Hello blogging friends

I haven't blogged since February and even right now I turned this on an off twice before starting to write. 

I think my IPhone is part of the reason.  I got one for Christmas and like a new toy used it almost exclusively.  Reading and writing blogs on the IPhone isn't fun...too tiny...but keeping up on Facebook and checking weather and taking lots of pictures was fun to learn.

Another reason is I have been busy painting.  I made a huge goal for myself.  In January I decided to create 20 paintings by Spring and have an art show of my paintings.  So far, I have ten paintings.   (A couple I hate.) And no plans for the show.   I was told about a local art competition and show and have sent in my entries...still haven't heard back from them.  Maybe by the 15th.

Other news is that my knee has been doing great.  I still don't have the range of motion I want but on New Year's eve I decided not to use my cane anymore and have been doing fine.  My daughter says that I am walking better than she has seen me in years.  Except for tonight when I started getting shooting pains up the front of my leg....I tried to sleep and couldn't ....so I am up blogging and hoping that the pain subsides soon.

My daughter did complete the Boston Marathon again this year.  Her time wasn't as good as the last time but I think it is great to just be able to finish...she says it is her last one but we will see.

School this year has been a challenge.  If you remember I volunteer as a foster grandparent in a first grade classroom.  I help the children with reading and math mostly...I use to be there for writing too but about a month ago I decided that 6 hours was too much for me and shortened my hours to 4.5....it helped a little.  We have a lot of children with behavior problems this year and some days I would just come home completely drained from them.  I am trying to decide whether to continue...or try another school next year....

and then I signed up to work the summer.  In the summer it is a little different in that the "grandma's" work one on one with a student for about an hour....some days you have two or three children which is easier than 23 or 24.  It is only for the morning hours and I decided to do it so I wouldn't stay in bed all day or be bored to death in the summer.   One summer I took the time off thinking that I would meet with friends and go shopping or to the beach....but I found that everyone I knew was working....so I ended up watching reruns of the Golden Girls....and staying in my apartment much too much.

Yesterday was Mother's Day.  I hardly ever write about it because I didn't have the ideal childhood....both my parents are passed now but they were never interested in my life when I was young nor when I got older...sad story.   I  tried to be a good Mother for my children but looking back  I can see where I should have done better....maybe it was because I never knew what to do or how to be a good Mom.  My daughters seem to have turned out okay but I still worry about my two sons....and pray for them a lot.  Anyway...just to say,  Mother's Day is hard for me.  If you had a good Mom and Dad you are indeed fortunate.

Well, I am going to try to put my leg up...maybe some ice and try to sleep.  Hopefully I will be able to write more next time and not be a stranger.