Roller Coasters and Me

Daniel and Erin were on vacation a couple of weeks ago and went to Kings Island with another couple. (Heather Wilkinson and her husband. I don't know his name.) Anywayyy....Daniel was telling me about the rollercoasters they rode and all and it reminded me of the last time I road a rollercoaster and I thought I would share it with all of you. We had taken the youth group on our annual Kings Island trip/August 2004. Well, Kaitlin (she is sitting in back by me on the Vortex) and I decided we were going to ride every rollercoaster in the park. We were on a mission! I think we may have started with the Son of Beast and went from there. Now don't get me wrong. I didn't say that they don't scare the socks off of me,(as you can tell by the picture below. While the rest of them are smiling, I'm the one in the back with the Don King do, with my mouth open for screaming) but I love(ed) to ride them. The thing about the Vortex is that I have to hold on but while doing that those foam covered bars that come down over you about beat my ears off my head, yanking me around and all. So after riding the Vortex, I believe it was on to the Flight of Fear, the indoor roller coaster. Now, I had never ridden it and I thought, "How bad can it be? It's indoors for goodness sake!" But once we got up closer to where they take off, I could see that that thing shot out of the starting gate like a bullet and people were screaming and shrieking. Still, what could be so terrifying? It's in a BUILDING. Well, let me tell ya, you go from 0 to I-don't-know-how-many-miles-an-hour-but-it's-alot in a matter of less than ten seconds. And it is this tall, yet compacted rollercoaster that just about jerks the insides out of you. I've said that I really do think I got whiplash from riding it. AND as if that wasn't ENOUGH! It caused my hair to come down! NOTHING has ever caused my hair to come down! Till this! So Kaitlin and I get off this thing and are standing inside on the platform while everyone else has taken off. Me with my hair all over the place. I told her that I wasn't leaving the building till I got my hair back in some semblance of presentable order, which I managed to do. Then it was on to ride Face-off, the last one!......or so we thought. It began to rain! They started shutting some of the rides down. It was about 7 o'clock, so we decided to go ahead and head for home. We got wet and by the time we got to the van my neck was really hurting. But what a time we had! I'll never forget it and that is what memories are made of!! Oh, and I might add.....my rollercoaster-riding days are pretty much over at this point. *grin* But I have some sweet memories to cherish.

Finishing up the long weekend!

For being a holiday weekend, we had a great attendance at church Sunday morning. A young man, who came to our church as a child, received the Holy Ghost Sunday morning! He is now in his early thirties. He has been coming for a few weeks now and was baptized last Sunday. He came up to the altar Sunday morning right down in front of where I was playing the keyboard and he just raised his hands, cried out to God and was wonderfully filled with the Spirit of the Lord! It was so awesome! Last Sunday night we baptized a young lady who works at the Mexican restaurant next to our church. She is not able to come often, but every Sunday night for the past several weeks, she has come to service on her dinner break (1 hour) and come to the altar seeking the Lord. The Lord is moving and I am so thankful for His faithfulness.
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Ed and I went to church in Nelsonville with Daniel and Erin Sunday evening as we didn't have church in Logan that night. Pastor Martin sometimes cancels service on the Sunday evenings of holiday weekends and I really appreciate it because it gives us a chance to spend time with family and so on. Anywayyyyyy, we had an awesome worship service and Bro. Dunnells preached his heart out. It was so good to be with the wonderful saints in Nelsonville and Daniel and Erin. Here is a picture I took of them afterwards:

They are so happy and Daniel's new job is going so well. Erin's family just loves Daniel and is so good to him. I was telling my sister Debbie yesterday that I just feel so blessed that Daniel and Erin are so happy and doing so well. You invest yourself in your children and raise them up to love the Lord and to serve Him and then when it happens, it is such a humbling and overwhelming feeling. I sometimes feel like I don't deserve all of the goodness He has brought my way, but He is a gracious, merciful and loving Father, so faithful, so very faithful through all of the years.

"He's been faithful, faithful to me,
Looking back, His love and mercy I see,
Though in my mind, I have questioned,
Even failed to believe,
Yet He's been faithful, faithful to me."

ADA

Ed and I spent Friday night in Summersville, W.Va. which is just north of the New River Gorge where we went Saturday, as I told of in this post. We stayed at a Super 8 Motel. When we checked in, I asked if they had a handicap-accessible room, which they did. Well, we took our things in and were getting settled in. I coudn't find a place to hang our clothes and I asked Ed if he saw one. He said, "Well, they probably figured that if you're handicapped you can't get out of your clothes anyway, so why would you need a place to hang them up." Well, this struck me as really funny and we had a good laugh! I could just picture me staying in my clothes forever. LOL Oh, and we finally found the clothes rack but they had put a small refrigerator, microwave AND small personal safe underneath it so I don't see how you could have hung your clothes up even if you wanted to! And like Ed said, they figured you were handicapped so....oh never mind! *smile* Another thing: you wouldn't believe how lowwww the commode was! I know that is kind of personal, but it WAS! LOL Now, mind you, they had the bars and all to hold on but they only help so much. I mean, when you get down so low......okay, I'll stop there, but I will say that it can be REALLY difficult to get back up, okay? LOL BUT on the flip side of THAT scenario.......on our way home, we stopped at a very nice roadside rest, just south of Parkersburg. Well, I went into the handicapped stall and I am not kidding, I had to stand wayyyyy up on my tippytoes to sit down and then when I was seated, my feet were dangling, not even touching the floor!!! I felt kind of silly, actually, like a little kid! Sitting there swinging my legs back and forth. Well, I figured I might as well have a little fun while I was WAYYYYY up there! LOL Oh, and just to let you know, I'm just a hair over five feet tall here. *grin* There MUST be some height guidelines for these handicap facilities whether it is a roadside rest or a motel, surely!! You know, you never think about these kinds of things, until you need them. Like handrails and ramps instead of stairs and big, old heavy doors to maneuver through AND the height of commodes. Such is my life. LOL I am just so thankful that I can smile and laugh about it. You make the adjustments. You press on.
We had laid down to read for a bit before going to sleep Friday night and Ed asked me if I would adjust the air conditioner, so I stood up, put my arms up like I was getting ready to take off and asked him if he wanted that done sometime tonight. *grin* It can take me awhile sometimes to get everything moving in the right direction. He said it would be really nice if I could manage it. *smile* So I did.
Oh and that ADA up there in the title? American Disabilities Act. (Just in case you didn't know. *grin*)
Gotta run! Well, okay, run might be a bit of a stretch. I gotta get moving. *getttttiiinnnnggg uuuupppp* Heeeere we gooooooo.......See ya later!!! *smile*

"Take me home, country roads....

....to the place I belong.....West Virginia, Mountain Mama.....take me home, country roads....."Ed and I packed a few things and drove down through the hills and mountains of West Virginia. We went to the New River Gorge and Bridge. We were there about 15 years ago, perhaps a little longer. At that time, you could see the visitor/information center from Rt. 19 and also a clear view of the bridge from the visitors' center. The trees and foliage have now grown so much that you now have to walk down to a viewing platform to get THIS view of the bridge. It is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was the longest steel arch bridge in the world but Japan now has the longest bridge of its kind.

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While Ohio State handily won their season opener against Youngstown State, this was THE sports story of the day, the month, the year.....maybe EVER! Go Bucks!

Blog Templates Anyone?

I was searching around on the web for autumn blog templates and found this site which has some really neat, cute and pretty templates! Thought some of you out there might be interested in checking them out! Here is the link! And here is an absolutely beautiful autumn template for Wordpress users!
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Our fearless hunter, Rocky, treed a raccoon right behind the house! Here is a picture of the poor thing (the raccoon). I think he/she will probably stay there until nightfall because Rocky is surely keeping a close on that tree! Or maybe it will wait until Rocky takes a nap. *grin*

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AND here is something else our dear house pets MIGHT be doing while we are gone! *smile* And we thought they just slept all of the time.

Good Wednesday Afternoon!

Sooooo, here are a couple of pictures, as evidence, of some of what I have been up to the past few days! First, the Ohio State afghan I have been working on and it is coming along very nicely. And, secondly, the afghan that I am working on for Chantelle, the winner of the contest I had recently!

Nothing too exciting has been going on of late, but life is good, God is great and I can't complain. *grin* We kept our granddoggie, Trixie, this past weekend. We enjoyed having her 'cause she is a sweetie but Ellie the cat wasn't too thrilled, let me tell ya! *smile* But she (Ellie) is back to normal since Trixie went home Monday.

I PROMISE!! YOU HAVE MY WORD!!

CROSS MY HEART AND.....well...you get the idea!! I WILL post this afternoon, but this morning is pretty busy and we are headin' into town!! *smile* Soooooo, I'll blog at ya later!!! Bye!! ((HUGS))

Barbara H. at Stray Thoughts passed on the "Nice Matters"
blogger award to ME! I could hardly believe it, especially since I have kind of been in the blogging doldrums of late, but I graciously accept anyway!!! *smile*

“This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award.”

Now I am to pass it on to others that I feel the above applies to. Soooooo, I choose to award Theresa at My World and Welcome To It. She is such a giving, upbeat person. I look forward to reading her blog each day. She loves and cares for so many people in her life. I sometimes wonder how she does it all. She is truly and inspiration!

Becky at What the Muffin? always manages to make me smile with her dry wit and teenage view of the world and life. Theresa and Becky always leave great comments on my blog and I appreciate it so much. Your blogs brighten my life! Now pass it on!!! (the award that is! *smile*)

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

If you don't have the money for the REAL thing, this might very well work! *smile*


1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots

2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads: Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim, I went to the gun shop for ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls -- they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood.

PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside.

And the winner is............

CHANTELL!!!!!!! There is a link to her blog on my sidebar! Yayyyyy, Chantell!!!

And she just moved into her new apartment! So she will certainly enjoy a new afghan to go with her new things!! You'll just have to email me the colors you prefer, okay, Chantell? Or did you prefer the fudge? Let me know!
Thanks to all of you who left comments and were hoping to win! I'll try to come up with another contest in the next few weeks, k? The Lord's best to each of you!! ((HUGS))

Slow going here

Okay, so I'll be the first to admit that I don't get ALOT of traffic on my blog: an average of 24 hits a day. But I'm not blogging to see how many visitors I can get. Nope. I blog to stay in touch with friends and family that I don't see very often and to let them know what is going on in my life. Oh, and I have amazingly met some absolutely wonderful people that I know consider dear friends through blogging and that has been sweet! Oh, and as you can tell by my lack of blogging recently, all that has been going on in my life is: NOTHING......NADA.......ZILCH.......ZERO!!!! Anywayyyyy......I said all of that to say that this has been the SLOOOOOWWWWEEESSSTTT countdown to 10,000 that I have ever lived through in my entire life!!!!! I actually thought that some of YOU....*grin*..... in your zeal to win a prize might have taken to visiting my blog a leeeetle more often. right. Anywayyyyy.....when it happens it happens and I will be quick to let you know who wins! And...noooooo.....don't go visiting unnecessarily just to hike the count. Let it happen naturally. *smile*

Tidbits!!

Depending on what you find entertaining or humorous, you might find this post by Ninja John to be both. I know I did!
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While I am no longer a youth, I am planning to go to the youth rally in New Straitsville tonight with Sis. Pam and offer my support to the youth! :-)
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We are still counting down to 10,000 and at present we are standing at 9,833!! And I am crocheting my little fingers to the bone! Well, okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I AM working on it, okay??? *grin*
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I have nuthin', people, to blog about. I am down to bare bones. BUT hopefully, the next few days will bring some inspiration and happenings that I can present to you here!!
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Soooo, until the next post, I leave you with this:
"What Pets Do While We're Away"



And we thought all they did was sleep!!!

Where Have I Been?

Hello everyone! It is now Thursday and I kind of wonder where my week has gone. On Monday, I went to Columbus to have lunch with my niece, Bethany, her husband, the Drewster (Drew *grin*), and little Nathen, my nephew, Troy, and his two sons, Corbin and Cade. We went to Max and Erma's on East Broad Street. Troy and Bethany live out in that area.

Soooooo, by the time I got ready to leave home, I could hardly make it out to the car because of the pain. "I haven't got time for the pain...." Remember that old Carol King song? BUT, I pressed on because I had already made all of the plans. And I am glad that I did because we had a wonderful time. Here are some pics of little Nathen and Bethany:



Is this little boy a cutey or what???? I just kissed on his little cheeks like crazy!! *smile* They're just so kissable!
Ed and I don't eat out very often. We just prefer to eat at home. Thusly, I just can't believe the prices they charge in restaurants! Unbelievable. I had an Ultimate Cheeseburger, which came with fries: $7.99!! And I didn't eat the fries because they were just bland, even though I kept adding salt. I also had Peach Tea, which looked like a glass of beer when they brought it because it had foam on the top of it. I told the kids, "This looks illegal." They just laughed. The tea was okay. Anywayyyyy......thank goodness I had some great company, because the food was kind of disappointing. Oh, the burger was delicious but not $7.99 worth of deliciousness.

I got home at about 7:30pm and I was ready for bed, let me tell ya! *grin* I didn't sleep very well and the next day, Tuesday, I paid for my "galavanting" the day before. It has been more difficult for me to get comfortable in bed so that I can sleep soundly, but I press on. It is just that the pain level has been up considerably, here of late, for whatever reason and it makes doing the ordinary, day-to-day things a bit of a challenge. And that means that I go slower than usual and sometimes I just don't feel like blogging because I don't want to whine or complain. BUT!!! I PRESS ON!!! In Jesus' Name! And I BLOG!! *smile*

Sis. Pam is home!!!! Now that might not mean much to you BUT it does to me!!! She is my prayer partner and such a dear friend. She works in the Athens school district, working with deaf students and every summer she goes to Florida to spend time.......two and a half months worth of time!!....with her son and his family. But, she has returned and I am so excited!

Lastly! Here is the Ohio State afghan I am working on for the lucky winner of my little contest and celebration of 10,000 hits on my blog!!

Running Interference Here!

For some odd reason, my counter did a reverse and was almost back to 9,000, so I put in a new one with the correct count and we are back on track to 10,000! I am glad to see that everyone is excited! I'll post in the morning about the past couple of days and the goings on here,k?

Countdown to 10,000!

Well, it HAS taken awhile, but I am on the countdown to 10,000 visits to my blog! Sooooooo, in honor of this momentous occasion, I thought I just might offer a prize to one of my faithful readers, meaning, I would put all of your names in a basket and draw it out, then contact you via email, get the pertinent info needed, and send the prize to you! Isn't this exciting?!?!?! (okay, okay....I know....it doesn't take much to amuse me. *grin) Nowwwww, what should the prize be??? My first thought is: AN OHIO STATE AFGHAN!!! And I just happen to be working on one at the present time! I mean, football season is just around the corner!!! Of course, if you don't live in Ohio, that might not sound so great, hm? *tapping my chin thoughtfully* Well, you could tell me the team colors that you prefer and I could make it in those colors or the home decor colors you prefer. Let me know what you think! Orrrrrrrrr, how about some of Ed's homemade fudge? And you have the options of plain, nuts, raisins, or both raisins and nuts? It is delicioso!! Another idea is a knotted fleece blanket/throw in the colors of your choosing. I'll post a pic of one that I made with OSU fleece. (Love that OSU stuff,hm? *smile*) Oh, and there are some of you who read but do not comment and that is okay, but if you want to be included, you'll have to post a comment here,k? Well, it is getting late and I must be taking myself off to bed as tomorrow is Sunday and I want to be rested and all for church! I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!!
here.

Bits and Pieces

Okay, so I got a new cellphone recently and I couldn't ever hear it ring when it was in my purse. So, I got to perusing my ringtones and settled on "Rooster". Yep, you guessed it. It crows like a rooster. I'm not kidding. So I put it in my purse and put my purse over on the counter by the key rack where I always keep it. So the next morning, I'm doing dishes and I hear this rooster crowing and I say to Ed, "Heyyyyy, Ted (our neighbor who lives on the hill across from us) must have gotten some chickens. Hear his rooster crowing?" I am soooo blonde sometimes. *smacking my forehead* Here it was my cellphone "ringing". Ed just looked at me, grinned and shook his head. I thought it was hilarious! Needless to say, when I've been out and about and my phone goes off, I have gotten some weird/wierd *sp* looks but I love it and I ALWAYS hear it! Well, unless I have it on silent mode, of course, like when I'm in church! I wouldn't want it to start crowing in the middle of service!

Up there....a few sentences ago, I couldn't remember how to spell wierd/weird! Isn't it wierd/weird how you can type/write a word a kazillion times and know how to spell it, then one day....poof!.....it doesn't look right, you can't remember, and you have written this word sooooo many times before without any problem! And it isn't alzheimers either, you guys! I've done this for years! *grin* Anywayyyy, I'm still not sure if it is wierd or weird and I've just not bothered looking it up but I'm thinking it is W-E-I-R-D. If my vocabulary rules serve me correctly, I believe this is an exception to the rule: "I before E except after C" You might know,hm? Okay, I looked! HERE. It IS W-E-I-R-D! Mystery solved.

I have Spysweeper installed on my computer. When I add a website to my favorites, it automatically asks me, originally, one time, if I want to keep it..... Well, yeah. I added it, didn't I? *grin* But this "weird" thing happens EVERYTIME I go to Chantell's blog! It ALWAYS asks me if I want to "keep or delete" this favorite? Well, yeah. Hello. It's one of my FAVORITE blogs. That's why I PUT it in MY FAVORITES! Probably just some little glitchy thingy with Spysweeper, like me not being able to remember the correct spelling of "wierd/weird", even though I've used it a zillion times. *sigh* Such is my life some days.

It is 4:56AM, Wednesday morning. I have been sitting here since 4AM, unable to sleep. Alot on my mind. This seldom happens to me but has happened a couple of times in the past month or so. Usually I go to bed and sleep till 3:00AM, go to the bathroom, then sleep until 5:30AM. Like clockwork. Not tonight. Possible post-menopausal insomnia or I truly do have alot on my mind? Okay, I don't actually have ALOT on my mind, just some STUFF I am dealing with, so I am going to go pray for awhile and endeavor to give it to the Lord. Gosh, but that is difficult to do sometimes,hm? Let it go. Relinquish it to the Lord. But try I will! In Jesus' Name. For I surely can't work it out on my own.

With that, I will say, "Good night and Good Morning to all!" *yawwwwnnnnnnn*

It was bound to happen

Just coming off of a week of Campmeeting, I was feeling pretty good about myself spiritually. Felt renewed, inspired, but something felt a bit off-kilter in my spirit. I just couldn't quite put my finger on it. Bro. Cook preached his heart and soul out Sunday and I just felt so inadequate musically or "worshipfully" to accompany him. Then came Monday and I found out just how lacking I am. I went to the church to spend time in prayer, needing to close myself away with the Lord. In the midst of this, I asked the Lord to direct me to a scripture or passage that would help me. Without a doubt, He directed me to I Corinthians 13 (the love chapter, it is called) Now, I know what it says.....mostly.....and like a stubborn child I told the Lord, "I know what it says. I don't WANT to read it." Because I knew I was in for some chastisement. But......I read it.......and read it again......and have read it several times since. And have been smitten in my heart mightily because I am so far from what He wants me to be. He is so holy and so loving and compassionate. And that compassion extends to me so freely and fully. Where would I be without it? I would have no hope. There is an old song that the choir sang when I first came into the church. Part of it goes like this:
"And if I have not charity,
If love does not flow through me,
Jesus, reduce me to love....."
I want to be like Him. A reflection of Him. To be genuine. Right now......there's wayyyyy too much of me in the way, I'm afraid. "He must increase but I must decrease." John 3:30

8 Random Things About Me!

I've been tagged by Barbara who has a wonderful blog over here! Sooo, I am going to endeavor to tell YOU (you know who you are *grin*) 8 things that you don't know about me. (And you thought you knew everything, didn't you? *smile*) Oh, and then I am to tag 8 people to do the same, so be prepared!

Okay....first the rules:
1. Post rules before we give you the facts.
2. Start with eight random facts/habits.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their 8 things and post these rules.
4. At the end of the blog, you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names. Leave them a comment to tell them they are tagged.

Here goes:
1. When I go to bed at night, I lay down and go to sleep. Just like that. I don't toss and turn and all that. Ed says I could sleep on a fencepost! *smile*
2. I don't care for sweet stuff or desserts. Yes, you read correctly. Now that is not to say that I don't eat them occasionally, but I can do without them. Bring on the meat, potatoes and bread!
3. I weigh more than what you THINK I do!!! I just hide it well! (Thank you, God.)
4. My feet are NOT attractive. *feeble grin* (Hey, we all have our shortcomings!)
5. Pizza Crossing all-the-way pizza and grilled medium steaks are my two favorite foods! Yummmm!
6. I play piano, keyboards, organ and AM/FM radio! *grin*
7. I USED to teach two hours of aerobics every Monday night. (22 years ago, to be exact. *sigh*)
8. I love to read. I LOOOOVE to read. From a good book to junk mail and cereal boxes.

There you have it! Nowwwwww......I am going to tag these lucky people: Tracy, Becky, Jana, Theresa, Chantell, Stace, Tersie, AND Mrs. Gossom!

So you want to be a millionaire?

We've all fantasized about winning the lottery, haven't we? Thinking: "Oh, if I could just win a cool mill or few...Oh, I'd pay off the church mortgage, buy my sister Debbie a new home, a new vehicle, set Daniel and Erin up for life." Come on, now, we've all had these fun times of wishing. *smile* We think we'd be happy, satisfied, content. Well, sometimes we think we just might be, but in reality we know differently. Don't we? Read here to know for sure. "Only Jesus can satisfy your soul."

Sunday

We had life-changing, church-changing services with Bro. Ken Cook and his wife, Julie, yesterday. That's all I can say. Many of you know what I mean. I'll blog some more later in the day! God's best to you as you begin a new week!

The kitty of the house!

Doing what she does best! Sleep! Now she has several places around the house that she likes to sleep, but this is probably her favorite. Cramming her fat, furry self into this little box that is scarcely big enough. I believe green beans came in this particular box, but it makes no matter. Sleep she does! Or should I say.......she goes into a semi-comatose state for a few hours? *grin* Ya gotta love the kitty.....*smile*

In Memory of Tiffany

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" I Cor. 15:55

"Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

"It's Over.....It's Over.....It's OOOVER!....."

.....in the words of that old Roy Orbison song. *sigh* (Does anyone else remember it?)

I'm talking about Ohio Apostolic Family Camp and what an awesome time we had! I cannot even begin to tell here all that transpired there, but the word of God was awesomely delivered and His presence was there each time we gathered in the tabernacle from the first note played! As I said before, I was privileged to see so many friends that I only see at campmeeting. How wonderful it was! Thursday evening, Sis. Smith was driving one of the golf carts transporting people to the tabernacle from the parking area. I was sitting next to her and people were heading for the tabernacle in droves. All I could think of was this is how it is going to be someday......all of the redeemed gathering in, as the old song says. "When the redeemed are gathering in, washed like snow, and free from all sin. How we will shout and how we will sing, when the redeemed are gathering in."

On a much sadder note, Mt. Vernon Apostolic Church will be laying to rest one of their precious young people, Tiffany Potter, 24,who passed away this week of lymphoma. My heart goes out to her family and the church. This is such an awesome church that is pastored by my former youth pastor. You can read some posts about Tiffany here and and here. Please pray for the Potter family and the church as they grieve the loss of this precious young lady.

I will blog more later but for now.......being the sleep-deprived person that I am from a week of late nights, I am going back to bed for a little while! *yawnnnn*

Campmeeting Time in Ohio!

It has been a wonderful week at the Apostolic campgrounds in Millersport, Ohio! Even though I decided not to stay at camp this week, I have been able to go to service each night and it has been wonderful! I've seen so many good friends and heard some absolutely awesome messages from Bro. Klinedinst and Bro. Godwin. The music and worship each night has been so refreshing and strengthening. I'm glad that I decided to stay home during the day and ride with others at night. It is now Thursday and I am feeling the toll that it taking on my poor body but I type this as I am preparing to go take my afternoon nap, in preparation for another trip to Millersport with Pastor and Sis. Martin this evening! TTFN!

Another birthday celebrated!

Good evening from the valley! Well, we three sisters and two sisters-in-laws went out for dinner Monday evening to celebrate Bev's 59th! Yeehaa! Well, okay, I was so tired and so was Debbie, we didn't exactly kick up our heels but we did have a very good time. I should have taken a nap beforehand. (doesn't THAT sound old? *feeble grin*) NEVERTHELESS! On our way home, I managed to take a wrong turn. I went north instead of south, which took us a bit our of our way and then I missed the turn to take Cheryl home and had to find a turn-around on 33 that wasn't marked as an illegal u-turn AND THEN.....not being used to driving the big conversion van I was driving (it's Bill and Sandy's), I didn't put on the brakes as soon as I should have and we almost wrecked in trying to make the LEGAL u-turn on 33. hallelujah. BUT I managed to get everyone home safely! More and more when I go out for the evening, I am finding myself walking in the door, calling out "hello, honey, I'm home" and going straight to bed. Of course, this is after having been up all day and being busy. (I WAS busy all day, wasn't I? *tapping my chin as I try and remember....BUT.......to no avail*)
Anywayyyyyy.......here is a pic of me and the girls at Applebys:


















Oh, and as I was leaving Bill and Sandy's I just had to take THIS picture:
Bill is a plumber, so I guess it is fitting that he would have a commode filled with flowers in his front yard, hm? *grin* I think it is lovely!!!

To stay or not to stay?

That is the question. Oh, I'm talking about going and staying at family camp. *sigh* A part of me really wants to. It is so nice to stay because I can truly relax, have three meals a day prepared for me, visit and relax with friends, enjoy the morning service, relax and nap in the afternoon after lunch, I'm already THERE for the fantastic evening services and afterward, I can just head over to the dorm or my room and go to bed. Only this year I am remembering to take my earplugs because lights out is not until midnight and sometimes I just want to go to sleep early, you know? And if I don't stay, it will mean I have to drive to camp each night or ride with someone and then make the trip home. I won't be able to come up for the morning service which is usually really good! BUT, I don't like being away from Ed for five days and Ellie and Rocky. I know that Ed prefers for me to be here at home but I also know that he really doesn't mind if I go, either. This will probably be a spur-of-the-moment decision. What to do, what to do! Decisions like these used to be so easy for me to make! Is it my age and physical limitations that are causing this indecision?

Monday, Monday!

Well, here I am on the other side of another weekend, ready to start a new 7-day stretch! *smile* I've been doing my normal Monday and morning routine tasks: changing my bed, laundry, feeding the animals (including Ed) *grin, touching up the bathrooms and so on. I read a quote recently about finding happiness and contentment in doing the necessary, daily tasks and I can say that I've reached that place and it is good. ~~~~~~~~~~
Daniel and Erin were at church with us last night. She looked absolutely beautiful! I wish I'd had my camera with me! Daniel played the drums and was just awesome! I cannot believe how much his playing helps MY playing on the keyboards. I feel so strengthened and I swear I play sooo much better when he "drums" with me. Of course, I realize that we have the mother/son connection, too. Daniel plays the drums with such annointing and he is such a worshipper. Needless to say, I am so proud of him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bethany and little NATHEN (read the comments section of this post! *grin*) got to go home late Saturday afternoon. Now, mind you, she just gave birth to the little guy 24 hours previous to this! I just can't believe how soon they let them go home! We can only pray that there are no complications and there haven't been, thank you, precious Jesus, except for the little guy having his days and nights mixed up already! (Welcome to parenthood, Drew and Beth! *smile*) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, I need to be about my day here. I have dishes to do and then it is off to visit a friend from church who had hip-replacement surgery. She is home and recovering and in need of some company. (I hope I'll do......*grin*) Then it is off to do my swimming and water exercises. Then it is back home to rest a bit and get ready to go out with the girls (sisters and sisters-in-law) for my sister Bev's birthday dinner this evening. ~~~~~~~~~~
(((HUGS TO EVERYONE!!!)))

Nathen Andrew Yerian!!!

Here is the newest addition to our family! Isn't he adorable????? He is my great-nephew.....Nathan! And, excuse me, but I must be honest here. I don't think ALL newborns are cute. But this one sure is! Okay, I might be just a tad biased. *grin* Nathan was born shortly after 3pm Friday afternoon. He weighs 7lbs.15oz. and is 19 inches long. We had a regular family reunion in Bethany's hospital room yesterday. Of course, it isn't just a room. It is more like a suite, so there was room for all of us. I am so thankful to the Lord that everything went well with Bethany's pregnancy and little Nathan's delivery and the Drewster (Bethany's sweet husband and Nathan's daddy) held up really well, too! *smile*

Patience is required......

......and I hear it's a virtue, too. (PATIENCE) *sigh*

Welllllll.......as you can see, I am endeavoring to redecorate a bit, but it is indeed a learning process that is made even slower because of DIAL-UP! Talk about needing patience.
Anywayyyyyy, I have a rather full day, so this will have to do for now, but I am planning to stop by the library later today where I may very well finish the redo here on my blog. I have a piano lesson to give at ten, then Ed and I are going to have lunch with Daniel and Erin. Next, I will be helping clean the church, water exercises, library......if my body will allow me to do all of this. Time will tell! *smile* So, I must be off, as I tend to get behind before I even get started each day. (This isn't good, is it? *feeble grin*) And I would love to go to camp this evening! Pray for me!

Go figure.

I remember many years ago, talking with my youth pastor, Bro. Kramer. I don't remember the actual gist of our conversation, but he ended up telling me that even though we're christians, that doesn't mean everyone is going to like us. And when we come across someone who doesn't like us, we can't take it personally. It is a choice THEY have made. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with us. Gosh, but that bit wisdom has helped me many times through the years, because I tend to look at the world through rose-colored glasses, think the best of everyone and just think everyone should like me. I mean, what's not to like? *grin*

Anywayyyyyy......this past week, I just happened to run across two people in particular who have never been especially fond of me. How do I know, you ask? Well, first of all, they act like it kills them to even say "hello" to me. You know, the just common, most simple acts of common courtesy. And, I do feel that I am a very approachable person. Oh, and we've never had any trouble between us, as we've never had anymore of a relationship than just saying "hello". But I can just tell that they don't particularly like me. So, the one lady is retired and working as a cashier at a local convenience store. I had gone there to buy some produce and meat for our supper, not even knowing that she worked there now. There were actually several of us there at the same time that had worked at or were still working at Smead, a local manufacturing plant. You know....they had just gotten off of work and were picking up some things for supper and so on, like me. Well, THIS lady retired from there. Anywayyyyy, so she is just talking up a storm to one of the other ladies that I had also been talking and laughing with, but then when it came time to check me out, she got this really sober expression on her face, though she did say hello and ask me if I was still at the library. BUT why couldn't she SMILE and be jovial with me. WHY did she have to act like it PAINED her to talk to me and be courteous? Well, I don't know the answer to that and don't need to know the answer. It's her problem. I smiled, endeavored to be friendly and so. Tis all a body can do.
Next, I am going to a local motel (Baymont Inn and Suites) three times a week, where I go swimming and do exercises and so on for my lower body. Dr. Gedeon recommended this as a great help, exercise and yet easy on my body. Soooooo, I see another lady there, who, over the years, has acted as though it pains her greatly to be courteous to me. BUT, I said hello to her anyway and she just kind of looked at me and said nothing. What? Huh? Go figure.
I am really past this bothering me, yet I just don't understand people who are like this. Maybe just because I am such an out-going person, that makes me much more sensitive to insensitive people like the above-mentioned,hm?

On to other things:

Daniel got his first paycheck this past Friday! It was a nice one, let me tell ya! His first REAL job and REAL paycheck. I am so happy for him and Erin! They are so blessed and fortunate! He also now has full health benefits for himself and Erin and one week of vacay!

Bethany, my niece, who was pictured with me in my previous profile pic (how do you like the new one?) is due to have her little baby July 24, so it could happen any day now!!

I went to see Dr. Gedeon Friday morning for the first time in about three weeks. I then went swimming and exercising. Now I am taking the swimming and water exercising slowly, so as not to aggravate my back, hips and legs too much. Well, the pain level has really spiked the past two days and night and my ability to walk and get around has really been hindered. I've not slept much the past two nights and have spent most of them either sitting up or in the recliner. I was not able to make it to church this morning, but will this evening. I'm not sure what is going on but I hope this, too, passes in time. I've not had this much pain and difficulty getting around for a loooong time. It has been a bit concerned actually. I'll keep you posted! Not to worry, though, for the Lord knows the path I take and "I am trusting in Christ alone"! *smile*

If you'd like to read a really cute and funny post, click on over here to Aidan's blog and have a read!

Oh, and I finished the Beverly Lewis' series "Abram's Daughers". Wow....it was a great read! I can't wait till I can get to the library to get another series. I'm hooked!

WARNING

I am thinking of doing some redecorating here at my blog. I've found some really pretty templates. BUT.......once I get something I like, it is kind of difficult for me to change and I am pretty happy with my blog the way it is. I was thinking, though, that maybe if I did a little updating, redecorating and so on, I would be more inclined to post more often. Sooooo, I think I'll start with a new profile pic!

I have had such a nice day today. I have been home ALL day! I did my usual morning tasks. Then I proceeded to finishing the afghan that I have been working on for my friend, Sonja. She gave me a bag of yarn and told me what she wanted, the colors and so on. It turned out really pretty. Here it is:

Well, it is late and I need to take myself off to bed as I have a lady coming EARLY in the morning to have her hair done! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

More about our trip to Maine!

I told you somewhat about my and Stacy's trip to Maine here. Now for some more of the little details. :-/

Stacy is 25. She has flown before. One other time I believe. Wellllllll......she was just soooooo spazzzzing out this time for some reason. For one thing, it was raining the morning we departed Dayton, so there was quite a bit of turbulence than what she had experienced previously. She kept asking me if we were safe. "Yes, Stacy, we are safe."

"Are you scared at all?", she asked me repeatedly.

"No, I'm not frightened at all. We are safe. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight." Right. It was not to be. I mean, we are talking near to hyper-ventilating here, where Stacy was concerned, that is. I just couldn't believe it! Why me, Lord? And we were on a smaller plane than what she had flown on previously, so that made a bit of a difference, too, for her, anyway. Sooooooo, when the plane would make a noise or jostle around a bit, she would get this terrified look on her face and ask me or someone sitting near us or the stewardess, er, uh, excuse me.....I mean, flight attendant.....if we were safe. After awhile, it kinda started getting to me. Oh, I wasn't afraid, but I just couldn't understand her fear. I mean, she had told me that she had flown before and was fine with it. Mmmhmmm, right. Why does this stuff only happen to me? So on the second leg of our flight, from Detroit to Bangor, she kept asking the gentleman seated across the aisle from her if it was normal for the plane to make "those noises" and to jostle about like it was doing occasionally to which he replied yes. She asked our flight attendant a few times if everything was normal. Oh, and I forgot to tell you this: When we were getting ready to depart Detroit, one of our pilots came on the intercom to tell us that "something funky" had happened with one of the engines, so they had to shut the plane down and do a restart. Well, wasn't that just great??? I'm telling you, the girl started to hyperventilate. I got out the little barf bag. She was ready to bolt! But I prayed. Ohhhh, did I pray. And a couple of the other passengers talked to her and she finally calmed down and our flight took off as planned without incident. (thank you, Lord) You see, I wanted to go to Maine, but I was mostly going because Stacy wanted to go, knew she was going to have to fly and didn't want to go by herself. I had no idea that I was going to have to contend with this all the way there and back. Soooo, I thought the trip home would be better, seeing as how we had gotten there safely and in one piece, but nooooooooooo. Before we left for the airport for our return trip home, she was starting to get all jittery again and I thought: "I can't take this again. Please, Lord." Well, again, it was raining and there was thunder and lightning as we departed Bangor on Thursday afternoon and the trip to Detroit was rough BUT we survived and I kept Stacy intact emotionally. Again, we had a very undertstanding flight attendant who helped me in keeping Stacy somewhat calm. So we have a three-hour layover in Detroit, so by the time we leave there it is dark. She had asked me on our previous flights, "Can they see where they are going?" *sigh* I told her that they didn't need to SEE where they were going. They had instruments and the control tower personnel to keep them on course. I thought to myself, "Surely she doesn't think they won't be able to SEE where they are going because it is dark?" (help me, Lord.) Now, I don't know what difference the darkness made, but the girl got settled in, she was by the window, and slept the whole way to Dayton, which was only a 35 minute flight. But she said the darkness helped her for some reason. Sooooo, from now on, she is only going to fly at night. Go figure. All in all, we did have a great time. But it did get a bit tense a few times as I endeavored to reassure her and calm her. Will I travel with this young lady again? Well, if I've ever learned one thing in this life it is: Never say never. :-)

You wouldn't believe me even if.......

.....I told you the whole sordid story. Well, okay, "sordid" might be a bit strong. But it was baaaadddd. *sighhhhh* I'm talking about the day I had yesterday. Oh my word.......unbelievable. Although I did live to tell about but I'm choosing not to tell about it.....well, at least not today because I am still too tired and rung out to even begin to tell about it. But let me say this, at least: It started out as a rather ordinary day. I had my plans made, my time allotted for the things I needed to do, having given myself plenty of time to accomplish the things I needed to. BUT, all of this was before I joined my young friend and sister-in-the-Lord! Yes, the same young friend and sister-in-the-Lord that I took the CAAHHRRRAAAZZZYYYY car trip to Dayton with! The SAME young friend and sistah-in-the-Lord that I flew to Maine with! When will I ever learn???? Anywayyyyy......I may tell you more about my day yesterday tomorrow (does that make sense?!?!?) BUT today I am just not up to it,k? But I am trying my best to post more often for my faithful readers.......(((HUGS TO YOU!!))) I'll be back! :-)

What have I been up to?

Wellllllll......I've been keeping busy, let me tell ya! But then, I go a bit slower than I used to and have to take more breaks, so it takes me longer to do the things I used to do in a whipstitch! Anywayyyy.......this week I've had church, choir practice, worked on choruses and songs for the multi-media, done hair for my ladies, taken care of my home (that's more detailed than you care to know ;-o) and so much more.
This morning I woke up so full of energy! Of course, this burst of energy was mostly on the inside and when I tried communicating it to the outside of me.....well, I met with some resistance.....but I pushed through. I got all of my usual morning tasks done and then commenced to baking a cake (from scratch). It is called Pineapple Sheet Cake or Mexican Wedding Cake and it is my favorite! I made cream cheese icing for it and oh my word, is it delicious with a hot cup of coffee! I then made a huge bowl of macaroni salad....another one of my faves....and fried chicken for lunch. Ed spent the morning, until about 12:30, mowing and trimming grass. It looks sooooo nice. I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow and post them. Oh, and I've also been working on an afghan for a friend. It is about two-thirds of the way done. I'll post pics of it, too. I promise! :-)
I spoke on the phone to my sister, Debbie, to my niece, Bethany, whose little baby is due the 24th of this month, and to my friend, Neda (we had some catching up to do) *grin*.
And in between all of this, I've been working on music for church tomorrow, putting some finishing touches to it.
Now, what kind of puts a real time crunch on all of these things is the fact that I am reading a really good series: Abram's Daughters by Beverly Lewis. I am on book two of five, The Betrayal. I don't often read fiction, but a couple of weeks ago, while in the library, I found her Annie's People series (3 books) and I couldn't put them down! Same with this series. *sigh* I just can't wait to finish the necessary things so I can READ! There's nothing like a good book that you can get lost in!
Previous to reading the Beverly Lewis books, I had just finished John Bevere's "Breaking Intimidation". A friend has highly recommended his book, "The Bait of Satan", so I put it on hold at the library. Before that, I read Rick Warren's "God's Power to Change Your Life".
I've also been listening to the CD's from Maine's Campmeeting. Bro. Alan Abbey was the day-speaker and he is just so awesome. The Lord has really ministered to me through Bro. Abbey's messages: "Where Has the Passion Gone?" and "The Watchman on the Wall" Oh, but I want to be continually growing spiritually and drawing closer to the Lord.
Andddddd, I've endeavored to enjoy the beautiful weather here at home, sitting out on the porches with Rocky at my feet, reading or crocheting, listening to my CD's, when I have the time to do this.
I'll try to be more faithful in my posting because I feel that if I am going to have this blog, I need to BLOG! (Right, Pat? *grin*)
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

I'M HOOOME!!!!!

*WHEW!* Talk about a whirlwind trip! Stacy and I left my house at 2am Tuesday morning and drove to Dayton where our flight left at 6am. And wouldn't you know it? The metal detector beeped when I went through! Grrrr!! Soooooo, this very nice lady asked me to step over in front of this screen. She proceeded to tell me that she was going to "wand" me and then pat me down. Sooooo, she went over my upper body and then asked me if I could please spread my legs. Ummmm......not so much these days. *feeble grin* So then she asked me if I could just slide one foot forward a little bit, which I managed to do. To make a long story short.....I was clean, but I do appreciate that they do their job so thoroughly and they were very cordial and considerate, even if Stacy did stand there and laugh her fool head off at me!!!

We arrived in Detroit at 7am, where we had a two-hour layover. Of course, I had my trusty walker with me, so we just loaded all of our "stuff" on it and explored the airport for awhile and had breakfast. The time went pretty quickly. We arrived in Bangor, Maine shortly after 11am and got a taxi to Bro. and Sis. Hurst's, which is only a short distance from the airport.

I promise you.....we no sooner got in the house, than they said, "Let's go!" *groooooaaannn* I was soooo tired! But we loaded up into two vehicles and headed for Camden, Maine, which is about 35 miles from Bangor. It is a seaside resort town and soooo lovely. Now, I've never see Dark Shadows but here is a picture of the house/castle/whatever where they filmed it. It is on the oceanfront, though you can't see that in this pic.

We ate at a lovely restaurant on the harbor. I had a huge bowl of their famous fish chowder. It was absolutely to die for! The Hursts highly recommended it but I thought...."Okay....chowder.....lots of potatoes, vegetables, a bit of fish here and there." But, noooooo! Luscious, huge chunks of fish in a buttery soup with just the right touch of vegetables. It was yummmmmy!!

We then walked about the downtown area, checking out all of the little shops and so on. The drive home was so much fun! We sang and harmonized and laughed and sang oldies and laughed, took pictures of the beautiful scenery and sang and laughed. I was exhausted when we got home. But then it was: "Get your showers and get ready for church! We have to leave in ten minutes!!" WHAT????? I about died! But! I obeyed.

You see, Maine's campmeeting was this week and that is the MAIN (no pun intended...LOL) reason why we went!

So we all headed for campmeeting which is just outside of Bangor. Bro. Eli Hernandez was the camp evangelist. The services were wonderful! The worship and presence of the Lord was so strengthening and rich. Bro. Alan Abbey, district superintendent of California was the morning speaker and his messages were profound. He and his wife travelled to Camden with us. Poor people....*grin* Nooooo.....seriously.....they did have alot of fun with us! We all had fun together!!

Sooooo, between going to camp in the morning, going out to lunch, doing a few things and then heading back to church in the evening, they days were full and well-spent! And we went out to eat each night after service. Wednesday night, the rich glory of the Lord was in our midst and many were healed of numerous afflictions. The Lord definitely touched me and I feel so much stronger in my back and legs. The pain level has diminished greatly and I am trusting the Lord to continue His healing work in me!!!

On the way to Maine, I could hardly maneuver onto the automated walkways. I call them people movers. I used them but it really hurt to get on them. BUT, on the return trip, I was getting on and off of those things like it was nothing!!! To God be the Glory!! I'll keep you posted as to my progress!!

Our flight left Bangor at about 4:15 Thursday afternoon and we pulled into my driveway at about 2am Friday morning. Needless to say, I was tired, but it was a good tired. I'm so glad to be home, but Ellie (the cat) is still in the process of snubbing me for leaving her for three days, but Rocky is thrilled that I'm home!! *grin* So is Ed! *smile*

I'll share more little tidbits with you in the days ahead! It was so much fun! I hope you all have had a great week and managed to stay cool in the terrible heat and humidity, though we did get some much-needed rain yesterday, lasting through late morning here.

Spur of the moment? Me?

Hello, everyone! Well, Daniel started his new job this morning. He is going to stop by on his way home from work to let us know how his day went and also so his dad can help him with a small car repair. We went out with Daniel and Erin after church to Applebee's in Athens and had a fun time with them and some other people from their church!

We had a wonderful service at church last night and had several first-time visitors! The Lord is good!

Okay, are you sitting down? Wellllll......a girlfriend and I are flying out of Dayton in the morning....6:03am to be exact......heading for Bangor, Maine, where we are going to attend their campmeeting for three nights! Can you believe it? I know, I know.....what brought this on? Well, her parents, who attend our church, are there....they drove up this past Thursday....... and her uncle is a presbyter in the district. Sooooo, she asked me if I was interested in going and after tossing it around overnight, I got up this morning and thought....why not???? So, I've been busy re-arranging my week and so on, getting some last minute things done here at home, and also packing and all I really want to do is take a nap! *feeble grin* But I am excited about going. This is the same young lady that drove me to the music workshop a few months ago. Remember???? Well, I told her the only way I would go is if I was driving. We are leaving from Dayton, which is where the music workshop was, too. Anywayyyy......I AM driving. *grin*

Our family get-together was this past Saturday and we had such a great time. Bethany and Drew look happy as larks and she is so cute expecting their little baby! We also celebrated Bud and Bill's 60th birthdays! We couldn't THAT milestone go by without notice! *smile* We played our customary family bingo with the usual cheesy, tacky prizes, but the kids love it AND I can't believe how the adults even play with such fervor, hoping to win! It's hilarious!

Of course, after it was all over with, I was done in. But what a good "done-in" it was!!!

Soooooo, this is the last blogging I will be doing until Friday, unless I should have access to a computer while in Maine. Oh yes, we are staying with Bro. and Sis. Charles Hurst. He is the presbyter. I've met them once when they came through Logan and Bro. Hurst preached Sunday services for us. Oh, and they and the other couple don't know that I'm coming. They think it is only Stacy coming. Surprise, surprise!!! *smile* Well, I HOPE they are happy I've showed up. *grin* I'll let you know!!

Have a great week and stay cool!!! It's gonna be hot here in southeastern Ohio!!! 90's!!

Got me to thinking.....

When I read the things that were different now as opposed to 1900, in my belated Father's Day Post, it got me to thinking of how much has changed in my 55-year lifetime. Here are just a few that come to mind:
We didn't have color TV and we only watched TV in the evening as a family for a couple of hours.
We didn't have microwaves.
We didn't have pantyhose. (oh my!) Remember stockings, ladies?
We didn't have air-conditioning at home.
Oh, and computers were not even thought of! Imagine! And now we consider them a necessity almost!
We had 45, 78, and 33 speed vinyl records and had to replace broken needles often *smile*
We didn't eat out as a family. All our meals were at home. I can only remember 3 or 4 times that we actually went out to a restaurant as a family and one time it was because my dad had done some work at the restaurant and the owner gave us our meals free. Who cared? I remember we got all dressed up and went to the restaurant where they seated all of us (7) in this ginormous booth. We were in heaven! *grin*
We got a 25-cent allowance every Friday. I remember one week, for my 25-cents, I bought a jumprope, paddle ball, and jacks and ball! I had to get one penny from my mom for the tax! I was rich! Remember jacks? It was one of my favorite games!
Donuts, chips, pop/soda, ice cream, candy were not staple items at our house. They were treats for special occasions like birthdays or Christmas. Oh, and pizza was just beginning to become popular. I remember the first time I had pizza from a pizza shop was on a date with my first boyfriend. I was 16.
We had one car. My dad had his work van for his plumbing business but it was indeed a work van.
I'll add things as I remember them. I think it is fun to go down memory lane sometimes and see how much has changed through the years.
Oh, a couple of more: We didn't have a dishwasher or ice-maker. I still don't, for that matter. Well, there was a dishwasher in our home when we bought it, but I had never used one and just didn't want it, so we sold it. I find doing dishes kind of relaxing, standing there in front of my kitchen window, thinking, listening to music or talking to Ed. And I still use ice-cube trays. I don't mind at all.
Okay, that's it for now. I have to get ready for church. Oh, and feel free to add some things if you like! *smile*

Wonderful News!!!

Daniel is now employed as a draftsman at Diamond Power in Lancaster, Ohio!! Full-time, full benefits, great salary, and paid college if he wishes to continue part-time. I've hardly stopped crying and rejoicing and thanking the Lord since he called and told us yesterday afternoon! I asked Daniel if he realized how blessed and favored of God he is. Of course, he said yes. He starts his new job next Monday. He has the option to work either 7am-3pm or 8am-4pm. Also, if he works an extra hour each day, he will get a Friday off every other week, too, so that sounds good to me! Erin was in the shower when he received the call, so he wrote her a note and stuck it in shower and when she read it, she screamed! *smile* I am so happy for them! Erin has work 10pm-7pm full-time at Walmart for two years faithfully and now she will be able to go to dayshift there, though she will take a cut in pay, but they will be on a normal schedule and not be on such a tight budget. God is soooo good and faithful. They've invited us down for a cookout tomorrow evening (Thursday). I'll try to take pics and post them later!

Also, Daniel is teaching the youth class tonight at their church. There are three or four young men teaching a series of lessons over the next several Wednesdays. Daniel is teaching on repentance. He called me last night and was talking about his studying for the lesson. He was so excited about the Word of the Lord and realizing just how important repentance is in our salvation and walk with the Lord. One thing he said that really touched me was that he didnt' realize the enormous importance of repentance. Wow. He stirred me up when he said that and I've begun to study on repentance. When he studies like this, he always calls me and asks me for suggestions, pointers and input. He says I should have been a teacher or preacher and I told him that I AM a teacher. *smile* (I'm helping him. *tears*) I remember teaching the youth class for so many years , pouring myself into them, seeing the hunger in their faces. Endeavouring to instill in them a love for God and His word. Daniel was in that class. What a privilege.

A belated Father's Day post

I found these at my friend, Barbara's blog and wanted to share them with you!

A college boy wrote his father, “I can’t understand how you can call yourself a kind parent when you haven’t sent me a check in two months.! What kind of kindness is that?”
The father replied, “Son, that’s called ‘unremitting’ kindness.”~~~~~~~~~~

Tom had won a toy in a contest. He called his kids together to ask which one should have the present.
“Who is the most obedient?” he asked. “Who never talks back to mother? Who does everything she says?”
Five small voices answered in unison:
“Okay, Dad, you get the toy.”~~~~~~~~~~

The coed came running in tears to her father. “Dad, you gave me some terrible financial advice!” she cried.“I did? What did I tell you?” said the dad.“You told me to put my money in that big bank, and now that big bank is in trouble.”“What are you talking about? That’s one of the largest banks in the world,” he said. “Surely there must be some mistake.”“I don’t think so,” she sniffed. “They just returned one of my checks with a note saying, ‘Insufficient Funds’.”~~~~~~~~~~

One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, “Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?”
The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. “I can’t dear,” she said. “I have to sleep in Daddy’s room.”
A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice saying, “The big sissy.”~~~~~~~~~~

One night a wife found her husband standing over their newborn baby’s crib. Silently she watched him. As he stood looking down at the sleeping infant, she saw on his face a mixture of emotions: disbelief, doubt, delight, amazement, enchantment, skepticism.Touched by this unusual display and the deep emotions it aroused, with eyes glistening she slipped her arms around her husband.“A penny for your thoughts,” she whispered in his ear.
“It’s amazing!” he replied. “I just can’t see how anybody can make a crib like that for only $66.95!”~~~~~~~~~~

Junior had just received his brand new driver’s license. The family trooped out to the driveway, and climbed into the car, where he was about to take them for a ride for the first time.
Dad immediately headed for the back seat, directly behind the newly minted driver.
“I’ll bet you’re back there to get a change of scenery after all those months of sitting in the front passenger seat teaching me how to drive,” said the beaming boy to the ol’ man.
“Nope,” came dad’s reply, “I’m gonna sit here and kick the back of your seat as you drive, just like you’ve been doing to me all these years.”~~~~~~~~~~

Fathers of 1900 and Fathers of Today:
In 1900, if a father put a roof over his family’s head, he was a success.Today, it takes a roof, deck, pool, and 4-car garage. And that’s just the vacation home.
In 1900, a father waited for the doctor to tell him when the baby arrived.Today, a father must wear a smock, know how to breathe, and make sure film is in the video camera.
In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business.Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR.
In 1900, fathers shook their children gently and whispered, “Wake up, it’s time for school.”Today, kids shake their fathers violently at 4 a.m., shouting: “Wake up, it’s time for hockey practice.”
In 1900, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table.Today, a father comes home to a note: “Jimmy’s at baseball, Cindy’s at gymnastics, I’m at gym, Pizza in fridge.”
In 1900, a Father’s Day gift would be a hand tool.Today, he’ll get a digital organizer.
In 1900, “a good day at the market” meant Father brought home feed for the horses.Today, “a good day at the market” means Dad got in early on an IPO.

Prayer List Typo

It could only happen to me! :-/ My dear friend, Arlene, submitted my name to be put on New Life's prayer list which was mailed out last week. Soooooo.....when our mutual friend, Pat, came to have her hair done this past Friday, she laid this paper on the table, telling me I needed to read it and there it was:

Jewel Cavinee: Healing-severe and disabling back and him problems.

HIM problems??? Helloooooo. *grin* Not having any HIM problems here. LOL

I about died when I read THAT! I immediately called Arlene and she was laughing already when she picked up the phone. I asked her if she was trying to start rumors or sumthin'! It was so hilarious! Anywayyyyy......she promised to head off any questions, gossip or the like! Thank you, dear friend, for the prayer request and for running interference as to any questions that might arise concerning my HIM problems. *smile*

(Oh, and just to be safe, I asked my HIM if there were any problems that I wasn't aware of and he assured me there weren't. *grin* I have the best HIM in the world! The Lord is so good!)

Pomp and Circumstance

Soooo, last Sunday after the morning's service, Ed and I were just sitting down to dinner here at home, when the phone rang. It was Daniel:

"Hey, Dad, did I tell you and Mom that I decided to take part in the graduation ceremony? It is at 2:30. See you there!"

Huh? What was that? Hellooooo?

You call us an hour and a half BEFORE the ceremony to tell us you are taking part in it?

So being the dutiful parents that we are, we wolfed down....er, uh, I mean......we ate a bit of the roast and potatoes I had fixed for dinner and headed off for Hocking College.

When we arrived, we were directed to our parking space and when the attendant saw my walker, he called for a golf cart to come take us right to the door. This was so unexpected, but I was so thankful and grateful for the help. Then, once we arrived at the auditorium, we were directed to seats for the handicapped, where we were seated RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE AND PODIUM! I was almost in tears. I never dreamed that we would ever get seats right in front! I told Ed that I would stand the whole ceremony if I was just able to, though,you know? We met a wonderful family from Michigan who was there to watch their niece graduate and on the other side of us was a lady and her father that I've known for years but hadn't seen for quite some time. It was a wonderful afternoon!

As you can see, Daniel's tassel and shirt match. I asked him if he knew his tassel was going to be orange and he said, "Yes, Mom!" He was the only one who wore a matching shirt and tassel! That's our boy! *smile* He had his second interview at Diamond Power this week. We are praying that the Lord's will is done. It sounds like an excellent job opportunity and the benefits package is awesome. They will reimburse him if he chooses to go on in college part-time while he works and Daniel has expressed a desire to get his Masters degree in drafting and design. I'll keep you posted!

Hair dilemma!

Okay...first of all......I have a forehead that you can show home movies on. It is huge. And white. Sooooo, for several years I have taken the short hair that grows around my hairline, curled it, teased it, fluffed it and fashioned curls or bangs of it to kind of cover my forehead. BUT.....with the advent of hot, humid weather, they can be a real pain because I perspire, a.k.a. sweat, my forehead gets a bit oily and they just kind of get in the way, you know? Sooooo, I've tried fixing my hair a few different ways, but it is just so difficult to change a hairstyle!!! Do you girls know what I am talking about???? I look soooooo "foreign" to myself without something covering a bit of my forehead! I just don't look like ME! What to do, what to do! I do use a bit of pressed powder on my forehead in this hot, sticky weather to keep my hair from sticking to my forehead (doesn't THAT sound attractive?). I've threatened to just skin my hair back off my face and be done with it, but I don't have the courage. *feeble grin* I mean, I want to look presentable and fairly attractive. Plus, I don't want to blind people with my glaring white forehead. Would you believe that several.....okay, many, many years ago at this one place that I worked, they took up a collection in the department where I worked, to send me to a tanning salon to get my white forehead tanned????? LOL THEY DID!! It was so funny! I had lifted the hair up off my forehead to wipe the perspiration off and one of my co-workers yelled, "Jewel, put your hair back down, you're blinding me!" She then proceeded to take up the collection. It was a hoot! Well, I signed up for tanning sessions but had to stop after the first few because I was just too sensitve to do it. I burned and broke out in little bumps and itched like crazy. They started me out at TWO MINUTES!! Gosh, it was hardly worth getting undressed for! I never got past eight minutes! *sighhhhh* Soooooo....here I sit with my white forehead and curls/bangs. But I do feel better, having gotten it off my chest. *grin*

What was I thinking? or scaling back some......

I was up at my usual 6am this morning, thanks to the lonely meows of Ellie the cat at our bedroom door. I don't mind. I wake up at this time whether she is there or not. A busy day was ahead of me and I needed to get an early start. I did the usual morning tasks and spent time with the Lord. There was food to fix for a family who lost a loved one this week and the funeral to attend at 10am. I was then going to take my food to the church and possibly vacuum part of the sanctuary in preparation for Sunday, as no one had signed up to clean the church this week. And for those of you getting ready to scold me for vacuuming, I look at it this way. I hurt if I do; I hurt if I don't, so I thought: Why not?

Anywayyyy....moving right along. grin*

Then I was going to go to the library for a bit and then I was to be at my sister Debbie's by two o'clock, where she was going to give me a perm.

BUT.......there was a change of plans. First of all, the pain level today is almost excruciating. But I did manage to get the food to the church after going to the funeral. That is as far as I got on my list. *feeble grin* Oh, and let me insert here that I also sprayed my car off at the car wash, after the funeral service, as I decided to take the "scenic route" into town this morning, not knowing that what used to be a "chip and seal" road was "dust and gravel" now in many places. My car looked like a chunk of dirt by the time I got to the funeral home. I could hardly see out of my windshield but I didn't dare run the windshield washers and make it all a muddy mess! *smile*

Soooooo, last night at church, a good friend handed me a folder and said it was an excerpt from a book they wanted me to read. They had printed out the first chapter for me. So, after realizing I wasn't going to be able to finish my "list" this morning, I went through a drive-thru, got something cold to drink and headed for the lake. Lake Logan, that is, to read this chapter.


I am just wanting to understand where I am at. Oh, I am so blessed. The Lord is and has been so good to me. But the pain and physical limitations have thrown me for a bit of a loop. I've always been a "do-er and a go-er". Pushing myself to the point of exhaustion, but feeling great satisfaction in accomplishing tasks and organizing things, whether here at home or work or at church. Organizing activities for the youth. Planning parties and banquets at church. Putting together concerts in the park with our music department.

Now, it is sometimes a challenge to keep the necessary things done here at home. I manage to here in the house but no longer outside. So, thankfully, Ed has taken up that task and is doing very well at it. *smile*

I am not complaining at all. I am just having a little difficulty in making the adjustments, you know?

Okay....time for a little injection of humor:

A man walks into a psychiatrist's office.
"Doc, every time I see nickels, dimes and quarters, I have a panic attack! What can my problem be?"
"Oh, that's easy, " the doctor answers. "You're just afraid of change."

Yep, that's me. Not necessarily "afraid" of change, but not sure of how to negotiate the changes taking place in my body and thusly, my lifestyle.

So, I drive out to the other side of the lake, knowing that there is a good chance no one else will be there at this time of day: eleven-thirtyish am. I get out my trusty rollating walker, load my things into the little basket and head for the nearest picnic table. I got settled and opened the folder. The title read: "Reposition Yourself" by T.D. Jakes. I could hardly believe it. The Lord had been working behind the scenes all along, knowing what I had need of. The tears just flowed as I read what was before me. As the breeze off the lake ruffled the pages, the Lord ministered to me and I read, shed more tears, talked some things out with Him. I am so thankful that He is ever mindful of me and the path that I take. That He knows the plans He has for me; to prosper me.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path." Psalm 142:3

I left that place with a blessed assurance and new-found peace in my heart. I still don't have all of the answers. Nor do I know exactly what His plans are for my future. But I know that He is with me each step of the way and I am learning to walk with Him one day at a time. There is still so much for me to do for Him, though it may take more effort and I may have to struggle through some pain, but this one thing I do: "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

I am trusting in Christ alone,

I am trusting in Christ alone,

Since His faithful love I've known,

I am trusting in Christ alone.

Verse I:

When the shadows hover near,

When my heart is filled with fear,

I will trust in Christ alone,

When I'm fragile, feeling weak,

And I'm needing perfect peace,

I will trust in Christ alone.

Verse II:

When darkness seems to hide His face,

I'll trust in His unchanging grace,

Through every high and stormy dell,

My anchors holds, with Him prevails,

by Sis. Nancy Grandquist

You can listen to the song here. It is the fourth song down.

One or two things to share

One of my asiatic lilies finally blossomed over the weekend. Isn't it gorgeous? Just thought I'd share it with you! There are several more ready to bloom and some of those are orange. I'll post pictures of them once they have bloomed.






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My sisters, Bev and Debbie, and my sisters-in-law and I went out to La Cascada yesterday evening for Cheryl's birthday. Cheryl is in the back on the right. Okay, here we go: The front row from left to right is: Me, my sisters, Debbie and Bev. In the back, we have my sisters-in-law, Sandy and Cheryl. We had a very good time, visiting and eating and catching up with each other's families.

The simple things

Each May at our ladies' meeting, we have a small indoor yardsale. We each contribute whatever we have that we want no more than a quarter for. The money raised is given to Mother's Memorial, along with other funds that we have raised throughout the year. Well. I purchased this spoonholder which I have put on my stove. It has brought me so much more pleasure than you would ever think 25cents could possibly purchase. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is the tiny ladybudy on the inside of it. Or

some other little detail. I'm just thankful for such simple pleasures.