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!

 

Merry Christmas 2012

I can't believe I haven't written anything on this blog since March.  I guess Facebook has taken over short quick updates. 

I directed the choir in singing "Changed By A Baby Boy" on December 16.  They did a fabulous job.  I think it was one of the best times as a choir - we had so much fun.  This musical was very upbeat and we were all dancing to the beat!

It's just after Christmas and the house is very quiet.  We had so much fun on Christmas Day.  We ended up having two meals (lunch and supper) together with the boys and their families.  My Mom wasn't feeling well and she went home after we opened presents; Cliff and Julie went to his parents before supper.  I had some good discussions with my grandbabies - always a favorite time.  We had planned to play games, but ran out of time.  Besides celebrating Jesus' birth, the best thing this Christmas was spending time with family. 

Daffodil - a sign of Spring

The daffodil is one of my fav springtime flowers.  Yellow was my grandfather's (Pappy's) favorite colors so it adds a special meaning to the color.  Daffodils are planted in my backyard thanks to a previous owner.  I can sit at the dining room table and look out at them.  This has been an unusual winter (not much snow or really consistently cold weather).  The daffodils broke through the ground with their bright green shoots a littler earlier this year.  It's amazing how their thin, bright green shoots can seem so flimsy yet are so strong.  They endure the wind and the weight of their beautiful yellow trumpet flower.  The contrast between the bright green and yellow is just another sign of God's designer eye.  The pallet He uses is like no other.  When the daffodil is first getting ready to bloom, it reminds me of a paintbrush or pencil.  The long straight stem with a hint of yellow at the end.  Then as you watch from day to day, the yellow slowly enlarges until you see the gorgeous bloom.  It's also an encouragement.  It is determined to bloom where it's planted and herald the arrival of Spring!  Let's all give that a try - live for Jesus and bloom where were planted!!!

2012 - Set A Fire Down in my Soul

It seems this past year flew by.  It's hard to believe it's 2012.  The weather has been crazy this winter.  It's near 60, then it's 30 with snow flurries.  A winter battling bronchitis.  Prices of everything going up.  One thing I know for sure is God is in control!  Our daughter, Julie, turned me onto this song "Set a Fire."  We sang it Sunday in church and it has been in my mind ever since.  I even was singing it in bed the other night.  "No place I would rather be, no place I would rather be, no place I would rather be, than here in Your love, here in Your love (repeat).  So set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control; I want more of You, God; I want more of You, God. (repeat)"  If I could just remember this everyday and live my life this way.  That's my goal for 2012!  PTL!

Falling Leaves

As I set in my dining room looking out the window, I see the beautiful leaves - golds, oranges, deep reds, rust, and those still tipped with a touch of green.  What a wonderful paint brush our Heavenly Father uses to cover the landscape.  A small leaf fluttered to the ground, then another, and another.  I couldn't help but think God was saying "I love you, I love you, I love you."  The leaves are beginning to cover the ground.  The more I thought about the season and the falling of the leaves, I thought of the symbolism.  God's love for us is beautiful and colorful just like the leaves.  He loved us so much, He sent Jesus to die for us.  And Jesus, laid down his life on the cross - just like the leaves are falling willingly to the ground and will make it richer because of their death.  Christ has made our lives richer by dying for us - He gave us eternal life.  How can I not be thankful on a day like this?  Thank you Father for loving me so much!  Thank you for giving me eyes to see the beauty of the landscape.  Thank you for letting me hear the laughter of my family and friends; and for the gift of music.  I love you, Father!