Where's the WiFi?

We're getting ready to leave on our week's vacation if all remains clear for "go". As soon as I find WiFi, I will be on the air. I know it's not available for the next 2 days; after that, I hope it is and think it will be.
We're now hooking up the little tow car and will be pulling out within the hour, hopefully to little traffic, clear of accidents and speeding vehicles. Not like the other day when a car passed me going at least 90 MPH; it seems that kind of driver never gets caught. I mean he was out of sight in a few seconds, passing everyone who was traveling the 55 MPH speed limit! Give some folks a straight road and they drive like they must be there now. The funny thing is that when I arrive driving at or slightly above the speed limit, I catch up with them, often going around them in another lane. Can you relate? And "road rage" is getting awful. I see so many folks, not usually teenagers either, giving that ugly finger sign or shaking their fists at drivers. Well, let's just hope those people are somewhere else today. Not to worry over things that may not happen.

She lived through it all!

My family and I just returned from the funeral of my 101-year-old aunt. I was amazed to listen to her pastor as he told us of all the things that Aunt Sophie had witnessed in her long lifetime. It's difficult to imagine that she lived under the presidency of 18 presidents; she saw the first flights over the Atlantic and to the moon and was only 3 years old when the first flight by the Wright Brothers took place ; she first rode in horse and buggy and later drove her brand new, shiny, fully-automatic Mercury; and she witnessed the First World War, the war to end all wars, the Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf conflict, and all the turmoil today. My Aunt Sophie was a walking history lesson, better than any book because she could draw you a picture with her memories. A fine lady she was, born when women had no voting privilege and later seeing a woman trying to become president of the U.S. She went from keeping a small written diary to seeing her niece blogging on a computer that could be read around the world by anyone interested enough to tap in to the link. What a long way this civilization has gone! How far will it go before we, too, go to our eternal home?

A New Discovery for a 68 Year Old

I just learned the neatest thing! I went to the internet site for the newspaper and looked up the obituary of my aunt. I not only found her obit, I found that I could view a guest book, read comments from others who knew her, and write my own message in the guest book. What surprised me most was the memorial photo album! That's right. Anyone could submit a photo to be added to her photo album and add captions. I don't know why I am so surprised; after all, the computer and internet seems to have no limitations. I still found this quite exciting; I found another memory of my dear aunt on which I can hold. What a wonderful invention the computer is. I would encourage everyone to learn enough about it to enjoy the many ways it can entertain them. This 68-year-old learns something new every day!!

The Damage One Person Can Do

It's surprising how much damage one person can do. A neighbor who lives about 1/2 mile away was getting up hay with his tractor yesterday and I don't know what he hit, but he scared the life out of it! A transformer blew up, caught on fire, and shook the ground as far away as 1/3 mile I'm told! Our lights blinked but returned; however, the phone stayed messed up until this afternoon. I called the company for help and they assured us that it would be fixed soon. The dial tone returned and I could call out; however no one could call in. When I called my friend, she wasn't going to answer because her caller ID said it was some man that she had never heard of calling. She finally decided to answer and it was me. I, once again called Embarq and they told me that my phone was fine; I asked them what # they thought I was calling from and they were told it was Philip's # (the stranger). I tried to convince them that I was not Philip. Well, that's what the phone showed... NOT! Later, 2 more workers showed up at our house. I questioned them about my internet since I had no service. I was told that I didn't have service because Philip didn't have internet. I responded, "Well, maybe Philip does have it now if he's using my line.!" It's now almost 5:00 PM and I finally have my internet, my phone, and a hubby named Don, not Philip!
The neighbor who did the damage is a big, big man; however, I bet he didn't realize he had that much power (that's more than he had when he was our county sheriff!)

Losing an Aunt

I just received a call from my cousin who informed me that my aunt passed away at 2:00 PM today. Aunt Sophie was our last living aunt and it is hard to give up someone you've had around so long. She lived to be 101 and 1/2! Her mind was sharp until a few days ago when she became sick with a urinary tract infection that infected her entire body. Doctors said that her heart was just as strong as ever when she passed; it was the other complications that got her. Of course, the family is in much sorrow for many thought she was a family fixture who would live forever. What a card she was! On her 101st birthday, she danced with the doctors and had a glorious time. During her life, she worked in a ladies' shoppe before retiring and traveling all over the world. She visited us when we were living in the Midwest. There wasn't a place you could mention that she didn't know more history about than you did. Aunt Sophie was one of a kind and she will be sorely missed by everyone who ever knew her.

We will be delaying our trip until Thursday since the funeral is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. I will try to blog before we leave. The first RV park we are visiting has no WiFi but I think the next one will. I will have my computer with me in any case.

Who Am I? Ask Me

I have always been curious about people talking about you in your presence, knowing that you are right there, yet, asking questions about you that you could answer easily for yourself. Yesterday, I stopped by a friend's house for a few minutes when a relative of hers (a stranger to me) came in. We were introduced and we chatted amicably for some time; I felt we were getting to know each other fairly well. And then, she turned to my friend and asked, "Is she married?" You know, I felt that question was easy enough for me to answer, especially since I have been married for 39 and 1/2 years. (Before you get the wrong impression, they were going shopping and out to eat and she had commented that I should go with them).
While we were on one of our camping trips with my sister-in-law and brother, they met some church friends of theirs. We were again introduced but we didn't chat because that lady was just not going to talk to anyone other than my sister-in-law. In a few moments, she pointed at me and asked her, "Does she go to church... where does she go? There again, I could have answered that question for myself. I happen to go to a very small church, a country church, but one that is strong in its teaching and living the Gospel according to Jesus Christ. We also are believers that all of the Bible is God's Word; we don't pick and choose. Their church is also a strong Bible-teaching church but a very large one. I decided that it doesn't matter where you go, big or small, just so long as the Gospel is being taught straight from the Word of God. I just can't help but wonder if, because her church is bigger, that perhaps it's better. I don't know what she was trying to say in her following comments but that's okay. I know what I believe and in whom I believe. I have belonged to a large church before, one that was actually 10 times the size of hers. It, too, was a church with a solid foundation. I say all of this to say that size doesn't matter; beauty of the church doesn't matter; wealth of the church doesn't matter. What matters is our faith in God, realizing that Jesus died for our sins, and knowing that we are saved by the grace of God if we believe and trust in Him.

Do you want to know me? Just ask me, not my friends, not my family. I'll be glad to share with you.

"Did you See Anybody you Knew?"

I had to cut my last blog short because I had a very important phone call; my son called and I always love to talk to my children any time they call. We talked about the university baseball team since that is also his alma mater, along with Hubby's and our youngest daughter's and our oldest granddaughter's. Also, a sister-in-law's and a nephew. Now, I have another great-nephew going there so as you can see, this is a family affair of which I am very proud. It is so good to see your children and your grandchildren wanting to keep a tradition alive, a tradition that goes back 56 years! Hubby and I think this is something for which we can be very proud. Now, our youngest son is dating a graduate from the same university. Maybe this tradition will continue.

Today has been a very hot one and it is so dry here. Fortunately, we still have water but sometimes we wonder about the shortage. There will probably be restrictions issues on the city and county water supplies very soon unless we get water in the near future. Our town is having problems with too little water all the time. It's a strange thing that we have a huge lake in our county but we are having to go to the state capital and request more usage. All the counties around us are using the supply but our allotment is minimal. We have been looking into the possibility of buying water from a nearby county. Does this not beat all! Our daughter and her family are camping at the lake this weekend and they said their supply was used up yesterday before they could even get their showers completed. They said it was very slow getting any this morning. The county is considering a moratorium on residential building for up to a year due to the insufficient water and sewage supply. There are many who disagree with this plan. I am anxious to see how this issue pans out. We are definitely growing much too fast in our county; many businesses are wanting to build here but cannot yet do so due to these problems. Where are all these new folks coming from? I am a native of this county and I used to know everyone I would meet on the streets or in the stores. Now, if I recognize 2 people a day I feel fortunate. All of us old timers are getting used to being surrounded by strangers. When my mother was still living and my siblings or I would return from trips, she would also greet us with, "Well, did you see anybody you knew?" Now, if she were still with us, she could ask us the same thing from our just going the mile "uptown".

Baseball Success

I just learned that one of my alma mater's baseball team is playing in the Conference USA championship game tomorrow and will be playing Rice, the # 1 team in the country. Even if they lose they will be in the NCAA tournament next weekend. I'm proud of our school and their accomplishments. When I was an undergrad there, they won it all and were the #1 team in the US of A!

Support your DAV;

I wonder how many of my friends are staying put this weekend. I went to Curves this morning and there were more people on the road than usual at 10:00AM. Also, there were twice as many working out than are usually there at that time of day. I have completed 226 workouts now and thought that was great (you are given a shirt when you have completed 200 and another for each 100 workouts thereafter); however, one of my friends came in while I was there and she was wearing a shirt that read 600 workouts! I would have to visit there every single day, perhaps twice a day to ever get that high! I am still proud of my 226 though and will try to do more but it is difficult for me when we travel. I do get a free pass to other Curves when traveling and I would get credit if I worked out at any of them. It's just difficult to get out and go when you are traveling with husband and friends.

I went to Wally World this morning and while there, I bought my poppy from the Disabled Veterans of War. Actually, they don't call it a poppy anymore due to the connotation that goes along with that flower/word now. Well, I don't do drugs and that's what I'm used to calling it; no harm intended. I hope that you will support your DAV by buying one of their flowers. You can donate any amount you wish and it is for a good cause. This is Memorial Day Weekend, not just another day off of work. I hope we can all take a few minutes of our time and remember all the military personnel who lost their lives defending and protecting our freedoms.

Browbeating Tonight

One minor detail I forgot to mention last night is another event with which I'm involved. We are having a big family reunion at our church that includes family members from afar. The legacy goes back to my great-great-great grandfather and all his children's families. Believe me, I won't know a handful of attendees at this one; however, since they meet at my church and I am only one of two family members who attend, I get to be in charge of getting the fellowship hall lined up, readied and cleaned up afterwards. How do I get such fun jobs!

Tonight, we had a meeting of our high school senior class reunion committee. I guess that was a somewhat productive. At least the meal was absolutely wonderful (I know my weight will reveal how wonderful it was on the morrow). We'll meet again next month to greet, have a seat, eat, meet, browbeat, and plan a repeat! We don't always agree on things and that can be a bit disturbing. For example, the committee doesn't want to invite any of our teachers who are still living. Personally, I think it would be great to see the few who could perhaps attend. I have to abide by the wishes of the group, however.

Fuel prices are getting absolutely ridiculous, don't you think? Prices have risen to over $3.00. I don't understand how the price can vary from $3.09 in one place, $3.12 in another, and up to $3.21 in others. Why would someone pay the higher price if they can go across the street and pay less? Has this increase slowed down your traveling? As for me, I'm trying to consolidate my trips if at all possible. I have also started trying to do all my shopping in town; however, our town is so small that I find myself having to leave town to shop for many things. Perhaps I don't really need everything that I think I do. Maybe I will evaluate my needs more carefully and determine that a day at home would be profitable in more ways than one. Now, that's a really great idea!!

Summertime... oh Yeah!

Yesterday I talked with my high school buddy. She informed me that I was one busy lady and I suppose she is right. Hubby thinks that's true so it must be. I just have my hands in too many pies I think. It seems that when I get one event behind me there are 2 to take its place. We had a wonderful Mothers Day program at church a week ago. A few of us worked very hard to make that a beautiful memory and I believe we were successful. The Relay for Life is also passed now and that was a successful venture with a lot of participants having a great evening (It kind of got everyone's mind off their own problems for awhile). Now, I have 2 reunions that I working with: first, in June, our high school which became extinct in 1972 is having its big two-evening reunion and that requires a lot of work from many representatives from many classes. Then, in September, we are having our 50th high school class reunion which I am chairing the planning committee. Oh yes, I just remembered, Father's Day will soon be here too so that means another recognition day at church. And, yes, Hubby is ready to go on a camping trip. We haven't been on one since we returned from Florida in March so I agree that it is time. Where will we go? I'm not sure but we have been surfing the internet looking for a place not too far away where we can spend a few days. Oh, and I almost forgot; our church wants a group trip in August if we can get enough people to go and guess who is planning that trip. If you said "you", you win. My daughter also wanted us to go with her family on a camping trip and that's now scheduled for July. Our son and daughter-in-law are flying in for 10 days or so in July too so that will be a fun time, one I'm looking forward to. Summer is getting loaded with lots of fun things. Oh yeah!

To the Zoo...Vicariously

I just received an email informing team captains that our local Relay for Life Cancer total has climbed to $144,000 and is still growing! Folks, we are a very small community, much less than 10,000, so I think we are doing mighty fine! I am proud of the people who participate, delighted about the high number of cancer survivors, and the desire in so many people of all ages to show support for our Relay.

Tonight, while my hubby was spending the day and evening with his brother, I joined my sister, her daughter and children for a quiet dinner out... Did I say quiet? Not. But fun, yes! The oldest girl was building animal cages with straws; the middle child was enjoying eating the middle out of her sandwich while slithering under the table. The youngest, who enjoyed making faces at himself in the mirror on the wall, is barely 2 and quite entertaining. The restaurant owners knew that JT liked corn-on-the-cob. Watching him tackle that ear was hilarious. The waitress came by to bring him an ice cream treat and knocked the spoon full of the delightfully cold dessert out of the dish and onto my lap. My niece told me that she bet next time I would stay home when invited out with them. I responded, "No, I always enjoyed my trips to the zoo." I do enjoy those children. In fact, I just enjoy people and fun and humor and observing and laughing and life. Yes, God gave us different emotions, different personalities and we end up in different circumstances. It's always amusing to see how folks will behave.

Older Bus Drivers

I was driving in a near-by town the other day when the stoplight caught me. While I was waiting, 3 school buses came barreling out of the side road onto the main highway; now, I mean they were moving on so fast that the buses were leaning into the turn a lot! When the light turned green, the buses were far from me, too far for just a brief wait. The law now says that school bus drivers must be adults over 18; high school students are no longer allowed to drive buses if they are below this age. I have to say that I was a school bus driver at the age of 16 1/2 and I drove for 2 years, along with many of my classmates. We were young but we followed the rules and drove the speed limit. There were fewer accidents then so I am told. I'm not against older drivers (I am one), but if one is going to be driving children he or she must remember the precious cargo they are transporting. I have recently seen drivers wait too late to put out the stop signs; I have seen them stop and unload children in the middle of an intersection; and, I have seen them speed down busy highways. I am thankful for all who will drive a bus because I know how much it has changed (lack of ability to discipline, etc) and I wouldn't think of driving a bus today , even though the pay has increased (I earned $22.00 a day in the late 50's). It was a pleasure then and a way to earn a (very) little spending money. I do admire each and every one of you; I just pray that you will drive every mile safely.

Cancer Colors

Different kinds of cancer are represented by different colors, but I think all cancer is ugly. I hope to continue doing my part by working with our local Relay for Life. To me, that is such a worthy cause. (I do wish, however, that there was something similar for heart disease which is the number one killer of women now I hear. I do wear a red bracelet now to show my support for heart disease research).
Here are the colors that I have found at various places (Internet, ACS, etc):
Yellow: liver/bladder; gray: brain; royal blue: colon;
Brown: colorectal; orange: leukemia; clear/Pearl: lung;
Black: melanoma; teal: Ovarian/cervical; purple: Pancreas;
Light blue: Prostate/esophagus; Amber: Childhood; Green: lymphoma;
Burgandy: Multiple Myeloma; Emerald: kidney; White: bone;
Lavendar: All Others.

This may not interest you. It means something to me because I lost a wonderful brother-in-law to multiple myeloma and I'm glad to know that burgandy shows my support for research to find a cure for that kind specifically.

Relay is Over for 07

AS you can tell, we had lots of great baked goods to sell and we did very well, making over $2500 for a cure for cancer. The above picture showing the word, "hope" was formed of luminaries and placed on the bleachers at the football field. While the lights were out, one of our retired band teachers played the bagpipes. What a touching moment!

Yes, Relay has passed for another year and it was another successful one with everyone enjoying the evening despite the very cold temperatures for being outdoors. I think there were more tents for sleeping than ever set up around the field. I talked to one lady whose boys had begged to camp out so she had their tent set up and she had a lounge chair set up outside their tent flap where she intended to sleep. I couldn't understand why she wouldn't go inside where it was warmer. It didn't rain but it was so damp that you would actually get wet by 2:00 AM. (We left shortly thereafter and hit the warm/hot showers!). We actually returned at 8:00 the next morning to take down our canopies and there was not a tent in sight! I guess the cold really scared everyone off early since it wasn't to actually end until 10:00 AM.
My younger sister is taking the day off and is planning a trip to Target with my older sister and me so I must draw this blog to a close. I will hopefully post more later tonight. Don't go too far away.

Busy with the Relay for Life

I don't have time to blog much right now since I have a scheduled appointment with my cardiologist, hopefully just a routine visit. His secretary called last week and said he wanted an appointment scheduled with me. Maybe he just likes seeing me (ha). A friend of mine sent me colors that represent different kinds of cancer and I also looked it up on the internet. I will post those colors for you later today if all is well. I am currently wearing 4 bracelets, all of different colors: orange for leukemia, deep purple for pancreatic cancer; black for melanoma and red for Heart disease. I think it's really neat that there are representative colors. It tells others that you are fighting for a cure and may have family or friends who are suffering or have suffered from one or another of those and that you praying for a cure.
Our Relay for Life is tomorrow night and will end Saturday morning. I have been busy getting ready for that and still have plenty to do. I will try to remember my camera so that I can post some pictures on Saturday.

Colors of Cancer Bracelets Mean?

I've begun my Monday's chores: washing clothes, straightening everything after the crew left, etc. and I have made my morning trek to Curves. (I met a friend on the way home from workout so we had to get a bite for breakfast; hope that didn't ruin the workout). Now, I'm stuffing envelopes to high school classmates with an encouraging word to attend our 50th class reunion coming up in the fall. We only have 42 left and I am hoping that all will attend.
Don's brother just called and, after a two-hour conversation, they have decided to meet tomorrow morning and spend the day together near their homeplace. It's interesting that they went years without contact and now they cannot talk or spend enough time together. I know they are making up for lost years and I think it's great. They are quite a pair, that's for sure.
I'm wearing 4 little bracelets which announce my support to cancer research. I have been trying to learn what the different colors mean but have only learned that the black one stands for melanoma. And of course, everyone knows what the pink represents. If you know what the colors purple, orange, red, or any other color mean I hope you will leave a comment. Someone said the others don't mean anything but I do wonder and question why not? I really do want to know.

A Proud Mom/Grandmom

I'm a bit tired tonight but I just have to tell you what a wonderful day this has been. Of course, every day is a wonderful day, but my family made it an even better one just by their presence. My granddaughter graduated from the big university next door so I had most of the family here spending last night; then, today, my daughters, their husbands and my youngest son were here for lunch and early afternoon. Also, 5 of my grandchildren and one soon-to-be grandson-in-law were present. This made for a great day. I just wish I had been able to spend more time with them. They left at 8 this morning for the graduation ceremony and returned before noon but I was unable to get home until after 12:30. Unfortunately, most of them had to begin the 3 hour trip back to their homes by 2:00 PM. That's the way it is almost every Sunday that they are able to get home which isn't often enough. I miss my son and his family who live 3000 miles away, but was thrilled when I received a call that they will be visiting this summer.
My granddaughter who just graduated with superior grades already has a job, beginning the first of June. She will be moving out of state so I probably won't be able to see her as often either. Her new home will be on our way to Florida each year, however, and we plan to spend some time with her then. That will be nice. I am proud of her accomplishments and look forward to hearing great things about all of my grandchildren.
I have to tell you that I received the most beautiful long-stem yellow, white, and pink roses, a very colorful impatiens hanging basket, shopping money, and mother's day card that really touched my heart. Wow, I'm such a proud mom and grandmom. I pray that you, too, had some wonderful experiences today.

Happy Happenings to You

I have to make this blog quick because I'm expecting a houseful of family to arrive within the half hour. Right now, they are at the university nearby packing up my granddaughter who will be graduating tomorrow. I don't know why the university has the graduation ceremony every year on Mothers' Day; I will be unable to attend because I obligated myself to help with the Mother's Day program at my church. I hate this but the graduation is at 9:30 and will last until around 11:30 AM. I will need to rush home from church, however, because there will be 13 people here for lunch. I'm already feeling like I'm running in circles. I just finished typing the program. It takes awhile to gather the necessary information on the chosen mother. I hope that I do a good job telling about this lady. I know that I have learned a lot about her through my interviews with some of her children.

I hope that all of you moms out there will have a wonderful day tomorrow, that your children will be present or at least call you, and that only happy happenings will welcome you all day. God bless you.

Preparing for the Relay

We had our final meeting tonight before the all-night relay for life next Friday. Last-minute instructions about setting up our tents, items needed at each site, etc. There will be many activities going on throughout the evening and wee hours of the morning. There will be a boxcar race, a Miss Relay contest, puzzles to solve, and entertainment of all kinds. Many folks take their sleeping bags and tents for bedding down the little children. I have yet to spend the entire night because I cannot find anyone who will brave the elements with me. One friend planned to stay last year but she got so chilled we ended up going home at 3:00 AM. The experience is so worthwhile. People ask why I relay and why I work so diligently for the cause. My response is that I lost a wonderful brother-in-law last year with the dreaded disease and I am praying for a cure. It seems that every few days, some friend or acquaintance loses the battle with cancer. I ask you to pray that a cure will be found soon. I hope you have a chance to participate in a relay for life somewhere. Believe me, your heart will be blessed.

Getting Serious

Tonight was my friend's and my weigh-in night at Weight Watchers. I was delighted to be the same weight as 3 weeks ago. I had missed 2 meetings due to special "eating" events; so, to remain at the same weight was quite an accomplishment to say the least. We also had our big family reunion with lots of special desserts. I was proud of my friend who had at least lost .3 pound. You know, I believe if we tried just a little harder we might actually lose a pound or 2 occasionally! We are both retired, and there seems to be something to interfere with weight management at least twice a week. I am going to try to get serious though.

Diseases to Conquer

Today, I have already been to Curves for my workout, bought raffle tickets and BBQ plates to benefit one of the local young ladies who has breast cancer. I am just amazed at how many people in our small town have recently been diagnosed with some form of cancer. We have a bulletin board at Curves where we list prayer concerns for those facing hardships and it is overflowing with cancer patients. When will we ever have a cure for this dreaded disease? Someone told me the other day that there is a cure but that it is a secret, that doctors don't want it told due to all the money they would be losing if there were no such patients. I cannot believe such a thing, can you? If you have heard this, let me know what it's all about. I don't think that would be allowed because of the oath they are required to take to practice medicine. I have to know more than hearsay to believe this rumor. There are still many, many diseases out there for which we need cures; why would they withhold information that could save these particular lives? I pray there will soon be cures for heart disease, muscular, arthritic, nervous, pulmonary, bone, and all other diseases. I have a friend who just lost his struggle with a very rare disease for which there is no cure; Don will be sorely missed in his community and church. Let's pray that God will give the scientists the wisdom to conquer all these dreaded diseases.

Thrilling News; Uncertain Views

I just have to include in my journal the good, no thrilling, news I received this afternoon. My doctor informed me that the results of my carotid lab tests were fine; in fact, they were actually better than the ones that I had in July, 2005! I really don't know how that happened, but I am, oh so happy!

I was also happy to learn that my brother-in-law is adjusting to the idea of moving into an apartment/condo and giving up his home and acreage of 50 + years. I'm sure he's not happy about this but, today, he was putting up a pretty good front for his brother and brother-in-law. One of the things that upset him most was that his son had planned this move without his knowledge; as a result, Bill refused to take any of his medications and even refused to eat for 2 days. This will be a very difficult move, not only for him, his wife, but also for my daughter who loves him dearly (the feeling from Bill for her is mutual). He has always been a grandfather figure to her, and for her to visit Bill weekly will be almost impossible due to the increased traveling distance. Getting to and from his doctors will be more difficult, too. My hubby, Don, has been taking him; however, after the move, the trip will be more than 4 hours round trip for Don. I just don't know how this will work out. I pray that things will work out for the best for everyone involved. Please keep Don, my daughter, Bill and wife in your prayers. These are my uncertain views: For Bill, the best...More difficult for the rest?

What's that Anthem?

Tonight, our Baptist Women and their guests visited a local independent/assisted living facility and sang hymns for the residents. That was a real blessing seeing and speaking to them and they really blessed our hearts. One man requested that we sing the Navy Hymn the last time our group went there; however, no one present knew the song. (I knew the song but not the words). Tonight, we were prepared with the words and the music to the very majestic song. As we sang it, the man cried tears of joy and when we finished, he requested that we sing the Coast Guard song. Now, I should be familiar with that one since my brother-in-law is a retired captain in the Coast Guard. I'm ashamed that I don't know this though. Do any of my readers have the words to this anthem?

Moments to Remember

I've been on the computer preparing minutes from our last Women on Missions meeting and drafting a letter to my high school classmates from 1957, and while working, listening to oldies but goodies from the 50's. It's been nice listening to the old favorites such as "Class of '57", "Moments to Remember", "Rock around the Clock", "Myrtle Beach Days" and other great shagging/bopping/jitterbugging songs. I was a big shagger in those days, and a good one at that, even if I do say so myself! My cousin and I used to burn the floor whenever I visited him. Ah, but my first boyfriend and I enjoyed many dance steps together. Steve's dad used to come pick me up and take us with him and his wife to the big dances. In those days, we had many big-name bands who would come around our little Southern town. During the summers, my friends, their families, and I would spend time at Myrtle Beach where shagging was actually begun. And, when we couldn't get there, we would often go to a nearby lake where there was a dance pavilion. (the lake has since been filled in due to some bad kids taking over the site). When I went away to college, we often had famous singers perform for us, folks such as Fats Domino, Louis Armstrong, etc. We didn't have to pay mega-bucks to hear these bands either. Times have really changed since the 50's and early 60's, times I think were the best; my hubby, however, thinks music hasn't been good since the 40's. He says songs weren't silly, etc., but then I seem to remember a song about monkeys ("Abba Dabba Dabba") and mares eating oats and does eating oats and also little lambs eating ivy. (I do remember one of our songs about a purple people-eater though and a caveman named Alley Oop)

Kinds of News

What a week this has been: full of good news, bad news, indifferent news, and no news. The good news is that I received (I think) good news from my carotid lab test; the doc hasn't called yet to confirm but I was told that both arteries were well below the surgical percentage of 70 % or higher. The bad news has been twofold: first, Hubby is down in his back and is in a lot of discomfort and my daughter is experiencing a bout with her childhood back injury; second, news about my brother-in-law who is having a lot of rheumatoid issues and his son is wanting to move them to an apartment closer to him. The indifferent news is my weight which, no matter what I do, my body is indifferent to it: exercise, dietary observance, etc., all because of my medication I do believe. No news is always present; however, I've always been told, mainly by my hubby, that no news is good news. Some things I wonder about but don't know what's happening: How my friends who live somewhere else are doing; The health of family members with whom I haven't talked in quite some time; how our troops and the war are faring this morning; How many people have prayed this morning and have found peace in their hearts; etc.,etc., etc., etc...

On the Go

Once again, I have been remiss in my posting; however, I have really been "on the go". Yesterday, I went with my sister, my niece and her husband to watch my great niece play softball. She is a high school senior and only has a couple more games to play, so I felt the need to watch her at least once. Monday, my sister wanted me to take her shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond so off we go for that, yet, we ended up making a day of that. Today, I spent time with my former co-worker who recently retired. We try to meet somewhere between my home and hers once a month. You know, we have to work at keeping friendships alive, especially when you live many miles apart. I believe it's very important to make every effort to retain friendships. I remember how devastated I was when my childhood friend moved away when we were in the sixth grade (People then didn't move often as they do now and this separation was very difficult). I will never forget one day after I reached high school, that my friend called and said she was moving back to my hometown. She then asked if I would still be her friend. Being children, it was fairly easy to pick up where we left off (maybe a little awkward at first); however, if we had stayed in touch, there would have been no gap (of course, that's difficult for children). Today, she and I are still friends and we communicate via email. I do wish we could see each other more frequently though.

We were to have choir practice tonight but our director is not feeling well; I truly hate that she is sick. "T" is quite talented and I love to listen to her play the piano. Her mom is not well and now she isn't either (she definitely needs our prayers).

I was surprised to receive a phone call for one of our county's former teachers whom I hired many years ago. He has since left our area and is doing quite well as a band director in another county. it's always great to hear from former educators, former friends and classmates. We are busy planning our 50th class reunion to be held in September. I just hope that all will make a special effort to attend.