Ash Wednesday

I went to two Ash Wednesday services today. I received ashes on my forehead twice, as well. As did Josh and Ellie.

The history behind it. It is a humbling experience.

The imposition of ashes on the foreheads of Christians is an ancient Christian practice, going back at least to the 10th century. Biblically, ashes are a symbols of purification and penitence (see Numbers 19:9, 17; Hebrews 9:13; Jonah 3:6; Matthew 11:21, and Luke 10:13 ).

In the early church, people who had been separated from the church because of serious sins might seek to be re-admitted to the fellowship by observing a formal period of penitence during Lent. These people were generally sprinkled with ashes or given rough garments sprinkled with ashes as a sign of their sorrow for their sins.

Beginning in the tenth century, the observance of Ash Wednesday became a general rite for the church. The ashes, which were a symbol of purification in the Old Testament, remind us that we are mortal. In many churches the ashes are made by burning the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday. Ashes are placed on the forehead, usually in the sign of a cross, in a ritual known as the Imposition of Ashes. As the ashes are placed on the forehead, words such as these are spoken: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return," recalling God's words to Adam in Genesis 3:19.

-- Lynn W. Gilliam
Editor of Pockets
The Upper Room

Rip roaring

That's how my new doctor described my sinus infection.

I knew I had to see a doctor today. Last night not sleeping was too much. But since moving up here, we haven't found one. They aren't on every corner around here. One I did call was not taking any more patients.

But while driving home from Dickson City, I passed a building that used to be my grandparents' doctor's office. I saw "family practice" on the sign and turned around at the next road. I called Myrtle to look up the number since it wasn't on the sign and Josh was sleeping. They could take me right away, so I woke Josh and went in.

The doctor was very friendly, and I liked him right away. He asked if I got infections often. I do. He took a look at my sinuses with a nose scope thingy. I didn't so much care to have something go up my nose. He did however find that I have a deviated septum and could have medical surgery (meaning covered by insurance) to fix it.

And not have as many infections.

Upon leaving the doctor's, I headed straight for CVS. I am now armed with an antibiotic, probiotics, and a nasal decongestant to fight this wretched infection.

Here I sit

I've been up for 3 hours. I can't sleep very well, since I can't breathe through my nose. I am exhausted. I haven't been able to sleep through the night for four nights. I usually never wake up, unless there's a child issue.

At 1:30 am, I decided to stop trying to sleep.

For four days and nights, my sinuses have been blocked. It's a little wearying.

Right now, finally, sitting up is actually working and I can breathe through my nose enough to not dry out my mouth.

I've spent my wee morning hours watching Law & Order: SVU.

But now, I think I just might get some sleep with the one side of my sinuses open enough to breathe through.

Picnic

Today was another snow day for Ellie. And I mentally prepared myself for a day with the two of them together all day.

The morning was limited TV time and pretend play.

Around lunchtime they started acting secretive. And even though they were hardly keeping any secrets, I played along, like I didn't know that they were dragging a table and three chairs outside. Or making the plates and cups disappear.

It was a big surprise when they led me outside with my eyes closed to discover our picnic lunch on the porch.

And although it was sunny, it was NOT picnic weather. It was only 35 degrees and breezy. But they had been outside playing and thought that eating out there would be fun too. In the photo, Josh looks to be in pain, but he's really smiling his goofy smile. That's generally all I get these days from him, if I'm lucky.

It was a quick lunch. Josh actually finished inside. And Miss I Can Stand It, took off her coat to prove it.

A few hours later, I decided it was time for a proper outdoor activity. The kids suited up in winter gear. And proceeded to go play in the water in the ditches. I hadn't even gotten outside to join them before they had wet feet. Snow boots do not keep feet dry and warm when immersed in water.

Our big outdoor activity was suppose to be a walk, but it turned into an investigation of all the area water ditches. Their idea was to see where all the water goes. We got out our plastic boats to watch them float down the hill. The boats were too big, but the kids didn't give up trying to give them a voyage. They both paid no mind to foot or hand getting dunked. Just sloshed right through the water.

Both had drenched boots, socks, and mittens. But they didn't complain about wet appendages and would gladly go investigate the water again tomorrow.

They just might request rain boots instead.

My turn

I had a fever, sinus headache, body aches, sore throat and complete unhappiness this morning. I didn't get a good night sleep, from waking what seemed like every hour from the sore throat and stuffiness. And the stupid cat walking all over me.

Gary got me some drugs and I started feeling better. Not great, but more like a person. And my fever broke.

I had some time to myself, while Gary took the kids to buy Josh the vehicle he saved for. But Josh came back empty handed, because Toys R Us didn't carry what he wanted at the store, only online.

We think Target has it, but if not we'll have to order it online. Ellie saved for a gum making kit, which will be an online purchase.

Now I am sitting here about to go to bed, and I am not looking forward to it. I anticipate waking too much from being unable to breath and getting a sore throat again.

Optimism.

Fever

Ellie's been sick for four days. Josh picked it up yesterday.

Here's the poor boy asleep, snuggled in the chair last evening.

I noticed the laundry hasn't been piling up. But when several members of the family spend their days in PJs, there's less to wash.

In actuality . . .

I really can't have Josh's dirty underwear pile up. He doesn't own enough to do that. And it would stink. But anyway, he goes through at least three pairs a day, if we're lucky. So the washer gets a workout.

I need to buy more unmentionables for the boy. And a good stain remover.

Laundry

I might not be changing diapers, but I sure do have a growing pile of poop stained underwear. Created solely by my youngest.

My trip home

After several hours of ice and snow, Myrtle and I made our way to the airport. My fight to Detroit was not canceled, just delayed and hour. My flight to Scranton, however, was a different story. Upon disembarking, I looked at the monitors to see about my next flight. I was disheartened to see "CANCELED" written next to it.

I trudged my way down to gate C36, the one it was suppose to leave from, which was at the other end of the terminal. The lady there told me to check at gate C27, than C2. Nothing at gate C27. C2 was back where I had started. So I trudged myself back, and my eyes fell upon a line of people that would take forever to get through. Apparently I wasn't the only one with cancellation issues. I waited a bit, than noticed I was not in line for gate C2. I made my way to the three person line at the desk of C2. When the Delta man scanned my boarding pass, 5 slips of paper spit out of a machine. They were my vouchers for a hotel, ground transportation from and back to the airport and $12.00 for food. I then went to a courtesy phone to reschedule my flight - 10:16 the following morning.

It was probably around 10:00 pm at this point. I slowly (no need to hurry anymore) made my way to the area to pick up a cab. Again, another line. I got on the transport bus with everyone else going to the Best Western. We rode for at least a half hour. At the hotel, another line.

Finally in my room with a king size bed and a Jacuzzi tub, I turned the heat and TV on, plopped on the bed, and ate my dinner, a very tasty bagel sandwich I picked up with one of my vouchers.

When finished I called the front desk to ask about transportation back to the airport in the morning. He informed me that the Metro cab company, the only one that would take my voucher, was full. He gave me the number of a different cab service. I asked for Metro anyway. When I called, they did have room for me.

Back at the airport the next morning, the security check point line was forever long. Minutes after getting in line, a lady took a group of us to another place to go through security. A much, much shorter line. Once through I saw that again, the monitors showed my fight had been canceled. I waited in yet another line to find out that I was on a flight that left at 2:40 pm, a 5 hour wait. What to do in an airport, when you have two bags to lug around. Sit and read, sit and try to sleep, go to the restroom, walk around a little, get lunch, go the restroom again, read again, watch people, organize photos on your computer. Fun, fun, fun.

Every time I looked at the monitor, it showed the flight on time. As we got closer to departure . . . the attendant at the gate desk told us the flight was overbooked and asked for four people to give up their seats. I did not move, except to lug my way to the restroom one more time and to hop on over to the line to be one of the first on that plane.

Finally, I was in Scranton. I had one more hurdle. The car I parked in short term parking. I wasn't sure what their definition of "short term" was. Would it still be there? Or would it be towed? I felt that four (turned into five) days would be short term. Happily the car was still there, I got in and left.

Almost 24 hours after leaving Myrtle's house, I was home. Josh and Ellie gave me love and hugs and were mighty glad I was home. Gary was also glad I was home but held back from jumping up and down, and hooting and hollering.

During all my travels and anywhere I went, my luggage went with me, since I decided to not check any. I had a backpack and an over-the-shoulder bag. I highly recommend at least one bag have wheels. My shoulders would have appreciated it.

I will also note that the entire time (save for a moment I was able to send Gary an email at the beginning of my trip) I was at the airport, I could not get Internet, even though it said there was free wifi.

My trip to Indiana

I am sitting watching NASCAR. Not my first choice. But it's Myrtle's, so it's okay. I like it a little bit. We are enjoying a crackling fire as well.





Yesterday I spent a few hours in two planes and quite a bit more in the Detroit airport. I was rather concerned about getting through security, but Christ be praised, I breezed right through. Sitting in both airports waiting for my flights, I spend a good deal of time trying to send emails. Even though my iPod showed there was internet, I could not get connected. And in all my trying, my power was getting low. I was disconnected. I spent time reading instead.

Our plans for the weekend were to eat pizza, play games, and watch movies. We've been very successful at eating some manner of food and watching TV shows that she's taped on her DVR. We could stand to increase the game playing though.

We attended church today and had the Word poured over us. I had a thought today in church about my friendship with Myrtle, that it is an honor for me to be her friend. I get to visit with and spend time with her, share laughs and tears. Win and loose games. Watch our favorite movies together.

And I must say, she has the most beautiful house. It has gorgeous woodwork, great character, spacious rooms, and a laundry chute. It does, however, have forced air heat, a form of heating I don't much care for. Myrtle has also done an excellent job of making this house her home. It is warm and inviting. She has decorated each room just perfectly. And she had a house blessing yesterday to ask God to sanctify her house through His Word, which was read throughout her home.

And I can't leave out her new puppy dog, Amos. He is cute and cuddly, white and fluffy. A perfect dog for her.

Underwear again

I decided that it was time Josh wore underwear. Monday, I started. I say I, because if I left it up to Josh to decide, he would stick with diapers.

Josh is completely willing to wear underwear. He isn't completely willing to use the potty. I bought him some new big boy underwear. He outgrew what we had without really wearing it.

Back last summer, Josh had an underwear wearing spell. It didn't last long; we didn't make him stick with it. That is not happening this time. He is not going back to diapers. The biggest hurdle is pooping in the potty. If you know him, you know why. I won't go into it here again.

He has mostly been cooperative with the entire process. I think he is making progress. He has had less accidents each day.

Also, Ellie has been keeping her pull-up dry at night, so we let her wear underwear at night, now. She has continued to be dry.

Dare I dream that I am done with diapers?

56 degrees

It is unusually warm today. Josh and I walked to get Ellie at the bus stop. We left with plenty of time to get there. But Josh decided we needed our excersice, so we ran a lot of the way. We had almost 15 minutes extra time because of it. We did some extra walking and running. He was quite the spunky guy.

When I suggested we take a walk to the bus stop, he balked. But Mister Zippy walked/ran the whole way there and back again.

Ellie enjoyed the walk back as well. She has been asking to walk home by herself. So she sort of got to today. They both ran ahead of me. Ellie was very insistent I not walk with them.

Outside again

The snow is still here, so we went out to play today. It is quite crusty and in some places could hold my weight. If not, I went through the crust layer down 8 inches. The kids mostly stayed on top, which made walking up hills harder, because it was slippery. They couldn't break through it very well to get a better foot hold.

It did however make for good sledding. It also made for rough sledding, since it was a harder surface. Here is the run that was Josh's last. At the end of the run, notice the poor boy's legs flailing and the snow on his face. Ellie landed on his head.

Interview

I had an interview on Tuesday for a front desk receptionist job. Gary insisted I have a manicure and haircut before hand. I didn't argue about the manicure, thought the haircut could wait and suggested a pedicure also. He didn't go for it. I got a French manicure, and a trim.

The interview lasted 10 minutes, in which I didn't say all that much about my skills and had reminiscing moment that included tears. I left pretty confident I wouldn't get the job. She said she'd get back to me either way.

Today she got back to me. They filled the position with someone who had front desk experience. She did say I interviewed well. I guess ten minutes is enough to tell?

Back to the old wanted ads.

P.S. My polished nails only lasted until Wednesday. Yesterday I removed the polish and applied a clear coat. You can't tell as easily when that wears off.

Deliteful brownies

I am currently enjoying the tastiest morsel of a brownie. After my last debacle, I went with a mix to get my brownie fix. I baked them at a slightly lower temperature and for less time.

I am going to make them from scratch again, but I still need to buy baking cocoa first.

Wretched boots

I am just fed up with trying to get winter boots. Cabela's had next to nothing. They did have snow runners, which are insulated hiking boots. I decided to buy them instead of ordering another pair of snow boots that may or may not fit.

I wore the new boots around this morning and decided I don't like them. They don't feel right on my feet.

Good- I found a 4 pack of Merino wool socks for $13.00, which is a good price. Bad - when Gary wore them this morning they itched his leg. We are hoping that washing them will eliminate that problem.

The trip yesterday was long, over four hours of driving. And the whole time I debated with myself whether it was worth it or not. They didn't have winter boots, what I did buy I don't like, and to top it off, I forgot to look at gloves for Gary.

I don't know what to do about my boot problem.

Good - I did get to eat some Taco Bell chalupas. Bad - I decided not to put taco sauce on them and they didn't taste as good.

I guess I'll just have to keep wearing the ugly, rotting boots I've had for over 10 years.

Ellie's Post

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Car Show and winter boots

We are at Gary's dad's for the weekend. Gary, Josh, Gary's dad and brother (the boys) have left to go to the car show. We girls have stayed at the house and will be going shopping later.

Hopefully I will be able to secure myself a new pair of winter boots. If so, they will be the fourth pair I have purchased this winter. I had my heart set on Sorel Caribou boots. And only select stores carry them, none of which are near me. So I ordered online. Two boot orders later, I determined their whole sizes don't fit my feet. The third pair I ordered were a different boot, that again, didn't fit. With shipping costs, I can't keep ordering boots hoping they fit and finding that they don't.

I need to go to a store and try boots on. But again, there aren't any near me that have boots I like. So today finds me driving to Eastern Mountain Sports to try again.

If that doesn't work, Josh and I will spend a day driving to Cabela's next week.

Daddy snow day

While relaxed in bed this morning, the phone rang. I answered it. Gary didn't have to go in to work today. Since he already went out to dig his car out of the snow and sleet but hadn't left yet, I grabbed my coat, shoved my feet in my shoes, and ran out the door. I started waving my arms wildly to get his attention, because he was already trying to drive away. He finally saw me and I informed him of his day off. He couldn't get out anyway with the ice.

If you squint and look at the center of the photo, you can see Gary's car, hiding behind a tree. And on the left you'll see the path to the car. It goes up than across to the middle and back to the car. It's a little hike. Gary only parks back there when the snow plows will be coming through.
When it's on the street, it's in the plow's way. If you remember back a while ago, I moved a pile of dirt to make parking back there easier.

We got the call

Our fifth snow day in two weeks. Three last week, two this week. Actually some of them have been ice days, like tomorrow. The kids were excited, because they got to sleep in the same room together tonight. We don't usually let them fall asleep in the same room. There is usually too much rowdiness.

Ellie was a bit upset that she didn't have school today, since it is her half birthday and she has cookies to take in. They are sitting outside in my makeshift freezer (a dresser) waiting for Thursday.

The kids have been crazy about watching TV, so we issued them each 20 tokens per week. Each token is worth a half hour TV time. They hand a token over to watch TV. When the tokens are gone, no more TV. Josh doesn't quite understand the concept yet. He told Daddy that when they were all gone, Mommy would just give him more. He missed the part about when he would get more. There is also a limit as to when they may watch TV.

Since using them, they haven't had any fits about turning the TV off when the show they've chosen to watch is over. Unless you count who turns it off and shuts the cabinet doors.

Snow days are exceptions. I am a little more lenient about taking tokens for TV time.

While out playing in the snow today, I think we found ourselves a good sled run. If you do it right, you go down the hill, avoiding several trees and rocks, and blast (Josh's word) off the edge to the ditch below. Although Josh calls it blasting, it's more of a plopping into the ditch. With the snow and ice coming tonight, maybe it will be more luge-like tomorrow and we can launch into the street. The launch spot off the edge is a bit tricky, because the space to go through between a huge rock and a tree is slightly wider than the sled.