In memoriam... At this time, I would like to formally thank my ancestors for making me possible, for making me who I am, for living their lives so that I can live this one. I am grateful. I hope my life honors them. I recognize that I am the culmination of generations of individuals throughout centuries, even millenia. I am thrilled and humbled by the perpetual legacy that lives in each one of us alive today, and shall continue into all our tomorrows. *sigh* It's just... wonderful...
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Grandma's 94th Birthday

Lots of friends and family showed up for Grandma's birthday party, even though it wasn't intended to be a big bash like the one we threw at the community center on her 90th. She got lots of kudos and little gifts at church that morning then came home to a houseful and lots of food. It wasn't a surprise however. In fact, though she'd been told she didn't have to fix a thing, she'd made dumplings (which she just calls noodles, and of course she makes them from scratch), creamed corn, baked yams, and a huge cherry cobbler. Besides all the immediate family, Grandma also invited a few other friends and some distant relatives nearby. One of her cousins is 80 and I swear Grandma looks more like 80 and he looked more like 94. She's a true wonder, I tell ya.

Just a reminder that at 94, Grandma still lives in her own house and pretty much does her own thing. She's busy all the time with visitors. I mean, she knows everyone in the county and all their relatives, past and present, and people like to drop in to say Hi. She played the piano at church the Sunday before because she's the backup for the regular pianist who had to be away. She still writes the occasional obit for the local paper, not just for relatives, but because the newspaper asks her to for folks who haven't had anyone else step up to do it.

Grandma also keeps up with current events and TV shows and such. Just mention anything going on right now and she can talk intelligently about it, giving a well-informed opinion and a heap of common sense related to the event. She actually shocks me when we channel flip into a sit-com or such and she can identify characters on sight, as well as laugh about her favorite episode.

So, when I brag about Grandma being alert and active, I ain't kiddin'. She may be physically old but she's still motoring around on her own two feet, cooking like always, and smart as a whip with memory better than anyone else I know even on their good day.

I ended up on a road trip with Grandma, Mom & Dad. She needed to come back with us after her birthday so she could go to pick up new glasses and have them adjusted. It's about an hour and a half ride over the river and sundry hills and dales, past farms and such. Mom was noting all the high points, like stock animals and all their babies out right now. There are some unusual farms along the way, with goats or llamas or even buffalo, but seeing as how it's horse country, one might have expected to see some colts follicking in the fields. Mom actually said, "Hm, you'd think there would be some colts out today." and Grandma said, "Well, I haven't seen any horses, so chances are there won't be many colts." In fact, she cracked little funnies all along the trip. I sure hope I'm that quick-witted at 94! The truth is, she actually told some real jokes and I can't remember them to tell you what they were! sheesh

I'm fairly sure I've never thought in my life that I'd have reason to say: I spent a weekend in Oklahoma. Muskogee, no less. And I had fun ;) I only went to the ren faire one day but it was the whole day and I had a great time. I was worn out by the time it was over, just from all the walking and looking. Big place, lots and lots of people. I felt perfectly at home in my garb, though I spoke without an accent other than my natural one. I caught most of the shows, which were quite entertaining. Though I was there for over 7 hours, I didn't get around to quite everything. I may just have to go back before it's over. It's on for every weekend in May.

One highlight of the day occurred as I was under a shade tree and eating my lunch while watching part of the tournament. The sandwich I'd chosen was a bit messy and as a wiped my mouth, a traveling player stopped by. He said, "My lady, watching you do that makes me wish I'd died and come back as a dinner napkin." Oh my, yes, I was flattered. I could only giggle and blush as he moved on.

I've noticed at this and the other faire that the regulars who are working the thing are quite appreciative of people who come to play the game, even just by dressing up. It's more fun for me too, not just to get to wear the clothes, but to feel a part of it. I know from being asked a question here and there by other visitors that I fit in. I like that feeling, a lot.
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Very interesting date today... May 5, 2005 .... 05/05/05
Of course, similarly interesting dates have occurred and will occur in some form every year up through 2012 (because of the 12 months of the year). For instance, Jan 1 2001 was of course 01/01/01. February 2 2002 was 02/02/02. December 12 2012 will be 12/12/12.

What is even more interesting about this particular day is that 5 x 5 x 5 = 125
and today is the 125th day of the year.

Not at all sure what magic there may be in a day like today, but it certainly is an unusual date.

I wish you the very best, on this day and all days.

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Not much going on here, outside or in. I am terribly unfocused. What thoughts I have are too fleeting or nebulous to catch and record. I do have plans for the weekend though. I'm going to a ren faire, ie, take the opportunity to dress up in the garb and go look at other people dressed up in the garb ;) I've only ever been to one faire before. This one promises to be more interesting because they've built a castle on the site. Why someone would choose to build a castle and permanent ren faire location in Oklahoma, I'm not sure, but I'm gonna go check it out. Castle of Muskogee
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