Donna

This entry is about a person who has been a strong influence in my life for a very long time. That person would be my sister Donna. We were born thirteen months apart. It seems strange but I don't recall seeing her around very much in my younger days. I remember her spending time with my other sister Sarah and she was into the dating scene and so Donna grew up fast. As I recall she started dating young and I was always a little jealous of her cause she was so pretty and could get any boy she wanted. She even had her eye on the boy across the st. and thats who I had a crush on. His name was Tony. As it went, he liked her too. Donna could always get any boy she wanted. Seriously!
The one thing I do remember most about Donna growing up was how she carried on about her hair. I remember how obsessed with her hair she was. if one hair was out of place we would not leave the house until it was just right and at times she would even cry over it.
Donna looked older for her age and I was the little runt of the bunch. because of other problems I had low self esteem and felt I was not pretty like my sisters. Donna ran around with my older sister Sarah and another girl named Sharon Shaffer and started dating young while I hung out with my brother Bumper. Bump and I did everything and went everywhere together.
Donna married young and moved away and I didn't see her for a very long time. she lived here and there and then low and behold years later we ended up living just a few miles from each other. Guess that was the beginning of us being real sisters! I remember she and her boys traveled to see us when we lived in Georgia and then
Sanford Fl., and Melbourn Fl. and then we moved to Orlando and she and I would get together on weekends with our kids to have Garage sells, or celebrate Birthdays, Holidays and more. Today we live just blocks from each other. So its been like a big circle coming around and connecting . Now it seems like we have never been apart and always been in each others lives . She and I tend to think alike and often the same answer will pop out our mouths at the same time. We laugh at this and find the same things amusing.
Once someone in the park here in Eustis thought I was Donna. I said no thats my sister . They said I knew there was something about you? I found it odd but they knew.
What I find most intriguing about Donna is that she finds a way to make everything in life a fun adventure! She enjoys traveling to see her grandkids , she loves to go to the beach and watch the sun come up, she loves to work{all the time} and has been working at Albertsons forever!
Donna has many friends and always looks out for the underdog as they say. She has a great empathy for the downtrodden and those who have less and sometimes it comes back to bite her. For sure she makes friends easily and once she is your friend she is your friend for life! I tell her when she goes to that resting place in the sky, the whole town of Eustis will show up to pay their respects! She knows no stranger!!
On another side of the coin, Donna works at making her own happiness. That is something we all do sometimes to stay upbeat but with Donna it goes farther, to a commitment to a forever marriage and like the good hearted and sympathetic person she is , she will give her all to the end! Love you Donna , my forever sister and friend!

I Remember Nothing!

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"I Remember Nothing" is a book I been reading by Nora Ephron. She also wrote" I Feel Bad About My Neck." this last one is my favorite. It is a lighthearted way of looking at those senior moments and not taking yourself or things too seriously. Some of her stuff has nothing to do with how we live but how she lives as a New Yorker moving up the social ladder and how funny it can be as we start to age and that kind of thing. She tells about a time when she was trying hard for a position in the upper class society and getting herself out there to be reckonized as a good journalist . New Yorkers go at a fast pace , your feel that from her stories. she wanted that position in society where one fits into a certain class of people. Still it is funny to hear her talk about everything, mainly herself and how it is when you reach that certain age and remember nothing! Very funny indeed!

Free Agency

Tonight dad and I been watching Columbo again. tks. Jen and Randy.
It was the first one I saw that made me kind of sad for two boys that had to pay for their crime.
Two young college kids plan the death of a professor cause they were in trouble about their test and he intended to tell their parents and kick them out of this prestige college. All they would have had to do is except the consequence of their action and they might have even worked it out. but they were cocky and made a wrong decision! Because of their choice they would spend a life in prison. Anyway I mentioned to dad how sad it was and that the teenage yrs. can be scary! They have to make choices and some don't think about the consequences. Well they were quite cocky about themselves and really thought they had outsmarted Columbo and actually they almost did! But anyway I was kind of sad at the end because they were young college boys who could have had a whole life ahead of them. Even in real life it can be scary because kids want this FREE AGENCY! if not used properly it can be a dangerous thing and yet it can be a wonderful thing if used right! but for sure we all wouldn't want it any other way!! mama

Dad's Love of Music

I told dad he should have played the piano because of his great love of music.
He said "No, I am content to just listen."
Content he is!! He will set and listen for hours at a time. Here will be a list of some of his favorite music and if you were near by you might just see a tear fall. mama
I Believe by Richard Tucker
The Lord's Prayer by the Tabernacle Choir The Sweetest Sound by ?
Finlandia by Jean Sibelcus

many more coming - got to round them up. He has a wide range of different music he loves.
I really like most of his choices myself.

Family/My Children

Wow, here we are the whole gang!

How do you divide your love among so many? I don't divide it, I multiply it!!

Women Love Dad

When dad is outside and any of the women walk around the block, they always stop and chat with him . always! He is a ladies man. ha. But no kidding they love to stop and talk to him. He can hold a good conversation I reckon. I remember way back when we were living in E. Gallie and he was a teacher for the adults in church and you have to remember he was alot younger and a good sixty pounds or so lighter. Anyway this one cute girl {early thirties}would set in the front roll each wk. and hang on his every word. I could tell it was infatuation. One time she called the house to ask to speak to dad and I put my hand over phone and l mouthed softly your girlfriend wants to speak to you. Boy did his face turn red! she said she has a question about the lesson. of course! ha. I thought it funny and we both had a good laugh.
Another neighbor lady who was single and a friend back when I was in my twenties said one day kind of jokily,{ Dottie when ever you get tired of joe, just let me know.} I laughed but in actuality she ment it. She was single and again dad did some odd jobs around her place to help her out. Another good laugh on this one too. ha.
Yap, women adore my husband! ha! Being a handy man around the house can sure have its advantage. ha! Don't let this go to your head old man. ha. mama

columbo

JUST ONE MORE THING!

The kids gave Dad and I a very nice Christmas this year. Got my camera, yay! Been wanting that forever. New border on my wall, which I love. Dad and I both love Columbo and his line" just one more thing." Dad got his big dvd selection of War Documentary that he's been wanting. Subway gift cards, we both love that, no cooking! ha. warm socks for my cold feet and movie pass so we can see the 3-D movie thats out. a real treat for dad, he loves 3-D.
For four nights in a roll we been watching Columbo and now dad is into the War Stories. This is great cause he has been sick for the pass three days and so he has had plenty time to relax and watch both and of course eating subs.
I can't get into the War thing but he loves it! I on the other hand do love Columbo! Like how he bates the perpetrator with his famous catch phrase , "Just One More Thing." We been enjoying ourselves alot during this holiday season by just staying in watching tv. out of the cold. burrrr! ha.
Oh, and " Just one more thing" as Columbo would say, "Happy New Year!"
Have a great one, love you guys and gals! mama

My Days at Sears

I used to work at Sears Outlet. It was close to home and so I worked there for maybe three yrs. and some. Loved my co-workers except for perhaps the one that was seeing someone in the store and she was married. It was no secret even though she tried to keep it one. I felt sad for her husband!
One of my favorite supervisors was Mrs. Campbell. First thought she was a hard old lady but later she and I became good friends and she even sent me a Christmas card every year till I moved here to Eustis. Now we have lost contact.
Another friend I had was Tim, he would often chat with me in the break room. I remember they put up a table and said we could all bring some books to share and take one home to read. Well I took the B. of M. and wrote my testimony in it. The next day I took and checked to see if anyone took it. Sure enough it was gone. Never really knew who took it. I kind of believe Tim took the book home, never ask him but shortly after, he joined my church. I went to his baptism and always saved a seat for him every Sunday next to dad and I. He never spoke much and his wife came to his baptism and you could tell she was the boss in that family and I,ve often thought, WOW, opposites do attract! she wouldn't allow him to even have a brownie at his baptism. I thought then ,good luck Tim! I haven't seen him for yrs. but will always remember him as a very kind and gentle man.

Our newest grandchild

JAYDEN SHAPPARD

Proud parents , Todd and Heather

We have waited along time for this little guy to join our family and now it has happened. God is good! Welcome to the world Jayden. love you, grams

Building A Bridge

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict. Then one day it began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s tool box. “I’m looking for a few days’ work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?” “Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you.”

“Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor; in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll do him one better.”

“See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence –an 8-foot fence — so I won’t need to see his place or his face anymore.” The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge — a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all — and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched.

“You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.” The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother. “I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.

Family and friends come first in our heart

We all have a cherished garden we tend -
It is planted with love of family and friends.
The memories and dreams we treasure and share
Are like beautiful roses found blooming there.
The comfort and care on which we depend
Is given with love between family and friends.
The sunshine of laughter and rain of a tear
Only make our love grow with each passing year.
We may all be ourselves with no need to pretend
Because of the love of family and friends;
They notice the rainbows and weather the showers.
They overlook weeds and praise all our flowers.
The most valuable thing is the time that we spend
Tending this garden with family and friends.

Todd's Wedding

Todd finally decided to made the leap and was married on Oct.17 2009 to Heather Roddy. It was a happy day but also a tearful one. I won't be the # 1 woman in his life anymore. I knew one day I would have to give him up, it was just a matter of time. Everyone in the family was there to be a part of this great day!
Heather is from a small family , having one brother but she had tons of her girlfriends there plus her family and co-workers. It must have been a little overwheming to see our large bunch. She grew up in Clermont Fl. and that is where the wedding took place. They left for a honeymoon to Paris and after they returned, they bought a home, and had a baby boy 13 months later. they wasted no time which is fine with me. I am not getting any younger nor is Todd. ha! we couldn't be happier!
Happy Nesting you two! we love you. Mom & Dad

A Day at Disney

A wedding

Dad and I were married at the" Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" on June 3, 1961 on Wabash Ave. I had my dress made and I loved it! It had a sheer net covering the bottom of the dress from waist down with a small ribbon that tied in front. Sarah my sister was my maid of honor and Marvin Catt was dad's best man. It was a short ceremony with a reception in the basement of the church.

will add more pictures if find any.

MORE ON DAD

As I said before, Dad loves Music , The History Channel, War Stories, Inventors and I am blown away from all the things he can remember and the names of so many things. It does blow me away. We are certainly mixed matched. He can tell you something about every Pres. even , I swear he knows a little bit about every subject. you name it? I think my goodness we are so different! He has a analytical mind! He is very logical about thinking things out. I know he could win us a lot of money if he went on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire!" Now you see why I have a hard time relating to this man! He can only relate to people who think like him and I don't think like him at all. How do opposites attract?? I think how do people meet when they are so different and better yet to stay on the same path all these years. got me? ha! Posted by mamashap at 4:14 PM 0 comments

JOE THE FIX IT MAN!

Well , I been coming up with all these things I need repaired lately and as you can guess, Dad says" I can fix that!" To the star on top of my Christmas Tree that I wanted redesigned here and there to fixing my lights outside so they stay up to making wheels for our grandchild's train set with help from Finn's daddy while they were here from California to fixing up a riding toy for Aidan and on and on. Then my neighbor Jackie came over yesterday and needed dad's help with something? He returned twenty mins. later. It was nothing , just a small repair job. then a neighbor around the block came this pass wk. for help with her automatic garage door opener. Word gets around! And what motivates him? first and foremost he likes to help people. It does make him feel good! second, doesn't like to spend or see people spend money if it can be fixed easily, and last making some pocket money isn't so bad either! some will give him a little money if its a pretty big job.
My neighbors are mostly all widows but even a couple of the men drop by for his asistance now and then. Dad always steps up to the challenge. Now and then you will hear a knock on the door and sure enough their is a lady in distress and dad to the rescue. Wow, now he is even planning to turn our sunroom into a real room so he can have an office. I tell him it has to look good or I will be unhappy. I want it done by a professional! Oh no! says dad, I can do it mayself. so we will see what happens. Yes, dad is for sure the fix it man!

Compassion

Been thinking of all the things I could or should have done lately and came across this poem and thought it so true.

LEFT UNDONE


The setting of the Sun!
It isn't the thing you do dear,
It's the thing you left undone,
That gives you a bit of a heartache
At the setting of the sun.
For life is all too short,dear,
and sorrow is all too great,
To suffer our slow compassion
and tarry until its too late.
So it isn't the thing you do dear,
It's the thing you left undone,
Which gives you a bit of a heartache
At the setting of the sun.
Its the stone you might have lifted
out of a brothers way,
The bit of a heartsome counsel,
You were hurried too much, to say.
The loving touch of a hand dear,
Your gentle winning tone,
which you had no time nor thought for,
for thinking of your own.
Its those little acts of kindness
So easily out of mind.
that can help to lift another
in their troubled times.
It isn't the thing you do dear ,
Its the thing you left undone,
which gives yo a bit of a heartache
at the setting of the sun.