Military Brat
I remember climbing up
into the tree house my brothers had built.
It was so amazing to sit up there and look out far in all directions. We lived on a farm in Hampton, Va.
I was about three years old. Coming down I decided I needed to see where I was going so I cautiously put my feet on the board nailed to the tree with my back to the trunk. I do not remember falling. The story was my brother yelling to mom,
"Cathy's dead!!"
We had a lot of fun growing up on that farm.
Somewhere I have a black and white photograph of me standing by a pasture.
I look like a refugee in a coat, black buckle up rubber boots that were too big and a scarf tied over my head and under my chin. Mom called it a "babushka!" To this day when I see a floral scarf I think of me along that dirt road.
We had a sheep named Petunia. She was tormented by us. I remember my brother being butted by her up against the fence. He deserved it I'm certain,
On another occasion, he and I were in the pasture and a cow or bull ran towards us. I got away and my brother fell into a ditch. The animal jumped over him.
We played in the woods.
He and I would race up and down the dirt road to our only neighbor who lived at the end.
We fed the chickens and avoided snakes.
We got poison ivy and got stung by a swarm of bees playing blind mans bluff.
We loved getting filthy.
We considered it fun!
I was badly injured after taking a fall from a motor scooter. I remember being wrapped in a sheet and being in a car lying in my mom's arms.
My dad brought me a little stuffed wire hair terrier dog when I was in the hospital. It is one of my most prized possessions.
We built our own covered wagon! Later that kind neighbor built us a real one when we had to move away.
I consider my childhood as being wonderful.
It was traumatic at times because of my tomboy ways. I was the fourth of five. "Scrappy and tough!" I was a military brat and so very proud to have had those farm memories!
Cathy Windham
5/14/14
Smiles held in the heart
Smiles held in the heart
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Dreams Come True
Sunset Cruz
I was looking through some photos today. Fun days in years past when we had so many dreams of the future.
Boating was one of them.
I remember sitting at a restaurant along the intracoastal waterway in Palm Valley, FL. It was late afternoon and high tide. The sun sparkled on the water as people enjoyed the music, food and the beauty of the place.
Laid back with a cold corona and lime, I took a sip and said pointing with the tip of the bottle toward the dock, "if I had a boat it would be just like that one!"
It was a beautiful cabin cruiser tied up to the pier.
There was room aboard for several people.
We decided to walk down and inspect her closer.
Wow. It was even more impressive up close. Clean white surfaces and a beautiful deep green wide stripe along the side.
The back of the deck was enclosed with a tent awning in a green that matched the hull. The instrument panel was compact and to one side.
Across from it was a bench seat and at the rear another seating area across the stern. A swim platform made it easy to get on and off.
I could only imagine how pretty it was down below were there were sleeping areas a small galley and head.
Holding hands we strolled along the weathered boards and talked. I never dreamed he would ever want a boat. Years of sea duty in the Navy can ruin ones opinion of ever enjoying small craft life.
Over the course of several weeks we found ourselves still thinking of that boat.
It was one if those times in your life that you wonder what have you been working so hard for all your life. Is it just to pay bills and wonder of your future. Will you ever win the struggle to have a few days of fun? Other people manage somehow to do it. Could we?
It is sort of scary doing something that frivolous.
I can tell you though, that the first time behind the throttle of that boat, out on the flat glass water surface, on a hot afternoon was thrilling!
Many a day was spent just cruising the St. John's river.
I'd get off work on a Friday and meet him at the dock. Change out if my scrubs and put on a bathing suit or jeans.
We'd go out a little way and drop anchor to watch the sun set. Deep pink and orange sun made the sky look on fire.
We went as far as Lake George eighty miles south and also up to Cumberland Island and down the intracoastal waterway to St. Augustine. Each outing an adventure.
I was scared to death at times, too! Violent thunderstorms can erupt and charge up the river so quickly. We ran aground a few times and of course there were the times when we ran out of gas!
Thank God for great friends who came to the rescue! You know who you are!!
Camping aboard the boat with our niece and nephew and grandkids. Life lessons learned and to be proud of.
Seeing beautiful wildlife along the way. Dolphins, egrets, hawks, gators!
Falling overboard, yep, me! Too funny now as I remember and so maddening then!
Crying the day our beautiful boat sank while it was tied to the pier at NAS Jacksonville during a hurricane.
Replacing it with another beautiful craft.
Taking it to Key West several times and hanging out with our family as the sun set on a perfect day in paradise. Looking overboard into the crystal aqua water enjoying the moment.
Parking it in the yard when times were tight and health not good.
Cleaning it until it sparkled.
Selling it when we couldn't boat anymore.
My memories of those years hold me captivated.
We achieved a dream as a couple rather than just wished it.
Cathy Windham
5/4/14
I was looking through some photos today. Fun days in years past when we had so many dreams of the future.
Boating was one of them.
I remember sitting at a restaurant along the intracoastal waterway in Palm Valley, FL. It was late afternoon and high tide. The sun sparkled on the water as people enjoyed the music, food and the beauty of the place.
Laid back with a cold corona and lime, I took a sip and said pointing with the tip of the bottle toward the dock, "if I had a boat it would be just like that one!"
It was a beautiful cabin cruiser tied up to the pier.
There was room aboard for several people.
We decided to walk down and inspect her closer.
Wow. It was even more impressive up close. Clean white surfaces and a beautiful deep green wide stripe along the side.
The back of the deck was enclosed with a tent awning in a green that matched the hull. The instrument panel was compact and to one side.
Across from it was a bench seat and at the rear another seating area across the stern. A swim platform made it easy to get on and off.
I could only imagine how pretty it was down below were there were sleeping areas a small galley and head.
Holding hands we strolled along the weathered boards and talked. I never dreamed he would ever want a boat. Years of sea duty in the Navy can ruin ones opinion of ever enjoying small craft life.
Over the course of several weeks we found ourselves still thinking of that boat.
It was one if those times in your life that you wonder what have you been working so hard for all your life. Is it just to pay bills and wonder of your future. Will you ever win the struggle to have a few days of fun? Other people manage somehow to do it. Could we?
It is sort of scary doing something that frivolous.
I can tell you though, that the first time behind the throttle of that boat, out on the flat glass water surface, on a hot afternoon was thrilling!
Many a day was spent just cruising the St. John's river.
I'd get off work on a Friday and meet him at the dock. Change out if my scrubs and put on a bathing suit or jeans.
We'd go out a little way and drop anchor to watch the sun set. Deep pink and orange sun made the sky look on fire.
We went as far as Lake George eighty miles south and also up to Cumberland Island and down the intracoastal waterway to St. Augustine. Each outing an adventure.
I was scared to death at times, too! Violent thunderstorms can erupt and charge up the river so quickly. We ran aground a few times and of course there were the times when we ran out of gas!
Thank God for great friends who came to the rescue! You know who you are!!
Camping aboard the boat with our niece and nephew and grandkids. Life lessons learned and to be proud of.
Seeing beautiful wildlife along the way. Dolphins, egrets, hawks, gators!
Falling overboard, yep, me! Too funny now as I remember and so maddening then!
Crying the day our beautiful boat sank while it was tied to the pier at NAS Jacksonville during a hurricane.
Replacing it with another beautiful craft.
Taking it to Key West several times and hanging out with our family as the sun set on a perfect day in paradise. Looking overboard into the crystal aqua water enjoying the moment.
Parking it in the yard when times were tight and health not good.
Cleaning it until it sparkled.
Selling it when we couldn't boat anymore.
My memories of those years hold me captivated.
We achieved a dream as a couple rather than just wished it.
Cathy Windham
5/4/14
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The Hummingbird
Hummingbird
There was a little hummingbird
Who hovered
In front of me
Wings that blurred
As he flew back and forth
Darting from blossoms
Straight to me
I sat transfixed
And held my breathe
Tiny eyes stared at mine
I longed to touch him
On painted crest
Feel his heart beat in
Time with mine
I knew in my heart
He was sent to me
To calm a turbulent mind
All I can do is believe he's
Free
God only sends the best
For the moment I'm happy
I wipe my tears
and send all my
Love to his nest
Cathy Windham
4/30/14
There was a little hummingbird
Who hovered
In front of me
Wings that blurred
As he flew back and forth
Darting from blossoms
Straight to me
I sat transfixed
And held my breathe
Tiny eyes stared at mine
I longed to touch him
On painted crest
Feel his heart beat in
Time with mine
I knew in my heart
He was sent to me
To calm a turbulent mind
All I can do is believe he's
Free
God only sends the best
For the moment I'm happy
I wipe my tears
and send all my
Love to his nest
Cathy Windham
4/30/14
Friday, April 11, 2014
Going Home
Going Home
He loved going home.
Always excited to see his family and the people he grew up with.
In a split second decision he'd announce, "let's go home for the weekend!"
Nothing made him more happy.
We drove too fast getting there. Seems he just couldn't wait to sit down in the yard with a glass of sweet tea and talk.
News travels fast in a tiny country town. "Jimmy's coming home!"
Olga would start thawing out chicken to fry and put a mess of peas, butter beans, corn and okra on the stove for dinner. Homemade biscuits or corn bread in the oven. Pecan pie or a cobbler teased any diet of mine. Dinner was lunch. Supper was dinner. It didn't matter. Everyone came over. We ate together. Gallons of tea consumed. Some was probably spiked without others knowing!
"We'll be back after awhile, he would say. Going to Dowling's farm!"
Jimmy, Jerry & Mike would get in the pick up and head out.
A few miles away, they traveled down the dirt road to an open field. The property belonged to their friend Dowling Richards. He was like an older brother to them. They used to go there as kids to camp out and go frog gigging or shoot the shot gun. Many a smoke or beer enjoyed over a camp fire. Talking about things guys talk about and don't tell girls or wives!
Memories of bygone years are strewn in the farm. Every old car or truck or discarded farm equipment was there. Rusting in the humidity.
Home to snakes, fighting game cocks, and a few horses in the pasture.
It is a beautiful piece of Alabama land if all that junk could be cleared. But then, it would lose it's charm. They wouldn't want to hang out there if it was all perfect.
Hours later they come home. Supper is ready and we eat. The table is full and we sit where we can or stand in the tiny kitchen. Into the evening conversation and laughter continue. Some friends stop by and stay awhile. They don't tire of each other's company.
These "doses of home" as I always called them, are what I think has kept this family always close. No matter the distance or the circumstance, if you could just go home for a few days you could deal with what life has in store that you have to escape.
You can't put a value on this type of therapy. It's tried and proven to heal even the most broken of hearts.
Cathy Windham
4/11/14
He loved going home.
Always excited to see his family and the people he grew up with.
In a split second decision he'd announce, "let's go home for the weekend!"
Nothing made him more happy.
We drove too fast getting there. Seems he just couldn't wait to sit down in the yard with a glass of sweet tea and talk.
News travels fast in a tiny country town. "Jimmy's coming home!"
Olga would start thawing out chicken to fry and put a mess of peas, butter beans, corn and okra on the stove for dinner. Homemade biscuits or corn bread in the oven. Pecan pie or a cobbler teased any diet of mine. Dinner was lunch. Supper was dinner. It didn't matter. Everyone came over. We ate together. Gallons of tea consumed. Some was probably spiked without others knowing!
"We'll be back after awhile, he would say. Going to Dowling's farm!"
Jimmy, Jerry & Mike would get in the pick up and head out.
A few miles away, they traveled down the dirt road to an open field. The property belonged to their friend Dowling Richards. He was like an older brother to them. They used to go there as kids to camp out and go frog gigging or shoot the shot gun. Many a smoke or beer enjoyed over a camp fire. Talking about things guys talk about and don't tell girls or wives!
Memories of bygone years are strewn in the farm. Every old car or truck or discarded farm equipment was there. Rusting in the humidity.
Home to snakes, fighting game cocks, and a few horses in the pasture.
It is a beautiful piece of Alabama land if all that junk could be cleared. But then, it would lose it's charm. They wouldn't want to hang out there if it was all perfect.
Hours later they come home. Supper is ready and we eat. The table is full and we sit where we can or stand in the tiny kitchen. Into the evening conversation and laughter continue. Some friends stop by and stay awhile. They don't tire of each other's company.
These "doses of home" as I always called them, are what I think has kept this family always close. No matter the distance or the circumstance, if you could just go home for a few days you could deal with what life has in store that you have to escape.
You can't put a value on this type of therapy. It's tried and proven to heal even the most broken of hearts.
Cathy Windham
4/11/14
Friday, April 4, 2014
Conquered Goals
Pushing yourself up and over an obstacle is a feat of endurance, strength and will.
I really wish there was a way to make it easier and have come to realize that the mental component is probably the strongest and most important force.
You can train and get yourself in tip top shape, you can adhere to a rigorous schedule.
But, without the mind as your key, you will stall. You will talk yourself out of the risk, skip the pain and miss out on the rewards of your labor.
Confidence, determination, steadfastness, bravery, courage, faith will push you over that crest. The slide into the other side will be a thrill you have earned!
Yippee!!!!!
Cathy Windham
5/1/13
Pushing yourself up and over an obstacle is a feat of endurance, strength and will.
I really wish there was a way to make it easier and have come to realize that the mental component is probably the strongest and most important force.
You can train and get yourself in tip top shape, you can adhere to a rigorous schedule.
But, without the mind as your key, you will stall. You will talk yourself out of the risk, skip the pain and miss out on the rewards of your labor.
Confidence, determination, steadfastness, bravery, courage, faith will push you over that crest. The slide into the other side will be a thrill you have earned!
Yippee!!!!!
Cathy Windham
5/1/13
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Counting My Blessings
Counting My Blessings
I watch with pride as a group of young girls kick the soccer ball into each others goal nets. Determination etches their young faces. Their bold spirit exhibited. No frills on the field. Pure energy!
I listened to a seagull laugh it seemed at me as I crossed the parking lot. I sure wanted to laugh back but soon realized how ridiculous that would be.
Instead I counted my blessings on this mild breezy Spring day.
Headed into the restaurant I ordered and took a seat by the window.
The couple across from me were about my age. They assisted their adult wheelchair confined daughter with her meal. She should have been able to play soccer I think sadly. I wonder what her life story is. It was sweet to witness their interaction with her. Devoted parents. Loved daughter.
I counted my blessings.
A young college age girl using her laptop made some odd gestures as she talked it seemed to herself. Signs of Aspergers evident in her mannerisms. She got up loaded her things on her bike and peddled off continuing to mouth a silent conversation all the while. Happy girl with pretty hair in the sunshine.
The umbrellas struggle in the stiff wind on the other side of the window.
A lady reads under one of them. She is alone like me. I wonder does she feel like this, too? A crumb is fed to one of the begging birds near her chair. Lucky bird.
I finished up and went about my day. Filling up the minutes of hours thinking of ordinary moments.
A lady asks me for money for gas but I don't have enough cash.
But when I finish filling my thirsty car, I swipe my card and give hers a drink to fill it up. Her little girl smiles through the dirty car window at me.
Each day is a new one as I learn how to be me.
Today I have had a blessed day!
Cathy Windham
3/30/14
I watch with pride as a group of young girls kick the soccer ball into each others goal nets. Determination etches their young faces. Their bold spirit exhibited. No frills on the field. Pure energy!
I listened to a seagull laugh it seemed at me as I crossed the parking lot. I sure wanted to laugh back but soon realized how ridiculous that would be.
Instead I counted my blessings on this mild breezy Spring day.
Headed into the restaurant I ordered and took a seat by the window.
The couple across from me were about my age. They assisted their adult wheelchair confined daughter with her meal. She should have been able to play soccer I think sadly. I wonder what her life story is. It was sweet to witness their interaction with her. Devoted parents. Loved daughter.
I counted my blessings.
A young college age girl using her laptop made some odd gestures as she talked it seemed to herself. Signs of Aspergers evident in her mannerisms. She got up loaded her things on her bike and peddled off continuing to mouth a silent conversation all the while. Happy girl with pretty hair in the sunshine.
The umbrellas struggle in the stiff wind on the other side of the window.
A lady reads under one of them. She is alone like me. I wonder does she feel like this, too? A crumb is fed to one of the begging birds near her chair. Lucky bird.
I finished up and went about my day. Filling up the minutes of hours thinking of ordinary moments.
A lady asks me for money for gas but I don't have enough cash.
But when I finish filling my thirsty car, I swipe my card and give hers a drink to fill it up. Her little girl smiles through the dirty car window at me.
Each day is a new one as I learn how to be me.
Today I have had a blessed day!
Cathy Windham
3/30/14
Counting My Blessings
Counting My Blessings
I watch with pride as a group of young girls kick the soccer ball into each others goal nets. Determination etches their young faces. Their bold spirit exhibited. No frills on the field. Pure energy!
I listened to a seagull laugh it seemed at me as I crossed the parking lot. I sure wanted to laugh back but soon realized how ridiculous that would be.
Instead I counted my blessings on this mild breezy Spring day.
Headed into the restaurant I ordered and took a seat by the window.
The couple across from me were about my age. They assisted their adult wheelchair confined daughter with her meal. She should have been able to play soccer I think sadly. I wonder what her life story is. It was sweet to witness their interaction with her. Devoted parents. Loved daughter.
I counted my blessings.
A young college age girl using her laptop made some odd gestures as she talked it seemed to herself. Signs of Aspergers evident in her mannerisms. She got up loaded her things on her bike and peddled off continuing to mouth a silent conversation all the while. Happy girl with pretty hair in the sunshine.
The umbrellas struggle in the stiff wind on the other side of the window.
A lady reads under one of them. She is alone like me. I wonder does she feel like this, too? A crumb is fed to one of the begging birds near her chair. Lucky bird.
I finished up and went about my day. Filling up the minutes of hours thinking of ordinary moments.
A lady asks me for money for gas but I don't have enough cash.
But when I finish filling my thirsty car, I swipe my card and give hers a drink to fill it up. Her little girl smiles through the dirty car window at me.
Each day is a new one as I learn how to be me.
Today I have had a blessed day!
Cathy Windham
3/30/14
I watch with pride as a group of young girls kick the soccer ball into each others goal nets. Determination etches their young faces. Their bold spirit exhibited. No frills on the field. Pure energy!
I listened to a seagull laugh it seemed at me as I crossed the parking lot. I sure wanted to laugh back but soon realized how ridiculous that would be.
Instead I counted my blessings on this mild breezy Spring day.
Headed into the restaurant I ordered and took a seat by the window.
The couple across from me were about my age. They assisted their adult wheelchair confined daughter with her meal. She should have been able to play soccer I think sadly. I wonder what her life story is. It was sweet to witness their interaction with her. Devoted parents. Loved daughter.
I counted my blessings.
A young college age girl using her laptop made some odd gestures as she talked it seemed to herself. Signs of Aspergers evident in her mannerisms. She got up loaded her things on her bike and peddled off continuing to mouth a silent conversation all the while. Happy girl with pretty hair in the sunshine.
The umbrellas struggle in the stiff wind on the other side of the window.
A lady reads under one of them. She is alone like me. I wonder does she feel like this, too? A crumb is fed to one of the begging birds near her chair. Lucky bird.
I finished up and went about my day. Filling up the minutes of hours thinking of ordinary moments.
A lady asks me for money for gas but I don't have enough cash.
But when I finish filling my thirsty car, I swipe my card and give hers a drink to fill it up. Her little girl smiles through the dirty car window at me.
Each day is a new one as I learn how to be me.
Today I have had a blessed day!
Cathy Windham
3/30/14
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