Memory Lane, Wedding and Winner, Winner, Lobster Dinner

In a couple of trips down memory lane (because I just realized I've never downloaded the photos), here's a photo of Kit Carson, nursing Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent Angel. Sam is a sweet boy; he knew the kitten was too young to be abandoned so Sam allowed Kit to nurse for the emotional benefit. I still had to feed Kit kitten milk and chow until he was old enough to eat 'big boy' food.

Beloved Sistah, Stephanie, pins a corsage on Mom at her 80th birthday celebration, October last year.

Here, Steph pins JW, her son who was married Saturday.

~ Steph and Mom ~

~ Jerry (JW's Dad), my Daddy, JW ~

~ Jerry, Stephanie, Daddy, JW ~

~ Steph, Mom, Dustin, Stephanie's youngest son ~

Nothing like being late to your own party, is there? My reason (because, let's face it, excuses are a dime a dozen and over priced at that!) is...this past weekend my nephew was married on my 62nd (yeah, I really am that old!) birthday and the wedding was fabulous! He married Katie, a beautiful young woman, a nurse by profession, and just as lovely on the inside as out.

~ Katie ~

~ Mr. and Mrs. Williams ~

~ first dance ~

It was a lovely wedding and there are a lot more photos but not tonight. Now, it's time for the Pacsafe winner and then aspirin and bed for me.

Last Monday, at 5:00, using random I pulled the names of three people who left me no way to get in touch with them so they didn't win the Pacsafe travel bag. Finally, Judy's name was chosen and she's been sent an e-mail and has 24 hours to respond. If she hasn't responded by 5:00 Tuesday evening, another name will be chosen. Whew! I never realized it was so difficult to give something away -grin-.

(My apologies for the varying font sizes...exhaustion forbids me to figure out what I've done wrong.)

Blessings ~ family ~ weddings ~ JW and Katie ~ wonderful memories ~ 

You've worked me like a convict!

If laughter is good medicine, my heart is full and healthy. For almost a week, Stephanie, Beloved Sistah, visited and I haven't laughed so much, so loud and so long since well before Dave got sick in 2010! Steph is eight years younger than I and slipped into my heart the first moment I laid eyes on her, cradled in Mom's arms. When Mom brought her home from the hospital, the very first night, I slipped her from her crib and into my bed and was fully prepared to do my duty as Big Sister. Except for a very few times (that, frankly make me cringe) I've done just that. I'd definitely give that woman a kidney and, quite possibly, my liver if she needed either. 

Recently, she's had a few health problems so her husband brought her to Roanoke where I picked her up and brought her to the farm where I expected her to do a bit of R&R. Oh no, she did not! What she did do was pack up the dining room and Dave's office...massive jobs both as there were four pieces of furniture in the dining room and all filled with dishes and breakables. Some quite ancient, some antique, some only vintage but all extremely fragile. She would work feverishly (the only way the women in my family know how to work) and then, around 4 in the afternoon, we'd sit on the front porch where we'd shred paper. That's right...we filled eighteen fourteen gallon sized bags full of shredded paper from Dave's grandfather, his uncle, his mother, his first wife, Dave, a couple of companies...madness! We spent half dozen hours, on three nights, shredding paper that dated from 1932 in preparation for selling Thistle Cove Farm, here. The shredded paper was taken to Dr. Anne's for use in cat kennels and wasn't wasted. 

At one point, Stephanie turned to me and said, "You're working me like a convict!" then we both collapsed into laughter. These are halcyon days, even with all the work and made sweeter by Beloved Sistah's presence. She's home now, sorely missed but, God willing, the farm will sell so I can move closer to her and the rest of our family. In the meantime, I feel like Abraham; I'm preparing to move even though I don't know when nor where, exactly but am confident God, in His time, will make things clear. I'm hopeful and prayerful God will move me sooner than He moved Abraham; Abe was 75 when God said, "Go!" and Moses was 80 when he led his people out of Egypt! "Do Lord, O do Lord, O do remember me..."

In past years, God has moved me, several times, and truthfully sometimes I've never understood why. Dave has been dead a trifle more than 2.5 years and it's taken me this long to become emotionally ready to leave this farm. Like I've always said, "It takes as long as it takes"; grief cannot be rushed and it cannot be avoided. Grief will have its way and I believe it's best to walk through that valley of the shadow of death in order to come out the other side, in order to move forward with life.

I've been working on Thistle Cove Cottage, the Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, SC rental condo and lots of other people have been enjoying it. (wry smile) This photo shows a portion of the dining and living areas but the table has been turned so the long side is against the wall. That gives much more space for both dining and walking through the area. 

The cottage is filled with meaningful things from home, such as this Hoosier cabinet in the full sized kitchen. Little touches like embroidery, baskets and Home Sweet Home plaques fill space. 

The master queen bedroom, with private bath, is comfortable and cozy and has balcony access to sit and watch the ocean. I best enjoy early mornings, sitting on the balcony, coffee in hand and having devotions, it's a sweet start to the day.

The second bedroom, with private bath, has twin beds and wall hangings from Budapest. The condo is deliberately not "beachy" because I wanted people to have a sanctuary, a place where they could feel the balm in Gilead when they returned after a long day on the beach, playing mini-golf, shopping or doing what they enjoy. The condo has a private pool, hot tub and rental rates haven't changed in two years. If you, or someone you know, would enjoy a beach vacation, please contact me for available dates. Peggy, "connected kin", is Manager and lives local so there's someone to call upon if need be.

My life isn't all that exciting right now...mainly work, work and more work but it's all good. I'm at a better place, emotionally, since I've been since Dave died and God is healing the hurt. I bless your name for remembering me in prayer; if not for your prayers and God's grace, mercy and love, I would not have made it. If you've time, please listen to Do Lord and Balm; both will lift and renew your spirit. God loves you with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms.

Blessings ~ prayers ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ Thistle Cove Cottage ~ a balm in Gilead ~ laughter ~ Beloved Sistah ~ God's timing ~

Prayer Request

~ view of the Cove, from half mile tree ~

We're in the midst of a spring blizzard, howling winds, low temps, snow and sleety ice pouring from gray sky. 

Stephanie, my Beloved Sistah, was taken to their doctor this afternoon. Doctor didn't like the looks of symptoms and admitted Steph to hospital. She's there, medicated, lots of i.v. to help with dehydration and, hopefully, help with other symptoms. No one is sure what's wrong, more tests tomorrow. 

Please include her, and our family, in your prayers; thank you.

Blessings ~ Stephanie ~ nurses ~ doctors ~ family ~ friends ~ prayer ~ God ~

Happy 85th Birthday, Daddy

 Daddy, center, celebrated his 85th birthday this weekend and we gave him a surprise party. There were a couple of big surprises...the first was Dustin, his youngest grandson (right of Daddy) who flew in from Florida. This photo shows his brother, JW, to Dustin's right, and Steve, Daddy's only son and on his left.

 Daddy, on the left, with Tommy Wright, VA House of Representatives, and Jerome Hancock, Pastor at Southside Nazarene Church.

 Mr. Green, Daddy's right, was in the same high school graduating class as Daddy. He told a couple of good stories about Daddy, then Daddy told him a couple of good stories about Mr. Green. Can you imagine being 85 years old and celebrating your birthday with a high school class mate? Their high school has a reunion every July and 4 classmates are still attending.

Mom and Daddy celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary next month.

Below is the group family photo...back row, left to right...Walter, my BIL and Steve, my brother. On the front row...Stephanie, JW, her eldest, Dustin, her youngest, Daddy, Mom, me, Gwen, Steve's wife. 

 Stephanie had a surprise for Daddy and Dustin...the county fair was about 1/4 mile away and this 'copter pilot was selling rides. Daddy and Dustin went for a 7 minute ride...exciting and memorable for both.

It was a great weekend, filled with good food and friends who relieved old memories, made new memories and enjoyed the day and themselves. The only down side was I took a tumble and sprained my left hand so typing (and most everything else) is terribly painful right now. All that to say, it's going to be a while before I'm able to visit your blog or post on my blog. In the meantime, y'all take care, keep me in your prayers and have a good week...or two.

Blessings - my parents who are healthy - wonderful siblings and their spouses - terrific nephews - good friends and acquaintances - great memories - only a sprain, not a break - 

The Week Between

The week between Christmas and New Year's, I left the above to go with Stephanie, my sister, to NYC. At o-dark thirty, we took Amtrak and rode the rails until we arrived at Penn Station. 

We had a fine time, stayed at a hotel about six blocks from Times Square and walked until I couldn't feel anything other than pain in my body. It was fabulous! We were walking toward Times Square early one evening when a parade of police cars, sirens and lights screaming, pulled to the curb. Stephanie said, "I bet it's a celebrity!" We hung around, waiting to see who it was when Steph said, "I'm going to ask someone". She walked over the the police officer and he said, "Nope, no celebrity. The mayor likes a police presence so once a week, we put on a show of force." They had the K-9 unit, SWAT and beat police...it was wonderful and we chatted for a few minutes. He loved hearing our accents (what accents?!) and we enjoyed receiving directions and tourism advice from him. 

At Times Square, Spidey saved Steph! People dress up in costumes...Spiderman, SquareBob Sponge Pants, Disney characters, etc. and make a few bucks by doing exactly what this guy is doing in the hopes people will give him a few dollars...so I did. Hey, it was my sister! 

Not sure you can see us but we're standing at the end of the number 2, the top end. I wore a silly, wool, felted hat that gave Steph no end of amusement but told her, "We're going to be in large crowds and this silly hat will help you locate me." The first day, she agreed with me.

We visited the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center and while there, we witnessed a young man, on bent knee, propose to his girlfriend.

Suweet!

We visited Ground Zero, the 911 Memorial, a sobering and tear invoking event. I'm not sure you can read this but it says Deanna Lynn Galante and her unborn child.

NEVER FORGET!

While we were there, we visited the Survivor Tree on which rested this bracelet with the names of CPL William McMillan and PFC Christopher McGraw. People took photos but no one attempted to remove it; the feeling of respect and honor was palpable. 

We took a carriage ride around Central Park

and passed this Creche each day and evening as we'd walk to and from our hotel.

We had a fine time and, as we were walking to Penn Station to catch our train home, it started snowing, making everything magical. Memories...good excellent memories with a favorite person...my sister!

Blessings ~ Stephanie ~ our trip to NYC ~ Ground Zero ~ Rockefeller Center ~ Times Square ~ Central Park ~ 

Dear Beloved Sistah,

When Mama and Daddy told Steve and I we were going to have a new brother or sister, my joy knew no bounds! You were loved, from the start, by all of us. If all children were as wanted and loved as you, this world would, indeed, be heaven on earth. There was even a chance you'd be born on my birthday! The news was totally overwhelming and I said my prayers and, probably, kept my fingers cross for all those many, long months. 
You were born on April 13, two days after my birthday, and share Abraham Lincoln's birthday, which seems, somehow, fitting although I'm not sure why. smile
In those days mothers and babies stayed in the hospital for a week or more. Just imagine, an entire week of laying abed, being fed and tended to and cared for...and that was just the Mother! When Mom and Daddy brought you home, your new bed was waiting and I just beside it. We shared a bedroom and, that night, after everyone was asleep, I crept to your crib, picked you up and took you to my bed. From the first night, we shared a bed and you owned my heart.
Over the years, you've grown into a woman, lovely in all ways that matter. Yes, you have physical loveliness but it pales to your kind heart. You share and care and give, sometimes to your own disadvantage, but God always works it out; He knows.
When you and your first husband had your two boys, you became Mother Extraordinaire and your sons now call you blessed. When you and your first husband separated, your sons never went without anything although you went without often.
When you remarried, his sons became your sons and never did you say step-sons; always sons. When Matt was killed in that tragic vehicular accident, you were knocked to your knees and stayed there...praying.
Today, in honor of all your birthdays to come, I am sponsoring a little girl named Rocio whose birthday is April 13. She's six years old and lives in Peru with her mother; for whatever reason, there is no father. 
Compassion International is the host organization, and has been around since 1952, before you, or I, were born. Rev. Everett Swanson, an evangelist in South Korea was preaching to American troops fighting in the Korean War, and his heart was broken by so many war orphans. When Rev. Swanson returned to the USA, he started Compassion International by supporting 34 orphans in South Korea. Now, there are more than two million sponsored children in 26 developing countries. 
Beloved Sistah, Rocio has a better chance at life because of you. Each month, on the 20th, I'll give some money and throughout the year will send little gifts as well as remember Rocio on her birthday and at Christmas. Each month and each time, Rocio will be tucked into prayer, alongside you.
You and I have been so blessed and I wanted to share, in a tangible way, some of those blessings. What better way of sharing than with a single mother and her little girl who shares your birthday?

Happy Birthday, Stephanie; love and prayers, now and always.

Blessings ~ Stephanie, Beloved Sistah ~ Rocio ~ Compassion International ~ Rev. Everett Swanson ~