Strawberry Pancakes

Since I am thinking about strawberry pancakes today, I will do the blog in red. Brilliant idea, eh?

Anyway, I was at Ihop this morning and had strawberry pancakes for breakfast.

Now I don't have those very often, because I know they are so bad for you...but so good to you..and it makes me think, everytime I have them, of the very first time I ever ate them.
And I think of it every single time...isn't that weird??

Anyway, a long time ago, when my children were VERY young, I caught pneumonia and had to stay away from all my family. I could not touch them at all. I could not even get out of my bedroom except to go to the bathroom. I could not cook for them, of course, could not touch them in any way. I was a new mother and I just lay in the bed and cried because I missed hugging them so much.

My son was probably about eight or nine and he did the cooking. I would tell him exactly what to do and it all turned out fine. I am not sure, to this date, how that happened, and maybe that is why he enjoys cooking today. I don't know.
But anyway, I was in that room for three weeks.

And I said, if, and when I got well, I wanted some strawberry pancakes. Isn't that crazy? How your mind works when you are "deprived". Maybe I was in one of those "feverish, delirious"days, anyway, that is all I wanted when I got well enough to go out to a resturant and eat out....strawberry pancakes.

Finally, the day arrived. I was stronger. I could go out again.

And my husband took the kids and me to Ihop for STRAWBERRY PANCAKES. I was so excited.

Now you have to remember that we did not have much money in those days. We hardly ever ate out. For him to take us for pancakes was a big deal.

I ordered the STRAWBERRY PANCAKES. I waited anxiously for them to arrive. I had DREAMED about them for three weeks. my mouth was watering.

Then the waitress arrived with them. Joy of joys!

The strawberries were CANNED! Can you believe that? CANNED!!!

I almost cried. They were just such a disappointment that I just crumbled.

Isn't it funny, tho, what we get set in our minds....our funny goals...it was for me to get well enough after that horrible pneumonia to want such a trivial thing. set all of my will and thoughts on that one thing. And it happened and it was a huge disappointment.

Guess that is what happens in our everyday goal-setting sometime. We set our minds and hearts on such umimportant things, and then when it happens, it is disappointing. Everytime I think of this story, it helps set my priorities straight...on the things they shoudd be. It keeps everything more in line with God's goals and wants, not mine.

But I know that God's goal, and He reached it, was for me to get well....and to have those strawberry pancakes, so that He could teach me this lesson.

Guess that is it for today. Just thoughts I wanted to share with you....my silly lessons learned in life...and I am still learning.

What is going on today?

Well, here it is..Monday. A new week beginning.
A chance to try again to accomplish those things that did not get done last week. The ones you say every week you are going to do and, somehow, they don't get done.

But this is the week! yes!

I already have a good start!

I walked farther today than I have walked in quite a while...and it was good. I went to the lake trail early so there would not be any excuse for me not to do it. And I walked for 45 min and then when my friend got there, I did 30 more with her. Of course, there was a break in there because I had to wait for her, but that's ok. I did it!

Am going to do it every day this week!

Stopped and talked with a man on the trail today that was riding the weirdest "bike"(?) that I have ever seen. It was a three-wheeler, no seat, just a place for each foot on top of the wheels, a front wheel, and handlebars. You stood up on it and weaved (not a straight ride) back and forth with your body energy. He said it is a complete body workout. Only weighs about 30 lbs. Looked very interesting. He said it comes with a small motor if you want it to go up hills.

So, anyway, this week I am staying close to the house and trying to do some odd jobs. Can't believe how those "corners" get filled so quickly. I think that stuff "breeds" when you put it in a corner. ha ha

It is already looking like a great day. The weather here is wonderful. Got a little warm yesterday but the mornings are wonderful. Truly like springtime....wish it was like this all the time.

Take care and stay well.

Saturday...a new day

Today is Saturday. A day to be lazy...or to walk more than usual....or to sleep in a little later...or to sit and ponder life in general.

I did try to sleep in but my cat had other ideas...his dish was empty of food and he kept "massaging" me with his paws until I gave up and got up. That is always so funny when he does that. Only when his dish is empty tho. Then, of course, he has to do his "morning patrol" of the patio area to "reclaim" his territory and then he settles down for the morning nap in the sunshine under the dining room window, in the place where the carpet is the thickest. Brother! Does he have it made or not? But he's a good companion, so I let him think he rules the roost. ha ha...yeah, right.

It's a beautiful day. I have not had a quiet day like this in awhile and it seems nice, like it is in a different world, no hustle and bustle and no special plan for the day. Relaxed.

The perfect time to call some of my dearest friends and catch up on their lives and make dates with them for the coming week. Found out some things to pray about with each of them, and let them know what my prayer needs were in return. Had a chance to bring them up to date on what is happening to me. It is all good. But we also get lots of laughs at the conversations.

Funny things happen in our lives. Sometime we do not really think they are funny or humorous until we look back at them and "ponder" them or until we share them with a close friend. That's when the giggles break out. and it feels good.

It feels good to share "funnies" with someone...almost like a ministry that God has brought to you to bless your life and to open your eyes as to why those "things"happened. It is to brighten someone's day and lift their spirits; it is to let them know that everything that happens, be it good or bad, is still in God's plan; it is to encourage them to rejoice in all things; it is to help them to know they should share their "happenings" with someone else...to brighten their day or to share a need that you have. Sometime sharing your need helps them get their minds and thoughts off of their needs and onto something else and they know they are needed.
we are all needed, but sometime we forget that...and we stay inside ourselves...and we forget to open up our hearts and feelings to those around us. We become hermits and hide.

That's no good. God gave us all the friends...and new acquaintances...so that we could have companionship....and so that we could praise Him for all He brings to us....for the way He grows us and uses us when we are not even conscious of it.

So now you know what my Saturday has been like. A lazy day, but a "be thankful to the Lord" day. and I praise Him for it and the joy it has brought me.

Life is good!

It has been a few days since I have had a chance to write. I have really missed it. I just have GOT to get a computer for the new home. That is all there is to it.

So I am expecting my son to tell me what to get so that I will get the right one. I don't think I want a lap top, but right now I don't have a desk to put a comp and all the stuff that goes with it. I really miss not doing the blog and all the other stuff that I do on the comp.

I could use the one at the complex but I want the privacy of my own home when I do it. Help me out, Son, please.

I thought I would be bored and have lots of time on my hands when I was in the new home....just down for those few days each week....but that ain't the way it is. Man! Do I stay busy! I really have to come home to get some rest. I've never been connected with so many "older"people in a church that do so many things. They lead exciting lives...busy with the Lord.

These friends in the old home are not as vivacious and energetic as the new ones in the new home. It is amazing at the places they go and the things they do. Never a dull moment.

I am making lots of new friends, now if I could just remember all their names, but I am learning some of them. And the neighbor right across the street is a widow, so we have kind of struck it up nicely together. She even went to breakfast with me and a bunch of the church ladies. By the way, we meet at the TRUCK STOP. That is so funny. When I tell my friends here about that, I have to explain that it is the only place in town that has breakfast. But it is very enjoyable, and we have nice togetherness, sharing, and devotion.

I take my cat with me when I go to the new place and he absolutely loves the house. he is even getting really good at traveling in his cage back and forth from town to town.

It's all so new to me. It is much easier than I ever dreamed it would be. Each time I go down, i take a suitcase of clothes with me and leave them. The first thing you know I will not have the right clothes to wear here at this house. That would be a hoot, wouldn't it?

It is a joy to be so close to my daughter and her family. Really am enjoying being with them so easily and so "impromtu". No biggee thing, but ever present and able to do it. Seems nice. A blessing.

It is still a learning experience for me. I am having to get out of my "comfort zone" and reach out to people around me, but they have been very accepting of me, and it always amazes me. I am truly blessed.

I go to the new place for 2-3 days at the time, and try to get things accomplished. Then I come back home and wonder what else I should take down there without messing up the look of my home here. There is no hurry and I feel great in knowing that and feeling no pressure.

Actually, the bed down there is in much better shape than the bed I have at home here and it makes me wonder if I should buy a new set for here, but then I think about the money and wonder if it would be the thing to do. Have to pray about it.

That's what all this boils down to, isn't it? Praying about it. About the new friends, about the move (when it happens), about what to take down there and what to leave here, the friends I am making and the friends I am leaving behind, my life in general. I know you don't really leave friends behind but I know, too, that I will not see them so often as I do now. I really know that they will not often come down to see me at the new place...after all it is an hour's drive away. But I know that God is in control and I praise Him for what He is going to bring into my life, here and there. I am thanking Him in advance for the growth and the adventures He is going to bring my way, the way He has already planned my life and I just have to have faith and open up the doors for what He is planning for me. It is an exciting time.

But I still need your prayers. Love, me

Hello to all

It has been a few days since I had a computer available to write the blog..and I missed it.
Have been down to the new house. Interesting. Enjoyed myself. But weird, a little bit. I don't really belong yet. It is all still strange to me.

Am meeting nice people and making some new friends, but it is almost too much to adjust to.
I miss the friends here in town and now I have this feeling of not belonging in either place.

I knew this would happen. It happened last time that I bought a second place to stay in. Always very enjoyable but the same feelings come over me that did this time too. I don't know how to remedy it except to continue to live in each area as though I lived in both places full time.
But it makes me feel in limbo...as if I am not a complete person in either place...as though it is an act and I can't put it all together. Sounds crazy but it is weird.

There is no reason for this. My daughter and her family were there for me and encouraged me. My cat was with me.

It was funny to watch him. He loved the place but he could not settle down to take his long naps like he does in the first home and so he came home tired, like me.

I guess it is just a matter of working things out in my mind and settling things like that.
In a sense, enjoying the best of both worlds, so to speak, and find my place in them both.
I know the Lord is working this out. I'm leaning on you again, Lord, to show me the way.

Life passes on

LIFE PASSES ON..... it does but it is not passing me by. It is a full life..a happy life...an exciting life...if you let the Lord lead that life and follow what He has planned for you.

Here it is..Easter weekend...Grand daughter's sixteenth birthday. How time does fly! That is for sure. When you look back and remember her as a precious baby fitting in your arms, it seems impossible that she is now able to drive a car on her own. Wow! Does that make ME older, too?

I am so proud of her...of all three of my grand children, of course...they are truly a blessing in my life. The sixteen year old has confidence that I wish that I had had when I was that age, she has manners and patience that is amazing in one so young. She is growing up to be a wonderful, flexible, fulfilled young lady. I am truly proud of her, and Bops would be too. He would be beaming, wouldn't he?

Easter..... can't help but think of the reason for it...it was such a wonderful time...when Jesus arose. And it makes me think of the change of seasons, the greening of the grass, the flowers that will color the scenery, and the fruits that will come with the summer. It is a new, wonderful, time...a time for us to bring ourselves back into the beautiful life that is waiting for us, for the adventures God has planned for us. A time to look forward to tomorrow, no matter what it will bring, to remember that our Lord is always there near us and never leaves us alone, that He has a plan for us and we just have to do it. What a wonder that is!

As I pack a few things and get ready to move them down to the townhome, it brings back such memories. Memories of how I received each piece I am packing ..who gave it to me...where it happpened..and the memory that goes with it. Wonderful to remember these things. They are all good ones. I am sure they are much more precious to me, because of the memories they hold, than they would be to anyone else, even my family.


I am going to have to begin getting those out of my mind, because someday I will be selling those at an estate sale. Some of it will go to grandchildren, I am sure, and some to family but they just do not have the same feeling for them that I have, they couldn't possibly. It feels like I am finding a "good home" for belongings...like you would for a puppy or a kitten. Funny how we get atttached to "things", but it happens.

So this is another "phase" I am going into. Had to go through one when the children grew up and left home, when they got married, when we moved to another town, when I lost my husband, the "phases" go on and on....but they are all good. And I have learned from all of them. Thank you, Lord, for guiding me through them...for family to support me...for friends that are strong and stand by me. And thank you for the love they have shown me.

See you later, Irene

Another new phase

How many phases can there be to a life?

I remember when my kids were younger and they would be causing problems or doing something that it was difficult to correct (it did not happen very often), and I would ask my mom in law for advice, and she would say, "it's just a phase they are going through, they will outgrow it", And they did. It always worked itself out. But those phases are difficult to understand, aren't they?

My son wanted me to start this blog so that, if someone was reading it, with the same "phase" that it might be of some small help to them. It certainly helps me simply to write it out on the computer and read it when I have finished. It is almost like talking it over with someone.

The phase....the thing that I have not wanted to ever have to go through or even to face.
Today a friend asked me out for lunch..or to eat out sometime. It is the first time it has happened since my husband's death six years ago. And tomorrow is his anniversary with the Lord. I never wanted it to happen....this new phase....this call for concern.

I truly feel very complimented. But my husband and Iwere so very close that I feel like I am "two-timing" him. Isn't that silly??? I know in my heart, he would be happy for me. I know he would encourage me to "spread my wings" and continue to grow and enjoy life. He would say...go, buddyrow. that was his favorite name for everyone.

I guess that I have been thinking so hard about and preparing for the future, to be able to get everything correct in my decisions concerning money, goals, etc. that this invitation makes me put more meaning into it than is necessary.

It is JUST a lunch date, for heaven's sake. But I wonder would, or could, that lead to something else? I think that is the part I am afraid of...I still love my husband so much...but I have to turn loose. Shoot, he probably would have been married again by now. I know all those women would be cooking for him and inviting him over. that's for sure.

So, I guess, as usual, it is going to have to be up to the Lord to show me the way. We always think we should give God our BIG problems and we can solve the small ones, but He says He should make all the decisions in our lives once we give our life to Him. When we solve those small ones on our own is when we get into trouble, and then they turn into the BIG ones.

So, Lord, here we go. I am trusting you. I know that You will make very clear to me what I am supposed to do in this "phase". I thank you in advance. see you later

The beginning of another amazing day

Today was an interesting day. Something new seems to be happening to me all the time...and I love it. The unexpected. The blessings, Making a new friend, Meeting an old one in the store and getting hugs. Time is precious and, as I grasp each new day and look forward to what the Lord is doing in my life, I find myself looking eagerly to see what He is going to bring to me. I always seem to have a feel of excited expectancy.
Maybe because this is a passing of time since I lost my sweetie. Maybe I am coming out of that era and into another phase. I don't know. I know I will never have a day when I don't think about him and about our life together, but it is not with so much sadness now and I find myself laughing more easily.
Maybe it is because I had so many health tests and everything (praise the Lord!) turned out wonderfully.
Maybe because it is because I am thinking (eagerly) of spending more time with my daughter and her family, of possibly moving to her area. I don't know. But I feel such a lightness of heart and such energy of life that it is fantastic. I know it is the Lord getting me ready for some new ministry. Wonder what it will be. But I have to wait for His leading.
Maybe it is just to be an encourager.
I was at the grocery store today. I rarely have the boy take out my groceries but today I did. Now I know why.
He shared with me that he had just committed himself on the church altar to full time service for the Lord and he is soon to begin his schooling and preparation for the Job. He took a test and found out his gift is Encouragement. That is such a wonderful gift. Not everyone has it and not everyone wants to accept encouragement. That sounds silly, doesn't it? Not to accept an encouraging, helpful, kind word....but it is a very needed thing in this life.
He stood there and we were quoting scriptures back and forth. It was so funny. And so exciting. Scriptures that have helped me and stuck in my mind and heart all these years. Ones, tho, that I had not thought of for a long time...came to me suddenly. He hugged me three times and thanked me for letting him talk with me and for meeting me.
I reminded him of Phil 4:13 and of Jer 29:10. He will need to recall those often.
I told him the story of my husband and he could not wait to go to the next service and share it at his church.
That's what it is all about, isn't it? Sharing Jesus with everyone. Getting someone excited about knowing, loving, following, and obeying the Lord.
I feel so truly blessed to have met this young man. I will be praying for him to have a steady walk with the Lord and to carry out God's plan for his life.
Isn't God good? It amazes me that he loves me so much. I thank him for that.
see you soon, Irene

My thoughts

It is kind of interesting to do this writing each day. Makes me think about so many things. Makes me realize how far I have gotten into this computer knowledge. Ha Ha. Did I say "knowledge"???? I don't really consider myself that far yet.
I have learned so much but I am so behind everyone else in my family that it is not even funny...well, maybe it is funny.
I remember the first time my son came down and tried to teach me to use the computer.
What a laugh! I could not even get the right "speed" up to hit the mouse. We still laugh about that. So many good memories. So much fun to learn new things. Exasperating some time but wonderful when it is finally part of my accomplishments.
Now here I am...blogging...what a funny word. Guess when you write your thoughts down in a book, it is journaling, but on a computer, it is a blog. And that is what it is...a blog....a blob (wonder why they didn't name it that...would have been too "uncomputer" language, I guess. But I have always enjoyed journaling and so I am really into this blogging. Thanks to my son for teaching me this.
Went walking with my friend yesterday and met up with another friend who had just moved into a new retirement center. It is beautiful and has a wonderful walking area, etc. but much more expensive than the place I will be part of one day. Actually, I am signing the papers this week to buy a townhome that is part of the new complex that I am considering moving into one day....and leaving this home here.
That will be difficult. My husband bought it for me. That was the first time the house was actually in my name from the beginning. What a gift! And, although, he was not here as long as we thought he would be, there are lots of memories in such a short time.
He was something! Such a strong Christian! Funny that I should always use that word as the first description every time I talk about him, but that is the first thing that comes to mind when I mention his name. Isn't that wonderful? I want to be remembered that way too, but it is something you earn and is not given to you out of respect and love.
He loved to hike. He wanted to do the A. P. Trail...and he did lots of it...but he never wanted to stay gone very long. He said he always missed me too much. He would call me every night from whatever sleeping hostel he was in and describe the area to me. One time he called and he said it was called Blueberry Hill. He thought I would love it. He stayed there for $10, and ate all the pancakes he could eat, got his clothes washed for free, and slept in the bunkbed in the hostel. He said on the phone....You would love this. Even as I speak, there are the cutest little mice with the biggest ears...like in Tom and Jerry...running all over my boots. Oh, yeah...SURE I would love it. ha ha
I guess, no, I know, that this time every year, my thoughts go to him. Sixth anniversary of his being in heaven. Six years...seems like forever. And yet, it seems like yesterday when I last saw him...doing his projects...always hurriedly and always wanting
it done yesterday, walking with him on the trails...when he could talk me into it, taking long walks in the neighborhood, sharing our '''career" talks...we worked together the last ten years and it was the most wonderful job I ever had and I was there with him....what a thrill that was.
We were just so much a part of each other. We were always together. When he had to go on an outing with his company and I could not go because wives did not go, he stayed home if he could.
He was truly a gift to me from God. I would not have had sense enough to pick him out. He taught me so much, eventho he was younger than me. I would not be who I am today if we had not married. I praise the Lord for his giving my husband to me. And I thank the Lord for all the years we had together, for my wonderful family, and for my husband's wonderful mom and day (for they are the parents I never had and needed...isn't it so true that God supplies all your needs...and He knew I needed parents to guide me and love me) and for his brother and sisters....we still are family and closer than ever. I praise Him for that.
It seems that this is a sad, kind of, blog, but it is so good to share my feelings about the love and closeness my husband had....and contiue to have....even though he is gone. I have him so tight in my heart, that he will always be there for me to love and remember.
Hold your loved ones close. Praise the Lord for them every minute of every day.

Another adventure in the life of Irene

Here it is....Saturday.....already. It seems to go so quickly nowadays. Used to hear that from "old" people when I was younger and now I know it is true. Maybe it is because we try to get so much living into one day. Anyway, it has been an interesting week and I am preparing myself for big happenings next week...in my mind, that is. Who knows, but the Lord, what is going to take place?

I am going to be the proud (?) owner of the townhome in Lake Placid on Friday. Now I will have two places to stay...to get away from the home area...to be closer to family and their hectic but exciting lives...to meet a new batch of people...to make new friends...how can I begin to list the adventures this second home in Lake Placid is going to open up for me?

It has taken a while for me to decide to do this...and I am, by no means, going to live down there full time, but it is comforting to know I can take Thomas and we can be there whenever we want to be and for however long we want to be. It's a new idea that still has to take a firm hold in my mind. So different.

And, oddly enough, I sign the closing papers on dad's sixth anniversary. I think that means he would approve. I know he would. He would love this place. Although he would be cramped for space on where to do "projects" that he could mess up. But he would be so thrilled with the view and the location and with being closer to the family...of being part of their church and their frinds and their life. He would probably bother them to death. I hope that the family will adjust to my being in their lives more than I have been and that "peace reigns throughout". ha ha. I love the idea of seeing them more. Actually I am really happy about all of this happening.

I am so thankful that there is furniture there already. I can not imagine me moving some of the other furniture down there. When I went in to the bank yesterday to sign the papers, the officer says that if I ever put up the house for sale, that there would be a battle between two officers in that bank. they both have been to my house and they both love it. Good to hear that others love it too.

It has been a little quieter with my son here this week but I have continued walking and staying busy. Anytime, tho, that he can come again, I am ready.

There is really not much more to think, or write, about right now, except the new residence. It completely fills my thinking. Not stressfully, but thoughtfully, and wonderingly. (is that a word?)

btw, I forgot to mention that I played four games with pogo scramble this week and won three. and always had the word that scored the most points. yeah! And, note to daughter, they had words I had never heard of. ha ha
Anyway, so long for now...

The First Day of the Rest of My Life

Doesn't that sound exciting???? To know this is the first day of the rest of my life!!!! So what am I going to do with the important First Day?

Well, it started off with me saying good morning to Thomas. And he mewed back at me. Then he had to have his morning petting. On to the NEW coffee pot that my son bought me...for some good brewed coffee....so good. Then the morning paper. Not much happening yet but it is good to be able to enjoy these things and to be able to praise my Lord through the whole thing. Isn't He wonderful???? Wow!

This morning I have to go get my nails done. One of my filled nails came off while my son was visiting and I certainly could not take the time away from his wonderful visit for such an unimportant thing as fixing a nail, in the relation to his visit, so I told everyone that was my "signature" ...one missing nailfill like Michael Jackson's one glove. Oh, man, is that crazy or not??? But that is what life is all about...including the "crazy things" and adapting them to your life...being flexible.

I had to go and let Thomas back into the house. I have to use the timer on the stove when I let him onto the patio or I forget he is out there and he does not like that. He came running back in when I tapped the door and called him...he is such a "chicken" cat. ha ha but he is my buddy, that's for sure. So funny, when son was visiting, we were gone alot and when I got back home each day, Thomas would go straight for my son and truly ignore me. would not even hardly sit in my lap but was with my son all the time. Now his is loving me again because I am a "last choice". crazy cat.
\
I was supposed to have the church ladies over tonight for our monthly get together but it was called off. I think the leader is wanting to do something different. That's ok with me. I better not be here tonight because someone may show up and I won't be ready for them. Maybe i will go out to dinner or something with a friend.

I have started telling everyone about my new house in Lake Placid. They reacted just like I thought they would, but I tried to reassure them it will probably be a long time before I move. Meanwhile I have been talking daily with the agent and she has been very helpful. I guess I will go out tonight with friend and start pricing appliances I will need. I can't even imagine not being in this house. I have been here 10 years already and it seems like much longer than that. Since dad has left, it is almost 6 years now, wow, I can't believe it, and yet it seems so long ago, and then such a short time too. I just realized I will be signed the closing papers on the new house on his sixth anniversary of being with the Lord personally. Man, what a time he must be having up there. Am anxious to see him again but I know that is my human side speaking now. what a great life we had together. He certainly was a gift from God to me....I would not have been smart enough to pick him out on my own. Thank you, Lord.

He would love this new place, the lake view, being close to one of his kids and his grandkids, meeting new people, making new friends, all of it....not sure if he would have wanted to live so near a "retirement home" but sooner or later we would have had to do that. It's another new phase for me. Another adaptability in my life....and another wonderful thing to adapt to and learn from. Wonder what the Lord has in store for me. I love to watch and wait on him and see what he is leading me into and what he is going to do. I know that everything is going to be good, with maybe a few rough spots, but all of it is good when you walk constantly with the Lord's guidance and in His timing.

I'm leaving for now. Take care. Mom

Blessings from the Lord

Here it is .....another brand new wonderful day to praise the Lord.

I feel so good it is almost frightening. I visited my friend Patsy yesterday and we had lunch at her house with her husband, Earl, who still has not found a job after he quit his last one...oh, well, we don't want to get into that conversation.
Anyway, we had such a good time. She is going to her huge family reunion in Apopka on Sunday and asked me to go along. I think she needs someone right now so I have agreed to go along. Told her I should not because I am not family but she says I am the sister she always wanted. What can you say to argue with that?? ha ha Anyway, it is kind of a "ministry" for me on that day.

Went to Lowe's yesterday and started pricing appliances that I need at MY NEW HOUSE...ha ha....for some reason that sounds so very good to me. Maybe it is because I had to get used to the idea and maybe because the fam was all there at one time to talk it out and to make the decision and maybe it is because God made it so evident in the matter of everything falling together so well, that I know He is in it. What a blessing! Called Evelyn to get measurements on space for the fridge and she was kind enough to get them for me. huge area.

used my treadmill today and yesterday.,.,..only 30 min....but that is alright for now. am building my strength up and am looking forward to increasing amount of time. I am taking it at my pace and I will know when I should do whatever.

Tim, remember how Thomas gave you all his attention when you were here? because he was pouting with me for being gone so much? well, he is back to loving me again and taking naps in my lap....the spoiled brat. how funny is that????

Paid my estimated tax today to IRS. David has me doing that this year. Man! Don't understand that because he has me do in one year and then not the next, but I certainly will not question him on that stuff. But if Dad were here, he would say, "We've spent enough money now, let's slow down." ha ha

Am so thrilled that Teresia and Jamie are both going to be in West Palm for the pageant. Can't wait to see them. Miss the fam up there so much. I will have to pray up the profit on the stock market to go up alot so that T and T can retire early and visit us more often. Just hope I am around to see that happen and can be here to enjoy it all.

JC called me last night. He had made chick and rice and it had too much liquid still in it, so he asked how to get rid of it. I told him. Wonder how it turned out. have you heard from him on that, renee?

I find myself sitting in rooms and looking at them and wondering what is going to the new place and what is not. And that is when I realize what a lot of STUFF we have in this house....now, did you see that word...WE...because some of it is stuff that dad had accumulated too, not just me, although I have done a good job on my own. Anyway, lots of thinking is going to have to take place before this house ever gets sold and cleared out but that is years from now, for sure. I think, from now on, Tim, that you may have to drive your truck down here when you vacation. ha ha

Guess I will go for now....Mom