Hello, friends. Thank you for joining me for another ramble.
This week leads us up to the 4th of July in America. But to be honest, I don’t feel much like celebrating. I’ll just leave it at that.
This past week was a rollercoaster on steroids.
It started out with the road trip. My three grandsons and I went visit a first cousin in Gatesville, Tx. This man is 87 years young and had a decades long military career, specializing in communications. He has a ham radio setup with huge antennas in a building separate from his house. This was the main reason we went. My grandson who is going to college in Michigan came home for a few days and is a ham radio operator. He loves learning more about it, especially from someone who has done so much. This is Ryan and my cousin deep in discussion.
But there were so many more amazing things that happened for all three boys. I loved watching them learn and be such great humans with total respect for their elders. Plus, on the way up, they introduced me to the music of Kanye West. Hmmmm. Not really a fan, but it was fun watching and listening to them. My cousin has a 1926 Model T Ford and a 1925 Model T Ford and he let the boys drive the 1926 car, even though Connor is only twelve. They will never forget that experience!
I forgot to mention that my brother and his wife who live in Katy, Tx, met us there. The last photo is me, my middle grandson and my brother. So much fun watching little Connor learn to drive this antique car!
That was the highlight of the week. After that it all headed south in a hurry.
My granddaughter who is the dancer was scheduled to go to a summer camp in Colorado for ten days. She was all packed and my daughter took her to the camp they were to leave from on Sunday. They were supposed to leave for Colorado on Monday. She never made it. On Monday morning, she severely injured her right foot. After doctor visits, and an MRI, they determined she has torn ligaments in that foot and she is now in a full cast and on crutches for six weeks.
In the midst of all that, my daughter had to fly to Milwaukee for an emergency high level meeting. The timing couldn’t have been worse. So, I tag-teamed with my son-in-law to get Sydney taken care of. I also worked Wednesday and Thursday in the store, then headed out as soon as I got off work to help with the girls. I took Sydney on Friday morning to get the cast. As soon as the foot was stabilized, she had less pain. But up until that point, she was in horrible pain. All of it took a toll.
Then, they all left to go to Broken Bow, Oklahoma for a last hurrah at their cabin as it sold this past week, after being on the market for over two years. Everyone went, except me. I had to work some at the store so I stayed and took care of the dogs. They were not hard to take care of. My son-in-law got a new collar for Ace that helps so much in controlling him when I take him for walks. Plus, he’s getting older. He’s a year now. 🙂 On our walks, I thought about Dan Antion and his wife. Look what we saw.
One other catastrophe happened this past week. Someone hit my new car in the parking lot of a grocery store. And no, they didn’t leave a note – nothing. 🙁 I don’t know yet what I’m going to do, but the damage is more of a scrape than a hard hit. If I file a claim, they will raise my insurance rates. I may just try to pay for it it out of pocket. I’ve made no decision yet.
So, can I say I’m exhausted? Well, I shouldn’t say it because when you put something out to the Universe, that’s what you get back, so I definitely don’t need any more piled on!
Two friends who are both fabulous writers have new book releases! Take a look and grab your copies!
BLURB: Violet Marie Glass has a hunger for adventure. She dreams of leaving her family’s farm one day for a life in any big city that will have her.
As the teenager comes of age in 1910 Alabama, she collects secrets during her nightly traipsing with best friend Ruthie Sender. Most of her secrets are harmless experiences rooted in the girl’s own rebellion—she drinks liquor, dances to ragtime music, and mingles with a group of determined suffragettes.
It’s during a visit with her oldest sister that Violet becomes aware of a long-kept family secret that carries the potential for ruin for the entire Glass clan.
Life begins to unravel when a missing neighbor turns up dead. Violet suspects her grandfather may have had a hand in the man’s demise. Will the girl turn him in to the authorities, or will she add this secret to her growing collection?
Violet soon discovers that a girl can keep only so many secrets before the weight of them becomes unbearable.
BLURB: Renowned actress Wisteria Westlake has performed on the grandest stages, but nothing prepares her for Shallow Draw, a place she hoped never to see. Not while Asher Cade, the rancher she once promised to marry, calls it home.
When The Gilded Thespian Show’s owner lies about the reason for their stay in the dust-choked little town, his deception prompts vicious arguments and hostile feelings. As tensions rise among the troupe, a local hothead causes trouble and a mysterious stranger sparks fears of violence. Then the unthinkable happens—one of Wisteria’s companions is brutally attacked and left for dead.
Asher Cade has tried to forget Wisteria. The best way to guard against further pain is to avoid her altogether, but suddenly she needs protecting. To keep her safe, Asher must find a killer. Before he’s finished, his hunt will unearth secrets from Wisteria’s past and expose deep wounds within The Gilded Thespian Show.
Because in Shallow Draw, some stories don’t end when the curtain falls.
I will be taking a break from blogging for the month of July. I simply cannot keep up. I’m going with my entire family to New York, which with Sydney in a cast and on crutches should be fun (NOT). So, other than posting my June book reviews, I’m taking a break.
I’m seriously hoping I can return to my Christmas story. It is sadly languishing.
I’ll leave you with this quote. It certainly speaks to me.
And this tarot card popped out. Okay, Universe, I hear you.
This card is all about taking a pause. Swords are the mind or intellect, so it’s a reminder to give it a rest. Take time for yourself and let all the thoughts and ideas sit until you are refreshed and ready to return to them. They aren’t going anywhere and you can pick them right back up after you rest.
Thank you all for your amazing support. I will continue to try and visit your blogs as I can, but for now, taking a step back and regrouping.
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Wow, what a week, with lots of ups and downs. Sorry about your car, some people are so rude. I would never hit and run. I hope your granddaughter recovers as quickly as she can, and that she has no more pain. Enjoy July with family and friends, Jan.
Thank you, Carla!
Hi Jan, you are certainly getting out and about. I’m really sorry to hear about Sydney’s accident. I hope it recovers completely. Enjoy your blogging break 🌸
Thank you, Robbie!!
Another busy but adventurous week, Jan
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, Toni.
I love those cars, imagine driving a hundred year old car. I did not know people still did Ham radio, obviously the internet hasn’t taken over all communications. Enjoy your holiday
I was shocked when my grandson started learning to operate a ham radio last year. And now he’s gotten really good at it. If all communications systems fail, the radios will be invaluable. Those boys will never forget driving a hundred year old car! Thank you for visiting!
Jan, I really feel this. It sounds like general life in 2026. I am not taking a break but have to step it back for a month.
I understand, Craig. Things can certainly get hard these days. I’m working so much to make ends meet. After all, it’s just me paying all the bills. I know your mom will consume your time this month, but maybe later you will be able to look back on it and be thankful you had this time. Thank you for visiting!
Oh, no, I’m so sorry to hear about Sydney’s injury!! After the week you’ve had, I’d say a good rest is definitely in order. See you when you get back!
I have to agree, Liz. I need time to write my story! And I have to step back from other obligations to do that. Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment!
You’re welcome, Jan!
I’m so sorry to hear about your granddaughter’s injury. That had to be devastating, The boys, on the other hand must still be giddy over everything they did and learned.
They will never forget that day and driving the Model T, Dan. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!
So sorry for all the bad stuff you’ve had to cope with this week, Jan. I hope matters get resolved as soon as possible. We had the same car issue a few days before Christmas last year – a huge dent and no note. It cost enough in insurance excess to fix, and last week we found out how much it had cost over and above that; frightening. On the plus side, good to see the family smiling together, and oh, those vintage cars … Here’s hoping the next week will treat you much better. ❤️
It’s just awful when someone damages your car and just drives away. It makes fixing it harder. I agree about the family smiling and those vintage cars. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Laura!
What a week that must have been, busy, phyiscally and mentally exhausting, fun and frustrating. You had it all, I hope this week will be more of the fun side, Jan!
Thank you, Erika. I kept reminding myself I allowed this chaos take control, and it’s time to make a change. We always have a choice. Sometimes I forget.
We do, and I believe that we need such times to realize it! As you said, once in our daily business, we forget easily.
Enjoy your break, you deserve it! I love seeing the joy on your grandson’s face.
Thank you so much, Darlene.
Love your Uncle and his Wall of Fame. So many accomplishments during his glory days.
Hs is a first cousin, but I totally agree about his accomplishments. And that was just one wall. There were two more covered in medals and certificates. Thanks so much, Jacqui!
I’m glad you hot some fun in with grandson but very sorry about your grandaughter and someone hitting your car. I have a dent I’ve left in back of my car because claiming it would definitely raise are rates or get us canceled. I might add a bandaid sticker to it. Enjoy your needed break, we all need them. Sending healing hugs xo
Thank you so much, Denise. I like the idea of a bandaid sticker. 🙂 I appreciaste you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment!
Best wishes on your break. Sounds like you need to recharge and taking time off is the best way.
I think so, John. It’s either that or bun out completely. Thanks for your kind comment!
They say the words “May your life be interesting” is a curse, but you seem to have accomplished the interesting part!
Excellent article! Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully,
Verwayne
AKA “V”
Interesting is right, Verwayne. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
It was a very eventful week for you, Jan! I hope your granddaughter heals up and can get back to dancing. Your car getting scraped in the parking lot is bad. I hope things go as good as they can for you.
Thanks so much, Tim. I am working on making things good!
You’re welcome, Jan. 😍🙏
That’s great news that you’re taking a break. You can’t keep going at the pace you are. When you get this New York trip over, you can work more on your Christmas story. I think you’ll find it hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s a good story. So focus on rest and recuperation. Love you, Sister.
Thank you so much, sister. I appreciate you more than you can know!
What a week you had, Jan! I’m sorry to hear about your granddaughter – hope she heals quickly. And you certainly deserve a break. Hope life slows down a bit for you.
Thank you so much, Teri. I’m going to work on slowing life down to a more manageable pace!
I should think you are exhausted, Jan! A lot has been going on. Sorry to hear about your car. That’s awful. Some people are so uncaring and thoughtless. I love the Model T. My father-in-law has one and I’ve been in it many a time. It is rather wonderful. Take care of yourself ❤️
Oh, how wonderful, Esther, that you get to ride in the Model T! I tell you, the boys enjoyed it all so much! They’ll never forget it. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Wouldn’t it be fun to drive an antique car? I’m so sorry to hear about your dancer granddaughter’s foot. I had a grade 3 tear about a year ago. It’s no fun, but hopefully being so young she’ll heal quickly!
Driving that car is something those boys will never forget, especially young Connor. Thank you, Priscilla, for your kind comment and wish for quick healing for Sydney. I appreciate you stopping by!
Certainly a rollercoaster of a week Jan and I do hope your granddaughter heals quickly.. tough at any age but especially for a young dancer… thank goodness as always you were on hand to help. As for the person who did that to your car… I wish them everything they wish themselves. Pity it wasn’t caught on camera. Have a wonderful July and we will look forward to seeing you again after the summer.. ♥♥
Thank you so much, Sally. I did call the store and asked if I could view the camera footage and they said only law enforcement or insurance companies could look. I appreciate your kindness!
That’s a pity Jan… an added expense you don’t need. ♥♥