic Bachelors by Danielle Steel. I am praying... for my neighbor who is still hospitalized. I am hearing... the chattering of birds in my yard....

Monday, April 13, 2009 Outside My Window. . . the sky is gray and dreary. It was clear earlier, but now a spring storm is moving into the area. I only hope that the moisture will be in a more liquid form than the past weeks' storms. I am glad that the snow has melted, giving the lawns around town a much needed drink. My yard is beginning to turn from a drab beige to a fresh green. I am thinking. . . about my neighbor, as he is back in the hospital. I am thankful... for all the fresh produce and fruit featured in the grocery store. I purchased some asparagus and strawberries on Saturday. Nothing tastes more like Spring than asparagus. When I lived on the farm, every year I to hunt for wild asparagus along the ditch banks and in old farm yards. The location of these patches were a well guarded secret. I wonder if anyone has discovered my treasure and if they enjoy it as much as I did. On a plate in the kitchen... are the crumbs of my lunch - an egg salad sandwich, a fresh tomato,...

Monday, April 6, 2009 Outside My Window. . . an orange glow lines the horizon and projects golden patterns on the opposite wall of my front room - another beautiful day has started. The weatherman promises at least two sunny days this week, and today is one of them. Even the birds are happy about that prospect as they dance on the lawn and sing in the trees. I am thankful... that I will have good weather and thus good roads for tomorrow's day trip. In the kitchen... the water is hot and ready for my morning tea. I am creating... knit squares for the All Crafts for Charity April project. I am planning... the April newsletter for the support group. I am reading... the daily paper. It is about all I can wrap my mind around at present. I am praying... for patience, patience with myself and with my doctors. One of my favorite things... working on a crossword puzzle in a relaxing bubble bath. Strange combination but it soothes the mind and the body. To me, it is pure heaven. A ...

Monday, March 30, 2009 Outside My Window. . . winter's grasp tightens once more. Last night a violent wind brought in another storm, and this morning everything is covered with 5 inches of heavy, wet snow. The wind is still howling and will make travel treacherous today. I am thinking. . . this latest storm is inconvenient, but it is packed with wonderful and much needed moisture. I will try not to grumble about shoveling it off of the walks and drive. I am thankful... that I am no longer teaching. A friend stopped by for a visit yesterday, and hearing of the changes and struggles at my former school made me very thankful that I do not have to deal with the ever extending schedule and the stress of state testing. Leaving education was difficult for me, but now I am certain that if I had stayed, my health would be much worse: the stress alone would have been too much. In the kitchen... breakfast is delayed. I have lab work this morning so breakfast will have to wait. I am wearin...

Monday, March 23, 2009 Outside My Window. . . winter has returned. A cold, wind is blowing, and the ground is covered with snow. I am thinking. . . of walking to the mailbox. I dread walking in the wind. I have been known to drive to the mailbox when the weather is bad which is pretty pathetic because my mailbox is only a half a block from my house. I am thankful... for all the moisture in today's snow. In the kitchen... the groceries I purchased are waiting to be put away. I found some really good bargains at Safeway this afternoon. I am wearing... a long-sleeve fleece top and black pants. I am creating... a short-sleeve sweater for myself . I have been talking about this sweater for months, and now it is on the needles. I am reading... Lost Lake by Phillip Margolin I am praying... that our leaders can get things straightened out. I get so discouraged when I read and see the news, but I will continue to pray, and pray, and pray. I am hearing... the wind. Something to pon...

Monday, March 16, 2009 Outside My Window. . . the day has already started and here I sit with sleep still in my eyes and being lazy. A light breeze blows the plastic bag scraps that are snagged in my front tree. Weatherman is predicting temperatures in the 50s today, but with snow on the ground, it doubt whether it will be that warm. I am thinking. . . about my childhood and the mornings that I walked to the county road and waited for the yellow school bus to come lumbering up the road. To pass time, I would break the ice on puddles along the side of the road. Other times, I would scamper (I could scamper in those days) up the ditch bank and scan the horizon for the bus. How carefree my life was, and I didn't even realize it. I am thankful... for another Monday morning with no commitments. I woke early, rolled over and went back to sleep for another hour. In the kitchen... the rug frame is leaning against the table with only two inches remaining to twine. I am amazed that I wi...

Monday, March 9, 2009 Outside My Window. . . a light snow is falling. It is so fine that it is difficult to see unless highlighted by a dark background. It appears to be persistent and will probably fall all day, leaving a measurable accumulation. I am thinking. . . about making a short road trip this week, just to get out of town for a day. I need some new scenery. Today's snow may delay the trip. I am thankful... that I can stay home today. Another volunteer wanted to work my shift at the hospital today. I got to sleep in on a snowy day, and I don't have to get out in the snow. Life is good. In the kitchen... the ingredients for a pot of soup are on the counter. Snow days are perfect for making soup. I am wearing... my robe and pajamas. I am being lazy this morning, remember. I am creating... another Oddball blanket for the West Coast group from my stash. This one is blue and white stripes, using a seed block stitch. I am planning... to start another within the next we...

Monday, March 2, 2009 Outside My Window. . . are the makings for a beautiful spring-like day. To the east is a faint glow of gold: the sun is breaking the horizon; to the west, a bank of clouds signaling a change in the weather - a storm or maybe just wind. On the air is the faint smell of damp earth. I am thinking. . . of the month ahead and of the projects that I am planning. I am thankful... that winter's grasp is loosening. In the kitchen... the water for my tea is sputtering on the stove. I am wearing... a yellow top and khaki pants I am creating... the final (it is possible?) pair of socks from the scrap yarn bag. One sock is passed the gusset, and the other just had the heel turned. I am planning... to do more sewing this week. I have more baby blankets to make and some taggy ribbon blankets with the scraps. I want to finish working with the flannel before the end of the month. I am reading... Forever Odd by Dean Koontz. I am making slow progress. I am praying... m...

Monday, February 23, 2009 Outside My Window. . . or rather the window at the front desk of the hospital I saw a harbinger of Spring, a man mowing the large soccer practice field at the high school. Billows of dust followed him as he made his way back and forth. Personally, I think it is too early to think about doing any yard work; however, maybe the man has an informant. I hope so: I am weary of winter and its lack of bright color. I am thinking. . . of spring in my own way. Over the weekend, I grubbed out the small room that contains all of my craft supplies. I removed the twin bed and trundle and moved it into the room down the hall. I had the daybed removed from that room and hope to sell it at the yard sale this spring. Two of the twin mattresses were picked up yesterday by a woman who responded to my Freecycle offer. Now, that I have a true "sewing room" I hope to get some new projects started. I am thankful... for so many things in my life. The Lord has given...

Monday, February 16, 2009 Outside My Window. . . a beautiful day is unfolding. I just came in from getting the paper and hanging the flag for President's Day. The air is a crisp 20 degrees, yet the sky is nearly clear. It is becoming obvious that Winter is on its last legs. I am thinking. . . that I want to go back to bed because I spent so little time sleeping last night. This morning I am groggy, cranky, a headache is starting in the back of my head, and my ankles are already swollen. I went to bed at 10:30 and lay still for over an hour, trying to sleep. Yet, sleep did not come. I got up and knit until 1 PM. That did the trick, but when the alarm rang at 6:30 AM, I shut it off and slept for another 30 minutes. Staying in bed was not an option because Monday is my volunteer day. I will mumble and grumble for another 25 minutes and then start my day. Once at my post, I will be fine. I am thankful... that today is a holiday: the number of patients coming to the hospital for tes...

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Outside My Window. . . a light skiff of snow covers the ground, enough to allow cars to leave tracks, but not enough to bother getting off of the sidewalks. The sun, if it shines, will melt it quickly. I didn't think the sun would shine at all yesterday because it was so dreary in the morning, but by mid-afternoon patches of bright blue were visible. I am thinking. . . about finishing my tax information for the accountant. I have most of it finished; I just need to put it in a format for him. I hope one of these days to be able to do my own taxes again, but the tax laws are so complicated for my mind. I am thankful... for Jen . She keeps me on track with my Simple Woman's Daybook. Thanks, Jen for inquiring when I miss a daybook. In the kitchen... the table is an utter mess. I am working on the support group newsletter, and file folders, papers, and CDs are scattered over the entire table. I think I finished the issue last night, but I still need ...

Monday, February 2, 2009 Outside My Window. . . it is obvious that the groundhog saw his shadow this morning, so winter will be hanging on for six more weeks. The temperatures have been somewhat seasonal and mild here: the weeks should go by quickly. I am thinking. . . about some goals for February. One is to reach the bottom of my yarn basket beside my chair. The end is in sight, but I have yards and yards to knit to achieve this goal. I am thankful... for answered prayer. A lady at my church has been battling brain cancer for nearly two years, and yesterday, Pastor announced that her experimental treatment is showing signs of defeating the cancer cells. Praise the Lord. She is a young woman (about 30) with two very young children. In the kitchen... the dishwasher needs to be emptied, the counters need to be tidied and wiped down, and the table is filled with clutter. I need to spend some time in the kitchen this morning. I am wearing... my usual - twill slacks and a black top. V...

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Outside My Window. . . a plastic bag in the tree is trying desperately to free itself from the branches. I know the feeling. For years, I have tried nearly everything to lose weight. Even when I am successful, I fall back into old habits, and the weight returns. This time is no different: I am back to where I was two years ago, and I am furious with myself. The snagged bag in the tree fights on, and I suppose I will too because the freedom from the weight tastes better than any food. I am thinking. . . it is a good day to stay inside. It's too cold to be out and about. I am thankful... for my internet buddies in all parts of the world. When I was about 12 or 13, I had a pen pal in Japan, and we corresponded for two or three years. It would be fun to hear from her again, but I wouldn't have a clue where to start. In the kitchen... the coffee pot is sputtering. I don't usually drink the stuff, but my nephew, who stayed here last night, does. H...

Monday, January 19, 2009 Outside My Window. . . the morning sky is showing hints of the approaching dawn. It looks like it is going to be another gorgeous day. I am thinking. . . about the changes ahead for America and the world. I pray that everyone has the patience and desire to change. I am thankful... that I live in America where the seemingly impossible is possible. I am wearing... slacks and a sweater I am creating... more garter-stitch squares for an All Crafts for Charity project. I have completed quite a few of the squares and used a lot of donated yarn. It is my goal to empty at least one of my yarn baskets by the end of January. I am planning... to start a twined rug this week. The lady who sells them on consignment has been requesting more rugs. I am reading... World Without End by Ken Follett. This a sequel to Pillars of the Earth which I read last winter. I am praying... that President Obama can turn things around in the United States and that all Americans wo...

Monday, January 12, 2009 Outside My Window. . . the wind is roaring. When the first gust hit the house yesterday, it sounded like someone had driven through the side of my house. I don't like getting out in the wind because it takes my breath away, and I don't have that much breath to take away anymore. I usually wear a scarf around my nose and mouth in the wind. I am thinking. . . of making a short road trip this week if the weather improves. I am thankful... that I was able to connect with another new PH patient yesterday. In the kitchen... the dishwasher is scrubbing the dishes with gusto I am wearing... some slacks and a tee I am creating... the January newsletter for our PH support group. I've changed the fonts a bit with this issue, and I like the new look. I am planning... to have the newsletter ready to send to everyone by Friday. I am reading... A Step from Heaven by An Na I am praying... that my sister and her husband are safe on their vacation. I am he...

Monday, January 5, 2009 Outside My Window. . . the sun is trying to shine through the cold, gray clouds. A hint of pink and rose hug the horizon, but I fear it will be the only sign of the sun today. It is -10, and the cars driving cautiously on the snow-packed street make the snow squeak as they pass. Predicted temperatures are in the 20's today, but it will be late afternoon, if at all, before it is that warm. I am thinking. . . about organizing my receipts for my taxes. I am usually more organized than I am this year. I am thankful... for the spreadsheet program on my computer. It makes preparing my taxes easier than the old "shoe box" days. In the kitchen... the English muffin in the toaster pops up with more energy than I have this morning. I am sluggish and want to go back to bed, but this is my volunteer morning at the hospital, so I spread homemade raspberry jam, a Christmas gift from a knitting friend, on the muffin and think of warmer days. I am wearing... ...

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Yes, this is Wednesday and not Monday, but life got in the way of the Monday post. Outside My Window. . . the wind has finally stopped howling, and the sky is the color of Paul Newman's eyes. The Christmas displays in my neighborhood are disappearing with each passing day. The electric candles will continue to glow in my front windows until Epiphany . I am thinking. . . about 2008 and the many blessings I enjoyed: the successful start of the Wyoming Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group and newsletter, a scholarship to attend the PHA International Conference in June, relatively good health and being able to eliminate the use of supplemental oxygen, meeting online friends in person, and exceeding my charity knitting expectations. I am thankful... for the year behind me and and the new one that will begin tonight. In the kitchen... is a pot of simmering soup: white chili made with great northern beans, carrots, celery, and leftover Christmas turkey. I...

Monday, December 14, 2008 Outside My Window. . . the sky is gray, and the air is cold. It is 3 degrees, but the wind chill is -15 degrees. This morning, it was -10 (wind chill was -30) when I left for my volunteer shift. I would have preferred staying home. I am thinking. . . that Hawaii sounds pretty good right now. Hmmm, is it too late to book a Christmas flight? I am thankful... for the heated seats in my car. Nothing like a warm tush on a cold, cold day. In the kitchen... are grocery bags that need to be unpacked and the items stored in the pantry. I seem to purchase more groceries in the winter. I am wearing... sweat pants and a turtle neck. I am creating... a pair of self-striping socks, a garter stitch block for a lapghan, and another hat. I am planning... to make some treats for my neighbors. I usually make a tray of cookies or other treats as a holiday gift. I am reading... Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay. The book is interesting and well written; however, I only re...

Monday, December 8, 2008 Outside My Window. . . is a gloomy day. The sun is trying to shine through the clouds, but a storm is looming. I know the wind is blowing, as the smaller tree branches are swaying. I admire trees; they are perfect role models. Their core is strong and hardly moves when the world around them is in turmoil. My goal is to be more like a tree with my faith as the core. Though I may be assaulted with troubles and worries, I strive to withstand the brunt of the storm with my core to keep me steady. Yes, I want to be like a tree. I am thinking. . . that I can not control the actions and behavior of those around me. I can only control my own actions and thoughts. I am thankful... for the opportunity to stay home today. Normally, I volunteer on Monday mornings, but another lady wanted the shift today. I am content to stay home and be lazy. In the kitchen... my breakfast awaits: oatmeal heating in the microwave. I am wearing... my pajamas and robe. I am enjoying my ...

Monday, December 1, 2008 Outside My Window. . . the world is dark except for my neighbor's outside light offering a glow of comfort. I am thinking. . . about putting up a few decorations for Christmas. I don't have the desire to decorate a tree so maybe I'll bring out a few pieces of Christmas cheer. I am thankful... for all the blessings the Lord has given me even though I do not deserve them. In the kitchen... the tea pot is sizzling and releasing a stream of circling steam. It's time to prepare a cup. I am wearing... a skirt and sweater I am creating... some stitch markers for the ladies in my knitting group. It is fun to select the beads to match each person's taste, but I find twisting the wire to secure them difficult. I must be doing something wrong. I am planning... the December newsletter for my support group. I am reading... Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay. The book seems so familiar to me like I have read it before, but I don't think I hav...