Being Entertained

I love being entertained much more than sitting home alone with no one around or nothing specific to do, not that I can't find something to do if I had a mind to; however, it's just more fun for me to be entertained. Today was a great day for that because it was another of those lucky days: we had the grands this afternoon. Great for them but unfortunately for me, however, is that they are getting to the age they want to stay outside most of the time. I'm glad they like the outdoors because so many children don't; they prefer being couch potatoes. When I was their age, I preferred the outdoors too (just ask my friends, right, Fran?). I never was one to enjoy playing with dolls or paper dolls like my older sister did; I wanted to be up a tree, riding my bike, playing cowboy/cowgirl games, ball, etc (in other words, I was your typical "tomboy" as we were called then). It's wonderful to know these two love to play on their little bikes, play ball, or even rake up pine straw for their papa. I do miss their antidotes, nevertheless. Now, they are into the RA's and GA's at church and they love that; plus they are in other activities too. That's okay though; they have to grow up and grow out. I'm fine with that so long as they don't grow away. Not much entertainment today.

50

I attended the 50th Wedding Anniversary of some friends tonight. It seems that many of my friends are reaching that level; however, I still have quite a few years to go, 8 to be exact. I hope that we can make 50.

It was great seeing many of my school friends tonight. There were some there whom I haven't seen in years. At least this occasion of getting together was one of the happy ones. Soon, we will be having our 53rd high school reunion and that will be fun once it has been planned. That really takes a lot of work for a few of us who are local and willing to work on the project. Of course, this one won't be as grand as was our 50th. That was special and turned out to be great.

For your information: if you don't have my mailing address, let me know and I will see that you get it. We no longer use the post office box and they are not good at forwarding mail.

weddings...weddings

I cannot believe that I haven;t been on my blog site for almost 2 weeks. I have been busy but also spending a lot of time on facebook. It seems that's where all my friends are hanging out now and I'm learning a lot about and from them. It's a lot of fun and a way to keep up with many friends from the past.

My great nephew was married last Saturday and what a magnificent event that was! They were married at this outdoor area with a lake, etc. When it was time for the bride to arrive, she came in view along the horizon in a white carriage drawn by a white horse. The reflection in the lake was awesome! Then, after the vows, the bride and groom rode off in the carriage together; prior to their leaving, however, they released 2 beautiful white doves! What a sight!

The reception was inside and the band they hired was great: Craig Willard, formerly The Embers...wow!! I love beach music anyway. Wish you all could have seen this. We sent them off with sparklers!

Now, in 2 more weeks, another great nephew will be tying the knot too. Between 50th wedding anniversaries, birthdays and weddings, we are staying very busy. Stay well, everyone.

Fun in Tobacco Fields

I never was one to want to get my hands and nails dirty in the soil and I hated to squat and sow in the plowed rows. But, I always love to see the fields as the crops grow and to watch the farmers as they work to reap the harvest. Surprisingly to many of you, however, I did help my brother-in-law in tobacco: I handed the leaves to the loopers until I discovered my allergies to the sticky substance in the leaves and I began to form rashes on my arms. Then the fun began: my brother-in-law put me on the tractor and I pulled the slides full of tobacco leaves from the fields to the barn where the ladies and the small children worked/played. After I dropped off the full slide, I would then attach the slide which the workers had emptied and I would pull it back to the tobacco field where the primers used Rhody, the faithful though somewhat stubborn mule, to pull the slide through the rows upon rows of ripening tobacco. And the process would begin all over again. At lunch, we would stop, gather at my brother-in-law's parents' house for a wonderful meal. Mrs Lena would set up huge tables filled with several meats, vegetables, desserts, and homemade biscuits! After a brief break, we would go back to work for a few more hours. Usually, we would finish for the day by 2:00 PM. I loved it! (Well, starting to work before 5:00 AM was not too much fun but once there, I loved it). I miss those days (but mostly, I miss my brother-in-law who passed away 3 years ago).

Now that tobacco growing is almost gone and what is left is much more sophisticated, people don't even know how it once was. As for me, I'm still enjoying it, in a vicarious way. I am now an avid farmer on Facebook, a program called FarmTown (there are other similar farming programs also available, such as Farmville and Barn Buddies); I love buying, plowing, planting, harvesting, and selling my products. I have 15 neighbors/friends who will harvest and plow for me; I pay them "Coins" so they can keep their farms going too. Believe me this is addictive. It also gives you the opportunity to witness to others. You can go to the market and be hired out by other farmers; in fact, I went to one farm that had crops planted in the design of the Cross. They are Christian pastors/laymen who witness as you work. Other farmers may show their faith in other ways. And, on Facebook, you are able to identify your religious preferences and, thereby, connect with other believers.

Oh, how our world has changed, much of which is good; yet, much of the simpler way of life with the dependence upon our Maker, is gone. That's upsetting. Let's always keep our Lord first in all that we do.

Sun's a'shining

We had heavy rains last night and it sounded so wonderful as it splashed and danced on the roof of our motorcoach! This was a much-needed rain for the mountains of NC. This morning was very nice, a bit cloudy and cool; we went out to lunch and as we returned, we were hit once again with very heavy rains. Hubby enjoyed the sound so much that he sacked out on the couch and took and hour's nap. I watched an old Western movie. And then the sun came out and the people began moving around the park. It's been interested watching the "moles" appear again. People are so funny; they stay in when it's pretty so often, then when it rains they want to get out. Finally, when they are able to get out, they go bananas! They are walking fast, driving like maniacs, riding bikes, and golf carts (the latter much too fast). Anyway, vacation has once again begun for the people enjoying the BBQ/Fling. Smiles are back on their faces and all is well again.

As for me, here I sit on the computer while I waste the beautiful sunshine! I am out of here!

By the way, note the date: 09/09/09

Liking Labor Day

Although it's a little cloudy and a little too warm and humid for the mountains, I am liking Labor Day. Why? Because we are among old friends (and I mean that in kind and in time). People from the Carolinas meet here for a 10 days of enjoying friends. Families gather together to eat meals cooked on grills (I can't stand to be outside during meal time because I can smell, bacon and ham in the morning, beans and the like at lunch, and chicken or steaks at dinner). The park is about half-full this morning but will be completely full by noon tomorrow. All the best sites are taken and most of them were occupied when we arrived Friday at noon. The rally doesn't officially begin until Thursday so all early arrivals are merely sightseeing, visiting, shopping, etc. Yesterday, we went to the huge flea market at Jamestown and spent much of the day. We had planned to go to Mount Mitchell today but since it's cloudy and due to possible traffic, we will probably stay near the park. Maybe tomorrow we will make that trip or something similar.

All that was happy thought and times; however, I must mention the sad news of the day. One of our childhood friends passed away Friday and family and friends will celebrate her life this afternoon. Although she was about 7 years younger than I, we did often play together as children. I recall the many school days when she would walk to our house to catch the school bus. (We met at my home because we sat on the top of the hill and could easily see the bus as it stopped at the bottom to pick up a child there). On cold days, Mom would allow the neighborhood children to come into the house out of the elements to wait for the bus. I recall that all the children were well-behaved as we playfully awaited the arrival of the bus. Joy, an only child, never appeared to be spoiled and was a quiet, well-behaved friend. After all of us grew up, she moved away but in the past several years returned to the area and often attended our local church, bringing her mom for preaching services. We will miss Joy's quiet nature, her pleasant smile, and her sweet presence.

Fleeing to the Hills

Tomorrow morning, Hubby and I are heading for the hills of North Carolina! I am excited about this trip because we haven't been anywhere since the first of July. Now, that may not seem like a long time, but to us travelers, that's longer than usual. We will be getting the motorcoach inspected, then enjoying a Barbecue/Rally held at the campground, a rally provided for all those who purchased from this RV Center. Although the rally doesn't officially begin until Thursday morning, one has to go early to get a site. The people come from everywhere for this. The BBQ on Saturday and the fireworks show are absolutely awesome! I would venture to say that the fireworks show beats any I've ever seen at the state fair or anywhere else. He really loves them and goes all out! It's worth the trip just to sit back and enjoy this display.

I will be taking my new netbook with me so I will be able to blog if my time allows it.

Birthdays and Fires; Shopping With Satisfaction?

We had 2 birthdays in our family yesterday: our oldest son who lives across the continent, and my brother-in-law. They are both very special guys to us. Bill, my hubby's brother, is in a rehab center and has been there for a couple of years now. We miss going camping with them so much. We went to Alaska together and had a great time (he had been several times and knew all the places to see and things to do). Our son is facing the horrible fires in California now; in fact, I understand they were within 3 blocks of their home. I was thrilled to hear that they are about to be contained now and I hope that will continue. My daughter-in-law has some breathing problems and really doesn't need to be a victim of that smoke.

My sister and I went to Wally World this morning and did a little shopping. For the first time, when the cashier asked me if I found everything I needed, I was actually able to say, "Yes, thank you." She was so happy to hear those words too because she had recently been given "what for" by another customer. Well, that's my first and I know it isn't their fault, but it's so aggravating not to find what we consider almost staples items on the shelf.

fires in the West

My daughter-in-law emailed me today to let me know about the fires in California. Since she and my son live near the flames, she is keeping me updated. It was quite scary for me to learn that the fires were coming within blocks of their home! I hope you will pray with me for the safety of the people nearby; pray for rains and no winds until this danger can be erased. She did tell me that the first fires had been contained but not sure about the second ones yet. What a scary time.

Yesterday, I carried my sister to see the movie,"Julie and Julia", one she had been wanting to see. It was an okay movie; Meryl Streep did an excellent job in her role as Julia Child. I know that was a difficult part to carry out but she did honor to the role. As far as the story was concerned, I would rate it a 3 at best. What about you?