cherish your friends

A strong friendship is not about daily conversations or spending every moment together. It is about the deep connection that remains, no matter how much time passes or how far apart you are. True friends understand that life gets busy, responsibilities grow, and priorities change, but their bond remains unchanged.

A real friend is someone who supports you even when you are not constantly in touch. They celebrate your achievements, comfort you during struggles, and stand by you when you need them most.

They do not demand your time but appreciate the moments you share. Even if weeks or months go by without speaking, when you reconnect, it feels like no time has passed.

Friendship is about trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.

It does not require daily validation. It is knowing that no matter where life takes you, you have someone who genuinely cares. A simple message, a phone call, or even a shared memory is enough to reignite the warmth between true friends.

Cherish the friends who stay in your heart, even when life keeps you apart. They are the ones who truly matter, proving that real friendships are built on love, not on constant presence.

- The Storyteller

Seasonal Affect Disease (SAD) makes me sad.

It has been a really rough month for me and continues to be rough.  I don't do winter well and I find my ambitious projects to be overwhelming and more than I can handle.  I don't like this attitude but don't seem to be able to shake it. 

   

 Praise the Lord for friends who love me and keep me encouraged. They are my cheerleaders and butt-kickers. I need both right now. 

   It is very humbling for me because being a cheerleader and a prayer warrior is usually my role.  I don't like all the negative feelings and thoughts that are racing through my head and this overwhelming feeling of despair and disappointment. Lord, give me strength.

I give it over to the Lord, and then take it back again. I miss playing in my garden and digging in the dirt...it grounds me! Poor pun!  I have been setting a timer for 30 minutes and working fast and hard to see how much I can get done in that time without being overwhelmed and quitting.

It helped, I could see progress and some of my office floors.   Only 50 days till spring! 

I just got a sweet card from my friend Mary Ellen, it says, "I'm glad for our friendship! Impossible to count the times we've prayed for each other, wished for the best, laughed, and listened. Grateful for you just being you! Love Mary Ellen

I'm also so thankful for my older twin sister, Karen.  She keeps me grounded and is my best friend and cheerleader.  She has gone through so many things that I am currently facing so knows how to navigate through the hurdles and potential problems that I'm facing.  God is good even when I am not.

That's what friends are for

I am very thankful for the 4 wonderful women who have included me in their prayer group.  We meet once a month (except in December) for lunch and for prayer time together. 

Becky Swain had all of us over at her home for our first meeting.  Good food, good fellowship, and great prayers.

I had the next meeting in our small house.  We had gluten-free pizza, salad, and tea. The best part is getting to know these ladies more and being able to share our hearts and concerns for our family and friends.  

We just had our last meeting at Connie DeLong's house, and it was a sweet time of fellowship and wonderful food.  Wow, can that woman cook!  She made a delicious soup and tasty scones as well as a beautiful salad and an amazing dessert. 

 I don't do winter well and am a total basket case right now.  I am super hyper-emotional.   I did share the good news that my CT of my kidney is looking good, with no growth, and I don't have to worry about it for the next 3 months till April 19th. 

 I am having to redo my mammogram which concerns me and if I really think about it and am highly distressed.  I have asked my doctor to reorder the test soon as my imagination really gets me in an emotional overload.  Reading the results of my mammography distressed me and sharing it with my friend Becky Swain, who has been down that road herself with a double mastectomy definitely has caused me great alarm.  I know God is in control and this is an emotional reaction.

This made me laugh, "A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well."    That so isn't me.  I do appreciate these exceptional women in my life and knowing that pray for me makes the load lighter. 

Only 54 more days till spring.  

How to get your friends to visit you.....

The simplest way to get your friends to visit you is to stop blogging for 3 weeks and tell everyone you are fine!

It's amazing to find out that:

1. They don't believe you even when you assure them.

2. Assume that you are depressed.

3. Come up with the worst case scenarios.....that are far worse than any situation you are currently in.

4. Will pray for you and send you encouraging notes.

Thanks for your prayers, concerns, and thoughts. Our current situation has not changed a bit but our attitudes have definitely improved. God is good all the time.....even when we are not.

Happy Big 5-0 Melli

Today is Melli's 50th Birthday And you are all invited to
Melli's Birthday Bash!

Today instead of a virtual party a few of her friends have decided to have a progressive birthday party.

Come join the fun and wish our Melli a fun filled day.



Since we want you in a party mood let's start with streamers and confetti! We've already started hanging the streamers to get you in a party mood.

We have a confetti cannon too! I'm not sure how it works but we will figure it out before she arrives!

Here's a game: Why is Melli like streamers and confetti? Feel free to leave your answers...

While we are hanging the streamers we would invited YOU to also visit:

Beckie.....for cake
Jen.....for party hats and you know how Melli loves Hats!!
Floozie...for balloons and "Happy Birthday Song"
Cozy...for ice cream and punch
Mar...for international birthday flare!
Lady Bug.....Party Game
Barbara.......Presents!


Melli is like Streamers and confetti because......
(OK, this is a hard one....)

She's a colorful character?
She commands attention?
She's in your face?
She knows how to party?
She leaves her mark everywhere?
She covers every aspect of an event?
You have to clean her up after the party?
A little of Melli goes a long way?
She's festive?
She gets in your hair?

Bang, Pow , Pop!

(Well, I see the confetti cannon is working....maybe a little too well. Oh dear I was hoping to fire it when ever Melli got here! )

Please drop your gifts and warm wishes off at Melli's

Melli likes words of encouragement and birthday greetings..(old people are like that you know! ) If you would like to post your own birthday tribute and be a part of Melli's Birthday Bash leave me a comment and I'll link you up. Thanks for coming and don't forget to visit the other sites for your ice cream, cake and party paraphernalia.


Got to get the stage set for the Big Birthday Bash.

Floozie, move the band over to the left a little more. Old old Lady take your place on center stage for the "Happy Birthday Song" Wendy Wings you're the director....Get these people moving Melli should make her appearance any time now.

Please sign the guest book so Melli will know you stopped by.

Speaking of the Birthday Girl....some one must have tipped her off about the surprise party cause Melli is definitely a teeshirt and shorts kind of girl!

You look Marvelous Darling, Let the party begin, check out all the other sites and don't forget to wish the party girl Happy Birthday.

Oh No! It looks like Melli has gotten into the wrong punch bowl!
Or was it the cake? I've heard rumors (here) that the cake packs a punch too!

Check out the latest gossip at Barbara's and pick up the Melli Magazine now on sale!

Check out Flip Flop Floozie site for balloon and the Happy Birthday Song!




Don't forget to go by Jen's for party hats!


I see Melli is already trying on a few!

Our dear Mar, has some international flavor in store for us too.




Party on!




See any difference?




Is that the same Hat?

Name Droppers

Excuse me while I name drop.....

This is the name plate make for me by Susan of Learning for a Lifetime.

She said this about me:

This first one goes to Daisy over at Lazy Daisy's log. She and her husband are serving on the mission field in Virginia. She blesses me so much as I read her blog!


My friend Friday's Child made this one for me.

She explained it this way:

The nameplate I made for Daisy represents her in every way. She's an Angel and a Good Fairy sent from Heaven. She has a heart as great and big to accommodate everyone who needs her love and a great heart to be able to give love to everyone. She has a wide shoulder for every who needs leaning on. Her photo shows very clearly that Daisy is a lovable person. She is a good friend. She's a loving and wonderful grandma and a very great parent to her kids. She's a loving wife to her Mr. Wonderful.


My friend Barbara at Trying to Catch Up made this one for me. I asked her to explain the charms (Daisy's bifocals just aren't as good as they used to be.)

She said:

There are hearts because of your loving nature; a church because of your strong faith and sense of community; a grandma and baby (you and Emma) because you love her so; you and Mr. Wonderful dancing because of your strong marriage and dancing because your knee is better; and a mouse because you are a great blogger.


This one is from my new friend Linda, at This and That. This is what she said:

I met Daisy through Sandy and immediately felt a bond with her. She's actually a neighbor, by state that is, with grown children, grandchildren and a wonderful hubby.


Thanks so much to all of you. You have blessed me with your blogs and honored me with your nameplates. I appreciate your kind words and creativeness.

The Name plate Meme

I was tagged by Flip Flop Floozie who made me this great name plate.

I was also tagged by Cozy Reader who made me this colorful name plate

I also got this nifty one from Melli at Insanity Prevails.

I'm supposed to display the names of eight of my choices in a creative way and explain why I chose each. Which wouldn't be hard if I had any talent or creativity. Those of you who know me well know how limited I am at creative computer skills so prepare to be amazed at what I created.

My first award goes out to my Savannah friend and buddy Sandy (alias Flip Flop Floozie). Sandy is one of the sweetest, kindest, wisest women I know. She is a friend, mentor, hostess, tour guide, encourager, and prayer warrior. She enriches my life and I am a better person because of her influence and prayers.
This award goes out to my good friend Jane at Cozy Reader. Jane is a peach of girlfriend ( a Georgia Peach at that!) We are from the same tribe and same clan and I cherish her friendship and wisdom. When you first meet Jane you feel like you've have always known her and you are instantly won over by her laughter and bound together forever by her tears. There is such depth in Jane and genuineness that you never want the lunch to end.

This award goes out to the very sweet and talented Suzy of See Suzy Spin. I have known Suzy all her life (she is my daughter and claims she never gets any awards!) Suzy is a children's librarian and comes up with the most clever ideas to get kids to read. She sews wonderfully, loves acting, scrap booking, traveling and adventure .

This award goes out to my friend Barbara of Trying to Catch Up. I consider Barbara to be absolutely brilliant (thus the light bulb!) She knows the coolest places to check out on the internet, she personally created the Blog Olympics and all the games, and will walk you through every" new toy " and how to put it on your blog. What little I know about blogging I "stole" from her. I've never had the privilege of meeting Barbara but she is high on "my hit list" of people I want to meet. Barbara has a great sense of humor and is always passionate about every task she takes on. She loves graphs and charts, her family and falcons.

Carolyn of Talk to Grams is delightful and fun. She never lets her physical limitations keep her from visiting with you at least once a day. Carolyn is someone I would love to sit down with and visit over a cup of tea. She adores her family and they adore her. She is new to blogging but has already made a serious impact on our hearts. Nothing seems to discourage her and she is always a source of sunshine and inspiration.
Rosie is one of my very favorite friends (actually she's my sister .....by blog not blood!) She's the sweetest little Rosebud that Texas ever knew.....but alas she is moving back to her beloved state leaving me in a state of sadness. Rosie has a personality bigger than Texas and a smile and laugh that makes everyone in the place feel better. We have a special connection and I know she is always looking out for me. The next few weeks will really be hard for her as they pick up and relocate. Hugs and prayers coming your way sis!
This award goes out to Susan at Learning for a Lifetime. Susan is from Florida and I couldn't resist the pink Flamingo. I am so looking forward to getting to meet Susan this October. I admire her mission field of working in the public schools and love to hear of their adventures with her darling hubby and four boys. (She has taught me how to gather scallops and other delicacies from the sea.) Susan always has words of encouragement as well as some serious thoughts to ponder.
This is for my new friend Linda at "This and That". Linda is a recent find (I stole her from Floozie) and is like visiting an old friend. She makes you feel relaxed and will even entertain you with her posts. She doesn't seem to mind if you visit wearing your ratty slippers and robe while you drink your morning coffee. I like Linda, she is real and authentic.

What would my life be without the Mellinator? Able to leap to conclusions in a single bound, faster than a speeding pea from a peashooter, able to whip up liver and onions for a friends husband because his wife hates it and won't fix it for him, and who disguised as a mild manner Curves Ladies fights a never ending battle for exercise, laughter and the pursuit of happiness. You got it, the high priestess of fun and insanity Melli.

Friends versus Southern Friends

I was born in the South and lived most of my life in the South. I'm proud of my southern roots and firmly believe that southern graciousness is a gift that everyone should strive for.

My sister sent me an email this morning on the difference between friends and southern friends. I thought it was cute so would pass it along to all my southern friends (your geography doesn't make you Southern....it's your heart attitude).

friends vs. Southern friends

friends: Never ask for food.
Southern friends: Always bring the food ... and lots of it.

friends: Will say "hello."
Southern friends: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.

friends: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
Southern friends: Call your parents Mom and Dad.

friends: Have never seen you cry.
Southern friends: Cry with you and for you.

friends: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
Southern friends: Will spend hours there talking, laughing and just being with you, then do the dishes before leaving.

friends: Know a few things about you.
Southern friends: Could write a book with direct quotes from you, and know you better than you do yourself.

friends: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
Southern friends: Will kick the whole crowds' back-ends that left you, then walk beside you in the front of the crowd.

friends: Would knock on your door.
Southern friends: Walk right in and say, "I'm home!" If you are not home, they will wait.

friends: Are for awhile.
Southern friends: Are for life.

Wordless Wedness.....Supremely Bad

Floozie and I decided to go see Dream Girls which brought back endless memories of singing with Diana Ross and the Supremes in our bedrooms as teenage girls. We decided to see if we still had it.....as you can guess our husbands immediately asked us to "Stop in the name of Love!"

Welcome 2007!

First, a little trivia to start out 2007

After big Times Square bash, big cleanup AP - Mon Jan 1, 8:44 AM ET

NEW YORK - The big ball is not all that drops in Times Square on New Year's Eve. As revelers headed home early Monday, the first day of 2007, work crews moved in to sweep up the remnants of 2006. Their mission: picking up 3.5 tons of confetti (a record-setting amount), as well as sandwich bags, food wrappers, and other debris from the big bash. (And I thought to put away the Christmas decorations was a big deal!)

I took a trip down memory lane (my achievements) to see what were the highlights of Daisy World 2006. Here are my top 10 personal favorites that I will remember about the past year.

1. The Blog Olympics/ Training Camps: What fun in the long winter months. What a stretch to my imagination and who knew I would be so good at lying? (Maybe I have the makings of a soap opera writer or journalist for the Enquirer.) The Blog Olympics was a great tool for meeting new friends and developing a wonderful friendship with its amazing creator (the IOBC Chairwoman: Barbara Miers)
2. My Weight Watchers Rants: Some of the best writing. According to Red Smith, "Writing is sitting down at a typewriter and opening a vein." If so, these posts were brutally honest and close to the heart.
3. My Meeting of the Sassy Southern Sisterhood. I'm still blessed to have met with Yellow Rose and Cozy Readers and their hubbies. We formed an instant bond and I am so looking forward to seeing them again this spring.
4. Our annual pilgrimage to Savannah and staying with my friend Floozie. Savannah is warm memories, good food, great friends and endless giggling and cutting up with my friend Floozie. She willingly puts up with our crazy schedules and makes sure I get to do all my favorite things.
5. Daughter Suzy's Graduation/New York Trip: New York in the Spring was so much fun. I loved seeing Suzy and Tim working in areas that complement their talents. Boy Wonder always makes me laugh.
6. A Diva is born! The wonderful news of our first grandchild to born this coming January.
7. Our first Vegetable Garden in New Hope. Who knew that growing vegetables and playing in the dirt could be so much fun? We are still eating the fruits of our labor and planning our next garden for this coming spring.
8. The Laughing Ladies Luncheon and subsequent wild weekend. Wow, I still laugh when looking over the pictures. Getting 5 bloggers together for lunch was great fun and when one of them is Melli the fun multiplies exponentially.
9. National Missionary Conference in Indianapolis. This is always a highlight of our year as we get to meet up with old friends and hear wonderful reports of what God is doing all over the world.
10. Christmas in Canada. Christmas is always so much more fun with the family. We always look forward to seeing our children and being a small part of their world. It was fun to meet their friends and see their cozy home and help them get ready for the arrival of our first grandchild.

2006 was a very good year in the Daisy Patch.....Here's wishing you the best in 2007!

Boxing Day Brunch

Yesterday was boxing day.....similar to the US "Black Friday" day after Thanksgiving. The biggest retail day in Canada. Boxing Day is a legal holiday in Canada and people actually get together for big family meals.

We were invited to a Boxing Day Brunch by two of Becky's friends Nancy and Heather. Heather has duel citizenship but is originally from California. It was very sweet of them to do this and brunch was wonderful. We had banana buckwheat pancakes with choke cherry syrup, and sausage.

They were delightful and very friendly. We are so glad that our daughter has so many wonderful supportive friends. We also met up with some special people that we adore.

We met the Friesons at Becky and Jerry's wedding reception and formed an instant bond. Both Randal and Laura blog so we have kept up with them through "peeking in on their life" as they record it.

We met at a coffee shop called "The Living Room". It was good to catch up on one and another and Becky swears Randal reminds her of Mr. Wonderful. So you know I had to get a picture of the three of them together.

Becky was able to purchase a small chest deep freeze yesterday. Dear old Dad was instrumental in loading, balancing, and roping it in her trunk till we could get it home. It will certainly be helpful to be able to store pre-made casseroles and easy to cook food for when baby comes.

The days are flying by way to quickly. We will be leaving early Friday morning and there is still so much we want to accomplish. More later.

Missed Opportunity

I'm sad today. I've just heard that a beautiful lady that I admired died not today, but actually several weeks ago and I'm just hearing about it now.

We have been attending the same church for the last three years. People tend to sit in the same "pew" week after week and so it happened with us. We found ourselves sitting behind Juanita and Ralph. I know their names are Jaunita and Ralph because we talk to them every week and used to tease that when they weren't at church that we never knew where to sit.

Juanita has been battling ovarian cancer for as long as I have known her. I've seen her with fancy scarves on her head when she lost all her hair to chemo and I sat behind her and commented on how pretty her hair looked when it grew back in.

My own sister went through this same battle so we had common interest and as I nurse I always asked how she was doing. Miss Juanita gave me the honor of really telling me how she was really feeling and how I could pray for her. The last few months I've seen Miss Juanita looking paler, her feet so swollen that she could barely put on shoes and I knew we were losing her. I would give her a gentle hug, rub her shoulders and tease Ralph that he should be taking better care of "our girl".

Three weeks ago, I saw Miss Juanita's name in the bulletin asking for prayer and urging people to send cards. I made a mental note that I really needed to do that before we left town but unfortunately I let it slip by. So today I'm regretting the missed opportunities the Lord gave me to tell her how much I admired her courage and contagious spirit. I'm regretting the missed opportunity to sit by her bedside and let her know the impact she had on my life through our brief exchanges before and after church.

It's hard to see her husband sitting alone now. He looks much older, sadder, and definitely alone. It makes me hug Mr. Wonderful a little tighter and a little longer and take every opportunity to tell him how much I love him.

What's A Daisy to Do....

Yep, that's me.......wondering what in the world have I gotten myself into this time. I was just sitting there thinking what a great time I'm having and the next thing I know Melli is spending the weekend with me and Floozie in the Daisy Patch.

The funny thing is ......I have no recollection of inviting her. Is she reading my mind? I can see Mr. Wonderful in my mind's eye saying, "Daisy, you've got some splaining to do?" Oh Well, I'm thinking...how bad can one night be?
Let me count the ways:




A is for Automobile that has no.....
B Brakes....pedal to the floor , brake fluid on the ground
C Couldn't leave if she tried
D Delayed Departure till Sunday
E Eager to go play...but waiting on the mechanic
F Flip Flop Floozie feeling flue-y
G Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? (the Mellinator!)
H Honestly wouldn't have missed a single minute of it.
I I had the time of my life!
J Just exactly how did this happen?
K Kind of just fell in place ( or what we call a divine appointment).
L Laughter, lots of it.
M Mechanic who fixed the car (on Saturday when they normally are closed!)
N No...don't climb the statue, don't get in the grocery cart, get out of the street...
O Oh No! Outrageous Outburst
P Please, please, please, "I'll be your best friend" (piles of photos too!)
Q Quirky...in the most delightful way
R Right behind you Melli.
S Silly stunts, Shaking with laughter,
T Time just flew by way too fast.
U "U did save it as a draft first didn't U?"
V Vibrant color leaves, vivacious friends.
W words....Not enough to adequately explain!
X exceptional (both the silliness and also words of encouragement)
Y..You
Z ...Zee you soon?


Follow the Fun......>

Melli calls it her favorite Watering Spout (Spot). Who knew that Floozie and Melli would decided to be the welcome wagon of Staunton. I had a hard time dragging them out of the intersection.


Melli was squatting in the flower pot when a passing car rolled down the window and asked me " Does She Need a Tissue?" Floozie was fighting off a head cold and had just asked us if we had a kleenex. Wow,I thought , how did they know? Later it dawned on me that Melli position in the flower pot looked rather suggestive of another activity. That was the start of hours of continual giggling! Every thing from then on was extremely funny and we just seemed to fuel each others silliness.

While walking down the quaint streets of Staunton Melli takes off running down the street toward this site. ( Zelma's Costumes and retro clothing shop). What followed was a grown up version of dress up. Melli suggested that Floozie try on the dress that is on the dress form and we could take a new picture for her website! Floozie declined the offer .


Seems like I spent most of my day trying to keep Melli from climbing statues , being the look out for the local police and documenting the misdeed for all our blogging friends. Lord help us all when she finally reaches her goal weight as there will be no holding her to the ground.


Typical Conversation:

Melli: Daisy hold my camera and take the picture when I get up there.

Me: Oh, come on lets rethink this.....what if you fall.

Melli: Your a nurse, call the paramedics.

Floozie: I don't think this is a good idea (standing next to her to catch her when she falls!)

By the end of the day Melli's "Insanity Prevails" had infected us all. What started off as a conversation about Melli "being the baby of the bunch" ended up with the baby getting into the basket and all of laughing ourselves silly. By the time one of us would get a small measure of composure a new wave of silliness would hit that would double us over in gales of laughter.

This Daisy admits to hysterical laughter that would cause the other two to lose it all over again. Needless to say it was hard to explain to our husbands as new waves of giggles would break out again and again at the dinner table. Truly you had to be there, and be suffering from sleep deprivation to get the full impact of the situation.

Our trip to Walmart netted us groceries, pharmacy items, and one of us had to buy a pair of pants. We provided entertainment to many in the parking lot and now I have to move or go into the witness protection program. (Thanks friends!)

Least you think this adventure was all fun and games, let me leave you with a parting picture of an intervention that took place in my living room. Both Floozie and Melli are my dieting diva heroes and both excellent "life coaches". Melli has lost 56 pounds and Floozie has lost 32 inches...Me? I've lost my sense of humor, my will to live and about 3 months.

Needless to say my efforts have been stalled for a while so Melli decided she needed to "Jump start"my motivation. Sometimes action speaks louder than words so Melli is demonstrating a highly effective form of motivation. Assume the Position!

Weekend recap....Monday Memory

The Lovely Ladies Laughing Luncheon was a huge success. Friday morning found all of us anxiously excited and somewhat nervous with anticipation. I already have a strong bond and history with Flip Flop Floozie that dates back over five years. Floozie is one of the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate tenderhearted people I know. 

 She loves new adventures and the opportunity to meet with Beckie, Melli, and Lady Bug was an irresistible treat. Floozie gave up the opportunity to see family members and gave up a special one-year birthday party for the triplets that she has been helping care for during the past year to come see me so I truly wanted this event to be spectacular. 

Security seems to be a big issue with non-blogging husbands and family members that are positive that the "invisible people" we are meeting in a public place will be "AXE MURDERERS". Melli was appointed as "Sergeant of Arms" and immediately undertook the security checks of the blogging delegation.

Floozie appeared to be somewhat surprised at the traditional tribal greetings of Maryland Melli and wasn't exactly sure if should drop her camera in the bag or show her driver's license. The undercover agent Lady Bug was the biggest mystery of the day as she is never pictured in her blog. Would we be able to recognize her? "Oh sure", she assured us, "I have brown hair and glasses." Hmm.....doesn't that fit half of the female population of the world? 

Floozie and Lady Bug hit it off instantly at the secret luncheon destination (Cracker Barrel). We were given the corner table, free refills, and great service by the staff. Melli assures me that the four-foot double-pointed spear placed on the table in plain sight had absolutely nothing to do with the caliber of the service we received.

 All too quickly (about 4 hours) Lady Bug made a hasty retreat as her secret identity had been compromised and she slipped quietly back into her undercover role as super mom. The rest of us went shopping for new disguises.

As we prepared to leave, Melli made an executive decision that we needed backup on our return trip to the secret hideout (the Daisy Patch) and accompanied us back to our Shenandoah home. She soon found out that her danger instincts were accurate as her car was disabled shortly after arriving at our destination. (Next time just pull a spark plug Floozie!) Well....maybe it didn't happen exactly that way, but it did to my way of thinking. The other ladies have their rendition of our clandestine rendevous but I believe in truth in journalism and not all the sensationalism you read nowadays!