Julie's Journal

On Wednesday while we were at Big Canoe, Carol, Fiona, Michael and I went to Helen, GA to go tubing down the Chattahoochee. We signed up for the "short" ride which was about an hour and a half. Fiona and Michael had to wear life jackets because they were under the age of 10, though you could easily stand up in the water and it came about to our knees.

When we were about half way through our time, a butterfly landed on Michael's life jacket. Fiona saw it first and told Michael. Now, Michael is not ever still, you know, but that butterfly just moved around from back to front, always staying on Michael's life jacket through the rest of the ride. When we got to the point where we had to get off the tube, I thought the butterfly would fly away, but it did not. It stayed with Michael all through his getting out of the tube and walking on up the bank. When we got up to the top of the bank, Fiona said "Michael, you have to take off your life jacket - let me take the butterfly." So, she put her finger out, and the butterfly climbed right onto it.

Michael took the jacket off, hung it on a hook, and the butterfly flew right back to Michael and landed on his shirt. It stayed with Michael all the way as we walked up to get on the bus. When we went up the stairs of the bus, the butterfly flew onto the handle by the driver of the bus. It stayed there until we got rode back up the hill and the driver opened the door. Then it flew out the door.

That was grandaddy, you know. He was always playing tricks on us and he just had to be there with us and let us know he was! It's a fun memory.

Posted by Julie at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Carol, Bob, David and Andrew joined me at Big Canoe on July 30th for a week. We stayed at Petit Crest Villas, a time share exchange. Ted came up and spent the day with us on Saturday. Jami came up on Sunday and brought Fiona and Michael. The children stayed and Jami returned to Athens later that day. Kathy and Jeb rented a very nice cottage at the top of the mountain for 4 nights and Claire and Kelly came with them. They arrived on Friday. Jeb and Kelly had to go home on Sunday night because they both had to go to work on Monday.

On Monday, all of us at Petit Crest and Kathy and Claire went to Amicalola Falls and climbed to the top of the falls, then came back down the steps along side the falls. They are the highest point in Georgia and the falls are beautiful. We walked up on a wooded path and we all made it to the top - even Michael! Yea!

The highlight for Fiona was the rock slide. She slid down 19 times over the week, in spite of all of the times when the slide was closed because of thunder or because there were not enough life guards. The beach area is so nice and includes a salt water olympic pool, paddle boats, canoes, volley ball court, grills, restaurant, and the famous rock slide. We also got to use another pool by the north gate and it had a huge baby pool with water buckets and umbrella sprinklers.

On Wednesday, the Petit Crest gang split up. Bob, David and Andrew met UT at the DOT office near 6 Flags and they all went to 6 Flags. It was so hot, but the roller coasters were awesome (as reported by Bob). Carol, Fiona, Michael and I went to Helen, GA and went tubing. The water was cool and refreshing and the ride was about an hour and a half. We then picnicked by the river and watched the tubers.

Thursday was my b'day. Grant came up early enough for us to all take a hike to the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. There was a water moccasin at the Lower Falls and Grant got up really close to take pictures, and only had flip flops on. While we were hiking, Eric surprised me with a call from New Mexico to wish me a happy birthday and we talked a long time.

After we got back, Jeb was there. Nicole called me from Armenia to wish me a happy birthday and it was another wonderful surprise! Then, we went over to the North Gate pool and Bob grilled some awesome hamburgers. They hung a birthday sign and we all wore party hats. A coconut cake topped it off. And, of course, the very loud Cashin/Ettensohn Happy Birthday Song! Then we all swam until we were run off by thunder. We had had enough, anyhow. For dinner, we went to a Mexican restaurant. Grant, Fiona and Michael left for Athens after dinner, and Jeb went back to Snellville.

It was a good week. I hope everybody had as much fun as I did. I am so blessed with such good children and grandchildren.

Posted by Julie at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, it happened this weekend. Grant, Jami and the kids moved into their new old house. Jami finished her 2 weeks of school Friday afternoon. Grant and friends moved all of the stuff out of the storage place on Thursday afternoon and were done by Friday at noon.

I stopped by this morning after church to see how last night went, sleeping in their own beds. Jami has done amazing things to that house already. Fiona was busy fixing up her room. Each room has it's own fireplace and mantle, and Fiona has her nutcracker men, the little wooden toy house set from my house and numerous other things on her mantle. She has the guest bed and her bed in her bedroom. The bedrooms are enormous. Michael is thrilled with his bedroom and it's almost put together, too. He has his bed and a sofa in his bedroom. The living room with the humongous TV is all set up in time for Grant to watch the final day of the British Open. The house really is nice, though about 130 years old. Colors of the bedrooms are great. It's just been painted in the last year. So, they've successfully moved again. Wonder how long they will be in this house?

I will miss those smiling faces in the mornings when I get up. Saturday morning Fiona and Michael got up about 7:00 and Jami and Grant slept in until after 8. By the time I came out of my room (after showering, etc.) at 7:40, they were both right outside my room grinning. Fiona has fixed their breakfast, they had eaten, and they had opened all of the blinds. Pretty good for ages 8 and 6!

Posted by Julie at 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jeb's birthday was yesterday, so Kathy invited the Athen's Cashins to a birthday lunch on Sunday. We were invited to be there at 12:30. Grant has been itching to get a convertible and saw one in his price range on Craig's List Saturday. He called the seller and since it was in Roswell, thought it would be a good idea to just "take a look at it" (with checkbook in hand) on the way to the birthday party. He, Jami and kids went to Roswell in the van. Of course, Grant drove the Miata right on over to Jeb's house. Jeb said he would always remember his birthday when Grant got a convertible.

Then, Ted's present to Jeb was a slip-n-slide for children up to age 12, weight to 80 lbs. Of course, this was Grant's suggestion. So, Fiona and Michael got to try out the slip-n-slide in Jeb's front yard. I was glad to see Claire get on her bathing suit, then Danny - and yep, they both slipped and slid with Fiona and Michael. Funny!

We had such a nice afternoon with Kathy, Jeb, Danny, Kelly, Claire and Ted. Good lunch, then we ended up at their neighborhood pool and stood around in chest high water with our Bud with lime canned beers, in kuzies, of course.

Posted by Julie at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is an email I wrote Nicole the other day and I think it would be a good continuation of the Athens in July story:

Never a dull moment here in Athens! Fiona and I went to the YMCA for Silver Sneakers this morning and she worked out with 4 pound weights!!! Amazing. I just use 5 lbs. She enjoys the classes and all of the Seniors really think she is adorable.

Then we went to Memorial Park Zoo. They have a couple of 32 week old bears and they are so cute and playful.

Then we picked Michael up at 2:00 (early) from Y Camp and went to the library for a pirates program. They colored parrots and attached them to clothespins, and clipped them to their shoulders.

Got home about 4:00 and gave Fiona another sewing lesson. She made Jami a pocket bag on the sewing machine.

Michael was so hot because he sat in the car and read for about 15 minutes (doors open), and he took a nap and threw up on the sofa and rug. Poor thing. He had to have a bath.

Fiona went to swim practice then she and Jami went to Five Star Day Cafe and brought Grant back a huge plate of chicken, rice and collard greens and a biscuit. He stayed here and read to Michael.

Now this is just one day. Every day is jammed. Tomorrow morning Fiona is suppose to go to county try outs and they have to leave here about 7. Michael is suppose to go, too, but no telling how he will feel in the morning.
(Written Friday, 7/9)

Posted by Julie at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grant and Jami and kids moved in with me eleven days ago. It's fun to be a part of their family while they are in between houses. They are VERY busy with activities and it's good they are young! The children have swim practice from 5:30-7:00 on week nights and swim meets have been on Wednesdays. Now, they are winding down with no meet tonight but I think one next week.

Jami is in school for this week and next, working on her Teaching Certificate. Michael is in the YMCA camp for 2 weeks and Fiona and I are hanging out together this week. Next week, Fiona will be in trapeze camp in the mornings and that will be for 2 weeks. Michael learned to ride a bike on Monday, July 5th! He is so excited about it that he wants to have a party to celebrate every July 5th from now on. I have a great dead end street where he learned to ride and it's very safe.

Ted came over on Sunday to celebrate July 4th and the new grill. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. He also installed a new 42" TV that I had bought on Saturday. I could not read the scores of tennis from the sofa with the 32" TV that I bought in March! Michael is crazy about UT! And, I think UT really likes Michael. They play very nicely together.

Fiona and I did the Silver Sneakers class together in the YMCA this morning and she likes it and wants to go again. She kept up great, using 3 pound weights! Then we went to the Army Store and Normal Hardware. That hardware store is like walking into my past! It's a fun place to shop. Andrew will love the Army Store when he gets to come to Athens.

Now, Fiona is coloring the play dough ornaments that she made yesterday. She wants to watch Grandaddy's 70th birthday party tape after lunch. She was 2! Michael was not hatched yet.

To be continued.

Posted by Julie at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A local radio station has been running a contest for the past several weeks and ask a trivia question each day about golf. Last week, one of Grant's workers, Todd Upchurch, was listening to the station and dialed the number before they asked the question. When the question was announced, he asked Grant if he knew the answer. The question was "what golfer in the top 10 is not from the US or Europe?" Grant did know the answer and it was Ernie Els from South Africa. Todd put Grant on the line and they took his information and said he would be in a drawing that would take place the next day. The next morning about 8 a.m., Grant started receiving calls from friends telling him he had won the contest. He called the station and found out he had won 2 tickets to play with a pro and 2 radio announcers in the Station Athens Classic at UGA for the practice round on Wednesday, April 28th.

Grant called me to tell me the good news and I asked him if I could go watch him play. He said he would check. He did call to ask if his mother could come out and watch and they asked him if I was in a wheelchair! Since I can still walk, they let me come. So, I invited my friend, Bette McNeely, to go with me. Grant invited his friend, Vern Strickland, to play in his group.

As part of the winnings, Grant and Jami attended a very nice banquet on Tuesday night and there were more than 100 people there. Shrimp and Grits were on the buffet. After dinner, they lit up and opened up the stadium and everyone got to go on the field.

Vern and Grant arrived at the course by 6:30 a.m. and were each given goody bags and each received a coupon worth $300 to spend in the pro shop. They put all of their prizes in the car and teed off at 7:40 a.m. on the 10th hole. They played with Fabian Gomez (Pro), and Jeff Dantzler and David Johnston (radio announcers).

Bette and I arrived about 9 a.m. and parked in the designated parking area and took the shuttle over to the course. The tournament actually started the next day, so there were very few spectators. We were escorted out on to the course by the man who was in charge of 500 volunteers. He told us that all of the concession stands would be open and we could get anything we wanted to eat or drink for free. He also told us about where to look for Grant. We headed for the 17th green and waited there until Grant's group arrived. Grant was playing really well. We followed them for 3 holes, then left and settled on the 13th green. It was a beautiful setting and we sat in bleachers where we could see the 12th, 13th and 14th holes.

We were pretty much the only ones there until two men came up and asked us to participate in the wave when the president of Stadion, Jud Doherty, came to the 13th. One of the men was Tim Chapman, Portfolio Manager for Stadion and the other was was with Mutual of Omaha. We enjoyed visiting with them and learning about the tournament.

Bette and I watched several groups come and go and stayed until about 2 p.m. It was a beautiful day and the course is gorgeous. I personally think it is as pretty as the Augusta National.

Grant plans to use his weekly passes this weekend to watch the finals. His pro, Fabian, is playing great and is in the top 10 for this tournament, so far.

I have beautiful pictures in the gallery.

Posted by Julie at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

[Four pages of typed and hand annotated instructions for the sitter on how to take care of 3 kids and 1 cat. Also a receipt for gifts bought in the hotel. -- Editor.]

JGC Sitter Instructions Puerto Rico Feb 1970.pdf

Puerto Rico Gifts Feb 1970.pdf

• Jeb wore a tie to church. Carol wore green stockings.
• Ted did not have to go to church.
• Ted was not to cross the street.
• Carol's friends behaved better in the house than Jeb's.
• No kids in the basement without an adult.
• There were workmen in the basement.

• Jeb bathes one night. Carol and Ted the other.
• The heat was set to 65 degrees at night.
• Bedtime was 8:30 school nights.
• Pajamas can be worn three nights before being washed.
• Lunch was 35 cents.
• Milk was 5 cents.
• Ted had two friends: Chris Garies and John Seelke.
• Jeb was in cub scouts. Dues were 10 cents.
• Thelma, the maid, came on Wednesdays.
• We did not have to make up our beds on Wednesdays.
• Bacon grease went in the brown jar. Other grease went in the red can.
• The cat slept in the utility closet.
• The milkman came on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.
• Mr. Logan was in charge of the workmen.
• The kids' happiness and contentment was more important than the rules. [This is the first I have heard of this. -- Editor.]

Posted by editor at 8:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sitter Instructions Paris Oct 1973.pdf

• Carol does not eat noodles.
• The sitter can eat Grant's other pizza.
• Grant rarely eats any supper.
• Milk cost a dime at school.
• Jeb leaves at 7:45 am for safety patrol duty.
• The older three should bathe every other day.
• Ted needs help picking out clothes.
• Willie Mae works Thursdays 9:30 am to 5 pm.
• No spending the night out on Saturday.
• Everyone has a nightlight.
• Grant needs help getting his pants on and off.
• Mrs. Harris has weekend duty.
• Tacia gets table scraps.
• The cat is not allowed inside the house.

Posted by editor at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Several years ago I made a list of 30 suggestions and intended it for each of my grandchildren. I wanted to make each of them a little booklet to keep and I still may do that some day, but the following 44 Ways to Health and Happiness that came to me through Wise Bread are more detailed and excellent for health and happiness. I hope you will take the time to read them! Then, I hope you will see what you might work on to make your body and mind healhier and more joyful!

"Do you want to improve your health and feel better? The human body and mind are fascinating, and the science behind improving your wellbeing is something I find extremely interesting. There are a lot of different tools, methods, and practices that can help you jumpstart your wellbeing into the direction you desire. Some of these work fast, and some of them take awhile, so be patient and persevere. It will pay off.

If you take one thing from this article, then let it be this: take action on the things that make you feel good. Our life on this small, blue planet is short, so make the most of it. Think about what you truly value and cherish. It's easy to lose touch with what really matters, so stay alert and aware.

1. Hug

Hugs are amazing at relieving stress (and studies have proven this). I'm sure you've felt this yourself when hugging a partner or loved one. It feels like you relax, and stress melts away when you hug someone you care about.

2. Give a gift

It feels good to give, and I am not just talking about rampant consumerism. You can give experiences and many other things. It doesn't have to be things that are of no value. Take your loved one and give them an experience instead of something materialistic.

3. Meditate

Meditation has a profound impact on your brain and can help you release negative thoughts and become happier. (Reading scripture, prayer, listening, putting yourself in the presence of God). Meditation might not be the easiest thing for most people, because of their chattering minds, but try it -- and you'll be surprised at the relaxation!

4. Be grateful

Think about the positive things in life. I've always found that being grateful has an amazing ability to pick me up whenever I'm feeling down. Even research studies (pdf) are realizing the powerful effects of counting your blessings and focusing on the positive.

5. Forgive

Research studies have found that those who forgive are healthier and happier, compared to those who hold resentments. Forgiving can be hard, because you think that it somehow helps you to hold on to things, but what you are actually doing is reliving the painful moment over and over and causing emotional harm to yourself.

6. Spend time with your family

Sometimes, we are so inundated with work that we forget to spend time with our family, friends, or even our spouse. This is especially true if you run your own business and love what you do. Take time to relax and be with those who are close to you.

7. Share your feelings

Tell your loved ones that you love them. Thank them for being here with you. Telling people how much you appreciate them can have a snowball effect on everyone involved. It can be scary to share what you feel, but it's the scary things in life that matter.

8. Walk in nature

Taking a walk in the park and basking in the sun can improve your mood, not only because it gets your body producing vitamin D, which is the sunshine vitamin, but also because there's something about nature (we belong there).

9. Sit in nature

Sitting and looking at the birds and wildlife is soothing. Enjoying the moment and listening to the birds sing can remind you to not take the dramas in life so seriously and to instead just enjoy the ride.

10. Youtube

We all know Youtube can make us laugh. Who doesn't like cats or skateboarding dogs? If you're up for inspiration you can always check out Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address.

11. Watch a movie

I love movies. Watching a comedy, thriller, mystery, or an inspirational drama always manages to get me to shift my perspective and provoke thought. Renting an old movie and grabbing a bag of popcorn -- is there anything more awesome?

12. Spend time with your pet

There are many studies out there on how pets can reduce cardiovascular stress, such as by lowering your blood pressure, and helping you release stress. This not only applies to those that own dogs, but to cat owners, as well.

13. Make food you enjoy

You and I both know that there are certain foods that make you happy. I am not talking about gorging yourself on ice cream or anything like that. Preparing food and eating it consciously can be a form of meditation and may help you snap out of the common patterns we find ourselves in.

14. Let go of guilt

Guilt can come about in many different ways. You might feel guilty because you just ate a piece of chocolate cake, or it can be something else. Relax, don't be so hard on yourself, and let yourself enjoy the simple things in life (in moderation of course).

15. Eat whole foods

Healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and so on are filled with fiber, nutrition, and things that scientists probably haven't even discovered yet. Research proves this and shows that the healthier you eat, the happier you'll be.

16. Eat fish

Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to reduce depression and all sorts of mental disorders. We believe this is because the EPA and DHA in fish help transport a chemical in your body called serotonin, which acts as a natural anti-depressant.

17. Drop unnecessary tasks

When you think about everything you have to do, it is easy to get overwhelmed and procrastinate. Simplify your life and drop the things you really don't need to do. Stop saying yes to more than you can handle.

18. Find your passion

Finding your passion and discovering your purpose in life will bring fulfillment and happiness to your being. Doing what you love energizes and uplifts you like nothing else. Discover your life's purpose and start taking action to making it come true.

19. Exercise

Exercise is good for your brain. Studies have known this for years, but we still neglect exercise, because it tends to be boring. Find an exercise form you really like. You don't have to jog if you don't enjoy it.

20. Organize yourself

I don't know about you, but I feel less stress when my workplace and home is uncluttered and clean. I'm not saying I'm great at cleaning up, just that it's nice.

21. Give away stuff

Giving away old clothes is another act of kindness that will open your heart and improve your mood. Imagine how big of a difference just a few sweatshirts can have for someone in a country much poorer than yours.

22. Volunteer

Signing up as a volunteer might seem like a waste of time at first, but once you try it, I promise you that you will walk out of it with a new outlook on helping others.

23. Accept your situation

So often we think about how we could have changed things if we had only done this one thing in the past. What is, is. Let go of trying to control, and just relax into your current situation.

24. Write down goals that make you happy

Setting goals that make you unhappy until you reach them is a recipe for disaster. Instead, set goals that make you happy in the present moment.

25. Visualize what you want

When you visualize, make it feel like you're there. You should try to smell, feel, hear and taste it. This will enhance the feeling and supercharge your cells with positive energy and catapult you toward your goals.

26. Simplify your finances

We all have a few magazine subscriptions or similar financial burdens that we don't even think about. They just arrive and we pay the fee. Simplifying your finances and dramatically cutting down your expenses will allow you to save more, work less, and relax.

27. Write a journal

Journaling is something I resisted for a long time, but as I started writing my thoughts down, things started becoming clearer, and I could solve problems and make decisions much easier.

28. Take action

It's easy to dream and have ideas, but the thing that separate those that love their life and are successful is they take massive action, all the time. What could you do today to get closer to your goals? Why aren't you doing it?

29. Live in the now

Focus on your breath, on your body, and be aware of your thoughts. The present moment is all that we have. If you dwell in the past, you are doing it in the present moment. Breathe, accept, and relax.

30. Be positive

Clichés are everywhere and a general statement such as "be positive" can get on your nerves. But taking baby steps to just think one more positive thought or do one more positive thing each day can change your life.

31. Lose arguments

We all want to win arguments, but what would happen if you just started letting other people win them? There's no need to prove your point. Just let someone else win and steer the conversation to a friendlier and happier topic.

32. Live frugally

Living frugally goes hand in hand with simplifying your finances, but it's a bit more than that. It's accepting that materialism isn't that important. You can save a lot of money while still doing the things you love.

33. Be lazy

Sometimes it's nice to just relax and allow yourself to be lazy. Once in a while, allow yourself to take some time for pure laziness, eating, and joy.

34. Be aware

About 5 years ago I discovered meditation, lucid dreaming, and all those mystical things that people think are airy-fairy. I thought so as well in the beginning, but it lead me to practicing mindfulness and awareness. It has had a dramatic impact on my life, it just might do the same for you.

35. Experience life

When you have bouts of energy and can't stand to be lazy anymore, go outside and experience something. Drive a go-kart, go to a sauna, or take a short trip. Create experiences that are worth remembering.

36. Call up old friends you've been meaning to call

It's easy to push up calling and connecting with old friends and loved ones. Do that now. Even though it can feel like something you'd rather not do, push past that and do it. You'll feel better afterwards.

37. Choose to be happier

Choosing to be happier consciously has shown to have an effect on people all around the world. I could not find any scientific evidence, but I can tell from personal experience that when you truly want to be happy, you'll find a way.

38. Be kind

Do something kind to someone. Just smiling at people when you're outside is an act of kindness that uplifts the people you meet and in turn improves your mood and happiness.

39. Be social

We humans are social creatures, and although some of us prefer to be alone, we still need human touch and interaction. Without it, we go crazy and fall into depression.

40. Elevate

Jon Haidt, a teacher and author, termed the concept "elevation" (pdf), which means doing things that cause warmth, and an elevation in feelings. It basically means helping others and doing kind acts.

41. Enjoy your life

Accept the way things are, and enjoy what you have. This goes hand in hand with forgiving and being grateful. Forgiving yourself is a big step that many people have to take during their lifetimes. It will feel like a huge weight is dropped off of your shoulders.

42. Release materialism

You don't have to keep up with the Joneses. "Live more, have less stuff" is truer now than ever before. More and more people are realizing this, and even psychologists now know what makes people happy.

43. Sleep

Lack of sleep has a profound impact on your mood, so make sure you get enough sleep. I've found that whenever I can't get enough sleep, I'm easily irritated, don't think as well, and am not my cheery old self.

44. Get a massage

Massages feel awesome, but did you know that they can increase your serotonin and dopamine levels? Serotonin and dopamine are two neurotransmitters that help reduce depression and lift your mood."

Posted by Henri Junttila

Posted by Julie at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)