Saturday, July 4, 2015

Happy 4th of July to all of you! I hope your cookouts and BBQ's are wonderful and filled with fun, family and friends. I have a tip for you if I'm not too late. When you boil eggs for deviled eggs or potato salad or whatever if you put a pinch of baking soda in the water the peels will almost drop off. Just cool the eggs and crack the shells and roll around in your hands. They should peel so easy. Even if you forget (like I have in the past) just drop it in in the last few minutes. It helps even then.

These holidays are patricularily hard for me. The whole time our kids were growing up we had a group of 4 to 5 couples that we always got together with. Our kids grew up together and we had cookouts or went to the lake, played volleyball (I'm past that) went swimming since we all had pools and just had so much fun. My girlfriends are  hanging in there with me but the guys just can't handle this disease. Since DH can't really carry on a conversation we don't get together as couples anymore and I miss that so much. This is a terribly lonely disease. So no more holiday get togethers. We do get together with our sons and families but they need to make their own memories with their friends like we did. Well, so much for my pity party, I'm done!

I wasn't going to make any 4th cards since I only have a few stamps. Then I saw Greta's card http://ggnursecreations.blogspot.com/ and decided to make some for our sons and families. I got carried away on the second card with the sequins. After I put three on I felt like I should cover all the fireworks so there you go! Be kind to one another and be safe this weekend.



11 comments:

Di said...

Fabulous card Brenda - email on the way!!!

Lots of love and huge hugs

Di xxx

Anonymous said...

Neat cards Brenda, I should pull out my sequins and remember this for future cards. Sorry to hear.....it sure is hard to get older and those things we used to do vanish into thin air. Our 4th will be quiet. Had to take JP to the ER he has an absess and the whole side of his face was swollen. He is on antibiotics and really needs to see the Dentist SOON. Have a good one, and remember, you have the memories that can't be taken away.
Louise

Sue - said...

Super cards Brenda and Happy 4th July! That is so sad that your friends can't deal with your hubby's disease!

Greta said...

Happy 4th, Brenda! Wishing you & hubby a lovely day--even though it won't be what you used to do. We're just staying home--have lost contact with all the couples we used to see. So glad the wives keep in touch with you. Love the cards you made & all the sequins are great! So happy I could inspire you. Yes, my folks were married at the Episcopal church still on the circle & the reception was at the club that's also still there--can't think of the name. Did you see the Glen Campbell special? I cried--might be hard for you to watch, but it was well done & hopefully will help people realize we have to do more. Hugs, Greta

MaryH said...

Happy 4th - ours has been quiet too. And like you (but thankfully for other reasons)...we miss the long-ago days with friends & their kids & watching the fireworks together. But life goes on, and each day has something to look forward to. Now that you have some help, perhaps you can ease this difficult time by having some lunches with your girlfriends. It IS hard in this situation, for all concerned. Your cards are so pretty. Love all the sparkle you've put with the sequins and the centers on the fireworks. The mats were so 'right' with the images...and just very patriotic. Big hugs to both of you & TFS. Your phone call meant so much, and thank you for the beautiful card. Being shared on the post today. MWAH!

Colleen said...

Happy 4th, Brenda!! Glad to hear that things are going well between DH and his caregivers! Great 4th of July cards!!

Lisa said...

They are both so festive and fabulous, Brenda!! I'm so sorry your friends don't come by anymore and that must make the holidays tough. I am so glad your husband is getting along with his caregivers so you can take time for yourself. I hope you have a wonderful week!!

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

alexandra s.m. said...

I love them both Brenda and thank you so much for your tip which I will try for sure ;)

Nessa's Crafty Place said...

Hello Brenda-you made a couple of fun cards for your family :)
It is hard when times/traditions change,and coping with a loved ones illness and the way it affects relationships is very hard,i hope you enjoyed the 4th,if it was a little different to the ones you had previously.
Keep smiling my friend :) xxxxxx

Brenda said...

I did not know that about the baking soda and eggs Brenda! Thanks for the tip. I do know that the fresher the egg is the harder it is to peel. Oh Brenda, I'm so sorry that you all don't get together anymore. This disease is a lonely one that is so true, but I wish your friends would try harder in including you and hubby. Even if he can't carry on a conversation, he would still probably enjoy the picnic. If you lived near me I would have you both over! Although it rained here the whole day, cleared off about 5:30 and then the fireworks went on. We didn't even bother going out to watch any since it was damp and cool out. I do love your beautiful 4th of July cards though! How festive and fun they are. I would have put a sequin on each one too. lol I think it makes the card even more festive. Hugs, Brenda

Lisa Petrella said...

Super fun cards!!! I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July even though things have changed over the years.