This year has gone by so fast.  Can't believe it is October already.  The leaves are starting to fall.  I miss the brilliant colors this year.  It seems we've had so much rain lately and that discourages the coloring of the leaves. 

I lost a dear childhood friend this summer, Sherry Pleasants Stiles.  As kids, we used to watch Red Skelton.  My cousin, Carol, and I would repeat the "Gertrude and Heathcliff" seagull jokes he told.  From that time on, Sherry called me "Gertrude" most of the time.  So much that if I left her a voicemail, I just say "it's Gertrude, call me."   The first time I visited her flower shop, she was out on a delivery or for a consultation.  I asked for a piece of paper to leave her a note.  I signed it "Gertrude" which is not a common name these days.  Her staff looked at the note - I could tell they were looking at the signature.  I just told them that's not my real name, but she'll know who it is!  Sherry told me as soon as she got back, they were telling her there was a lady here named "Gertrude."  Sherry laughed and said I know who it is.  Sherry's daughter even called me Gerturde half of the time. 

I miss her so much.  Sherry had a smile that lit up a room. Her eyes sparkled like no others. Sherry was loved by everyone that met her. Her facial expressions were priceless and usually produced a laugh.  We always laughed when we were together. 

As the seasons change, I'm reminded of her. Sherry was a nature lover. She owned a flower shop, loved her kids, grandkids, and people in general.  Sherry was always up for an adventure.  She was a wonderful cook and had cooked for a hunting lodge out West.  I'll never forget the day she called and asked me if I'd like to go with her one day.  (I told her considering I need my scooter for long distances, this could get interesting - she just laughed and said I'll call you when I go again.)  She was hoping to open a lodge where underprivileged children could experience the outdoors and learn about plants and nature.   

Lou Gehrig's disease tried to rob her of her joy, but it couldn't.  It may have stolen her ability to talk and walk, but it couldn't steal that sparkle in her eyes.  The last time I saw her, she struggled to make her hand write on the dry erase board.  She wrote "I'll see you in Heaven."  Yes, you will!  I love you my friend - I'll see you again someday, Gertrude.

February and Beyond

February was a busy month.  Started out with an eye exam and finding out I needed a change for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and the astigmatism.  The excitement of getting new glasses, but not looking forward to the cost.  My new glasses are blinged out! It's a must for me.  Then I got a new haircut.  My hubby gave me a beautiful bouquet of roses and candy for Valentine's Day.   

Our youngest son Chris' birthday is on Valentine's Day - we celebrated the weekend after Valentine's Day.  We had a wonderful family time together.  Then 10 days later, we celebrated Chris' youngest daughter Abby's 8th birthday.  One week later on March 3, we got together to celebrate our daughter Julie's birthday which is actually on March 5.  March 3 was my Dad's birthday so we all thought of him too.

It's March and it has been eventful.  After a winter with no real measureable snow, the weather men were saying we were going to get a major snow storm on Wednesday (the 6th).  I like snow and was ready to have my hubby home with me and him still get paid.  Well that part came true, but the snow was a bust.  Our area was supposed to get up to 12 inches.  We got maybe 3 which melted quickly with the rain/wintry mix.  Bring on Spring!

God continues to bless our family!

January 2013

January has quickly passed by.  Just took the Christmas Tree down this past weekend, Jan. 27; and yes, we do have an artificial tree.  My record is February 13!  I just love the sparkling lights. 

My Mom celebrated her 85th birthday.  My sister - Dina, my daughter - Julie, and I surprised my Mom with an adventure to Toby's Dinner Theater.  We saw a musical show of songs thru the decades.  The cast, who are also your waiters and waitresses, really get a work out.  After serving, this particular show involves singing and dancing the whole time with lots of quick costume changes.  We had a great time!

Was trying to make it through this January without seeing the doctor, but it was not to be.  I do have a great doctor - Dr. Jason Lowery!  I had a stomach bug and upper respiratory infection.  The stomach bug was so bad I thought I was trying to give birth to something that didn't want to get born (ha, ha).  Worst stomach pains since giving birth.  Still working on recovering.

Julie and I lead a Ladies Prayer Group.  For the first time in 2 years, I missed a night.  I was just too sick to go and didn't want to share what I had.  Julie called me afterwards and said what a great prayer time they had.  God was revealing Himself to them and it was exciting to hear how our newest members are growing in their prayer life.

Another surprise for my Mom was to treat her to a movie at the theater (we hardly ever go to the theater).  We saw "Parental Guidance."  It was so funny and also had some great messages.

Until next month, may God's blessings be poured out on you!