Keeping Close with the Buddies

Tonight, we were able to meet our friends from PA for dinner. They were spending a few days with some of their family who live a couple hours away. We planned to meet halfway for dinner. What a wonderful surprise that was. We camp with this couple in Florida so it was very nice to visit with them awhile in our home state.

Tomorrow, our daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter are coming to spend the weekend with us so we will be having another exciting time with family. We don't spend enough time with family and friends; sometimes we really have to work at keeping close with our buddies. I have a friend with whom I worked for years; now, she lives about 2 hours away and we have to plan to meet. Sometimes that becomes very difficult. In fact, we had wanted to meet next week, but our schedules conflict too badly. We won't give up, however; I hope you work to keep your buddies close too.

Glad every Morning

Another week is half over and the young people are glad of that; I know, because I remember when I was considered a young folk. I was always thrilled when Wednesday came knowing that it was hump day; then Thursday and Friday would be a breeze, comparatively speaking. I recall my parents saying, "You better watch what you are wishing for because, in essence, you are wishing your life away;." And, now I understand what they were trying to get me to see. I wouldn't dare wish for those things now. Even though I am ready to go when the time comes, I'm not wanting to leave this old world yet. Of course, God has his plan and I'm sticking to it. So, for all of you who are wishing the week to end, you may want to think again. Weekends, vacations, etc., are great but going back to work is just part of the plan. Retirement is wonderful: I love it, love it, love it; however, you know your days are shorter when you reach that stage. My point is: enjoy every day, work hard as is expected of you and enjoy the 8 hours; play hard and enjoy those days too. Just thank God for every day He lets you wake up in the morning; and, be glad.

Keep Friendships Going

What an exciting day this has been for us. As soon as I arrived from church this morning, our son, his wife, and our youngest grandchild came and spent much of today with us. The little girl is growing; yet, she remains her sweet, little cuddly self. She is a very good child and cries very little. Now, she is at the stage where she wants to talk to you and that is a sweet little sound as all you parents know. It was a joy having them here today.

Now, we have our neighbor grands with us. They wanted to spend another night with us before having to return to school. They are such a joy to have around though that I look forward to their visits. The girl informed me tonight that they need to spend 2 nights in a row with us; that, they haven't done yet. I told them they would probably have to wait until they were not in school to do that because I doubt Mom and Dad would allow them to stay again tomorrow night. School does begin Tuesday for them.

I have been farming on Facebook tonight after they went to bed. Since television is hardly worth watching, playing the farmer is much more entertaining. Keeping up with friends on Facebook is also really nice. It gives one the opportunity to chat briefly with people you haven't seen in a very long time. Keep those friendships going.

Pampering my "Pets"

Once again, we had the little grands while their parents worked. Since I knew they would have to get up earlier to get ready to come over, I suggested they spend the night here. Well, they were very excited about that opportunity; in fact, the girl said she wanted to just stay here through Monday because they would be here again then. We had quite a good time. Absolutely no problems; just great children! Tell them once and it's done. So, at 8:00 PM we got ready for bed. After brushing teeth, making a trip to tell Papa good night, etc., off they went. The highlight of the night was listening to them say their prayers. The boy began, then the girl said hers and they both ended by unanimously saying, "In Jesus name we pray...Amen". I thought that was so sweet. I really teared up. I can't imagine not having such sweet children in my life! I hope you have the same.

Now that the children have gone to Karate, Hubby and I are going out for dinner and let someone else pamper us. I will miss having the little ones to pamper tomorrow though.

Grands are Grand!

Since Mom and Dad have gone back to their jobs at the schools, we have been keeping the two 6-year-old grands. They are such good children that it is a pleasure to keep them. They are constantly entertaining us; right now, they are with their papa riding around in the golf cart and looking for fire ant hills. That is one of their favorite things to do with their papa.With me, well, they prefer that I provide their snacks. Both of them are reading very well. The boy read 28 pages of "Dick and Jane" and later the girl read some Bible stories to the papa. I'm very impressed with their progress, especially since they have only completed Kindergarten. I do hope they will enjoy first grade and school for the next 12 years PLUS!

Our revival is over as of last night and I must say that we had 4 excellent nights of services. Our visiting minister was absolutely outstanding; it was a pleasure and a privilege to go to church this week.

Coming Home for Homecoming

This morning, we had several visitors who came back for our homecoming services. It was great seeing them as usual. Our lunchtime was fabulous with a lot of delicious home-cooked items. I think everyone enjoyed the meal and the fellowship. The sermon by our visiting minister was excellent as always. Tonight, our revival began and, once again, the visiting minister delivered a very inspiring sermon. My young friend, Charles, and I sat together and took notes. So many references were made that we had trouble keeping up at times.

We had a guest pianist and soloist who was also great. Tomorrow night, a choir from a nearby Methodist church will bring the special music.

Tomorrow, Hubby goes for physical therapy while I go to the audiologist, probably for my last visit for awhile. This is the last consultations that I will have before the hearing aids are mine permanently. I guess it's about time since it's been over a year, a much longer trial period than is usual. I think I will keep them though. They do help but not cure. I didn't have time to put them in this morning and I noticed how often I had to ask people to repeat what they were saying. They say it's better to get them before you really get bad and I guess that's what I have done. I am bad enough that I need something though. My friends are grateful for this, I am sure!

My Weekend

My weekend has been wonderful (except for a pain in my back which I cannot figure out unless it's from sitting over my laptop too long and aggravating it). I was invited by a friend to attend their ladies' luncheon tat their church. It was really wonderful. Bill Leslie, newscaster on WRAL-TV, presented a great program. He read from his book, "Blue Ridge Reunion", sang songs that he has written, played the guitar and the Celtic flute. He is a very talented young man. If you ever get the opportunity to hear him, I highly recommend him.

Tomorrow, we have Homecoming at our church. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, some of whom I haven't seen since last year. Tomorrow night, our 4-night revival begins with the Rev. Kenny Wallace bringing the messages. I do hope we have a good crowd to hear him each night because he is wonderful and he's leaving his huge church to come and inspire us.

School begins in another week or so. I will be keeping our grands while Mom and Dad go back to work. I know they are dreading leaving the little ones again. However, I will enjoy having them with me. they are very special grands: well-behaved and a pleasure to be around.

Time for Family

As I said earlier, I am so involved on Facebook that I don't seem to find the time to blog over here much. I've been playing some of the farm games and that's quite entertaining; I really shouldn't sit and do that so much but it is quite addictive, especially on a rainy day like today. But, you meet such fine people on there too. I know that you can be fooled by some people but usually, you know when you are communicating with nice people. I don't give away my secrets anyway, like home, address, phone numbers, etc. We keep everything very impersonal. Mostly, the ones I talk with it ends up being about our religion, college and something like that.

I wish some of my other friends would join up. I try to stay safe with it.

This week has been a very busy one; homecoming is Sunday at our church; revival begins Sunday night. And, my son wants to come home and bring his new baby here for the first time. How can I say no to that? I know he wants to come so badly so I guess I will not be able to stay for the meal. I guess that's ok though since we will be having another meal on Wednesday evening. Anyway, church will take precedence in my life from Sunday until Wednesday. I think I should give the 3 hours to my son that one afternoon, don't you?

Daredevil in the Family

Can you believe that I have a brother-in-law who is a real daredevil! This 80 + year old man loves to ride his ATV, specifically in the mountains and deserts. Right now, he is located out West somewhere riding with a friend of his. It seems that he was riding a pretty rugged trail when his top-heavy ATV got too close to the edge of the trail which happened to be a fairly sizeable drop. There, he lost control; the 700-pound ATV plummeted carrying him part of the way down before rolling over him. Then it continued to roll over 5 times before landing right side up at the bottom of the incline. He was so fortunate, however; bruised ribs, banged knee, and probably a headache. He mounted the machine and drove back to his camper, rested a day or two and is now riding 15 miles a day. He is having a ball! Now, I know that we have at least 2 daredevils in our family because Hubby doesn't mind climbing on top of our RV to wash/wax it, even with a bum shoulder! What nerve!! AT least, they don't give up or give in, a lesson for all of us (maybe not in such daring ways, however)

No Tax Today (well, on some things)

as I said last time, Facebook has taken precedence over Blogs lately. Actually, I haven't been too faithful with either of the two. Since we arrived home a week ago, it seems that I have been unable to catch up with all my other "duties"/plans. I rushed back for our high school class luncheon, which, by the way, was very good. I thought it was great that we had 18 present. I have had bridal showers to attend, friends to meet for our monthly luncheons, and, visit to see the youngest of the granddaughters. The baby is now 7 weeks old, has gained 2 pounds and 2 inches since her birth; and, in the eyes of a proud grandmother, still a very pretty little girl.

This weekend is tax-free weekend in our state but I haven't had a chance to even go shopping. it's a great time to purchase writing supplies, computers, clothes, etc. too. The event ends at midnight tonight so I may not be able to participate this year at all. Maybe I will hit the local drugstore; they carry a good line of writing materials. We need to take advantage of these special purchase times, especially since they come only once a year.

Facebook taking precedence

Ever since I have joined Facebook, I am neglecting my blog. I'm finding that I can talk to more people and keep up with many of friends through that method. I have been hit by over 20 friends so far and usually get hit by at least one new one each day. It really is a lot of fun to carry on conversations with friends through the chat room.

Tomorrow, Hubby goes back to his surgeon for his follow-up appointment. His niece from Washington is stopping by first in the morning though. We always enjoy going by the K & W for lunch when we have to go to his surgeon's. That's a great outing for us.

Today my sisters and a niece and I went shopping for wedding gifts. I have one great-nephew getting married in September and another in October. Then I received an invitation to a shower which is happening Saturday. We had to get busy getting shower gifts. WE had good luck, though, so that's behind us, at least for one of them. There will have to be at least one more shopping trip to take place though.

Readjustment Time

Coming home after being away for a couple of weeks or more takes some readjustment. I miss my family members and friends who are left home but I do so hate to come back and get settled in again. My whole mind and body has to get back in the groove of the everyday life and routines. It usually takes some doings for me, more so than Hubby I think; however, ever since we have been home, he has been saying, "Let's go again; I'm ready to go." He comes in, mows the yard, runs other errands, checks his mail, pays his bills, and is ready on a moment's notice. I need a little more time since I am so involved with the church and other things. There are just things I have promised to do.

August is already upon us! I cannot believe that schools will soon reopen, that summer will be ending, people's vacations will be over for another year, and cooler weather will remind us to begin Christmas shopping. Wow, it won't be long before Christmas lists will start coming in (at least, I hope I will get lists sooner this year). I want to catch the sales and finish earlier. I guess that is what life requires: a constant readjustment time, from season to season, holiday to holiday, and just changes in plans.