Gayla's Gabfest

Patrick Update

2010-05-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

EDIT: At his 6 month physical yesterday, 6/3/10, Patrick was 30 1/4 inches tall and weighed 22 pounds, 5 ounces. WHEW!

Patrick is 6 months old already. He has 2 teeth, sits up, tries to crawl, chuckles, belly laughs, coos, loves peek-a-boo, and still eats like a horse. He is still extremely large for his age. I don't know his weight and length, but he wears a size 12 months with no room to grow, so will soon be wearing a larger size. I also know that after babysitting him last Monday, and carrying him, and holding him, my arms hurt for two days. He is a good natured baby only crying when he is sleepy or hungry. These are solved easily. One thing, though, if he starts fretting and you know it is getting time for a bottle, it better not take you long to fix it, or he will soon be wailing at the top of his lungs. Also, don't let him see it while you get it ready, or he will cry like he is being tortured. It's kind of funny how intense he gets with his food! Like Daddy, like son..... My boys ate me out of house and home from the day they were born until they moved out. LOL

He has lost most of the dark hair he was born with, and it looks like it is coming in fairly light. His eyes are light blue, but look darker in these pictures.

He got his passi upside down, and I thought it was cute.

Crooked, slobbery smile. Must wear a bib at most times, or his shirt gets drenched!

Getting big.....ger...

Happy eyes! Cutey, lovey doll! (Can you tell I'm a Grandma?)

6TH Place Ain't Too Shabby

2010-05-24T22:16:00.001-07:00

Paris at Night

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you will remember that I belong to a photo sharing website called, Webshots. This site has biweekly contests and I enter them periodically. I have never won 1st place for any of my photos, but I am happy to announce that the picture above won 6th place in the most recent contest. It was for the challenge entitled "City Life". You may remember that I have had two different photos chosen for two of their special "albums", though.

Here is the web address if you would like to see all of the winners.

http://www.blog.webshots.com/

Yay, me!!

Everglades National Park

2010-05-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday after I got off the ship, some of us headed to Ft. Lauderdale to hear Bro. Saiz preach. He was preaching at Bro. Elm's church, and he tore it UP! This is where I had gone the previous Sunday. That afternoon, Steve took me to the airport to meet my friends, Tim and Joyce. They were flying in from S. Carolina to spend the next 4 days with me. We had made plans to see the Everglades, and then go down to Key West. After dinner at the Florida Diner, we said "good night" to Steve, and headed for our hotel.

It was a blustery, cloudy, Monday morning the day after the cruise. After sleeping in that morning, we wandered around the Ft. Lauderdale strip for a while. We had an air boat tour of the Everglades scheduled for 4:00 that afternoon, so we took the opportunity before it, to see a little of Ft. Lauderdale.

This is the view in front of our hotel.

The Ft. Lauderdale "strip".

Next, we drove around the Las Olas area taking pictures (and dreaming). This is obviously, where the abundantly wealthy live. They have their "vehicles" parked at the edge of the water in front of their houses....sigh....

Ft. Lauderdale's nickname is "Little Venice".

Around 3:00, we left the Ft. Lauderdale area and drove to meet our air boat tour guide. This one was coming in as we were waiting for ours. It is similar to the one we rode. We had a two hour private tour. Our guide was "Capt'n Dave" and I must say, he was quite smitten with me from first sight. I don't know why, but he was NOT subtle about it at all! (It was really quite funny, and made for a lot of jokes over the next 2 days.)

I love this! Lily pads and reflection in water...

Tim and Joyce in the front of the boat. I sat up at the top of the boat next to Capt'n Dave.

Capt'n Dave let Joyce and me drive the boat. I went first. It was not as easy as it looked! I had us going all over the place until I got the hang of it. Then Joyce and I switched seats and it was her turn. She was better at it than I, but it was still funny. I took a picture of her driving, but I didn't think to give her my camera when I was driving. She took pictures of me with her camera, but I don't have those, yet.

More lily pads.

It got pretty narrow in places.

We saw a LOT of 'gators!!

One was swimming right in front of the boat.

And right beside....

Beautiful sawgrass and the blue water.

A heron, I think...

A red shouldered hawk.

A vulture.

There were a lot of "camps" in the Everglades. These are family owned and have been passed down through generations. They own only the part that is standing, and if it is torn down, they lose ownership. (At least, I think that is the way he explained it.) Believe it or not, these are worth millions of dollars due to the cost of having everything brought in by boat.

I have a lot more pictures of this day, but these give you the idea of what we saw.

Tuesday....Key West.

Cruise, Part Two

2010-05-03T18:10:00.001-07:00

Before I continue, let me say this: I realize that my telling of the cruise is extremely lengthy. I apologize if it is boring to you, but it is rather like a diary for me, so just skip through if you get tired of reading, and look at the pictures. Some of my pictures are really beautiful and if you want, click on them to enlarge for better viewing.

Thursday we were docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We girls, (Heather, Sherry, Barb, Kathy, Diana and I), got off the ship and hired a tour from the pier. This tour took us around most of the island, including an old fort, Castillo San Cristobal. We stopped there for several minutes and I took many beautiful pictures from high up in the fort. We also stopped at several other places where we took some great shots of the water, etc. Our tour let us off in downtown where the other girls wanted to go shopping. I wandered around town with the others for a while, taking pictures of the beautiful architecture while they shopped. Since I don't even like to go shopping at home, I don't want to do it when I'm in a beautiful, foreign place with much sight seeing to do, so, I took off by myself roaming around a bit before heading back to the ship. I, then, made my way up to the eleventh deck to take some more beautiful pictures while looking back at San Juan. I also wanted to get some great shots as we were leaving...and I did.

That morning when we got off the ship in San Juan, the wind was blowing something fierce! I guess I had not looked out the window, or been outside, because I didn't know this when I got dressed. I had worn a very light, full skirt and a hat! I'm sure I was a comedy for others as they watched me trying to hold on to my hat, my skirt and take pictures all at the same time!

When I got up to the eleventh deck, the wind was even stronger! I finally gave up on the hat and tucked it into my skirt so I could use my camera. There were several from our group up on that top deck taking pictures also and we were all having a grand time with the wind! HA!

As you can see in most of my pictures, there were awesome thunder clouds in the sky all day, and it started to rain as we pulled away from San Juan.

This was the Fifth Day...and it was good!

Friday we docked in Grand Turk. The water here was incredible! I hadn't booked any excursions, so some of us brought along our own snorkel gear and headed for the water. We were walking down the beach away from the dock and people, and came upon an area that was filled with Conch shells. (I can't believe I didn't take a picture of them!) We picked through them and found some really pretty, unbroken ones. I started to bring one home, but they were really heavy, and my luggage was already to the weight limit so I gave it away. We swam and snorkeled for quite a while, then sat and dried off for a bit, then found some food. I didn't take very many pictures because I was in the water for most of the day, but here are some that I did take. That evening was our second Elegant Night, so I had to get back to the ship and do something with my wet, stringy hair! We had dinner, stood around and talked, went to the PG comedy and Karaoke and stood around and talked some more. It seemed as though we all could make the cruise last just a little longer, by not going to bed.

This was the sixth day, and it was good.

The last day of the cruise was a day at sea. I didn't do too much. Slept in, wandered about the ship and packed. I didn't take very many pictures that day. Really, about the only pictures I took were of the Carnival Legends show that night. I told you about this show in the last post. Two of "our people", Scott Garrett and Susan Justice tried out for, and won, parts for the show. This made it even more interesting and hilariously fun. I have included pictures of some of the other singers with the names of the "legends" they were portraying. I know this won't mean much to those of you that weren't there, but this is for those of us who were.

And this was the seventh day, and it was SAD....

Monday...white

Friday...TAN

On Sunday, it was hectic with everyone going their own way,and getting rides to their own destinations. We said quick goodbyes again as we ran into each other. And then it was over for another year....Next year, Spain and Portugal!

Cruise, Part One

2010-04-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

I left Fresno headed for Miami early Saturday morning, April 10, 2010, with great anticipation of my trip ahead. I reached Miami about 6 PM. I was met at the airport by my friend, Steve Epperson, who lives in Ft. Lauderdale. (We met on the trip to Italy in 2007.) We had dinner and visited for a while, then called it a night.

The next morning, he picked me up and I went to church with him. His pastor is Bro. David Elms, and did we ever have church! Steve said that church never lasted longer than noon, so we would have plenty of time to grab some lunch, then he would take me to the port of Miami. Last boarding call was at 2:30PM and sail away was at 4PM. Of course, Bro. Elms was a little "extra" anointed that day, so at several minutes after noon, when he had us all stand, Steve and I crept out. We rushed out to his pickup only to find that it was blocked in! Someone had parked behind him, and another in front, with cars on both sides. This was actually quite funny, but Steve was a little anxious, knowing that you can never trust traffic, and wanting to get me to the port in time. We finally got someone to move his vehicle and we were on our way. I made it with lots of time to spare, of course...!

I said goodbye to Steve, and got in line to board the ship. Several "old" friends from past trips starting showing up. There was a feeling of excitement, as we all started talking and catching up with each other. Of course, it was easy to spot more of "us" that I hadn't met yet, also in line ahead and behind me. I finally boarded ship and headed for my stateroom. I didn't know any of my room mates, and wondered if I would meet them now. The room was empty, so I put down my carry on, and went out to the top deck to take pictures as we pulled away from Miami. At 4 o'clock the ship started moving. Everyone started screaming and shouting with excitement. It was so funny!

At 5 o'clock, we had our first meeting in the Green Room. It was here that I met my room mates. Kathy and Diane and I were in one room, and Heather, Sherry, and Barb were in an adjoining room. They were all from Illinois and all went to the same church. They were a lot of fun, and welcomed me into their group. At 6 o'clock we headed to our first dinner of the cruise.

After dinner each night we all headed to the PG comedy show. These were good, clean comedy shows that were really, really funny. They actually became the highlight of the cruise (while on board ship, anyway). After the comedy, we usually headed for Karaoke. This was hilarious fun since a lot of our group could sing. We usually kind of took over the Karaoke since there were so many of us. One night another cruiser passed us and said, "I know you are all Pentecostals, so that means you all can sing!".

(I will tell this part now, so it makes sense to you later. Multiple times throughout the cruise they had "try outs" for the Carnival Legends show that was put on the last night of the cruise. They had cruisers try out for the parts of James Brown, Ricky Martin, Brittany Spears, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Elvis, Frank Sinatra and others. After each person would sing for the try out, whoever got the most cheers from the crowd won the part. That person had the rest of the week to practice the song and had a costume fitting on Saturday. Saturday night was the Carnival Legends show. It was awesome and hilariously funny since two of our people tried out and won parts.)

I think there were 113 singles that went on this trip. There were at least 2 people that were 18 years old, and the oldest was 84. There were so many people that I did not learn everyone's names. I tried, but couldn't do it.

This was the first day, and it was good.......tomorrow Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

ALL OF US SAM CRUISERS

On Monday, we were docked at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. First on the agenda was a beach volleyball game. This was great fun, although my team got slaughtered. (The ball only came to me once, otherwise we might have won...! LOL) After the game, I left and changed into my swim wear and headed to the water. I got this swim wear especially for the cruise. It worked out perfectly, and I am so glad I had it! There were about 15 - 20 of us ladies with this swim wear, and we all loved it. (If you would like information on where to order, let me know.)

After swimming for a while, we had lunch. The ship had set up a buffet of many different kinds of food for all of the cruisers. Delicious, of course. After eating, Linda and I walked around the island taking pictures, and getting a bit of exercise, then it was time to get back on board the ship.

This was the second day, and it was good....tomorrow, a day at sea.

Tuesday was our first day at sea. I slept in until about 9:30, left most of my room mates sleeping, and went in search of breakfast. I went through the buffet line and after getting my food, I searched the dining room looking to sit with someone I knew. I didn't see anyone I knew, but I saw another lady from our group sitting alone. I asked if I could join her, and this is how I met Shanell Hudson of Arizona. I love these trips, not only for having places to go, but for meeting new friends. Shanell and I talked for hours, discovering how much we have in common, then it was time to meet in the Green Room again. This time we introduced ourselves. We had to tell our name, where we were from, something about ourselves, and if we were an "Over or an Under, or were we just happy to have some..."....that, in reference to our toilet paper! (In case you were wondering, I am so fanatically an Over, that if I come to your house and it's Under, I'll change it for you.) LOL

This was a lazy, kick back day and I don't know what happened to the photographer in me, but I didn't take many pictures. This night was our first "dress up" dinner. Then, it was PG comedy and karaoke again.

This was the third day, and it was good.......tomorrow, St. Thomas!

Yay! St. Thomas! I was looking forward to St. Thomas because I was going snorkeling for the first time in my life. I have wanted to for a long time, but never had anything to wear in the water. Did I tell you how much I LOVE my new swim wear??? I have always wanted to go sailing, too, and I "killed two birds with one stone", on this trip.

We were headed for Buck's Cove. They passed out our masks, snorkels, fins and life vests and everyone got geared up.

When we got to Buck's Cove, there were two ways to get off the boat. There were stairs with a long line of people, or there was the "express line". One of the crew men was helping people jump off the side of the boat. I wanted to go the stairs, but knew it would take a long time, and I wanted to get in the water, so I took the "express line". I was a bit nervous about jumping in, so the crew man had me sit on the side and slide in. I still couldn't do it, so I told him to push me in, and push me in, he did! Over the side I went and the water went over my head. I must confess that I came up a little panicky. I was hyper-ventilating and knew it, so I swam over to the steps and grabbed the rope of the ship. I held on for a few minutes to calm down. I was still rather nervous when the crew men started asking who wanted a "pool noodle". I got one, and that held me a little more out of the water and I was good after that. Our "tour guide" took off and I swam after him. I tried putting my face in the water and breathing through the snorkel, but when I did, I felt panicky again. I loved what I saw in that brief moment under water, so I kept trying until I felt comfortable. By the time we had to get out of the water, I didn't want to. I was having such a great time. I saw a baracuda, many, many different fish in various colors of the rainbow, a coral reef, a ship wreck, Fire Urchin, (don't touch) White Urchin, Conch, Brittle Sea Star, sea anemone and so many other things. That was one of the most fun things I have ever done! I took an underwater camera, but I must not have put it back together correctly after putting in the batteries, for it filled with water and wouldn't work. Rats!

After snorkeling, they took us back to shore and Avis, April and I went to find lunch. We found an outside cafe and all ordered different kinds of sea food and then shared with each other. It was delicious!

When we had our fill, I went my own way and headed up to Paradise Point. I met up with Tim, Sarah, and some others, and we rode the sky tram up. I took several pictures from that vantage point, then headed back to the ship for dinner, PG comedy and karaoke.

This was the fourth day, and it was good....tomorrow San Juan, Puerto Rico. Next post....(next week).

Back Home

2010-04-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

The cruise is over. No more seeing the ocean out my window. No more "old" friends and new friends everywhere I turn. No more having my blankets turned down for me. No more towel animals on my bed. No one to unfold my dinner napkin and place it on my lap. No one to cook my meals and have them at my beck and call. No more PG comedy shows that were hilariously funny. No more karaoke and "Carnival Legends" shows. No more snorkling in beautiful turquoise water. No more....

I landed back in Fresno at 5PM last Thursday evening. I return to work tomorrow and my vacation officially ends.

I had such a wonderful time. I will tell you more about it and have pictures galore to show you soon.

25 Days

2010-03-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

But who's counting?

April 10, I leave Fresno for Miami, Florida. On Sunday, April 11, I board ship headed for the Eastern Caribbean on the yearly SAM trip. I am getting excited. I have so much fun on these trips. I am the only one who has been on every one of them. (Which is proof that these trips are for fun and to enjoy with like-minded singles and not to find a mate! LOL Although, there have been several weddings as a result.) I have met so many wonderful people on these trips. I have made life long friends from all over the U.S. and Canada.

The cruise is 7 days and we will leave Miami headed for Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. From there we will go to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk. We arrive back in Miami on Sunday, April 18. Tim and Joyce, (my friends who recently got married as a result of the Hawaii trip in 2006), will be meeting me there. We plan to go to the Everglades on Monday, and then possibly to the Florida Keys after that. We really aren't sure exactly what we will do, but we will be staying in Florida until Thursday, April 22.

I will be home for the month of May, and then on June 11, friends from Louisiana are coming to visit for a week. They want to pack as much as possible into that week, so we are going to stay busy. We will be going to Pismo Beach, Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, where we will be staying in a cabin for two nights, and San Francisco. If I can find any time in there, I will take them to Monterey.

I really need this vacation. The hospital has been full to over flowing lately. I have been working extra days, not only to help out, but to pick up some extra fun money while I can.

What are your plans for vacation this year? Are you going anywhere, or just staying home and relaxing?

Words and the English Language

2010-03-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

I love words, and the English language fascinates me, so when I got this in an email, I just had to post it. I found it very amusing and I hope you do, too.

You think English is easy???

Read to the end . . .. a new twist

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce .

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present .

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row amongst the row of oarsmen about how to row ..

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line..

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible..

PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick' ?

You lovers of the English language might enjoy this .

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is 'UP.'

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP ?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP ?

Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report ?
We call UP our friends.

And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver; we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen.

We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has real special meaning.

People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.

A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP !

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary.

In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used.

It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP ..

When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP...
When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP.
When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so.......it is time to shut UP!

Now it's UP to you what you do with this email

A Song in My Heart

2010-03-02T22:07:00.000-08:00

I pretty much always have a song in my heart. To keep from singing aloud in public, I whistle. The song breaks out through my whistling and most usually, I am not even aware of it. Here is a common conversation as I walk into a patient's room....

Patient: "Oh, that's you I heard whistling out there. It sounds so cheerful and happy."

Me: "I am happy. I have a song in my heart that my God gives to me, but I whistle because I don't think you want to hear me sing!"

Patient: "That's just awesome. You don't hear people whistling or singing very much anymore."

For the past several weeks I have had a song in my heart that just won't go away. Not that I want it to, I love this song. Here are the lyrics.

"I Can Only Imagine"

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

[Chorus]

I can only imagine [x2]

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

Will we just stand there in awe for a while, or will we immediately begin to praise and worship Him? I can only imagine. Just to be in His presence forever! Walking with Him forever! I can only imagine, and I can't wait to see HIM!

3 Months Already

2010-02-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe, but Patrick turned 3 months old last Sunday. Here are some pictures I took on Friday while I was babysitting. He's getting to be fun. He coos and "talks" and smiles and laughs. He has found his hands, but can't quite make them do everything he wants. He's very good at getting them in his mouth, though. He is already fighting sleep. When he starts to nod off, he gets really mad and starts crying extraordinarily loud. It won't be later, but right now it is quite funny.

Yesterday

2010-02-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

For my first time ever, I went snow-shoeing yesterday. I have been trying to do this for several weeks, but something always happened to prevent it. I finally made it yesterday and it was so much fun. Hard, and tiring, but fun.

I went with a couple of friends, Jesse and Julie Hall. When we left town it was so foggy we could hardly see. As we started climbing the mountain we left the fog behind. The weather was ideal for snow-shoeing. The sun was shining and it was about 58 degrees. The sky was azure blue with hardly a cloud. After we started the climb, I soon shed my jacket.

We were climbing in Kings Canyon National Park, going to Panoramic Point. The climb was 1,000 feet in 2.5 miles with a round trip of 5 miles. It was steep and I had to stop to rest quite often but I was determined to finish. We started climbing about 10:15 am, and made it to the top about 12:30 pm. As I was climbing, an old song that we used to sing when I was in youth choir came to mind. "Climbing up the mountain, trying to reach the top.....almost finished my battle, gone half way and I just can't stop. At the end of the mountain there is faith and trust, I can see Jesus waiting there to meet us. I thank God, I've almost reached the top." That was what I was thinking as I was climbing. Sometimes, (but not always)living for God can seem to be all uphill, but it will be worth it when we reach the top!

And it was!! It was so beautiful looking at that panoramic scene. We could see Hume Lake and all the surrounding mountains in the distance. We spread out our mats, took off our snow shoes and sat down and ate lunch. We stayed up there for a couple of hours taking pictures, and resting before we headed back down. As I was trying to put my snow shoes back on, I thought I would lean up against a tree for support. Ha! NOT! Near the tree the snow was so soft, that I sank up to my knees and Julie had to help me out. Of course, she had to take pictures of me before she would help. It was so funny! Going down was much easier (but still not easy) and didn't take as long.

As we were driving to the mountains we passed an old fireplace in the middle of a meadow. I told Jesse that I wanted to stop on the way back and get pictures of it. I don't know the history of it, but it appears that a house either burned down, or was knocked down and left the steps and fireplace standing. It is just the kind of thing that I like to photograph. We did stop on the way home and I got several pictures of it. I also got a few shots of the beautiful sunset that we saw on the way home.

Here is a slide show of a FEW of the pictures I took. Enjoy...

The Language of the Fan

2010-02-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

One of the courtship rituals during Victorian times was the language of the fan. Here is some of that language.

I desire your acquaintance.....Carry fan in left hand in front of face
I wish to speak to you.........Close fan
Follow me......................Carry fan in right hand in front of face
Wait for me....................Open fan wide
You are too willing............Carry fan in right hand
Kiss me........................Hold handle to lips
We are watched.................Twirl fan in left hand
Yes............................Rest fan on right cheek
No.............................Rest fan on left cheek
I love you.....................Draw fan across the cheek
Do you love me?................Present the fan closed
I love another.................Twirl fan in right hand
You have changed...............Draw fan across forehand
I wish to get rid of you.......Place fan on left ear
I hate you.....................Draw fan through the hand
I am sorry.....................Draw fan across the eyes
You are cruel..................Open fan across the eyes
I am engaged...................Fan very quickly
I am married...................Fan very slowly
We will be friends.............Drop the fan

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day

Playing Catch-Up

2010-01-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

I think it's past time for an update on this blog. All two of my readers are probably wondering what's up over here.

We had a great Christmas. It was at my house this year. We had my parents, siblings and the offspring of almost all. The only people missing were my sister, Verlaine, and two of my grandchildren. We had ages from 90 years old,(my Dad) to 1 month old (Baby Patrick)and everything in between. It was Patrick's first Christmas, and I was so busy holding him that I forgot to take very many pictures, but here are a few.

My son Ryan is back in school at Fresno State University majoring in Marine Biology. Because of his interest in this field, he has chosen to become a volunteer at the Aquarium in Monterey. He had a meeting to go to on Jan 5th, so I went with him and we spent a couple of nice, lazy days there. First we went on the 17 mile drive. I hadn't been in several years, and Ryan had never been. It was foggy in Fresno when we left, but it was the most beautiful weather you could ever order up when we got to Monterey. It was sunny and cool, but not cold. Perfect! We stopped at Spanish Bay and had a picnic lunch, then continued on the 17 mile drive. By then it was getting dusk and Ryan had to be at his meeting. While he was in his meeting, I walked around the wharf and Cannery Row taking photos. It still was not freezing cold, and it was nice to walk around. The next day, we went to Pacific Grove and just wandered about taking pictures. We also went to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary there in Pacific Grove. We saw lots of butterflies flitting around in all their beauty. Here is a slide show of those two days.

Last Saturday, I went to Nathaniel's wrestling tournament. It had been raining all week before, but that day it was not. The rain had washed the skies clean and you could see the mountains very clearly. It was a gorgeous day!

Patrick was 2 months old on January 21st. He had his 2 month appointment last Monday. He weighed 16 pounds, 15 ounces (1 ounce shy of 17 lbs.) and was 25 1/2 inches long. Needless to say, he is a BIG BOY!!! I knew he was huge. My arms were aching for quite a while after holding him a good bit on Saturday. Here are a few pictures from that day.

Nathaniel turned 10 on Dec. 21st, Alayna turned 4 on Jan 1st, Mom turned 83 on Jan 10th,and Caleb turned 6 on Jan 20th. And time marches on....

This is cool.....Enjoy

2009-12-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

This and That

2009-12-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

It's a busy time of year. Do I hear an "Amen"?

I've been so busy, I haven't even bought ONE Christmas present. Don't worry, I will. I'm a Grandma and "Auntie" I have four grandchildren and two little nieces that I would NOT disappoint!

Here's what I've been doing......

Cuddling baby Patrick.

Decorating my house, and getting it ready for Christmas. We will be having family Christmas at my house this year.

Taking pictures of the moon...(and the next door neighbor's house).

Walking Christmas Tree Lane and taking pictures.

But, for the last several days facial tissue has been my best friend. I have a horrible cold/bronchitis/pneumonia bug raging. (Well, ok, probably not pneumonia.) I really think I may sneeze or cough a lung up soon, though. I cannot go shopping until I get over this. If I have to, I will find some elves to help. I go to the doctor tomorrow to see if I'll live...

Hope you all are having a great Holiday Season! (Please pray for me.)

HE'S HERE!

2009-11-21T23:27:00.000-08:00

After 34 hours of labor, Patrick Aaron Doherty finally made his entrance into the world today at 6:09 P.M.

He weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds, 10 ounces and was 22 5/8 inches long. He has a head full of hair. At first his hair looked really dark, but after it was washed you can see that it is actually a light brown...for now. He is very alert and has had no trouble latching on for his food, for which he started begging almost immediately! (Just like his Daddy, this little boy.)

We are so thankful that Mommy was actually able to finally deliver this precious one, without tearing or even an episiotomy. They were being very careful with the pitosin, trying not to overstimulate her uterus since Nathaniel was born by C-section. That was one month away from being 10 years ago, so she really wanted to try having a VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) this time. It didn't look good there for a while, but then finally, there he was. They will probably get to go home tomorrow. Baby and company are doing great!

We give a great big THANK YOU to all of you who were praying. We really appreciate the prayers. This Grandma is exhausted and is going to bed now!

One side note: This is rather special to me. Today would have been my Grandfather's 105th birthday, so Patrick and Rev. Jesse Hawthorne share the same birthday. I love it!

Not Here, Yet

2009-11-18T22:30:00.001-08:00

As the above ledger says, "I should be here by now", but he's not. Typical stubborn boy, don't you think?

At the last doctor's appointment, the decision was made to induce labor this coming Friday, 20th if he had not arrived before that. When talking to Aaron and Candice today, they may change that plan. They made an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow, and will decide then if they will go ahead and induce on Friday, or give the little bugger a few more days to decide on his own.

I sure wish he would hurry up!! I am so anxious to meet him!

Baby Shower

2009-10-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

He's due in about 3 weeks, but we all know that he'll be here when he decides he's ready to see this world.

His name will be Patrick Aaron Doherty. When his Daddy, Aaron, was a little boy, he would say that when he grew up this was the name he would name his son. He is getting his wish. I like it and I can't wait to meet the baby who will receive this name. Another grandson. It's a good thing I like boys!

We had his baby shower this weekend. It was exciting to think of him actually using all of the goodies that he got.

Mommy (Candice) is feeling ready anytime he is....

The cake was sooo cute! It was actually a lot of cupcakes.

G.G. (Great Grandma) made him several blankets, hats and booties and a bunting. They were adorable.

He received a lot of wonderful gifts. We are all anxiously awaiting his arrival!

The Wedding

2009-10-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

She was from the West Coast, he from the East Coast.

She from the North, he from the South.

She from Canada, he from the United States.

But, God in His divine providence brought them together in a land of paradise.

The most important page in this storybook union of Joyce McCoy and Tim Smith will be turned on September 19, 2009.

This is the way their wedding invitations read.

It all began in June, 2006 on the Single Adult Ministry trip to Hawaii. This is where they met, and long distance dating began. She visited him, he visited her, many phone calls and computer conversations happened.

In November 2008, on the beautiful coast of Florida, he proposed, and she said yes! They immediately applied to immigration for the proper paperwork for her to move to South Carolina. It took until July 2009 for everything to be approved. She moved to South Carolina with just a month to finalize the wedding plans.

Because Tim and I had been best of friends for several years, I was asked to be a bridesmaid in the wedding. It was my honor to stand up with two of the best people on earth.

The wedding was beautiful. The reception was "Hawaiian" themed since that is where they met.

Enjoy the pictures of the wedding.

Great Doctor!

2009-09-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

This has been around for a while, but I think it is still funny, so I'm posting it for those who may not have seen it.

His practice has no room for new patients! Now, he's a medical wizard!

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?

A: Heart only good for so many beats, and that it... Don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually. Speed up heart not make live longer; that like say you can extend life of car by driving faster. Want live longer? Take nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. What are these? Vegetables. So, steak nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give 100% recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine. That means they take water out of fruity bit; get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: If you have body and you have fat, ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Cannot think of single one, sorry. My philosophy: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods fried in vegetable oil. How getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only do sit-ups if want bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: You crazy? HELLO ... Cocoa beans! Vegetable!!! Cocoa beans best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming good for figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies:

1. The Japanese eat very little fat

And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat

And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine

And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4 The Italians drink a lot of red wine

And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats

And suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION.......

Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Greece, Part 3

2009-08-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you thought I would never finish telling you about my trip to Greece. Well, a little over 4 months later, here it is!

As I said in the previous blog, on Monday we made it back to Port Piraeus, boarded our bus and drove down the coast of Attica to Cape Sounion.

Cape Sounion is the southern most point of continental Europe, at the point of the Attican Peninsula. The Temple of Poseidon, built on a site set back from the sheer cliffs and with its magnificent view of the Aegean Sea and islands, was ideally located for worship of the powerful god of the sea. In ancient times, mariners would see the white marble columns of the Temple of Poseidon and know they were close to home. The temple was built in 444 BC.

We took many pictures of this area, but really, it didn't take long to see all there was to see here. We were supposed to go back to Athens and have the afternoon free. Then on Tuesday, we were to go to Corinth in the morning and have the afternoon free in Athens again. After some begging and coaxing by us travellers, we finally succeeded in getting the tour guides to take us to Corinth on Monday afternoon. Then we had the full day Tuesday to do what we wanted in Athens.

So, we boarded our big, purple bus again, and off to Corinth we went. It was a bit of a drive, so we stopped for lunch when we entered Corinth. Just down the street from where we ate, we could see the Corinth Canal. Before the Corinth Canal was constructed, ships had to travel all around the Peloponnese, which added approximately 185 nautical miles, and several days more travel to their journey time.
The Corinth Canal, which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. The Corinth Canal, though only completed in the late 19th century, was an idea and dream of two thousand years ago. The work on the canal was done by a combination of French and Greek workmen. The Corinth Canal was actually based on the “Panama and Suez Canals”, and has often been referred to as the “step-child” of these canals.

After lunch, we went to Ancient Corinth. It was another site of glorious ruins. After seeing Ephesus though, it was a bit anticlimactic. It wasn't nearly as well preserved. It was awesome still, to picture Paul here in this city.

On Tuesday, some of us got an early start and went to the older area of Athens, called Plaka. We got out our maps, obtained a map of the subway, and set out. We had to walk for several blocks to the nearest subway station, then we rode it to the stop nearest Plaka. (If you go to Athens and ride the subway, watch your wallet. Some of our fellow travellers lost theirs to pick-pockets!)

We spent the whole day walking, and walking all over Plaka taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful old buildings and sights. We were absolutley, totally, exhausted by the end of the day, so we opted to take a ride on a miniature sight seeing train. We sat in the back, and Gypsy children kept hopping aboard begging for money, and trying to sell us trinkets. We made sure our purses and bags were tightly held in our laps. It was very annoying and I finally turned around and loudly told one child to get down. He wasn't startled at all, and looked me in the eye, and loudly told me something in Greek...and did NOT get down! They were very brassy, bold children.

While walking about in Plaka, we came upon a "demonstration". We gleaned some information from a policeman, who told us that a factory had closed and these people had lost their jobs. They were protesting the loss of their jobs. I don't know if they expected the factory to re-open, or what. They parked themselves, including tents in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in downtown Athens. It was quite a sight. The terrible economy situation is world wide, it it not just an "American" thing.

After an exhausting, but exciting day in Plaka, we headed back by subway again, to the hotel. There we had our last dinner together in Athens. It was sad to leave after seeing old friends, and making new ones. My friend Joyce, made a very apropos statement. She said "This trip 'ruined' me!". I found that statement quite funny after seeing ruins, after ruins.

Early, early Wednesday morning we boarded our bus for the last time. It took us to the Athens airport where we had to wait a couple of hours before they would check us in. Apparently our flight was delayed a couple of times. This was April 1st, so Bro. Saiz took the opportunity to tell us that our flight had been cancelled and we would have to stay another day. Then he said "April fool"! We believed him, because they kept delaying our flight, so it was believable. I was disappointed when he said "April fool". I wouldn't have minded staying another night!

Our flight home was extremely LONG, but uneventful. It was another wonderful and great trip that the U.P.C. Single Adult Ministry (SAM) put together. Thank you Bro. Erickson, Sis. Saiz, and Bro Walls for all you do for us singles!

My Featured Photo

2009-08-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

I have another photograph featured on Webshots!! It is the picture above, of the famous Tunnel View at Yosemite. This album is titled "Where You Live". We were to send in pictures of (obviously) where we live. This is the picture I entered.

Those of you who have read my blog for a while, might remember that I had another photo featured. HERE

Here is the link for the slideshow to the complete album. It has some really awesome pictures if you care to go see.
slideshow

What Will It Be?

2009-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

We found out today, that Aaron and Candice are having a BOY! Boys are good. I ought to know, I have 3 of them! This will make 1 granddaughter to 3 grandsons. The boys are winning. See the bar above to follow the progress.

Happy Day to All. Stay cool......

Trip to Greece, Part 2

2009-06-09T17:36:00.001-07:00

As promised, I will continue telling about our trip to Greece.

Our Greek Island cruise continued to Rhodes Island. First we visited the city of Lindos. Lindos lies at the foot of the Acropolis and is probably one of the most beautiful places in all the Greek Islands. As you can see in my pictures, its white buildings stand out against the contrasting Acropolis above the city and the surrounding deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Lindos was built somewhere around the 11th century B.C. It is believed that Lindos was the most formidable city on the island at the time. It is also believed that the ships sent to the Trojan War all departed from Lindos.

The Acropolis lies atop a massive triangular rock. Tools found during archaeological digs have dated back to 3000 B.C. I'm not sure exactly to what era the ruins existing today date to, probably between 1000 and 500 B.C., but the massive walls that surround the city today are attributed to the Knights of St. John who controlled trade and shipping until 1522.

After we visited the Acropolis and Lindos, the bus took us back down to the water to our ship. Just as we were passing "Old Town", my friend Joyce and I begged to be let off. We were the only two who didn't want to go back to the ship to eat lunch. We wanted to find a good Greek restaurant in Old Town, and did we ever! We found some fabulous Greek food. We're pretty sure they took advantage of two American tourist ladies, by charging us too much, but nevertheless, the food was delicious.

"Old Town" on Rhodes (Rodos)is a medieval town that is still inhabited. The old town is surrounded by strong medieval walls. Massive towers and bastions project from several places, and have elaborate stonework. A wide dry moat provided the first line of defense for the town and you can still see some of the heavy stone balls that were old ammunition. One of the main streets is called "The Street of the Knights", and at the end of this street is the "Palace of the Grand Master." It actually dominates the entire Old Town. The Grand Master's Palace was built in the 14th century by the Knights of Rhodes. We had a blast wandering the streets of this old city, and taking many, many wonderful photographs.

The next morning at sunrise, we arrived on the Isle of Patmos where St. John was exiled, and wrote the book of Revelation. We went to the cave, (the Apocalypse), where they believe he wrote the book. The Apocalypse has since been converted to a church, and since we were visiting on a Sunday, a church service was going on as we all filed through. (Believe me, it was NOT a Pentecostal Church! No shouting here. They also would not allow any photography inside the cave.) We then continued on to the top of the hill to a monastery dedicated to St. John.

We left the Isle of Patmos about 10am and sailed for a few hours to Asia Minor, and the country of Turkey where we toured Ancient Ephesus. This is the Ephesus where the Apostle Paul lived and preached for a time. Ancient Ephesus is one of the most well preserved of the ancient cities, covering a very large area. As we walked the streets, it was very easy to actually get a feel for how the city must have been.

In one picture you will see me standing in front of the ancient amphitheater. This is a theater where Paul preached. It seats 25,000 people. It is still used for concerts, etc. to raise money to continue with the excavation of Ephesus.

Here is a funny story about Ephesus. In my pictures you will see the Ancient Celsus Library and just to the right of it in the picture there are two arches. These are the Gates of Mazaeus and Mythridates. The people went through these gates into the market place. So, while the women went to the market, the men went to the library. However, in the library, there was a secret tunnel that went underground, across the street to a brothel. The women weren't allowed in the library, so supposedly they were none the wiser. (Ha! They just didn't know how intuitive women are. I'm sure they had a pretty good clue as to what was going on. Just my opinion. ;-))

Another funny story. In my pictures you will see latrines...or toilets! These were built in the men's meeting halls where they discussed politics and business. They were all built side by side, so I guess you could say they would discuss business while doing their business! LOL These toilets were made of stone, or marble. In the summer, things were fine. In the winter, they got awfully cold, so each man had his own servant to sit on his toilet and warm the seat before he would use it. Oh, the life....HA (Just a side note...as a mother of boys, I sure would not have wanted to ever visit that room right after the men had their meetings!! PHEWEEEY)

We arrived back at the Port of Piraeus early Monday morning and drove up the coast of Attica to Cape Sounion. I will continue on our journey in Part 3.

Sorry, there are so many pictures in this slide show, but there were just too many beautiful pictures to choose from. Enjoy!

Still Here...

2009-05-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just letting my blogger friends know that I am still here. I have been running since I went back to work April 13. I hope life slows down soon, I don't think I have much stamina left. (smile)

I promise I will finish posting about my trip to Greece just as soon as I get a free day.

Actually, I had a free day yesterday, but I took advantage of it and went to Yosemite. We hiked up to the top of Vernal Falls. They say this is an easy hike...well, maybe for people who go hiking a lot!! I rested a bunch of times, but hey, I made it. After that we hiked to the bottom of Lower Yosemite Falls. That one was really more like a walk instead of a hike, that's why we did it. All in all, I think we walked about 7 or 8 miles because we walked here and there also. It was a fun day. There is no place like Yosemite. It is some of God's most beautiful art!

I hope you all had a good holiday, and took time to "remember" on Memorial Day.

Trip to Greece, Part 1

2009-04-24T00:23:00.000-07:00

As promised, I am finally going to start telling you a little bit about my trip to Greece.

On March, 25th we boarded our flight about 5:30PM, from JFK to Athens. It was a 9 hour, overnight flight. It is so difficult for me to sleep sitting practically straight up!! I was very tired from spending a busy 4 days in NYC and had ear plugs and an eye mask, but I still had trouble sleeping. I did sleep about 3-4 hours though, (not consecutively), which is more than I usually sleep on over night flights.

We landed in Athens about 9am the next morning. By the time we all cleared customs, boarded our bus and drove to the hotel, it was about 11am. When we got to the hotel, we only unloaded our luggage. We immediately got back on the bus for our tour of Athens. First we had a drive around Athens to get us aquainted with the layout. Our first stop was the Acropolis, where the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Mars Hill are located, (among others). It was an amazing feeling standing on Mars Hill where Paul preached to the Athenians about the altar they had built to their "unknown god".

Next we stopped at the Panathinako Stadium where the 1896 summer olympics were revived. It was a very pretty stadium, and I could hear the echos of the cheers from crowds long ago.

By this time, it was getting to be early evening and the bus took us back to the hotel where we checked into our rooms. Dinner was at 7pm, so most of us took a nap since we could hardly stay awake another minute!

On day two, March 27th, we woke up early for breakfast, then boarded our bus again. We were taken to Piraeus, Port of Athens. This time, we boarded our ship, The Aquamarine, for our 3 day Greek Island cruise. We arrived at our first stop, the Isle of Mykonos at sunset. Mykonos is a very beautiful island, but by the time we actually got on the island it had become dark. Because of this, I didn't get to enjoy this island as much as I would have liked.

This was the beginning of our incredible trip to Greece. I'm not sure when, but I will eventually tell you about going to Rhodes, the Isle of Patmos, Ephesus, Corinth, Sounion, The Temple of Apollo, Plaka and more....Stay tuned.

Here is a slide show of a FEW of the pictures I took of the first two days. Enjoy!

Incredible Trip!...(and other news)

2009-04-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

I made it home last night about 8:30PM. It was sure good to sleep in my own bed, which I did, for about 10 hours.... I have some major jet-lag going on. I will post pictures and details of the trip soon. I'm too tired to do so now.

As soon as I made it back on U.S.A. soil, I turned on my phone. A text from my son, Aaron came through. I am going to be Grandma again. Whoo Hoo!!! Candice is 7 weeks, and due in late November. Why does everyone in our family choose November??? We already have 6 birthdays that month! I know, I know, it's not a choice, and there are other birthday months for us, but that is the most popular.

Aaron is a twin, and Candice is a twin.... Would love to have twin grandchildren!

Stay tuned for pictures and details of my trip.

Time for an Update??

2009-02-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

If you read my blog, you are probably wondering how I am doing, since I haven't posted in a LONG time.

My knee is really doing good. I walk now with (almost) no limp. I started physical therapy a couple of weeks ago. That has both of my legs pretty sore. I can sure tell I have been "babying" my legs for far too long, and it really does feel good to exercise them more than I have been.

I haven't posted a blog is so long, because I haven't been doing very much...therefore not much to blog about. One thing that I have been doing though, is browsing the web looking at things to do in New York and Greece.

Yes...I'm going!! The UPCI singles trip to Greece is coming up March 25th. We fly from NYC, so I asked my sisters if they would want to go to NYC and spend a few days there with me before I go to Greece. They were both excited about doing that, so we are going to NYC March 20th. When I leave for Greece, they will fly back home. My sister Verlaine, and I have been to NYC before, but Pat has not been, so we are going to show her all of the sights. I am getting so excited about both trips! When I return home, I will have only one more week off and then I will have to return to work. I'm not real excited about that, but I am really thankful that I do have a good job to return to...

I have been laying low, resting my leg, and reading. If I counted right, in the past 5 weeks that I have been off, I have read 11 books. I'm half way through the 12th one now. Oh, joy, joy!

You might be thinking, "laying low, not doing much, reading, browsing the web...she's probably getting fat!". Ha! That DID happen to me the last time. I gained 22 pounds in the 5 months I was off work in 2007. I still have 10 pounds of it, but was very determined to not put any back on while off this time. So far, so good! (Why is it so much easier to put it on, than to take it off...?) I am determined to get the rest of it off after I can move better.

The Amgen California Bike Race stage 4 ended here in Clovis last week. My son Ryan, and I went to see them at the finish line. It was a beautiful, beautiful day. Even though we stood there for a couple of hours before the bikers got there, it was kind of fun to see them come in. Lordy, they were going fast! I got some pictures, but not really very many good ones, because there was one guy in front of me that stuck his camera way out in my way....grrrr. They were handing out free chalk and letting people write in the roadway for the "Hope Rides Again". That has to do with Lance Armstrong riding again after his fight with cancer. So, when the riders came in, it really kicked up the chalk dust. There was a cloud of it!

There was one thing that really impressed me about the race. All of the racers had come in. There were a few stragglers, and then the last motorcycle escorts. Several minutes later, here comes one last biker. The crowd started cheering, whooping and hollering for him just like they did for the winners. It was great to see that. I thought, "at least he's not a quitter. He finished his course." He may have come in last, but come in, he did. We may not be running the swiftest in this race of life, but if we keep plugging along, we will still reach the goal.

This and That

2009-01-24T00:12:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, Jan 21st, I had surgery on my right knee for the second time within 18 months.

The first time, the MRI showed a torn meniscus. It was very painful, and since I'm on my feet most of the 12 hours I am at work, it had to be repaired. So, off to surgery. The doctor did a lot of repair work on my knee, but said she didn't find the meniscus torn. Way too good! I was thrilled. After six weeks of physical therapy, and 12 weeks off, I finally returned to work.

My knee never did feel the same again. I couldn't kneel, or bend my knee all of the way, and the pain never did completely go away. I had a total of 2 cortisone shots, and a series of 3 ortho-visc shots in my knee, after I returned to work. (The ortho-visc shots are made with the gel from a rooster's comb and are supposed to help replace some of the gel in the knee.) My knee felt a little better, but after 10 months, I found myself back at the doctor with increased knee pain.

Another MRI showed that the meniscus was still torn. ARRGGHH! Nothing but surgery again, would work. I was not able, or ready to go through it again, so I waited for 7 months. The doctor didn't want me to wait any longer, because the longer I waited chances were that the tear would get too large to repair. Thus, the surgery last Wednesday. She finally found the tear and was able to repair it, along with the removal of some scar tissue, and a chondrotomy (repair of some cartilage).

All I know for sure is, that my knee hurts a whole lot worse this time around. Not just my knee, either....it hurts all the way down to the tip of my toes! At least there is hope of it getting better.

In other news. Just before Christmas, son #2 was finally called back to work after having been off for several months. Yeah! All three were working again, now. Then a couple of days before Christmas, son #1 lost his job. Today, son #3 was laid off. I despise this economy right now. We may all be living under the same roof again soon, if things don't start looking up. Wow. That would really be something. Y'all prayer for us, y'hear?

I suppose I should go to bed. This pain, and the vicodin has my body clock all messed up. It may have my brain all messed up too, and this post may not even make sense. G'night.

A Time of Restoration

2009-01-13T15:37:00.001-08:00

Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul...

This week is prayer and fasting for the family of Truth Tabernacle. It is a time to let Him restore my soul. He does, in such a merciful way.

When I have beaten and bruised my soul through careless actions and terrible choices, He is faithful to restore it. He has restored my soul when I allow it to run empty. He will restore it when I fill it up with things that it's not made to hold. He has restored my soul when others have crushed it.

What if I had to face a future eternity with only hopelessness and fear? Thank You, Jesus, for loving me so much that You took my punishment for me, cleaned my slate, restored my soul.....

Friends

2008-12-28T15:14:00.000-08:00

There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,

Who never did,

Who won't anymore...

And who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future. Give these flowers to everyone you don't want to lose in 2009.

A good friend emailed this to me. I pass it on to you, all of the reader's of this blog. I would like to keep you all as friends this coming year.

God bless you all, and may you have the best year of your life, in 2009!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

Tagged

2008-12-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

After some whining on my part, I've been tagged by my friend and fellow blogger, Caroline.

RULE ONE: Grab one of the books closest to you, go to page 56, type the fifth line and the next two to five lines that follow.

RULE TWO: Pick five people who love books and who could receive the Bookworm award with honor.

From: A Continual Feast. Words of comfort and celebration collected by Father Tim, from the Mitford Years Series. Author, Jan Karon

Page 56

IV. Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sang the songs of Satan.

I have recently completed the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. I read ALL kinds of books, but sometimes I just want to read something fun and enjoyable, that doesn't cause me to think. That's what these books are like. Father Tim is an Espiscopalian priest, with a kind heart, and many words of wisdom.

I always notice what my patients are reading, and if I haven't read that particular book, I ask them about it. That is how I heard about the Mitford Series.

I don't know if these five people are bookworms, or not, but I tag Sis. Linda Elms, Sis. Ronda Hurst, Sis. Karla Holley, Tracey Jacquez, and Catherine Roseberry-Meyer

Back to the Real World

2008-12-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Darren has gone back to North Carolina, and I have gone back to work. We had a really great time while he was here. We hadn't seen each other in 15 months, the last time being when I was in N.C. in August, 2007. Talking on the telephone is just not like seeing each other!

We didn't do very much this time around. We just felt like staying close by, and visting with each other, and my friends and family. This was the first time he got to meet Aaron and Daron. He met Ryan the first time he came here.

Here is a slide show of some of the pictures that I took while he was here.

Belated Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T22:17:00.000-08:00

I must apologize for this belated wish, but trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Even though we all have many prayer requests, EVERYONE has blessings to count. I'm sure you all were counting blessings yesterday, as was I.

I actually had to work yesterday, but it was the only day to work out of eight, (but I was counting my blessing that I have a good job.) I have a "special" guest visiting this week from North Carolina. He will be going back home next Tuesday... :=( I picked him up at the airport in Sacramento last Monday evening. My sister, Verlaine, works in Sacramento so met us for dinner in "Old Sac". We then spent the night with her at her home in Yuba City. We got up Tuesday morning and went to Apple Hill. We visited some of the Apple Orchards where they sell apple juice, cider, baked goods, crafts, etc. The trees were still wearing the gorgeous colors of autumn, and it was a beautiful day. I cannot believe I didn't have my camera!!

When I got off work last evening, I met the whole family at Mike and Pat's house where they all had Thanksgiving. Everyone had already eaten (2 or 3 times), so we played a few rounds of Catch Phrase. It was pretty lively, and we had a blast.

Today I picked him up at my Brother-in-law and sister's house (Mike and Pat) where he is utilizing their guest room, and we drove up to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. It was gorgeous up there, also. It was pretty cool, but not too cold. I took him to see the huge sequoia trees; General Grant and General Sherman, and others. It was a half mile trek down to General Sherman. The hike down was easy...it was all down hill!! LOL I can't say that for the trudge back up!! I had to stop four times to catch my breath. It was pretty exhilarating, though. I did take my camera and may post pictures later. There was a breath-takingly beautiful sunset of which I took multiple pictures, as well as the trees, etc.

So, anyway, this is why my Thanksgiving wish to you is late. I may (or may not) post more about my week, later....LOL (I guess it depends on how the week ends..... :=))

I'm Too Young, To Have Kids This Old!!

2008-11-25T23:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing my twin sons, Aaron and Daron, a very Happy 33rd Birthday!!

Aaron, and Daron, you have grown up to be fine young men. I am proud of you both, and love you both very much!! I hope you had a wonderful birthday today!! (I'm sorry I am posting this so late, but I was out of town, with no computer.) Love, Mom

Happy Birthday, Sandy!!

2008-11-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my awesome friend, Sandy Garrett!! Sandy is one of the most faithful, generous, compassionate friends a person can have. I love you Sandy. Hope your day is as special as you are!!

Four Years Old Today!

2008-11-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my great-niece Victoria "Tori" Rodriquez!! Wow!! You are such a beautiful, big girl now. I hope you have a very special birthday, and I'll see you at your "Princess" party Saturday!! Love you, Auntie Grandma Gayla

Fabulous Fifty!

2008-11-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

I remember when God dropped you off at our house. I looked at you and asked if you could smile. They told me "no, you couldn't do that yet. You were too little". I looked at you for a few minutes, and since you couldn't do anything fun, I left the room to go play.

Fifty years of fun, fights, laughter, tears, sharing bedrooms and toys, secrets and whispers in the night, giggles and phone calls, and everything else sisters enjoy!!

Do you remember...

Your kindergarten picture?...and the big crocodile tears?

The peach trees on Cambridge full of blossoms that you loved?

"Look at that doorknob and don't move your head!!!"?

The "slicked back" ponytail that was the only hair-do Dad could do for you?

Sharing ONE bathroom with six people? Four of them women with long hair??

Spying on your older sisters and their boyfriends?

Having the mumps? You looked like Petunia Pig...LOL

The big oak tree out back that we used to climb.

Mrs. Bedford? Mrs. Micalwrath? The Stogners? The Canales's? The Johnsons? The Oremus's?

I could make this blog go on forever, but will stop now, so the rest of the world doesn't get too bored.

I'm glad you could make it to Fresno today. To my sister with brown eyes, have a wonderfully, Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Katelynn!!

2008-11-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, November 4, is my granddaughter Katelynn's 14th birthday. WOW...14 and in High School. Where has time flown off to?

I love you very much, Katelynn, and miss you so, so, so, so much. I wish you a very, very Happy Birthday. Love, Grandma Gayla

Happy Birthday, Dad...Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom

2008-11-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, November 3, my Father will be 89 years old. He is not doing very well today, and he and Mom missed church. He is becoming very forgetful and is rapidly going downhill. I know that I am blessed to have my Dad still with me, and I wish him a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love you, Daddy!

November 3rd is also my parents anniversary. It will be 63 years tomorrow!! Imagine that....WOW! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Mom and Dad. I love you both very much!!

I hope you both have a wonderful day!!

West Coast Conference

2008-11-01T22:14:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Tracey

2008-10-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a wonderful day, my friend!!

Yeah, Me!

2008-10-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well, well...I actually had this photo featured on Webshots in the Autumn Colors Collection. (And I really don't even know what I'm doing! LOL) This is a picture that I took at Arlington Cemetery. The following link is to the complete album if you are interested in viewing some pretty photos.

http://www.webshots.com/collections/autumncolors/slideshow.html

Happy Birthday, Candice

2008-10-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter-in-law, Candice. You are a terrific Mom to Nathaniel, and an awesome wife to Aaron. I am proud to share a birthday with you!!! Have a wonderful day!!

(The following is about me and how I feel today.....LOL)

The Old Lady in My Mirror

A very weird thing has happened. A strange old lady has moved into my house. I have no idea where she came from, or how she got in. I certainly did not invite her. All I know is that one day, she wasn't there, and the next day, she was.

She is a clever old lady, and manages to keep out of sight for the most part, but whenever I pass a mirror, I catch a glimpse of her. And whenever I look in the mirror to check my appearance, there she is hogging the whole thing, completely obliterating my gorgeous face and body. This is very rude. I have tried screaming at her, but she just screams back.

If she insists on hanging around, the least she could do is offer to pay part of the rent, but no. Every once in a while, I find a dollar bill stuck in a coat pocket, or some loose change under a sofa cushion, but it is not nearly enough.

I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I think she is stealing money from me. I go to the ATM and withdraw $100, and a few days later it's all gone. I certainly don't spend money THAT fast, so I can only conclude the old lady is pilfering from me. You'd think she would spend some of that money to buy wrinkle cream. She needs it. And money isn't the only thing I think she is stealing. Food seems to disappear at an alarming rate - especially the good stuff like ice cream, cookies, and candy. I can't seem to keep that stuff in the house anymore. She must have a real sweet tooth, but she'd better watch it, because she is really packing on the pounds. I suspect she realizes this, and to make herself feel better, she is tampering with my scale to make me think I am putting on weight, too.

For an old lady, she is quite childish. She likes to play nasty games, like going into my closets when I'm not home and altering my clothes so they don't fit. And she messes with my files and papers so I can't find anything. This is particularly annoying since I am extremely neat and organized.

She has found other imaginative ways to annoy me. She gets into my mail, newspapers, and magazines before I do, and blurs the print so I can't read it. And she has done something really sinister to the volume controls on my radio and telephone. Now, all I hear are mumbles and whispers.

She has done other things - like make my stairs steeper, my vacuum cleaner heavier and all my knobs and faucets harder to turn. She even made my bed higher so that getting into and out of it is a real challenge. Lately, she has been fooling with my groceries before I put them away, applying glue to the lids, making it almost impossible for me to open the jars. Is this any way to repay my hospitality?

She has taken the fun out of shopping for clothes. When I try something on, she stands in front of the mirror and monopolizes it. She looks totally ridiculous in some of those outfits, plus, she keeps me from seeing how great they look on me.

Just when I thought she couldn't get any meaner, she proved me wrong. She came along when I went to get my picture taken for my driver's license, and just as the camera shutter clicked, she jumped in front of me! No one is going to believe that the picture of that old lady is me.

FromPatsy Clairmont's book NORMAL IS JUST A SETTING ON YOUR DRYER.

They're Engaged!

2008-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM AND JOYCE!

Two of my favorite people have become engaged!! We all met on the UPCI SAM (Single Adult Ministries) trips. Tim and I met on the very first trip to London in 2003 and became fast friends. We met Joyce on the trip to Hawaii in 2006.

They will have to wait until some time next year for the wedding to actually take place, because she is a Canadian citizen. It will take time to work out all of the details....

If you are single, the next SAM trip is March 2009 to Greece. It will be a GREAT trip, and who knows...you might meet someone. ;)

(Does this mean there is hope for me??......)

Unspectacular

2008-10-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Catherine Roseberry-Meyer tagged me http://myfrenchconnection.blogspot.com/

Meme terms & conditions
1. link the person who tagged you
2. mention the rules on your blog
3. list 6 unspectacular things about you
4. tag 6 other bloggers

Well, I don't think there is anything spectacular about me, but here are a few things you may not know.

1. I don't like chocolate

2. I don't particularly like to shop

3. I love to take bubble baths

4. I love to "dabble" in photography and am trying to learn more about it.

5. I could never get too much of the ocean. I could be there always....

6. I have never been to a movie theater, never drank alcohol or been drunk, never smoked, never cut my hair, never owned a television, and have NEVER missed any of that. (Thanks to God!)

I am tagging:

Caroline: http://carolinessoundingboard.blogspot.com/
Jen: http://undisclosedemotion.blogspot.com/
Bro. Steve Saiz: http://lifesaiz.blogspot.com/
Sis. Debbie Saiz:http://lifesaiz.blogspot.com/
Brad: http://bradtitus.blogspot.com/
Kevin: http://www.kevinhopper.blogspot.com/

My Problem???

2008-09-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Alphonso (or better known as "Gordo")

2008-09-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Gordo, I didn't know you well before you married into our family. I have since come to know you for the polite young man you are. You are a wonderful husband to Jana, and an awesome Daddy to your little girls.

I hope you have a very wonderful birthday!!

Feliz Cumpleanos!!!

Auntie Gayla

To My Son, Ryan

2008-09-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY!!!

After already having twin sons, you were supposed to be my daughter. When you were born, you had enough hair to put ribbons and bows in, but, alas...another boy. But, when I first saw you, I wouldn't have traded you for all of the daughters in the world. I was happy to have another son. You have always been such a sensitive person, and with a gentleness about you.

You’re a gift to my heart in so many ways, and I hope you can see how very special you are and how many unique talents and strengths you have to share. You make my world so much brighter, and I hope you know how lucky I feel to have a wonderful son like you.

Happy Birthday with love,

From Mom

Happy Birthday, Jana

2008-09-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my beautiful niece's 27th birthday. Jana, I remember the night you were born. I spent all night out in the waiting room, waiting for you. When you got here, the nurses came out to tell me that you were born, and they were crying....along with everyone else. Your birth was a very special time, Jana.

You have grown into a very lovely young lady, and a wonderful mother to your precious little girls. Keep your heart true to God, and let Him guide your steps always.

Hope you had a wonderful day!!

Love you bunches, Auntie Gayla

Blessed...But Are We Thankful?

2008-08-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sisters...Tori and Alayna

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits..." Psalms 68:19

Loadeth! Daily!

How long would it take us to count our blessings? Really count them...ALL, one by one. Quite possibly the list could take us weeks, with no break. I know a thing or two about blessings, and how they are, even in the worst of times, inexhaustible!!

Suppose that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give him thanks. Which of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would we still have our hands, and our minds? What about loved ones? If God were to take from us all those persons and things for which we have not given thanks, who or what would be left of us?

Have we taken the time lately, to really thank God for His many blessings?

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you." I Thessalonians 5:18

Just a thought to ponder...

Lighthouses

2008-08-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

I like lighthouses. I think they are beautiful and majestic looking. I love to be able to go take my own pictures of them. There are many beautiful lighthouses in the world, and I haven't been able to take pictures of very many, but I have taken a few. Here is a slide show of some of the ones I have taken.

Enjoy...

A Funny Thing Happened at Work Today

2008-08-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Something funny happened to me today, that I just have to tell you about. I thought it was hilarious!!

I have been working for the past three days. I have had one particular woman as a patient all three days. Her husband is very attentive, and stays with her all day, so I got to talk to both of them quite a lot. They are both very nice people, and it was my pleasure to care for her.

This part of the story may seem to be a bit braggadocios, but I must tell it in order for you to understand the funny part of the story. Mrs. Patient has several medical conditions that have caused her to be in hospital for the past month. She was not doing well on Friday evening just before I was to go home, and I called in the crisis team for another opinion. I was late getting off that night, because I wanted to make sure she was all right before I left. (She actually did stabilize before I went home.) In addition, over the last three days, I was able to “diagnose” some conditions that were plaguing her that the doctors had over looked.

Because of this, Mrs. Patient and Mr. Husband have thanked me profusely for my care. Mr. Husband came in to the hospital this morning, and handed me an envelope. He wanted me to read the letter inside, in his presence. It was a very nice letter that he had emailed to the hospital administrators telling them about the “great” care I have been giving his wife, and letting them know that he thinks I am an asset to the hospital, blah, blah, blah…. (It was a very nice letter and I thanked him for writing it.)

Okay, so here is the “funny” part of the story. This afternoon, I walked into Mrs. Patient’s room to give her insulin injection. Mr. Husband, and Mr. Visitor were having a discussion on the other side of the room from where I was preparing the medication. I heard Mr. Husband say to Mr. Visitor, “…you know, that small country that Iraq invaded several years ago when Daddy Bush was president”. Mr. Visitor said, “you mean the Kurds”? Mr. Husband said, “no, not the Kurds, the other small country”. So in my normal, silly, humorous way, I THINK, “the Kurds?”… then I SAY, “it was the Whey!” (you know, curds and whey…HA HA) Well, Mr. Husband says, “yeah! Kuwait! I should have asked Gayla, she knows everything!!!”. He thought I said Kuwait, the country he was trying to think of!! I started laughing so hard inside, that I had to leave the room so I could crack up out loud!!

After all the praise they had been giving me, do you think I could let him know what I REALLY said??? Of course, NOT!!

Ok, I don’t hear anyone laughing. Maybe it was one of those…”you had to be there things”. But it really WAS funny!!

Camp Meeting

2008-08-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

The sawdust was so thick and high that I could hardly walk. I was holding my Mother’s hand and felt like I was being dragged down the isle as we looked for an empty row of seats.

This is one of my earliest memories of Camp Meeting at Frasier Park. I’m sure the sawdust was not as thick and high as I remember, but I was a small child, so it seemed so to me. I also remember a great crowd of people shouting and praising God in that Tent Tabernacle. As I grew to my teenage years, camp was moved to Beulah Park in Santa Cruz. I loved the cool weather of Santa Cruz and the fact that we were near the ocean. We teenagers would go to the beach and to the boardwalk in the afternoon between services. It was a great time to meet other young people from other churches as well as feeling the mighty power of God in the services.

Quite some time ago, Camp Meeting moved from Santa Cruz and is now held in Santa Maria. I love it because it is cool there also, and again, near the ocean. I did not get to attend Camp Meeting for many years, but I try to attend every year now. It is so wonderful to see so many young families camping on the grounds at Santa Maria. Their small children are riding their bikes, or skating and playing with other children that they have met. They are building memories that they will never forget. These young families are building traditions that include the power of God.

II Thessalonians 2:15 says “stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught”. Camp Meeting is one of the best traditions of Pentecost. Where else can a family go on a camping vacation together, but also attend power packed services with so much wonderful preaching? Also, it is so much fun to see friends that we haven't seen in a while, and to make new friends.

Camp Meeting this year was one of the best. Bro. Bill Davis preached every day, and Bro. Jerry Jones preached every night. There was some MIGHTY preaching and some AWESOME singing. The choirs this year were the best!! Here is a slide show of some of my pictures. Enjoy!

Busy....Just Busy

2008-08-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

To the two or three people who read my blog, you probably think I have died and gone to Heaven. Well, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea, but I have just been extremely busy!

I am working two jobs right now. I got a part-time job at a surgical hospital. I work in recovery there. This is completely different than what I do at my full time job, and that is why I wanted to do it. I have always thought I would enjoy working in PACU (post anesthesia care unit) and wanted to try it out. I like that I get a patient from OR, get the person stable, awake, pain and nausea under control and ship them off...either upstairs for the rest of the stay, or home. Then...NEXT...do it all over again. I'm working there at least 1 extra day a week. One thing I like about nursing...there are so many professions within a profession. If you don't enjoy what you are doing, you can find another position, nursing in a completely different capacity. Also...you can always find a job...or two, or three. I actually am employed three places, but I think I would fall over dead if I took on any more work, so I haven't worked for the 3rd place for quite a while.

Besides starting another job, I planned and gave a wedding reception for my son, Aaron and Candice on July 12. It turned out really good. Since they got married at the coast, I carried the beach theme throughout the party. I have pictures and may post some later.

I had another nerve block on my foot today. I have an old softball injury to my right foot, that turned into "reflex sympathetic dystrophy" or "regional pain syndrome". I won't go into detail, but it causes great pain in my foot, which is not good for someone who is always on her feet! The doctor has given me a series of 3 blocks, (this is the 3rd) to try to get an extra amount of blood flow to my foot, and "shock" the sympathetic nerve back into acting right. Anyway, it makes me feel like I am walking on a block of wood, since the feeling in my foot is completely gone. I have to be careful not to hurt my foot right now, as I would not feel it until tomorrow when this block wears off. (Great fun...!!)

Also, last week I got news from the orthopedic surgeon that I need knee surgery again. I have another torn meniscus to the same knee that I had done last year......SIGH.....I told her it won't be happening any time soon, if my knee will hold up.

So...see why I haven't posted anything lately? Not really anything worth while to blog about in my little world.

Oh, yeah....the second batch of bird eggs hatched this week. I've got two more baby birds.

It will be silent on here for a while, again. I am working the next three days, and then I am off to Santa Maria for Camp Meeting. I can't wait!! I need some time off!!! Maybe I will see you there....

Happy Birthday, Pat

2008-07-18T21:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my MUCH older sister!! LOL Happy Birthday, Pat!!!

Sure lookin' good for 61! (Now, she'll hate me for sure...) :)

I Think I've Gone to the Birds!!

2008-07-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

When I planted my flowers, I had no idea that basket would be a bird magnet, but it appears so.

I went out on my patio on Sunday to feed my dogs, and lo and behold, another bird flew out of the flower basket where the previous bird family grew.

I stood on a chair and quickly got a look inside before I went crashing to the ground!! (I'm glad no one was around to see that! Since I'm not "light as a feather", I now have a huge purple bruise on my right thigh, but otherwise, no damage..)

Anyway, there are two eggs in my basket, again. These eggs are white. The other eggs were brown. Both Mamas appear to be doves, though. I am somewhat of a "bird-brain", and don't know anything about birds, but I would think that the same species would have the same color eggs. Maybe someone out there can clue me in.... :)

One thing I know for sure....when this family is grown and gone, I will IMMEDIATELY take control over my flower basket, again!!

Empty Nest Syndrome

2008-07-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, my bird nest is now empty. Yes, Mama Dove returned to the smallest baby and taught that one to fly, also. They are now all gone to explore the world, and my flower basket sits empty with only dead flowers.

Must make another trip to the nursery for more flowers.....

My Bird Family

2008-07-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

I like this Mama Dove. I identify with her...a single Mom!! LOL

I went out on my patio this early afternoon, and noticed Mama sitting there with both babies.
I think she is getting used to me, so she didn't fly away this time. I can see them better now that my flowers are completely dead... I also noticed that the smaller baby bird is progressing nicely. I think I have come to the conclusion that this one hatched a day or so later than his/her sibling. Thus, the later development.

Later in the evening, as I was putting a steak and corn on the cob on the grill, I looked up at the basket, and it seemed that the smallest baby was all alone. I pulled up a chair to get a closer look. Yes, I was right... All alone. It seems that Mama had taken the largest baby for a flying lesson and left this one alone.

I was a bit concerned about this baby being by his/herself, so I just went out to check on him/her. He/she is still alone. I sure hope Mama doesn't forget that she has another baby!! If so, I will have a dead baby bird along with dead flowers!! Yikes....

By the way...the steak and corn were delicious!!

A Day to Celebrate

2008-07-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

GOD, BLESS AMERICA.....

Growing Fast

2008-07-03T18:24:00.001-07:00

My baby birds are growing fast. Well, one of them is, anyway. I went outside today, and when Mama flew away, I took pictures again. I was surprised to see that they actually look like birds, already!!

One of the babies, is a lot bigger than the other, and has nice feathers, whereas the other is still scraggly looking. I don't know if this has anything to do with me watering my flowers, or not. As you can see...I have not been watering them since I realized there were actual babies in the nest. Watering eggs is one thing, but drowning baby birds is another. I just can't do that!! So...my flowers are wilting and dying in this heat.

I wonder if they will both survive. Mama sits faithfully day in and day out. I have never seen Daddy....

I will keep you updated as to the health of my newest twins.

I Have Twins, Again!

2008-06-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Every day, I have been checking on my Mama dove. She has been sitting on her eggs faithfully. She will fly away if I get too close, however. I took this picture with my zoom lens. Isn't she pretty?

Today, when she flew away, I decided to get a chair and take a look at the eggs. I expected to see some rather yucky looking eggs, that only a mother could love.

To my surprise, I found two baby birds, (that only a mother could love)! They must have hatched just recently, because I have not heard one peep out of them. You will see that their eyes are still closed.

I really did not expect these eggs to hatch, as I have been watering my flowers. I guess these little guys are some fighters.

My first set of twins are named Aaron and Daron. Shall I name these Sharon and Karen? Maybe Dovey and Lovey...or Hairy and Kerry?

I will keep you posted with the growth of these two little guys...or girls...or maybe one of each.

Bird Nest

2008-06-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

I planted flowers in my backyard several weeks ago, but they were stolen as soon as I turned my back. Yes,... stolen. My ornery puppies are a year old now, but they still dig and chew. Not as bad as they used to, but it is still bad!! (Will they EVER out grow it???) sigh...

My backyard was in desperate need of flowers, so I decided to outsmart those little she-devils. I planted flowers in pots and baskets and put them higher than the puppies could reach. (Now, mind you, that didn't have to be very high, since they are Scottish Terriers with very short legs.)
And really, I do love them very much, even if they do try me at times...

I hung several baskets of flowers from my patio, and it added a cheery effect to my backyard. The worst thing about all of these flowers, is that I have to water them. If they were planted in the ground, they would get watered when the sprinklers come on.

A couple of weeks ago, I was watering the flowers. While watering the middle basket, a bird flew out of the basket causing me to scream and dance!! I'm sure that was a sight to behold, but as I was the only human in the back yard, it was not witnessed. (Thank God..)

A few days later, while watering the flowers, the bird again, flew out of the middle basket. It startled me again this time, but now I started to wonder what was in there. I pulled a chair over to the flower basket and peeked in. Sure enough....two little eggs. Awww

A beautiful, grey, Mama mourning dove has made my flower basket her nest. Since I had been watering the flowers in the basket, (and therefore, unknowingly watering the eggs) I'm not sure if these eggs will hatch, or not. She has not given up on them, though, as she still faithfully sits on them. Instead of baby mourning doves, we might only have boiled eggs, from the water I gave them, and the heat wave we have been having.

There are two other blogs that I have been reading, of people who have baby birds at their houses. Read herehttp://writenow.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/a-day-in-the-life-of-the-buxton-robins/ and here http://writeathome.wordpress.com/2008/06/15/first-fathers-day-family-portrait/

'Tis the season for baby birds. I will let you all know whether I get baby birds, or boiled eggs.....

Wedding Bells

2008-06-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

There weren't really any bells, nor was there an organ, or piano. There was a grand orchestra of music, however.

Saturday evening, June 14, 2008, as the waves clapped time to the song of the seagulls, Aaron and Candice became husband and wife.

Just before sunset, at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, (Monterey) California, they said their wedding vows.

The ceremony was very simple, but God provided the beautiful decorations. There was no candle light, but the setting sun provided a diffuse glow. It was a "simply elegant" wedding.

Congratulations, Aaron and Candice. I love you both very much!!

Help, Anyone?

2008-06-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Can anyone out there explain to me why I am getting the JUNK from MySpace (HugMe, BuyMe) added to my slide shows, and how do I get them off and keep them from appearing in the future??? I haven't gotten this on previous slide shows, so why now?

I would appreciate any comments on this, as I don't wish to advertise something I don't care for....HELP???

Visit from Friends

2008-06-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

Last week Tim Smith from Sumter, South Carolina, and Joyce McCoy from Courtenay, Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C., were here to visit.

We had a grand time seeing each other again, and touring California. Tim and I met in 2003 on the first UPC singles trip to London. We have been best of friends since that time, and have seen each other on other trips, and at various times over the years. We met Joyce on the UPC singles trip to Hawaii in 2006. I had not seen Joyce since then, but she and Tim have visited each other several times.

While they were in California, they went sight-seeing in San Francisco and the northern part of the state when I had to work. I then had 6 days off, and I took them to Pismo Beach over Memorial Weekend. My sister Pat and her husband, Mike, their daughter Jana and her husband, Gordo and their two girls, Tori and Alayna...all were camping in their trailers on the beach. We stopped by to be with them for the day.(If you have never been to Pismo Beach during a major holiday weekend, you need to go for the experience, even if you don't "do the dunes".) It is a sight to behold. Most people from other parts of the country, have never seen sand dunes such as we have in California, much less ride them!! Oh, what FUN!! They had a BLAST!!

After Pismo, we went on down to Solvang and Santa Barbara. On Tuesday, we headed home, but first we went by Shell Beach, Morro Bay, and San Simeon. We could not have asked for better weather. It was beautiful; clear, and sunny, but not too warm. On Wednesday, we went to Yosemite. There, it was slightly rainy and cool, but the weather made for some awesome pictures, and it wasn't really bad weather, anyway. They loved Yosemite!! Of course, who wouldn't??

On Thursday, we slept in a little since we were all so tired. Then I just drove them around Fresno a bit, showing them Woodward Park, etc. I took them to meet my parents, and they met two of my sons. Then we drove up to Millerton Lake for a little while. Tim has some family here in Fresno, and had not seen them in many years, so they had a little family reunion that evening.

On Friday, I went back to work and they left for home. We had so much fun seeing each other again, and I missed them so much when they left.

Here is a slide show of some of the pictures I took. Of course, this is just a FEW of the pictures, and they have a lot more!!

Church Picnic

2008-05-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we had our annual church picnic. We ate hamburgers and hotdogs and any other food that was brought along. The kids had a lot of fun with their water sports. Then the annual singles vs. marrieds, men's and women's softball games were played. I think the single ladies won their game, and I know the married men won their's. The annual picnic is always a great time of fun, food and fellowship. Here are a few of the pictures I took for you to enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Linda!

2008-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my "OLD" friend!! Don't you just love this picture of the two of us? It was taken about 1969 or 1970. Sure wish I was (almost) that skinny now!! LOL

Linda and I grew up together. We've known each other since my family moved to Fresno in 1955. We were both 2 years old, (although she IS OLDER than I)!!! We had the normal child-hood fusses, but quickly went back to being friends. Many a Sunday afternoon, either Linda was at my house, or I was at hers.

Linda...remember...??

Harvey and Thesta...

How we used to jump off of the cement blocks next to the steps?

How we could hear Don Deaver stomping his foot in the upstairs prayer room when we got to church?

Revival with Bro. Bean?...and how it changed our church for the better...forever?

Having Sunday School in the basement?

Having the "money hunt" and the "candy rains" for Sunday School?

Sis Betty Wally praying at the altar with us?

The ladies trio....Sis. Vance, Sis. Estes and Sis. Wally?

Bro. Layne saying "Echooooooes of Pentecoooost is oooooonnn the Aiiiiir!"? (I can still hear him.)

Then, the Echoes of Pentecost Choir singing "Great is the Lord" with Archie Gibson singing the lead?

"Joy Bells"...."Twelve Gates to the City"...?

My Dad taping services on his old reel to reel?

Arguing over who gets to "be" Sis. Lokey when we played church?

Sis. Taylor's fried pies?

You and I going to Sis. Taylor's after Sunday School and not taking a nap like we were supposed to?

Having church picnics and playing "Flying Dutchman"?

Your Grandma and Grandpa (Mom and Pop Layne) living next door to the church?

The way Pop's hands shook....but he never spilled a drop while pouring iced tea...?

The Young People signing a petition asking God to enlarge our Youth Group?

Moving to First and Holland?

God answering our prayer and enlarging our Youth Group by leaps and bounds?

Having to build a baptistry in the new sanctuary....and it leaking every time we used it? LOL

Playing soft ball on the grassy area...which is now parking lot?

Having Youth Bible studies and prayer meetings every Tuesday night?...and THEN we would play?

Building the new sanctuary...which is now the Prayer Room...?

How we all painted our initials on the dry wall...before it was stuccoed and painted?

Our Senior trips to Yosemite in the Sunday School bus.....(and I would always get motion sickness)? Hiking Vernal Falls....?

Our first cars....both Oldsmobiles????

You and I lying in the sun at Sis. Thornton's pool, comparing husbands-to-be...?

Youth Camp and Camp Meeting at Frasier Park...

Bro. Layne was Camp director (or something like that), and Pop Layne was the cook?

Youth Camp and Camp Meeting at Beulah Park, Santa Cruz?

The Santa Cruz board walk?

Keith driving us to Youth Camp....Santa Cruz...in his car?

Randy Theissen's Camaro? Dave and Jan Grider's parents' convertible Cadillac? Steve Walker's Carmen Ghia?

Oh, my!!! What memories we have, and these are just a few. I wish we lived closer to each other, so we could continue making memories.

HAPPY 55TH BIRTHDAY, MY LONG-TIME FRIEND!! LOVE YOU BUNCHES

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

A good friend emailed this to me. It is a little long, but it it beautiful, and well worth the read. You mothers with young children at home, don't forget...God sees...

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a detective to answer, "Where is the peanut butter,...or phone...or my jacket...?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

* No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
* These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
* They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
* The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've s sewn on, no cupcake you've baked is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses s all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Happy Mother's Day to all.....

The Garbage Truck

2008-05-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so..... 'Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.'

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

He is God

2008-04-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand Him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and the people
couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God.
He is holy, righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the
overseer of the overcomers, and is to come. And if that seems impressive to
you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing, for GOD Is!

What a Beautiful World

2008-04-19T22:22:00.001-07:00

I think God had fun when He created the Earth, don't you? He created so many different kinds of beauty, and I'm trying to see as much of it as I can...while I can!

One of the most beautiful places in the world happens to be only 1 1/2 hours from my home. It is Yosemite National Park. If you have never been, I recommend that you go the first opportunity that you have, especially if you live in California . You will NOT be disappointed.

The snow is melting in the mountains right now, and I've heard that the water falls in Yosemite are raging. So, I got up early this morning, and took off by myself to see. They are!! They were so beautiful. I hiked to the bottom of Bridalveil Falls. It was almost like standing in the shower. My camera lens got covered with water drops and I had to wipe it several times. You will see in the slide show below, that one of the pictures shows the water drops. The other picture at the bottom of the falls shows how much of a "shower" it was giving off.

I also hiked to Mirror Lake. I had never been up to Mirror Lake before, and I was not disappointed. It was beautiful!

The weather was perfect. The sun was shining, but it was still cool enough for a light jacket.

There is a $20 entrance fee into the park, but a yearly pass is $40. Since I have friends from out of state coming to visit this spring and summer, I bought the yearly pass. I know they will want to go to Yosemite, and I will surely get my money's worth.

I took about a kabillion incredible pictures, but I could not show them all. Here are a few of them. Enjoy.....

Shoes and a Sure Foundation

2008-04-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation...

2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.

What is the definition of foundation? This is what I found in the unabridged dictionary on line.

foun·da·tion - Spelled Pronunciation[foun-dey-shuhn] –noun

1. the basis or groundwork of anything: the moral foundation of both society and religion.
2. the natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests.
3. the lowest division of a building, wall, or the like, usually of masonry and partly or wholly below the surface of the ground.
4. the act of founding, setting up, establishing, etc.: a policy in effect since the foundation.
5. the state of being founded.

I have a true and sure foundation!! My maternal Grandfather found the truth of the Acts 2:38 message at a young age. Shortly after, he and Grandma took their children and began preaching all over the state of Louisiana. He preached in many brush harbor meetings, and any place they needed revival. The family met with all kinds of obstacles and fought many evil spirits in order to preach the truth...but that's another blog!! LOL He later founded the church in Winnsboro, LA which is now pastored by my uncle.

I am third generation Pentecost, and was provided with a true and sure foundation, but I, myself, had to build on that foundation with my own consecration to God. I had to develop my own prayer life and convictions, and receive the revelation of the truth for myself. One cannot stand solely on the "religion" of one's parents or grandparents. It must be found for ourselves, but we are surely blessed if we have a heritage to back us up!! I am thankful that God chose my family to be part of the "chosen few". Because of the foundation of truth in my life, the devil has been able to "shake" the foundation of my soul with many trials and heartaches, but with the grace of God, he has not been able to make the temple come crashing down. Thanks be only to God!!

So...on a lighter note!! The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Well, this temple needs a good foundation, doesn't it? That's the reason I LOVE shoes!! See, now you ladies that are married, have the perfect excuse to provide your husbands when he says..."another pair of black shoes? don't you have 20 pair of black shoes already?"...

The foundation of this temple is our feet, and our feet can't hurt, or the rest of the temple is miserable. Also, the foundation needs to look good, or the rest of the temple just won't look finished.

Shoes provide a covering for our feet. They protect our feet from the elements, and the ground that we walk on. But if shoes are necessary, they might as well be cute, right? And they need to match our outfits. I have never seen a pair of shoes that would go with every thing in my closet!! A man says he only needs 3 pair of shoes...brown, black and tennies... BAH...even men need more pairs of shoes than that!! How can they provide their temple with a good foundation with only 3 pairs of shoes? They can't!!

So, I say...let's go buy a pair of shoes today!! Have fun!!

Home again, Jiggity Jig...

2008-04-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Did we ever have a GREAT trip...but then, we always do. Don't you all wish you were single so you could join us? ...Well...almost?? LOL

I went from Fresno to Las Vegas to Newark, then Newark to London, London to Paris, Paris to Newark, Newark to Las Vegas to Fresno, and never had a delayed or cancelled flight, and made it all the way home with all of my luggage. Now, was that the work of God, or what?? It did take me 27 hours to get home though, between airplanes and airports, flights and layovers. I am just now getting over the "jet lag". Thank God, I don't have to go to work until Monday!!

I left Fresno on Monday, March 24 around 2pm and reached Newark, NJ at 12:30am. My luggage and I made it intact with no problems. The only problem I had, was getting to the hotel that I had booked. My cell phone had gone dead, and I didn't have the hotel's phone number with me. I am usually more prepared than that, but I guess with all of the excitement in my life before I left, I wasn't as prepared as usual. I was to meet Sis. Debbie Saiz, but as I said before, my cell phone was dead and I couldn't call her. I finally made it to the hotel around 2:30am. We slept in, and went to the airport around 3:00pm on Tuesday to meet with the others, and to catch our flight that was leaving at 7:00pm for Gatwick, London.

There were only 17 of us on the trip this time. Usually, there are close to, or over, 100 people on these trips. Hawaii was the other exception. We had 50 on that trip. It doesn't matter how many people go, the trips are always so much fun!! I am now the only person who has been on all of the trips. What a distinction, HUH? LOL

We stayed in London until Saturday, March 29th, then took the Eurostar over to Paris. There is NEVER enough time to see and do everything that I would like...but I guess that means I just have to go back!! LOL Actually, this was the second time for me to go to London, and I could go several more times before I see and do the same thing over again. There is just that much to see and do!! I only got to touch the tip of the surface in Paris, but loved every minute of it!

It was cold and rainy almost every day that we were there...London and Paris. I think the sun was out a time or two, but not for long. It "dampened" our trip, but did not "dampen" our spirits!! We just unfolded our umbrellas, and kept on going. I think I would rather it be a bit cold and rainy, than hot and humid, anyway.

There were 3 young men on this trip that I hung out with a lot. I guess that is because, since I have 3 sons, I feel most comfortable???...or maybe it's because the young ones don't like to be sitting, and waiting, and waiting and sitting, and neither do I. We want to be OUT seeing things while we can...I don't know, but for whatever reasons I "adopted" 3 more sons this trip. LOL Two of them were the age of my youngest son, Ryan, and the other one was the age of my twin sons, Aaron and Daron. They were very generous to let their "Mom" hang out with them. Actually, we all had a very good time.

Before I left I got a new camera. Although I had practiced with it a bit, I still was not very familiar with all the settings, etc., so I got some so-so pictures, but I still was able to get several really great pictures!! I have attached a slide show of a lot of my pictures, and even though it is long....(sorry) it is only a smidgen of the pictures I took. It was hard for me to choose just a few to post. If it gets too boring, you don't have to look at all of them.

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

P.S. My parents are doing better. Thank you all for praying. Dad was never as sick as Mom, and he is mostly well. Mom is still sick (but better) and having a really hard time getting any energy back. We would appreciate you continuing to pray for her. Thanks...

Sick Parents

2008-03-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my parents. They are both very sick with pneumonia. Mom is 81 and Dad is 88 and this sickness is very hard on them. Thank you for praying. "See" you in a couple of weeks.

Trip Time Again

2008-03-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

In 2003, the UPCI Sunday School Dept., under the leadership of Bro. Gary Erickson, started sponsoring trips for single adults. That first trip went to London, England.

Originally, the plan was to have a trip every other year, but after much thought, in 2005, it was decided that they would sponsor a trip every year. (Boy, am I glad...!) Also, that year it was decided that the trips would continue to be sponsored by the Sunday School Dept, but under a new category (Single Adult Ministry, or S.A.M.) and a new singles director. Sis Debbie Saiz is now the singles director.

These are named SAM Break-A-Way trips, and I have been able to go on every trip so far. The trips give us singles a chance to see the world, and meet other singles of "like precious faith." I have made so many new friends from all over the United States by going on these trips. They do a really good job at keeping them as affordable as possible. The trips are so much fun, and I almost (I said almost...) don't want to be disqualified from the criteria required....if you get my drift...LOL

In 2003, London, England, (we flew from Philadelphia, PA, I toured 2 days before)
2005, Western Caribbean Cruise, (from New Orleans, LA), to Jamaica, Grand Cayman,
and Cozumel, Mexico.
2006, Honolulu, O'ahu, HI
2007 Italy... (from NYC where I toured for 4 days first), Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Pompeii and Sorento (the BEST trip so far)

On Monday, I will be flying to Newark, NJ because we are leaving on Tuesday to go to London again. This time we will also be going to Paris and Versailles, France!! I will not be blogging while I am gone. I will not be looking for a computer, because I will be too busy sight-seeing!! I will return home April 2, and shortly thereafter, I will tell you all about the trip and have a slide show for you to see.

This slide show is of a few of the pictures from our other trips. Enjoy...

Happy Easter, Everyone.....

(If you saw this when the music was playing, I apologize. That was not added on purpose!! LOL)

They That Sew in Tears, Shall Reap in Joy

2008-03-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight is one of the happiest of my life!! Aaron prayed through to the Holy Ghost, and Candice was Baptized in the name of Jesus!!

If you've been reading my blog for very long, you will remember that back in November I blogged about being very burdened for my sons. Well, God heard my prayers, and it is now time to reap in joy!!!

Two more sons and three grandkids to go.......stay tuned....more miracles are on the way!!!

Miracles...and More Miracles!!

2008-03-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the news that we have all been waiting for!!

Yesterday morning, Candice received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, just like it says in the book of Acts!!!

She really wanted to go to church and thank everyone for praying for her when she was so sick. While she was there, God touched her and saved her soul.

"First God saved my life, now He saved my soul. He performed two miracles in my life," is how she phrased it while testifying in front of the church.

And, can you believe....I had to work yesterday, so I wasn't even there!! Oh, but I got phone calls all day telling me the wonderful news. I had the BEST day at work!! I just "knew" in the Holy Ghost that "something good is about to happen"...so I asked my sister Pat, to take her camera to church. Here is a little slide show for you!!

Stay tuned for more miracles to come!!!.......

Amazing!!

2008-03-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

Candice went home from the hospital yesterday. It is hard to believe that just a week ago, she was knocking on death's door...and it was opening... God's amazing love and mercy still takes my breath away at times!!

She will always have to be careful of any medications, etc., she may need to take from now on, but the doctors expect a full recovery of her liver and kidneys.

He is truly amazing!!

He Does Miracles So Great!!

2008-03-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

Candice is now back at Kaiser in Fresno. She is feeling much better, and even went out to the patio for a while today to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Her lab values are still very high, but have come down immensely. They are still giving her IV replacements of electrolytes that remain a little low. She should be in the hospital a good part of this week, but may get to go home by the end of the week.

Aaron and Candice specifically told me to thank everyone for your care, love and especially your prayers. They both are aware that this miracle came from God. Please continue to pray for their souls, and that they not forget the mercy of God. I firmly believe that this episode has made a huge impact on their lives, and by FAITH, I expect to see them in church when Candice is well enough to go.

In church tonight we sang this song. It is beautiful and so true.

"For You are great!! You do miracles so great! There is no one else like You.....there is no one else like You. For You are great! You do miracles so great! There is no one else like You. There is no one else like You!!!!"

We serve an AWESOME God!!

2008-03-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you all soooo much for praying for Candice!! She and Aaron just got on the ambulance to head for Kaiser in Fresno. She will finish recuperating there, but she is feeling so much better. She is laughing and talking now, and is feeling hungry. She knows that the reason she is alive is because of all of the prayers that have gone up in her behalf. She calls herself the "miracle woman"...LOL which is true!!

I am going to stay in San Francisco over night and go down to the wharf and have a little fun, now. I will be heading home tomorrow.

I just wanted to give you all an update and thank you for your prayers!!

Have a GREAT weekend!!

Hallelujah!!

2008-03-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick update on Candice. I have to use a computer whenever I see one available....

Candice is on the road to recovery. The doctors still are unable to determine the cause of her liver failure, but if she continues to improve as much as she has been, she may be going back to Kaiser in Fresno as soon as tomorrow afternoon. Her kidneys are also slowly improving. They even removed her catheter today. Her nausea and vomiting is also better, and she is able to keep down a little liquids.

Aaron and Candice both want to thank everyone for their prayers!! Please continue to pray for her continuing recovery.

Update

2008-03-04T19:56:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update to all who are praying. We are in San Francisco, at UCSF. Candice is doing much better. She was moved out of the ICU today, into a regular room. Her liver function labs are going down, which is the right direction. Her kidneys have kicked in and are producing adequate amounts of urine now, but the lab values are not going down, as they should. (I won't go into detail for those of you who are not in the medical field...:) ) The doctors are more than hopeful, they are pretty sure that her kidneys will eventually heal, although she may have to go on dialysis for a little while. They do not need to do that quite yet, but they are keeping a close eye on her labs. If she does need to go on dialysis, it should only be short term.

Neither the liver doctors, nor the kidney doctors can say what has caused this. They say only an extreme infection, a blot clot, or something congenital will usually cause the liver enzymes to go as high as hers did. They have run all kinds of tests, but cannot find a cause....

We all want to thank everyone for praying, and ask that you please continue praying. She is better, but not "out of the woods".

Our God is AWESOME, and we know that He is in control!!

Special Prayer Request

2008-03-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

To all in blogosphere who believe in prayer, please help us pray for my son Aaron's fiancee, Candice. Candice is 31 years old, and was hospitalized yesterday with liver and kidney failure. She is very, very sick and in extreme and urgent need of prayer. If God doesn't intervene soon, her condition could easily become fatal.

While you are praying, please also pray for their souls. God knows just how to get someones attention, and He is always in control. Please pray that she have another chance to serve Him.

Thank you all so much.

Happy to be, and look, Pentecostal

2008-02-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

Matthew 24:12-13 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure until the end, the same shall be saved.

Is it just me, or does it seem that there are a great number of people losing out with God these days? I'm not talking about only in my home town, but all over the nation. Some are just giving up completely, but others have lost the standards and convictions of old, that has kept us "separate" from the world. They say they have not changed in the doctrine, but they feel that the standards were "man made" and not necessary.

2 Cor, 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world...

Matt 7 22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

It takes more than just the doctrine. We need to maintain the standards of old. We have to "come out from among them, and be separate".

I was taking care of a patient the other day, and her husband asked me if I knew who Saint Agnes was. (He asked me this because that is the name of the hospital where I work.) The patient said, "honey, she's not Catholic. Can't you tell she's Pentecostal "? I was so glad that she could tell I was Pentecostal!! I am happy to be counted among the Pentecostals!! I think that the rest of the world should be able to tell just by looking at us, that we are not "of this world".

(Note: By the way, I knew that St. Agnes was the Patron Saint of Healing. I think I learned that last year while visiting the Vatican in Rome. )

Of course, not all are going astray. There is also a mighty revival in the land, and many, many souls are being saved. I'm talking about the people who have lived this life and message for many years. Even the Bible speaks of a great falling away.

2 Thess 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first...

Mat. 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

This subject has been on my heart lately. I am burdened for the people that are losing out when they have been true to God for so long. Be not weary in well doing, folks. I am reminded of that old song we used to sing.

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ!! One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase. So, bravely run this race, 'til we see Christ!

I am looking forward to that day!!

Common Sense....Gone?

2008-02-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by.

Today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance, for Common Sense has served us all so well for so many generations.

Obituary Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Stress Relief Tips

2008-02-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

Make lists . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . Exercise . Sing a Song . Eat Right . Call a Friend . Laugh at Yourself . Ask Others to Help . Smile . Set Realistic Goals . Take Breaks . Prioritize Tasks . Delegate Work . Avoid Clutter . Use Proper Lighting . Have a Hobby . Keep Noise Down . Talk Things Out . Visualize a Peaceful Scene . Learn to Relax . Budget Time and Money . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . Plant a Garden . Meditate . Set Limits . Think Positively . Count to 10 . Enjoy Small Pleasures . Avoid Junk food . Practice Teamwork . Believe in Others . Believe in Yourself . Confront Your Feelings . Be Kind . Cry if Necessary . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . Remember: Time Heals . Get Regular Checkups . Take a Walk . Get Organized . Do Neck Rolls . Avoid Dangerous Drugs . Be Flexible . Stretch Often . Control Your Weight . Avoid Distractions . Set Reasonable Deadlines . Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . Learn to Say "No" . Forgive and Forget . Use the Right Tools . Don't Procrastinate . Reflect on Your Joys . Encourage Others . Get Up Earlier . Break Up Monotony . TAKE A DEEP BREATH . See Problems as Challenges . Stop and Smell the Roses . Love Others . Love Yourself . Avoid Unnecessary Meetings . Screen Your Calls . Give Hugs . Seek Out Positive People . Be Faithful . Read Good Books . Remember Your Triumphs . Laugh Often . TAKE A DEEP BREATH.......Most of all PRAY

Stress Survival Kit

Eraser: To consider mistakes as opportunities to learn
Mint: To make a commit-"mint" to relax
Penny: To help you adapt to "change"
Rubber Band: A reminder to stay flexible
Tea Bag: To help you simmer down
Lemon Drop: If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade
Paper Clips: To help you keep it together
Bubble Gum: To remember not to blow it
Life Savers: A reminder that managing stress can make your "life" a "hole" lot better!!

Happy Fourth Birthday, Caleb!!

2008-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

On January 20, 2004 the world became a brighter place. A HUGE baby boy entered the world, and he was my grandson.

When Caleb Joshua Doherty was born, he weighed a whopping 12 pounds, 4 ounces, and was already 2 feet tall (24 inches)!!! No, he wasn't late, no, she didn't have gestational diabetes, and no, to any other questions. He was just a BIG baby, born as healthy as can be. He looked like he was 3 months old. (I tried to download a picture of him at birth, but it won't let me for some reason.)

He is still a big boy, and taller than most 4 year olds, but he has grown into his age a bit, and isn't resoundingly huge for his age. (Thank God...) Caleb is a very sweet little boy. He is all boy, and has his moments, but if he isn't in need of a nap, he is the sweetest little thing, and has a soft heart.

My blog on Nov. 4, 2007, (his sister Katelynn's birthday), I posted a poem I had written for her soon after she was born. Here is the poem I wrote for Caleb after he was born.

To Caleb

A grandmother knelt one night in prayer,

and said to her dear Father,

"Remember when I asked for a girl,

and you sent me a sweet granddaughter?"

"Well, Lord, she's dear, and I love her so,

and we're having so much fun,

but now, I think, would be a good time,

to send me a sweet grandson."

The Father looked down on her and said,

"You're asking for another?

Because you ask, you shall receive.

I'll send the girl a brother."

And then the perfect day arrived

just like God said it would.

A beautiful, precious, baby boy,

and life was sweet and good.

"Thank you, dear Father", the grandmother said,

as she wept and cried with joy.

"I want you to know, I'll love and cherish

this wonderful little boy."

Grandma's so happy Caleb, dear,

and as you grow and grow,

I hope that you will always see

that Grandma loves you so!!!

I love you soooooo much, Caleb!!! I miss you and wish I could see you on your birthday, but you have a good time anyway, OK?

Grandma Gayla

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM

2008-01-10T00:58:00.000-08:00

Today, my Mother turns 81 years old. She doesn't look her age, and loves it when people tell her so. You can hear her sometimes, telling people how old she is because she loves to hear them say, "Really? You sure don't look 81!!" LOL I guess no matter how old you get, there is still a little bit of vanity left. But hey, she's earned it!! And.... she really doesn't look 81 years old. Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

2007-12-29T01:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to get into the "blogging spirit" lately. I guess I'm just too tired from all of the goings on with the holidays, and also, this is a very busy time at the hospital. Everyone is SICK!!...so the hospital is full to overflowing, and then, because everyone is sick, that means the employees are calling in sick....which leaves the rest of us working short, to take care of a hospital overflowing with sick people!!! WHEW!! No wonder I'm tired!! LOL

But, since I will be at work for the last two days of the year, I wanted to take this moment to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!!

I was visiting another blog, and saw something that I liked, so I will borrow it. It is a wish to you, from me, for 2008.

"May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address!"

May you all be blessed abundantly in the new year to come......

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2007-12-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Single Adult's Christmas Party

2007-12-15T23:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had our single adults Christmas party. It was held at Bro. Morton's house, and we had a BLAST!!

This was for the singles 30 years old and over. We had about 55-60 people there. That's more people than some home missions churches have!! LOL You would think with that many singles, surely some of them would match up, wouldn't you??? (It happens once in a while.)

First we ate. Then we ate again. After that, it was time to eat again. WHEW!! There was a LOT of food. When we finally finished eating, we played a game. We all had a wrapped gift and while Sharon read a Christmas story, every time she said the words "right" or "left", that was the way we passed our gift. For instance, if she said..."when they reached Bethlehem, they went "right" to the inn (we passed it right), but they found there was no room "left" in the inn (we passed it left). It was pretty funny, actually. When the story ended, we kept the gift that was in our hands. Then we played a game where we had to put the words to a song in order, and then sing it.

After we played some games, we presented Bro. Morton with a gift. Sandy and I wanted to give him a "gag" gift, so this is what we came up with. We gave him a real fishing license....this to a man who doesn't even like to fish!! LOL But, we had a motive....I wrote a poem that I read before we presented him with the gift. This is how it went.

"Twas the night before Christmas, and sitting right there,
the preacher was cozy, kicked back in his chair.

He had a red face, and a little round belly,
that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was not relaxing, his mind was a spinning,
thinking about saints, revival, soul winning.

Then out on the lawn he heard lots of chatter,
he sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the window he flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

He looked out the window, and saw women a plenty.
Oh, NO, he thought......I don't even want ONE, I sure don't want TWENTY!!

But being the kindly old gent that he is,
he opened the door hoping nothing's amiss.

The ladies were holding a gift in their hands.
"To help with soul winning throughout the lands".

God called us to witness and for souls to win,
Jesus even said He'd make you fishers of MEN.

So we are writing this poor little jingle,
In hopes that you'll make sure that those MEN are SINGLE!!!!!

He got a real kick out of that!! Especially when he opened the gift and saw the fishing license!! He threatened to have me read the poem at church tomorrow night, but I know he wouldn't be brave enough!! LOL

We sang Christmas Carols, then cleaned up and went home. It really was a good party and I am very tired, but I wanted to post this before I go to bed. Here is a slide show of some pictures.

Season's in Life

2007-12-05T23:18:00.000-08:00

The following was e-mailed to me by a friend, and I liked it so much that I am posting it here. Enjoy...

There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest.., in turn.., to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the Winter, the second in the Spring, the third in Summer, and the youngest son in the Fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said 'no' it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. It was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you can not judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's Winter, you will miss the promise of your Spring, the beauty of your Summer, the fulfillment of your Fall.

Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come.

One Life

2007-12-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

He was born in a stable

in an obscure village,

From there He traveled,

Less than 200 miles.

He never won an election,

He never went to college,

He never owned a home,

He never had a lot of money.

He became a nomadic preacher,

Popular opinion turned against Him,

He was betrayed by a close friend,

And His other friends ran away.

He was unjustly condemned to death,

Crucified on a cross, among common thieves,

On a hill overlooking the town dump,

And when dead, laid in a borrowed grave.

Nineteen centuries have come and gone,

Empires have risen and fallen,

Mighty armies have marched,

And powerful rulers have reigned.

Yet, no one has affected men as much as He,

He is the central figure of the human race,

He is the Messiah, the Son of God

JESUS CHRIST

--Kristone

Scriptures for Me

2007-11-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

Psalm 31:9 "Have mercy upon me O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea my soul and my belly."

Psalm 31:10 "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth..."

Psalm 31: 12 "I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel."

Psalm 31:13 "For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life."

Psalm 31:14 "But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God."

Psalm 31:15 "My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me."

Psalm 31: 16 - 18 " Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord: for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence: which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. "

Psalm 31: 19 " Oh how great is thy goodness!!!!"

And then Jesus said:

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

"Twas the Night of Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep.

I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned--the dark meat and white,

but I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation,

the thought of a snack became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door

and gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,

pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,

till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky

With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.

But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees.......

happy eating to all---pass the cranberries, please!

~~Author Unknown.~~

I Ate Too Much Turkey

by Jack Prelutsky

I ate too much turkey,I ate too much corn,

I ate too much pudding and pie,

I'm stuffed up with muffins

and much too much stuffin',

I'm probably going to die.

I piled up my plate

and I ate and I ate,

but I wish I had known when to stop,

for I'm so crammed with yams,

sauces, gravies, and jams

that my buttons are starting to pop.

I'm full of tomatoes

and french fried potatoes,

my stomach is swollen and sore,

but there's still some dessert,

so I guess it won't hurt

if I eat just a little bit more.

How to Observe Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears;

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean;

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth;

Count on God instead of yourself.

~~Author Unknown.~~

This little poem reminds us to count our blessings!! This Thanksgiving, that is what I want to do. I do thank God for His goodness and mercy to me and my family. He is the essence of everything I am thankful for. Without Him, I would be nothing, and my life would be hopeless.

They do not close hospitals for the holidays...(imagine that!!) LOL (They could send the patients home and tell them to come back after the holidays, right??? HA! HA!) So, while you all are having a great time stuffing yourselves full of turkey and pumpkin pie with your families, please feel sorry for me, because I will be working!! LOL LOL That is why I am posting this a day early.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Have a very blessed and thankful day.......

Happy 50TH Birthday, Sandy!!

2007-11-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

My friend, Sandy Garrett, turned 50 last Thursday, November 15th, but her party was today. Her daughter Nancy, did a wonderful job at decorating. Lots of family and friends were there to wish her a wonderful birthday!! Happy Birthday, "Old Lady"!!! LOL

God is Listening!!

2007-11-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been very heavily burdened due to some very dire situations going on in two of my sons lives.

I was here at home, praying and crying out to God. When I stopped praying, I decided to fix myself some dinner. I put the plate of food on the table, and sat down to eat. I pulled my Bible close and started turning to Hosea with the intent to read the story of Hosea and Gomer again. I had no particular reason why I wanted to read that story again, but I did. As I was flipping through the pages to get to Hosea, I stopped in Isaiah and looked down at the scripture. This is what I read. Chapter 65

23 "They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

!!!!!! I almost choked on my food!! Isn't God good??? His word is true and everlasting!!

P.S. I never did get back to Hosea........