A great note for all, it will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking... Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end... They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be bro adened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths, only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As20soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you." Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happin ess when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can'tbuy. "Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present." The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.. Do not keep this letter. Just forward it to your friends to whom you wish blessings.

Current update from Maunie

Monday, December 15, 2008

What was I thinking?

On the eleventh of December I went into the hospital with the highest of expectations. Last
time I had the surgery for the right legs sciatica and it was not bad at all. Yes the back was sore
but when I put my right leg down...I was fine. This time I sunk right to the floor.


The pain was unimaginable. No drugs worked...morphine...demeral...anything they had I tried.
I was taking stuff every three hours but it only took the very top layer of pain away. I have never, ever experienced anything like this. The pain shoots down my leg and the toes on my left leg tingle...horrible...then the spasms start. I never slept more then an hour at a time and woke up ready to scream every time.

They finally sent me home late Sunday night with percodens and Valium for the spasms. I am
also taking a sleeping pill and sleeping in my own bed, I managed three hours.

I always thought I had a high tolerance to pain...so much for that. The Doctor says we will try
giving it a couple of weeks and then maybe more X rays and another MRI...he said it was too bad I had such an easy time the first time...and this is not uncommon...sure...anyway enough of me
belly aching just don't expect me around too much...you guys have always been so wonderful so a prayer or two can't hurt...love you all...Maun

What do you think?

I am on the horns of another dilemma...should I have back surgery before I leave from Florida?
My back and sciatica are so bad. I have heard about a surgery where you go in and have a quick adjustment and your home the same day. That doesn't sound bad does it?

This time the pain started in July and has been getting worse day by day. The acupuncture helped a lot but became very expensive and with Christmas coming every little bit helps. (although as many others are) I'm cutting back on gifts.

We go see the Doctors PA tomorrow and see what she has to say. Hubby, of course, doesn't see
a problem. He feels whatever is wrong I should wait four months until we return and have
it done then. I don't want to go to Florida feeling this way.

What do you think...the last time I had the surgery it was a long recovery...about three weeks sitting still...and quite painful. I'm not afraid of the pain but am concerned with my mobility.

Any suggestions would be so appreciated.....thanks---Maunie

From Maunie

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

I Believe......

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born

A Death Certificate shows that we died

Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat . . . Relax . . .

And read this slowly.

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,

It doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.

I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is,

they're going to hurt you every once in a while

and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow,

even over the longest distance.

Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe....
That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry

I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with

what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them

and less to do with

how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe....
That it isn't always enough,

to be forgiven by others.

Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken

the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe....
That our background and circumstances

may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give,

when
A friend cries out to you -

you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall

do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life

are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
That you should send this to

all of the people that you believe in, I just did.

'The happiest of people don't necessarily

have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout the journey of life..

May Angels guard you and guide you.

D9E31A23-8430-2AAB-0F57-21964B57E8C7

1.02.05

A short fun quiz from Maunie!!!!

Questions and Answers:
1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says: “. Oh! Oh God, I thought

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What do you touch first? bookcase

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? news

WITHOUT LOOKING, guess what time it is: 7:1 5.

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? 7:18

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? Slow rock music:) I’m the only one awake! Penny crying for treats...spoiled cat..

7. When was the last time you went out...for what? went up to N.H. and Maine looking at houses.

8. Before you came to this website, what did you look at? read the Boston Herald

9. What are you wearing? old tee shirt of hubby's...panties

10. Did you dream last night? sure...the one about the huge wave coming right at me and I am the only one on shore

11. When did you last laugh? In the car yesterday...hubby was doing his really terrible impersonations.

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in? three stuffed trout...hubbies and the two boys

13. Seen anything weird lately? just me...in the mirror

14. What do you think of this quiz? Fun!

15. What is the last movie you saw? Michael Clayton...very good

16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first? Hmm…BAGS!!!! Lot’s of Designer BAGS!!!

17. Tell me something about you that I don’t know: Secret;) I have a problem with credit cards.

18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? I can’t change anything just like that but I am more concerned about the starving needy children in the USA I'd make sure they were helped first.

19. Do you like to dance? Yeah love to dance

.20. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? a boy? Laurea Lou, Cosmo D.

21. Would you ever consider living abroad? Sure but not forever.


Spread the words ladies!

On the horns od another dilemma by Maunie

Okay dear friends I need your input again.

The doctor called and I have a badly ruptured disc and one that's basically on it's way.

Three years ago I had back surgery to remove three discs.


I really don't want to go through that again.

Physical therapy does nothing for me but make me hurt more.

Do any of you have experience with acupuncture?

Read a long article about it last night and if it would avoid surgery I will be all for it..

I don't want to wait too long as I did last time.

So fellow blogger I am in a quandary..

If you have had experience with it let me know. Even if it was a friend of a friend.

I know, I know, with me it's always something...

love and trust you all. What should I do?

A Perfect Day

Older son and his family had a wonderful party on Saturday. They live on the top of a hill with a long driveway so it was perfect. No other houses are very close so they set up the band, put out tons of food and off we went.

What was extremely interesting was that guys from his other bands, from years ago came by and so people would join and others would leave. Some of the younger kids had an opportunity to join in and they were thrilled. How many fifteen year olds have the chance to play with established guitar players and drummers etc.

The small children had the moon bounce all day and you can just imagine how excited they were to have that. It was cool and breezy and the bugs didn't come out until dark. If we had an opportunity to select a day that was good for everyone this would have been it.

Family and friends, young and old, singing and eating together (okay not oysters or pink Floyd for me thanks) but it was wonderful and the fact that they have it once a year is something else to anticipate. The last four years it has rained so they had to set up the band in their basement and put up huge tents for the food and seats but this was the one. A perfect day.

Thanks my friends

Thanks for all your well wishes. It really makes me feel good to know I have so many friends out here in blog land.

This time I frightened myself because they could not convert my heart beat for over six hours...the rest of the time they were checking lungs etc. For blood clots...so gross. Anyway I am doing just what the doctors ordered and taking it easy for a bit so I should have tons of time to blog. Now if one of my friends will just drop over to clean my house and do some ironing...that will be terrific...maybe kick all the men in my life to the curb (that was the recommendation of one doctor) he he he...

Anyway thanks for caring.

Old Friends

We spent the day Friday with four old friends...very old friends...the six of us went to lunch in Rye New Hampshire at a terrific seafood place called Petey's...so good.

Five of us had great Seafood...after all, that's what they are noted for. One friend got a steak. Not just a steak but a well done steak...ewewe

Then we went back to our friends who have a cottage by the sea in Hampton...oh my gosh...it has five rooms but it's so huge. They even have a turret where they can see the ocean because they live on a side street. The ceilings are about 30 feet. You wouldn't believe it. It's so lovely he is an architect but she also had some wonderful ideas. I'm going back in a few weeks to stay for a bit. Of course, by the time we left it was raining again...I'm so sick of the rain.

Well that's part of my weekend...how was yours?
Posted by mauniejames3

Girls of today

Maybe it's just me but the young girls of today are far more beautiful then they were twenty thirty even forty years ago. To prove it a bunch of us pulled out our yearbooks and looked. Out of three hundred plus girls there were maybe a dozen girls that were considered very beautiful...okay very pretty. Today you have to look long and hard for a girl between the ages of fourteen to twenty to find one who is plain. Is it just me? Something in the water? The fact that they play sports? Are constantly at the gym? What is it? My granddaughters are not cute...they are beautiful and so are all of their friends. It's amazing to me and they are not running out at twelve to get their noses done or fat sucked out they are born this way. In one way it's incredible another it's scary. How did this happen? Hubby and I went to a wedding Saturday evening and we were astonished at the bridesmaids and friends of the bride and groom. I think it's wonderful but pity the poor girl who doesn't measure up. What happens to her? Is she forever in exile or doomed to get help from the Stepford Community? Anyway it's just me ranting again..as Gilda always said..never mind. Posted by mauniejames

Ten things you never knew about me

1. What do you wear to bed?
I like sleeping in the nude unless there are kids around. I wear the very softest things I can find,old tee shirts anything really soft.

2. What's your favorite thing to do?
I really enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, having them come to the pool, going out
yo lunch or the movies. Spending time with hubby or friends. Having people over for dinner.

3. Where would you like to travel to next?
Ireland and England because I have never been

4. Who's the one that got away?
I have no regrets on that score. I feel very lucky in my choice.

5. When did you know that he/she was the one?
On about our fourth or fifth date I remember thinking I could be married to him.

6. Why do you live where you do? Would you prefer someplace else?
We wanted to sell this year but so far things haven't worked out..I adore our place in Florida

7. How many close friends do you have?
I have four very dear friends and lots of fun friends, and a ton of blogging buddies.

8. What was your worst/best date?
I had the flu and it was a first date, I was sick all over his car..not pretty.

9. What was the meanest thing someone/you ever did?
Someone in high school spread a horrible and untrue rumer about me. I was devastated.

10. How do you feel about life in general?
I feel very lucky. Things could be a lot worse. We live fairly well. Have great kids. Get to
Travel and spend time with loved ones. Things are not perfect but whose lives are?

Okay it's up to you....add your own answers....can't wait..........

Posted by mauniejames3

Is it just me?

Is it just me?

I guess it maybe just me but how come there are so many cheats and fakers in the world.

Four years ago I had an accident in my oldest son's car. No one in my car was hurt..it was just a

Fender bender, but the operator of the car I "bumped" into received a huge settlement and now,

Four years later, after settling another "case" her mother is suing me and the insurance company

Suggests I should get my own attorney in case the settlement is over 100,000 dollars..are you

Kidding me? One hundred freakin thousand dollars. We could lose our house. Just so people

Don't have to get real jobs and want to live off the backs of others. Excuse me for ranting but I

Am truly sick over this and can't believe this is happening...my poor son, out of the goodness of

His heart lets me borrow a car because it was larger then mine and this happens..I don't care

About the money as much as the duplicity. What happened to Karma? What happened to tell

The truth..maybe it is just me. Is it really just me?

Posted by mauniejames3 at 2:38 PM 0 comment

The day after a holiday weekend

The day after a holiday weekend. How does your house look today? Like a herd of rampaging elephants has run through it? Like the ghost with little white pieces of paper (think confetti) dropped stuff all over your rugs..As you look in the fridge and freezer...nothing left to eat? Welcome to my world. Out of guilt we had two cookouts and attended one...the one we went to was wonderful...everything tasted especially good...seemed to look more appetizing..it was so great. When it's your house all you do is run and even though everything seemed to vanish I get so worried that I don't even seem to taste anything...but it seemed a good time was had by all. People want to come to our house because of the in ground pool...Today...I say fill it in and plant tomatoes....at least I'll make sure no one pee's or poop's on them...

Take your time

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Always pray and make time to exercise.
4. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.
5. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in Plants.
6. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
7. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
8. Clear your clutter from your house, car, desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
10. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class.. but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime
11. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a layman and dinner like a beggar.
12. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
13. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
16. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
17. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
18. Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good China and wear fancy clothes now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Every day is special.
19. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
20. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
21. Forgive everyone for everything.
22. What other people think of you is none of your business.
23. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
24. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
25. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
26. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
27. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides, remember?!
28. The best is yet to come.
29. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
30. Do the right thing!
31. Call your family often.
32. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: 'I Am thankful for __________.' ‘Today I accomplished __________’
33. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
34. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH.
LIFE's a gift. That's why it's called PRESENT ... UNWRAP IT!

Have a Blessed day.

Please share with friends!

Mothers Day

I have some questions for all of us..if your daring..play along

1. What was your relationship with your Mom?

2. What was your birth order..how many siblings?

3. Did your relationship change as you got older?

4. What was your mothers birth order?

5. Was your Mom a younger or older Mom then your friends?

6. How did Mom and Dad get along?


When I was younger my Mom and I constantly argued..I was the oldest..one younger sister..

my Mom was thirty when I was born..thirty four when my sister was born..she was the

youngest in a family of nine...my Dad was one of the oldest in a family of ten..we didn't start to

get along until I was married and out of the house..then, unfortunately, I got divorced after my

son was born and was forced to move back for five years, then I married again..Mom and Dad

never really argued...they just didn't speak..Dad would say "who is she mad at ? me or you?"

It was hard to figure out...in the last few years of her life we got along fine..and I miss her every

day of my life...we may not have always seen eye to eye..but she tried..and I still love her..

p.s. Mo, please don't correct me...I'm fragile...Maun

What`s going on?

Jos called a meeting please come if you can.

Paula called Ann then Anndi called Ellen

Hi Aslan yelled Col. Baby

ya don't need a tan

Linda and Janice saw Michelle buying melons

It's a meeting with Jos

I guess he has a plan

What about asked Mental poo

I'm busy as can be

Call Maunie or perps or Kim if you must

Mo said he would make it

and you will all too

If Jos says its important who would dare disagree

So they hired a plane and off they flew

Eric and Olga were already there sitting and talkingWhile Jos read through some papers and took many notes

Mags had brought goodies and so did Waliz walking

Into the room followed by Paula and Jeane who were talking

Okay all come to attention, so many have come, its about posts

I must ask you for a favor but its not hard to do

Please if you are leaving for some time or awhile

Just tell someone your plans so we will know about you

We all get concerned if your gone for too long

Like dear Santa or elfy or our dear Colin too

Everyone was relieved, it was not they did wrong, so they ate some desserts and then they were gone

If I missed anyone..I am sorry...If I named you..I'm sorry too

Maybe it's just me

Why when you are in a horrible mood does everyone you come in contact with seem to be in a rotten mood too.

Why does it seem that the times you feel people are out to get you... they really are.

How come you save up for something for weeks and then your friends buy the same thing the next day.

How come your really not thrilled with your mate and it's their birthday or your anniversary and you have to buy a card anyway.

Why is the baby always teething when you get him.

How come a dish that you have made a hundred times and that comes out perfectly is a flop when you're out to impress someone.

Why do we have to play one upmanship with our own family.

How come the perfectly behaved kids act rude in front of cranky Aunt Betty.

Why when friends brag about their perfectly behaved children do you feel yours should be in jail.

Okay that's it for today... just add your own if you like

Home at last

We are home at last... three weeks on the road... huh?... it was only two days... well it seemed like three weeks.

First of all I read from the wrong map and took us one hundred and thirty miles out of the way... through Connecticut and Rhode Island.... it could happen to you.. so don't dare snicker..

We stayed at a motel only one night... Hubby drove ten hours the first day and thirteen hours the next day.... and would not let me drive at all... a couple of little accidents... geesh...

Penny our wonderful cat is a great traveler... she looks like a prairie dog when she hears a noise or anything unusual happens... she gets up on her hind legs and peeks out the window from the center console. Hubby has it fixed up in the back seat with her litter box... food and favorite blanket on top of her pillow... when I lean in back for something like a cold drink out of the cooler she meows and wants me back where I belong... Everyone's a critic..

The second morning.... Saturday... about eight o'clock we saw a trooper up ahead.... when we saw him put his hat on we knew we were in trouble... but hubby was polite and we could have gotten a ticket for any amount but it was for only fifty one dollars and ten dollars handling fee..

But the rest of the way home hubby complained and had conversations about what he could or should have done... that was fun... and he drove so slowly... three old ladies on trikes passed us..

When we finally got home the house was awful but in a week or so it should be back to normal... All in all... I'm so happy to be home... and so are Penny and um yeah... hubby too..

Time to Leave

We are planing our departure for Friday, early in the morning... And back we go... abandoning sunny Florida and back to the reality of Massachusetts. Am I ready? Hell no.. Let's see.. hmmm.. paradise and 80 degrees, or cold wet weather and problems. How much time do I get to decide.

Hubby is worse then I am. Sooo... it's going to be a long three days with him and Penny in the car.... no more three days a week golf for hubby.. no more dozing outside with a book for me... and no more salamanders for Penny... when one gets in she chases it until it's exhausted... then she eats it... the next day she regurgatates most of it.... yeah it sure is disgusting.... but thats fun or her.

Yup... finding cat friendly motels for Penny... get Hubby to stop before he falls asleep at the wheel.... explaining why a drive-through does not constitute a meal... being the navigator (which I detest) and the reason I have to go to triple A every year because I say tons of very bad words and rip the damn thing up as soon as we reach our destination... childish... you bet... but it's my thing...

When we get home we survey the damage to the house before we visit anyone... last year, with both of us it took three days to just straighten up... the phone, coffee pot, vacuum cleaner, and two pans were ruined... but thats only part of the expectations awaiting us...

Anyway.. wish us luck.... be back soon...

Maun