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