mary58's Xanga

Haunting we shall go :)

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:12:40 GMT

Here is another cool looking monument. I've never seen anything like this. There is a legend behind this, how true it is, I don't know. We all love a good spooky story so here it goes.....

According to local legend, Inez died in 1880 at the tender age of only six. Tradition has it that she was killed during a lightning storm while on a family picnic. Her parents, stunned by the tragic loss, commissioned a life-size statue of the girl to be placed on her grave. It was completed a year later, and like many Chicago area grave sculptures, was placed in a glass box to protect it from the elements. The image remains in nearly perfect condition today. Even in death, Inez still manages to charm cemetery visitors, who discover the little girl perched on a small stool. The likeness was cast so that Inez is seen wearing her favorite dress and carrying a tiny parasol. The perfectly formed face was created with just the hint of a smile. It is not uncommon to come to the cemetery and find gifts of flowers and toys at the foot of her grave. The site has become one of the most popular places in the cemetery, for graveyard buffs and curiosity seekers alike.

The stories say that the area around Inez Clarke's resting place is haunted. Not only are their stories of strange sounds heard nearby, but some claim the statue of Inez actually moves under its own power. The most disconcerting stories may be those of the disembodied weeping that is heard nearby but the most famous tales are those of the statue itself. It is said that Inez will sometimes vanish from inside of the glass box. This is said to take place during violent thunderstorms. Many years ago, a night watchman for the Pinkerton agency allegedly stated that he was making his rounds one night during a storm and discovered that the box that holds Inez was empty. He left the cemetery that night, never to return. Other guards have also reported it missing, only to find it back in place when they pass by again, or the following morning.

There are other tales that claim visitors to Graceland spot a little girl playing in the cemetery. In other cases, children who accompany their parents to the burial ground have stated that they have met a little girl wearing old-fashioned clothes playing near the monument.

Spooky :)

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:54:09 GMT

We went to our daughters over the weekend and decided to stop at one of the oldest cemetery's in Chicago. I swear the grave below, is the spookiest one I've ever come across. I read about it on the Internet and decided to check it out for myself. According to what I read, this memorial stone has no name on it, and if your standing in front of it you can make out the face, but when you take the picture no one has ever been able to get a picture with the face showing. Now mind you, it was a beautiful sunny/bright day and when I focused the picture I could see the face, but once it got developed the face was missing. There is lots of talk about this tombstone, lots of creepy talk I should say. I didn't believe the talk but I sure do now. Because I definitely saw a face but none developed in the picture. Spoooooooooooooooooooky. haha

Update on Hip Surgery

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:02:16 GMT

NO WALKER< NO CANE> 3 months as of the 17 of May

I finally can walk without the cane. It's still rough going at times, especially when first waking up or getting up after sitting for awhile. Very very stiff and takes a few minutes to get upright from all the stiffness in my back, mostly. It's a bitch having osteoarthritis. Seems each day brings a new pain, I've noticed lately I have stiffness even in the fingers of both hands. It's hard to unscrew a cap and I used to be able to snap my fingers, well no more. Fingers are to stiff. But what the heck, at almost 65 I have to expect some aches and pains. I just keep telling myself, things could be so much worse.

As far as the hip replacement, all is going really great. I'm able to do just about anything. In fact I went on my first bike ride last week. At first I just stood with legs between bike, thinking......can I do this....can I get my feet on these pedals and get myself going? I must have stood there holding up my bike for a good 5 minutes, before talking myself into just doing it. I didn't want my fear to ruin something that I'd always loved doing. So with fear pushed to the back and courage to the front, I got on and away I went. Hubby went along with me, for safety sake. I only went the length of our road one way then the other. But it was a start. Now I know I can do it and nothing especially fear, will prevent me from getting on my bike and enjoying the ride.

Next I must try to get back into my walking. I used to walk twice a day total of 6 miles, 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening.....So far I've walked to my neighbors whose one house away from me. My right leg is still stiff and uncomfortable at times. Not painful, just sorta stiff where the new parts are. I haven't really tried to walk very far, out of fear again....that damn fear can really put a damper on life and living it to the fullest. But I'm afraid to walk for fear of running into trouble and not being able to walk back. I'm waiting on a cell phone to be delivered to the house, then maybe I can give this walking a try. The cell phone will be my security blanket in case of trouble, call hubby and he can come get me.

It's been a little over 3 months and I'm back to doing everything I did before the surgery. Actually I'm doing more, because now I can bend over and touch my toes, well, put my shoes on with no problems is what I should say. I can ride my bike with no pain in the right groin area. I can get in an out of the car with no problem now. I can go up and down the basement stairs with no discomfort. I can sleep with no pain and wake up with no pain. This surgery was a blessing and I'm so glad I had it done. In fact I've already set up my next hip surgery date, for removal of my left hip. I don't want to wait till I'm older and then maybe not pull through the surgery as well. As we age our bodies slowly start to wear out. I'm still healthy enough now to have these replacements done and recuperate so well. Another few years and there's no telling how my health will be. But at least I'll have new hips.... See I'm planning ahead...I know what old age can do, so it's good to plan ahead, right ? The date will be Nov 17th. I'm not gonna wait forever like I did the right hip, and suffer with 24/7 pain.

I do have some discomfort in my left hip. Nothing compared to the pain I had in my right one. But with time it will get just as bad. The MRI showed both hips bad, but right one was the worst. At least with this next surgery I'll have nothing to fear......there's that 4 letter word again.......FEAR !!! How many of us go through our lives living in fear of one thing or another. How many of us let FEAR take over our lives to the point we can't enjoy them? I've always been the type to look Fear in the face and say bring it on. But the older I get the weaker my walls are getting towards FEAR, but as long as I can continue to out smart fear and talk myself out of fearing life's hurdles then I know my life will be lived to the fullest. But it does seem like age makes us weaker to stand up to some of life's surprises.

But I'd hate for fear to win me over. I'd miss out on so much living, I have left to do. I figure I have a good 20 years left, or maybe 15. I'm gonna be 65 and I sure don't feel like I'll live to be anywhere past 85. Heck just seeing 80 will be a miracle to me

Do I want fear to be my constant companion through out those remaining years....NO NO NO.

But I have come to one conclusion......Health is what makes us or breaks us. I found that out when I went through this hip crap. I have always been outgoing and very athletic. Never ever had to depend on anyone. Then the old hip went out and I was helpless for the first time in my 64 years. It felt awful....heck there isn't a word in the dictionary to describe how torturous it was. Being laid up and depending on others, I think I aged 10 years from that FEAR. Fear of wondering if I'd ever be normal again, normal enough to take care of myself and do the everyday chores that needed to be done. Without our health we age into old old old and that's bad enough but then we are dependent on others for our daily living. I know to some this is part of growing old, but to me, I'll fight it off the best I can. By trying to keep myself as healthy as I can. If that means watching what I eat, so I don't gain weight, not after losing 100 pounds years ago, nope don't want that all back. Can you imagine how my hip surgery would have gone if I had that 100 pounds back on me. Not good at all :( So to stay healthy I will watch what gets past my lips, I will get back into biking and hopefully walking the miles again. Just staying active helps to stay healthy and keeps the bones from getting to brittle. Even thou I've inherited my mother's genes of poor bones I'll still try to take care of what bones I have left.

I really really abused my body by gaining all that weight and carrying it around for all those years. That did more harm to my bones than anything else could have. Weight is one of the reasons for hip replacement. To much weight on the body parts and they wear out faster plus having arthritis and a history of family that have bad bones.

Well I've rattled on enough. That's me...I ignore this journal for weeks sometimes months and then I pop in here and go on an on

I'm still on this earth :)

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:18:13 GMT

All is well in my neck of the woods. Just can't seem to get back into posting an entry here on a daily or even weekly basis. I admire all of you that can do it, as it does take time out of your life to post here. I enjoy reading all of you, but I just can't seem to get with it myself. Shucks, what is it gonna take for me to get as good as most of you...... about posting an entry ? Usually I run out of things to write. At least interesting things. Nobody want's to read about my daily chores around here. So I guess that's why I don't post much.

I lead a very laid back lifestyle. ha.ha

Especially since I'm still recovering from hip replacement surgery. I've packed away the walker and now using the cane. Hopefully in another month I can get rid of the cane and start on my daily walks again. Then onto my bike riding and hopefully golf before the season ends. My recovery is remarkable in that I've done so well. I was laid up maybe one month, by the second month I was able to get around and even go to the store and theater. Doctor is impressed but not surprised. He said when he met me he had the feeling I'd do well. But then again he was and is a great surgeon.

Wicked Weather

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:32:27 GMT

I really should shut down this computer as it's getting mighty nasty outside. Weather has really turned bad and lightening and heavy rains are here. But I shall push my luck and give a quick update on what I've been doing. My new hip is doing fabulous and each day that goes by I get more an more strength in my hip to walk. I still use the cane cause I don't wanna undo all the good the doctor has done for me. Living without that 24/7 pain is a miracle to me.

I can actually sleep now with no pain in the groin/leg/hip area. Still don't sleep through the night, but I think that's just me. No cause from the hip. I would love to sleep through the night, but I'm happy if I get 6 hours uninterrupted. Usually I sleep maybe 2 hours then wake up, then fall asleep and wake up. It goes on like this all night. A few times I've actually only woke up once and that was another miracle to me. But I've heard the older we get our bodies don't need much sleep. Myself I kinda think that's hog wash. Gee, I don't know why I thought to use that word, I never have used hog wash before. As I age I'm noticing lots of different things that I do or say that really aren't me.....ha.ha Oh well, as long as nothing comes flying out of my mouth that will hurt someone, then I'm doing okay.

I remember my Mom used to say some shocking things, hard to believe it came from her. Bless her heart, she lived to be almost 90 before her heart just gave out. But she used to say, at her age she had nothing to hide and nothing to hold back. Only problem with that is, she did embarrass folks although she never felt she did. She was one strong lady. A Southern born and raised mama. Picked cotton as a youngster and saw the hard side of life. Christmas time brought her apples or I should say apple and maybe a few pieces of candy. She was never spoiled, married young and had kids while herself still a kid. Yes, she saw the hard side of life, but she never ever let it get her down. I better bring this to a close and maybe continue about my Mama at another time. This storm is getting wicked so I'm outta here....

Long Time

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:03:53 GMT

I keep letting days and weeks go by before posting an entry. I just can't seem to get back into writing on a daily or weekly basis. Now the warm weather is almost here and I'll be spending all my time out doors. Hopefully I can get back into golfing but I'll have to check with hip doctor at my next appointment, which is next month. Also I should be able to start walking my 3 miles a day pretty soon and biking. I love being outdoors. Especially after being cooped up all winter.

Now for a brief update on how I'm doing since my hip replacement, yeah right :) like I do anything briefly :) But I'm getting around at times without the walker or cane. Some days it doesn't hurt and then there's days like yesterday that each time I put my right foot down the hip/leg hurt. I should say the area where the doctor put the rod.... that goes into the thigh area, that hurt. It's hard to explain. The hip socket itself never hurts, it's always the stem or rod in the thigh that hurts. It's still got some swelling but not much. I'm really amazed at how fast I've bounced back to almost normal. It was a month on 3-18. So I'd have to say the first 3 weeks are the worst after surgery. But believe me, there bare able. At least there is no pain like before the surgery.

Well this is about it for now. The sun is shining and it's suppose to get up to 60 today, so I'm outta here :)

Anniversary of 47 years :)

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:32:06 GMT

Today I celebrate 47 years to my childhood sweetheart.

I'll never forget the day I spotted him walking down the hall at school. He looked sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo handsome with his silky blue shirt and jeans and his hair in the Fonze style. My heart went crazy and I told my girlfriend, Oh my God, check out this guy coming towards us, what a Cutie, I'm gonna marry that guy someday. Call it love at first sight, cause it sure was :) ( does anyone remember back in the 50's how the guys wore those flashy silk shirts ?) And they'd wear their jeans down around their hips looking so cool.

Her and I had been standing around the hallway just checking out the guys, none of them made my heart beat like seeing him did. We went together for 4 years and got married after he came home from Navy Boot Camp. We spent the first 4 years of our marriage in the Navy traveling all over the USA. Since he was stationed on the aircraft carrier Essex he'd be gone 6 months of the year. Now that was usually the longest. Most of the time it was 3 months then in port for a few weeks then back out to sea. He missed the birth of both our kids cause he was out to sea.

But oh my!! when he'd come home it was like a honeymoon all over again. It's a wonder I didn't have lots an lots of kids...ha.ha

We have so many many wonderful memories from those Navy years. When I look back at the pictures of us, we look so young to be married. He was 19 and I was 17, I'd never been away from home and actually was kept in a shell most of my life. Except when I'd rebel and fight for more freedom to do normal teenage things. So to go off and be on my own was all new to me. I loved every minute. Well I will admit I got homesick the first month, but I soon got over it and never looked back. I did miss him so much when he'd be out to sea. But all us Navy wives stuck together. We helped each other out and watched over one another. A few of us lived in what's called Quonset Huts. It was made out of metal and when it rained wow! put ya to sleep. I loved it. Then we got base housing and that was a big step up. An actual house with 2 bedrooms and a backyard :)

Yes lots of wonderful memories are wrapped up into these 47 years. Someday I hope to jot more of these memories down here at my journal. As we age our memories start to flicker so to speak, so I'll keep a written memory for when and if this does happen to me. If my mind goes then at least someone else can read all this to me. I do copy every page I write here at Xanga. So I'm off to enjoy this wonderful day.

PS..Hubby gave me a card with 50 single dollar bills inside. He knows how I love to hit garage sales in the summer and I never have enough money. I just love this man, even after all these years, he still is my # one

A letter to my angel.....son

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:05:47 GMT

Hello Son, It's been to long since I last wrote you. So much has happened. I came across a journal that brought tears to my eyes. Another mother has lost her son, to early in his life, just as I lost you. You were just 35 and had so much more living ahead of you. Working in the hospital and assisting in surgery's we all knew there was a slight chance you could get aids. I just never let it take over my thoughts. But I lived with the fear. You dealt with blood every day all day...Then the fear become reality and within a year you were gone.

Your father and I took care of you and watched the handsome strong man become a frail skin and bones sickly ghost of a man. I'll forever remember that last year, the good days and the bad. The bad days soon out numbered the good. But enough of this sad talk. It's been 10 years since this all happened but sometimes it's like yesterday to me.

I just wanted to bring you up to date on what's been happening down here on earth. First off I had my right hip replaced Feb 18th. The excruciating pain I suffered for a year is completely gone gone gone. It won't be long and I'll be back outside walking my 6 miles a day and biking every other day. Trying to keep myself healthy even though these old bones keep creaking away :)

Sissy is gonna be getting glasses in a few weeks. Her very first pair. She's not looking forward to it, but she noticed her vision in her left eye is blurry. You'd be proud of her son, her drinking is finally under control. She has so many regrets from your dying. She tried killing them in booze. She regrets so much ....that she didn't spend more time with you, that she didn't go to the show that day you begged her to go. That she didn't stay home from work the day you were in such pain with headaches. She realizes that no booze is gonna undo the grief or guilt that she has to live with. I've told her that if you could talk to her you'd tell her to forgive herself because you love her and she will always be your sissy. We talk about you quite a bit. You will always be in our thoughts and out hearts. You aren't and never will be forgotten.

Your Aunt Carol just found out she has breast cancer. We'll know more March 25th. I want to take a few weeks and go and help her through some of this. I can at least keep her house up and do the cooking while your Dad takes her to her treatments. It's all in the planning stages yet. But I think she'd really like us to come be with her.

Daddy is doing great. He has proven to be quite the caring nurse during my recovery from this surgery. I couldn't ask for a better nurse. He sure has surprised me. You know how your dad is...ha,ha ...but I mean it when I say a professional nurse couldn't have done better for me. Very considerate and on the ball. Asks all the time if I need anything and wow! some of the meals he's cooked are delicious. But then you and your Dad always loved cooking and making new meals from scratch. Even though you loved spicy foods.. .ha ha Not your mama. To many of your meals had me grabbing the water glass :)

Well dear son, I think I've covered what needs to be said for tonight. If I think of anything else I'll get back with you. I love love love love love you my first born. Hope your having a blast up there. Watch over us down here. You are my special guardian angel. I feel so safe knowing your around to watch over me. Love you son, Goodnight xoxoxo

10,000 BC was Fantastic

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:37:40 GMT

The movie was great. It got a bad review in our paper and this is one reason I never ever go by the reviews. Cause who ever does them, sucks big time. I loved the movie and so did my husband. Everyone that came out of the theater was saying nothing but great things about it. I didn't hear one negative remark. If your into these kind of flicks then it's worth your time to go see it. I will be buying this one on DVD when it comes out. I only buy the good ones, the ones I call keepers. Ones that hubby and I will watch over an over.

Like Patrick Swayze's Dirty Dancing. I've watched that so much I think I'm gonna have to replace it soon. I love watching him dance. My heart goes out to him and his family at this time of crisis in his life. Prayers are being sent his way. Miracles happen and hopefully this will be one miracle of a success story. Cancer is a scary terrifying ordeal to face. My husband has faced it twice and survived, going on 20 years now. Back then the medicines weren't even as good as they are now. So this wonderful actor, dancer and human being has a good chance at beating it.

I did really good at the show. Everyone at the show knows us. We've been going there every Friday for years. They couldn't have been nicer and so thoughtful. Wanted to get me a wheel chair, but I was able to manage all on my own, with the walker. I'm so glad I ventured out and what a pleasure to see such a good movie. Hubby even said the popcorn tasted great...ha,ha.ha

Show time :)

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:46:53 GMT

Today will be an adventure for me....I'm gonna try and go to the show with hubby and see 10,000 BC. I hadn't planned on venturing into public places till I was back with the cane. Makes it so much easier to get around than with that clumsy walker. But he practically got down on his hands and knees and begged me to go. Said the last few times he's gone to the show by himself it just wasn't the same. He missed me and didn't enjoy being there by himself. He even said the popcorn didn't taste as good...ha.ha.ha

So he figured since I went to the doctors and that was a public place then maybe I could try going to the show with him today. I really think I can do it, otherwise I would never try. Plus we're going to the first showing which is always less people. Hubby and I went to the show every single Friday for years, up to my having this hip problem.

So this is where I'll spend part of my day. It will feel good to get out of this house. The walls are starting to close in on me. When I start getting antsy and wanting to do things, I just make myself think back to all the pain I suffered before this hip got replaced. I really don't want to do anything to jeopardize the remarkable surgery that got me pain free. In another week I should be able to start using my cane. I'll know when I'm ready. Just listen to my body as the doctor said. Sure glad I had this surgery in the winter. Spring will be here soon and I'll be able to get out there and do all the things I used to do.