This one's for you, Bethany!! :-)

Okayyyy.....I wasn't going to do this week's Wednesday Random Dozen because I just didn't have the time and when I DID have the time, I was just worn out and uninspired.
BUT....my niece, Bethany, messaged me on Facebook this morning and upbraided me a bit about NOT doing the Random Dozen, because she looks forward to it so much every week! (Beth...we both need to get a life! LOL) Bethany has a darling little baby girl, Haley and cutey pie little boy, Nathen:

So, Bethany, all I can say is....This one's for YOU!! :-)

AND if you are reading this and think it sounds like fun, then NEXT TUESDAY head on over to Linda's blog where she will have posted a preview of next WEDNESDAY'S Random Dozen, and join in the fun!

BUT if, in the meantime, you would like to meet some wonderful ladies and read their Random Dozen from THIS week, then, once again, head on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee, Linda's blog, where you'll find a list of those who posted this week!

*Big Sigh* Okay, now that I have totally confused all of you......below is my terribly LATE random dozen for the week!

**Linda** I will not make a habit of this! Scout's Honor!

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?
I would much rather attend. I'm too tired to host a party. I may never have another party again as long as we both shall live. I'd rather go to a party that someone else has planned, eat their food, enjoy their games, enjoy their entertainment and just watch everyone else from a secluded little place over in the corner, while eating my food and drinking my non-alcoholic beverage.
Be Advised: This could all change after a good night's sleep and a few days of rest and relaxation.

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.
Welllll.....I guess it would have to be my twin-brother Johnny's and my birthday back when we were kids. I believe we were still in grade school. Anywayyyy....it was our birthday THAT day. We came home from school and went through the normal routine. I don't remember anything out of the ordinary being done for our birthday. Perhaps we had a cake at supper or something.

BUT, after supper was over, and we were doing the dishes, for some wierd reason, my two older sisters kept bugging me about washing my hair and fixing myself up a little. And I kept telling THEM to leave. me. alone! I wasn't going anywhere. What's the big deal? Sheesh. Soooooo, a little while later, our older brother, Bill, asked me and Johnny if we wanted to take a ride into town with him so he could get us something for us for our birthday. Sure, why not? My sisters really kicked it into the big gear about me washing my hair and changing clothes and so on, to which I huffed that I was just going into town with my brothers. Leave. Me. Alone!

So, we went into town, did what we set out to do, BUTTTTT when we returned home and walked in the back door, SURPRISE!!!! There were some of our school friends and family friends AND a birthday party for me and Johnny! And ME with my unwashed hair and still wearing the clothes I had worn to school that day. Oh well. We still had a great time! :-) Older sisters need to chill. :-) Life goes on. :-)

ANDDD for some reason, I don't remember any present that I received that night but I've always remembered that Johnny got the neatest big red police car from someone. I mean, I don't remember being disappointed about my gifts or envious of his, it's just that I think it is kind of wierd that the only gift I remember from that night is that big red police car. Go figure. :-) Isn't it funny how our memories can be so selective?

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?
Oh, I hope for just being able to sit with Jesus. *tears* I sometimes envision just sitting at his feet with my head resting against his knee, him gently stroking my hair, telling me, "It's alright now....you're home. You've made it. You're safe." And I sometimes wonder....will there be enough of Him to go around because I'm sure that everyone will want to spend that one-on-one time with Him.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?
Oh, I enjoy just sitting in the sun...when it is not too hot....and just feeling the warmth and heat of it soaking into my bones, which have taken to aching more than they used to. :-) It is soooo relaxing.

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?
Well, it depends. If I have not procrastinated and waited until the last minute to buy a gift ON MY WAS to the shower, I like to buy and take my own gift.

BUT if I HAVE procrastinated or have not had the time to thoughtfully pick out a gift, I will go in with another friend/friends/family in buying a gift....usually a more expensive one that the person has been wanting.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?
Oh, this is easy!! Meals cooked!!! 'Nuff said!!! :-)

7. What song describes your mood today?
"Groovin' on a Sunday Afternoon"....only "Sunday" would be replaced by "Friday", of course. :-)





8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.)
Would you believe that I STILL have the hand mixer that I received as a shower gift a kazillion years ago? (this was back before my FIRST marriage in my other life) It is 40 years old!! Oh my!! AND it still works AND I still use it!!

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?
Butter Pecan or Maple Nut. No deviations. :-)

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"
It would have to have been this past Sunday. I am going through a spiritual battle, of sorts, and I am struggling to keep the right attitude and trust that the Lord is still in control and knows what is best. (Like I would presume to know what is best over and above the Lord and His all-knowing sovereignty? Hello.) BUT sometimes, in our "human-ness", we just can't see the big picture, and we DO wonder if He really sees what is going on AND then I THINK I know what would be best AND why doesn't HE just make it happen...like NOW.
But then.....I humble myself once again, kneel at His feet and remember:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

and...."He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

11. "Doritos or Pizza Crossing pizza is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."

12. "Procrastination" is the best motivation.

Okay, I am going to get a post up if it kills me! So hold on! :-)
I've had computer difficulties the last few days AND that does not sit well with me, SOOOO, on top of not being able to post, I cannot visit and read my blog friends' posts, therefore, I get behind on that AND my, but you all have been posting ALOT, which means I will probably NEVER get caught up reading back posts and commenting BECAUSE, remember, I have dial-up down in these hills and valleys.

Okay. I'm done whining.

Look who came to visit Sunday afternoon:



Okay, okay. I know. So what's so new about THAT?! I see him almost everyday of the week anyway.

Well, but you see, each time he comes over to Grandma's, it's like it's the first time all over again!
AND he just gets cuter and cuter and "adorabler and adorabler". :-) It's a grandma thing, I would say.

Jaylon doesn't talk too much yet. Oh, he CAN talk. He just chooses not to most of the time.
Some of the words he says are: cat, dog, Dada, Mama, Papa, cookie, thank you, hi, bye bye, book. Of course, he doesn't say them perfectly but you can tell what he is trying to say. :-)

BUT, occasionally, he'll come out with a word that just amazes us and we clap and laugh and all, only for him to go back into his verbal shell and not say anything again for awhile.

Like yesterday......I was changing his diaper and as I was doing so, I said, "Can you say diaper?" and he said diaper! I mean, almost perfectly! Two syllables!!! Wow!!

But the rest of the time he was here, he hardly said anything but his usual "nye, nye, nye, nye" when he wants something or needs something, which can get just a LITTLE irritating after a long day. :-)

Anywayyyy.....Daniel and Erin had brought him over Sunday afternoon for a visit and to show us and let him play with one of his new water toys. Heidi, their boxer, enjoyed it, too. :-)


Below is a picture of my clematis which FINALLY bloomed!!! I had noticed them in beautiful bloom in other peoples' gardens and yards and wondered if mine ever would.


Hafta go! You-know-who is here!!! :-) It's the boy!!! Have a great day!!!

Wednesday's "ONE-derful" Random Dozen!!

It's that time again! Yes, you guessed it! Wednesday's Random Dozen!! If you would like to join in the fun and meet some wonderful people and hopefully make some new friends, then click on over to Linda's blog, 2nd Cup of Coffee and submit your random dozen!

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?
If it is just for and Ed...well, even if it was for company, I'd probably just fix more!
Chicken, rice, broccoli skillet meal!
I throw place two boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the GF grill, season them well; start chicken rice-a-roni in a skillet, according to package directions; when the rice-a-roni is just about done, I add the chicken which has been cut into small pieces and either frozen or fresh broccoli flowerets, whichever I happen to have. I like to use chicken broth in the rice-a-roni instead of just water, too. Oh, and this is especially delicious if made with the broth and meat of a freshly roasted chicken....oh my!

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)
My glasses. I am blind without them. When I still worked at the library, I was on my way to work one morning and I kept thinking that everything looked a bit muddled, only to arrive at the library and realize that I didn't have my glasses on! Egads! So, I called my dear husband and he brought them to me. :-)

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?
The LIBRARY!! I can spend literally hours in the library when I am by myself. I read the newspapers. Then I move onto the magazines. I usually gather up a few and sit at one of the reading tables while I leaf through them. Next, I'll get on one of the next-to-the-speed-of-light web-surfing computers. Then I may browse the bookshelves for awhile. It's like a mini-vacation for me. Now, if they would just let me have a nice hot cup of coffee or ice cold Diet Pepsi to sip on while I do all of this. :-)

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.
My dad was in the 101st Airborne Division in WWII. When I see all of the films and so on of WWII and read about all of the lives that were lost, I realize what a miracle it is that he survived, especially in light of the fact that he also was awarded the Purple Heart. Total U.S. casualties: 500,000. Total international casualties: 52,199,262
I also had a brother and two brothers-in-law who served in Vietnam and survived. Total U.S. casualities: 58,178


5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."
....actually taught two one-hour aerobics classes, back to back, on Monday evenings at church and, more recently, I used to walk 4-5 miles a day, every day. I was so healthy and fit. *sigh*

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?
I asked the hubs what he would choose and his answer was the same as mine....Gas. The kind you put in your car, that is. :-)

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."
I like for my house to be in order. I mean, I like to "live" in my house, but I can't truly relax if it is a mess. (This is what my DH said was "quirky" about me.)
What I think is quirky about me is that even though I am a very outgoing sociable person, there are times when I am quiet and can even be a little bit shy. Yes, I can be. It is true. Though it doesn't happen very often.

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?
A cold diet Pepsi! Oh yes....so refreshing, especially on ice!

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."
.....my dear husband. I'm serious! No matter how badly I may be feeling, he always manages to make me laugh. I am so thankful for him! I am truly blessed to have him by my side. :-)

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?
Stop eating? :-) Okay, I'll be realistic: Stop procrastinating!! Just do it!!!

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?
Send them a card of encouragement and pray earnestly for them.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?
Ed's 50 year class reunion and my 40 year class reunion. :-)

All around the Cavinee house

Jaylon is playing quietly, so I thought I would begin composing a post, which I may not post until later. Usually I sit down and try to do one complete post all at once and by the time I upload pictures (dial-up..grrrrrrr) and compose my post, it has taken me forever, it seems!!

Sooooo, I'm going to try a new tactic: I'm going to do a post in small bits and pieces and just post it when I get finished.

AND I want to apologize for not commenting on your blogs lately but I just haven't had the time. I do still come by and visit/read and I want so much to leave a comment but sometimes my internet is sooooo sluggish, I get frustrated, and I just can't leave a comment, but do know that I love coming by to read what you have to say!!

Many days, you ARE my social life!!!! :-) Seriously!!!
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Hey! I'm back! I typed the above on Thursday and it is now Saturday! See what I mean? Argh! But I am going to finish this post and POST it before I get up from this chair! Well, unless some unforseen emergency prevents it! :-)

I have been getting some long-put-off-tasks done of late! Yay for me! AND I've been doing them on the Fridays and Saturdays when I don't have little Jaylon here.

For example: Underneath my kitchen sink! Finally. It is clean and organized.


And the cupboard where I keep dishes and containers and so on. Clean and organized. At last.


Here's a picture of our bedroom, which I mentioned in a Wednesday's Random Dozen a couple of weeks ago, as being my favorite room in the house. *sigh* Yes, it is. :-)

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Daniel, Erin, some other young people and I practiced music Thursday night in preparation for a youth rally, which was held at our church last night.

Here is Jaylon playing drums with his daddy. :-)


AND Jaylon and I went with Ed to get a load of wood for this coming winter. As you can see in the picture below, Jaylon loves helping Grandpa get wood! :-)


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We girls went out to dinner to celebrate Cheryl's (my twin brother, Johnny's wife) birthday! We enjoyed a delicious meal at Millstone BBQ here in Logan. We shared such a wonderful time of good food, conversation and just catching up on one another's lives and families. Two of our nieces and great-nieces joined us, too. And we carry on the traditional. :-)

That's an older picture of us girls, taken back in November when we celebrated my birthday, but we haven't changed much. :-)
And, lastly, the newest addition to the Peters' family.....little Hayley, who eventually was lulled to sleep by our conversation as we enjoyed our dinner....AND after she was passed from one to another like a little sack of 'tatas. :-)

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I pray you are having a wonderful weekend and that the sun is shining where you are but if it is not, that you still have the light of Jesus illuminating the moments of your life. ((HUGS))

Wednesday's REALLY Randon Dozen!! :-)

Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee has once again come up with 12 REALLY random questions! I don't know how she does it but I'm glad that she does! :-) So if you would like to join in the fun just go to her blog and join in the fun!

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

It was a day I will never forget! :-) You see, I got married to my high school sweetheart on the afternoon of my graduation day. We got married at my parents' home at 2:30 that afternoon. Graduation was at eight o'clock that night and we went home to our new apartment that night after graduation. Though I thought it was pretty exciting at the time, looking back, I realize it was pretty crazy to do all of that in one day!! BUT that is still pretty typical of me....trying to do too much in one day! :-) Yes, that has not changed alot. :-)

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

Jumper Cables, a good spare tire, tire tool and jack, and a blanket. Oh, and does a stroller count? :-)

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?

Yes, we do. So far, I have one open house to attend on the 29th of this month!
Oh, but let me tell ya.....the weddings are mounting up! Wow!

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.
I still believe that it is somewhat under-appreciated in our country. By that I mean that many still feel that if a woman isn't working outside of the home, she isn't really working and contributing to the family and household.

There isn't a more important job in the world!

5. What was the last thing you broke?

A coffee cup. It slipped from my hands into the sink and the handle broke off into several pieces. It was one of my favorite cups, too, as my pastor's wife had given it to me.

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

Hmmm.....I would say at least two or three, now that the elections are over, that is. :-)

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

I LOOOOVE to shop by catalog. Well, let me restate that. I LOOOOVE to look through catalogs. I just love to sit at my kitchen table and browse through catalogs, though I don't order very often because I like to try clothes on before I buy them. I only get two or three catalogs but my friend gets several and shares them with me and then I recycle them.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?

Well, it used to be "his/her". Then when Daniel got old enough to help, it became a "her/teenager" job. THEN I became unable to work outside and Daniel married and moved away, so it became a "his" job.

Now that I watch the grandbaby, it is still mostly a "his" job, though I do love working out in the yard and so on. Mostly now, I just do the flowers for the porches, which I love!! AND I have to get to that still this spring!!

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?

The living room, though I don't have any idea of when we might get around to doing it.

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

I read most of my news online, though I do stop by the library about once a week and read through the week's worth of our local newspaper. Trust me....it doesn't take that long. :-)

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

Not exactly.

You see.....let's say someone is texting while driving, has an accident and is killed. I don't believe that that was "supposed" to happen because of a divine plan in place for that person's life. I DO believe that God can use this terrible situation for good, though. As in "....all things work together for good to them...." Philippians 4:8.

My dad passed away because of a ruptured aneurysm. He had had back pain for weeks. The doctor told us that had dad come in for an exam and the aneurysm been discovered, he could have had surgery and lived. But dad chose to doctor himself for kidney infection, using OTC medicine and so on and he died a premature death.

BUT through my dad's death, my brother Bill and his wife came to the Lord. So once again, the Lord used a situation that could have possibly been prevented, for good.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Hmmm.......well, for one thing....I am not a perfectionist, so something I do may not suit everyone but I will do a good job of it, to suit me or to the satisfaction of the person I might be doing said task for. :-)

That being said, I do believe that as a christian, I am to do the right things according to His word, always striving, with the help of His strength and grace.

Mothers Day 2010

I was minding my own business Friday morning, getting myself ready for the day, when Ed arrives back home, comes in the house and tells me that I have a package on the front porch.

Hmmm....I didn't order anything from anywhere....for once. *grin*

So, I go outside and there is a big green Pro Flowers box and immediately tears come to my eyes.

Daniel.

I bring the box in and begin opening it and inside are beautiful flowers in a vase, a box of chocolates and a set of bath and body lotions, gels, etc. accompanied by a lovely card. (Those people at Pro Flowers know how to do it right. *smile*)



What made this really special for me was the fact that I had talked with my sister Debbie earlier in the week and told her that Erin had gotten me three new lotions from Bath and Body Works, which I love. She had given them to me Tuesday evening and told me Happy Mothers Day and so I brought my lotions home and really didn't expect anything else come Mothers Day, as Daniel has always been a bit "touch and go" with my special days, though it seems he always remembers his dad's special days. :-)

Well, the boy proved me wrong this time, hm? :-) PLUS, I had watched some Mothers Day special segments on TV that morning and was teary-eyed to begin with, so when Daniel's flowers arrived, I was ready for a full-blown cry fest. LOL

He came in later that morning, before going golfing, and saw that I had gotten my flowers and, again, I had "leaky" eyes. He wrapped those big ole biceps around me and said, "Aw, Mom...don't cry...I love you, Mom." And planted a kiss on my forehead. *sigh*
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AND as an added blessing, Daniel, Erin, and little Jaylon surprised us by coming to church at our church last night!!!! Yayyy!! It was sooooo wonderful to be in service with them AND little Jaylon, to worship together and Daniel accompanied me on the drums. Oh my. I never cease to be amazed at how gifted he is and how much he adds to my playing with HIS playing.
Daniel and Erin also sang a special duet in service. It was absolutely beautiful.
Their voices blend so well together. It is so wonderful to worship the Lord together with our children and grandson.
Later, we went to KFC for a bite to eat before coming home on a lovely Sunday evening. *sigh*

And that was my Mothers Day! It was great! :-)
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I want to finish this post by remembering my precious, little Mama.

She may have been small in stature but she was a loving, strong, and determined little giant in my eyes.

How I miss her and the joy she brought to my life. BUT, as long as my sister Debbie is living, Mom will be among us. :-)

But I do see little things in me that are like Mom and sometimes I "hear" Mom in the things that I say. :-)

Below is my favorite picture of Mom.



I hope all of you ladies had a wonderful Mothers Day!!

Is it Wednesday already? My Random-mess!

Hey, by now you know the drill! :-) Head on over to Linda's blog and join us if you like, meet some great people and have fun getting to know one another through the Random Dozen!!

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?
Let me see.....I'm so tired.....I can't seem to remember.....I need to go bed......need sleep....rest......oh yes, it must have been taking myself off to bed 'cause of trying to catch up on my internetty stuff when Fingers McGerk little Jaylon isn't here because when he naps during the day, I have to take a breather in order to last him out provide him with the best care possible for the remainder of the day. *yawwwnnnnn*

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?
Mere minutes, sometimes seconds. Yes, I sleep soundly until the alarm goes off at 5:30am. Well, that is, if I have not overindulged in too much liquid refreshment too close to bedtime. ;-0

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?
Wellllll....I don't know that I have a favorite decade of style because I like classic clothing that never goes out of style. Clean lines. Nothing fru-fru.

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?
Well, according to all of my family, when we are having a Thanksgiving family get-together, they always want me to fix homemade noodles, rolls, and dressing/stuffing.
If it is a summertime cookout, they all ask me to bring my baked beans and this sinfully delicious chocolate trifle I make.
My sister Debbie's children like the pizza casserole that I make.
A family friend, Tony, thinks I make the best Tuna Noodle Casserole.
For funerals, I almost always make Smoked Sausage with Creole Vegetables.
Soooooo, I guess you could say that the best dish would depend on the crowd. :-)

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?
Oh, I remember this one! Ed, me, Daniel and Erin and little Jaylon spent the weekend in Dayton some months ago. We visited the Air Force museum and had a wonderful weekend. We stopped at Jeffersonville Outlet Mall and I went into the Dress Barn, I believe it was. Immediately upon entering, my eyes settled upon this animal print overblouse with subtle gold metallic threads running through it. Oh my! I am so partial to animal print!
Now being an outlet store, I thought, "Okay, how much can it be?". It was $42!!! I thought that was a tad high but, oooohhhh, I loved this blouse! AND as I did have some extra money with me, I bought it!!!! I can't tell you the last time I spent THAT MUCH on a piece of clothing! BUT I have enjoyed wearing it numerous times since then without a speck of guilt! Thank. you. very. much! LOL

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?
That at least a few people show up. :-/
Honestly, I asked Ed one time, "Do you ever wonder if there will be very many people at your funeral, should you die before the Lord comes?"
To which he replied, as he was falling asleep, "No....I figure I won't know what's going on anyway."
You know, that just kind of settled it for me. :-)


7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?
My side of the bed, the covers turned back, beckoning me to come...."sleep, my child, you need sleep"......

8. What is your favorite type of bread?
Generously buttered.

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)
At this point in my life, I believe I am what I am and whatever traits I have developed through the years are the ones I'm gonna be taking to my grave or to heaven with me.
That's not to say that there isn't room for improvement because there is, but, with the help of the Lord, I've endeavored and continue to endeavor to be the best me I can be.

10. What trait would you like most to develop?
Well, being the procrastinator that I am, I suppose my lack of punctuality could use some work. :-/

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?
Hmmm.....I think it would be my bedroom. It's my favorite room. It's so quiet and peaceful and neat. It's so welcoming. I can truly rest there. It feels like my refuge and it is my refuge.
It reflects my personality because, even though I am an outgoing person and love people, I need a quiet place that is orderly, quiet, and beautiful where I can recharge.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?
Balance? Do I HAVE balance in all of those things? LOL
All I can say is.....I try to be organized here at home, where it all begins. All of the rest seems to naturally fall into place if home is running smoothly. The Lord, family and home are the first priorities in my life. They are what really matter.

Nice Move, Debbie!! :-)

My sister, Debbie....my OLDER sister, Debbie :-)...she is two years older than me.....now lives in Lancaster, Ohio, which is about 30 miles north of where I live.

This is so major because Debbie has never lived outside of Hocking County! She is now a resident of Fairfield County! Wow. I mean, Debbie is 60 and has never lived outside of Hocking County. Well, neither have I for that matter, so you see how major this is!!! :-)

She had been living in the high-rise in Logan where elderly and disabled people live. (I know....that, in itself, sounds depressing, hm?) She had moved there from Enterprise where she rented a small house, which just became too expensive for her, plus keeping someone to mow her grass and so on.

She was just never truly happy in the high-rise. For one thing, she was on the 5th floor, which is the top floor. If she wanted to go outside, she had to go all the way downstairs, then outside, either to the front where there are benches provided or out back where there was a fenced-in patio and small garden area for the residents, but there was always someone out there and sometimes she just wanted her privacy.

That was her biggest issue with living in the high-rise, I believe. Her privacy. Every time she stepped out her door there was someone in the hallway or there would be people in the lobby or sitting outside.

And her little apartment was just that....little. tiny. small. And the entire place was painted the most drabby yellowish/tannish/beigeish color ever created and you weren't allowed to paint your walls the color you wanted either.

There were indeed many advantages to living in the high-rise for Debbie especially as she is disabled. They also had regularly scheduled activities for those who wished to participate, so she did have social activities she could participate in if she chose to and she didn't even have to leave the building! :-)

But, because of her continued unhappiness with living there, her daughter suggested that she consider moving to Lancaster where she and her family live. Our older sister, Bev, and her family lives in Lancaster, too.

So, after much prayer and consideration, Debbie took the plunge and April commenced to helping her look for a place to live.

I wasn't too crazy about the idea because I had always liked having Debbie here in Hocking County with me, as did her two sons! BUT Debbie is very independent, even if she is on oxygen, has congestive heart failure, COPD, enphysema just to mention a few of her ailments. But her being independent is a GOOD thing, so she decided to take the plunge and moved! To another county and city!

Wellllll......I am so glad that she did! She has the nicest apartment and it is so much roomier than her little dinky place at the high-rise and it is much more pleasant. AND it has been newly remodeled! I am so happy for her!!! AND she is so happy with it! She has a small enclosed private patio and some beautiful perennials that the previous occupant had planted. Her apartment is in the back of the apartment complex and her backyard is a rather large yard/field that they keep nicely mowed and it has a couple of trees in it. It is almost like living in the country for her!

I've gone up once a week for the last three weeks to visit with her and we have had such a good time. It's like there hasn't been a big adjustment period for her or anything. She has just taken to this move and her new home like a fish to water! I am sooo thankful, because we were all concerned about her making such a big move and change in her life.

Her doctors are all now just a short drive away now and the hospital is just about a mile away. All of her doctors are in Lancaster, so this all works out great and that was one of the main determining factors in her final decision to move to Lancaster, too.

There is a Dollar General just across the street! :-) AND within walking distance there is Pizza Crossing Pizza, Cristy's Pizza, Fat Cat Pizza, and Donato's Pizza!

Hey, I'd make the move just for the pizza!!!! LOL

One thing that has changed majorly is that Debbie cannot call me because it is long distance, so it is up to me to call her and stay in touch, which I don't mind at all. Thankfully, she does have a cellphone with limited minutes on it so if she REALLY needs me she can all me and I just call her back!

And one last thing that is pretty neat: I was hanging pictures for Debbie a couple of weeks ago and hammering some small nails in the wall, when there was a knock at her door. Debbie went to see who it was and it was her neighbor making sure she was alright because he thought perhaps she was pounding on wall for help! I thought that was so nice of him to check on her and he said that's what neighbors are for! I apologized for banging on the wall and he said it was no problem; he was just glad that Debbie was okay.

Sooooo, there you have it. A big change for Debbie and for me but,thankfully, we are both doing well with her move. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for keeping your hand upon my sister Debbie and blessing her with and in her new home.