Still Sorting it All Out

Frazier Time

2011-08-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

While Josh was in Chicago for a seminar I traveled west for a little visit with grandson Frazier and daughter-in-law, Randi. In those few days we ate very, very well (thanks Randi!!), we had several tea parties(yay Fraz!), read books, had bath time, watched The Gumby Movie, visited numerous awesome thrift shops, sampled treats in the area, played with a lot of fun toys and ate A LOT of watermelon. Swimming got nixed during my stay due to pool water that reportedly felt like a warm bath. (YUCK! Who can take that?) Instead we visited Pump it Up and crawled on our knees for long distances, squeezed through small (well, I suppose that is relative) openings, and climbed up inflatable stairways and slid down long slides. It really was a blast!

Those 3 1/2 days went by in a blur and by the time I got back to Ruston I was already missing that sweet family and looking forward to seeing them again. With school starting I know it will be a while. Josh and Randi both have their birthdays during August so I know we will be seeing them at least once more during this month.

Below are some pictures depicting what I have been talking about. Notice the delicious and healthy fare I was treated to. I even had fresh squeezed grapefruit juice! YUM! The free ranch beef in the meatloaf was just delicious and totally fat free. I envy the variety of health food stores. I guess I need to take some coolers and take a shopping trip to Longview.

Frazier loves to help in the kitchen. I know it is tough to believe a two year old can actually be helpful, but trust me he takes his assignments seriously and works at doing them well. I was impressed with his attention span.

I "carried" a watermelon to Longview and boy was I glad I did! It turned out to be sooo much better than the last one we purchased and boy was Frazier glad! We all love watermelon and sadly watermelon time is nearly over.

When I arrived I had to see Frazier's new Kid Craft kitchen and of course we had to sample some tea and toast with jam straight from his kitchen. After the drive over it sure hit the spot!

I don't know how old kids are suppose to be when the pretend, but Frazier has got it down and serves up all sorts of tasty treats from cupcakes to fried eggs.

After church on Sunday morning....and might I add I always look forward to going to Fellowship Baptist....Randi literally whipped up a delicious egg and sausage casserole and blueberry pancakes while Frazier and I played. It was YUMMY. Anytime, I have homemade pancakes made with sprouted grain with REAL maple syrup I am a happy camper. This is just a regular thing for Fraz, but I know he will someday realize and be thankful for the way his Mum looks after his well being.

I took my earrings out to clean them and left Ruston without putting them back in. It wasn't until the Marshall exit that I realized I didn't have any earrings. Well, I keep a spare pair in my desk at school just in case this happens because I just feel "neckid" without them. Randi pulled out a little dish with earrings from her closet and brought them out for me to select a pair to wear for the next few days. Frazier decided he needed some, too. The pair he chose matched his ensemble perfectly! hahaa. He left them on until they began hurting....they were clip-ons. I think Randi said they had been her grandmother Gleason's. Adorable. I think it is just easier to take fabulous pictures when wearing a great pair of earrings.

and did I mention we ate some watermelon? MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

Pump it Up was a so much fun. I am seriously looking forward to going back!

Randi was the prettiest Mom there hands down.

At the top of this slide Frazier was on the verg of tears as it was the BIG slide and I assume it looked daunting to him from the top.... Mum just picked him up and sat him on her lap and went. Swoooosh! Then I took a picture assuming it was going to be sorta sad, but surprisingly I saw this HUGE smile when the flash went off! hahahaaa...the air from going down the steep slide blew his hair up weeeeeeee......he was having FUN! He got off the slide and headed right back up the steep inflatable steps and I didn't see a frown until we told him we had to go home.

Keeping up with Frazier was tough....for me.....he was so fast! Maybe Josh and Randi ought to rent out Frazier to those looking for a fun way to burn calories. That healthy eating is paying off.

This opening was not as easy for me as it was for Frazier and for Randi.....but thankfully I made it and I didn't have to dial 911! Relief!

This too was easier looking than it actually was.....hahahaa...notice there are no pics of me trying this....and I am THANKFUL!

Fraier didn't want to go through this openings, but though "going over the wall" was the appropriate way to get inside this particular area. I thought maybe he had been watching Prison Break. Yes, it was a great stay as always and I am praying some July/Aug. it will not be 103 when I go for my little visit.

Foto Recap

2011-07-08T10:02:00.033-05:00

Our trip to PA has been jam packed as usual....but having Josh, Randi, and Frazier up for a week was such a bonus! Texas is a long way off and we are not sure when they will get back to this neck of the woods so every minute they were here their company was so very much enjoyed by all.

The pictures below are not in exact order of events....but they will give you an idea of what we have been up to these last few weeks. There will be more coming I am sure.

Today is raining so I am not getting the painting done I had planned to do....although this afternoon looks good for getting that done. Tonight we will eat a fish fry at the Moose and then head for Allegheny, NY to hear Jer's church group play at a coffee house. We have never heard them and are anxious to do so.

Stuff I Love Playlist

2011-04-23T09:41:00.006-05:00

I have always been moved by music...maybe to a fault. I can put on happy music if I am a puddle glum and next thing I know I will be dancing around feeling so much better. The thing with me is I like so many types of music and have so many favorite artists. Many of these artists and I share totally different world views, but I dare say I know excellence when I hear it. First time I heard Dave Matthews I knew I was hearing something pretty awesome and unique, but and it was obvious from some of his lyrics that he and I have very different beliefs, but I can still enjoy it.

When listening to a particular song I will ofter exclaim, "Oh, I just love this song!" It has become quite a joke because I "love" so many songs. Jim thinks I just love anything that comes on the radio, but that is really not the case. There are plenty of songs which I detest, but I do have an inordinately huge list of songs I justLOVE! As I bat this post out, I am listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's, "The Lee Shore".....and guess what? I just love that song. It is on my "stuff I love" playlist.

Joni Mitchell is one of my favorites and yes, I know she is acquired taste and there are a lot of folks who can't stomach that high falsetto with vibrato. I am not always crazy about that either, but her melodies and especially her lyrics meld together so perfectly! What can I say? She is also a painter and her paintings are another expression of her ability to create excellence. I think I have been following her since 1968 and when I became a Christian a knew Joni and I were on different paths and I no longer held her same view of the world. I once heard Joni say in an interview (after spending some time with Johnny Cash and his wife, who were Christians) that she envied them and their ability to believe. She even mentioned that she was brought to tears. Now that is a paraphrase and I can't remember if I read it in Rolling Stone (which I subscribed to for several years) or heard it on a Dick Cavett....but I remember when I heard her express her feelings thinking how I felt the same way. Now years later I am a believer, but I still remember having those same emotions and remember and understand that feeling and at times I just pray for her. The prayers of many are one reason I was found.

Mark Farner of Grand Funk is one performer I enjoy who has come to faith in Jesus. He has changed the words to "Some Kind of Wonderful" from "a sweet loving woman" to "a sweet loving savior" and I have both versions on my iPod. Van Morrison is another artist who has come to faith and hopefully, there are many more and I just don't know them. When I found out Van Morrison had become a Christian it totally changed my understanding of "Have I Told You Lately". It is the perfect "hymn" to sing to give praise and thanks and I play it often to give me to express my praise to God.

There were many years where I abstained from my some of my favorite artists because I didn't think they glorified God in any way and I thought I should listen to music which exclusively glorified God. I probably didn't listen to Joni Mitchell at all for about 10 years! But with the advent of iTunes I have become reacquainted with Joni and Frank (Zappa), Cream, Grand Funk, Boston, the Beatles, and Leonard Cohen. Maybe I have strayed, but I know their talents are God given and I try to celebrate their abilities. There are some songs I still refrain from listening to if I can help it as I feel they are written purposefully to thumb their nose at God and are to stir up rebellion....just not appealing in the least.

Okay, so what am I listening to right this moment on my "stuff I love" playlist. It is "The Swallow Song" written by Richard Farina in 1964 and performed with his wife, Mimi. I knew Richard was killed in a motorcycle accident years ago, but have learned his wife, Mimi (Joan Baez's sister) has also passed. "Come wander quietly and listen to the wind...."I feel this song I have known for 43 years is an old friend. There are those songs which are those I need to hear from time to time and this is one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHNSAK-iWy0

One genre I have come to late....last 15 years.... is Blue Grass. I just love good blue grass and especially when fused with other kinds of music. Jim and I traveled to Lafayette to see Ricky Scaggs and the Kentucky Thunder AND Bruce Hornsby! I loved hearing "Mandolin Rain" done with the influence of the Kentucky Thunder....which has a "fiddle player" named Andy Leftwich who hails from White House, TN. a place Jim and I have stayed many times on our trips from north to south. Andy wowed us and we will not forget his name. Jim is not a blue grass fan, but he was so very impressed with everyone that night. He does know talent even if it is not his favorite genre. (He even admits Frank Zappa is amazing, but he won't be listening to Enchidna's Arf anytime soon..hahha.)

So here is a partial list of "stuff I love". I won't dump the whole list on you! I know it is going to be different from your "stuff", but I hope you will investigate some of these tunes and give them a whirl. You might end up loving them like I do. And while there is no Stones, Joe Walsh, CCR or Moody Blues....well, it seems this list is quite deficient to say the least, but like Jim says, "You love all the songs on the radio!"

"Stuff I Love" Playlist:

Agnes Dei - Michael W. Smith
Amazing Grace my Chains are Gone - Newton/Tomlin
Ants Marching - Dave Matthews
At Last - Etta James
Be Thou My Vision- ALL versions
Birdland - Weather Report
Blessed Be Your Name - Newsboys
Blue - Joni Mitchell
Blue Motel Room - Joni Mitchell
Bookends - Simon and Garfunkle
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 - Bach
The Boxer - Simon and Garfunkle
Carey - Joni Mitchell
The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell
Classical Gas - Mason Williams
Clocks - Coldplay
Come Monday - Jimmie Buffett
Cosmic Debris - Frank Zappa
Crimson and Clover - Tommy James
Crossroads (Live) - Cream
Crusin' - Smoky Robinson or Huey Lewis and Gwenneth Paltrow
Day Dream - Lovin' Spoonful
Disco Inferno - The Trammps
The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines - Joni Mitchell
Echidna's Arf - Ensemble Ambrosius (Zappa)
El Condor Pasa - Simon and Garfunkle
Even Now - Barry Manilow
Fame - David Bowie
Fiddler in the Hood - Bowfire
Finally Woken - Jem
Fire - Jimi Hendrix
Fixing a Hole - Beatles
Footstompin' Music - Grand Funk
For the Longest Time - Billy Joel
From the Beginning - ELP
Get Back - The Beatles
Girl Talk - Julie London
Give Me Jesus - Fernando Ortega
Groove is in the Heart - Deelite
Had I a Golden Thread - Judy Collins
Have a Little Faith in Me - Keb Mo
He's a Personal Savior- Gaithers
Hold me Jesus - Rich Mullins
Honesty - Billy Joel
How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
Hyden: Trumpet Concerto in E Flat
Hypnotized - Fleetwod Mac
If You Don't Know Me By Now - Teddy Pendergrass
In My Life - Beatles or Judy Collins
Independence Day - Martina McBride
I've Always Thought - Tommy Emmanuel
It's Amazing - Jem
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis
Jack and Diane - John Cougar Mellancamp
Jesus is Just Alright - Doobie Brothers
Kathy's Song - Simon and Garfunkle
Kiss By a Rose - Seal
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
The Lee Shore - CSNY
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg - Michel Legrand
Long Time Gone
Long Way to Go - Alice Cooper
Luckiest - Ben Folds
Lucky Girl - Joni Mitchell
Mais Que Nada - Sergio Mendes
Make Me an Angel - Bonnie Raitt
Man I was Lonely - Paul McCartney
Me and Mrs. Jones - Billy Paul
Moondance - Van Morrison
My Life - Billy Joel
My Romance - done by several
Night in the City - Joni Mitchell
No Way to Say Goodbye - Leonard Cohen
Noreen's Nocturne - Oscar Peterson
Oh Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins
The Old Landmark - Gaithers
Owner of a Lonely Heart - Yes
Oye Como Va - Santana
Pack up Your Sorrows - Richard Farina
The Prayer - Andrew Bocelli & Celine Dion
Pretty Polly - Judy Collins
Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughn
Reelin' in the Years - Steely Dann
Rhapsody in Blue - Gershwin
Riders on the Storm - Doors
River - Joni Mitchell
Rosanna - Toto
Roundabout - Yes
Route 66 - Nat or Natalie Cole or Ella or Oscar Peterson
She's Not There - Zombies
Shower the People - James Taylor
Simple Gifts - Judy Collins
Sit Down Honey - Elf
Smokin' - Boston
So Long Frank Lloyd Wright - Simon and Garfunkle
Some Kind of Wonderful - Grand Funk/Mark Farner
Someday Soon - Joni Mitchell
Songs for Aging Children - Joni Mitchell
Soul Sacrifice - Santana
Statesboro Blues - Allman Brothers
Stormy - Santana
Suddenly I See - K. T. Tunstall
Sunny - Bobby Hebb
A Swallow Song - Richard Farina
This Boy - The Beatles
Time of the Season - Zombies
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
Waltz for Debby - Oscar Peterson
Wedding Song - Peter, Paul and Mary
What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
What I Am - Dave Matthews
When I Fall in Love - Celine Dion
Where are You Going - Godspell
Where do We Go From Here? - Alan Parsons
You Can Close Your Eyes - James Taylor
You're Worthy of My Praise - Charlie Hall

I really could go on and on...and yep, I just love them all :).

EASTER Texas Style!!!!!

2011-04-22T12:22:00.018-05:00

In my humble opinion, Easter is the GREATEST holiday the world celebrates... it is because of Easter we have HOPE. It is because of what happened on Easter that thankfulness and praise wells up within my heart and these two videos express my feelings perfectly!

Thanks Lora for sending this link!

Dance Your Shoes Off

2nd Baptist in Houston, TX.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KX2-J6uS-o

Way to go TEXAS!!!

This was first done in Budapest, Hungary last year:

http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5dSIL358NM

Yay Budapest!!!

I pray you know the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ this Easter!

John 10:9 I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live eternally).

It's All Happening at the Zoo.....

2011-04-03T21:58:00.040-05:00

Bath time is always a favorite part of my trip. Nothing like a freshly bathed little boy!!!!!

There was no shortage of bike pushers! Frazier is loving his little bike.

This is Randi's grandfater, James sharing a birthday cake....making our birthday wishes.

Caught! But who wouldn't want just a little taste!? On the window sill you can see my salad garden....chives, swiss chard, and tomatoes. I think it will be great in a couple months.

Josh and Frazier had to research the white tiger at the Tyler Zoo....and below this is how we found him.

Frazier really loved watching the penquins zooming around. I think being a penquin looks like a lot of fun!

This red fox was just the cutest fox ever. He was my favorite for some strange reason. We have a red fox in our neighborhood, but have never had a good look like this....maybe this is what I have been waiting for.

Feed the birds....tupance a bag, tupance, tupance, tupance a bag.....this is from Mary Poppins if you don't recognize this little ditty.

Josh and Frazier taking studying the lions!

Someone told me it's all happening at the zoo....

I do believe it! I do believe it's true! Sing along with me!

Ok, I will start at the beginning. Last week was our spring break, so I took the opportunity to get some doctors appts. out of the way, clean out a closet or two.....and go to see the other Andersons. I have been looking forward to spending some time with our son, his sweet wife and their adorable little boy. Here are pictures of my break. I decided to leave out the doctor and closet pics. (You're welcome. :) I think you can gather from the pictures that a good time..... a really good time was had by all. Thanks so much Josh and Randi for sharing your zoo trip with us and for the yummy food and the surprise birthday cake and my new salad garden! Miss you all already!

Goodmorning at 3 AM?!

2011-03-06T03:34:00.005-06:00

Before I begin....take a look above and check out the changing stats! I am not sure how I feel about them.....and also not sure what it says about us, the humans, living on this planet.

So I am awake at 3:00 AM! SO! you say! There are a lot of people who can't sleep and for a variety of reasons. The difference is I know why and who to blame.

The doc has told me I need to ween myself off of my estrogen pills because they are EVIL and although they have wonderful sides...like keeping my skin soft and younger, keeping my brain more nimble, causing my bones to be stronger and my mood to be sweeter... it seems I must STOP taking them. I told the doc that due to my hysterectomy I would have less estrogen than women who still have their ovaries. (Ovaries do produce some estrogen even after menopause). The response was that I still must ween myself from estrogen! I guess the studies from the cancer society trump everything else.

So now I am thinking of substituting testosterone and seeing what happens there....well, except for the obvious full beard I will grow. Hey, that could lead to a whole new career except I have always been a little afraid of clowns and just watching high wire acts gives me hives.

So let me just say as I am indeed weening so I may be HERE a lot complaining about my desire for sleep and how I could be sleeping soundly if I were not estrogen deprived.....and how my brain is fuzzy, my skin is like the Marlboro man's, my bones are thinning and I fall asleep at red lights and stop signs.

Frailty, thou name is woman...I mean, Debbie, unless I figure this whole hormone deal out.

Pass the soy milk and tofu :\.

Saturday Morning Poem

2011-01-22T14:09:00.003-06:00

While walking the fuzz this am the first few lines came to me and when I came in it sorta poured out. I don't profess to be a poet, but I sorta liked this and thought I would share. Sister Julie called and talked to Jim for a moment and she asked him what I was doing.
"Writing a grocery list," he said confidently....cuz that is usually what I am writing and I just let him think that. Yeah, yeah, a grocery list, that's it....that's the ticket.

Saturday Morning Poem

There's something to be said of a well worn path,
Of songs ingrained and routines that last.
Favorite cups with tiny cracks and leather books
-all smooth and black with prayer smudged pages exposing lack.

There's something comforting in trees that bend,
With leaves that fall to grow again.
The tick and tock of an old wall clock
And a dog who comes to rest his head.

There is something about words so glibly said-
Like thorns with flesh that clings to them.
While others still which lift the heart
so cold and wind and rain depart.

There's something sweet in a tiny hand
To give a smile and help us stand.
With a wooden pony, a one man band
Harmonicas and joy unplanned.

New Year's Ramblings

2010-12-31T11:47:00.005-06:00

Imagine my surprise when I started typing this post that it was coming out in Hindi!! Somehow I had enabled something gadget/widget option ....who knows. And though I have often thought of myself as an "enabler" (someone codependent ...a possible cause or an accessory in the event of anyone I have ever met doing anything crazy, insane or foolish), I never ever wanted my posts to be typed in Hindi! (not that there's anything wrong with that!) I guess I need to keep an eye on my myself better. Sheeesh! Anyway, this post is now "disabled" and as you see I am able to type in my native tongue or something which closely resembles it.

New Year's Eve! A day to reflect.....a day to clean out......a day to "lay up" on the sofa and watch a movie? Well, let me just say I have been dusting and straightening, but I am not up for taking down the Christmas jazz just yet. We didn't get it all up until a couple of weeks after Thanksgiving, so it seems to me it needs to stay up just a bit longer. The house always looks less friendly without snowmen staring from every corner, so hey, lets just let them stare a bit longer. I am also not up for making any life changing resolutions. When I think back on my life the biggest changes were those which seemed to just happen, but in hind sight to be perfectly placed and timed.

Back to the reflecting part. I have made many a New Year's Resolution only to have it broken, so no more of that. I am only going to make two attempts and that is to eat healthy and pray more frequently and for longer periods of time. I will be praying for you and I will praying for myself. Hopefully all the other would be resolutions will be unnecessary in this light. After all our heavenly Father wants us to be whole and useful...to fulfill His purposes. So if I keep my eyes on Him, pray and listen.....listening being the toughest part for me (being pumped up on sugar pretty much keeps me from listening :/)..... all other things will fall into place and I will have no doubt about walking in the paths put before me so very, very long ago. (I am talking about "before the foundations of the earth" long!)

"Cop out!" you cry. Well, maybe, but for me it is my feeble attempt to not give myself yet another to do list, or set myself for failure or another opportunity to beat myself up for not measuring up. I want to see each day as a gift, an opportunity and a blessing. We are never promised tomorrow, but we do have today and each day can be just what the Lord desires...if we can just hear from Him. Yes, the scripture does say, "Be yea perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect", but as overwhelming as this scripture is, I know He also sent Jesus because He knows we are not perfect and will never be so. Only by allowing Jesus to actually become my covering and trusting Him to supply that perfection/righteousness will I ever come close! Hence the praying part is CRITICAL. And I confess that although I do pray, it is not near enough and usually I don't enter into His presence during that exercise.

So here is the plan for 2011 Eat (properly for a change to help my ability to focus), PRAY (which includes the listening part I mentioned), Love (the bi product of praying for people.)

Hey! Crazy as it sounds, that might make a good book title!

A very nice Christmas.....

2010-12-29T07:46:00.007-06:00

It was a lovely Christmas.....but with all the baking and preparation it is now history and leaves me feeling a bit low......I wish I would have snapped more shots.....but that is per usual. I guess when you are enjoying yourself and are "in the moment" you just don't think about taking pictures.

I wish I had my own fur coat so I could go out in the cold.

Frazier chatting it up with Lindsi. (He was really telling her something important!) I didn't get Patrick's pic....sorry Pat! Pat and Lindsi are going to be parents and were asking Josh and Randi questions and observing Frazier. They know they are in for a big, big change and are trying to prepare. I think that is half the battle. Being parents will make them better people just as it has been doing to parents for generations.....more selfless.....can't help it. Love for your kiddos has that effect of parents and that is what makes them such a blessing.

Even Josh enjoyed helping this time.

2000 piece puzzle all the way from Belgium, sorta......we have finished and are on to the next one already!

Cute Jammies! Thanks, Nama!

I wanted a quick pic and neither of them we on board for sitting still!

Favorite time! Can't help but love bath time even if your fingers and toes prune up.

Visit with cousin, Anna. Frazier was mimicking the jingle pals and naturally it was adorable!

Going to Mae Mae and Pops for a visit!

A Few Shots

2010-12-26T08:29:00.009-06:00

This is the 30th year anniversary of this little car! New and improved with eye balls! These pics were taken at Frazier's Great Grandparents. He thinks a guy can't have too many grandparents! They always have a REAL tree and that is a treat as we never do! Maybe next year :) .

What! A giant bumble bee. Frazier made a buzz sound telling us "what the bee says".

The Cuffari's sent a bee for Frazier to hug on while he watches The Bee Movie!
Josh is in the background getting a Merry Christmas text from HS bud, Patrick.

I have some talented daughters in law! Randi beaded this basket and spoon to match!

Wow Jeannie!!! How BEAUTIFUL....this must have taken a lot of time!

Randi and Josh talk to Belgium on their Skype.

The "fun" part about Christmas is the assembling!

Randi loved the gifts everyone sent to Frazier. Thanks everyone!

Randi and Frazier came out to see the helicopter fly! Great job, Dad!

Josh with his remote helicopter. We thought he might like a toy....we know that boy!

Jim and Soph....notice Sophie's tongue....what in the world. Maybe she was mad a someone.

Trying out his new bike....which Daddy can steer. Very cool!!! Thanks Walmart :)

Grampa Jim and Frazier walking Sophie. Frazier loves to walk the fuzz!

Christmas Eve Crawfish and Taco soup fest after church :).

More pics to follow.

Merry Christmas!

Celebrating Christmas.

2010-12-25T22:56:00.007-06:00

Each year you will find me Celebrating........... Dec. 25th.......a day to enjoy fellowship with family and friends......a day to enjoy the sights, sounds, and the wonderful scents and flavors of the the season.....and a day to reflect on the birth of God's son and His role in history and most importantly the role He plays in our daily lives and ultimately our place in His eternal kingdom. And even after being a Christian for nearly 24 years I sometimes find it tough to wrap my head around the incarnation..... fact that God was born in a barn, walked among us and was willing to teach men about His kingdom and to ultimately lay down His life (very painfully I might add) so those who believe can be with Him in eternity, but I believe it with all of my heart.

This is Christmas.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Time to Dig In

2010-10-15T21:57:00.005-05:00

It's that time again. We have started going to our Community Group and most of us have seen very little of each other over the last few months. We have a lot to catch up on and we have missed seeing each other.

We've started a new book, The Attributes of God (vol. 1), a Journey into the Father's Heart by A. W. Tozer first written in 1957. Here is a taste, "What I believe about God is the most important thing about me." (Stay tuned .)

But let me just say, going to Community Group every Wednesday is a battle. I feel sure the enemy of our souls would rather I stay home and he as always makes it very tempting to do so. Thoughts pop into my head.....I need to stay home because I should correct some school papers or I feel a sudden impulse to take a nap or watch my favorite news programs. There is always a reason which seems logical why I shouldn't go. Yet most times I shove those thoughts aside and I push on. I grab my bag (Bible, notebook, book we are reading) and keep going...and let me go on record to say no matter how exhausted I feel, I am always sooooo glad I did. Eric Little, of Chariots of Fire, speaks of sensing the Lords pleasure when he ran.....well, one way I sense the Lord's pleasure is when I purposefully go out of my way.....out of my comfort zone... to spend time with Him and His people. What does the scripture teach....iron sharpens iron. We can truthfully share with each other about our foibles and our frailty and pray for one another. We share our fears and our questions. What a gift! Thank you, Father God for giving me fellow believers to come along side to encourage, correct, comfort and especially love me regardless. It is the "regardless" that amazes me the most!

Goodbye to Grampa Rudy

2010-09-20T03:01:00.012-05:00

Rudy and Grace in 1940 0r 1941

This morning (Sept. 20, 2010) I am flying to PA for my father-in-law's (Harry Rudolph Anderson's) funeral. He was 93 years old. As I have been packing there are so many memories going through my mind. Jim and I have been married for almost 31 years which means I knew Rudy Anderson for about 33 years give or take a few months. That doesn't mean I haven't always known who he was because he and his partner, Jim Eicher were known as the local builders who helped build Fallingwater in Mill Run, PA and also built so many of the prettiest homes in our little boro. I remember when they built a friend's house. I watched that house go up day by day all the while being in awe of how quickly they worked and how nice everything was. When the house was done.....well, let's just say I was hoping someday I would have enough money for them to build me a house, too! So I have admired Rudy for many, many years.

For 31 years Jim and I usually stayed in his (and Grace's) home on our yearly trip to PA. and he was always generous and gracious. We have played a lot of cards around the kitchen table on Smith Ave. and had many conversations about "the old days". Rudy had a fantastic memory for events and it always amazed me at the detail with which he could talk about his childhood. His stories of working on Falling Water and the problems they overcame in this endeavor are priceless. The PA Conservancy loved it when Rudy would come and talk to those people touring Fallingwater. I especially loved his telling when he and his partner, Jim Eicher drove west to Taliesan to visit with maverick architect, Frank Lloyd Wright and to see the school he had there. His first hand and detailed observations and insight are unmatched.

In the last few years it has been a tough thing to see someone who was always so busy and loved to work as much as he did get to a point where he was unable to do what he loved the very most. So today I am happy for Rudy because he now has a new body and is able to walk unassisted and wield a hammer and saw like he did when he was 25 years old.

So let me just end by saying I have always felt blessed to have Rudy Anderson as my father-in-law and I am praying the Lord has a wing he needs added for Rudy is just the man for the job!

Daughter and primary caregiver, Darlene giving a tribute to Rudy during his 90th party.

Josh, Randi, and Jim playing 3/13 with Rudy....everyone's fav.

Rudy and his kids three years ago.

Rudy saying hello to great, great grand, Hannah and her Grammie, Jeanie.

Jim and Chris chatting with Rudy on his front porch. 2009.

Sophie and Grampa

Jim reading Rudy his mail. 2009.

Josh and Rudy 1985.

Remembering 9-11-01

2010-09-11T09:01:00.008-05:00

There are five times in my life when I was given news that shocked me so much I remember exactly where I was and what I felt like at that very moment.

1. When our school janitor, Mr. Rittberg stuck his head in my third grade classroom and told us President Kennedy was shot. It was not long after that he came back to tell us he was dead.

2. When my mother came in my bedroom and told me my father had been killed in a car accident on his way home from work.

3. While sitting at my desk at work the radio announcer stopped the music and announced that President Reagan had been shot.

4. When I came home from RJHS for lunch (when I was subbing) turned on the TV to catch the news and they were bringing bleeding people out of the Murrow building in Oklahoma City. I remember feeling such a feeling of horror and then suddenly a feeling of peace and an awareness the Lord was letting me know He was there with the victims and He was not only grieved but He was pouring out his love and grace on those injured. In that way this event was unique and I will never forget the Lord's tender heart..... His sadness......His strength.

5. It was a beautiful sunny morning at RJHS and we were watching Channel One news in the library. Coach Spradling always brought his class into the library because they didn't have a television in his classroom. I'd gone into the office to make a copy and Mrs. Howard, the guidance counselor was in her office and she told me a plane had hit a building in NYC. I went back to the library and turned on the television in my work room and motioned to coach Spradling to come see. A couple other teachers who had plan periods first hour came in because they'd been listening to the radio as well and wanted to turn on the TV. We had just turned on the TV and four of us stood there and watched as the second plane hit the other tower. We were all speechless and it was in that moment we knew this was not an accident as we had previously thought, we knew it was intentional ......and we knew it was HATRED ......and we knew it was EVIL. I called Josh who was in bed, a freshman in college. He promptly told me this was the only day he could sleep in and wanted to know why I would wake him. I told him to turn on the TV something bad had happened in NYC and I hung up.

More people came into the workroom to watch the TV ( I remember a copy machine repair guy I had never seen before squeezed in the tiny room with us.) Our principal thought it would be best if we didn't relay any of this information to the students in case some had relatives in New York City or in the military in case there were more attacks and we would be in a state of war on American soil.

Thinking back to third grade and President Kennedy, I wondered if that choice to insulate students would rob them of a moment that would forever live in their memories making them part of some sort of national and collective memory. Even as an 8 year old I felt part of something very large just knowing we (every American) experienced that collective shock wave going across our country at about the same time and that was all part of my memory. We were allowed to know and it made me feel somewhat equal with the adults for the first time. We all cried together and when I say ALL, I mean ALL! Even my Daddy cried and I had never seen that before. I knew our principal's motivation was to keep peace at school and also to keep the day as normal as possible. If I had been principal I might have come to the same conclusion.

We had to turn off the television and go about our day as if nothing had happened......but my mind was spinning and I knew my sister periodically went into the city on business, so I was concerned. Jim was also flying that day and I was unable to get him on my cell phone. Remember we didn't know what was happening or how many planes were slated to crash. For all we knew this was a nation wide attack.

Periodically, someone would come into the library and whisper more news. I had a class in the library and didn't know about the Pentagon being hit or the plane crashing into the field in PA. for a couple hours. The whole rest of the day is now a blur. I do remember getting Jim on his cell as he was driving to New Iberia. He had landed in San Antonio and all planes were grounded so he rented a car to drive to New Iberia and hadn't seen any of the television images, but had been listening to the radio. He said the traffic was insane. I remember thinking he needed to come home in case this was just the beginning of a nationwide attack.

I went home and called family and found out my sister's next door neighbor had a brother in one of the towers and they had not heard from him. I also found out Barbara Olsen, an author and commentator was killed in the plane going into the Pentagon. I stayed glued to the television and took comfort in the words of Rudy Gulliani and President Bush. I remember I cried.

Since those times I've read about the chemical reaction in the brain at times like this and how it sears the memory and is a different kind of memory. I know this is true because for a few minutes we are able to take a mental photograph. The room, the lighting, the other people in the room are all taken into account. Feelings are even recorded. Those memories are not filed in the same drawer with the others, but are kept safely in a dark quiet spot and visited rarely thus keeping colors bright and edges forever sharp as a knife.

Will it Blend?

2010-08-11T13:26:00.002-05:00

Ever since Dave Letterman started rolling over canned hams and televisions on late night tv with a steam roller in 1982 I have had this strange attraction to seeing things get pulvarized. He also used to throw things off a tower in NYC. It was so insane it made me laugh. Needless to say Dave is far too calm for me these days and I rarely tune in.

I found a new web site that fills that crazy niche! http://www.willitblend.com/ Check it out! The iPhone blends quite nicely I believe.

A Day in the Life

2010-08-02T17:06:00.009-05:00

My sis, Julie, asked me to write a blog about what Frazier's typical day was like. She is so sad she lives too far away to spend some time with him....hopefully this will help, Aunt Julie.

Once upon a time in the Lone Star state lived a one year old boy named, Frazier. He lived with his above average Dad and Mom, and their above average (yet cantankerous) Yorkie-Poo, Gatsby.

Frazier, whose appearance was the perfect combination of his Mom and Dad, had a great life aside from the lava like temps which were fairly normal for summertime. He awoke each morning around 7 AM with a big smile and ready for another wonderful day with his Mom, Randi. Sometimes if he woke up really early he got to see Dad before he left for work.

Breakfast was not always the same but one of his favorites breakfasts was bananas, dry cereal and drinking a yogurt and fruit smoothy. He would sit and watch Mom unload the dishwasher or clean the floor or fold the clothes or a list of other chores. After he was finished he would chuck (in the north we don't say "chunk") his plastic smoothie cup on the floor just missing his fair weathered friend, Gatsby, by only inches. (Gatsby finds Frazier to be extremely unpredictable!) This would let Mom know he was ready to get decrusted and dressed. After donning his duds he would play with his toys a bit or talk to very tiny flat relatives in far away magical kingdoms on Skype. Then off for their morning walk with their friends, half being short like him who also rode in buggies. These Moms pushed their recently decrusted progeny who loved to rub bananas in their hair, too! Frazier rode and rarely slept like some of the other kids because he always listened closely to his Mom's sweet voice and he enjoyed the lovely park scenery and new sounds. After about two hours....they did not take their walking lightly, Mom would buckle Frazier back into his car seat and they would drive home in time for snack and maybe, just maybe a nap. Sometimes Frazier would decide to just wait and eat his lunch and take a nap after lunch.

Unlike his Dad, Frazier did not care much for naps. (Dad loved to grab a cat nap when he could.)Frazier would fight and fight to keep his eyes open, but after a little Mom time, he would fall fast asleep. The problem with this method was Mom was caught and if she ever slowly stood and ever so slowly tip toed to the crib to deposit her sleepy little man, he would always awaken and cry. Now don't get me wrong! Mom loved to hold Frazier, but she also had a lot of chores to do around the house and let's face it sometimes Moms need time to start dinner, wash their hair, do their nails or just read an article from Martha Stewart's magazine, Living. His Mom also was very crafty and had numerous projects going at all times and she also loved to write on her blog, Obladida. But Frazier was totally unaware of this and just thought that being with Mom was the best thing he knew and he knew Mom loved him. Sleeping on Mom's cuddly lap like a baby ....oh wait, he was a baby.....seemed like a great idea. He would sleep soundly and peacefully for up to two hours sometimes. This was a long time for Mom to stay put thinking of things she needed to be doing. So she started putting Frazier in his crib when it was nap time and sometime he would go to sleep, but sometimes he would cry before he did. That was painful for Mom as she was not happy about listening to this sweet boy get so upset and she knew he didn't know anything about Moms needing to have some time to do things on their own without baby help.

After nap time, Frazier was back to his cheerful self and was ready to GO GO GO again! He loved running around the house with his Fischer Price Popper or playing with his baskets of plastic veggie and fruits, driving his firetruck, running his sweeper (in the north we say we vacuum (v.)with the sweeper(n.) and mowing the imaginary lawn like Dad does every weekend as he stands and watches out the back door. He enjoyed having a few games of peek-a-boo and he also snacked on some goldfish or yogurt bits. He especially liked to get the little plastic goldfish open and dump the tiny yellow crackers all over the floor......then eat them.....so much better that way.

Sometimes Mom read a book to Frazier and he sat and listened or he took the book and tried to see if he could step on it to help him crawl onto something a bit higher. Books were fun to read but also seemed like great steps to Frazier and going UP was very intriguing. Getting to higher ground on his own was always great fun. This meant someone had to have both eyes trained on him at all times because one just never knew where he might try to go next and nobody wanted to see him get hurt.

Mom would begin working on dinner and Frazier would start watching the door for he knew it is that wonderful time of day when Dad came home. How he knew he wasn't sure, but he knew and when ever Dad was late Frazier was not very happy. He didn't cry, but you could tell he noticed and was very serious about watching that door to the garage to suddenly burst open. When it did he got SOOOO excited and Dad would scoop up his little buddy and kiss on him and toss him in the air. It really doesn't seem fair he was so ecstatic because Mom was the one who been tending to him all the day long, but Mom understood because she was very happy to see Dad, too.

Frazier would observe as Mom and Dad talked and shared all about their day while playing with him. Then they'd all gathered around their table for dinner and Dad would say the blessing. Frazier would listen intently while sitting in his beautiful red high chair eating his dinner all on his own. Sometimes he would also get into their conversations "talking" loudly and laughing along. He wanted to "talk" about his day too and they loved that he wanted to join the conversation.

When Frazier had his fill and he had pitched a few bits of food to his frienemy, Gatsby. Mom and Dad knew it was time to lift Frazier from his high chair, clean up the table, the floor, and the high chair, load the dishwasher, and take turns playing with Frazier. It would not be long and it would be bath time.

Because Frazier enjoyed his bath time so much, Mom and Dad loved it, too. They would use the baster to squirt water on his back and head and play with his rubber duckies and numerous other toys. Eventually he would swing that leg up on the side letting them know he had had enough time in the water and they'd lift him out and wrap him in his froggie towel or his doggie towel he would squirm and squiggle once again to get down. Mom and Dad would hurry to put on a clean diaper and some cute little jammies and would head to Frazier's room where they would play on the floor. Usually Dad read out loud, but sometimes Mom did, too. Frazier loved this time with his Mom and Dad. He couldn't imagine anything better than this. Then into his crib where his turtle (that projected stars on the ceiling!), his sheep (which played Jesus Loves Me) and his bear (that could simulate the sound of a heart beat) were waiting. Sleep was much more welcome at this juncture of the day and usually there was no crying as Frazier went off to dream land to recharge for another magical day in the land of lone stars.

Below are some recent pictures of my visit to see Frazier and his family. He is a little ball of energy and never stops going unless he is asleep. We had a lot of fun and it was fun observing this little critter in his natural habitat and seeing how well taken care of he is and also how much he is loved all the live long day!

One Whole Year Old Already!!

2010-07-19T10:02:00.011-05:00

Is this not the cutest first birthday cake a little boy could have....and his Mom made it!

It is crazy that a whole year has passed since grandson, Frazier entered the world! Really, the older a person gets the faster the time seems to fly by. I told Josh that before he knows it he'll be helping Frazier find his first apartment. Josh looked at me like I was a nut (what else is new!), but I really feel like that some days and I want him to savor every precious moment he has with his first son. I think he and Randi celebrate the small things and really are stowing this moments away in their hearts.

Randi and Josh really know how to throw a beautiful birthday party with yummy burgers and delicious cup cakes. Randi has been planning and working on making this the perfect party for weeks and it really showed. If Frazier could voice his opinion he would chime in with an AMEN! He had a blast and enjoyed all the hub bub. I would know this because I watched his reaction to everything. You can't pay for entertainment like this.

Randi wrote a wonderful story of Frazier's first b. day on her blog http://www.obladida.blogspot.com/ . Check out her pictures! She has the eye of an artist.

Down on the (Gator) Farm

2010-07-15T19:38:00.011-05:00

This is Lucky, Papa Bob and the boys. Lucky steals the eggs from the mama gators! Lucky is a good guy to pick purchase your power ball ticket.

Gator Dundee

Gator wrangler, Wes.

Sandra and Landry keeping their distance.

Very smart Moo Cows staying very far away from the gators.

What you can't see here is the decomposed body of a gator near the fence who obviously had found his way out of the fence. They don't fare well outside the water so this fella didn't make it. Guess that is why the donkeys and the cows in the upper pasteure didn't look all that scird.

Camp co-director, Papa Bob enlightens us with facts about the gators we are trying to stare down as Mama Lu Lu is thinking it is about time to go home and make bacon sandwiches for the boys.

Lots of pics were taken for all posterity. Hopefully this is the closest they will ever be to another real live gator!

We were glad it was not super hot....sorta cloudy and about 87 out. Jim has his hands on the fence like a little kid on his first visit to the zoo....awwwwww.

Alligator soup......yikes!

Oh look, Pa, more fools coming to see those stupid gators.

Okay, these goobers were inside the fence....and when Jim started to walk to the edge of the gator FILLEd pond....I got rather feisty and had to "put my foot down". He was not really planning to go down that close, but he succeeded in making me truly believe he was just going down for a minute to take a closer look and he was perfectly safe. Another "gotcha" for Deb.

Why would birds find a gator pond a great place to put down roots. The phrase "bird brain" comes to mind.

Arch nemesis, Cadillac himself.

I actually had a dream that night featuring ol' Cadillac. (this is one of his honeys in the pic above) I was in a swimming pool and he was bent on catching me! This gal was being a good Mama and making sure nobody messed with her nest.

Okay, I just thought a terrible thought....what if folks think I have changed the background of my blog to camo!! I didn't think of this until just now when I signed in. I just liked the tree leaves and the summer feel of this background.....SOOOOO let me just clarify this is not camo. I just am not a camo kind of girl, although if I were hiding from some critter I might change my mind.....but so far I am not hiding and Iam right out here in the open with nothing to hide.

Now for my post.....since returning from PA/New England/North Carolina and our trip to Jefferson for the Fourth of July we have been lying low and taking care of a very sick puppy (she is so much better, thanks!) and trust me, you don't wanna hear about that ordeal, let alone see pictures! Also, I have been doing quite a bit of reading/research type stuff. I know, "BORING", but one adventure we had was thanks to friend, Lora, who hosts her grandsons to Mama Lulu and Papa Bob's camp each year for a week.

The adventure I am talking about was the second annual visit to the alligator farm. We were not lucky enough to make the first visit as we were out of town, but we were determined to make this one.

Last year's visit has been told and retold and I have imagined every terrifying leap (or attempted leap) of the fence surrounding the farm. I knew I wanted to go the next time, but I planned to stay my distance and I hung pretty close to my plan. I didn't get the nick name, "Miss Worse Case Scenario" for nothing!!

We approached the alligator farm in a an suv and first thing we saw were donkeys strolling down the same path we were driving on and I was thankful to see they were ambling about without fear of scaly creatures with pointy teeth chasing them.

Gators, just as most things in life, are not all they appear to be. From my vantage point.....way up on the hill behind the fence these creatures appear to barely alive let alone a threat to anyone or anything. Floating in the pond in the pond scum like big ol' logs waiting to decompose, they barely moved.....UNTIL someone threw a rock into the pond and they decided to check it out. Let me just go on the record and let you know those critters can scramble!

Call me crazy, but what in the world would happen if something with some meat on it were thrown into that water. If they will snap at a rock like it was their only chance at food today.....well, can you even imagine?! I was sorta wishing we'd stopped at Super 1 for a chicken just to see what it would have been like. Jim kept saying, "those guys look mighty hungry!"

There were several little children in our party, so everyone was very careful and one of our daring members was even packing just in case! I am happy to report it was a very uneventful visit, but as one of our crew observed.....if you were trying to hide a body, this surely would be the perfect dumping ground. That person has been forewarned that if anyone they know comes up missing we will know what happened to them!

4th of July Texas Style

2010-07-08T14:00:00.010-05:00

Pre 4th activities included mowing the carpets.

If you ever want an old time 4th of July head for Jefferson, TX. It is charming and we all had a great time!! Old Glory galore and the fire works were great.

Grampa Jim and Frazier hanging out at the Silver Fox B & B playing with toys.

Chairs were getting filled in. It wasn't too hot in the shade.

Lunch! We were all hungry for burgers and bottlecaps. Frazier wanted a bottlecap, but I kept showing him how much yummier his fruit bar was....but he didn't believe me.

Grammy Deb marveling at how well he feeds himself....and yes, this is his preference. I did get some yogurt into him, but he eventually took the spoon from me and gave me a very serious look....I can do this myself, look.

Frazier: It is awfully hot here. Is there any chance we can get back to Belgium anytime soon!?

Josh said, "Lady Justice just crashed her bike". We did crack up at idea of Lady Justice riding a bike....just seemed timely somehow. (This little girl never crashed and she ended up being one of the winners.)

Loved these chairs!

Mae Mae, Randi and Frazier strolling around the Catholic Church.

It was sprinkling and we were trying to keep up with Randi who was really booking it down the road.

Ready for the kiddie parade, Sweet Adalines and the band concert.

Keeping things moving....

Hanging out at The General Store in Jefferson with my Dad.

Just in case, but the noises didn't phase this little trooper. Unlike his Dad who screamed at about the same age and we had to take him home. Randi didn't like the noise when she was little either.

Doing the ooooos and ahhhhhhhs.

I think Frazier was thinking.....Bright lights, loud noises.....so what is the big deal? What's for supper?

June 2010

2010-07-01T03:25:00.022-05:00

Here are a few of my pics....I deleted a few by accident so will probably post some more at a later date. We sure had a great time on our 5,163 mile jaunt. We don't recommend this for the faint of heart (those who hate driving or riding in motor vehicles), but it was fun and I would go again in a heart beat....well, maybe give or take a month.

Niece, Hannah....almost 15 in this photo! She is a great cook and an avid reader...not to mention singer and piano player. I so wish I lived closer to these kiddos.

This is Nephew, Paul....guess he is too old to call "Paulie". He has this "tear up your pancake first" technique that I have adopted. Paul will be in the sixth grade next year! Yikes.

Lori and Joe always cook the best dinners when we are there. This was pork chops and they were perfecto.....and Lori's garlic red potatoes, YUM!!!!!!!!

Sweet Lew's Pancakes.....I have heard about them forever and they were great! I love downtown Freehold, NJ. ....same town Bruce Springstien hails from. Very quaint and a lot of Revolutionary War history there.

Sister, Lori's voice sounding wonderful in church on Sunday AM at St. Peter's.

Deb at the battlefield at Monmouth, NJ. Had just learned about this on "America, the Story of Us". NJ has a lot of Revolutionary War History. Minute Men are buried outside St. Peter's .

Lori and friends at the Relay for Life. It was very moving as the Freehold Downs track was surrounded by little bags

The Inn at the Oaks on Cape Cod.

Nauset Lighthouse - Cape Cod.

....more lobster.

Chathem in Cape Cod. It is on the "elbow".

Cape Cod...can't remember the name of this one. I will have to research this.

This Putt Putt Golf at Arnold's was just beautiful. It was a beautiful garden with models of all the light houses on Cape Cod and plaques with their history written on them. Jim was all about the golf as I read my way around and LOST of course.

Maine....we loved Maine...rocky and beautiful....and the lobster isn't bad either!

Ferry from Cape May to Delaware. Jim says this is the cruise I have been wanting to go on so I can quit teasing now. :/

Ok, this is cheese grits, ham (just a few little bits) and fresh scallops! I LOVED this!

Sophie absolutely loved running on the beach.....but it really wore her out.

I should have shot a video for this....she was ZOOOMMMINNNNGGGGG!

Nags Head pier. The old weathered sailor guy that owns this was no nonsense.....I asked him if dogs were allowed on the pier and he shot me a harsh look and told me to go outside and read the sign. I went back outside his bait shop/ restaurant (!) and sure enough.....there it was. Jim and Soph were waiting in the parking lot so I went to break the news. She wouldn't have hurt anyone, pooped on the pier, or stolen any one's fish.....but I guess maybe not all dogs are pier friendly like her.

I have always wondered what Board Walk and Park Place looked like. Wish we could all rent these together and have a big week at the beach!

This dog would wait and watch and "catch a wave". His owners were from Germany and were trying to get him out of the water.....unsuccessfully I might add.

This place was pretty big and I thought it was a bit much, but just this much is great. (Still in Kill Devil Hills).

I love the ocean...the sand is not white, but it is the Atlantic and I just love it. The waves can get pretty big at times and I love all the history and the fact I know wild horses still roam the northern most points of the Outer Banks....well, I just love this. I pray I will be back.

Good pic of Jim saying good bye to OBX.

Great Grand, Joseph. He is a big boy and soooooooo happy and just as adorable in person as his pictures.

Are these not the cutest kids?! Michael, Grace, and Joseph are Jerry's grands....Jerry is Jim's older son. That would make us GREAT grandparents!

Sophie and Michael got along fine.

Michael LOVES trains and putting them together. He does a GREAT job and he is FAST, too.

Last stop before home was to see Marj and Bob who recently moved from Ruston to Birmingham, AL. Their brand new house is LOVELY! I am sooooo happy for them and we plan to go back for a visit when they get all settled in.

Happy FIRST Father's Day, Josh!

2010-06-20T08:50:00.007-05:00

A couple years ago I wrote a Father's Day post to honor my two dads, ironically both named Chuck, but this year I have chosen to honor the newest Dad in our family, son, Joshua.

Josh became a father July 16, 2009, almost a year ago and over this year Jim and I have witnessed his tranformation from dog Daddy to Frazier's Daddy and we can't be prouder of him. Being protective, tender, and sometimes firm with his sweet little Frazier lets us know he has slipped effortlessley into this new role. Are we shocked? Not at all. From a very early age Josh always demonstrated the ability to encourage others and to show understanding, patience, and compassion. These qualities are especially needed to be a great father.

Now before you think I am deluded and believe our son, Josh, is perfect.... and never has or never will stumble....well, we know this is not so. All of us humans have feet of clay but, I pray he will always meet his challenges and choices with grace and wisdom and will turn, as he has done many times in his life, to the Lord for direction and forgiveness. The Lord's mercy is available and great is His faithfulness and I trust as Josh looks to his heavenly Father for guidance, He will be faithful to provide Frazier with the best Daddy he could have, Daddy Josh.
Happy Father's Day! We love you, Mom and Dad

Vacation Pics

2010-06-07T11:18:00.020-05:00

Here are few pics.....thought I would work on this before I made a meatloaf and while Jim is at Lakeview visiting his Dad. I have not taken any pics of Jim's Dad as he spent a few days in the hospital, but he is doing a lot better today so maybe tomorrow I can get some pics of them together. I guess I better go to the store and then Soph and I will go hang out with Mollie and her parents. :)

Sister Julie and Niece Lauren

Nephew Ross and Sister, Julie

Brother in law Jeff and Nephew Ross

Julie and Jeff's

Niece Lauren

Jim and sister, Darlene and brother in law Jim

Jim and Darlene before leaving for a week off.

Love their new "car".

Mollie and her new parents....she is giving me a dirty look. :(

The girls

Julie, Debbie, Paul, and Marcia

Nephew Kyle, Lauren Maura, Julie, Debbie, Paul and Marcia

Jim, Brother in law Rod, and son Jerry

Sister Chris and Jim

Debbie and Missy the Chorkie

Jim trout fishing

Rod and Chris's Camper

Granddaughter Carrie and Grampa Jim

Daughter in law Jeanie, Great Grand Hannah and Grammie Deb

Granddaughter, Amy and waitress extrodinaire

Jim and Great Grand, Hannah

Carrie and hubby, Ben

Gramma Debbie and Amy

Hannah and Papa

Hannah and Gramma Debbie

Happy Birthday, Marcia!

2010-06-02T08:07:00.021-05:00

Sister Marcia turns 60 on June 10. Because a good number of us were all "home" in Port for Memorial Day holiday Sean (her husband) thought it would be good to party it up so he invited us all to Beefeaters in Bradford, PA. Beefeaters is a lot like the Beef and Barrel...which he would have chosen, but they don't do reservations. It is just lovely as it used to be the old public library. I just love it and not just because I am a librarian....I know it is the oak. I have always been a fan of oak and if you look in some of the photos you will see it.

We missed Julie and Lori and their famlies, but thankfully Aunt Mary and Cousin Patricia were able to be there, too. Speaking on behalf of everyone who attended it was a grand time. Thanks, Sean and Marcia.

60 is quite a milestone and because I am heading that way myself I could get away with a few snide comments. I mean what would a 40th, 50th, 60th etc. be without a few of those. :) Happy Birthday, Marcia. We know you will have many, many more...after all we all know 60 is the new 40! Love ya, Debbie

Road Trip

2010-06-01T11:46:00.007-05:00

Mollie

Debbie, Sophie, and Jim

Soph riding shot gun.

Mollie sleeping her way north.

Potty break!

We hit the road at 5:14 AM and made it to our destination in N. Central PA at 7:05 the next day. We stayed one night in LaGrange, KY as we always do and ate at the Irish Rover Too an authentic Irish Pub we highly recommend if you are ever in that part of world. http://www.theirishroverky.com/ I had salmon and Jim enjoyed the Guiness Beef stew.

What made this year unique is we had two bichons in tow, instead of one. Mollie, our rescue dog, is going to PA to live with my parents in the wilds of Pennsylvania. After living her whole life in Mississippi, (other than the three weeks we had her in LA), this is going to be quite a change for her. If she can get the outside potty drill down this is going to be a great fit. Mollie is much calmer and dainty than her "little" sis, Sophie. Sophie who is 2 1/2 years old compared to Mollie's mature 6 years and is on alert 24/7 where Mollie loves her naps and just so laid back. Mollie slept a lot more of the trip. Sophie loved watching out the window and playing navigator while Mollie snoozed away in the back seat.

Pushing Forward

2010-05-19T05:43:00.005-05:00

This is a "forward" I have gotten from several friends and it is one I believe is worth reading. It matters not to me if this exchange actually took place .(...so Kel, don't check it on Snopes ;) )Using a parable to convey ideas has been going on for eons and is sometimes the best way to illustrate a point. Maybe it didn't actually happen. It is not beyond the pale, but I guess we will never know for sure.

Also, saw the list of companies who will drop their health care op in lew of govt. healthcare. Govt. healthcare will make it attractive to private companies due to cost and the next thing you know....poof. NO CHOICE at all.

I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the recent health care bill. I couldn't finish my breakfast and this is what ensued:

They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard a young man exclaim, "Isn't Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is healing the sick." A young woman exclaimed, "Yeah, and he does it for free. I can't believe anyone could believe a free market could work for health care. They are all crooks and thieves and don't deserve all that money." Another said, "The stupid Republicans want what we have now so they, the docs, and insurance companies get all the power and money. Obama should make sainthood for what he is doing for the less fortunate". At this I had had enough

I arose from my seat mustering all the restraint I could find and approached their table.

"Please excuse me, may impose upon you for just a moment?" They smiled and welcomed me into the conversation. I stood at the end of their table and smiled the best I could and began an experiment.

"I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I will pay all the expenses and pay the taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone interested?" They all looked at each other in astonishment and one man asked, "Why would you do something like that? There isn't anything free in this world." They began laughing and didn't realize this young man had just made my point. I told them I was serious and would give them my house for free with no payment what so ever. Anyone interested? A resounding, "Hell yeah!" filled the room.

"I continued---"since there are too many of you I will have to make a choice as to who gets this money free bargain." I noticed there was an elderly couple who was paying close attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes.

"I tell you what", I said, "I will give my house to the one of you most willing to obey my rules." Again, they looked at one another with bewilderment on their faces. One perky young woman asked, "What are the rules?" I smiled and told her, "I don't know because I had not defined them yet. However, it is a free home I offer you".

"They giggled amongst themselves and one member of the group called me a crazy, old coot. "Go take you meds, old man!" he said. I just continued to smile and leaned in and told them I was serious and the offer was legitimate. The gaped at me.

"Hell, I will take it", one of the group offered, "where are the keys?" I continued, "I presume you accept ALL my terms then?" The older couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from their table. I took a napkin and wrote:
I give this man my house, without the burden of financial obligation so long as he accepts and abides by the terms I shall set forth upon consummation of this of this transaction.

I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched his signature on the napkin. "Where are the keys to my new house?" he asked me in a mocking voice. I stepped back and took the keys from my pocket and dangled them before the excited new home owner.

"Now that we have entered into this binding contract witnessed by all of your friends, I have decided on the conditions you are obligated to adhere to from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day. You won't use anything on the inside of the home and you will obey me without resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I have bestowed upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles will be as mine. You will think as I do and do it with blind faith. These are my terms. Here are the keys." I held the keys out and the young man who looked at me dumb founded.

"Are you out of your freaking mind? Who would ever agree to these terms?" It was obvious he was quite irritated.

"You did", when you signed the contract before knowing the terms and knowing I would provide the full terms AFTER you committed to the agreement."

"The elderly man and woman chuckled at their table. I was looking at a silenced and bewildered group of young people. "You can shove your deal up your a** , old man, I want no part of it!" exclaimed the infuriated young man.

"I reminded him he had signed the napkin as witnessed by his friends and the only way out of the contract was if I agree to it and that I didn't intend to let him go free now that I had ensnared him. I was the one he blindly decided to enslave himself to. At this the whole group became a unified group against the unfairness of this deal.

After a few moments of their unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true intent. I explained what I had done was the same thing to them this administration and congress had done to the American people with the passing of the health care bill which had not been completely read, researched, or studied. "I easily suckered you in with the promise of "free" and then revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was to believe you could have something you didn't earn, that you are entitled to that which you didn't earn, and that you allowed someone else to think for you. Your failure to research, study, and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you. You have now entered into a trap you cannot flee. Your only chance at freedom is if your new master gives it to you. A freedom that is given can also be taken away, and therefore is not a true freedom." With that I tore up the napkin and placed it before the young man. THIS is the nature of your new health care legislation.

As I turned to leave them in thought, I was surprised by applause. The elderly couple, who was clearly entertained, came over to shake my hand and congratulate me. The husband said, "these kids these days don't understand what liberty is", he refused to let me pay my bill. "You earned this one; I will pick up the tab", he said smiling at me. We shook hands and I left the restaurant sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country.

I think the phrase that really got me during the debate part of the process ....this is me, Debbie here....is when Nancy Pelosi said, " We have to pass this health care bill so we can find out what is in it." What is the deal with that!!!??? I just couldn't believe she actually said this and that it didn't make a bit of difference to her supporters!

Derby Drivel

2010-05-01T21:44:00.014-05:00

Today was the 136th Kentucky Derby. We never miss it. The Kentucky Derby is always a big deal at our house and I think it goes back to when Jim was a musician playing in Lexington. He and his band became acquainted with Penny Chenery and her husband. (There's a movie coming out about her in the fall.) They'd come to the club and listen to their group and they'd talk with them between sets. Penny invited them all to Claybourn Farms in Lexington for a tour....which she gave herself and it was there that Jim met and got his picture taken with her horse, Secretariat, he also saw the grave of Man O' War. Rieva Ridge was there also and I think he has a picture of that champion also. Jim was in horse heaven!

During this time he spent a little time at the track learning how the pros decide how they'll place their bets. Handicapping is quite an art and Jim enjoyed giving it a whirl. Getting to the know the jockeys is important. The winner always has a great jockey.

This year we were very interested because a local businessman and his son had a horse (Mission Impazable) running in the race. Their horse started strong, but fell further and further back. We were a little disappointed that he didn't place, but he ran a good race.....well, at least the first half anyway.

Now you can probably tell by now that my interest in the Kentucky Derby has nothing to do with horses. No, I am fascinated by the hats not horses. There are all styles and I enjoy seeing the southern belles and the hats they choose. Many choose their hats first and then try to find a frock to complement the hat....clothes are just accessories to the hats of the Kentucky Derby.

Now I must say that most are overkill for my taste, but I like seeing them all the same. I wonder what sorta of hat I will wear WHEN I go to the Kentucky Derby...hahaha. Hey, I can dream can't I? While watching ESPN this morning I saw some women in the cheap seats with hats easily found at any Walmart. Some of them even added things to their hats. One had a flamingo standing on top. I tried to find a picture of it....flamingos just make everything better, even obscure blogs written by women who dream of one day wearing a big fat hat to THE derby. I will keep looking.

Some of the hats are so large you can barely see the women's face. That sounds like a winner to me. I have always had an affinity for hats even though I always look ridiculous wearing them. And what is up with that? Some women can put on a hat and it will look fabulous regardless of the hat. I used to believe it was because they were so gorgeous it wouldn't matter what they wore, but I have seen some women who are certainly not gorgeous wearing all sorts of hats and they just look great....so I have revised my idea. I think part of what makes for successful hat wearing is confidence. If you don't feel confident in your hat it isn't going to matter if you are Audrey Hepburn, you are not going to look as fetching as someone who knows they look fabulous, darling.

I like this huge hat pretty well....black and white is always a good bet..... ]but not my fav.

This hat with the polka dots is decidedly my favorite. I can see it with a pretty suit or linen dress to highlight the hat. Maybe I would add some strappy black patent leather sandals and a clutch to match.....yep, yep, this is the hat I am drawn to. Whatever dress you'd wear with this should be plain so that hat stands out.

This hat would be boring to a lot of the derby dolls. I saw a lot of BIG hats and feathers piled high, high, HIGH! I need to know how the hat thing started.

I like this peach hat, too..... I guess I don't like anything too bizarre.

.....and how about this one. I think it is lovely as well. I saw a similar one with black and aqua....thought I saved it, but can't find it now.

Now this lady had the confidence to wear a hat ....perfection! This must be Chanel.

But when push come to shove this is the type of hat I feel most comfortable wearing. Sad I know. Picking out clothes to match would be a pain though.

Another attraction to the derby is the horses' names. I am always trying to name my imaginary derby horse. The names are just so bizarre sometimes. Last year "Mine that Bird" won and I thought it was such a bizarre name. In 1932 Burgoo King won the derby... haha. I think he sired Hamburgler or was it Wannaburger?

Seriously, If I had one.... my derby horse would be named, "Frazier's Wave".

Ode to Michelle

2010-04-28T20:09:00.007-05:00

Jim and I marvel at the wisdom and eloquence of Michelle Malkin. She is young, beautiful, perceptive, and best of all logical, which is a trait lacking in so many of the talking heads seen on our airwaves daily. Jim is always saying he wishes she would run for office, but I believe she is way too smart for that.

We borrowed her book, Culture of Corruption from a friend and he warned us when he gave it to us. He told us it was a well researched book and what Michelle exposes in this book is most depressing....and he was right. For Jim and I who count ourselves as part of the 50% of Americans who still believe the U.S. Constitution is the foundation of our republic and is nonnegotiable, it was so hard to read. We got close, but neither Jim or I could finish it. If we were not so concerned about what kind of world our children and grandchildren will inherit this wouldn't have been so difficult.

I googled Michelle and found what I had expected. She is vilified (the pictures are terrible!) by those in our country who would enjoy seeing this country changed....changed into a country which would not be recognizable to our founders should they return. A country where the government regulates EVERYTHING, and I do mean everything. She exposes the motives of those who see the constitution as huge speed bump.

So if you check Wikipedia for Michelle Malkin it will tell you just the facts and then you will find out what her detractors believe about her. They will not tell you she is one of the most astute, and intelliegent reporters out there today, but keep in mind these could be the same folks who urged people to boycott Arizona Ice Tea because the governor of Arizona signed an immigration law. (The same exact law our federal govt. already has, but is not enforcing.) And get this..... Arizona Ice Tea is made by a company in New York.

So please check out Michelle Malkin and also read her book even though we didn't have the stomach to finish it. She is a very intelligent, astute, patriotic young woman who loves truth. It is her passion. Hopefully, we will be able to thank her for all her hard work in person someday.

The Blueprint by Ken Blackwell appears to be another book we are going to attempt to read. Stay tuned.

A Wonderful Easter

2010-04-10T07:59:00.018-05:00

Elizabeth has been to Louisiana before, but this is the first time her family has come along, too. It was just wonderful to see them all and get to know them better. This house....which is usually pretty calm (except for our nightly romp with Sophie) is quiet, but this weekend it was full of life. I think it is what a home is suppose to be about so when their mini van pulled out of the driveway and we saw them going up the road all that energy vanished and walking back inside it felt more like a tomb than a home. I guess my parents know what I mean as they always tell me the house seems so terribly quiet when we leave PA to come back to LA. each summer. It is an empty, sad feeling for sure.

We all enjoyed eating at the new restaurant, RAW in Ruston. It is fun trying new tastes, although Elizabeth and her family were more familiar with much of the menu than we are. Josh and Randi like Ruston's new eatery very much.....one down side.....no changing table in the bathroom so little Frazier had visit the car for a few minutes and both Mom and Dad went along to assist.

Randi made a game...."Marble Sorry" and Josh taught the kids how to play....he also beat them! What sorta Uncle does that? hahaha.... The kids were fine with it and seemed to like playing.

Celinah

Easter family pic.

Frazier's first Easter .....enjoying time with his cousins, Celinah, Auseta, and Jai.

Egg hunting.

Family picture #2

Waiting for sushi at RAW.

Heading back to Florida.

Frazier and Mom.

During the Easter Egg hunt, Celinah spots an egg in the end of the clothes line pole. The egg hiders did a superb job!

Florida grands muggin' on the deck.

Frazier had had enough of RAW so Aunt Elizabeth gave Randi a break so she could enjoy her meal.

Now that little "round boy" is Grammy's sweetie pie.

Auseta and Jai hunting eggs.

Frazier at FBC, Ruston in his Easter duds....awwww.

Frazier basking in the attention of his cousins.

I don't think the weekedn could have been more perfect!

Yes, I am Still Alive

2010-04-01T08:35:00.007-05:00

(This is after trying to blow the pollen off the deck....this is damp so will have to wait until it is dry out....wish I would have gotten out there with my camera before Jim got going with the blower!)

Just a little hello to let you know I am still out here....still thinking things over and reading...true, I am reading mostly Young Adult literature, but I am also reading several things which I hope will strengthen me mentally and spiritually....there may be a blog about this bubbling up.

This week I am out of school and Jim and I have been preparing for company.....Jim's daughter and family from Florida. Elizabeth has been several times over the years, but her family has not been and we are excited to see them. It has been about three years since we have seen the kids and know they will be so much different. Naturally we have gotten lots of pictures and can see the growth, but now we will be able to experience them as well.

Elizabeth and her family are vegans so I have been a tad bit nervous, but she called to say she was bringing a huge cooler full of food so I feel a lot better. Josh, Randi, and little Frazier will be here as well for some of their visit. Jim is quite excited about them being her for Easter and him having both Josh and Elizabeth with him in church on Easter Sunday.

Sophie and I have both been sick....I had a 24 hour stomach bug and she seemed to have a cold. She coughed and wheezed, but then it might be the blanket of green covering all of Louisiana...and I suspect the entire south is suffering from pine pollen. As I bat this post out Jim blowing off the deck for the umpteenth time this week. It has become a three to four times a day deal....but we don't like tracking this mess into the house and we are trying to help poor white Sophie not turn into yellowish green Sophie. Anyway, I woke up praising God that we are both "normal" and hopefully have a wonderful day.

I will be making up Easter baskets in a few minutes. Easter really is my favorite holiday simply because it is the day when satan's (no captial letter for satan) plot to destroy the Son of God. Instead Jesus broke the chains of sin and death when He arose from the dead! The ramifications of this miraculous act are so powerful there was an earth quake and the curtain to the Holy of Holies was rent, or torn. (Matt. 27:51). The curtain symbolized Jesus himself. The only route to God was through the curtain into the Holy of Holies, but now Jesus has made it possible for humans who believe in Him to have the Holy of Holies in their hearts. What joy......joy unspeakable, and although we Christians don't always feel or exhibit that joy as we should, it bubbles up in our souls and transforms this world, which many times appears hopeless, gray, and frightening into a three dimensional explosion of gorgeous color filled with hope. We never weep as those with no hope... because Jesus rose from the dead to open the door to heaven! (1 Thess. 4:13) .

Hallelujah! He is Risen!!

http://sortingiallout.blogspot.com/search/label/Easter - Last year's Easter blog.

Living for the Weekend

2010-02-15T17:39:00.011-06:00

Frazier was having so much fun in jumper. We loved watching him go to town!

Below Sophie loved romping in the snow...well for about ten minutes this new stuff was a lot of fun....until her feet got cold and she went running for the house.

"I just live for the weekends." I hear that phrase a lot from the worker bees of our society. Who has not said, "TGIF" and said it with gusto! I just find it sad that those of us who do hold full time employment are always looking forward to Fridays and then start feeling very sad Sunday evenings when they know they are going to....as Jackson Browne sang, "get up and do it again" and return to their place of employment on Monday morning.

I have been trying very hard to change that, but I am finding it difficult. While there are always parts of my profession which are rewarding, there is plenty that feels like torture espcecially if you spend much of your time on hall duty trying to get students to walk down the hall quietly without slapping or kicking each other as they proceed to their next class. I wish I had a meter so I could measure the decibel level in the halls. Maybe one of the benefits we should be lobbying for is hearing aides when the need is apparent. Another challenge is just keeping students from wandering about where they are not suppose to be. This usually stems from trying to get a glimpse of someone of the opposite sex. (YES, I am a proponent of same sex schools!!) And then there is the drooping drawers problem. Each day I tell young men to pull up their pants and to please tuck in their shirts. When I was in college whodathunk! Maybe this is part of the reason the weekend holds such allure. (sorry, didn't mean to vent so much!)

Anyway, this weekend was awesome. We got a bonus SNOW DAY and therefore a four day weekend. Lunch at the new sushi bar was a highlight, movie night with the girls, a Valentines Day dinner party and time to read two (small) books without rushing through them. I really do love the weekends...especially these that are looonnngggg weekends. It couldhn't have been better....well, except for the fact we didn't see "the kids" (Josh, Randi, and Frazier), but we did see them last Saturday (see pic above) which was a wonderful day and then came Super Bowl Sunday our home team the New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl EVER! I count that as a fantastic weekend. Everyone was smiling on Monday morning!

So living for the weekends?? Well, maybe I don't LIVE for them, but I sure do enjoy them and look forward to them starting about Thursday evening. I try not to long for them the whole week and I know if I had to skip one it wouldn't kill me .

My husband is totally retired and all his days are weekends......I am not sure I would like that scenerio either. What would have to look forward to come Thursdays? It really is something to ponder.

Who is this Man?

2010-01-24T09:32:00.017-06:00

I have been seeing pictures of Che Guevara for what feels like forever. I remember walking into a dorm room with my older sister when I was in ninth grade and seeing a HUGE poster of this guy and wondering who he was. Later I saw numerous individuals on campus with his pic on their tee shirts. There was even fabric with his image made into scarves, bathing suits, or other types of clothing and these items still are sold in 2010.

When I was in ninth grade there was no google and needless to say I didn't rush right to the library to read up on Cuban history and find out who this Che was. So I came away from my first encounter believing this must a great guy....after all I saw the posters and students wearing his pic. So I believed these highly educated people should know what is what and he must be quite a hero!

A few years later I encountered Che in my college experience. Professors were seen wearing Che tees. So I began asking questions. He was tauted as a freedom fighter and a person trying to help the little guy. A populist? A martyr? A Hero? Che's ideology demonized successful business as oppressive and cruel. Over time I bought it hook, line, and sinker and next thing I knew I believed that capitalists were evil people and socialists and communists were compassionate. It was the zeitgeist. I have no doubt if someone would have handed me a Che tee I wouldn't thought twice before donning it. Heck, I was a charter subscriber to Mother Jones magazine.

Now I do find it bizarre I never stopped to think the very reason my education was being paid for was capitalism. As a small business owner, my step father, was a capitalist ,(even if I didn't realize it) an employer who provided health care and disability insurance for his small printing operation. I remember periods when times were rough and he paid his employees and he didn't get a pay check due to a bad month, yet he worked hard and kept going even when business was slow. Yeah, sounds pretty evil doesn't it.

FYI.....Marx thought there was a natural evolution for governments: Feudalism, Capitalism, Socialism, Communism....with Communism being the superior form of govt. I don't remember, but I bet in 1975 I thought that made perfect sense. Now I am appalled I was so easily swayed.

But back to Che. I have noticed his image has never gone away and neither has what this image represents. Carlos Santana wore a Che tee shirt to an awards show a few years back. Obviously he didn't know Che's Cuban govt. banned the listening to jazz or rock in roll. It was a crimanal offense to the Cuban state. Crazy! The Cuban government banned personal expression...art and music of all kinds. Why would Carlos want to wear this man on his shirt?!

Luckily I got to find out who Che Guevera was up close and personal by visiting Cuba. I know that to Cubans Che represented fear. He was a killing machine, a terrorist, a sadist, and a racist. There was rape, torture, and human mutilation under his direction. He set up the first forced labor camps in Cuba. We know this is the truth by reading his own words. Can you imagine Cubans who came to the United States seeking refuge from this man and his ideology....refuge from those who killed their relatives and seized their properties and belongings in the name of "freedom".... seeing college students sporting this image of this murderer.

Let us look at words spoken by Che Guevera:

"If in doubt of a person's loyalty--kill them."-Che Guevera

( He writes in his diary about shooting people in the head and describes it in detail. He was called the "butcher of LaCabana Prison".)

"To send men to the firing squad, judicial proof is unnecessary. These procedures are an archaic bourgeois detail. This is a revolustion! And a revolutionary must become a cold killing machine motivated by pure hate". --Che Guevera

"The negro is lazy and indolent and spends all his money on frivolities and booze."--Che Guevera

"The USA is a great enemy of mankind. Against those hyenas there is no option by extermination. --Che Guevera

"If I had nuclear weapons I would use them including in the very heart of NYC." --Che Guevera
I think some of those quotes should be written under his photo on the all tee shirts so people understand what they are promoting when they wear these shirts!

Hopefully, those folks walking around with Che tees on have no idea what they are wearing. They wouldn't be caught dead wearing a tee shirt with Hitler's image, but essentially it would be the same thing. I believe Che would have killed the huge numbers of people Hitler killed in order to promote his ideology, but thankfully he never got the opportunity for his killing to reach into the millions.

So.....knowing what I have learned about Che Guevera....these tee shirts are not only offensive and repugnant they represent an icidious evil ideology which not only has finally slowly and methodically wormed its way into the concisousness of many of our most educated, but also into those who are at the highest levels of power.

More on that at a later date.

Giving Voice to Late Night Frustration

2010-01-22T02:26:00.009-06:00

Once upon a time there was a girl (ok, I hear you, but indulge me for a min) who got approx. 2.5 head colds a year and they usually were gone within 4.5 days..... UNTIL THIS SCHOOL YEAR!

Starting about Thanksgiving I have had a head cold pretty much non stop. Yet, this weekend....our loooonnnnngggg MLK weekend. I felt great; did some Wii Yoga, ran around the house A LOT with Sophie (yeah, we run and run in circles until we are both exhausted..NO, it is not pretty.) and enjoyed the life of a "healthy" human for the first time in what seemed like forever. My nose was still a little drippy, but hey, there was nothing else going on....sore throat, runny eyes, cough etc. I was thrilled to be "well" ....but then it started again and as of right now I have totally lost my voice. URGH! Hard to teach classes without a voice!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now the fact I have hall duty between each class and coughing and sneezing 7th and 8th graders are ALWAYS present....I am checking in books handled by the aforementioned germ infested patrons.....not to mention several coworkers who are fighting all sorts of maladys. Plus, I have always thought the dust in the library, which we fight daily, doesn't help matters at all. (Guess I should mention there is dust in my house I fight all the time, too. Don't look so shocked!)

So what do I do? Well, since Jim retired I have been going to bed earlier and earlier and I eat on a regular schedule. Two things I rarely did before he retired. ( He really is a positive influence.) Not to mention I am always wiping things down with Clorox wipes (especially at school) in an attempt to avoid cold/flu germs. I use my Neti pot daily and when it is dry in the house I run a sonic humidifier at night. I really feel I am doing my part in this fight...not to mention vitamin C and multivitamins etc! Jim has even started making fruit smoothies that include a few leaves of spinach. (Thanks Lora, cuz if I HAD SUGGESTED SUCH he would have just glared at me like I was nuts and never even gotten the blender out of the cupboard!!) Yes, he is playing offensive due to the drips, too.

Have I gone to the doctor?....well, no. Why? Mainly because I see no sign of infection and I have a fever like two times for a few hours and it was very LOW. I have learned that docs are very reluctant to give antibiotic unless these two conditions exist and I have had docs to pat me on the head and tell me to take the same medications I was already using, but I must admit I am leaning toward a doctor's visit so you know I am finally coming to the end of my chain.

(I just reread this post and in light of what is going on in Haiti....and other tragedies, well, in short, I am feeling very thankful head cold and all.)

BACK TO BED! Night, Night :)

Happy Half a Year, Frazier!

2010-01-16T21:11:00.007-06:00

This is a picture of Frazier and his beautiful Mom, Randi. She is a natural as you can tell by this picture. She even let him take off his stiff jeans so he could be more comfortable. If he could talk I know he would have said, "Thanks, Mom!"

Frazier, our younger grandson, is 6 months old today!! We can hardly believe it has been six whole months since Frazier James Anderson entered our world. Time truly is flying by and I want it to slow down so we can savor these sweet baby weeks. He will be a full fledged kiddo soon enough.

Frazier is such a pleasant, sweet little guy. He even smiled when he was sick with a cold and fever. Such a ray of sunshine in our lives and we are looking forward to so many milestones with this little guy, Lord willing.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T11:17:00.048-06:00

Sorry these pictures are out of order.....I started out good and then I accidently deleted some and it was all a big mess! Sorry!

What a nice Christmas....we began with a church service on Christmas eve. acknowledging the true reason for this holy season and then back home for turkey soup and crawfish soup with grandparents (two sets!) and "the kids" and the newest member and star of our family, Frazier, 51/2 mons. It is so fun to have a little one at Christmas time. It has been a very long time (27 years to be exact) since there has been an infant in our home for Christmas. Yes, it refreshed a lot of memories.

Next morning we slept in fairly late and Jim and I cooked up a great breakfast of waffles, bacon(thick and peppered), and scrambled eggs. We then got dressed and ready to open all the packages which had been accumulating under the Christmas tree. Josh, Randi, and Frazier, having opened gifts at Mae Mae's and Pop's were ready for round two. We spent over and hour opening gifts! We are so blessed.

Friends, Gail, Dan, and their sweet pup, Missy, stopped in to say howdy and meet Frazier. It is always so great to see them and I think they thought Frazier was pretty cute....and naturally he "took to" Miss Gail very well. She seems to be a baby magnet these days.

About 6 PM Josh and Randi decided Frazier had had enough Christmas for one day and headed back to Mae Mae and Pop's.

Went to bed about midnight and then the phone rang about 2:30 AM and it seemed our little one was "all stopped up". The festivities had worn him down and he had a head cold. I got out of bed to find the sonic humidifier we had used for Josh in similar situations. Josh ran in the house to get it and some Vicks and was off into the dark night. I prayed it would help little Frazier to breathe. It breaks my heart when babies are sick because they just don't understand what is happening to them.

Josh and Randi decided to stay in Ruston until Sunday and we were invited over to Jessie Mae and James's for REAL Louisiana gumbo....my Mom and Dad's very first taste! It was delicious of course. Josh and Randi stopped back over here on before leaving for Texas. Dr. Mark and Miss Helen came by to check on Frazier and insured us he just had a head cold and his chest was clear. They told them the dosage of tylenol he could take for his weight. That was sweet of them and it made Josh and Randi feel better and they decided they didn't need to rush him into the doc the next morning like they had planned. We are blessed to know wonderful people who look after us! (Thanks Mae Mae and Pop and Mark and Helen!)

We gave them two days off and then we packed up our clothes, the Nintendo Wii, some groceries, our dog, and headed to Jefferson, Texas. Jim and Karen, Randi's parents, who are living in Belgium, graciously invited us to use their lovely residence as home base for three days. We arrived Tues. eve. and ate dinner at Auntie Skinner's Riverboat Club. The crab soup was delicious....spicey! but delicious and planned to see the younger Andersons on Wed. morning for a tour of Jefferson's many quaint shops. We went to a BBQ place and another taste of Jefferson. Yum! It was strange to be there without Karen and Jim.....hope next time I am there they are there, too.

We enjoyed looking in the antique stores and Mom found some coke glasses she had been looking for. We also saw a silver tinsel Christmas tree for Randi, but it was very spindley and it was $250!! Nevermind!

We went home and played with the Wii (Josh and Randi are good at the hula hoop!) Randi made Swedish meatballs and a salad. Very delicous. Randi had Frazier on her hip for a good portion of the food preparation as he was getting tired of being passed around and wanted his mama! We ate and they hung out a bit and then headed for Longview. Another Christmas memory to file away.

Next morning we got up and dressed and headed for Longview. Josh, Randi, Frazier, Nama, and Papa and I went out for Mexican for lunch. Jim, Sophie and Gatsby stayed home. Jim's cold was getting the best of him and he decided to just rest and watch some football. It was a rainy day. We took Randi and Frazier home and Josh drove us out to see Eastman. He wanted his grandparents to see where he worked and I had never seen it either and it was interesting to see how big that plant is! Went back and watched some football....played with Frazier and fired up the grill for some porterhouse steaks. (Can't skip eating!) It wasn't easy grilling steaks in the rain.....Jim, Josh, and Papa did a great job as usual. It was New Year's eve. and we didn't even make it past 8:30 PM before heading back to Jefferson. The champagne would have to wait until New Year's day....GAME DAY. We were in bed well before midnight on New Year's eve! Yes, we are officially over the hill now.

Josh told us he wanted us to come early so we could watch some pre game shows he had taped about the Nittany Lions on the BIG 10 Network....so we set the alarm for seven. We washed sheets and made up the beds, ran the vacuum, turned the heat down, and cleaned it up in general. We wanted to leave the house in the pristine condition we found it. We got to Longview at 10:45 and got ourselves geared up for the game. Randi had so many treats for us to munch on! The black eyed peas bean dip was delicious. Then the Capital One Bowl came on and we were focused on the game. At times Frazier looked at us like he thought we were nuts because we got a bit loud. He'd never seen his daddy so excited and he didn't know what to think a few times. The game, played in the rain on grass....or should I say MUD ...was crazy! We were glad when Penn State kicked a field goal and won it in the last few mins. Talk about relief. Josh works with a lot of LSU fans and so do I, so we felt it was important to our sanity for Penn State to win it.

Once the win was behind us we spent a lot of time doting on Frazier...although that really is ongoing at all times. We never take our eyes off him too long. Even when football is on we have plenty of commercials and down time to play with our little buddy. Nama and Papa knew we were going to have to say good bye at some point and make our way back to Ruston, but it was tough even though we had been preparing for it all afternoon.

The drive home seemed very long for some reason. Jim and I were feeling pretty badly with our colds. I feel sorry for "the rents" sitting here listening to us coughing. Nama has avoided a cold so far and Papa had one that lasted just a couple days. Maybe I will take the flu shot next year like they did!

Saturday was non stop bowl games....really enjoyed the Old Miss/Oaklahoma State and the Texas Tech/Michigan State games. I took tons of cold meds, used salt water, and drank a lot determined to get rid of this infernal cold! Today has been more of the same. Jim drove Mom and Chuck to the movie theater to see The Blind Side and I proceeded to take down the Christmas decorations and Jim cooked a meatloaf that we had when they returned from the movie.

And now here I sit coughing.....and praying I feel all better by morning...dream on! I will be facing about 120 7th graders on Mon. so I better be well!! Mom and Chuck are leaving on Wed. for PA. ......where it is much colder (hard to believe) than it is here.

It will be a huge let down when they leave!

December 24 is Special to Us

2009-12-24T13:54:00.006-06:00

I remember Christmas Eve. 1979....there was snow on the ground, but it was calm and pretty.

It has been a long wait but they "rents", as my sisters call them, are here. We have been planning this trip for months and they have been chomping at their bits (I haven't seen any bits), to see their first great grand, Frazier. Yesterday they met him and here are the pics to prove it.

Frazier was in such a good mood....all smiles and just contented. The only time he gets a little cranky and fussy is when he wants to eat, but then don't we all :) .

Even though Frazier doesn't really do all that much at this point, he is just endlessly entertaining. Every cute sound and every cute expression is mentally recorded. None of us can keep our eyes off him....I had almost forgotten about that magnetic quality.

Tonight is our Christmas eve. soup supper. Tonight will be turkey soup (made with the turkey we had yesterday) and crawfish soup...an all time favorite of mine! Randi's grandparents will come after church, too. For about six years now we have spent Christmas eve. with Randi's parents and her brother and they are in France for Christmas. (Her parents are living in Belgium for a few years.) It will be very strange without them and it will not seem like Christmas eve. without them. We will miss Ross, Karen, and Jim.

On another note it is Jim's and my 30th wedding anniversary and that is hard for both of us to believe.

Happy Anniversary, Jim! I love you.

Lord, Give me Ears to Hear

2009-12-22T03:24:00.005-06:00

Just up in the night thinking.....dangerous right(?), but my thoughts are turned to the Lord and thinking about how good he is to me. I am so blessed....and I certainly don't deserve it. I am also rejoicing for the answered prayers I witness all around me.

So what am I thinking? Well, I have come to the conclusion that instead of thinking (sometimes turning to worry), I need to start praying ...and then listening.

Sometimes when I am praying I find myself trying to bargin with the Lord and I don't believe that is what we need to focus on. I want to do more listening because I need to hear from HIM! I know how sustaining those Words are.

There are times when I felt like I could fly when I knew I had actually heard from heaven and the God of the Universe loved and cared for me! ....so why would I not do more listening? Crazy isn't it? Well, I guess it is because sometimes my heart is heavy and I have requests that only He is able to solve...and I am self centered and so very impatient.....and let's face it, talking is just easier and it seems to be what most people think of when they say prayers. Also, I also fear I will not hear anything and my faith won't carry me through that dry place.

Don't doubt I will keep seeking an answer to prayers....keep knocking as the scriptures instruct us to do...but I am also going stop and meditate on His words more and focus on all His attributes and then LISTEN for His voice.

Ok...I am rambling and redundant, sorry. But listening, trusting.....as in TOTALLY trusting just doesn't come natrually either and I guess I needed a little self pep talk. And as trite as this sounds.....this is such a wonderful time of the year to practice focused listening as we are ever mindful of the Lord's greatest gift of all, Jesus.

Bring on the Holidays

2009-12-13T15:17:00.006-06:00

After two roller coaster weeks Jim and I are finally coming back to life. We've been under the weather (to say the least), then well, then sick and for now, about 95% well. We are now wondering what exactly we've had. One doc in our area attributes all of it to the swine flu while another says it is just the seasonal "crud". The doc told Jim it was not the right symptoms for "pig flu", but when we saw the list on the internet we disagreed. No, we have not had super high fevers or been as achy as some, but we have had low grade fevers and some aches and also all the fun that goes with a head/chest cold....coughs, sneezes, and watery eyes. (The watery eyes deal was really getting to me!!) Anyway, I have not dared quit the Musinex. If you have not used this miracle over the counter drug, it is just amazing how much better you can breath while taking it. I tried going all day without it yesterday and ended up having the most embarrassing coughing jag at WalMart! I may never quit taking that stuff after that. I was waiting for someone to throw a net over my head and cart me into the back of a van headed for the TB sanitorium.

Jim kept plugging along and I have not missed any school this whole time. I nearly did last week, but I think enough other people were out I couldn't get my phone call through to tell them to get a sub, so I just gave up and went in. I never went in with a fever...seems those always popped up during the night. Aspirin, Musinex, and Alka Seltzer Plus have been my mainstays, but We also tried some Sudefed and various other cough syrups and cold pills I found in the medicine cabinet. I washed my hands obsessively and cleaned the tables and desks with Clorox wipes. Thankfully, there is a sink in the my work room so I didn't have to run down the hall just to wash my hands. As far as I can tell nobody has caught it from me and for that I am thankful! So now Jim and I say, "Bring on the holidays!"

Thanksgiving

2009-12-12T21:13:00.002-06:00

Here is a sweet picture from our Thanksgiving visitors....or to be more exact the day after Thanksgiving. Just thought this was a sweet pic and wanted to share it.

On the Same Page

2009-11-23T08:36:00.004-06:00

Full article is found at this link below.

http://townhall.com/columnists/JohnStossel/2009/11/18/worse_than_taxes

Here is part of John Stossel's column. (I have been a big fan of his 20/20 contributions....remember the "Give Me a Break" segments?)

(Bill) O'Reilly told me that America is ready for a tax revolt. I hope he's right. But I don't think it will happen until more people see the ruling elite for what it is: a gang of arrogant bullies that has the audacity to believe that they know how to direct our lives better than we do.That's why, bad as the taxes are, I'm more upset about ObamaCare, Medicare, the "stimulus," the auto bailout, the bank bailouts, the Fannie/Freddie bailouts, the trillions in guarantees, and on and on.The politicians' spending schemes represent presumptuous interference in our lives. They are an assault on our autonomy.

Playing Catch Up

2009-11-21T09:47:00.009-06:00

Frazier's Wii Family....bet you can pick him out. We are hoping Josh and Randi will try it out while they are here and Frazier will being able to play in a few years. Frazier was on my baseball team the other day and he was the only team mate to make a home run! He is going to take after cousin Paulie for sure! I wish you could see these better. Virtual Josh and Randi really do look like Josh and Randi...Frazier, not so much. Wii Deb is more accurate than Wii Jim, but it is amazing how you can edit these.

Yes, I am still among the living and I still like to arrange my thoughts on "paper" periodically... so here goes.

Today is the first day of our Thanksgiving holiday so waking at 5:30 sorta bugged me, but old habits die hard. By the time I get the hang of sleeping in, school will be back in full swing and I will dragging around the library trying to wake up....soooo think I will try to get up early each day.

News from the home front: Jim and I have a new Wii. There was an offer on home shopping we just happened upon and it was a flex pay deal we couldn't pass up. We now spend each evening bowling a few games and also playing some tennis. Tennis is not Jim's cup of tea so I have a lot of pleading to do if I want a tennis partner. I just love the sound of the balls hitting the rackets...sooooo life like! Anyway, bowling is a lot of fun and as of now I am the champ! That would never happen on a non-virtual bowling alley as Jim has always been a good bowler. The secret to my 213 game is lofting the ball. The more I loft the better my score. Go fig!?

We also have a Wii Fit Plus. I have done a bit of yoga and played some of the balance games. When I did a balance test the machine told me my Wii age was 40! That made me happy, but mixing in my mental age was something like 63....and I don't think it meant I was old fashioned. Standing on one foot while counting on your fingers is just not as easy as you'd think! Had it not for my good balance I probably would have been 80! The test was not that hard, but you have to be fast. "Math" and "fast" can't be used in the same sentence with my name. I will have to try it again. I talked to a kid at school and he said his Wii age was 85 so I think I feel little better.

Gutters! Our house now has seamless aluminum gutters. The truck came and made them in our driveway. Jim worked for three days putting in pipes underground and even under sidewalks to direct the water from the downspouts. He is not done with all of them, but he is well on the way to getting our drainage problems licked. French drains......huge french drains are the next project on the agenda. Hiring help for this is the plan and I hope he can find some good workers who like to dig.

Lets see.....what else? We had a wonderful revival at our church. Jon Randles, via Dallas, came and preached. I didn't get to the afternoon lunch sessions, but Jim did and he loved it. You can google Jon. His next stop was going to be Longview and I was hoping he was going to be speaking at Josh and Randi's church, but alas not this trip. He said he has been to several churches in Longview so maybe sometime in the future they will be blessed by him. I had seen him in 2005 at Temple church. I think he has been there two times, so he was not new to me, but Jim had never seen him and I surprised how much he enjoyed him. Like I said, check Jon out! (Lori, you and your church chicks would have loved him!) He is a history prof. and is also involved with FCA so lots of sports analogies, but he has a heart after the Lord's own heart. His knowledge of history is impressive and he loves sharing what he knows about those who lived in the ancient world...their customs and their cultures. It opens a whole new dimension of the scriptures. He has been all over the world studying and owns an extensive collection of rare books. I wish I could sit in on his history classes.

On the agenda today: New Moon at noon. (poet and didn't know it?) Yes, I read all the Twilight series and yes, I am sorta embarrassed to admit it let alone going to see the movies, but they are a good Romeo and Juliet type story even though half the characters are the undead. (Creepy! I know. Jim will not be going.) I didn't think the writing was amazing, but Stephanie Myer does weave a great story and even though the first book was painfully boring I was sucked in as the plot was enriched with a variety of distinct characters in each consecutive book.

So what does this week hold in store? Obviously there is Thanksgiving with the turkey and all the sides we traditionally make. "The kids" will be coming and we are always thrilled to see them and their new addition, sweet little Frazier James with the smile that melts my heart. (Much the same way Josh's still does.) That will be the high point of the week for sure!

I want to clean, cook, and Wii it up some, watch some football, and READ. I have several books. One is Angela's Ashes and several other YA books from school. I also want to get a hold of Sarah Palin's recently published memoir, Going Rogue. It is sold out every place and Jim believes the whole first printing is sold out, so that might not happen for sometime. She is a person we both greatly admire and am hoping she will have great influence in or out of office because her common sense is so needed in this country now. Why is she so polarizing? Well, I believe it is due to her firm faith, but Jesus predicted this 2,000 + years ago. "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18

This is all the news from Lake (well, the gutters are going to cure that, right!?) Wobegon. :)

The Smallest Anderson

2009-10-18T21:48:00.015-05:00

This is the smallest Anderson, Frazier. He is a joy and brings smiles where ever he travels. I will pray he will always be so happy, so secure, so free....I looked into those eyes and thought this is the state the Lord wants for all of His children....no matter how big or small.

I will begin praying all his days will be good ones. I am not so nieve to believe there will never be any saddness or any pain because I know of few people who travel through this life in perfect bliss, but I will pray he will live his life as the Lord would have him live, that he will be submissive to His creator and He will seek the Lord and His will. You see I believe those who are living their lives in the center of God's will for their lives and seek Him are the ones who are whole, free, and at peace in this world.

Here are some of the photos I took this weekend. I think he has as many expressions as I have pics ...and I can't post all the pics I took. As I have said before, he sure is a great blend of his Mommie and Daddy. I did get some pics of Frazier and his Mommie, but I don't think Randi would like me posting pics of her in the am in her pjs. And as for pics with Daddy....well, I didn't get any cuz we sorta "hogged" the baby and Josh didn't do as much baby holding this weekend as usual. Next time I see them I promise to get more pics of Frazier and his parents. Sorry.

This was Josh's bouncy seat and we figure about 10 other babies have used it over the years.

Uncle Ross was by far the funniest thing Frazier has ever encountered....laughing out loud!

Miss Helen also was quite entertaining and he was happy to sit on her lap for quite a "spell".

Grampa Jim worked his baby magic when Frazier got fussy and he was soon laughing and having a great time.

Saturday morning was just perfect....once Mama fed Frazier he was ready for a little cudding.

I had to resurrect the Peter Rabbit blankey that was Josh's.....it is still a fav of mine.

Frazier holds his hands a lot and looks like he is praying or he is really worried and wringing his hands.....I prefer prayer mode.

Lowes vs. Walmart

2009-09-27T14:35:00.003-05:00

Here is just an observation which also qualifies as a sweeping generalization: Lowes' shoppers have got there act together much more than the average Walmart patron.

Why do you say that? you quiery....weeeelllllll I was in both stores today and I was waiting for Jim by the register of Lowes while he went to pick out an oak board (6' x 10" $40!!!) for the coffee table be is building for me, I noticed the resolve and purpose in the walk of those who came through the door at Lowes. These are "no nonsense folks" who are in the middle of a project and making a mad dash to Lowes to get that one more essential ingrediant to completing their task.

Walmart, on the other hand, has shoppers who appear to be there for something....just not something specific. They are hungry, but not sure what for and they wander the isles reading the labels and trying to decide which flavor, brand, or color they prefer. Or maybe they have some money in their pockets and it is "burning a hole" (as my mother used to say) and they wanna be relieved of this problem.

See I told you these were sweeping generalities. The fact that I was in Lowes proves people who have no particular reason for being there do wander the isles looking around for new and improved their old and outdated whatjamacallits, but many times they are with someone who is on a mission.

So where would I rather hang out? Well, it turns out even if there is no ice cream or candy bars at Lowes, I prefer to be in there. The atmosphere is charged with "I can do-ism" and it feels good just to stand next to the builders and the painters and the plumbers who are going to be making some portion of the world a more pleasing place. It just feels right if you know what I mean.

Happy Birthday, Randi / Mommie!

2009-08-30T22:37:00.019-05:00

We were so happy we were able to celebrate Randi's 26th Birthday in Longview, even if it was
one day early.

This is a very special birthday for Randi....her very first birthday as a Mommie! That, my friend, is not only a BIG deal, it is a HUGE deal. No longer are you just someone else's daughter (kid), or someone's wife or sister or granddaughter; you are someone's Mom, a unique and special relationship unlike any other. You are responsible for all aspects of this little person's life and as overwhelming as it can seem somedays, there is unlimited happiness and satisfaction which comes along with this labor of love.

So, Happy Birtday, Randi. May you have a wonderful first year as a Mom. (You are off to a grand start!)

Josh provided the lovely birthday roses which were really opening up beautifully.

We tried to get Frazier to sing Happy Birthday, but alas he was resting up for later action.

Randi was the center of attention for most of the day, but it is hard to focus when there this little cutie grinning at you. He eventually stole the show.

Happy Birthday, Mom, you're the best...hey, and thanks for the good breakfast...oh yeah...and lunch....and that wonderful dinner.....and oh yeah, that great snack! You really are too good to me!

Caption: Hey Grammy, you crack me up with that camera in my face all the time! Comeon, knock it off, ok?

Grampa Jim got to hold Frazier while Grammy was out throwing bean bags with Dad.

The bean bag toss game that Randi got Josh for his Birthday was a lot of fun. Jim even beat Josh one game and I came pretty close. (Actually, I had to let him win cuz I didn't want to spoil his nice Sunday.)

Can you tell Frazier seems to like his Mom a little....well, I guess I should say A LOT?

Early Morning Concerns

2009-08-29T06:39:00.006-05:00

There are a lot of concerns on my mind that I really don't feel like blogging about, but they are on my mind much of the time so here goes.

My sister, Lori, (as many of you know) is having health problems and is taking some heavy duty medications which leave her with pain. It hurts me to think about her in pain. I think about her all the time and pray for her many times throughout my day. There is also a whole list of folks I care for who are literally fighting for their lives dealing with diseases and I pray for them. I pray for those who have lost loved ones. Suffering is all around me and I feel so very helpless much of the time.

Then there is concern over the direction of my country. I see trillions of dollars, most of which we don't even have being spent, and I and most of America feels confused and concerned.

I am concerned about this administration's desire for control over just about everything. The thought of government control health care is especially scary to me in light of my sister's battle. It doesn't comfort me to look around the world and hear how those people with life threatening illnesses are treated. (Those who suffer with ordinary illness might be satisfied, but when you are relatively healthy why wouldn't they be?!) Being reduced to a number is just what happens when you are part of a huge system that is trying to be "fair". The individual seems to get lost in the shuffle.

52% of our population voted for CHANGE and it appears we may get it, but something tells me when it all shakes out those voters are not going to like it. It just reminds me of when I was in Cuba and the folks there shook their heads and told me that they thought the govt was going to solve all their problems, yet 50 years later they now know things are much worse. They were deceived into thinking there was a noble purpose, yet they have nothing now. They feel duped. So I took away an important lesson : "beware govts bearing gifts". They will hold out something you want and when you reach for it the bars will slam closed and next thing you know your life is totally changed and you are wondering what happened. "Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone..."* Yes, I am very concerned.

Here is something that should raise concern.....our president wants a "national civilian security force", a domestic army if you will, to handle dissidents within our borders. Who are these dissidents? Are they any people...even bloggers like me who disagree with the administration!? I thought the national guard was to address the law inside the border, but it seems they want something closer to them...their own personal army to enforce "their" rule of law. Yet, they will defend tyrants and give them asylum and set terrorists free. I guess their army won't waste time on these folks. Do they need this army to enforce the edicts of the 36 Czars who have been appointed and answer to noone but the President? I am concerned that questions such as these will not be addressed.

As I type there are also those in the present administration working diligently to pass legislation which will silence any media from their opponents.....they call it the "fairness doctrine". SILENCE as a verb now that is a concern. What sorts of governments want to SILENCE those who disagree. To them it is fair to only hear one side of any argument.....their side. The first amendment to our constitution might go up in smoke while many citizens of the country worry more about things like the death of Michael Jackson or what team is headed for the Super Bowl. I am concerned that popular culture trumps any serious conversation concerning the direction our republic is taking. I am concerned what sort of country my children and their children will inherit.

Power grabs like this have happened before in history....way too many times, yet because our memories are so short and we as a nation are not serious students of history, we are are big trouble. Remember George Santayana's quote, " Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

So what to I do in the face of all these grave concerns? Well, I am ashamed to say I worry, (sometimes I write to legislators), but I am also proud to say I pray. I pray more now than I have ever prayed. Does it "work", you ask. Sometimes it brings peace, but much of the time it leaves me feeling as if I am knocking at a door that will forever remain closed. Even then I have hope because I know the Lord's attributes of love and mercy and I will not stop because the scripture tells us to keep knocking, keep asking, and to keep seeking the One who created heaven and earth and has the ultimate power. We may not see every concern addressed to our liking on this side of heaven, but I have faith that all things will work together for the good....God's ultimate good. On days when this faith of mine grows weak....well, I pray for faith and in His mercy He continues to answer that prayer.

* lyrics by Joni Mitchell (Big Yellow Taxi)

Happy Birthday,Josh....aka Daddy!

2009-08-19T22:30:00.005-05:00

Josh and Mom Photo by Jim A.

Dad and Frazier Photo by Randi

Today is the 27th anniversary of the day my son, Josh, was born. Each year on this date I hearken back to that momentous day and I recall all that transpired over its course. From the time we got to the hospital at 1:15 AM until 9:02 PM (when Josh finally decided to make his appearance) it was as if time had nearly come to a stand still. Obviously, it did not, but it was probably the first time ever I had gone one whole day without the thought or desire for food. Even though it was a long, and I might add, uncomfortable way to spend a day, it was time very well spent and I like to think of it this way....nothing worth having comes easily. With this axiom in mind, it is no wonder Josh has always been such a joy. I have never felt anything but blessed by this boy who seemed so bent on not entering the world.

So Josh is beginning his 28th turn around this great mandella and it will be his first go around as a Dad. I pray he will have the same joy I have been blessed with all these 27 years along with the deep love which comes with parenting. And even though I have no way of knowing what the future holds, I pray that in 27 years I will be able to witness Josh reflecting on a son who has brought him the same joy and inspired the same admiration he has drawn from me.....and possibly even see Josh experience the wonderful role of grandparent.

Goodbye, Bailey

2009-08-01T13:47:00.011-05:00

Bailey loved the snow and sported a different scarf around his neck each time he returned from

the kennel where he was loved by humans and fellow "fur kids". He liked going there and it was a lot like going to camp for him.

Today my parents had no other recourse than to take their lab/chesapeake bay retriever mix, Bailey, to the vet for his final visit. For those of us who love dogs and know there is more going on in their heads than anyone could ever imagine, this final trip is one of the toughest experiences. Coming home to an empty house afterwards ranks right up there. I can't tell you how long Jim and I expected to see our poodle of 16 years standing at the door to greet us after he was long gone. We get so attached and these critters; they truly become one of the family.

I was allergic to Bailey and it was difficult to coexist with him, so I never felt like I got to know him like I have non shedding dogs I can love on. But I did love that sweet boy. A gentler dog I've not known. He didn't have a cantankerous bone in his whole body. Even when he barked at the mailman his tail was wagging. It was his way saying, "howdy" and the mailman knew it and would pet him and chat with him. Gatsby, our granddog a tiny Yorkie-Poo who is afraid of all dogs, was not afraid to walk around Bailey. He sensed there were no surprises with Bailey and he felt safe. Even the chipmunks were seen to be sitting in his dish eating his food and he didn't seem to mind sharing.

Bailey was afraid of thunder and gun shots (which we hear once in a great while up in the woods.) He would hide when the fireworks were being set off. It was something we never figured out, but he had it since he was very small. Lately though due to loss of hearing, Bailey didn't suffer from this fear any longer....a blessing to go along with all the curses associated with age.

I know my parents are going to miss their faithful friend. He always warned when anyone or anything ventured into "his" yard. In the evenings as they watched the television, he would lay at their feet or put his head in their laps. I think about how they made a little family of three and what a good life he had up there on "Music Mountain". When so many dogs in this world endure all sorts of tough situations,Bai ley lucked out and lived with two people who doted on him and took pains to make sure he had it good....really good. After all, how many dogs do you know who have their own bedroom?!

Tuesday Afternoon

2009-07-30T21:39:00.009-05:00

There is this old Moody Blues tune I have always loved, "Tuesday Afternoon" and I hear it all the time now on a commercial. Well, that little ditty is floating through my mind as I reflect on last Tuesday's visit to Lake Claiborne, LA.

Josh, Jim and I have been blessed to get to know a lot of special people since moving to Louisiana and one such person is Miss Yvonne. We met her about nineteen years ago when she was our Sunday school teacher. Her warm hospitable southern charm and her love for Jesus won us over right away. She always knew/knows just the right scripture to comfort, instruct, yes and even rebuke when needed.

Her KJV Bible, which was well worn twenty years ago, still sits right next to her chair and is within easy reach whenever she needs it...and she does need it for so many things. She uses it as a weapon against the devil's attempts to destroy her faith, or when she is praying and needs just the right scripture to speak to the Father, or when she needs comforting or to give comfort. There have been many times when she goes to her Bible looking for answers and instruction. She knows her way around it so skillfully it makes me ashamed of myself. Each year she reads through it and each year she finds gems of truth she has never noticed before.

Miss Yvonne has a lot of talents and one is crocheting. She made a beautiful afghan for Josh and Randi when they got married four years ago and also made one for Jim and I ....just because. She made a beautiful little blue one for our newest grand, Frazier James. They are always perfect and we love to cuddle up under them when the damp, cold Louisiana winters roll round. She has a couple she's made from LSU colors if you are interested in making a purchase. Her prices can't be beat.

We hadn't been to see her in a while so we called and she said, "comeon" and she promised a tasty lunch. We (Jim, Sophie and I ) left when it was pouring rain and headed for the lake. I thought it might be crazy, but I knew she would be praying for us to have a safe trip and knew it would be ok....and it was. When we arrived about 12:30 it had just stopped raining. After our delicious lunch of cabbage and sausage soup, cantaloupe, tomatoes, hot water corn bread, sweet tea and fig cake with home made whipped cream, we made it out onto her porch. The porch faces the lake and the temp had dropped and there was a steady breeze.

We sat there and talked about every topic imaginable. She shared with us a book she was reading and loving and read a couple chapters aloud. We never run out of conversation on Mrs. Yvonne's porch and time seems to stop.

Looking at our watches for the first time since we got there we were shocked to see it was nearly 6 PM! Sadly we needed to get going. Sophie who harbors ill will toward all cats spent the afternoon watching Lukey on the back of Miss Yvonne's chair and finally decided she was never going to get off that dang chair and we might as well head home to where her dinner bowl was waiting to be filled.

We packed up her dog toys, water bowl, and blanket...haha it is worse than having a baby...and we said our goodbyes. Our tummys were still full, but our hearts and spirits were even fuller for having been there. It was just a lovely Tuesday afternoon! Thank you, Miss Yvonne!

Up Close and Personal

2009-07-28T09:09:00.010-05:00

Frazier James Anderson at 10 days old. Isn't he a cutie? We've all spent a lot of time trying to figure out who he looks like, but I have decided he will look like himself and isn't that always the way it works? Rarely does someone else end up look just like another person. He is unique and special.

He looks a bit young to be a Frazier, but we can still call him Soda sometimes until he grows into Frazier. He will be a baby for a very short time and Frazier will make for a great toddler name.

He is getting over his jaundice and practicing being the perfect baby. He even sleeps four or five hours at night. That is amazing to Jim and I as Josh slept about five hours for the first time at four months. ( I remember things like that!) Words don't inhance these pictures too much, so I will keep them at a minimum. Hard for a new Gabby. (Jim is calling me Gabby, instead of Grammie because that is what they wrote on the side of my Chai Latte cup at Starbucks on Sat. right before we got to their house.) It just might stick....we shall see.

Ahhhh...... nothing sweeter than this! We used to watch TV but now we sit and watch Frazier sleep.

Grampa Jim and Grammie Deb sure were glad to get our hands on that sweet little boy!

This is me holding Frazier on Sunday morning. We had some bonding time, just us two. He just looked at me trying to figure out who this new lady was. What you can't see is that our fur kid, Sophie, is laying by my feet. I was somewhat concerned she may want to sit on my lap while I was holding Frazier, but she was happy just to stay down at my feet. I think she was a little unsure exactly what was in my lap and decided she would be cautious and stay back. Dogs are alway a variable we can't predict, but I am so happy to report both Gatsby and Sophie seem to take our new addition to the family in stride.

Gatsby is a bit of a guard dog. He was right there when I changed Frazier making sure I wasn't doing anything I shouldn't. They truly are a sweet little family of four.

Randi continues to have that new mother glow. We saw it when we went in her room right after he was born.

Josh is a natural with Frazier. I really did expect for him to do well. Josh has always been a sweet and tender guy and being a father fits his personality well, plus I knew if he treated Frazier half as well as he treats Gatsby it would be nothing but net! (I don't even watch basketball...so where did that come from?! )

This motherhood gig just seems like old hat to Randi. She has slipped from "mother to be" into it without even a hiccup. (Speaking of which, Frazier has a lot of hiccups and that is one way he really reminds me of his Daddy when he was a babe.)

Welcome, Frazier James

2009-07-18T22:17:00.011-05:00

We are so thrilled that Frazier James is finally here. The labor went very well and didn't last too long....although that is relative. Twelve hours in labor is no small feat especially with the dreaded pitosin used for the induction. One-two hours of labor vs. twelve would have been preferable, but it was much better than twenty or I have even head thirty! Regardless this is twelve hours Randi nor Josh will ever forget....but twelve hours well spent which yielded a great prize.

All this brings back feelings and memories which have not surfaced in quite sometime. It is amazing to me the fierce love which takes hold of a new parent. I remember thinking if anyone ever tried to do anything to Josh.....well, I would feel sorry for that person because I could muster the strength to knock them out!!! hahaha Well, I am not so strong, but with the adrenaline of a new Mom who knows, I might have been able to lift a car if I had to do so.

Now comes the fun....I can't seem to think of much else and have spent the day wondering what they are doing and how their little doggie, Gatsby, is doing with his new "sibling". Josh said they had Frazier on the floor in his little seat in the sunshine as he is a bit jaundiced. Frazier was asleep.....so Gatsby snuck up on this new tiny human to check him out Frazier suddenly spazzed and threw out an arm or leg and sent Gatsby running for cover. That makes me laugh just to imagine it. It will be a big adjustment for their fur kid, but I think he can adjust. There is enough love floating around so Gatsby won't feel left out.

There is no fear in my heart for this little boy. Frazier is in very capable hands. These parents won't always know what to do, but I know they will find out or figure out the right thing to do and Frazier will be safe and cared for extremely well. They will take care of his physical needs and they will be concerned with his mental and spiritual development as well. Will I pray? Yes, I will be praying, but I know they are too and that is another reason why I am not worried a bit.

I will send you to Randi's blog for some great pics and her wonderful writing. http://www.obladida.blogspot.com/ She will probably be updating if you are interested in watching Frazier grow.

It's TIME!

2009-07-16T04:26:00.004-05:00

Oh my gosh....today is the day!!! Frazier James Anderson will be born today.....I am so anxious about this I can't sleep. Here is a picture of his Mama, Randi. Looks like she is ready to GOOOO! Say a prayer for Randi. It would be great if labor was fast and easy.

Coffee - 1930's style....or somewhere around there.

2009-07-15T09:23:00.012-05:00

For a while I have wanted to make my coffee taste better......I kept seeing this sorta oily film on my coffee and even with cleaning out the coffee maker with vinegar, it still didn't taste "up to snuff". I was talking to a friend about how she made her coffee one cup at at time with a dripolator. It was a little metal pot with perferorated holes on the bottom. She held this cup sized pot over her coffee mug and poured boiling water through it and she said it was the best coffee ever! Hmm...she had my attention. She didn't call it a "dripolator", but I knew there had to be a name for this process....so I went to my trusty computer and looked on ebay. After trying variations on the word "drip" and "perc" .....I found them. Pictures of dripolators! I guess this is how folks made coffee before there were "percolators"....which is what I had in my dorm room or Mr. Coffee style drip coffee makers.

The water goes through faster on a dripolator and the attraction for me was the water never touches any plastic (or aluminum)....which I was afraid was (over time) leaching into the hot water which then became my coffee. I have been trying to avoid plastics for sometime when it dawned on me my coffee water had been sitting in plastic in our Mr. Coffee.

Okay, I have no proof there were tiny plastic molecules in my coffee, but hey.....if you can avoid even the thought of this plus get great tasting coffee .....why not!?

After surfing around on Ebay and finding dripolators as high as a $120....yikes, I found this one for $30. I thought it was cute and a deal to boot! I clicked on "buy it now" and bam in about three days it was here!!! Amazing....gotta love Ebay.

Here are the pics of how I make my coffee. Many of you will cringe because I probably don't make my coffee as strong as you would, but there are days when I ramp it up a bit and dump in another scoop. Generally I use two scoops (a scoop is 1/8 of a cup) or 1/4 cup of coffee.

I have been very happy with the taste of my dripolator coffee. I just warm it up in the microwave all through the day and it tastes freshly perked each cup! Sometimes I turn the burner on low and just let the pot sit on there....but if I want it to be fresh tasting I just use the microwave.

Take note of our new Bichon mug, compliments of Jim's sis, Darlene and her husband, Jim. (There can never be too many Jims in one family!) My Jim and I take turns with it....well, sorta. I seem to use it a bit more than he does, but then when I am in school he can use it every day if he wants.

2009-07-14T06:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture that should scare us all! Just thought I would share it. I know there is a health care problem in this country, but compared to other countries who have gone the socialist/ rationing route, the United States health care system provides excellent care. The stories from Canada are frightening.....waiting seven or eight months to get into see a specialist is reprehensible. A lot of people can't wait that long and when they do it is TOOOOO LATE. This country is at THE crossroads and the devil is beckoning to us to follow him down a road which I fear will lead to disaster all of us.

Our president is already implying that after a certain age it is not expedient to choose life preserving surgeries. I heard a commentator say that age could be as low as 59 for some procedures! I doubt most people at age 59 or age 60 are thinking they are willing to throw in the towel....thankful for the time they have had if there is a way they may extend their lives allowing them to be productive members of families and society. Think of the what they would be able to do with an extra ten or twenty years. For those of us with grandchildren we understand the desire to be here as long as possible. Also, people want to be able to be with their spouse as long as possible....or to be available to their parents.

It is now we need to begin with our calls and letters to legislators letting them know we don't want the European/Canadian health care system. We want access to health care WHEN we need it and WHERE we need to get it.

In a speech Obama offered a question on the efficacy of further care for his grandmother saying, "and the question was, does she get hip replacement surgery, even though she was fragile enough they were not sure how long she would last?"

Jim's grandfather had a hip replacement in his 90's and was able to live until the age of 100 without pain. Quality of life will be decided by the government and I doubt very much they would ALLOW this kind of surgery for a person of 70, 80, let alone 90! Let us not forget the government treats us as a number, not a living, breathing, human! We will be considered a statistc even more than we already are.

So beware presidents bearing gifts....gifts that are not paid for and gifts that may end up costing a certain percentage of us our very lives.

The Color of Hope

2009-07-09T13:24:00.006-05:00

I went to Monroe yesterday with no real destination in mind.....so fun. Having the freedom to just land where ever the wind blows is my idea of a good time. For some of my readers it is the recipe for disaster as they are very goal oriented. But there are people like me who do live in their heads for the most part and they do their best thinking while digging through sale bins.

I accidentally got off on the wrong turn in W. Monroe...was heading for Cracker Barrel to see what they had on sale and ended up going towards the shopping plaza off Thomas Rd........so what the heck. After a quit scan through Big Lots where I bought a book on hormones, (what every woman my age is confused about) I made my way to Hobby Lobby and they had a good number of items on sale.

That is where I found this cross....which I just loved! I have had a little snow sled on the wall of my carport ever since the after Christmas sales and I have been needing to take it down and save it for next Christmas. What to put in that spot? There needs to be something there. I think the former owners had a metal coke sign of some sort much like those signs found in the dining area of Cracker Barrel. I wanted something cute like that which had a catchy saying of some sort, but when I saw this 50% off cross I knew that was perfect. The only thing was it had these little squiggles that seemed so plain......sooooooo I found a little bag of acrylic gems which I eyeballed to be the exact size I needed. (Jim asked how did I know they were the perfect size and I said, "I just knew."....hahaha I guess he was amazed at that.)

After I returned home, via Pecanland Mall, Ross Dress for Less, and Petco it didn't take long to glue my "gems" on the cross and hang it in it's new home and I think it is perfect for that spot. I really do attribute the fact I thought it looked "naked" to DIL, Randi. I have come to appreciate the use of color since she had entered our family. I probably wouldn't have done this BR (before Randi) and that cross would have gone through it's whole existence stark and colorless and that would have been sad.

Now don't get all theological and worry I have thought more about the pretty "gems" and not reflected on the meaning of the cross. The message of THE Cross is one I will never escape, nor want to as it is the only hope of eternity I have. I know relying on anything but the act of redemption performed on the cross is foolishness and without the cross (which is actually ugly symbol of torture and death) I am lost. It is the act of love which Jesus bestowed on us, God's children that has turned this instrument of pain into a symbol of hope....and that is what I see when I look at it....HOPE....and hope looks like a rainbow, hence the pretty rainbow of colored gems. :-)

Outside Where the Air is Sweet and the Birdies Tweet

2009-07-07T10:45:00.006-05:00

There are few things I enjoy more than sitting out on our deck, and today is no exception. It is just a mere 80 degrees out here and the air is moving nicely ......and the humidity has taken a little break. It is just wonderful!

What do I do when I am sitting on my deck? Welllll.....most times I have a book in hand. Sometimes it is my Bible, which I don't read nearly enough, a YA (Young Adult) novel, or just something recommended or something I've seen that catches my fancy.

Today I have my lap top with me.....oh yes, and my coffee, which I might add is much improved since getting a dripolator off Ebay. (I promise to do a post on that). As I sit here snooping around on the Internet....checking current events, weather reports, blogs, and email it occurs to me I have always liked being outside but my habits don't really reflect that truth.

When I was a very small child I remember being outside as much as possible. I played dolls on the large wrap around porch where we rented and rode my tricycle on the little path worn across the side yard......I made "mud" pies in the sandbox. In the winter I remember playing inside the igloo my father made for me and just loving to be out in the snow slipping and sliding every little place I found a slight incline.

As I got older my friends and I spent hours at the public pool. We swam, ate candy and chips, played cards, and just "hung out". We were outside and it was great. In the winter we went sled riding and skiing, plus living in a small town we walked places a good bit.

When I was in college I never had a car so I walked a lot....to the grocery store, to class, and out to eat. Plus we sat outside quite a bit....reading or sunning ourselves. In winter we were inside more, but I still had to get from place to place and thanks to my sturdy "chukka" boots bad weather didn't stop me.

But after Jim and I got married and I began to work....it seems I spent little time outside. When we lived in Illinois the summers were nearly as hot as they are here in Louisiana and the winters were much more brutal. I spent very little time outside other than a trip to the swimming pool, to hang out the clothes.....in Illinois with the strong winds it was great to hang out clothes....to play with Josh, but for the most part I became an inside person.....a cave dweller of sorts. I worked in an office each day and we (Jim, Josh and I) got home by about 6 PM and started making dinner. I walked to the bank during the days to make deposits or sometimes we ate our lunch on the bench in front of the office where I worked, but for the most part I was INSIDE all day.

Now that was in the 80's and people smoked in offices and I think of all the second hand smoke I ingested over those 8 years working there. Like I said, I did get out periodically and usually I did meet Jim for lunch some place, but other than that I was in the office from 8-5 each day. Jim also smoked, but as soon as Josh was born he began going outside to smoke. I am still thankful he agreed to that because I instinctively knew there shouldn't be cigarette smoke around Josh even though he did come into contact with smoke when we would take him to the bowling alley with us or go out to eat....and eating out for dinner was a very rare occurance. Thankfully we don't have to worry about second hand smoke as we once did.

Now I teach and I am inside the school building alllllll day and except for a few days before it gets pretty cold and a few days before the heat hits I keep the windows closed as not to waste the heat or to let out the air conditioning. I come out here on the deck Jim built for us every chance I get so I can breath air that is not constantly being recirculated by the heater or the air conditioner. Next thing you know I will be trying to drag a television out here, too. (I remember the neighbor who used to live next door when we first moved in. He had a TV going in his carport all the time. You couldn't come outside without hearing a game show or the news.) On second thought scrap that, I don't think I want the TV outside....unless it is Super Bowl Sunday or something. I enjoy hearing all those outside noises....the cicadas in the trees, the train whistle, the birds. Sometimes I feel like I live in some sort of aviary! We have birds, birds, birds! Sophie loves coming out here and listening, too. She watches......and watches....mostly for kitties, her arch enemies for some bizarre reason.

But being outside recharges my batteries somehow.....not sure how that works. As much as I enjoyed visiting NYC for a couple days, I am quite sure I would be missing my deck time if I lived in such and enviornment for very long. Enjoying the beautiful green surrounding the deck is a true blessing.

I probably need to do other things outside....go walking and maybe I need to look into doing some gardening on a small scale. There are a few sunny spots in the yard which would be good for that ....for growing tomatoes, lettuce, onions and squash. Also, some spices would be nice. If we decide to do a garden we will have to wait for fall to try it. Jim and I will get some overalls and red bandanas....what do ya think?

Additional Pa/NJ/NY Shots

2009-07-06T05:32:00.013-05:00

Jim and Sis, Darlene

Mom outside the Beef and Barrel which we must go to everytime we go home.p Dad and Paul.

Jerry Anderson

Hannah Bell

Jer and Jeannie Anderson

"Hannah Liz" goofing around at Payless

Going to the city on the train with Donna, her Mom and Daughter and sister, Lori

Aunt Debbie and Paulie

Deb in Times Square

Good-bye, NJ

At Ellen's Stardust Diner where all the waiters and waitresses sing.

Uncle Joe is playing football with the kids at Andy and Donna's

Paulie and Sophie having fun...they are both smiling.

Confirmation class at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Nama, Papa, Gail and Janet chatting.

Home again, home again, jiggity jog.

2009-06-28T18:47:00.040-05:00

Well, we are home after about 4,000 miles in the car! Actually, it was just me and Sophie who traveled the 4,000 miles. Jim traveled about 1,000 miles less cuz he stayed in Port Allegany with his Dad while I was a "gad about" visiting NJ and NYC. Below are some pictures of our trip......I like to have some pics so I can remember where I have been and what I did. I walked down Broadway snapping pics of everything.....that will be a different post.

Every year after returning from PA I go into a kind of funk....just cuz I know I will not being seeing many of our family members for another year....although we are talking about heading down to Biloxi to see Nephew Duane while he is stationed down there....but for the most part we are waaaayyyyy down here and a good portion of our family is waaaaayyyyy up there. With facebook and skype it isn't nearly as bad as it used to be, but I still get that sinking feeling when we climb into the car for our marathon ride home. I have soooo many pics to pour through and that definitely helps. Here are just a few.
This is St. Peter's in Freehold, NJ where sister, Lori and family are members. Lori and her daughter, Hannah were confirmed into the church along with about 15 others. It was quite a service......

Lori, and Peter's Rock sang two songs on Confirmation Sunday.

This is the Assistant Bishop with Hannah and Lori....in the background is Father Gideon who is in the states from Nigeria. What a delight he is!

Nephew Paulie, attending the lovely dinner hosted by the Cuffaris and the Wittmans after confirmation. I have not had Italian food of this caliber ever!

A toast to Lori, Hannah and Izzy.....by Izzy's Mama. She is originally an Alabama girl and one of Lori's sweet "Church Chicks" friends. They recently got cool "Church Chicks" tees made.

Lori and Joe with Izzy's Dad and Grandma graced my table. It was such a lovely dinner with the best appetizers ever!!!

After the dinner it was off to Donna's backyard.....the weather was just PERFECT in the low 70's. The kids were playing and the adults were "visiting". Notice Father Gideon's suit? Well, he sewed it himself. He is so thankful to be here and is a wonderful addition to St. Peters.

Lori and more church chicks....Gayle (I am not sure of her spelling) and Deb just days before her trip to Costa Rica.

Hannah graduated from 8th grade and we were there in row 2 to cheer her on. Hannah won the Perseverance Award. Hannah is an honor roll student and works hard without complaining.

Aunt Deb, Paulie and Hannah. Paulie is headed for the 5th grade....four more years before he has his 8th grade graduation.

Hannah on the stage with 200 + 8th graders. I was right at home!!!! Such accomplished kids. There were a lot of awards given out that evening.

Mom, Lori, Hannah and Joe. Earlier that day Lori and I had gone into the city to Sloan for her appointment. She takes it all in stride and expects nothing but the best results from her amazing team of docs. She is an inspiration to so many. After graduation we headed out for Chinese with Donna and her family....you will see Donna in a minute. That was some good Moo Goo Gi Pan!

Sat. night Peter's Rock performed.....it was evident a lot of practice had gone into this concert. All the players were "on". Although the concert was suppose to be on a NJ beach, rain sent us back to St. Peter's in Freehold. We really didn't care where it was as long as we got to participate in this worship service. They were so good and I believe the Lord was truly blessed. Lori's voice is great even though her thyroid was removed just over a year ago. Her doc took twice as long so her voice wouldn't be harmed. I kept thinking ...."Thank you Doctor Washer!" as we listened to Lori clear and strong voice lift praises to the Lord! Pray that Lori is able to praise her Lord with her band for many years to come. Gayle, Susan and Lori's voices are all so good and blend so well. I am waiting for a CD!!!

Afterwards we went for some celebration....even some dancing! Fun times with fun folks. This is Papa and Nama....they even decided to dance a few fast numbers. Mom's bionic knees were working overtime that night and it was great to see Dad having a great time after not feeling well these last few months. It looks like things are looking up!

Lori and Joe ............to quote cousin, Kelley...."This picture says a lot". They are great together and they demonstate what marriage is all about.

Here is Donna, one of Lori's peeps....or more accurately a fellow "church chick" planted right between Julie's two lovely daughters, Maura in yellow and Lauren in yellow and aqua. I was so happy they came and I got to spend some quality time with them. Earlier in the day I taught them some of my secret skin care techniques much to Julie's chagrin. hahahaa... (Julie, be glad I didn't show them what I do with the pumas stone!)

Lori, Julie and Debbie....I am the oldest, four years down is Julie and then another four years is little sis, Lori. (not mentioning any of our ages.) Marcia was not there although she and Sean came to the concert and then headed back to Philly. We should have thought to get a sista pic at the church with all four.....but alas we didn't think of it until Marcia had left the building. Sorry. Marsh. I rarely get to see all my sisters all together....all the same day. They probably don't realize how happy that made me!

Here is a pic of a jam session at the Laurel Wood in Coudersport. Jim has been blessed to do this for two summers. He has a great time and enjoys meeting different players. They play such great tunes as "Summertime"....which granddaughter, Carrie, sang her smokey rendition. I had several more pics on this post and they disappeared. I had one of Carrie singing with her dad, Jer and grampa Jim I will just have to post more of our trip... cuz once the pics are in this order I don't know how to insert them....I have tried .....so if you know how to do it, let me know, PLEASE!

Andy Gabrys is just living in PA for now and will be moving soon so we probably won't see him again. He was a great addition with his Wes Montgomery like sound. You can go to Youtube and type in his name and hear him with a trio he played with in NYC. He has a CD called, Constant and we are expecting great things from this former engineer.

Jer, Jim's son is always faithful to come and keep the beat. Jer uses his brushes a lot and knows just what to do for a variety of tunes....he listens well and does a wonderful job.

Jim and his sisters, Chris and Darlene and Dad, Rudy. Rudy is 92 and still living in the home he built himself ....in his spare time after work...which was building homes for others. Darlene and her husband, Jim care for Rudy 24/7 with Chris and her husband, Rod coming on weekends. Jim is glad he can go for a few weeks to give them some time off. This year Darlene and Jim went to Biloxi to see their son, Duane and his family.

Granddaughter, Carrie and her husband Ben invited us over to Bradford to dinner. They have a new deck and other home improvements they were anxious for us to see. Thanks again, Carrie and Ben for a wonderful dinner.

Carrie and Ben on their new deck. We were very impressed with all the work that they have done in their first home. We talked about how Grampa Rudy added space to the kitchen many years ago. Jeanie and Jerry remembered him coming to stay for a week about 20 years ago. He would have been 72 then and still enjoying building. He would be doing it still if physically possible!

Daughter in law, Jeanie, Grandaughter, Amy, Great Granddaughter, Hannah with her mom, Carrie. We enjoyed sitting out on the new deck in the great weather!

Hannah serves Great Grampa Jim some "tea" in her new room. It is GORGEOUS! Jeanie made the quilt on the bed just to match. Everything is adorable!

Hannah is a busy little girl with lots to do in her new room. This is the same house that Carrie lived in when she was Hannah's age! It sure looks different than it did then...the kitchen and bath are new, too! Jeanie and Jer have been working hard helping Ben and Carrie with the house. If you look to the side of my blog at the list of other blogs you will see "Carrie and Hannah" and there are many more pics of the work they have done.

I had some other pics on this blog that were accidentally deleted.....so there will be some more of this "photo journalism" to come.