Christmas 2008

What a wonderful Christmas we had! Our day started by going to Lee & Tara's and watching Sydney and Trinity open the gifts we brought to them. They were so sweet. They has such a nice morning spending their first Christmas as a family with Mama Tara and Daddy Lee. We enjoyed our time with them & had a very nice visit with them.

Next we got in our car and drove to Locust Grove, Virginia to spend time with Kristy & Vic and our other grandchildren, Christopher, Ginger and Sarah. We enjoyed watching them open their gifts also. We had a lovely meal with them and spent several hours visiting with them.

We got back in the car and drove back to Staunton. After we got home we got back in the car went over to Sandy and Fred's to exchanged gifts. We visited for awhile and had a nice visit. It was such a nice day and we were so happy the grandchildren were able to spend the morning in their own homes and not have to travel. We are so blessed to have such sweet grandchildren and wonderful children!

Let us back up a bit and tell you a bit about our Christmas eve. Ever since we moved to Staunton, in 1985 we have been going to Mary "Tootie" McLear's for dinner. She invited us to have dinner way back then as we had no family here and it was so nice to be included. She has included us in her family gathering ever since. There were over 32 people there this year. It was a wonderful evening. We left from her home and went to our church for our Christmas Eve service at 7PM which was very moving. Following the service we stopped as we do every year at our friends Bonnie & Larry Spoon's home. Their son Ross and his new wife Jungmeen were there and daughter Corrie. We had a great visit. Then we came home, but by that time it was getting late and we prepared for the morning and went to bed.

Christmas morning we got up, had coffee and a leisurely opened our gifts. We were overwhelmed by the wonderful gifts we received from our family and friends! Everyone put so much thought into them. We thank everyone for their generosity and thoughts they put into their gifts.

We feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful day! This Christmas was such a blessing to us. We enjoyed our family, the opportunity to worship and fellowship with friends and family and enjoy time with each other. We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and we wish everyone the the Happiest of New Years.

Love and hugs!

Roger and Sue

It is December! Where has the time gone?

It is the middle of December & we can't believe that Christmas if approaching so fast. We love this time of year. Right now Stephanie from Massachusetts is visiting, the weather has been playing havoc, and we are preparing to travel to the D.C. area for our niece's wedding. We are very excited to see our other nieces & their families who will be in for their sister's wedding. We will finally see Anna, our newest great niece, born in England! Plus we will see our great nephews now living in Michigan. All this and the honor of witnessing the beginning of a new life as husband and wife for this wonderful couple!


When we get back it will be the 20Th of December. Christmas will be very close. Our plans this year are our usual Christmas eve events. Both Roger and Sue will be working on Christmas Eve day. The evening will find them attending our dear friend Mary McLear's family gathering, then attending church at 7PM. After worship we go by our friends the Spoons for a few hours. We will attend candle light 11PM service and come home. On Christmas morning we will go to Lee and Tara's and watch Sydney and Trinity open their gifts and spend some time with them.

We then will drive to Locust Grove, VA and spend time with Kristy, Vic and the Christopher, Ginger and Sarah. We decided that this year we would do the running and let the children and grandchildren stay put. It is so hard to have them all run from family to family. It is easier for us to do the traveling. It is more important for children to be "at home" on Christmas. This will be such a change for us, to have an "empty" home. We are looking forward to the change with mixed feelings. But new traditions will begin and we are adapting well.

We wish all a Merry Christmas and the blessings of the New Year. Love and Hugs! Roger and Sue

"Knowles Thanksgiving Celebration"

We were delighted again to host the "Knowles Thanksgiving Celebration". Sue as her brother has labeled her is the Knowles Matriarch. Marquis Memorial UM Church, where Sue works is gracious enough to let us hold the Celebration there as we are such a large family to seat this many at a table in our house would be impossible. This year there were 33 present. Each year there is a different group of people here because each year, some are able to come and others are not. This is due to the circumstances in their lives, such as where they are living. For example, this year we find our niece Denise & her husband Jimmy & children Jackson & Luke living in Michigan where her husband has accepted the position as Assistant District Attorney. Denise's sister Kim and husband Drew who not long ago had a sweet baby girl Anna moved to England. We missed them. They were all in our thoughts and prayers and included in our prayer before our meal as well as Sue's brother Larry & wife Janet and all our other relatives not with us. Maybe in 2010 when we have our next "Knowles Thanksgiving Celebration" these family members will be with us. We will see you then!!!


Our son's wife Tara was able to bring her grandmother and aunt. This was so special. Her grandmother told Sue that since 1949 this was the very first year she didn't prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Sue felt so honored that she came and spent Thanksgiving with us. Imagine how it was for her not to fix Thanksgiving for the first time in 59 years. That must have been bittersweet. We can't imagine how she felt, but Sue was so honored to have her and Tara's Aunt with us.



Eric and Holly also joined in with the children. Entertaining them with their talents too. They showed them how to give "piggy back rides" and even gave them rides. Then they showed them how they give each other rides! They were great with the children. The adults got a big kick out of watching them. Aunt Sue almost had a heart attack when Eric showed Sue how Holly dismounted.


There were 6 children somewhat close to the same age that had a ball playing together and renewing there friendship. It was fun to see them playing together and looking forward to seeing each other again. They toured the church, played hide and seek and just enjoyed being together.



This year we had our niece Stephanie and her very soon to be husband, Cliff. Also Cliff's mother, father, sister and brother from Arizona! It was great getting to know them. Sue was able to chat with them while eating. They were very nice and so gracious. Such a wonderful family! And Cliff, wow, what a wonderful husband he is going to be! He jumped right in with Stephanie and they joined Donna, Eric, and Holly and kicked Sue out of the kitchen after the meal. They dove right in and did the entire clean up! That was a trememdous job and they did it all! What a crew! They did a super job! We can't thank them enough. This was Stephanie's first time coming to the Knowles Thanksgivng Celebration and she just dove right in and helped. You are all such a blessing!



Bob and Robin also brought Robin's son Jose. It was great to get to know him better. Ben another of Robin's sons was also there. We were so sorry we didn't get the opportunity to visit with him one on one. I hope he will forgive us. We were so happy he did get to be with us and hope he will come again and give us to opportunity to get to know him more.

Rick and Donna, came with Eric and Holly. It was wonderful to have them all here this year. They are always such a help with clean up and it is so great to see them. We need to get together more often. Let's try. We don't see each other near enought! We miss being with you. Let's make more of an effort.


The people that came as visitors are now family and are expected to come again to our Knowles Family Thanksgiving Celebrations. We hope to see you next time!

We can not tell you how delighted we are to host these Celebrations. The Social Hall is empty, the dishes are all packed away, the crock pots are all stored and linens are tucked away. As we reflect on all the fun and fellowship, the work that went into getting ready was nothing but joy in preparation for our every other year "Knowles Thankgiving Celebration". See you all in November 2010"

Autumn

We have enjoyed so much the wonderful colors of this fall. I can't remember a fall when the leaves have stayed on the trees so long. We have had several opportunities to take drives not just for pleasure but out of necessity but the plus side was the wonderful scenery we were able to witness. God's beauty was all around us. It was such a blessing. Each time we remarked how much it made the journey more enjoyable.

As we prepare for family to come for our Thanksgiving Day dinner we are again reminded how blessed we are to be a part of such a loving family. Even the family that find themselves distanced this year and not able to be here are blessed. They are in these areas with new and exciting jobs, and have exciting new homes. One is in England, how exciting is that? Experiencing an new country with a new baby. One lives in Michigan and her husband is Assistant District Attorney.

At the same time we have "new family" coming. One of our nieces is preparing for marriage. We are excited that she and her soon to be husband will be coming and his family is going to be joining in the Thanksgiving celebration. Now that is an added blessing! We will miss those that find themselves away this year, but they will be close in our hearts. They are being blessed everyday, and will continue to be blessed we know! We will also be blessed with meeting children of our brother's wife we have never met. We are looking forward to meeting her son's she is so proud of.

Then we will get to see our brother and sister and their chilren that live in SC that we don't get to see near as often as we use to. I don't think we have seen them in a year. Wow that is awful!

There is a brother in FL that has never been able to come either with his wife. One day we are hoping that his circumstances will change and he will be able to join in our day. We will also keep them in our prayers this day!

God is so good! We know that there are many people who are not as fortunate as we are, and we pray a miracle for them. We for one will be giving to our local food pantry in hopes of helping that we can reach out to a few during this Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sue sees the increasing numbers every day in need of help at her work, it is so difficult to witness the struggles and not be able to help each one.

She also realizes the only way she can help them all is through prayer, asks that we all keep the hungry, cold and homeless in your prayers. God bless all of our family and friends this Thanksgiving season.

Election Day

Well today is an historical day in our country. Either we will elect our first African American President or the first Female Vice President. It will be exciting to see how it turns out. I pray that whom ever is elected, will lead us well. Our country is certainly going through hard times right now. We need strong leadership and we need leaders that will prayerfully consider the majority of people in their decision making process.

The most important thing we can do is exercise our right to vote today. No matter who is your choice in this election, please make it be known by exercising your right to vote. Remember if you don't vote, you have no right to complain about the outcome!

I know no matter what the outcome, we will be praying for our leaders and asking for wisdom and guidance in all their functions as they serve our country.

I have been Tagged! My Quirks

Ok, my niece Denise has tagged me. So here goes.

1. I have very talented tongue! I can touch my tongue to my nose, I can curl my tongue, I can "spritz" people with my tongue. I discovered that when I was little riding in the car and I yawned. I can fold my tongue. I joke that being able to touch my nose with my tongue comes in handy with a tongue and get the normal remark ewwww!

2. The biggest quirk that I have is MICE. I can't stand them. I freak out just at the thought. I have my house treated monthly "just in case". I feel the amount I pay is well worth the possibility. We live across from a farm and one time a field mouse was in my house and I honestly was ready to put the house on the market. Christopher who was about 3 at the time said, "Look Ne-Ne a squirrel" and I looked to see the mouse. I lost it completely and think poor Christopher will never be the same. At work there is an understanding with each pastor that comes. If ever they come to work and see a post a note with nothing written on it on the door and me no where in sight, they know that there has been a mouse sighting and I am gone,... out of here until it has been found and taken care of.

3. Also, I hate the feel of paper bags, can not stand to fold or crease them. It causes the roof of my mouth to get goose bumps on it. This also happens when I fold paper napkins. So if you come to my house either you deal with unfolded napkins or someone else has folded them...or use cloth ones! Not because I am fancy by any means!

4. I can not tolerate any kind of legume! It is not the taste I dislike, it is the texture. I like green beans, but that is about it. NO Lima's, northern beans, kidney beans etc. Ewwww. You can have them all. I love the broth just not the bean itself. Now if you puree them I can handle it. Go figure. It has to be the texture. When I make chili I will throw the beans in the processor and then I can eat them. Or use no beans at all.

5. I dislike mean spirited people. I can not see any use in people making fun of people to hurt someone on purpose. If everyone would just try to accept people for how they feel in their hearts and souls not their appearance outwardly this world would be so much better off. I know that is simple but sometimes simple is all we need.

6. Children make my heart sing. The joy in watching them just gives me such happiness. If I could give one piece of advice to parents these days, please just get down on their level. Get down on the floor & play with them. Laugh and giggle with them. Get outside and kick that ball, throw a Frisbee, slide down a slide, swing on a swing. Do hands on activities, and hug them! In these trying economic times, the time you spend is so much more valuable than the "material" things. My children remember all the times I sat with them and actually did thing with them. Simply colored pictures, and as my son said recently, "we always had fun, even if we didn't spend money." That really made this mom feel good. He said he remembered all the good times. Now I am to the age where it really hurts to "get down on the ground with my grandchildren, believe me I try, and they are so good about trying to help me get up. But it breaks my heart that it is almost impossible to do these day. I will keep trying as long as I can. I will figure out something! Parents one day this will be you too and you will regret it if you don't do it now!

7. Ok my quirks kinda got side tracked. I apologize for that. I kinda got on a roll about children. I guess that is where my heart is right now. Love and hugs, Sue

A Quiet and Productive Weekend

We can hardly believe it, a weekend with no plans! Yup, that is what we had. So we got up on Saturday, and decided to get some much needed work done. Sue headed out to do some "acts of kindness" and Roger went through the food cupboards in the kitchen and reorganized them.

When Sue returned, she helped finish the cupboards, then on to fixing lunch for her helper hubby. After lunch they decided to make applesauce. So out came the bushel of Mac Intosh apples and the peeling, coring and cooking began. The aroma was wonderful. The applesauce finished and cooling, they went on to moping floors and cleaning bathrooms, and laundry and putting away clean laundry. Sue started dinner and then we settled down in the family room to watch both the NASCAR race and the Boston Red Sox play the Jay's in Florida.

Well Sue loves her new chair, and it is very comfortable...a bit too comfortable. Yup you guessed it. She lasted a good while but the Red Sox decided to go extra innings (well actually, Sue didn't last through the 5th inning). Bless his heart, Roger stayed awake til the end of the game. It lasted well after 1:30AM. It is sad that it ended in a loss for the Red Sox but it is 1/1 and now they head to Boston. Home advantage we hope. Roger was pleased that Matt Kennseth was second in the Nascar race!

Sunday, Sue got up and fixed Roger breakfast in bed (after all he deserved it after staying awake to watch her team that late!) Then we went to church and Sue's United Methodist Women had a meeting after church. We came home and had lunch. Back to work! We did a few more things around the house (Sue finished putting away things in the smaller spare bedroom, that had piled up in there). Doesn't everyone have a place that when you don't have time you say, "oh just stick it in there"? Well that is where Sue puts stuff. So she was determined to get that all straighted out. After finishing things (somethings they wanted to do) Sue prepared what they were going to have for dinner, cleaned up the dishes and then went down to join Roger in the family room. Later we had dinner and returned downstairs. You guessed it, she sat down in "her chair" and out she went. She woke up and went to bed. She had no idea when Roger came up to bed. But he had to get up at 3AM to go to work today. So, it was a nice weekend, we got lots done and a nice change to be home with no actual plans!

We are hoping that most of the family will be here for Thanksgiving this year. Some of our family have moved this year due to promotions and some even out of the country. We are hoping that this will not cause too many to not make it to Thanksgiving. For those that can't come be sure to know we understand that as families grow there are changes. Here is hoping that as many as can will be here and those that are not, will have a wonderful day but know they are in our hearts and thoughts.

The Birthday That Never Ends (according to Roger)

Roger says Sue's birthday never ends. Sue and her mother shared the same birthday. They had a tradition of celebrating "Forever" as Roger use to say. It went on and on and on according to him. It was always a joke between Sue and her mother. Of course Roger just laughed about it.

Well the tradition continues. Sue has two friends that makes sure it does. They each give Sue a birthday bag the beginning of the week. Sandy and Bonnie. The bags have a gift to open each day of her birthday week. So this is one full week of gifts. Then she gets gifts in the mail, ok? Then there are cards in the mail, on the internet,& birthday calls. Usually Roger grabs the phone when he is home. So he seems to be there when people call. Thursday, Sandy took Sue to "Ladies Night out" at her church for a dinner for her birthday. Friday, friends the "Hickman's" took Sue and Roger out to dinner for Sue's birthday. Then on Sunday night Lee and Tara and Trinity came over with flowers, a balloon, and a sweet card! So the party still went on!

Now lets' go back a bit. When Sue's parents lived in Staunton before they passed away, Sue and her mother had this "plan". On their birthday, they decided to get the most out of it! So, Betty (Sue's mom) would have Dick (Sue's dad) take Sue out to eat for her birthday and of course she would have to go along. At the meal Sue would say, "Dad when are you going to take Mom out for her birthday?" And then he would say, I am now." Sue would reply, "No this is for my birthday." So this would mean he would have to take Betty out again. So when that would be arranged Betty would say, "I can't go without Sue, so Sue would go when Dick took Betty for her birthday." So we would all go again. Then when we would go again, I would say to Roger, "When are we going to take Mom out for her birthday, Roger?" And again we would have to go out. Then when we would go out for Betty's birthday, mom would say,"Roger when are you taking Sue out for her birthday?" Then Roger would have to take me out and I would say we can't go without mom, I went with her for her meal." ..... We would all laugh over this scheme!!!

I decided this year when Roger said, "your birthday still goes one forever," that Sunday after church we were going out to eat for "mom's" birthday. And we did. Roger liked the idea! It was really neat to go out in memory of mom's birthday! I think we will keep up the tradition. It has been hard the past 10 years to not have her with me on my birthday. But now I am going to celebrate her birthday every year in her honor!

Return for Vacation

Our vacation was wonderful. No travel troubles, and lots of rest and relaxation! Just what we needed! The weather was not perfect but included everthing. We had some days of sun and blue skies, some overcast days but still able to go out and enjoy the beach and one day that was just pouring down rain.

We walked the beach, we sat on the beach, got in the ocean and just had a great time.
We read, we rested, we did count them...8 zigsaw puzzles, watched amazing little television. DID NOT have computer access. Which actually was a blessing.

Unfortunately we did have cell phones and Rogers work cell woke him up on the first day! He got calls all week but they did subside some as the week went on. The day of the storm was kind of exciting. We did go to Willimington and shop some that day. Came back to shingles blown off the cottage, and one of the bathrooms water leaking into it from the roof. That was kind of exciting for Roger! The rental company had to come and take care of that and said they would have to get roofers to come and work on the roof.

So Roger did get some weather excitment. I am so happy for him. He loves weather!!!
I however am grateful it wasn't real bad! All in all it was a wonderful vacation.

We are off!

Well we made it. Today after work we will head out! There have been a few bumps in the road, but we are all packed & will leave when ever we get home. Sue had her routine blood work done Wednesday morning. Yesterday she got a call at work from her doctor. The call went like this. "Mrs. Hilt, this is Dr....., can you leave on your lunch hour?" Sue's response was, "I don't get a lunch hour, however I can leave if necessary." To that the Dr. said,"I want you to go to the pharmacy and pick a prescription." Sue said,"ok". Her Dr..."I am looking at your blood work results and your potassium level is dangerously low, I can not stress dangerously enough. You need to leave and go get this now and take one immediately, then another one this evening. I want you to come get paper work and have repeat blood work next week. How soon can you go get this prescripton?" Sue's response was, "as soon as it is filled". That was the jest of the conversation. Of course Sue immediately looked up on the computer what this could mean. That of course was scary. But, she is now taking the medicine...a humongus pill by the way! Also eating bananas, spinach etc. Of course she ok'd the fact she will be away and agreed to have blood work as soon as she got back. She has a check up also when she gets back that is why she had to blood work anyway.

Have to admit it was startling that the Dr called at work in the first place but with her words, "I can't stress dangerously, "enough" on top of that... it sure did add a bit more concern. Sue does feel fine other than being a bit more tired than usual. She contributes that to trying to get everything done before vacation. She and Roger are looking forward to a relaxing week for sure! We feel really blessed that right now there are no forcasts for hurricanes! So, we are off and ready to enjoy the sea air. Take care!

We are on a countdown!

Well we are counting down to a vacation. We finally decided we are going to take a real vacation. We tried to take a week at home earlier this summer and it didn't quite work out the way we had planned. Roger has worked so many weeks without a day off and both Roger & Sue have had a lot of unexpected pressure at work lately. The decision was made to take their final week and go away. After weeks of looking and looking we were not able to decide where to go. We threw our hands in the air and said, we will just get in the car and see where we end up.

Then last week, Roger decided we are going to the beach. He rented a place at Holden Beach. Sue thought, ok...with all the hurricanes. But as it is, the forcast looks clear hurricane wise. So this Friday after work, we are starting out. Roger decided Sue does not need to drive all the way down in one day with her back. We are looking forward to a relaxing week at the beach. We plan just to kick back and relax. Sue is looking forward to reading and Roger is hoping to get his fishing pole wet. (of course from the shore, definately not from a boat! He gets sea sick)

In the meantime we are busy trying to get everything done. Sue trying to get all the work done at both churches ahead of time. She does all the work for while she is gone... all bulletins, and mailings prior to going so they have all they need while she is gone, and the housework and packing. Roger, all potential work that is scheduled and any preventative maintance, billing etc., and the grass mowing at the house. So, we are busy this week, but excited about getting away.


We hope everyone is enjoying this cooler weather and enjoying the beauty of God's blessings each and everyday. Please keep those trying to recover from the aftermath of the recent hurricanes in your prayers. The families that lost loved one and victims recovering from the Metrolink accident in California in your prayers. Our family knows what it is like to go though a horrific situation like this personally, the waiting and the not knowing, the after effects and the tremedous loss, and the years of recovery it takes. So, please keep these families in your prayers, that they will be wrapped in the love and comfort of the Lord, through their time of grief.

Remember, to do a simple act of kindness every day. Not only will it make a difference in the world and for the one you do it for, it will make your life so much richer. Love and hugs, Roger & Sue

What a special husband I have!

Most of you know I have back issues. Well my sweet husband can tell just by looking at me when I am having an episode. I walked in from work yesterday and didn't say a word. He took one look at me and said, "On, no!" How did he know? I looked at him and said,"You are amazing."

Off to the bedroom I went. On went my TENS unit. I took 2 Motrin on an empty stomach (which I learned later was a mistake), put a wedge behind my upper back, a wedge under my legs and tried to get somewhat comfortable waiting for the Motrin to kick in so I could go to sleep. Next think I knew my sweet husband was asking what I wanted for supper. We ate a bite. Then he went downstairs to watch TV while I drifted in and out of sleep. He told me he kept coming up to check on me. However I was asleep and awake lots! Every time he came up he said I was asleep. He came to bed about midnight and that is when I woke up. I was awake until 2:30AM, then got up took a hot shower and came back to bed. I finally drifted off again and woke back up about 6AM. Roger was awake and said, "OK" enough is enough, we have to find you something you can be comfortable in."

Up we got, dressed, had coffee, and a bite to eat, we went to our church ran the bulletins for Sunday. Then the "great search" started. Little did I know my sweet husband had done lots of research. I didn't particularly want to ride around in his little red truck with seats that cave in. My poor back doesn't like them. Plus I was not feeling well, but he has to work all day Sunday and Labor Day so it is today or who knows when. So we went to a local furniture store. I must have tried 2 dozen chairs. I found one Lazy Boy chair that 'would do' and it was on sale. Roger said, "we will get the sales lady's card" but we are going to look more. UGH! "OK" (I just wanted to go home.)

Then we went up to Harrisonburg. First to one store. Roger said "I want you to try out this European style chair." I thought European? I am American. OK. So in we go. I sat down in this funny looking chair. Oh my goodness. Tears ran down my cheek. I have never sat in a chair that has felt so good in my life. All I could do is look up at him. What a wonderful man he is. He had read up on what would be best for me. How could I be so lucky? How could I have found this wonderful, caring, and so loving man? How was I blessed to have a man that thought so much for others? And he does! Then I looked at the price tag. IKES. It is way more than a recliner! He told the sales lady to put it on hold we would be back.

Then he said I want to take you to one more store. I was still in shock. Off we went to another store. It carried a brand called EKORNES they were very similar to the chair I just tried. They explained all about them and how they were endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. They went through how they were built etc. They have a whole line of furniture. Oh my. From chairs, couches, love seats etc. They are gorgeous! In my wildest dreams I would love to have a room completely outfitted in this furniture. Roger let them explain all about it. I was very impressed. I sat in one. The saleslady left us alone. I said, this feels the same as the other chair at the other place. Roger simply smiled. Then I looked at the price. OH MY GOSH! (some of the chairs sell for as much as $3,000.00) I looked back at Roger and he said, "Now may I take you back and buy you the chair at the last store?" I looked at him and smiled and said, yes and thank you very much. I love you."

What a wise man to take me to this store after I had sticker shock at the last store!

So we went back to the other store and purchased the Lane chair that is the same style as the EKORNES chair. Roger told me that if it doesn't hold up which he thinks it will, that he will get me an EKORNES chair later but for now at least I have a chair to get me by until then!

Like the title of this blog.... What a special husband I have!

Love & Hugs!

Liquid Gold

What a joy to awaken yesterday to rain. It has not rained here in months. Our grass is like straw. What a blessing, the rain has been coming down at just the right rate. Slow and consistent. Not enough to cause any flooding and the ground is soaking it all up. It is suppose to rain today and tomorrow also. Then the holiday weekend is suppose to be beautiful.

I am sure it is too late for the farmer's crops, but the grass and wells around here sure do need the rain. Normally I do not look forward to the gray, dreary days. But with the lack of water we have been having I rejoice in this weather. I pray that the Gulf does not suffer from all the effects of the hurricanes, and hope that everyone will keep them in their prays also.

Remember to do random acts of kindness and make our world a better place for others. You will find it not only a blessing for the one you do it for but a blessing for yourself.

Love and hugs!

Witnessing a Wonderful New Beginning

Yesterday we were blessed to witness a wonderful new beginning! Ross & Jungmeen became husband and wife. The wedding was a sweet, elegant and touching service. There is no doubt that these two are meant to spend the rest of their lives together and the Lord himself has had His hand in their finding each other!

It truly was a blessing to have witnessed this marriage, from the Pastor of Jungmeen's church in Rochester, NY telling about Jungmeen and himself praying for a Christian man to come into her life, to the pastor of the church in Christiansburg telling of his witnessing the meeting of Ross and Jungmeen and the development of their relationship & the role of their Lord in that relationship. What a true blessing!

After that beautiful service, everyone went to the Inn at Virginia Tech for a wonderful reception. Everything was lovely. The highlight personally to me was when Lee and Tara and many of the young people were up on the dance floor doing the Electric slide. All of a sudden I realized there were Ross and Lee side by side with big smiles on their faces. I have to admit tears started to fall. It was like years melted away and there they were once again performing on stage. No, not clogging but there they were having the fun they did as middle school children side by side performing, dancing for the enjoyment of others, competing in their dance group. It was priceless. I only wish I had gotten a photo. That would have been a treasure to me. I am tearing up as I am typing this. Dancing was such a big part of their lives back then. What a friendship theirs was. Even though years have gone by the smiles on their faces brought such joy to this mothers heart. They will never know how much it meant. Not only did their dancing bring joy to their mothers but also, they brought the two families together in a friendship that will forever be a bond and blessing! Thank you for this blessing!

My heart is so full for this young couple that now starts their life together. I pray God's blessings on them both. God is so good! Today they leave for their honeymoon to Vienna. I pray for travel mercies and a wonderful trip for both of them. God bless them in their wonderful new life together.

Late nights, busy days!

With the Summer Olympics in full swing and the history making Michael Phelps how can one go to bed early? During the day Sue's computer at work is being equiped to have DSL and she has not had access to internet all week or for that matter, she has not had her desk all week. It has been a very frustrating week for her. She is grateful for all the efforts being put into getting the computer set up, but it is difficult to get anything done also. She is hoping that the phones will be functioning and the computer will get finished soon so she can get back to normal. Part of the problem is that she has downloaded things that virus protection did not detect had viruses so they are having to find programs to get them off. They are going to lock down the computer so downloading will not be possible. So, if Sue doesn't read your emails with attachments you will have to forgive her!

Roger is working on finishing his installation of the new furnace he purchased in early spring. He is slowly finishing up. Hopefully he will have time to get it done before we need heat. Just joking.

School starts next week around here. We both are amazed how children these days seem to have such a short summer. We can remember not so long ago that children didn't go back to school until after Labor Day. What a shame that the summer is shortened for our grandchildren. I guess this is considered "progress". Well we hope all of you are enjoying your summer. We still have had no rain and we have brown "crunchy" grass! We are praying for some relief here and hope you are all getting some raindrops in your area. God bless. Love & hugs to all!

IN MEMORY OF MATTHEW

Matthew Ergenbright-33 years old, husband and father of 2 went home to the Lord today at 3:40AM after a courageous battle with cancer. In his honor I would like to post an portion of one his journal entries please consider his request. Thank you Matthew for your example and your faith, you will be missed. Praise the Lord for your healing. "Well done good and faithful servant."


Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 Matthew wrote:
In this group that has formed, through this Caringbridge site of supporters for me, many have asked "What can we do?". In honor of me if everyone could pick one thing that they could do for someone else, be it small or large, do that random act of kindness. Because of the number of visits that I see on this website each day, I know that there are a lot of people out there that may feel like they don't have the time or just don't think about it. Write it on your calender or "pencil it in" to perform a random act of grace and you will be more rewarded more than you can ever imagine. It might not be immediately, or an hour away, but you will notice it when you look back through the calendar and something stops you on that page and you wonder why you had "penciled in" random act of kindness. You will remember that act when you see that reminder. That is what will help bring our communities back together and full of kindness and strength.

Good Timber

Good Timber - author unknown

The tree that never had to fight

For sun and sky and air and light

But stood out in the open plain

And always got its share of rain

Never became a forest king

But lived and died a scrubby thing,

The man who never had to toil

To gain and farm his patch of soil

Who never had to win his share,

Of sun and sky and light and air,

Never became a manly man

But lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow with ease

The strong wind, the stronger trees.

The further sky, the greater length

The more the storm, the more the strength

By sun and cold, by rain and snow,

In trees and men good timber grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth

We find the patriarch of both.

And they hold counsel with the stars

Whose broken branches show the scars

Of many winds and much of strife.

This is the common law of life.

July 27, 1970 - 38 years later

You guessed it, 38 years ago we eloped. We both agree we would never relive that day again. Don't get us wrong we would remarry in a heart beat, just not that way! If you don't know the story, it is really way to long to put in a post. Here is a much shorter version

After leaving at 2AM we drove from Ohio to Indiana and were told that we could get married there but we would have a 3 day waiting period. Since Roger didn't have 3 days off from work that wouldn't do. So Roger knew of another place so in the car we got and drove all the way to Clintwood, VA. A long, long, long, hot ride! It was somewhere around 100 degrees out. We arrived there around 4 PM. & after having blood tests & going to the court house. There were two churches in town. We first went to the Baptist Church and it had closed! Then to the Methodist Church parsonage and the pastor's wife said, "I am sorry but the pastor isn't here." At this point Sue had tears running down her cheek. She immediately said, "but he will be back shortly if you would like to wait."

We sat in the parsonage just a little while and the pastor came. We went over to the church and were married. Sue was so embarrassed that when he said,"you may kiss your bride," Sue pushed Roger away.

After we were married, Roger told Sue not to let him stop the car when they stopped to get a cold drink because we had been driving so long he was sure the car would not restart. Well we pulled into this place and sure enough he stopped the car. He was right, it wouldn't restart. It was a standard shift car and not even a year old. We tried to "kick start" it and it went over this bank. Then we had to have it towed out. Finally we were on our way home. We got back into Kentucky and next thing we knew we were pulled over by the police. Supposedly for speeding. Now we swear to this day we were not speeding! To make a long story short we were not given a ticket but were told never to come through there again speeding. right

We got back to Roger's family home about 11PM, talk about exhausted. His mother greeted with tears of happiness (they knew we were getting married). Then she said, "Roger you go in and sleep with your brother and Sue you go in and climb in with Cheryl." If you could have seen Roger's face. He said, "If you think I just went through all I just did to do that you must be crazy!" So we spent our wedding night out in "the building". By the building we mean the building next to the outhouse. Yes Roger's family live way out in the country. It was a building where they stored things and sometimes even cats gave birth there. It wasn't an elegant place to spend a wedding night, but it sure was better than "bunking" with your sister in law!

Now maybe you know why we both say, "we would never go through that again!"

38 years later we are happier than ever! We wish everyone the happiness we have found together. God has really blessed us both and we are so thankful to have found each other.

A Bright and Cool Day!

Today we have some much needed relief in the weather. We finally had a bit of rain the other evening. Unfortunately along with the rain came some wind. As a result we lost the canopy over the patio along with some necessary of the reinforcements that hold up the framing. So I guess that is the end to the canopy for this year. We have talked about building a permanent structure so hopefully next spring we can. Roger needs the shade as fair skinned as he is.

This weekend Roger has been planning to go to Kristy's to replace the a/c unit under her house. He ordered the unit and seems there was some sort of mix up where it was ordered. We are hoping after 3 trips to Harrisonburg, that it arrives today. If not we were assured it will arrive next Wednesday. He will however still go to Locust Grove and pull out the old unit and prepare the area for installation of the new one anyway, measure for new copper line (as measurements couldn't be obtained due to the tight area the unit is in under the house). Sue is going to the Roanoke area to the shower of Ross and Jungmeen on Saturday so she will not be able to accompany Roger. Ross is the son of dear friends of Roger and Sue's and Ross and Lee grew up together. The shower is a couple's shower and even though Roger is invited he needs to get this a/c unit in for Kristy and family as they have been waiting a loooooooong time for it! He will go to the wedding so that is the most important thing to attend anyway!

Last evening, Roger & Sue worked on the Montero. At long last the check engine is out! After ordering a part from California that took almost 2 weeks to come in, and in the mean time having to replace the battery, they managed to find out which o2 sensor of the 4 was bad and figured out how to wire up the new one (which had different color wires) from the old one. (Sue figured that out! LOL) Roger crimped them together and made the remark, "gosh I don't even have any extra wires left." Sue laughed. He installed it and to our amazement the check engine went out without having to go have it reset. We were delighted. The light had been on for we can't tell you how long!

Roger then got the "little red truck" and pulled it around to the side driveway as Lee said the last time he drove it, it was making a funny noise around the wheel in the front driver's side. Off came the wheel. Roger inspected it and heard a rub. Nope, the brake pads looked good. Hum he check other things out, but the wheel on. Then said that he didn't hear the rub. Wierd. Took it for a drive and said well he still hear a bit of a noise. He made a remark, maybe I will drive it til something happens. Later he made another remark, I think tomorrow I will take off the other tire and check it out. So I guess tonite while Sue goes to Waynesboro and runs off our church bulletins for Sunday and gets the oil changed in the Montero, he will check out the other front wheel of the "little red truck."

I think getting that check engine light out has sparked some real "let's get these little problems fixed" energy going in us! Hope so, as it would be nice to have these vehicles running and not worried about something happening on the road. Well I guess I have rambled enough for today.

Remember to hug the ones you love! Keep honoring the Lord and doing for others!

Great Video

Thanks to Denise! What a great idea!

Feeling Nostalgic?
I saw this on my niece Denise's blog and decided to play along because it looked so fun...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

"We're Off"

Saturday, July 12, 2008 We are going to Elkins WV for a special weekend for Roger. He loves trains and I am surprising him with a “little get away after his looong hard weeks of work non stop”! He knows about some of this but not all of it! I tried to get reservations at a Bed and Breakfast but they were booked due to the festival there but found a brand new Hampton Inn with rooms...whew!

We are staying Saturday evening at Hampton Inn, Elkins WV
673 Glenmore Loop Rd
(304) 630-7500

We will be going to American Mountain Theater show that evening at 7:30PM


Then we will go on a Parlor Car Sunday Brunch 7 hr. Train Ride - deluxe Pullman Palace car features an all-you-care-to-eat brunch buffet and includes a special dessert spread set up on the return trip. Seating is in Cushioned Arm Chairs and this car features excellent viewing opportunities from the rear of the train.


If you are interested in this type of trip here are a few of the websites you can check out:

http://www.mountainrail.com/index.htm

http://www.americanmountaintheater.com/

http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=EKNWVHX

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/photo-elkins-tunnel_mountain_b_b.html

www.augustaheritage.com

Then we back on Sunday evening! I hope Roger enjoys a bit of relaxation and well deserved rest! The 4th of July "work rush" behind him. However he has lots of loose ends to tie up at work as usual, but the worst is behind him now! Hopefully, this will be the last! You never know! (If he decides to retire!) LOL Have a great weekend, I know we will. Love & Hugs to all!

Independence!

Roger & Sue are feeling their independence. Free to come and go. Nothing to have to "get home to". It is a unique feeling. Very strange but welcoming. I am sure in time it will get "old" but not yet. As we have stated, this is a busy week for Roger. He will be working straight through the weekend with no break. He thought he would have Saturday off but, nope, someone found out he was not booked that day and snatched his time! Looks like Sue will have to find things to amuse herself over the weekend. That won't be hard.

Her friend Bonnie that quilts is participating in a show and as it turns out her husband is out in Californinia, so Sue will be helping her out at that during the day on the 4th.

She also is now typing the bulletins for our own church as well as for the church she works at. So she will be busy. This Sunday is the first Sunday with our new pastor Rev. William (Bill) Bearden. Sue has met him and he reminds her somewhat of one of her former pastor (bosses) at the church she works at. He was so pleased to have her to do the bulletins as he will not only be pastoring our church but another one as well. Sue also has been doing a monthly calendar for our church which includes the activities of both the churches (we are now called a two point charge) hoping to encourage each church to get involved and "pull together", possibly to do some joint mission work.

Roger and Sue are so excited about the possibilities of becoming more involved in some personal ministries we have discussed, now that they are getting some more free time. We are both very excited about the possibilities! It is fun just to discuss them!

As a Staunton District Officer of the United Methodist Women, Sue will be traveling to Blackstone, VA to the United Methodist Conference Center July 25-27 for the School of Christian Mission. Roger has promised that he will forgive her for being gone on their anniversary. Sue assures him she will be back before it is over. She will be home late afternoon on "the day". (Plenty of time for him to figure out something to do?" LOL!

We were glad to hear that Sue's brother and his wife Helen arrived home safely from their trip to Venice and the cruise around the Mediterranean. They had a terrific time and we can't wait to hear more. Also, Bob arrived home safely to Springfield, MA. His wife Robin will fly home over the weekend following her working in Charlottesville, Va all week.

From all the new we have heard baby Anna is doing well in England as well as mama Kim and dad Drew.

Kristy's temp. job was just that, temp. We thought maybe it would be more. Guess not. She is getting ready to interview for another job through the temp. agency. Their cat Wilson got out and after a couple of upsetting days glad to report he is home and safe.

Lee and Tara and family are doing well! Busy, but all are fine!

Hope you all enjoy your weekend and please remember all those who are provided for our freedom and are now out there protecting our freedom. May God's blessings be with them. Thank you to all who have served our country! Roger & Sue

Exciting Week - New Birth & Family Birth!

The biggest news this week is the birth of Anna Kimberly Mudgett! Our great niece, I spoke of her in our last blog. She was born in England! She is beautiful and both she and her mom and daddy are doing just fine! What a blessing to our family she will be! Everyone is excited about the addition. Her grandparents are especially excited to have their first grandaughter! They have two precious grandson's, now they will have a female grandchild! They will be arriving home from their trip to the Mediterranean this weekend. Little Anna was acutally due to arrive in July but decided she was ready to face the world on June 26th (12:50AM GMT) and weighed 7lbs. 6 ozs. Welcome to the world little Anna!

We had a wonderful visit with Bob and Robin who arrive here on Thursday, and spent the night! They got to meet Lee's wife Tara and Sydney. Trinity, Lee, Sydney, Tara, Bob, Robin, and Sue all went out to dinner. We had a great time. Friday Sue, Bob and and Robin had a nice breakfast here at the house and then Bob and Robin headed to Richmond to Katie & Ken's and Sue went into work. It was a wonderful but short visit.

Well hope you are all enjoying this "hot weather". Take care and Love and Hugs!

Summer Is Here Officially

We are busy getting ready for the week ahead. Roger has lots of boiler inspections this coming week and the next week. There are a lot of babies being born also. One of which is our niece Kim in England. She may have her baby earlier than expected due to gestational diabetes, Sue went shopping this moring for that. Also, her brother Bob and his wife Robin are coming for an overnight visit this week. With an empty nest now we decided to celebrate and buy new pillows for the guest room and our room! Another of Sue's brothers, Pete and his wife Helen are on a trip celebrating their 35th Anniversary. They flew to Venice, Italy unfortunately the airlines lost their luggage. This is ironic as on their honeymoon. Pete grabbed the wrong bags and they had no clothes then either. They spent several days in Venice with no clothes. However I learned that just before they got on their cruise ship they got their luggage. Praise the Lord! Answered prayer!

Lee and Tara are preparing for Sydney's 3rd birthday party tomorrow. Trinity is excited about that! I am so happy to report Kristy has found a job working for a company called Ever Sew English. Check it out at eversewenglish.com She is the assistant to the assistant. She answers the phone, organizes fabric swatches, schedules home shows, runs errands, prepares for craft shows, takes orders, etc. It is a temp.-to-hire full time job. We are praying this will turn into a full time permant job for her. She loves it. Another thing to keep in our prayers. God is so good!

Enough for one posting. Have a wonderful summer. Love and hugs!

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Today we arrived home from work and it was so quiet! (With the exception of distant rumbling of thunder) Strange how quiet a house can be with no one but two adults in it. School dismissed early today as it was the last day of school! Trinity was picked up by Tara's father at dismissal time as we were working. We are done watching her after school now. Next fall she will go to school near where she now lives. That means we will be coming home now to an empty home in the evenings now. Lee won't be coming by after he gets off to pick up Trinity. So we won't be seeing either of them on weekdays any longer. We already miss them. That probably seems strange to some people but mama is already having withdrawal pains. Lee has already called her twice today to help ease the pain. He is very sensitive to his mama's feelings. Which is such a blessing. Tara has started her new job at UVA working in the Orthopedic trama unit. So everyone is excited for her and for all the excitement going on in their lives right now. We are enjoying the warmer weather and hoping for some vegetables out of the garden in the weeks ahead. Hopefully we will get some photo's on our page soon!

We have finally planted a small garden!

Well between the rain drops, Roger has managed to plant a small garden. There are a few tomato plants, and green peppers planted, and a couple cucumber. We are hoping for a bit of sunshine, and praying the rabbits don't eat them all up. With any luck we may have a few to eat in a couple months! (That is if we don't get any hail or droughts.)



Lee is in Nashville right now taking some classes and Tara is managing on her own. Trinity only has a couple more days of school. Kristy has started a job & her children will be out of school a few days after Trinity gets out here.



Sue's brother Bob and his wife Robin will be stopping in for an overnite visit the end of June. After that Roger starts his busy season of plant shut downs and inspections. Then maybe things will quiet down a bit in our household. We never know! There never seems to be a dull moment. Sue's back seems to be improving these days and we are hoping her sudden drop in blood pressure straightens out soon. Take care and we hope everyone is enjoying this weather.

A Photo At Last

Last night I got Roger to look at the blog and asked him to see about putting a photo on the page. I got a few for him and he said, "let me see how to do it first". Next thing I knew he said,"ah ok, I know how to do it now." Come look. Then I looked. Oh, my yes he did. But to my dismay he had put a photo on that was from, 2002! Not one I had given him. Oh, well atleast there is a photo of us and from something I love to do...climb lighthouses! So keep checking back, and soon you may see photos of Lee & Tara, and Kristy & Vic and of the grandkids! One can hope. Hey, maybe even some photos of what we are doing around the house. You never know!!!! As we learn you may even hear some music. But that might be a bit of a stretch...LOL

VIEW ATOP A LIGHTHOUSE on vacation

What happened to the May Flowers?

The weather has played havoc on our plans. It has rained and rained! The May flowers were damaged by hail. It has been so cold. We had a wonderful triple birthday (Roger's 65th, Lee's and Trinity's) and Mother's Day. Sue had lots of back trouble and between the weather, and back problems, the trash ridding has haulted. After the epidural, which to the amazemant of both the Dr. and Roger and Sue, she is getting some relief so hopefully the trash throwing will continue shortly. (Before Roger's boiler inspections start!) We hope the rain will let up enough and the ground will dry so we can plant a few tomato plants now that the dog won't dig up them. With our luck now that the rabbits have returned we still won't get any tomatoes. LOL



Soon school will be out and Trinity will be going to the YMCA and will not be coming by here in the afternoons and we will miss seeing her everyday. One day soon I am hoping Roger will post some photos and then I will give out this address to people to read. Thanks to reading.

Welcome to our blog!!!!

We Decided to Start our Empty Nest Blog!

Well the house is empty & quiet, no dog running around, and the children have flown off to create their own lives once again. So what better time to try & utilize new technology. Let's see how we do. I was inspired by my nieces blogs and decided "why not give it a whirl".

Roger is really enjoying the quiet of our evenings alone. We are slowly getting things arranged the way we want them in the house. The room Lee and the dog (Arfie) occupied is now the "Red Hat" room. The carpet has been taken out, the hardwood floors exposed, the room completely repainted and new bedding etc. No longer the masculine room it was. The other room that Trinity used is back to another spare bedroom with new bedding in there also.

After watching an episode on "Oprah" (a lady who an awful obsession of horrding) Roger and I decided, now is the time! So slowly, very slowly, we are going through things and "freecycling" what is useful and tossing things that are not. If you have never "freecycled" you should. It keeps useful things out of the landfills and helps people out. Give it a try! I highly recommend it. Go to http://www.freecycle.org/ and find one in your area.

Well today is sunny and warm, however we have had such crazy weather here that it is suppose to be very cold again starting tomorrow. We are anxious to get outside and get the yard in shape also. So, with all we have to do, and our aging bodies, it may take a good while to accomplish it all. But, hey that is ok we have the rest of our lives.

I will close for now and try to update you all on the further "emptying of our nest" as we progress.