Dateline: Paris

Hello from Paris, TX! I didn't have to leave without my teeth after all. I prayed and prayed and finally was led to take one last look, in a place I had not looked, the couch pillows, and there thery were! God is so great!!

We made about 1100 miles in 25 hours since we left home yesterday at about five and are ready for a good rest. Yeah, we got a late start, LOL.

Julia and Scott both tried to help us arrange a "special visit" for Tuesday or Wednesday, but the new warden has not authorized an off day visit since he came six months ago, so after ralking with Scott on the phone today, we've changed our plans and will make a Sunday visit work one way or another.

I am still suffering with an overactive digestive system and am now having on-again off-again chest pains... not heart attack style, but still sharp and bothersome. The other downer was when we opened the trunk this evening and found the glass shattered on Kim and Steve's wedding portrait. We had packed it SO carefully and cushioned it with pillows, but alas, it was to no avail.

We went to Wal-mart and got a frame for the glass, a really cheap one, only to discover the glass is not glass but plastic! I was too exhausted to go back again and Richard suggested it might be better this way anyhow since we can't break this one... so the picture is reframed... with plastic glazing... and it looks fine!

I continue to marvel at God's mercies and care. I especially appreciated my teeth since I thought I was going to have to make the trip without them. I am thankful, too, for safe travels, mostly in rain, and a good natured hubby. I am truly a blessed woman.

I Dropped My Teeth!

Here I sit writing a blog when we're supposed to be leaving! Yep, a delay, but not for long, I hope. I got terribly sick last night, could not leave the bathroom and had to change clothes several times. No, I'm not on Allie (or whatever it's called). But all that means is that we aren't ready to go yet. Clothes are in laundry limbo and I'm hanging here waiting for two loads to dry.

Also, sometime between when we were at the other house fixing the sprinkler system (in the dark) and bedtime last night, I dropped my teeth. Not a euphamism for being surprized, I literally dropped my teeth somewhere in a black hole. I often don't wear my lower dentures because, unlike the uppers, they don't fit or sit well, so I had them in my shorts' pocket... and yes, I know that's stupid. I even said so to myself several times during the course of the evening, but being busy and not having my purse handy, I left them there.

We have thoroughly searched this place and the car and the driveway, garage and street. No teeth! I'm now going back over to the other house to look while the laundry runs. Richard wondered if they might have fallen in the commode during one of my many bathroom visits... Horrors, I hope not! But I really don't think that's the not case.

On a brighter note, I got Kim and Steve's wedding portrait printed and framed and it looks great.

Well, pray for travel safety for us and for teeth. Thanks

Pleasantly POOPED

I'm pleasantly pooped and happy to sit and do nothing for a time tonight. I've been running and doing all day and am pleased with most of the results, all except my mismanagement of the lawn trimmer. I've never run a trimmer so I had no idea I was missing part of the aparatus as I struggled for an hour and a half with this thing. I replaced the nylon line at least 50 times before giving up. I could have trimmed the lawn edges faster with kindergarten scissors!

Actually, I am too stubborn to realize I should quit when I make no headway; it was the rain that finally made me pull the cord on the electric trimmer and concede defeat. And rain it did, by the bucketfuls it poured. We seem to get more frequent rains here than at the other house, and heavier downpours, too. I love the rain!

Richard is home and we still need to try to fix the sprinkler system at the other house tonight because we are gone on our way to Colorado and Utah tomorrow and it needs to be fixed before we leave. I am excited about our trip. I'm taking the laptop but can't guarantee I'll have internet where ever we end up stopping to sleep. I'll post whenever I can.

Being and Having Guests

The other house is all ready to sell except for painting the driveway and some areas on the outside. Everything we're keeping is out and the beds are both made, the table is set and it looks quite inviting... Now, let's pray the next owner shows up soon and the sale is processed quickly and without complication.

It's hard tp believe we are leaving again in just two days. We'll head out westerly bound on Sunday. We are not at all ready to go, but I'll have all day tomorrow to do that. I will also take Baby Snooks to the vet to board and get Kim and Steve's wedding picture framed. They got married a year ago June and I am just now getting their gift to them. Now, I'll begin work on Tami and Troy... Maybe I can do it in less than a year, but who knows?

I am still amazed at how blessed we are to be in this house! It is great to have all this room. My friend Jill called today and wondered if I had received her letter. I remembered getting it but could not recall what it said... I hope she wasn't hurt. She had written to say she would take us up on our invitation to come stay a while and see the local attractions. She's especially interested in the Holy Land Experience which I just love. Again, I pray she wasn't hurt that I couldn't remember what she said... and to top it off, she had planned to come Oct. 1, but we'll be in Utah at that time. I'll call her tomorrow and make alternate plans... for after we are back and actually have furniture in the house.

Well, we do have the guest room furnished, and the kitchen... but nothing else, really, so it is all quite primitive here just now. When we get home from our trip, I'll do some serious craigslist shopping. There's no way I'll pay new prices for furniture, plus I like really unique things and they are often best found in consignment shops or online places like craigslist. Later!

One of ther main motivations for a bigger home was so we could have a dedicated guest room plus other comfortartable guest areas into which to welcome family and friends. I am qute anxius to get then ready... to have our home be a place of warmth and welcome, as well as a have of peace in a busy world.

I keep fakking asleep, so it must be bed time. NIGHTY NIGHT!

Wedding 1. 2007

Our trip to Denver was wonderful! The wedding was beutiful and time spent with family a true blessing beyond the telling. I really am a sentimental old soul.

It was so good to see everyone again and I am trying to recall the sequence of events so I will have a record...

We arose at three in the morning Saturday and drove to Athena and Brian's. Brian had made fresh cinnamon rolls and there was strong, hot coffee to get us all going. The four of us made the plane with plenty of time to spare and we were in Denver in less than four hours.

We had arranged for a car and hotel (the Red Lion) when we made our flight reservations in June, so everything was ready and we were off to Kim and Steve's house in Castle Rock for breakfast before the wedding rehearsal at the Oxford Hotel in down town Denver. We were all served a luscious lunch after rehersal and later went to a Rockies baseball game. I actually had a great time at the game which most of my family find hard to believe.

Kim had a houseful of folks who opted out of the game. Julia and Wyatt stayed there as well as Athena and Brian... and I'm unsure if there were others. As for us, we had a great room at the the Red Lion. Very well appointed and quiet. After all the busyness of the day, I was ready for a whole lot of quiet.

My leaky brain has already lost track of what happened Sunday before the wedding at 3:30, but the wedding itself is clearly etched in my memory (for now). Tami was walked down the aisle by Richard and Willie, and they both "gave her away," which was a great way to deal with a potentially awkward situation. The vows were lovely and the ceremony Christ-centered and beautiful in all respects. I cried.

Scott called during the reception because he knew most of the family would be there and it would give him a chance to talk with them all. It was loud and I could not hear him, even out in the lobby, but he did visit with most everyone. Kim preferred not to talk with him and I know he was hurt, but I also know there is a lot of bad history caused by years of poor choices on his part, so I can fully understand why she wants to keep her distance.

As I said earlier, Willie was at the wedding. He uses "Floyd" as his name now, but he'll always be "Willie" to me. He has a good relationship with the twins and their families but the others are not close to him. I feel I have forgiven him, but the pain of what he did comes flooding over me when I see him... But the term translated as "forgive" is literally "send away." If I forgive a wrong, I must send it away! God has made it clear throughout scripture that I am to forgive the wrongs of others even as He has forgiven my sins.

At one point as people were seating themselves for the reception dinner, Willie was sitting alone at a table. He looked forlorn and miserable, and I was filled with compassion. I had spoken to him previously, briefly. Suddenly, I was led to take his picture. It would be a way to help him feel included without hurting family members who might think I had forgotten what happened to them. I'm sure the idea was born of God and it was perfect. He beamed and assumed a more relaxed posture after that.

We were both running out of steam so left before the dance. Monday morning, we headed down to Kim's again and hung out with everyone until it was time for Athena and Brian to go to the airport. Kim drove them and Crystal came along, too. We all had a good visit on the way. Crystal has a lot going on in her life and, as all parents do, lots of parenting decisions to make , some of which she thinks I don't approve. LIfe is never simple and I cannot make her choices, not judge them. I would feel better if she understood that I am not sitting in judgement of her, yet I think she feels that's exactly the case.

Actually, I am extremely proud of our children and grandchildren. Like you and like me, they have at times made mistakes... but I casn honestly say that they have learned and grown from those and have become amazing people I would admire even if they were someone else's fimiliy!

So, Tuesday we slept in then went to Tami's. Yes, she's the newlywed, but the Honeymoon was not happening at the time because TROY WAS AT WORK, so, invited, we went on over. She was still radiant (She had been a study in elegance as a bride). Next we all went out to eat at a BBQ place and Kim and Crystal joined us along with Scitt and Karen, two of Crystal's friends.

All but Tami had go get back to work and we needed to leave for the airport earlier because we could not get our boarding passes to print. We hugged, kissed, bade safe trips and headed our in all directioms, full and satisfied.

The flight home was qiock (I read) but there was not enough rest afterward. But our other house is listed.

Busy, Busy

I painted at the other house today, emptied the storage rooms, set up one bedroom, bought bed rails for the other one, but they were too small... also took the dog to the vet where she'll be boarded while we're away. Busy day. When I got back here, I researched why my state disability checks stopped from California... and will be getting one next week. I didn't fix the problem: I caused the problem by messing up a review form. Oops.

Then I tried to search for cheaper car insurance rates. Way too complicated. I couldn't begin to answer all the questions, let alone ubnderstand them, so I did the big cop-out and just renewed what we had. I did visit with the nice young man I gave our credit card number to. He's studying math and doesn't know what he's going to do with it career wise. As we talked, he searched for more ways to save $. We lowered our rate another $100, a break for education, another for changing PIP deductibles, etc.

I worked at the other house yesterday, too, but it takes me all day to do an hour's worth of work. I spend much time looking for whatever I just laid down somewhere or retracing my steps so I can figure what the next step is. Anyway, in the midst of my work, I realized it was time to go to Giveback. I almost opted out so as to try to catch up. I am so glad I didn't.

I need Giveback! I always come away with tons of benefit! Hopefully something I say also helps someone else. I continue to be amazed at how much Dr. Schutz and this wonderful group of recoverers, students, therapists, and family members has changed my life and outlook on my brain and its strange malfunctions. And there is never a charge or fee at all!

Back to today... I was thrilled to get a phone call from oldest son Norman who is going to make it to the wedding Sunday albeit on a truck. He got a load going that way but will not have time to dilly-dally with the rest of us after the reception. I also got a great email from niece Donna. Wish I could see her as well on this trip or the next, but it is not going to happen... maybe another time.

I'm excited about seeing everyone in Denver. Well, I guess I won't see everyone in Denver, just my family members and maybe a friend or two. I have little time to get ready to go, but I think I'll be fine. I'm packing light and going to buy a new outfit for the wedding after I get there so it won't look all wadded up. I'm not cooking dinner tonight, either. It's leftovers or eat out, or cold cereal. Praise God for cold cereal which we both really love.

So, it's been another great day and I am actually getting this posted before I'm dog tired for a change. I'm not taking my computer to Denver, so no posts until Wed. or Thurs. next week.

Organize!

I got a phone call from my grandson tonight. YAY! He says Mickey Mouse Rulz... I think so, too. In only two days I will be able to hug his adorable neck. We leave for DENVER SATURDAY MORNING... EARLY! Oops, caps lock on and I'm too tired to retype.

I pressure washed the other house today. That was quite an experience. It looks great except for one area where there is dirt (or black mold) or something that just will not seem to come off. I had fun with water, but I was at it for several hours, then pulled weeds. By the time I left, I was a muddy mess, and a weary one.

Bible study was tonight, as was good, as always. It boosts my energy level to spend time with my church family and the Lord. When I got home, I began working on the garage and, with Richard's help (after he put in a 10.5 hour shift at Disney) we have set our big storage bookcases in place. Sounds easy enough, but it meant we had to move a filing cabinet, lawn furniture all the boxes stacked on that side of the garage first... quite a chore, after all, and I am pleasantly pooped now.

I have now made a bigger mess of our new home, but I am finally set up to sort and put things away. I think it will go much better. I just need to put up our big metal shelves and we're good to organize!

I am so thankful to have all this space... and on that note, with praise in my heart, I give glory to God and bid you all Good Night!

The World Won't Stop

Busy day again. The carpets and furniture got cleaned at the other house, and we moved more stuff over here. Where is all this stuff coming from, anyway? I keep thinking we got almost everything but we brought a whole car load home again. We also got three huge and wonderful bookshelves. At least seven feet tall, if not eight. Free! Given to us by a dear couple who used to go to our church but are now moving to the other side of Orlando.

We both went to a beauty salon in our local Wal-Mart and got haircuts. Then I did our grocery shopping, and now we're each pleasantly tired and quite mellow as we sit discussing all the things I forgot to do and the calls I didn't make. Thank my sweet Lord that I am married to a gentle and understanding man who leads without pushing or pulling but with tender guidance.

There is a ton to do before we leave very early Saturday morning... but the world won't stop if it isn't all finished. Now, it is time for the simplicity and refreshment of sleep.

And no, I didn't forget what day it is today. I shed tears anew this afternoon, I also thanked Jesus for this day more years ago when my precious friend Carol was born. God is the redeemer of days as well as people.

Cleaning Rant

I spent the day cleaning at the "other house." That's what we're calling the Kissimmee double-wide now. I still need to pressure wash the exterior, wash windows, clean the frig and oven and take out a few last things from the storage room... then it's ready to sell. We'll make arrangements to have the carpets and furniture cleaned tomorrow. It's good to have that finally out of the way.

I've spent several days cleaning here at our new house, too. The lady who lived here was a clean lady, but there are still things you want to clean before using or filling with your own stuff. After all this cleaning, I have a rant about appliances large and small. They all seem to have little grooves or tiny slots that are almost impossible to clean. Seriously, one should not need to clean with a toothbrush or try to run one layer of rag on a fingernail along the groove. I'm convinced the designers of this stuff never clean their own appliances or they would not create such an inconvenience.

We gave away our living room set... the one we bought on http://craigslist.com ...because it wouldn't fit through our door and Richard was not pleased with it. It was in need of cleaning and repair, but I always tend to see things as they will look when restored, whereas he sees them as they are and wisely knows I may never get around to fixing them up as well as I think I can.

We bought a lawn mower and I mowed the yard yesterday or the day before... I can't keep old days straight, but the yard looks great and I need the exercise now that I have moved away from the gym. I had been less faithful about going to the gym anyway. There is plenty of work to do here, and I hope to take up prayer walking my new neighborhood as soon as we finish with our upcoming travels and unpacking.

We leave for daughter Tami's wedding in Denver next Saturday (the wedding is Sunday) then retutn the following Tuesday (a week from today)... then we head out again, driving to Colorado and Utah to visit family, have a reunion and attend wedding celebrations with granddaughter Daisy. September is quite a romantic month!

We'll be away nine days on the second trip, leaving 9/24 and returning 10/2, but since it is a road trip, more time must be spent in travel and some time will be spent on resting along the way, contrary to our usual non-stop driving habits. This is not going to be a wear ourselves down to a nub trip!

Meanwhile, I'm off to check out friends and family on MySpace.

The Cable Guys

We're back online again. Double Yay! The cable guys came shortly after our move and wired up everything in record time and with seemingly no problems. I had the computer in the living room for convenience since the office was not yet set up and I couldn't find all my cables. We couldn't hook up our "big" TV because the power cable had been left at the other house. Richard was picking it up on his way home from work. "No problem," cooed the young cable genius as he put the cable box through its paces with our little TV, "Just hook up the coax to any TV and the wonder box will do all these marvelous things. Again, just plug it in and you're good to go."

We were "good to go" all right, good to go nuts! After the cable guys left, Richard arrived with the power cord and I found all the wiring for our office, so we set it up. You know the rest... no internet, no TV, no cable, no nothing! We connected and disconnected, we tried and retried. We prayed and God heard, but He thought it good for us to work together for a bit longer. Finally, we gave up. Another day might be a better day.

I vowed to call the cable guys again. They were so nice, so efficient, so knowledgeable... and so quiet. I could hardly hear a word they said! To top that off, I had been tired when they came and couldn't seem to keep track of what they were talking about. No doubt, they had been thorough on their first visit and would simply review everything for me if they came again. I was sure the equipment was fine. The problem was with me. I decided not to call them back. Ibstead, relied on more prayer.

Good call! Everything is working beautifully, except for one problem... we now have way more channels than we should have. We ordered the basic deal, no premium channels, but now we have a gazillion channels and all the movie channels, many foreign feeds, something like 400 channels!!!! Also, we are only supposed to have three TV spots, or you pay extra, but every jack in the house is working. All the channels and all the jacks... very nice, but it's more than we paid for. I will call and see what's up.

We are still not moved out of our other house even though we have been steady workers and have had some welcome help from two dear friends. I hope to finish clearing the double-wide out tomorrow so I can get it cleaned and ready to sell. We want it on the market before we leave for Tami's wedding. Less than two weeks to be finished. When I was younger I would have thought it plenty of time. Now, however, I am tired just thinking about it. Maybe I'll recharge my batteries as I cruise some of the 400 channels before the cable company takes them back...