Watch out for FED EX!

Well, it took longer than we anticipated to repair the motorcoach but we're up and running fine now. It looks great too! We left Sunday after church, drove the 150 miles to the shop where they had full hookups awaiting our arrival. While they worked on the RV, we toured the city, did a lot of Christmas shopping in some really neat unique shops, and visited relatives. All in all, it was a great trip (that is, except for the bill which was quite a bit higher than we thought it should be; however, it is fixed now after several months of waiting for someone to get around to doing the work).

I was expecting a package while we were gone, so I asked my son-in-law to check by the house on Monday and Tuesday to see if the package had arrived and, if so, to please bring it inside. This he agreed to do. On Monday, when he came by, the package had not arrived. On Tuesday, the package was still not on the porch; however, when he left our house, as he was going down the driveway (one-eighth of a mile long I might add), there was the package at the end of the driveway in a plastic bag! If he had not gone down our drive, he would not have seen it there (he usually cuts through the back path). What would you do under these circumstances? We have received FedEx things before but never down to the highway. We live on a US highway where anyone could have stopped and picked up the package! This is the most unacceptable behavior I have ever witnessed from a highly regarded business like Fed Ex! I have 2 calls in to the supervisor but so far, I haven't been able to talk to anyone with any authority. If this had happened last week, the contents could have been destroyed when the rains came! I'm surprised the package was not stolen, especially here at Christmas. I just want an apology and a promise that such actions will not occur again. I remember the day when they wouldn't even leave a package on the porch; one had to sign before receipt. This is just the pits! How big of a hurry do we live in that we can't finish the job? I told one agent that we had no dogs so that was not a reason; our driveway is paved, so they would not get stuck driving up. In other words, LAZY is the only reason we came up with (or maybe they were running behind and decided to cut it short) and we are unhappy about this. At least we got the package, unharmed, but we are concerned about the next time for us and for others.

A Bright Black Friday

Yesterday was a real success in several ways. First, my 2 sisters and I had a safe trip shopping on Black Friday; second, although we were told the crowds were awful and the tv announcers confirmed the chaos, we didn't see things the same way as they did; and, third, we were able to find many good bargains and make a good, solid dent in our Christmas lists.

Traffic was not that bad although we did get into one bottleneck at a shopping center where the streets had been changed to one-way (the opposite way from which we wished to travel). Parking was a breeze everywhere we went! We saw no accidents, no temper tantrums, and no rudeness, just a lot of gracious holiday spirit.

In the stores, we were able to go in, locate our items, and walk right straight to the cashiers for checkout. Only in one store, Best Buy, did we have to wait in line for less than 5 minutes but we really didn't mind that. While we waited, we rested!!

Everything that I had on my list to purchase I was able to find, even in the right sizes. Now, there were a few things that I knew I would only be able to find on-line so I didn't look for them. In one store, I was looking for a certain pair of tennis shoes in a specific size. As I was perusing the boxes, I was unable to locate the right size. I happened to pick up a shoe off of the display shelf and it was the right size. Then I started looking for the box or at least the mate. I finally located it in a different box with a black shoe of a different brand. Someone had really played havoc in the shoe section of Kohl's. In fact, some of the aisles where the shoes were located had clothes strewn all along them. There was no way to get a cart down those aisles. People were standing up trying on shoes; yet, everyone was patient and kind to one another. The only place that I was upset with a clerk's attitude was in the store, Dick's Sporting Goods. I asked her if they sold items from a specific university and she said, "No, we only sell the important ones." Well, that didn't go over too well with me but I said nothing and went on my way. Strange, but that "unimportant" university whipped that "important" university in football today. I wonder how that happened. I don't like to see some folks letting their attitude and pride grow so that they think of others as inferior. I wonder how she is feeling today.

I will be off the air for the next several days. We have to go out of town until Tuesday or Wednesday and get some work done on the motor coach. Check by Tuesday. I hope we will be back then.

Family Fun on Thanksgiving

I trust that your Thanksgiving Day was as great as ours. We truly had a blessed day, spending several hours with our children and grandchildren. Once again, the grandchildren kept us entertained with their wit and wisdom. The two little ones enjoyed playing with Kaman, the black lab. It was so cute seeing them throwing sticks and asking him to fetch them. (There were 13 of us to enjoy the day; now we anxiously await Christmas when, once again, we will be together). The meal was wonderful with plenty of the usual holiday pleasures (now I have to try to walk these calories off tomorrow as my sisters and I get in the middle of Black Friday!).

I should retire soon so that I can be ready to make a full day of it tomorrow and that is what we look forward to, about 15 hours of fun! I'll tell you how that turns out later.

I hope you had plenty of turkey, lots of family cheer, and remembered to be thankful for all blessings.

Swapping Staples

Tomorrow, we go to our daughter's home for Thanksgiving and that's a treat I always look forward to. In fact, that's usually the only time we go to her home because she usually comes here. Marty began this tradition several years ago and I think it's neat even though we have to do the three-hour driving. Kendra's family is free to join us every other year and this is their year with us. Tonight she and I bartered over the phone while doing our cooking. She ran out of sugar for her apple pie and I ran out of mustard for my deviled eggs. Don said that it was nice to have a 7-11 store next door (or a quick stop). We kept him running! Now that the cooking is finished, I wanted to blog a little.

I noticed that it is still raining outside and has been most of today and all of yesterday. While I was at church decorating last night, 2/3 of the power in town went out due to the winds and rains. I rode to town to the 7-11 (now called Kangaroo) for a cappaciano and it was pitch black except for the police cars sitting in the intersections trying to prevent accidents. We are still having flood watches and warnings nearby. Hopefully, they will be over before morning when all of the traffic will start up. I understand about 1.1 million people in our state will be on the roads. If you plan to be out, be careful and watch out for the other fellows.

The Long Flight

I was just reading my daughter, Kendra's blog and it was a reminder that it was 3 years ago today that she and Mark left on a very long flight for China, early in the morning, traveling to get a pretty little daughter. Their son, our grandson, 8-month-old Clay, was spending the nights and some days with us while they were gone. Mark's parents kept Clay some of the days but, for consistency sake, his nights were spent in the same crib and the same room. I remember learning that I could follow the flight on the internet, at least until it left a certain area. I was very nervous about their going but I did enjoy Clay so much. He was such a good baby; he slept well, ate well, and exhibited a very pleasing disposition.
If you are interested in reading Kendra's journal about their trip to China, just click on the link at the side of my blog,entitled Kendra's blog. Included are many details about the flight and the arrival. She writes very well and her experiences are very interesting. Enjoy!

Dickens Village is Glowing

This has been another beautiful Sunday. After returning home from church where we had a mighty fine Thanksgiving luncheon, Kendra and I put up my Dickens Village. Well, that's not exactly the way it worked. Before I arrived home, the family including Clay and Livvy had taken the shelves from the attic and had taken the boxes of buildings and accessories from the closet to the den area. The babies had gone home for their nap when I arrived but Kendra was busy taking buildings out of the boxes and setting them out on the table. I immediately began taking the accessories from their boxes and returning the empty boxes to the closet shelves. Having already decided how she wished to set up the village, Kendra then began placing them in a very beautiful village scene. This took half a day to get it set up but Dickens Village is now glowing!! Now I plan to take a photo and hopefully, Kendra will have some time to teach me to put photos on my blog. That is something I intend to learn how to do very soon. I like to see others so perhaps you would like to see some of mine. Give me just a little while longer and photos should appear.

Mickey Mouse and Me

Today was my birthday for those of you who didn't know: # 68! And I am proud of every single one of them! I look forward to having many more. One famous guy who was born on this date was Mickey Mouse. He is 78 years old today, ten years my senior. When I look at his old movies, the first being "Steamboat Mickey" I think it was, I realized that he, too, has changed over the years. Well, he was a very skinny mouse then just as I was when I was a young'un. But, if you look at his cartoons today, his legs and body have filled out quite a bit. Unfortunately, the same has happened to me (it looks better on MM than it does me, however). He has also become quite wealthy over the years. Well, I have become wealthy too; wealthy with so many good friends, happy family, and nice acquaintances. I think I have received the most happy birthday phone calls than ever today: twelve! And I was taken out to breakfast this morning and serenaded by the restaurant owner and staff. I was visited at noon by an old friend whom I haven't seen in some time and she wanted to take me to lunch; however, since I had just returned from a late breakfast, that was postponed until Tuesday. Tonight, Don, Keni, Mark and the grandchildren took me out to dinner. So now, I am stuffed! And, tomorrow, the church is having a special luncheon for me! (just kidding, but we are having our Thanksgiving luncheon).

I noticed in the paper today that several historic events took place on this date. For example, the US signed a treaty with Panama which allowed us to build the Panama Canal; also, the continent of Antartica was discovered on this date.

Anyway, happy birthday, Mickey, and everyone else out there having a birthday today.

Feeling No Older

November 16 is now gone but it has been a busy day, nothing exciting however. Several of us are still working on our 50th class reunion which we plan to have in September of '07. We met tonight at our favorite restaurant for a tasty steak dinner and made lots of progress.

In 1 more day (18th) I will have to change the information about myself since my age will then change. That's ok; I will take all those birthdays and be proud of them, especially when I have lost several of my classmates (9 to be exact). I used to say I didn't feel any older and I really meant it; however, this year I can definitely tell a difference. With the heart disease and the pre-diabetes (if you believe there is such a thing), I am taking more medications than ever and I don't like it. I want to be able to say I don't feel any older. Perhaps it will help if I have a change in my mind...yes, I will try that. I feel great; no aches, no pains, no difference.

Holidays are Coming...again

Do you realize that Thanksgiving is only a week away; yet, all I hear on the radio now is Christmas music. Now, no one likes Christmas music any better than I, and I keep my car radio on that station all the time; however, I do wonder what happened to Thanksgiving. I realize it is not very commercialized, not like Halloween or Valentine's Day or Christmas but we do need to remember why we celebrate this time of year. I think many have forgotten the reason. Also, I was teaching children's church Sunday and I asked the children why they had no school last Friday. They couldn't tell me that it was Veterans Day and definitely what it meant. When I showed them a Green Beret soldier, they thought it was a hunter until I put the helmet on the doll. Then we talked about their own relatives (grandparents) serving our country, they said they didn't know they were once in the service. We made thank-you notes for those who had served and the children seemed excited to know that their granddads were "soldiers"! And, they were very proud to tell folks later too!

Now, my office from which I retired is having its annual Thanksgiving luncheon and they always invite us retirees back for this one occasion. I look forward to being with everyone again even though there has been a massive turn-over. I look forward to meeting new friends and greeting my old friends. I hope that you plan to spend time with old friends during this season as well. Have some fun.

Check out the Elbows!

I awoke to the ringing of the chimes on the front door (I must admit that it was time for me to rise and shine; actually, he caught Don in his cute little shorty PJ's!). It was a friend, one who retired from my job prior to my taking over. We had a good time talking about the changes which have occurred since his retirement in 1983 and my retirement in the year 2000. It's unreal how different things can become so quickly!
Now, I have spent much of today preparing a letter and a questionnaire to send to my high school classmates about the 50th class reunion some of us are planning. I was quite bold in that letter, in that I requested a recent photograph of each member. I wonder how many of those I will receive. I did assure them that most of us have changed; we have grown "bigger" and our face,arms, etc. are changing. You know, I was once told that you could identify a person's age by his or her elbows. That's right. Take a look. Now, I know what they meant; I believe you really can get within the ballpark. (Hmm...that's a much different place from what I used to check out in a guy. What do you say?)

Good Sportsmanship

I have to tell you how proud I am of my son, son-in-law, and some of their friends. Last year, they went to Marshall University in West Virginia when East Carolina University was playing them in football. While there, they met many of the Marshall fans before, during, and after the game. Marshall won that game; yet, the fans were so friendly toward my sons. They treated them to a tail-gaiting affair, carried them out after the game and were just wonderful hosts. Today, Marshall visited the ECU campus; therefore, my sons and friends went down last night to play host to all their new acquaintances. They fed them during the tailgating time prior to the game and were going to entertain them after the game as well. ECU won today but that didn't matter; they had already planned to play the role of hosts regardless of the game's outcome. Now, I say that is good sportsmanship, the way it's supposed to be. I get tired of hearing folks say that ECU fans are rowdy, belligerent, destructive, and non-caring...not true! You find that kind at every game in every sport, even in Little League, Parents. I think we can all learn a lesson from these young men. Kindness is appropriate in almost every situation.

Leaving the Leaves

We arrived home fairly early last night and had no problems except for traffic in the piedmont, especially around the capital. I haven't even unpacked my suitcases yet but intend to do that tonight. Right now, there are just too many good football games on tv; of course, there will be more good ones on tonight but I can do my work during halftime as I am now.

The grandbabies just left a few minutes ago. Clay had PaPa out blowing leaves. He said he "needed to jump in the leaves", and that he did for hours! He did come in long enough to eat his lunch, watch MaBoo's "waterfall" a few minutes then back out with PaPa! When Kendra was ready to leave (after working on my computer awhile...thanks, Keni), Clay was just not ready to leave the leaves. Mommy had to promise to bring him back after his nap so that he continue his fun. (She got a few photos of him playing but he was not happy because she had told him that it was naptime). Livvy didn't like the sounds of the leaf blower so she stayed in and enjoyed watching Mickey Mouse. They are such good "kiddens" and I love to see them coming and hate to see them "leaving the leaves." PaPa has blown them all into the field and I told him that he would have to make a new pile for Clay when he gets back; after all, a promise is a promise.

Loving to Connect!

Today is Friday, November 10, and tomorrow is Veteran's Day for anyone who may have forgotten. Actually, today is the day of celebration or remembrance. Just what is Veteran's Day anyway? Since many probably don't know, I think when I do Children's Church on Sunday, I will use that as my theme. I have had trouble deciding what to teach the children and now I know that may be a good choice. Many folks get Veteran's Day and Memorial Day confused but there is a difference and I may try to explain that to the little ones. I'll have trouble bringing it down to their age level though.

Since we have to check out by 10:00AM tomorrow, we have decided to go ahead and leave at our leisure today. It's past noon now so we have been taking our time packing. I love the opportunity to just take it easy; that way, I'm not frustrated when I leave wondering how much I have forgotten.

It's been fun this week having internet access. It will be nice when all places we travel will offer this extra pleasure. You know, I love to reminisce about the "good ole days" and I still love a lot of things about those days; however, you should be able to tell that I am very much a "today" person. I love modern conveniences: web; blogging; ipods; digital cameras; etc, etc. So now, I'm going to get in my confortable beautiful car, set it on cruise, and head to God's County, er, Country. Loving to connect with you and hope to do so again real soon!!

Such Natural Beauty!!

We have been a little busy for the past couple of days, visiting relatives and friends. Tuesday, we spent the day with Don's sister in Virginia. Yesterday, we spent the day with one of my college friends who came back to the OuterBanks to teach school. We had a wonderful time remembering all the good times we had in college. She recalled those days when it was very difficult to get to the islands when she was in college. I remember that she didn't get to come home much because she had to make sure she arrived at Mann's Harbor in time to catch the ferry at Oregon Inlet (there was no bridge then). Then, after getting off the ferry, she still had another 45 + minutes ride home. If she missed the ferry, she had to spend the night in Wanchese or Mann's Harbor with friends. Sometimes by the time she arrived home on Cape Hatteras (Frisco), it would be Saturday; then, she would have to begin the return trip early Sunday morning and hope she would make it back to college in time for her Monday classes. Now, it's so easy, comparatively speaking. However. in medical emergencies, one would have to be flown to Norfolk, VA., to Elizabeth City or Greenville, NC. Yet, we think of the inconveniences and hardships, then look around the area and observe the serenity, the pristine views, the famous preserved working lighthouses, and say,"WOW! What a beautiful place God has created!!"

Time to Clean Up those Signs!

I am so glad that the polls will once again be closing very soon! Now, perhaps my phone will quit ringing and there will be no more of those recorded messages saying "vote for me...vote for me!" I wonder why all the partisan contests didn't identify their party affiliations; no, I don't wonder, really. I believe that they are ashamed of their parties and are, therefore, trying to make people vote for them regardless of party. Do you know that I understand that, too? Why? Because I am disgusted with both parties; both are so guilty of not telling the truth. For this reason, I am now a non-affiliated American who votes her mind. Yes, I still prefer to know the party because I do look for the most conservative candidates.

But enough of that. Now, I'm interested in driving down the streets in the morning and seeing absolutely no signs making the shoulders and yards look ugly. I wonder how long it will really be before all the signs are picked up. I think there is a time limit and I will bet that you will see some signs up to that time and probably beyond!

Our county is voting on whether to vote by districts or county-wide. It seems that one group wants to have total control; therefore, they are trying to convince folks that, if they vote "yes", they will lose their representation. Now, I ask you to go figure that one! Our states vote for representatives by district so that we will have representation. Why does that not work for a county I wonder. I'm totally confused about this special interest group's rationale.

Oh well, all you sign owners, time to clean up now!

Sunday Sightings

Here I am, up early this morning and trying to decide what today should include. First, we plan to hang out here until 10:00 when we will go next door to the pancake brunch. Then, we will try to make some family decisions on visiting with Don's sister. We were unable to get in touch with her; the telephone has been disconnected and the phone company knows nothing about it. We also tried her son's number and received no answer. We will try his business phone this morning.

We had planned to go to the Outer Banks Music Showcase one night this week but their Christmas show schedule doesn't begin until Nov. 17. They have a very short playing schedule, just on Thurs, Fri. and Sat. through December; I really don't understand unless there is no one here during the winter months. Even the summer months don't have a schedule that plays daily, just 3 times a week. it seems to be quite a lot of people here now though that could support the theatre.

Yesterday, we went to the lighthouse at Currituck. That's my favorite of the lighthouses, maybe because it looks much different since it is a reddish-color brick. Because it is privately owned, it stays open year round and is can be climbed. There were a lot of climbers there yesterday, even small children (with parents of course). There was also a line outside waiting to go up (they only allow a few at the time). There is a really neat little gift shop on the grounds which was playing the neatest music inside. The little porch has a few rockers inviting those non-shopping men to sit down for a spell. Parking is free and the cost to climb the lighthouse is only $6.00...very reasonable I think.

We then rode around Duck, taking a street named Sea Oats and rode down some of the prettiest little streets, hitting Dogwood Trail where many of the houses bordered little canals off the sound; others has homes built with the front facing the sound and the back on a canal...what a life!! Such real estate would be way out of our ownership reach! But, I'm satisfied where we are in the Piedmont.

Testing...Again

Here we go again. I have republished on my blog to see if that would allow me to review my blogs. Let me know what this did to my blog as far as your view is concerned. It erased the dates that are appearing on some of the individual blogs. The main thing that I hope is that you can still read my blogs. Let me know what you see. Thanks.

OBX this week

We arrived at the Outer Banks at 2:00 PM but were not allowed to check in until 4:00. Actually, we could check in but we could not go to our unit. Fortunately, we rode around the grounds and located our unit: third floor and no elevator! We had told them that we needed a ground floor due to Don's leg. They had assured us on the phone before we came that we had a ground unit...not!! Well, he climbed up once but was unable to make it farther so we asked to be changed. The only unit on the ground floor they had left was a much smaller one, a partial kitchen, one small bedroom and bath. We had to give up a full kitchen, a jacuzzi, a view of the ocean and the sound, and a fireplace! We even brought wood from home. I asked Don if he really wanted to make the switch and he said we really didn't have a choice if we wanted to stay. I guess we will adjust before the week is over.

I understand there are some planned activities, such as a pancake brunch one morning. Tonight has just been one to stay in and give Don's leg a chance to improve. Hopefully, things will improve as the week progresses.

Don and I will be leaving on Saturday for a week's trip to Duck. In case you are not familiar with this place, it is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We look forward to a week of relaxation once again. Most of our trips involve a lot of sightseeing and traveling around. This one will mainly include rest and visiting Don's sister who lives about an hour away.

Because we will be gone Saturday, November 4, I need to comment tonight on that special day. Once again, on that day, my baby girl will be celebrating her birthday, her 34th; yet, to me, she is still my little baby girl, just as cute as ever! When she was just 6 days old, I thought she was the prettiest little child I had ever seen, fair of skin and eyes that sparkled! To this day, she has those same "talking" eyes, a beautiful shade of blue: and, she is still the petite little girl whom I remember as a little cheerleader dressed in her green and white; a preschool ballerina playing the role of a candy cane in the Christmas recital; my sad little girl when we moved her away from her dearest friend so that I could make more money (Which was more important? Sometimes, I question that decision...perhaps we should have stayed where we were for her sake. Yet, her future may not include her present hubby had we not moved, but in a way, I was being selfish because I wanted to be nearer my parents and family); my sick little daughter during her senior year when she had chicken pox no less, or the time she was in the hospital writhing with pain while a "mean" old nurse kept trying unsuccessfully to inject an IV; a tiny little daughter who was carried away from home by her "giant teddy bear hubby"; the dear daughter who lay so happily in the hospital bed after giving birth to my wonderful little grandson, then bringing me another little granddaughter to cherish.
How can a mother not love a daughter who has brought her so much happiness? who still calls her, sometimes from work even and tells her she loves her as she hangs up the phone? who gives of her time and energy to do things that would please her? I am proud of Kendra and will tell the world of my pride and joy. I'm proud of your many accomplishments, in your work and in your personal endeavors. So, to

A Gift for Mommy from 2 Cuties

Tonight we kept the grandchildren while Mark took Kendra out for dinner and for a bit of shopping (she wanted to spend some of her birthday money from us). The children were so good. We had a great time playing. Clay wanted to go outside before dark and I told him it was cold out but he said, "Don't worry, MaBoo, we have coats and our coats will keep us warm. We won't get cold."

Later, we decided to wrap a gift for Mommy and to make her birthday cards. The wrapping they handled really well. Of course, they wanted a big red bow for the package. They decided they would hide from her and jump out and sing happy birthday to her; however, it was too long to wait so they continued their playing. When Mommy did come back, they gave her the gift, told her that it was a birthday present, and Clay said it's a new coffee cup (and it was, one from her alma mater). On their way out the door to go home, they began singing "happy birthday". We had a really good time and I'm going to miss those two playmates of mine!!

I wrote a pretty long blog for Kendra for her birthday but, so far, it hasn't shown up on my computer. Happy Birthday, Kendra! May you have many, many more!!!Q

What is WiFi?

We will be leaving in the morning for the Outer Banks of N.C. and will return next weekend. I thought perhaps they might have WiFi so I called to see if I should bring my computer. When I asked if they had WiFi, the lady asked me what that was. I assume by that response that they don't have it. When I explained that it was wireless internet, she said yes, we have it. I asked if it was available in the rooms and she said no. I then asked where it was and she said in the office. Now, I ask you, should I take my computer or not? I may try to take if and locate some hot spot; if so, check my blog occasionally to see if I made it on. Otherwise, I will be back on the air next Sunday, Nov. 12. In the meantime, have a great weekend and a safe week.

Bragging Rights of a Mom

Don and I will be leaving on Saturday for a week's trip to Duck. In case you are not familiar with this place, it is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We look forward to a week of relaxation once again. Most of our trips involve a lot of sightseeing and traveling around. This one will mainly include rest and visiting Don's sister who lives about an hour away.

Because we will be gone Saturday, November 4, I need to comment tonight on that special day. Once again, on that day, my baby girl will be celebrating her birthday, her 34th; yet, to me, she is still my little baby girl, just as cute as ever! When she was just 6 days old, I thought she was the prettiest little child I had ever seen, fair of skin and eyes that sparkled! To this day, she has those same "talking" eyes, a beautiful shade of blue: and, she is still the petite little girl whom I remember as a little cheerleader dressed in her green and white; a preschool ballerina playing the role of a candy cane in the Christmas recital; my sad little girl when we moved her away from her dearest friend so that I could make more money (Which was more important? Sometimes, I question that decision...perhaps we should have stayed where we were for her sake. Yet, her future may not include her present hubby had we not moved, but in a way, I was being selfish because I wanted to be nearer my parents and family); my sick little daughter during her senior year when she had chicken pox no less, or the time she was in the hospital writhing with pain while a "mean" old nurse kept trying unsuccessfully to inject an IV; a tiny little daughter who was carried away from home by her "giant teddy bear hubby"; the dear daughter who lay so happily in the hospital bed after giving birth to my wonderful little grandson, then bringing me another little granddaughter to cherish.
How can a mother not love a daughter who has brought her so much happiness? who still calls her, sometimes from work even and tells her she loves her as she hangs up the phone? who gives of her time and energy to do things that would please her? I am proud of Kendra and will tell the world of my pride and joy. I'm proud of your many accomplishments, in your work and in your personal endeavors. So, to you, Keni, happy birthday! May you have many, many more!

I Say...Deal!

Tonight I watched the show, "Deal or No Deal". What a frustrating program that can be! The contestant was doing absolutely great until close to the end of the show, then she started opening cases that contained the larger numbers. When they offered her over $400,000, I would have been awfully tempted to take that (I'm not much of a gambler). She continued but still left with a lot of money. We don't really know what we would do unless we were the contestant. When Howie asks them which case they would have opened next had they not made a deal, I wonder how many of them really know. I think I would be humming and hawing about it, would you? And for the six cases: I always play that on my computer but I wonder if NBC even considers my votes since I'm not dialing the 59595 and paying the $1.00 for each number. I doubt my numbers even show up at all. Why do I keep playing then, one may ask. I ask the same question. Perhaps I'm just dreaming as all of us do, that some day, some dollars will fall in our laps. You know, though, that the odds are against that ever happening. (Ach, sorry if I burst your bubble). I'm still hoping the odds will fall in my favor one of these days before I become too old to enjoy it.

Make-Believe: Where has it gone?

This afternoon, my 2 little grandchildren came over with their mom for a short visit. As usual, they come running in and want a jelly bean or some such treat. Today, it was Mini-Hershey Kisses. I had a little surprise for each of them: a little wooden turtle with heads that bobbled. They were so cute with them and Clay named his "Timmy" the turtle. Livvy never stopped long enough to tell me the name of hers. Then they went on the porch and began their make-believe play. They tied a rope from one piece of furniture to another, then put their turtles on the floor. Next, they got the broom and rode it over to where the rope was strung. Now, I ask you, what was the game? I never got it out of Clay and again, Livvy was too busy to respond. Hmm. I wonder if it was a corral for the horse. What do you think? Ahhhh...make-believe is so much fun! What has happened that so few children get involved with making up such games? When I was small, we made up games all the time and so did my own children. They could play all day without a single prop! Let's encourage the kids to work their imagination.

Sweet Memories are Good Company

This has been a special day because my older sister, our dear friend, and I met at a charming restaurant nearby and had a wonderful time reminicing. Our friendship goes back to our toddling days when we lived 3 houses apart (of course we can't quite recall those first days; however, we are filled with memories since we were about 3 or 4 years old). The 3 of us are like stairsteps, all born within 22 months of each other, so needless to say, we had a lot in common and still do for that matter. We recalled our old playhouses, how we would decorate one then go decorate the other exactly the same; we would ride old "stick horses" and tie them to the nearby trees; we made up plays and performed them for anyone who would listen; and, we had our very own trio which we sang Christian songs, even cut a few records when we were 9, 10, and 11 years old. Our moms dressed us alike when we visited all the nearby churches on Memorial Days or Homecoming Sundays to sing. We had a childhood that so many children never had, one that would be coveted by some. We had loving parents, sweet but often annoying siblings, caring aunts and uncles that lived nearby and looked after us; and, we also had grandparents within driving distances from our homes.

We recalled many of the happy occasions today; yet, we would have been remiss had we not spoken of the sad days: when Fran's baby sister was hit by a car and all 3 of us witnessed that awful, awful tragedy (it is still fresh in each of our minds as if it happened yesterday). Fran remembered the dress her sister wore among other details; my sis remembered that her birthday was in a few days; and, I remembered the sounds, the distress everyone felt, exactly what each of us was doing at that moment. Fran's sister is still living, an invalid but so very happy and very intelligent, a kind, caring, loving lady. We could all learn from her and strive for her sweet disposition.

Then, we had to recall the most recent saddest occasion: the loss of my sister's husband on May 6. This was the first time we had met since that day that God called him home. MR had been suffering with cancer for several months and just could get no better. We miss him so very much. The memories of my sister and friend double-dating during their courting years are fresh in their minds. How wonderful it is to have such memories to cherish! I just hope that I can keep my mind because, even when we may have to be alone, we will always be in good company when we have sweet memories!!