Long Hollow

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Realtor, writer, blogger in Austin, TX

Number 1: Laughing Hard Times into Wine

 

 

June 13-24

 

 

1. This is my new favorite quote:

“The woman had laughed the hard times into wine.”
-Ann Voskamp 

I'm not sure if it's possible to laugh hard times into wine, except theoretically, of course… but I love the imagery of it. Thanks to Jennifer at Ripplespeak for posting it. (And for all of her own beautiful words full of imagery and inspiration!)

 

 

  Daniel oct 91s

2. I've had to spend a lot of time dealing with the Social Security Administration and other agencies lately, trying to get things straightened out for my mom. It can be pretty frustrating and confusing.

So when I was having trouble getting my mom's birth certificate last week at the Bureau of Vital Statistics, my son Daniel moved up to total Rock Star status with me when he provided the information and advice via text that I needed to help the Bureau employees figure out what to do in only one trip!

I forgave him any headaches he gave me when he was little.

 

DSC_0125

 

3. Have you heard of Sundown Syndrome? I hadn't until my mom started showing signs of it. Sigh.

 

Jan 13-0030

 

4. I just created a Nextdoor.com group for my neighborhood. It's kind of like Neighborhood Watch, only online.

"Nextdoor is the private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It's the easiest way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it's free." (from the website)

I heard about it in a real estate class and thought it would be perfect for my little area where walking next-door is a bit of a hike and the potential for wildfires is very, very real.

 

 

1939700_715329568497897_1671702925_n(photo from the Duluth Animal Hospital Facebook Page)

5.And last but not least, just in case I'm NOT the last person in the world to meet this adorable couple, I'm introducing you to Roo and Penny, best buddies who were both adopted by Alicia Williams of the Duluth Animal Hospital. Daniel introduced them to me. 

I have fallen totally head over heels, wanting to reach in and cuddle both of them, in love with them! 

If you're like me and can't get enough of their cuteness, go HERE to learn more about their stories.

God bless Alicia for saving them.

 

 

Joining with Nancy's…

Random 5 Friday

 

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13 responses to “Number 1: Laughing Hard Times into Wine”

  1. Gail Avatar
    Gail

    I had not heard of Sundown Syndrome, but after reading about it, sounds frustrating and heartbreaking. My heart goes out to you, Barbara. And my prayers.
    After using Nextdoor.com for a while, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. My husband is president of our HOA. We started a FB page, but someone on the city council mentioned the one you’re using and said it was better for privacy.

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  2. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    yes, i have heard of #3 … i worked for a group that goes into to homes where elderly live & we clean, shop, be a companion & just listen. be a friend. it was fun. a good learning experience. & that was one lesson i learned over & over. it was tough. it is hard to see them so confused or stressed like that. i hope you find way to help. i know there is tons of info on it online. keep a schedule always helped for the most i dealt with. keep the same folks around … not much change. a good routine. ( :

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  3. Barbara Shallue Avatar
    Barbara Shallue

    Thank you so much for your prayers, Gail. I know these past months have been so hard on my mom. So far I really like Nextdoor.com, although I don't have that many neighbors signed up for it yet. I'm hoping it will grow, especially as the risk for wildfires grows. Ugh. The person I heard about it from had been using it for a couple of years, I think, and here's a review I found about it. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/breyeschow/2012/10/17/review-nextdoor-com/ I'm going to send you an invitation to create one, so if you decide to, we'll both get $25 Amazon gift cards! Whoo-hoo!
     

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar
    Barbara Shallue

    Thank you so much for your input on it. My mom has been in transition for the past 7 months. I'm sure it feels like a nightmare to her and she keeps hoping to wake up and have it back to the way it was. I'm going to read as much as possible about it. Thank you!
     

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  5. catskillblogger Avatar
    catskillblogger

    Sundown syndrome is the pits, sorry you are going through that with your mom.

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar
    Barbara Shallue

    I'm more sorry that she's going through it. I can only imagine how much she is suffering. Thank you, though!
     

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  7. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    My dad passed from Alzheimer’s, so I’m very aware of Sundowner’s Syndrome. sigh So sorry it is effecting your family Barb. xo

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  8. lisleman Avatar
    lisleman

    I had not heard of sundown syndrome but I read and seen documentaries about our circadian rhythms. This internal biological clock is very interesting. From following the link I see that this is related to it.
    Wishing you the best with your mom and yourself in dealing with her care.

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  9. Hilary Avatar
    Hilary

    Barbara, I’m so sorry that your lovely Mom is going through such difficulties. There have been a lot of big changes for her and life must be awfully confusing right now. Big hugs to you, dear one.

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar
    Barbara Shallue

    Sending a big hug to you, Nancy. It's tough watching those we know to be so strong weaken before our eyes. xoxo
     

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar
    Barbara Shallue

    Yes, the past seven months I'm sure have felt like a terrible dream, bless her heart. It's got to be so tough. Thank you for the hugs! xoxo
     

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  12. Jennifer Richardson Avatar
    Jennifer Richardson

    Hey THANK you that kindness, friend.
    I love how we get to share the journey
    ….like a covered dish table for our hearts:)
    Always thrills me, the glad surprises.
    Your life always inspires me,
    how you celebrate the bits of joy and share
    the love your heart pours.
    I’m just so glad to get to know you,
    Jennifer

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  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar
    Barbara Shallue

    You inspire me, too, Jennifer, so I guess we're even! 🙂
     

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