CHRISTmas Delights

Where would I be without Christ? If you're like me - you have those days when you wonder if you really are a devoted Christian - or is it all a hoax perpetrated on mankind. Whenever I get in that frame of mind, I remember that my assurance comes from the written Word and is enhanced by all the times that I actually encountered Him in the daily living of my life.

Well, I had another one of those fruitful experiences this past week. It started with Breanne and Scott's wedding on the 20th. It was so very lovely and so Christ focused that I began recalling all the changes that He has brought into our marriage. Too many to try to share - but so real. Then we moved on to Christmas Eve at our church.

We are not a 'with it' church - the 'it' being all the trimmings of the contemporary church - band - drums - praise singers - pastoral jokes etc. We really are a very traditional church with a small congregation - wonderful choir and small orchestral ensemble - reading of lots of Scripture and singing the old Reformed Hymns. On Christmas Eve, we were really drawn back to the miracle of the incarnation. "God became flesh and dwelt among us..."

Our Christmas celebration was festive and fun. The dinner that followed, thanks to the cooking magnificence of Mrs. Chris (Jihae) was a wonderful turkey and ham dinner with all the goodies. But best of all was the warmth and relational interaction of parents to children,- brother to brother - sister to sister - and everything in between. We thank God for all of our loved ones. What a gift he has given us in them.

Watching Justin throw the babies up and down endlessly was hilarious. Meeting one of Chris's police buddies was enlightening. Reliving the wedding while we looked at the pictures that Susie had thoughtfully put into two albums was great. Watching the Suns lose their Christmas Game in the last four seconds was.......Well - you fill it in.

So now we face the start of a new year. It looks like it could be a difficult one in some ways. But - here again - we have to remember that our citizenship is not truly in this world, though we are challenged to participate as if it were. We are reminded again to pray for our leaders and our nation - and for the peace of the world. Maranatha.

Thank God for the Christ that became flesh and dwelt among us.

Thanksgiving - a constant joy!

Well, it's that time of year again - the prescribed day in which to give thanks. But if you're like me - thanksgiving is a habit that started when you first began assessing your life in the light of your faith.



We've always had so many things for which to be thankful - and I confess - that I was not always aware of them. Or if I was aware - I wasn't nearly as quick to thank anyone. But life's training through trial and blessing has made me into a 'pollyanna' of sorts. I truly belive that 'all things work together to good for those who love God and have been called according to His purpose.'



Today I am especially thankful for our sons, Wes and Matt. When they took over the CPA business, they worked very hard and have turned it into a truly successful business. We had the joy of touring their brand new offices today and was I impressed? They are beautiful and very well thought out. We are so proud of them.



But I also have to proclaim that I am still basking in the hard work of our kids (Glenn, Susie, Jason, Barb, Robert and Justin) in reNEWing our home and yard. It looks so lovely and it's such a joy to walk outside and see everything so beautifully groomed and the house painted after 22 years!

And I'm so grateful for the wonderful ministry that Neil and Lisa have. A mother who is so blessed can never be ungrateful. They gave us such a wonderful weekend last month that we're already talking about the next one!



God has worked so many things out for good and we are grateful. I pray that all of you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving - and be praising God for His wonderful plan of Salvation and all the rest that goes with it.

What a wonderful family we have! I am basking in the love of Barb and her crew ( I'm not sure who they are yet) and Glenn, Susie and Jason. Why now? What makes me so specially thankful for them?



I am now 77 - and my honey is 78. We feel like we're a very young 77 and 78 until it comes to doing a major project. When we moved to our present abode 29 years ago - everything was fun. It was fun to see our house planted in the ground (mobile home). It was fun to landscape - decorate - modernize - update paint and jump into all of the projects with gusto!



But something has happened in the last five years or so. It's not fun anymore! But we have mastered the art of accepting things as they are - because we really didn't see how we could change them.



Well, now we get down to the good point of the story. One day a few weeks ago Barb had to drop off some dishes we had left at her house. That night I got a call from her and before I knew what was happening - I heard this angel talking about paint - and trim - and masking tape and ??? She had made an appointment to come and paint our home with her 'crew'. She is starting tomorrow by power spraying the house with water to get it ready to paint.



I had been looking for someone to clean up the yard (just to pass the city rules about sloppy yards) and I had asked Glenn to find me someone. Susie called me a few days later and told me that she had found someone... Jason!!



I can't tell you how thrilled I was because I wanted to help Jason out while he was unemployed - but when Monday morning of last week arrived - we had Glenn, Susie and Jason.



They worked so hard all week - and not only did my yard but Ronnies too. But what was most wonderful about the whole thing was the spirit in which they did it. It was hard work - but they were sooo cheerful and sweet that it made it like a blessed gift.



They aren't done yet - but good news! Jason got a job! We are so happy for him because he's been looking for quite awhile. And it sounds like a great job for him.



Anyway - our yard will be beautiful - and our home will be brand new all because of the blesssings of grown kids who knew just what to do 'for the old folks'. Can't thank them enough.



My prayer for them is that 'what goes around will come around' for them in their later years.



We have been blessed by all of our children and I certainly don't want to leave any out. Each one has a special gift that he or she gives so willingly - and we appreciate all of them.

THE CHALLENGE.....

We had the pleasure of spending the past weekend with our son, Neil and Lisa, his wife, and our delightful great grandchild, Lexie. It was one of those memorable times for many reasons....

I always love to spend time with our kids. And each one has his own special identity - that personality that makes him so special - and the family that each one heads.

Lexie is Neil and Lisa's first grandchild. Oh, yes, I know you didn't think of me as the mother of a grandfather - but in truth, I'm the mother of three grandfathers!

We did so many fun things. Lexie, seven years old, read to us in such a mature and dramatic way. She had gotten fifteen books out of the library for the weekend! And she read several of them to us with all the emphasis, gestures and faces that made them come alive.

And speaking of alive - we went to the Gaslight Theatre and saw "Frankenstein Lives". We laughed so hard that if it's true that laughter stretches your life, I'm good for at least another ten years. It was such fun and so nostalgic.

The fellowship was so very precious. Neil had TIVO'd the Eric Hite funeral. He was the policeman that was killed in the line of duty and was a member of Saguaro Canyon Church. Neil, as his pastor, gave the message and it was beautiful. When he first came on camera I wasn't sure it was him! He was so handsome; gray hair, a suit and tie, and glasses. He looked like a genuine pastor. There were over 4,000 people in attendance and he told us how Eric had always wanted to bring his fellow officers to the Lord and to church. And in God's own special way they all were here - at one time - hearing the Gospel at the cost of Eric's life. Several of these men were truly touched and attended a Bible Study at the church for several weeks.

His message was passionate, loving and kind. The results of that message has affected all of Tucson since it was televised on several channels. He became the best known pastor in Tucson in the matter of just a few minutes. Were we proud? Guess!

But that was just the beginning. On Sunday morning he preached on Revelations 1:9-20. He had prepared a sermon that he discarded after realizing what a WOW moment this must have been for John. So he wrote a new one - and it was right on spot. He reminded us that John was probably feeling that his life's purpose was over and then he saw Jesus after probably at least 50 years - and Jesus gave him a new task.

"Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this."

He reminded us all that our tasks for the Lord are not over. We each have a gift - or a memory - or a challenge to fulfill. What is mine?

I learned a lot from Lisa who was such a relaxed and loving hostess. Her relationship with Lexie is fruitful and full of 'teaching' moments. How lucky Lexie is to have her grandparents love.

On the way home we were filled with such lovely things to talk about. And again, I share the question with you...... What is your challenge from God? What would He want us to be - or do?

Thanks Neil and Lisa for such a lovely memory. We will treasure it.....

Party time and God's precious Gifts.....

Wow! It's been 24 days since my last blog! What have I been doing?

I can honestly say that this has been a very special Month for me because of all the celebrations and parties that I've been involved in. We just barely got through Bob's 78th birthday on August 29th, when I shared my 35th birthday lunch with my dear friend of 36 years, Neysa. More about that later.

Then I shared a wonderful birthday lunch with my dear friend, Mary (whose birthday was two days earlier) and our breakfast-lunch group on the Monday in between. And then, we had a real fancy feast at Red Lobster on the following Friday, courtesy my dear sister and neice. This, too, was shared with our same group of our wonderful friends.

My birthday was blessed with calls from all of my sons starting early in the morning and ending with a beautiful choir rendition of 'Happy Birthday to You' from Wes and Kim's family. What a special treat!

I also had cards and calls from Grandchildren and friends galore! They are all so special to me.

My wonderful husband gave me a brand new desk for my birthday! For those of you who know him, that means that he re-contacted it with a lovely soft color that is very restful to the eyes. He also did my computer table and now I feel quite neat and tidy.

My honey turned 78 this year - and I follow him by one year. Imagine my surprise when I got a loveletter from him celebrating MY 78th burthday!
I wouldn't let him change it - and told him I'd save it and read it again next year.

Now, to get back to Neysa! We started our friendship in 1972 thanks to our Pastor, Vincent Strigas. Neysa had come to our church and it was always Vincent's pleasure to pair people up, so he called me and sicked me on her. My pupose was to disciple her in her new-found Christian faith. She, like I, had always attended church but only recently was led to Christ.

My joy has always been to disciple those that the Lord gives me to the point where they take the lead in the relationship and start to disciple me. And this happened early with Neysa. She was so spiritually hungry that she'd study voraciously and memorize and study some more. She is and was a delight to mentor, and in the process became my best friend.

And that's what this blog is all about. One of the reasons our friendship has been so rewarding is because Christ has always been at the center of it. We have gone for months without actual contact because of our large family responsibilities and busy schedules, but as soon as we are together again, we pick up right where we left off.

We treasure our times together and have many wonderful memories of trips we took - conventions that we attended together - friends we have shared - trials we've shared - and our relationship to each other's kids. What a blessing! She has been with me through the hard times and the fun times. Always faithful and always there.

Many of you are young now and just starting out in your adult friendships. Might I suggest that you make it a point, early on, to include your wonderful Savior as part of each one. Pray together. Confess yours sins to each other. And encourage each other. And then, perhaps, you'll be lucky enough to say 36 years later - that you've tasted a little bit of heaven right here.

OUR TROOPS (serving at home)

This is a picture of
Bob holding Art

It was November 10th, 1951. My wonderful husband-to-be called me at my American Airline office (I worked in Lost and Found at the time) and invited me out to a wonderful night at the home that we would one day inhabit. We had bought this house with a fifty cent down payment on July 28th of that year. Why do I remember the date? Mainly because that was the day we were officially engaged after my dear Bob had asked my Dad four times for my hand in marriage and been denied. The purchase of the house finally convinced him that we were serious about getting married. He approved with the caveat that we not be married before March of 1952.

But - November 10th changed all that. I was excited about this extra night at the house because we were only allowed to date three times a week, but Bob had cleared it with my folks, so here we were. As Bob drove, I peeked in the backseat and could see his blender pitcher sticking out of a bag. On inspection - I saw that it was a pitcher of dacquaries!! Bob's dad made them just for the occasion.

After dinner, we sat down on our secondhand couch and toasted ourselves on our wonderful happiness. Then the bomb fell!

Bob looked very serious - as he revealed that he had received his draft notice, and that he was due to leave on January 8th. My immediate reaction was - "well, then we'll just have to get married before you go."

I won't bother with the details but the fact is that we were married eleven days later. I'm sure that everyone was counting the months to determine if we "had" to get married, but the truth is, that we were both so well brought up that we'd never do anything 'like that' out of respect for our families and our God. Neil wasn't born for two years after that. We were fortunate in that after we were married, we were given a year's delay so that he really didn't leave until 1953.

Once Bob was stationed in Alaska, we had been apart for fourteen months. And that's what this blog is all about. Having had first-hand experience as an Army wife - I need to tell you that when you are praying for our troops all over the world - please don't forget the families they leave behind. I went back to work when Neil was only six weeks old. It was a very hard time in my life.

I remember missing out on a choir party because I oveheard one of the sopranos saying that they wouldn't invite me because I would be 'all alone'. They missed the fact that that was the very reason I should have been invited. I hope I'm not sounding like a whiner because I really had such a wonderful core of friends and family to soften the blow.

But when I read about the number of troops that are away from their families I think of all the things that their families have to deal with. Money - for one. Our troops don't make a whole lot of bucks even now.
It often means that the wife has to go to work and sometimes even bare their fist child alone. I had Neil in a charity ward and although I really am grateful for the experience - it can be humbling.

Then, there are the holidays. This is perhaps one of the most challenging times to get through. I could go on and on - but the purpose of this blog is not to biograph our lives, but just to remind you to pray and 'do for' these families, as well.

GROWING RICHER

For most people - a title like this would immediately inspire thoughts of great new ways to gain material wealth. But for my purposes, growing richer really means growing older.

The older I get, the more I realize my wealth. For instance, I have a pretty secure roof over my head....I have a storehouse of food, frozen and otherwise... and I have a closet bulging with apparel. If you check out Matthew 6:25-34 - then you know what I'm saying. And having all this wealth - I need not ever worry!

But what happens if I lose it? What if I am overcome by a flood (Gustav), War (Russia), famine (most of the third world)? Will I still consider myself wealthy?

I can honestly say yes! Because at my age, I have enjoyed all of these privileges and I thank God for that - but my greatest privilege is to be a child of God. He has always been at my right hand (Psa. 16:8) and has brought me through many storms and set my feet on higher ground.

And so, with great joy, I praise our Triune God and surrender gladly to His challenges and chastenings. May this be your experience as well.

OUR HERO RETURNS

Hurrah! He's home! Yes, after almost eight years serving our country in the Army, Staff Sargent Jason Watson is back home where he belongs. Susie and Glenn had a wonderful coming home party for him at B.J.'s Brewery on Sunday evening and we all gave a sigh of relief.

I figured out afterwards that for the last eleven years we have had at least one grandson overseas serving their country. We couldn't be prouder of them. Most gratefully, they all came home bruised but not broken. Praise God for his mercy.

Jason moved right into the home he has been financing with three friends for the last six months. They'll have a great time sharing stories - and getting on with their lives.

Jason is very shy about talking about his medals, but we understand he has quite a few that he earned at some cost. Again, thank God that he's home.

Love to all......

Our Children having children having children......

We are now a full-fledged family of four generations! It happened much quicker than I thought it would.

The first generation is us, Bob and Jaye.
Then Neil was born and we became mom and dad to three more sons.
Wes brought Andrea into the world and we became Gramma and Granpa to ten grandchildren plus 2 more by his second marriage.
And now we are GG (great gramma) and GGpa (great granpa) to eleven great grandchildren starting with David and going all the way down to Topher.

I must caution you to the facts! The kids came two years apart. The grandkids came one year apart - but the GGkids come only months apart.
As a result - I have discovered a flaw in my character! I'm just not as good at recalling all of the birthdays of all of the progeny as quickly as I used to.

You guessed it! Today is Cooper's first birthday. If I hadn't gone to Watsonsplace.com and saw his darling pictures - it might have slipped right by. For some reason - it was not in my day-timer for this year and I am utterly ashamed of myself. Please forgive me Coop - and the card will be in the mail tomorrow.

What's it like to be a great grandmother? It's just amazing. We are so lucky to have our GGs so close to us. We get to see them more often than many of our friends do and we treasure that.

At this point in time, we have the joy of seeing them grow through the stages that are so adorable - and watch their parents grow in 'wisdom and knowledge' that surpasses description. If you read our granddaughter, Jihae's blog (baby havin babies) she gives a day by day account of the joys of Lilly and Topher. She has a real gift for writing transparently and makes one feel the ups and downs of motherhood.

I often say that I have no problem with being a great grandmother! But the realization that I am the mother of three grandfathers is overwhelming.

I wouldn't trade this time in our lives for anything. We are no longer sitting in the prime section of the auditorium - the parents occupy that place now. But we're content, no thrilled, to have been set back a section or two so that we can see the whole panorama of the family functioning in their various roles, and to cheer them on.

God has so richly blessed us - and we give all the glory to Him for his wonderful generosity. Our quiver is filled.

I'm not really an outdoorsy type of person but I do remember when I was!
We lived in a suburb of New York City when I was about eight years old. After school, and especially in the summers, we rarely saw the inside of our house. My mom's favorite greeting was "change your clothes and get outside in the fresh air". We never disagreed because 'outdoors' was where life was really taking place.

We lived within walking distance of a huge 'lot'. This lot was fairyland - outer space - the wild west - and in the winter - igloo heaven. We always had games to play and they all began with "let's pretend......". And we had imaginations - let me tell you. Sometimes the 'we' was my sister, Ronnie and me but more often it was my friends, Bunny and Madeline.

We were instantly transposed into ballerinas, detectives, pioneers, movie stars or whatever. We just had to say "Let's pretend....." And we took off from there.

In the winter, our call home was the streetlights turning on. We knew when that happened that dinner was probably almost on the table so our games ended abruptly and we ran home knowing that we would get the strap on our legs if we kept Mom waiting. In the summer - we would try to have at least one watch between us. Usually it was Bunny's mom's because we couldn't afford such a luxury, and she was a very loving mom.

On Art Mohler's program today he mentioned a survey that said young kids today spend the major part of their day in front of some technological gadget. They either text each other on their cell phones - watch tv - play on their computers - or whine about having nothing to do. How sad!!!

One of our big games was to define the characters sent to us through the clouds. We'd lay on our backs in the grass and identify horses, dogs, soldiers, ice cream cones and anything else that appeared feasible to us. So much time to just think....dream....create...compose. But never time to be bored.

I pray that my great grandkids are spared the distactions of technology until they have had time to develop their own skills of creating, imagining, and dreaming. May they hear the music of the insects as they go from flower to flower.....and the whooshing of the wind through the trees - and the smell of good fresh dirt just ready for planting... and the voices of other kids nearby playing ball of some kind. Life is to short to be enslaved by technology. Save that for the adult years - they last a long time......
.

FAVORITE DAYS???

Today is Friday - and I always thought that Friday was my favorite day because it ended the work week. Well, since I am retired now - I've chosen a new favorite day. And no, it's not Sunday (forgive me Lord). That's probably because although our time of worship is refreshing - and our Pastor's sermons always challenge me - for years it was the day that was too busy for the mother of four and wife of an Elder. So many potlucks - meetings - choir rehearsals etc.

No, my favorite day now is Monday. When I was a working woman, we called it Blue Monday. Maybe because it started the long week after a busy weekend. But now I like it because it is my official day to catch up on my reading - fellowship with some dear friends for breakfast - listen to sermons by so many godly men - and really enjoy my home. It's the day when I look over my 'birthday' list and send cards. I try to make calls to the dear friends that mean so much to me and don't get to see.

It's my 'let it all hang out' day.

Every day has its own adventures. For instance, today I heard that our grandson, Jason, will be coming home from the army, for good in just a few weeks.

We're rejoicing with our grandson Chris and his family at the news of their bid being accepted for a new home - closer to us!!! And then Barb, our dear daughter, called to tell us that she has sold her home, and will be coming down next week to start to look for a home here. So many wonderful happenings in our lifetime drama.

I got a call from Neil to bring me up to date on the West's trial. It's a difficult situation that has brought so much tension to their lives. I pray that you will pray for them and for a fair outcome. Their church has been so faithful to uphold them in this difficult time. What a blessing this church is to all. Neil has found his ministry so fulfilling.

Talked to Wes the other day and he shared that the new office building has been purchased!! With luck - they will be moving in sometime this fall, probably October. They'll have to design the interior as it is just a big shell right now. Pray for strength and energy to make the move. They'll need it.

Syria started back to school this week. She and Matt had a great summer redecorating their home. But it was hard work. Now, Matt will transfer his talents to the new office. Fun???

Susie is up in Oregon visiting Barb and Jerry. They're having fun picking berries, sightseeing, reminiscing and planning Barb's return to the Valley. Meanwhile Glenn is holding down the fort - and no doubt, hanging out with Brooklyn whenever he can. He likes his new job at the Firehouse driving the Command Van. No more para-medic-ing.

Beth got her new horse, Callie. She's quite a bit smaller and younger than Hopper was but just as lovable. She's ecstatic.

Well, that's my news for today - and I don't know how I got so far away from my original theme - "Monday". But old ladies are forgiven a lot. So thank you in advance.

MY HANDYMAN

Life has many changes in it. Today I haven't left the house once. Of course, it's only 2:45p.m. - but it seems strange to me. I've always been one to start out early and run until late, but today's different. Why?

For one thing, I've come to the place where I really enjoy my home. I guess that's not too uncommon for women my age and stage. But it's crept up on me. I'm not thinking of things I want to change - or redecorate - or replace or redo.

I've been fortunate in the fact that my husband is a 'handyman'. I've always just had to mention a change, and he's been quick to get it designed, shopped for, worked on and finally done. That includes everything from replacing the water closet (toilet) works to building a second floor on our house in Levittown, N.Y.

And he is always so cheerful about it. He's not a griper about anything except the corruption in politics and the disgust he has for movies today. He's a gentle man, a kind man, with a sweet disposition and lovable dry humor.

I see him in our sons but also in our grandsons. He's left them great footsteps in which to follow. I've told him for many years that he is also an artist. He does very unusual things with this talent. His mind is always at work. He has built some very unique artifacts.

How many houses have the Sisteen Chapel on their living room ceilings? Or Flagpole Sculptures made of golf balls in the backyard for both the American and Arizonan flags? How many women can boast of a perfectly designed Studio that meets all hobby needs; computer and desk paraphenalia; storage shelves for 45 boxes; bookcases for dozens of bibles, books and study materials; and a shelf for my guinea pigs cage; and a huge table for hobbying on? Well, thanks to his constant loving care and affection, I can.

I hear some women 'put down' their husbands, and I thank God that I never have a good reason for doing it. I'm not perfect and I'm sure I've said some things that might be considered unkind, but it isn't because he deserves it.

He's not perfect either - but his imperfections just make him more lovable. For instance, his short term memory is really going. And I find that encouraging because mine is, too. We laugh at the things that are happening to us as we grow older, and thank God that we don't have to keep up with the 'youngsters'. We don't know how a man can marry a second wife half his age. She'd never understand what aging puts one through. And how do they adjust to the music???

While I've been writing this I've had an idea for one more thing that I'd like to do - but I think I'll wait for another week or two before I mention it to my Honey because he needs a little down time - just for himself.

A NEW FRIEND

I wrote this the day that I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Little did I know how prophetic it would be.

A New Friend
CIGNA WAITING ROOM Feb. 6, 2001

As I look around me, I see the effects of aging on the many patients sitting here. Many who were once vital young people - farmers, laborers, mothers, executives - all are bearing out the truth of the second law of thermodynamics. Everything Decays.

My aching seems trivial. The ravages of real disease takes a grim toll of the bodies of my companions. But what lays behind their eyes? Happier days I trust. Maybe even continuing joyful experiences. But today - they are set aside with pain.

Pain! The friend and enemy of all men. Friend because it signals a possible problem. Enemy because it interferes with the living of life. Why not go silently - quietly to the grave. Why must they groan - Why must I?

Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good... and that includes pain - discomfort - disease. Dis-Ease! The absence of ease. The ease that in my younger years I took so for granted.

Yes pain interrupts my plans - my desires - my peace. It wakes me in the night and says "Here I am, make friends with me. I will be your companion from now on.

So as I sit here - praying for a miracle shot - some wonder drug - a healing touch - I am aware of all these lovely wizened lined faces that I see around me. Now I say resignedly,

"Welcome my friend, Pain - but please don’t stay around too long."

WHAT DO SENIORS DO WITH ALL THEIR TIME?

Wed. July 9, 2008
Here I am again. It's 10:30am and I've done all my immediate chores including breakfast, feed the piggies, read the newspaper, check out emails exercise in the pool, and have my personal devotions. I started all of this at 6:30am.

You wonder what the senior generation does with all our time? Well, for one thing, we take a great deal longer to do what you do. Getting out of a cushy chair for instance. I've watched you pop out of my recliner with a baby in your arms and a diaper bag on your shoulder. (You know who you are).

Well, for me - getting out of my recliner has become a challenge. First of all, I have to put my shoes back on - now that sounds easy - but in the course of my changing positions I've inadvertently kicked one slightly out of reach. Soooo, I stretch out my right foot and slide just far enough to feel my chunky bottom slide off the seat as my foot connects with the wrong shoe. But don't worry - I have a 'quick backslide' that lets me hang on to the security of my seat..

I decide that it isn't worthwhile to put the shoe on anyway, and prop myself up on the arms of the chair to put into action my failsafe lift. Now, here's another problem I didn't consider. My once muscular arms are now kind of flabby and - well let's just say it - not dependable. Sometimes they respond just right - but other times - they just buckle under.

No fear - I have a plan 'b'. If I put my right arm on the seat beside me (it's anchored) and my left arm on the wonderful hefty marble topped table that Grampa made me - and push both at the same time.......Im up! Now, all I have to do is get my shoes on.

The left shoe is no problem because it's right where I am standing. But that right shoe has slid off to the wrong side and I have to hop to it. Well, perhaps 'hop' is the wrong word. I kind of wiggle to it. Then I have to turn it over with my left foot. Have I ever told you about my left foot? It's the one that I leaned on for so many months before and after my hip surgery. It's a great foot and I truly love it. But lately it seems to think that it has a right to be lazy at times. And why not? It's been holding me up for almost 77 years now . I understand. But today - it just doesn't want to report for duty. So, the heck with the shoe! I can pick up another one later.

Now, this little action has taken twenty minutes so far. And I'm not even three feet away from my chair! Well, dears that just the beginning of my day. If I'm lucky the rest of the day won't get any more complicated. After all, I have to have some time to relax after all this exertion.

But I guarantee you that I will make it to my 'group date' at Costco at 2pm. We meet there and have a hot dog or pizza or maybe even a chicken bake. Have I told you about our group? We can have anywhere from three to fourteen people show up. We usually have about seven. We range in age from 84 to 2. That's Dolores (our friend who became a lawyer at 76 and is still practicing!) down to Brooklyn(our great grandchild who comes with her Nana, Susie). We'll discuss politics, Christianity, the price of gas, our kids, grandkids and great grands - and then we'll leave promptly at 3:30 - or mayble 4:00 if one of us gets stuck to the bench.

Hope your day is a full and satisfying as mine is.
Gramma

4 GENERATIONS!

I'm entering the world of blogs in response to a request from my grandson, Todd. Besides - it sounds like fun and a good way to fill in time on those hot hot days ahead.



What will I talk about? Christianity, Politics, The election, Good reading, family history, food, relationships, events = you name it! I'm just going to let my mind wander through all of these topics and probably more. I hope this is what you want Todd.



Let me start by thanking God for the lovely family that we are part of. Dad an I are so grateful for each other, for our fine sons, for our daughters-in-law, our grandkids, and now great grandkids. Boy, that came fast. It seems like each day brings a new surprise. Tonight we'll be celebrating Justin's 30th birthday.



I remember a wonderful experience we had when he was only about ten. We took several of our grandkids on a camping trip to Big Lake. We were with friends from church and had such comfortable fellowship. The big event was that Justin caught his first fish! Was he thrilled! He's an avid fisherman now and his lovely wife, Jennifer, encourages him.