Christmas Memories from the Past .... REVISED

Was reflecting back ... way back ... to my childhood and some traditions that have continued into the raising of Carin and Melisa, let's see what I can recall ...

* We always had "real trees", and I always helped decorate as soon as I was tall enough.
* Always baked cookies with my Mother, somewhere there's a picture of me at 3 or 4 years, helping?
* Tom and I were allowed to open our smallest package under the tree on Christmas Eve.
* REVISED: How could I forget this one ... always had oyster stew for Christmas Eve dinner ... can we say torture for Tom and me, ugh!
* Always attended church on Christmas Eve, and there was only one service at 11:00pm.
* Our stockings were filled with an orange, apple, walnuts, some candy and some very small treasure.  They were hung on our bedroom door before morning and we could excitedly open their contents before Mom and Dad awoke.
* My Father insisted on breakfast BEFORE any package was opened, and he was a smoker in the house (remember I grew up in Iowa), and sometimes he had to have 2 cigarettes after breakfast ... pure agony!
* After all the excitement of toys, it was then on to Grandma and Grandpa Holmes house for a family gathering with Aunt Betty, Uncle Dick, Sharon, Peggy and Linda; Uncle Lloyd, Aunt Inez, Janet and Suzanne; Aunt Velma, Uncle Bud (Stan) and Joni, they owned a florist in Tama so he was sometimes called Uncle Bud.  I'm thinking as Grandma and Grandpa grew older we'd often go to Aunt Betty's, Uncle Lloyd's or to Aunt Velma (these Aunts and Uncle were my father's side of the family).
* I can still smell Grandma Holmes homemade cinnamon rolls as they were rising next to the heater.
* One of my most favorite memories was waking up on Christmas morning to a fresh, beautiful blanket of snow ... there is nothing quite as beautiful.
* Then, of course, at some point during Christmas vacations there was the building of snowmen, ice skating and it didn't matter if the temperature was below zero, I'd beg my father to take me to the outside skating rink (finally as a teen we did have an enclosed ice skating rink).  And not to forget the new snow sled, such simpler times, no CD's, DVD's, computers or all the other electronics, I really feel sad for children today ... we had to be creative, and we played outside ...

     Ahh, the "good old days", what a wonderful and magical childhood I had ... well, still have lots to do before Christmas Eve, so my friends, I'll reminisce about Carin and Melisa's Christmas as children in another post, until then ... Have a very Merry Christmas, and may God Bless you and your families in the New Year, Love to all who may read this ....

Exactly 12.9 miles ....

from our carport to Tamale King!  Trivia, I know, but it's been a crazy month and I've found myself not doing things I should be doing, or want to do, because of my Mother's health.  Like our mini-family reunion I missed since she was in the hospital, that's totally understandable.  But today I should have been with Don as he traveled to Houston for the funeral of longtime friend, and "old man ski trip" buddy Ray Lester ... couldn't go with him as Mother couldn't stay alone for that lengthy period of time.
     So it's time, it's time for me to start living my life with Don once again; which means, in January, I'll have to look for a facility where she can live, it's not going to be easy for her and she will no doubt make it difficult for me, so if in the next few months I'm on edge, please be patient and pray for us as we complete this transition.  There are so many things I want to do with my life, and it's time.
    Which brings me back to 12.9 miles, and a drive through Inks State Park headed to Tamale King to pick up tamales for Christmas Eve dinner with Carin, Rusty and Dylan.  Do you know how beautiful that drive is through the Park, even in the gray of winter, the scenery is breathtaking at certain turns, we are so lucky to live in the Texas Hill Country.
     Well my friends, Christmas Eve is almost upon us, what a glorious time this is, and it truly is my favorite time of the year for so many reasons.  We received a card today and I'll close tonite with it's verse, "The gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of happiness, may these be yours at Christmas", and always!  Until next time ....

God has a different plan ....

well, it's been a wild 10 days, what happened to Thanksgiving, and the short time Melisa and Henry came for their visit, it was wonderful and then God's plan happened.  You know He has plans for all of our lives and the blips on life's highway help us to grow in strength, compassion, understanding, faith, love, hope.  Our family has been through a lot in the last two weeks with my Mother's hospitalization ... went in for an intestinal bleed and came out with a pacemaker ... how'd that happen?
     It's God's plan, I think sometimes He's hoping I'll become more compassionate as I know I'm lacking in that department a lot so He throws me these curve balls, so "what's she gonna do with this one?"
     Well it's been emotional, exhausting both physically and mentally, and the emotions continue to build ... I'm so tired and am now a real caregiver, even more so.  The good news is that Home Health came for a visit today and we're going to have nursing visits 3 times a week, a physical therapist, and someone to help bathe Mother until she regains her strength ... the not so good news ... I'm no where ready for Christmas and our plans for a trip to Michigan might not happen.  Oh why can't Melisa, John and Henry be just a little closer?  Oh, that too was God's plan.
     Am tired, and don't have the answers for any of my questions, but maybe my brother's prayers for my continued strength and health will be answered and that one day Don and I will regain our life and continue on the plan God has for us.  Love to all, so until next time ....

FALL is in the air ...

at long last, temperatures in the early morning hours in the low 30's, frost on the rooftop, yipee!  This is my favorite season!  Growing up in Iowa it was always beyond beautiful, and I truly miss that, we have some Fall color in the Hill Country, but nothing like the beauty of Iowa.  Guess Don and I will be headed to Lost Maples within the next couple of weeks to see if Texas Fall color compares to Iowa's beauty.  Stay tuned ....

MONDAY, MONDAY ....

and a Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear Cindy, Happy Birthday to me!!!  A new year begins and I am so blessed and grateful for my life!  And so we celebrated with Eli and Sharon again, only this time at the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls where by joining their birthday club (for any age) you receive a FREE lunch to include a luscious dessert, and this year the winner was yummy, yummy PEANUT BUTTER pie ...

Until next time ....

A day with Dylan ...

well Carin called and asked if we wanted company the weekend of September 18th, of course, we always love company.  So she and Dylan arrived mid-morning Saturday for an overnight visit and fun with Grammie and Papa.  But, as always, Carin had a plan ... she wanted to introduce Dylan to "The Slab", and can we find her knee-board to take along?
     Lunch was eaten, clothes changed, pack the truck and off we go to Kingsland and "The Slab".  It was a beautiful afternoon and we expected many to take advantage of the weather, we were in luck, not crowded.  Park and unload the truck to find the perfect spot to put up our "tent" and settle in for some FUN ... please note you will not see pictures of Carin, there was something of a threat toward me!  So here we go,

Dylan on knee-board for the first time, HELP ME, HELP ME!!  Followed by, that was FUN, I want to go again!

We spent almost two hours playing in the water, Eli and Sharon joined the fun as well, and then we went our separate ways.  After a trip to Tamale King for a luscious Mexican food dinner, it was back  home to toss the football with Papa ...

Great catch Dylan!

So the evening comes to a close, it's time for a story and to bed!  Sunday morning arrives with "pancakes with holes" , otherwise known as waffles; but Dylan decides on Grammie's fried eggs instead ... that works!  A great breakfast and then it's time for a walk with Papa down to the lake ...

Who's having fun by now, Dylan is but tiring of having his picture taken, so one last picture from this weekend follows ...

     Our next adventure was painting faces on two pumpkins, I've now learned I must give more direction as Dylan painted several small faces on the pumpkin until Mommy came to the rescue.  They're cute, but Dylan tired of having his picture taken and asked "no pictures please".  We had a great time, and I'm amazed at how Dylan has grown emotionally since he joined the Ponder, Anderson, Waskevich clan.  He's come a long way in some 13 months, and we are so proud of him, Carin and Rusty.  We're looking forward already to our next visit, and the fun of Fall and Christmas Holidays!  So my friends, stay tuned, until next time ...

The plan was to ...

leave for my 45th high school class reunion on Thursday, September 2nd, arriving in Cedar Rapids on the 3rd, staying with my cousin Sharon and husband Jack for two nights, touring old haunts in Cedar Rapids, and then depart for Melisa and John's on Sunday, September 5th.  Well you know what they say about plans ....
     Talking with Melisa on Monday, August 23rd I could tell she wasn't feeling well and she'd been having minor gallbladder attacks.  John was getting ready for his annual Canadian fishing trip and she didn't want to upset his plan ... ahh, plans ... well, the gallbladder wouldn't settle down, so that evening it was off to the emergency room for Melisa and John.  Neighbor and friend Lorie and Bernie came over to watch Henry Donald.
     Melisa was admitted to the hospital that evening, John called to let us know of her situation and she'd probably have surgery on Wednesday.  Simple enough decision, we pack up early, stop the mail, advise the neighbors we're departing a week earlier than anticipated and we hit the road on Thursday, August 26th thinking we'd be there in time for Melisa to be at home.  Well the gallbladder attack turned into pancreatitis, Melisa's surgery scheduled for Wednesday would not happen until our arrival day of Saturday.
     What a drive that was, concerned about Melisa's health but knowing Henry Donald was in good hands with neighbors and relatives.  The day of her surgery was traumatic as John called us at 8:15am to say Melisa was in surgery.  Well having just had gallbladder surgery last year I assumed she'd be out in an hour and John would call around 9:45am to let us know she's in recovery.  No call at 9:45, no call at 10:00 or 10:30, wanting to call him, I didn't and finally at almost 11:30am my cell phone rang, she was out of surgery.  I'm thinking it was a three hour experience, however, finding out later that her doctor had an emergency c-section prior to her gallbladder.  Melisa was finally able to come home on Monday, August 30th.
     So, helping with Henry Donald beginning on that Sunday became the biggest part of our trip in addition to helping with cooking, laundry, Waldo and Misty, oh and the cat!  Melisa wasn't allowed to lift anything over 15 pounds and Henry was now tipping the scale at just over 15 pounds ... so bending from the knees always and praying my back would hold, Henry and I really bonded over the next two weeks ... everything from diaper changes, bottle making, feeding, until Melisa was feeling well enough to assist.  It was emotionally difficult for her in the beginning, but soon we established a routine I would carry Henry to the changing table and she'd dress him or change the diaper.  After a few days she was able to hold him for his bottles; she was able to pump her breast milk and then John or I would make 1/2 formula, 1/2 breast milk bottles until her supply returned.
     We had a great time helping with Henry, and feel so fortunate we could pull up stakes in Texas and head out to help, this was one of our longest trips North ... 16 days ... and here are two of my favorite pictures of Henry, he found his toes, was trying to roll over, and will soon be sitting up on his own ... enjoy ...

Handsome Henry, about 3-1/2 months old.

Well maybe one day soon this hat will fit me better!

As I always end my friends, until next time ....

Going to play catch-up, not "ketchup" ...

     Okay, I haven't blogged in a while, a long while and I guess maybe as per Eli I've spent too much wasted time on FB.  Anyway, I plan to add two new posts this week, but you'll have to wait until Wednesday before I can begin ... TMI, so I'll spare you the details.
     I have changed my background to my favorite time of the year, now if I can only remember how to change all of my font colors on the headings things would look so much nicer, so, until next time ....

Remember this post from June?

well, probably not as a lot has happened since the end of June in everyone's lives!  But now our late night visitor has another friend stopping by to enjoy the delights of the birdbath. 

      The other evening about 9:00pm I happened to open the backdoor, which set off the motion detector light, and much to my delight perched IN the birdbath was a beautiful Red Fox enjoying the cool water.  I quickly and quietly shut the door, RAN for my camera in hopes he would still be there, as we gazed at each other a long time before I shut the door, but unfortunately by the time I could get the camera set and focused he ran into the dark of the night.

      Darn, maybe another evening will bring him back to the birdbath, life in the country, you just never know what to expect.  So until next time ...

   

OKAY, I'm ready for Fall!

It's just time ... I'm in the process of redecorating the house for Fall, yup, being a midwestern girl at heart and ready for the crisp, cool Iowa mornings and the beautiful foliage of September and October.  Ahhh yes, the pumpkins are out in the house, and will be soon in the landscape, it's just my FAVORITE time of the year!  Has nothing to do with my September birthday, well maybe, I just love Fall.  So come on cooler weather, and goodbye to the heat ... even though it's not been as bad as last year.  So my friends, if you come to our house, it's Fall ... can Christmas be far behind?!  Until next time ....

Burnet welcomes home a fallen American hero ...

we don't know him, Capt. Jason Ellis Holbrook, 28 years young, or his family but today we honored his service as a member of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, in Afghanistan.  July 29th he died from wounds sustained in a roadside attack near the town of Tsagay, Afghanistan.

He chose to serve his country and risk his life protecting our freedoms, and for that we are grateful.  We stood almost 45 minutes along Highway 281 waiting to hold our hand over our heart and wave our flag so his young widow and parents would know how much we appreciated his service; to let them know as well they are not alone in their mourning, that others grieve with them.  The procession was long with many law enforcement participants from Burnet and Llano Counties, and, the motorcycle veterans that have taken it upon themselves to protect the family and solider from those that choose to use a dignified procession for a fallen hero to make a statement.

It was a moving experience, and our thoughts turn to Capt. Holbrook's family, may God place his loving arms around them and begin to heal their wounds of this loss to their family.  Cherish each day my friends, and be thankful for the young men and women willing to protect our freedom.  Until next time .....

I'm NOT happy ...

am not certain who this person is that's receiving all of MY attention, I can only tell you that I'm NOT HAPPY and hopefully they're not moving in ...

I heard my Mom say they'll be leaving on Thursday and I suppose she'll be sad and crying, BUT, then I'll have she and Dad all to myself once again!  As Mom often says, so, until next time my friends ....

41 plus 42 equals ...

years of friendship that began, for me, when Don and I were on our honeymoon and stopped in Houston on our way to our new home in Austin.  It was there I met Eli and Sharon, little did I know then the friendship that Don and Eli began while both worked at Brown and Root, before Don joined the Army and served in Vietnam, would still be growing some 42 years later.  Don't know why it didn't click back then, other than to say we were young and 41 years of marriage seemed like a LONG time away, it's amazing how fast these years have gone!  Eli and Sharon are gems of the earth, they have been there for us, and I hope we for them, through thick and thin, births of children, surgeries (just a few), weddings, funerals, the good times, the scarey times, it just doesn't matter they are always present.  We hope they know how much we love, value and appreciate their friendship, like love it's unconditional.
     So, here we are at 41 years ...

And, Eli and Sharon at 42 years ...

We're still a handsome looking group, wouldn't you agree!  Our wish for anyone reading this blog, that you too experience the genuine friendship and love that we share together! 

We love you guys!!  So, until next time ....

And he returns to the CRIME SCENE ...

You know we have NO trees on our lot with the exception of two very, very sad Mesquite trees.  Well our midnight prowler has returned, not in the dark of the night, but well before sunset, and after a fresh rain to nibble on some vegetation ... this is now getting serious ...

Okay, so he spots me as I sneak around the outside of the house ...

Yikes, gotta run, and quick, am not certain what that woman is holding in her hand ...

        Whew, got away, around the bird feeder and through the opening in Chuck's fence .... but I'll be back, when they least expect it and finish my dinner! 

        It's so much fun living in the country, and just after our "criminal" disappeared, the neighborhood skunk appeared in the backyard.  We're thinking the bands of rain showers from Hurricane Alex have affected our favorite country creatures!  Until next time ....

Told you so ....

the mystery's been solved, but I was pretty certain I knew what was happening, Don wasn't convinced until last night!  Our birdbath in the backyard, during the night the water was disappearing and I suggested one of our friendly neighborhood residents were taking advantage, it could have been any of the many cats that love our backyard as we have many morning doves, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, tufted titmouse, and chickadees entertaining us daily, or maybe the fox that passes through on a regular basis, or maybe the skunk that sometimes is confused that he's a nocturnal animal and appears after sunrise when I'm watering or weeding, but not the case!  Pictured below is the criminal, caught in the act ...

This picture was taken at 10:30pm last night, we'd just gone to bed and our motion detector light came on, it happens frequently, and we usually ignore but decided to check out the cause of the motion.  Picture was taken at our kitchen window, through the crack in our blinds, our sweet friend didn't move, even after the first shot when I forgot to turn off the flash.  She stayed until I reset the camera!  No more mystery, it's so much fun living in the country!  Have a great day my friends, until next time ....

Before and after ...

Started working in my poor flowerbeds last weekend, and have vowed NEVER to let them go this long again, but am making some progress, so here's to sharing a before and after shot ...

Before

Now this is a work in progress so I'm not finished, and I'm using mostly native Texas plants, those draught resistant are the best.  And one day I'd like to replace our deck with something a bit fancier, it was built when we moved in as our foundation is about 3 feet deep and the builder didn't provide steps, imagine that.  Okay, here's the after ...

My Red Yucca nearest the step is not blooming yet, the red yucca in the center of the yard has been, the shrub under Mother's bedroom window, a Mexican Honeysuckle,  will bloom later.  Also on our "to do" list is a redo of the driveway, but it all takes time.  There's a piece of granite behind my yard chicken, it's part of the lakehouse fireplace mantel.  There are two bigger slabs in the backyard where our birdbath sits, more pictures later.  So someone had better encourage me to continue with my projects, and then remind me Spring 2011 to start weeding, planting and mulching in April ... and to think I even know better ... sigh!  Until next time ...

My Newest Friend ...

he about scared me Sunday evening when I opened the back door, and actually he did.  It was dark and all I saw was something on the door frame.  And y'all know we live in the country, so my immediate thought was a spider or scorpion, not the case.  My new friend seems to like the back of our house, and here he is ...

"Mr. Walking Stick", he watched me this evening as I watered plants, and took note of the hummingbirds as they came in for a before bedtime snack.

That's about it, my blog for today, a slow news day, but now you've met my new friend :)  Enjoy your evening, and until next time ....

IS IT 1,468 MILES OR 1,185 MILES ?

it doesn't really matter, but Mapquest says 1,468 miles and Gertrude, our GPS, says 1,185 miles to Melisa and John's front door.  It's a long trip, and we've driven it so many times simply because we're always taking something to Melisa and John.  But this time we were anticipating our first visit with Henry Donald.

     So we packed, loaded the truck and hit the road ... Don does all of the driving, simply because I tend to fall asleep on long trips, so it's gruesome for him but he is able to finally unwind, and we do stop often so that helps some!  But the real victims of these road trips are ...

My poor, poor swollen feet and toes, and I even wear anti-embolism stockings on the advice of my doctor.  Guess I should issue a WARNING that these pictures may be offensive to some; however, the good news is that after almost a week, the feet and toes begin to look ...

more like normal feet and toes, okay, I still need a pedicure, and I've managed to have a blister on the left foot and bites on my right toes, but the feet are 98% back to normal!  YIPEE!!  Until next time ...

Henry Donald's arrival ....

guess it was close to midnight when the phone finally rang, Melisa had been induced earlier in the day.  John had done a great job of keeping us advised of any progress and we even talked with Melisa a few times, but at 10:30pm my eyes and body were fading fast so off to bed in eager anticipation of the call.

     The phone rang, Melisa asked immediately for me to put the phone on "speaker" and the announcement of Henry DONALD's arrival at 11:51pm on May 19th, yipee, not only for his arrival, but now we have, in our family, three birthdays on the 19th of January (Dylan), May (Henry) and October (Carin), so it will be an easy date to remember.  And, of course, the special middle name of Donald in honor of Dad, he is so proud!
     Melisa gave us further stats, but then announced Henry was under oxygen due to meconium aspiration ... a mild form of panic set in, what's that?!  Not totally understanding the condition made it somewhat scarey and all we wanted to do is be there with them.  However, after much conversation over the course of Henry's first days in the hospital, we decided to depart on Sunday for Michigan.  We arrived on Monday, later than we wanted, but you now how it is when you really want to be somewhere, it seems like you'll never arrive!!
     Even though late, I held Henry for the first time, what a thrill to have this little guy as a part of our family now.  And even more special, I was the second person to hold him, other than John or Melisa. Tuesday morning arrived and the fun of taking care of Henry Donald, helping Melisa with everyday household stuff, grocery shopping, laundry, and taking care of Misty Buttons and Waldo, John and Melisa's 4-legged and first children began.  Misty and Waldo were curious, as seen in the following, and sometimes shut out of the bedroom ....

Tuesday was Henry's first check-up with the Doctor, as they call it now, Weight and Color Check.  Great news, Henry's color is good and he's regained his birth weight, come back in one week for a second visit.  The following days flew by and with each day we knew it would be several months before we'd get to hold Henry once again.  So with all the daily events of feedings, Henry's first bath, first time on the patio for some sun, first trip to Target, there was also lots of picture taking.  One of the must have pictures is a four generation picture of me (age 62), Great-Grammie Holmes (age 94), Melisa (age 30), and Henry, the star of the show ...

     So much happened over those 9 special days with Henry,  and most of you reading this blog have followed our activities on Facebook.  Don and I have truly been blessed this year with two very special little boys entering our lives, maybe this post should be titled "From Zero to Two in Nine Months", and to think we once wondered if we'd ever be Grandparents. 

                                                   

     What fun these next years will be, watching Henry as he grows into the young man that God  intended him to be, we are so proud to be called Grammie and Papa.  We love you so very much, so until next time ....

Why is it that ....

you leave on a trip your house is clean, laundry done, everything in it's place and when you walk through the door on return and within minutes your nice clean house looks like you've been through a hurricane .... mail piled 10 inches deep, laundry separated on the floor, washer and dryer going, groceries to be put away and the list goes on!  Oh well, a woman's work is never done!  So I'll blog about the trip later, until then .... 

The NEW, but not our, Lakehouse pictures!

Okay family and friends, if you want to remember Da Place as it once was, then don't look at or read my blog today.  Don and I have heard there's a contract on the property, and it's apparently a fairly good offer, that's all we know and we stumbled upon that information.  So we've watched the transformation from Da Place, to it's current regal status and thought some of you might want to see what the builder has done.  He's still working on the landscaping and exterior of the house, and we have seen the inside, its very nice even though the cabinets and granite are a bit dark for my taste.

As you approach from the road, builder did keep

the foundation from our "carport", you can also see the new dock with deck!

The following photograph was taken from the deck area of the dock. 

It's really quite nice, you can see around the bend of the lake.

The boat dock will hold two jet skis and a boat.

This, naturally, is the lakeside of the house:

Top floor is a bedroom, game room, bathroom, and a bedroom or study.

Middle floor, to the left is a bedroom and bath, the remainder of that level is the
kitchen, toward the back of the house, and then an open living room area.

The bottom floor can actually be closed off for a rental apartment, it's self-sufficient.

This last picture is taken from the top of the deck area,

and is looking across the lake to what was once the "deer lease".

Hoping the new owners will enjoy as much as the

Anderson and Davis Clan's did for some 50 years!  Until next time ....

Don's Bloomin' Cactus

Don has been nuturing this cactus plant in the pot for several years, and much to his delight this morning this is what we found ...

He thinks the yellow at the base of the picture might be Cedar ... certainly hope not!

and now, for a closer view ...

Well, guess these are my flowers for Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

DYLAN ADOPTION PICTURE

Okay, here's hoping this works ... Melisa has been patiently teaching me how to accomplish the task of adding pictures,

Grammie, PaPa, Rusty, Carin, Dylan and Judge

He's a cutie isn't he ... Dylan, of course!

DYLAN

How do I even begin, well it was 4:50am this morning and knew we had to get up and on the road. While Belton is only one and a half hours, we didn't know what to anticipate in traffic and we certainly didn't want to walk into court late.
    So, got moving, ate a light breakfast with only one cup of coffee and hit the road by about 6:15am.  Stopped in Liberty Hill for gas, and a quick call to Carin to ensure they were on the road as well. We arrive at the Sheriff's Dept. a little after 8:00am, find a parking spot, and decide to go on into the building to the 4th floor, designated as the CPS Cluster Area ... lots of people already present and waiting for one of the courts ... one designated as Child Support.  Soon to arrive are Carin, Rusty and Dylan, looking so very, very handsome with hair fixed, jeans and a light blue plaid western shirt.  With them is Christy, their CPS Caseworker, then their Attorney, and then Brandi, who is Dylan's CPS Caseworker (that sounds so impersonal).
    It was amazing the number of individuals in the waiting area, until a Deputy announces those individuals for Child Support Cases may enter their designated courtroom ... no joke, nearly 95% of the people went into the opposite court.  Carin and Rusty's attorney suggested that we go into our designated court, quite empty in comparison.  After a few moments the Judge enters, hmmm, no one announced "all rise" ... too much Law & Order I guess!  He was very informal, and stated for the Ponder Family to approach the bench, caseworkers, lawyers, and even grandparents.  We all gathered around and those testifying were given an oath, no Bible either.  The attorney took the lead asking questions of Carin and Rusty, about their willingness to adopt and did they understand their responsibilities, then Brandi (Dylan's caseworker) was asked to make a statement, and then the judge stated that he believed this adoption should go forward.  Oh Dylan also had an attorney representing him, however, the two had never met and he (the attorney) quite friendly tried to make eye contact with the suddenly very shy Dylan, it didn't work.   The judge presented the gavel to Dylan, but he was too shy to take, so Carin took the gavel and with one hit the adoption was considered a done deal.  The judge took a moment to compliment and thank Carin and Rusty for their journey to Dylan, even stating that not many happy things happen in his courtroom, and adoption hearings are an event he personally enjoys, as he was speaking tears were rolling down his face ... as with all of us, it was as if there was no one else in the room ... a very emotional moment.
    With that accomplished we all entered into a jury room with lots of stuffed animals on the table, Dylan was able to take two, and then pictures (wish I could figure out how to upload with my camera, sorry that's a challenge, but I'm certain Carin will post pictures).  We had planned to have a celebration at IHOP, Carin had told Dylan that Grammie and PaPa had a gift for him ... well guess who he wanted to ride with ... certainly not Mom and Dad.  And of course we just had to pass a McDonald's, and from the backseat we heard this ... BUT I wanna go to McDonald's.  With some Divine intervention we were able to convince Dylan that Mommy and Daddy would be waiting for us at IHOP and maybe next time ... WHEW!  We had fun talking, and eating, but then it was time to hit the road!  OH, Dylan's adoption gift was a SUPER SOAKER, and yes Carin approved ... it will probably be refreshing during the summer months! and there will probably be more blogging on it as the Texas heat increases!
    So, it's been nine months since Dylan arrived in all of our lives, and while all this time has not been easy, and there are many rough roads ahead, he has enriched all of our lives, and we have grown in love with him.  Carin believes after today that he finally is "getting it" and understands he is with his "forever family", he will never again be taken from his home, he will never again have to search through a trash can to find food, he will never again be neglected or harmed by anyone.  How truly blessed we are to have Dylan as our grandson, and we hope one day he will understand how much we love him.
    Before I close let me share with you, Texas has 27,000 children in foster care, and as we were leaving Belton, a billboard caught my attention, ABUSE, 6,600 children experience it daily.  How incredibly sad, and the children in Dylan's age group are less and less likely to be adopted, we must keep them in our prayers as well as the caseworkers, attorneys and judges and pray these children find a Mommy and Daddy to protect, care and love them as we love Dylan.  Now a new chapter begins, so my friends, until next time ...
  

It's Been a Great Week!

Whew, what a week we've had and it's only Wednesday!  It's also a Full Moon tonight, and Melisa is about ready to deliver Baby W, wouldn't that be awesome!  Anyway, to bring y'all (whomever y'all might be) up-to-date, let's begin with Saturday, April 24th.
    Don's 3rd cousin, Moody Anderson, owns a little town called "The Grove, TX".  It's an incredible place just a bit North and West of Belton, about two hours from home.  He's collected antiques for the last forty years and housed them in buildings in The Grove, it has a General Store, Blacksmith Shop and Saloon.  Many of the items have been used in movies over the years, notably, The Lonesome Dove, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Newton Boys.  Well, he decided it was time to sell the town and it's contents, so everything and I mean every item was put on the auction block.
    Enter dear friends Eli and Sharon, a telephone call and let's do it ... we're headed out to The Grove on the 24th.  It was an absolutely beautiful day, clear blue skies, cool daytime temperatures ... the kind of day that doesn't happen too often in Texas.  The drive was great, enjoying the wildflowers, arriving at The Grove and couldn't find a parking place, it was packed.  Don dropped us off near the General Store and found a parking place about three-quarters of a mile down the road.  We explored the area, Sharon and I decided let's get signed up in case we see something we can't live without.  So after providing some basic information we were given a book containing the 600 auction items for Saturday only.  The book contained everything from pre-1917 auto license plates, wagons, the bank cage, the post office cage, shovels, rakes, medicine bottles, it was incredible.
    So the auction was already in progress by the time we arrived, so we stood and listened.  Amazing how the auction operates, the auctioneer ... what'd he just say ... and whatever you do ... keep your paper with your number down so he won't think you're bidding on a plaque of antique license plates selling for $1,750 ... yup, hang on to your license plates, one day your children may need some extra cash!  After we decided the bidding and selling was left to the more professionals we jumped back into the car and headed to Georgetown for lunch.
    We had a fabulous late-afternoon lunch, lots of talking, and just enjoying being on a day-trip!

So, on to our next event!  Telephone rings and it was Helen and Douglas, dear friends from Houston.  They'd been on an extended vacation, left the day after Easter and were on their way home, spending the night in Big Springs, asked if we were going to be home on Tuesday and could they rest their heads on our pillows for the night!
    Absolutely, we haven't seen them in many months, Tuesday was a wild day with appointments, but they arrived around 2:30pm.  The afternoon and evening was spent catching up, King Ranch chicken casserole, a glass of wine or two, watching The Good Wife, and then off to bed.  We spent Wednesday morning with waffles and blueberries, coffee and conversation!  They departed around 10:00am and headed back to Houston.  A very short, but very enjoyable visit.
    Well, that brings you up-to-date on some activities, now on to the BIG events of Dylan's adoption being finalized on May 5th, and Melisa ... well ... can't control Baby W's arrival, so my friends, until next time ....

A NEW CHAPTER AND JOURNEY BEGINS ....

Carin called to let us know they finally have a court date to complete Dylan's adoption!  My heart is filled with love, joy, and excitement for Carin, Rusty and Dylan as they begin a new chapter in their journey as a family!  Wednesday, May 5th, 9:00am ... we'll be there!  Until next time ....

WEEKENDERS ...

they're back!  You know it's been fairly quiet in The Highland Lakes area since the end of December.  Summer was over, dove and deer season had ended, and then Winter, and what a winter it was, so there weren't too many "weekenders" around.  Weekenders, those are the folks coming up from the city, Houston, Dallas, Austin, to visit their lakefront properties or ranches and enjoy the beauty and quiet of the area.
    It's a good, bad thing ya know!  I've learned you NEVER, EVER go to the grocery store or Wallie-World from Friday afternoon until late Sunday, OMG, they are packed ... now, I'm not totally complaining as it's great for our economy, but you'd think there was a Hurricane on the horizon when Sunday evening rolls around and the weekenders have headed home!  Whew!
    And now, this weekend, the wildflowers are absolutely the prettiest I have ever seen, they're everywhere this year thanks to Mother Nature and our rain, and it's the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet.  So anyway, I'm driving into Marble Falls on my favorite road, Park Road 4 and the weekenders are absolutely crazy!  Remember PR4 is filled with big, rolling hills, it's only 2 lane, and there are no shoulders to speak of.  But that doesn't stop them, over they pull, at a moments notice, jump from their cars with cameras in hand and the picture taking begins; of course, they spy the castle and it's hit the brakes immediately so they won't miss a photo op against the blue, blue sky!
    Ahhh, it's fun living in The Highland Lakes, and you know, even with the weekenders at this point in our lives, wouldn't want to live anywhere else!  Until next time ....

The WEIGHT Battle ...

Oh what can I say, this weight thing is starting to eat at me (pardon the pun)!  You know, I was so good at Christmas, only gaining a couple of pounds, but for some reason the last two weeks I've added about five more pounds ... and there's absolutely no excuse, other than I'm an emotional eater.
    Anyone else out there an emotional eater, and right now don't know why I'd be eating emotionally ... I mean really, our life is pretty good right now, even though we owe stupid taxes once again this year.  Just how do they continue to get blood from a turnip, we have paid more than our fair share over the last almost 41 years of marriage.  Anyway, then there was the car thing, and then we're anxiouisly anticipating the arrival of Baby W, and Dylan's adoption becoming finalized, and then, of course, there's my Mother living with us for the last 8 years!
    Maybe all of the above has caused me to emotional eat, or stress eat, whichever you prefer to call the syndrome!  So today I've turned over a new leaf, I continue to workout at Curves 3 times a week and I'm once again pushing myself instead of talking quite so much.  And then tonite, went for a walk after dinner.  We eat fairly healthy, except for Easter Sunday when my Mother requested ham, scalloped potatoes, carrot cake, fruit salad, and those fabulous Hawaiian rolls ... everything in moderation!  OH, and I'm a Life Member of Weight Watchers, of course now over my goal weight and I won't tell you by how many pounds!  And maybe I have a "negative goal" as I don't want to gain all the weight my Mother has over the past 40 years, she's now 94 years old.
    Well, maybe this blogging thing is therapeutic, I'm going to take a more positive attitude about the weight issue ... we'll see how that goes.  Here's to even more healthy eating, and, until next time ....

EASTER, has it been 38 years?!

Thought it odd, Good Friday, March 31st, 1972 that my father would call.  But we were going to the lake for Easter weekend with Don's family, both Don and I had the day off, so we left soon after his call.  Don't remember a whole lot about that weekend, we arrived safely, had dinner and conversation and then on to bed. 
    It was 4:00am and Don's parents came into the bedroom to awaken us and say that I had a call.  I remember parts of the conversation with Reverend Woods, the pastor who I grew up with and who married Don and I just a few years prior.  He was kind, but his words brought the horrible news that my beloved father had died of a massive heart attack at the young age of 56 years.  I remember crying, talking with my mother and asking if she was okay.  The remainder of the day is a blur, we drove back to Houston, made air reservations, called dear friends Eli and Sharon.  Sharon and I went shopping immediately as I didn't have a dark colored dress to wear.
    I remember flying from Houston to Chicago, running through O'Hare to catch our flight to Cedar Rapids.  The rest is a blur, I don't remember too much about Dad's funeral other than it was very cold, Monday, April 3rd, the graveside services and it was gray, overcast and I believe some snowflakes were falling.
    My father was a wonderful man, full of fun and energy, he loved me unconditionally and wanted only the best for me in life.  I fully believe he has watched me from the Heavens all these years, and I know and feel he has shook his head and rolled his eyes many a time, but I also know he's been proud of me and the life Don and I have together.  My deepest regret is that he never met his beautiful granddaughters, Carin and Melisa.  How proud he would be of them, and how much he would enjoy them and their lives with Rusty and John!
    Easter, since that day 38 years ago, it's sometimes been a difficult time for me, but I find strength, comfort and joy in believing that this is a season of rebirth and new beginnings!  So my family and friends, I love you all, and your support over the many years, let the "new beginning begin".  Until next time ....

THANKS TO ELI ...

YEA Eli, and thanks for the "heads up" about getting my windshield fixed!  Called State Farm, talked to our agent, they gave me the number to call and presto, windshield will be fixed later this afternoon in my driveway, at no cost to us!  WOOHOO!
    Well, there's always the disclaimer, if the dings should further crack during the process then it's a new windshield and we have to pay the deductible.  So, saying my prayers that all goes well!
    I'm so grateful that Eli had the answer, thanks dear friend!!  Until next time ....

IT'S A ...

2008 Chevy Impala SS 4 Door Sedan, 8 Cylinder, 5.3 Fuel Injected, Dark Silver Metallic exterior and Ebony interior, leather seats!
    And it came from Lee Hoffpauir in Marble Falls!  I'm especially excited about the "bun warmer", it will be so nice to get in the car and drive feeling the therapy on my lower back, which for the last almost 33 years seems to let me know it's there!
    Yesterday was such a stressful day, I know there are so many more happenings in life that are certainly moreso than purchasing a vehicle, but we really didn't want a car note this year, I was looking at 2011, but God has another plan.  Anyway, Raymond was so very nice, but it still feels like your privacy is being invaded, checking your credit, asking questions, they're typing away on the computer, you're wondering what they're looking at and how long this process is going to take.  Gads ... well actually, it didn't take that long, but it seems like it when you have 10 other things you'd rather be doing than sitting at a car dealership.
    So, after a couple of hours, waiting for the car to be washed, filled up with gas, I get in and head down Park Road 4, it's driving like a dream, having fun on the hills and curves ... so much fun!  And then I notice .... the Inspection Sticker, it expired in February.  Oh great!  Get home and decide to call Raymond in the morning, am going to have a glass of wine instead!!
    This morning I call, "Raymond, everything's great, BUT, Hoffpauir is supposed to inspect even new, used cars ... right?  Well, my inspection sticker shows Februrary 2010."  So, finish what I'm doing and head out Park Road 4 once again into MF, driving South on 281, minding my own business, no trucks in my lane and then POP.  Yup, two stones left their impression on my windshield, no cracks, but small indents ... I am so hoping they don't crawl any further until I can find that magic gel to stop them.  Bummer!  Well it is a used vehicle, but it's in great shape inside and out, think they indicated it was driven by a little old lady only going to church on Sunday!
    Life has returned to normal, we might have been able to live with only one vehicle for awhile, but then I think ... don't think so!  So my friends, drive safely and watch for the "rocks" coming from the opposite lanes, until next time ....

NEW OR USED .... ?

Okay, why is it that when you have all your ducks in a row a challenge or "opportunity" appears?  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I'm just wondering!
    My vehicle for the last seven years has decided to go on to vehicle Heaven, well, actually I feel pretty certain we've decided that after Randy gave us the quote to repair.  If it was just a repair wouldn't be too bad, but there's also a safety issue involved.  Since I drive a very hilly terrain, guess it's time to put the last Mary Kay vehicle I earned to rest, it has served me well.
    So, now we must decide ... new or used?  And we really don't want a car note, of course the Grand Prix was paid off in July 2009, but guess a car note will now have to be added to the budget.  The salesman today was very nice, of course, told him we really weren't going to make any decision today since Carin and Dylan will be visiting beginning Thursday and we don't want to be rushed into purchasing.  That my friends is the highlight, Carin and Dylan will be here tomorrow afternoon (Rusty's at a fishing tournament), so we'll have a fun weekend, planning on SeaWorld San Antonio and then make the vehicle decision next week!
    Until next time ....

SPRING FORWARD ...

    Did y'all realize that Daylight Savings Time begins THIS Sunday, March 14th at 2:00a.m.?  Whomever decided, believe it was Congress, that DST should begin before Winter is even over needs to have their heads examined!  I do enjoy DST, but it's way too early.  It should start in April when its warmer and you have reason to be outside longer, but now, before Winter is over ... why?  I worry about all the school kids waiting for buses, once again, when it's so dark.  I'm not certain I understand the logic, but then there's a lot that comes out of Congress that makes absolutely no sense these days!
    Well, guess I'll be drinking my cup of coffee and watching the sun rise just a little later until we get in to the Spring and Summer months!
    Until next time ....

DAD TO THE RESCUE!

    Okay, I'll try to keep this short ... HOWEVER, I'm new to FaceBook and don't really get all that you can do, but I get it enough to check on recent "posts" of our daughters.  Imagine my shock when I see Carin has a "post" she's at the Emergency Room because one of her research horses at the A&M Vet School, Research Department, decided to bite down on her left index finger and she's possibly lost the tip. 
    Well as any Mother would do, I called immediately!  She's in some pain, they were able to stitch her finger okay, and her nail is a mess ... but, Rusty is traveling and she's going to have to deal with feeding their 20 horses and Dylan (he's been awesome of late), so she's not comfortable taking the prescribed pain medication! 
    I offer for the three of us and Rascal to come and help for the weekend, then before she can respond I rescind my offer of "all" and offer Dad's help!  Well she was slow to respond, so I took that as an indication she really wants someone with her ... so a quick duffle bag packed and off Dad goes to aid with the feeding of horses and to entetain Dylan!
    Guess you never outgrow your need for Mom and Dad!  Until next time ....

THEY'RE BAACCCKKKK!!!

     Have I mentioned we live in the country?  Now we don't live on acerage, like Carin and Rusty, but we are out of any city limits, and we do experience God's greatest creatures all around us ... snakes (haven't seen one in a while, only dead ... the best kind), fox, precious deer, numerous birds and then, the skunks!  Ahh yes, the skunks, we had a Momma deliver six babies under Don's newly installed Tuff Shed last June.  They were so cute, and just like clockwork, as soon as the sun set each evening they appeared ... following Momma on their evening adventures!  Well, once they were weaned, I guess, we never asked, they seemed to disappear!  WHEW!
    And then this morning arrived, at about 6:15am, heard one of our neighbor cats screeching ... they too enjoy our backyard because I feed all the birds, so they spend time near the birdfeeder and under our deck in the hopes of catching a meal!  However, I spend some time opening the door and scooting them on their way, until they decide I'm too busy to notice they're back in the yard.  Okay, the screeching was early and we never did see anything.  Must have been a territorial standoff ... little did we know!
    Breakfast eaten and then it was on to Curves, starting the week right.  Came home at about 8:15am and Rascal is having a fit barking out the back door ... and then we saw it!  He/She's baacckkk ... yep, a bit late as they're noctural animals (tell them that), casually walking to the Tuff Shed.  First mistake, we didn't have a slab poured for the shed, won't ever make that mistake again.  Ms. Skunk is looking for a way back under, but the usual passage taken last year was blocked by the lawnmower, hearing Rascal's bark she was concerned.  Wandered quickly to the backside and then out from the opposite side of the shed ... Rascal's making a large commotion and the next thing we know the skunk is headed for the deck!  NO, NO ... decides not to go under, SO, yup you guessed it, with tail up and spread she comes around toward the back wall of the house, walks right past the door, Rascal by this time is absolutely crazy!  I'm talking to Carin on the phone and she's screaming, get Rascal away from the door so the skunk won't spray the door ... didn't think of that one!  So there she goes, to the backside of the shed and she disappeared somewhere in Don's lumber stack!
    You just had to be there!  It was a hoot, but now we know they're back and I imagine if Chuck (next door neighbor) sees her in the dark of the night in his yard, he'll shoot her.  And that's okay, the downside to that, there's many, many more out there and they too will probably find there way to our Tuff Shed!
    Now, I mentioned deer, several weeks ago we had about six in the backyard one Sunday night.  Well hadn't seen them since that time, and Don needed to take my camera to a job site ... yep, you guessed it again.  Just about ready to leave for errands and look out our bedroom window to see four beautiful creatures in the field behind our house.  I run to get my camera, and then remember ... it's not here!  A missed Kodak moment, but the good news, they'll be baaaccckkkk as well!
   Take care my friends, watch for God's precious creatures, and until next time ....

P.S. to WHERE EAGLES SOAR

    Well I've been reminded that after we enjoyed watching the eagles perch and the babies flap their wings, we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Tamale King!  AWESOME!  If you're ever in this area, you must stop in, it's the best Mexican food around.  BUT, don't try to stop in on Sunday, they're closed.
    It was a fun few hours, and I'm looking forward to going back soon to watch the Eagles, and enjoy lunch!  Until next time ....

WHERE EAGLES SOAR ...

    well, except Tuesday!  They were there, an adult and two babies but there was no soaring for the crowd today only babies flapping their wings, and the adult sitting about 100 yards from the nest on a perch, probably resting from taking care of the "kids"!
    The adult was impressive, even at a distance you could distinguish his beautiful white head!  This adventure started about two weeks ago when the Burnet Bulletin ran an article in "Lake Country Life" about the eagles wintering in our area.  The eagles have come for years, and this area is known internationally for the abundance of eagles, so many folks venture to the area for observation trips.  Well, you know, you read the paper and say, "we've got to go see them", they're approximately 30 minutes from our house, and then you never do!
    Enter dear friends Eli and Sharon, sending an email during Don's trip to Colorado wanting to know if I'm interested in a "sight trip", the answer a resounding YES!  So off we go on Tuesday morning with cameras, binoculars and sight scope in the trunk.  The nest we were off to see has history to it, the two bald eagles have returned for the last seven years to the same nest to raise their babies.  They arrive in October and I'm hoping they'll still be here in mid-March when Carin and Dylan come for a visit ... Rusty will be on a fishing tournament.
    It was a beautiful, clear blue sky, breezy, cool morning still at 11:00am when we arrived at the location on SH 29, yep, you can see the nest from the highway.  It is such a popular attraction that the Texas Highway Department has created a pullover area and installed warning signs to watch for the many cars that pull in to observe during the winter and spring months.
    Eager to get our first look we jump from the car and were not disappointed, the babies in the nest are 9 weeks old and almost ready to fly!  It was amazing to watch this beautiful bird flap his wings in anticipation of taking to the skies, but not this day!  Dad, or was it Mom, sat on a perch not far, she was either resting or looking for their next meal.  It was really impressive to see such a National treasure!   Take the time and log on to http://www.cottonwoodphotography.com/ scroll down the page to Llano Bald Eagles, 2009-2010 and enjoy the impressive photographs taken of the incredible journey of this Bald Eagle Family.  Enjoy, we did!  Until next time ....

SMALL TOWN OBSERVATIONS ....

     Have you ever  noticed, in small towns, how on patriotic days, like today President's Day, the Fourth of July, all main streets are decorated with the United States Flag, I mean really decorated?  It's really nice, drove into Marble Falls today and there on Main Street, which is also Hwy. 281 North/South, all businesses had their own US Flag displayed, but the city also puts US Flags on every block.
    Another observation today, a funeral procession and all traffic came to a standstill, not a vehicle moved; and this was a large funeral, probably 60 or more vehicles.  I've also witnessed this on Park Road 4, a funeral procession and all vehicles pulled over where they could (it's only 2 lane), but all to show their respect.  I think the most impressive funeral procession I have ever seen in my life was at Highway 281 and Park Road 4 last Fall, a Burnet County Sheriff Department Deputy lost his life in the line of duty; two fire trucks were positioned on either side of the entrance to PR4, ladders fully extended into the air, and held between them was the biggest and most beautiful United States Flag I have ever seen.  It was breathtaking!
    Okay, on to the "lighter side" of life in a small town, have you ever noticed that most SUVs and trucks have only one daytime running light ... why is that?  And that most people with trucks have their dogs in the bed of the truck and they're standing most of the time on top of the tool box, makes me crazy!
    And did you know that in MF, don't try to go into a local business between 12:00 Noon and 1:00pm, they're all out to lunch ... and that includes doctors, dentists, engineering companies, of course Wally World is ALWAYS open!
    OH, and how can I forget there are many, many retired people, which isn't too bad, but then there's the "beyond retired age" .... and they're still driving, travelling down Hwy 281 at under 40 mph!  But, can't complain too much, we at least don't have Houston traffic, and the scenery and clear, clean air make up for most of the inconveniences and oddities of living in small town America, love it!  Until next time ....

SPRING, did you enjoy it today! AND, I wonder ...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!  Well, dang, the temperature just dropped 15 degrees in the last 10 minutes and the North winds are howling!  It was beautiful an hour ago, temperature on the deck was 68 degrees, sun brightly shining and now we're back to Winter for a few more days!  March just can't get here soon enough!

Think it was last week Carin wondered if anyone read her blog ... hmm, I'm wondering if anyone reads mine.  I know Carin and Melisa do, and sometimes niece Meg, guess mine isn't too exciting.  I enjoy keeping up with the girls, and our nieces ... does Jenni "blog".  Just wondering?  Well guess I'll go start our Valentine's dinner and wait to hear from Don and the skiers, think I'll go next year!  OH, does anyone know what happened to "spell check", can't find it!  Until next time ....

JUST STUFF ...

Big news ... the SUN came out almost ALL afternoon, temps in the mid-50's.  It was wonderful and next week will be more of the same, cool evenings, but pleasant days!  I know, this is Texas and about August you'll hear the anguish in our voices that it's too hot, but maybe not this summer!

Well let's see, the computer came home from the hospital last week and is working like a charm, the tech added two programs we're to run about every 10 days to keep it clear of virus stuff!  YEA, thanks Lively Computers, we appreciate you!

It's Valentine's weekend and most of you know what that means in our household, yup, "the guy ski trip".  It's been a tradition since the late 1980's, or maybe mid-1990's and Don hasn't participated every year, but I felt he was deserving this year after all our drama and his cancer last year!  So it's just us "girls" for a few days!  Thinking about cleaning closets, reorganizing files, working on income tax, and then ... SHOPPING! 

Olympics begin tonight, have always loved the Winter Games and had a childhood dream of being a figure skater ... remembering the winters in Cedar Rapids when I was in grade school.  After dinner I'd beg my father to take me, Suzie Olson and Cindy Bachleor to Garfield Rink, the temperature didn't stop us, below freezing or even below zero we'd be on the ice ... well somewhere along the way that dream was squashed ... I could have been Dorothy Hamill, well actually Peggy Flemming is closer to my age.  Tee hee, most of you reading this probably won't recognize those names!

Anyway, that's about enough stuff for now, Opening Ceremonies soon to begin, until next time ....