"Awaiting the arrival"

I sit here waiting for the floors to dry and contemplating the arrival of my children and grandchildren for Christmas.

As I think about all the excitement that will fill this house I can't help but think about the excitement on that night years ago. The night when our Savior was born. I can only imagine how the shepherd boys felt as they gazed upon the babe in the manger.

My heart is just so full of joy because of the idea of my grandchildren being here this year, but the joy in my heart for my Savior is just bursting. Where would I be this day without His love, the gift of His grace in my life? What a perfect gift He is.

So dear ones, as you unwrap your gifts, as you hug your grandchildren and children this Christmas, keep in your hearts the greatest gift we have, our precious Jesus who was born on Christmas and who ultimately died to save us and give us everlasting life.


Merry Christmas to you all. From our house to yours may you be filled with His love!

We are so blessed!

The day before Thanksgiving after working all night, Lee walked into my house early in the morning (before I woke up) and put a turkey in the roaster and started cooking. I woke up to the smell of turkey. I came out to the kitchen and there he was making pies and preparing a full dinner. His wife had to work on Thanksgiving and he said he was going to cook Thanksgiving dinner at our house. He said he wanted to cook for me because I am always doing for others. When he said that I had no idea he was going to have a special project at work requiring him to work all night.

He insisted on doing it anyway. After he got things going, I told him to go lie down and take a nap. He went to lie down and just about that time in walked Trinity and Tara. He got up immediately. I couldn't believe it. Back to work he went. He would not let me lift a finger. Roger was working that day and by the time he got home dinner was ready and it was delicious.

Here I was recovering and my sweet son came over and cooked us all a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. It was wonderful!

If that wasn't good enough he left lots of leftovers and two pies.

The next day which was Thanksgiving Bonnie and Larry Spoon invited us over for another Thanksgiving dinner. Yikes...we will have to diet for weeks to take off all that wonderful food we ate.

December 1st

This is one of the hardest days of the year for me. I know it is for my family. Every passing year it gets easier, however the ache in my heart always remains.
Please give your loved ones a hug today, let them know how very much you care and love them.

The saying, "in a blink of an eye your life can change" is not just an idol saying. Our family knows how true that is.

Love deeply and express your love everyday. Don't just go through the day going through the motions. Let your loved ones know how much they mean to you each and every day.

I love each and everyone of you!

Sue

Surgeon's Follow up Visit

I went back for my follow up visit and met with the nurse practioner first. It was rather comical. I intended to give them heck about having two sets of discharge orders but I had so much fun with the nurse practioner that I ended up not doing it. I started off saying you need to be more clear on what you mean, these discharge orders are too confusing. She said what do you mean. I said on this one it said to call for a 2 week follow up and then on this one is says to call for a 6 week follow up. I called for the 2 week one and they acted like I was nuts and told me they would have the nurse call me. When she finally did, she told me the only way they have a 2 week follow us is if you have staples and she asked me if I had staples. To which I said, how would I know I can't see back there. We made a 6 week appointment and I told her I would ask the home health nurse to look and see. The nurse practioner said what do you mean two sets of discharge papers. I showed them to her. She said how did you get these? I said, I have no idea they were with my papers when I was discharged. She said this is from completely different Dr's from another practice. I said I have a private room and how would I get these if someone hadn't given them to me. I said well it also has Dr Young's name on it. She said that is because they are in the Harold Young Neurological Center. They aren't part of his practice.

I said oh, well I just did what was on both papers. Like on this paper it talked about driving and on Dr Youngs it didn't. So this one said when you were up and moving a good bit you could drive. So I have been. She said WHAT, you have been driving? Don't tell Dr. Young that if he doesn't mention it. I said then I don't suppose I should mention I have been going into work to catch up a bit. She said NO, he would have your head. I said he won't have my head, it wasn't my fault I had two sets of discharge papers!

Needless to say when Dr Young came in we discussed how I was doing and then discussed the fact I could start driving just a little bit. (I haven't driven since, I have been very good, taking it real easy). I asked about work. He told me I could start back to work on Dec. 1 but only for 3 hrs. a day. I told him I was going to retire. He was very pleased. He told me all I needed was to fall on the ice this winter. He told me it would be a good year before the bones fused and I was to be extreemly careful. I told him I would do my best.

The photo you see is one of two the nurse practioner gave me. This is a side view so you are seeing one half of the screws and posts put in. They also put cadaver bones in to fuse with mine. Roger tried to get the second one in but can't seem to be able to get more than one in. So that is where I am and I am being very good, now....hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Well it's official!

I got a call tonite, and the head of the Staff Parish Relations Committee has received my letter and the committee met following worship today to discuss the next steps. If this does not make sense to you it will when I explain.

After much thinking and discussion the decision was made... I am going to retire! I will become a stay at home house wife. Well, I am not so sure about the "stay at home" part. After almost 15 years at the church as administrative assistant, I will be retiring. I will go back to work until then as soon as I am allowed to by the surgeon and I will be training whomever they hire .

I am looking forward to catching up on things around the house during the bad weather and doing more volunteer work when the weather breaks. That is one thing I will be glad about...not having to go out in the ice and snow and chance falling. I will have longer to recuperate. I am doing super, don't get me wrong, I am up even doing shopping for the holidays. It is good for me to be up moving. It is sitting for any legnth of time that is hard. I go back to the surgeon on the 20th for my 5 week check up.

Roger and I are both happy about this decision. I should be retired no later than Dec. 18th just in time for Christmas.

Love and hugs to all.

It's All Over

Well on October 16th I had my surgery. As I have been told it went well. I wouldn't know as I was not conscious. Tee hee hee.

When I came out of surgery, apparently I was given two types of pain medications intravenously. However, I apparently I had an adverse reaction. I lost a couple of days. There were several people that came to visit that I have no recollection they were there. The Dr. said I gave them quite a scare. They had to give me some sort of medication to counteract the medications to wake me up. Oh well, I didn't know any of this went on. I am sorry the family had to be put through all this. I heard quite a few funny stories like Kristy saying that every question she asked me on the phone I would a answer, "I am just going with the flow." She thought it was so funny. No matter what she asked that was my answer.

Now seriously. It is two weeks today since the surgery. I am able to walk without any assistance of any kind. However if I were to go out of the house I would be most likely advised to use my rolling walker. My RN released me today and said she could not believe my progress. I am still under the care of a Home Health PT and until I am released from her I am not allowed to go out of the house except for Dr appointments or occasionally church. Which I have yet to attempt. I have not been taught how to get into the car yet without twisting. I am not allowed to bend, twist or stoop. So I am trying to figure out how I would accomplish doing that task.

I did get to go down the steps to the family room yesterday. Going down is a lot easier than coming back up I quickly learned. I must admit I am going a bit stir crazy being on this one floor of the house. There is only so much walking you can do on this one floor. I am grateful the surgery is behind me. And I do see improvements in my legs and in my bladder issues. I am anxious for my incision to heal and to see how my back truly feels once I get use to all the metal in there. I will say it doesn't hurt any more than before surgery even now so it can only get better and I look forward to that.

I go back to the surgeon on the 20th and then we will find out then what my next step is as far as work etc. That seems so far away....Keep me in your prayers,and Roger for that matter. I am not allowed to do anything..no housework, nothing! It all falls on his shoulders. He is a saint. He doesn't complain but I know it has to be getting old.

Well I will keep you posted. Luv

The Time Has Come! Sigh...

Well yesterday was the trip to Richmond...it was a very long...painful trip. My friend Millie was gracious enough to drive me as Roger had this really big job he just couldn't get away from. As it turns out it was just as well.

We got to the Surgeon's office and sat for 2 hours past our appointment time of 3:20pm before we saw the Dr's physical presence. They came in and tested my legs. And were astounded at what they saw. Not only now is my bladder involved but now my right leg is very weak. I realized something was going on with it, but could not describe exactly what it was. After a few simple tests it wae obvious,that very soon if I didn't have surgery, I would not be able to drive. (that is the leg you use to drive with) Hey I could drive with my left leg..just joking.

I knew I had to have the surgery, that had been decided back home by my Dr's and P.T. and Specialist I had to go see about my bladder issues. So I came to set the surgery, which last time I was there and he wanted me to think about it he said would most likely be a month out from when I made the decision to have it. Well guess what? He was really concerned now...and to my shock, my surgery is scheduled for Friday...yes next Friday! Millie said my mouth looked like it was going to hit the floor. He said we can't put this off. He told me I would come back to Richmond on Thursday and do pre op and spend the night there in the "Hospitality House" and surgery would be on Friday.He does not want me making the long trip back home again. He will call on Monday to confirm this. I am still in shock. I have so much to get done before this so many things to rearrange. I am just not even comprehending it right now.

This weekend is so busy and I guess that is good. Millie said she was Praising the Lord as just to look at me it is so obvious that I am in misery and it was so apparent when they did the testing on my legs that the right leg had no reaction. I knew my right leg felt funny, just figured it was from where my knee had been operated on and after affects or the cold weather or something. Just kinda "heavy" feeling and kinda draggy.

With so much to do and so little time, I guess I won't have time to think much about it. No, I don't know how long I will be in the hospital or any of the details, I will find that out I guess on Monday or maybe not til Thursday. I know it is a loooog recovery and he told me a big surgery. He showed me what he will be putting inside me looks like scaffolding and hey it is blue my favorite color...he will be doing 3 or more discs and they will also do clean up between the discs. He said at least 6 pins also. So that is what I know and next Friday is the day but I will be going down on Thursday and spending the night and having the surgery on Friday. Luv and hugs...

Wildcard!!!

Woopie! Boston Red Sox got the Wildcard! Well I sure am excited about that. You will be sure that I will be sitting in front of the TV watching any chance I get. For my birthday I got a pair of Red Sox lounging pants so now my outfit will be complete! Red Sox t-shirt, pants and if I can find it my hat...I think maybe Roger hid the hat. Anyway, I am ready..oh ya my Red Sox coffee mug with water in it! No more coffee for me these days, drat! Maybe after the surgery. (Find out about that Friday)

Boy what a change in the weather! We came back from the beach and wham! Cold has set in. Got up this morning and it was 41 degrees. Talk about a shocker. I am not ready. Of course I am never ready for cold. I detest it. Hope you are all ready for the play offs... I sure hope Boston does well. The last few games have been great! They had some high scoring games...they beat Cleveland 12 to 7 the other day and the game before that was Boston 6 Cleveland 2.

So one can dream & hope that they make it into the division play offs. Dreams of 2007are in the back of my mind! Go Red Sox!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Roger for getting MLB so I can watch baseball all season this year. I love you bunches!!

This is the life

I am sitting here on the porch of the cottage the Spoon's and we are sharing. The sun is shining on the ocean, the dolphins are jumping behind the fishing boat out in the ocean. The birds are skiffing over the water. Sipping on a cup of coffee and soaking up the warmth of the sun. It doesn't get much better than this. We are having a wonderful and relaxing time down here at Holden Beach. I have been remembering all the times growing up as a child our family came down here and how much it has changed over the years. I guess things do change in decades. But here it is still a quiet and non commercial vacation spot. That is what makes this a great vacation spot. You are close enough to drive to Myrtle Beach if you want all the commercial stuff, but if you don't you can just relax and stay here and enjoy God's wonderful gifts He has provided and never go into the hustle and bustle of the commercial towns. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the fun in Myrtle beach, we went to North Myrtle Beach and went to Calabash. That was fun too, but we all seem to enjoy just being here the most.

Well, I will get back to enjoying the beach and friendship and fellowship and the outdoors. Just had to update everyone on how our vacation is going... Luv

Well we are off!!!

Well after much debate, we are going on a vacation. We decided that with all the upcoming events that will be happening, we definately need one. More later on that! So come Friday, we will be packing the new car and slowly driving to Holden beach and spending the week there with our friends Bonnie and Larry Spoon, like last year.

Rest assured there will be sewing machines humming (Bonnie will be bringing Corrie's and hers and we will take mine). Bonnie and I are already stacking up the puzzles. That is one thing we all enjoy doing. So if we have bad weather we will have plenty to do. This year we will be oceanfront so that will be extra nice.

Roger is making sure we don't drive far in one day with my back. So we will make the usually easy trip for most people in two days rather than one. Reservations have been made for Greensboro for the stop. It is only a 3 hr. drive there from our house. About half way.

I am looking forward to the sand and hopefully the sunshine! Roger is looking forward to just relaxing! Poof fella has been working in Richmond and south of Richmond for 3 weeks now. That is a commute of 2 hours or more each way each day. Plus he has been working on installing new heat pumps and wiring them in our church on the weekends. Talk about one pooped fella! He sure needs the relaxation of a week off.

When we get back, I will be facing surgery. My family Dr, therapist, and the pelvic floor disorder specialist all agreed that I should not wait any longer. That it is time to have the surgery before any more organs become involved by the nerve damage. They told me that if I wait, I am facing serious possibilities for further damage. After being told the other possibilities, I nervously and reluctantly agreed to let them call the surgeon and schedule the surgery. We are now in the "waiting" stage for the surgery to be set up.

Meanwhile I am off coffee, soda and anything carbonated. Man that leaves very little to drink other than water and fruit juices. So guess what I drink in the mornings now. I have a cup of microwaved hot water and pretend I am drinking coffee. This morning Roger was so cute he said would you like it with cream? I said I don't believe so....

The last visit with the surgeon he told me the risks and told me to think about it and to let him know when I was ready for surgery. He told me then that his surgery schedule was scheduled about a month in advance so I imagine it is no sooner now. I received a call on Friday but was not home to get it from him, he said he would review my file over the weekend so I expect a call sometime soon. I will keep you posted as to when my surgery is... But for now, I am going on vacation and going to try and take my mind off it.... ta ta for now. Luv and hugs

This morning was a lazy morning. We got up late, at almost 9 a.m....yes that is very late for us. We sat outside having coffee and watching birds. Then as we watched 5 or more birds at the bird feeder at one time we came to our heads. Why hadn't we thought of taking some photos. Here we were sitting enjoying watching them on both levels of the bird feeder. Three on the bottom level and two on the top, one on the suet and one sitting on top of the shepherd's crook and never once thought of taking a photo. In the background you could even see a hummingbird feeding at the hummingbird feeder. What dunces we were. Roger got up went inside and put the batteries for the camera into the recharger.

You know how a good thought occurs and then never can you get that wonderful photo op again. Well we sat there and sat there and didn't get that chance again. We took a few photos after the batteries charges and here a a couple that turned out the clearest. Hope you enjoy. Have a great Labor Day.

PS if you want to see the photo's up closer click on the photo's and they will enlarge

What fun!

Well I have been telling you about the fun we have been having watching the hummingbirds. I told Roger for my birthday I wanted a squirrel free bird feeder. I told him I wanted one with a shepherd's hook so that we could put it fairly close to the patio and we could watch the birds.

He went right out and got a double-decker one so we could put two types of bird seed in it and attract different types of birds. Last night he put it up. I think he needs to put the post deeper in the ground as it isn't real steady, which he said he will.

This morning I went out to have coffee on the patio. Wow, the birds are already coming. So far they are only going to the lower level guess they like that seed best. I saw this large cardinal, and quite a few smaller birds. What fun it was. Now, I need a book to identify the birds. There must have been at least 10 different birds come to it. I didn't want to go in and get dressed for work. With the long weekend I can sit out there and watch quite a bit. I can hardly wait. I know it isn't my birthday for almost a month yet. But, I can enjoy it before the weather gets really cold a lot longer. Don't I have the best husband?

Relaxing Weekend

Well things have calmed down a bit. My back is better, and again I feel human. Saturday we decided we both needed to take it easy. We slept in until 8am. Yes, that is sleeping in for us! Had coffee out on our patio and then Roger decided he wanted to drive to Charlottesville to "putz around". I think actually he just wanted to drive the new car. So although we had said we were doing "nothing" all day, we got in the car and drove to Charlottesville and looked in the type of stores he enjoys, Best Buy, Plow and Hearth and we did go in an very interesting store called Vinegar and Oil. We just window shopped. Did lots of walking and I was very tired when we headed home. We stopped at Larry & Bonnie's on the way home as I needed to pick up something and ended up staying and cooking out. We had a delightful time.

When we woke up on Sunday we went outside on the patio to have coffee and the hummingbirds were so thick flying to and from the feeder. We have a nest in one of our trees with babies and they were flying back and forth. We were having so much fun watching them that after a lot of debating we decided to take the morning and stay home. Roger got his binoculars and we continued watching. It was so relaxing. Later we did a few things we would have done on Saturday and hadn't.

At 2 Sue and Bonnie & Sandy went to a Tastefully Simple party. Talk about fun. It was wonderful. Now that is the kind of party to go to! You eat and taste the things you order. We had a blast.

Then at 7, Roger, Bonnie and I went to our church ice cream social. What a way to end the day. It was good of course and the sunset was awesome. What a nice weekend. Hope you all had as nice a weekend as we did. Hope this isn't the end of the summer as the weather seems. Maybe just a taste of what might be coming in the future. I hope it warms back up. Especially with our beach vacation coming up at the end of the month. Luv & hugs to all!

Nothing can last forever!

Sunday, we got up and went to church. In the middle of the service, I had to go out and take some medicine. My back started up again! Out of the blue! Here we go again! The physical thearpist is trying to figure out what has happened, and we are going through the process of elimination. But I sure didn't like it when she told me that surgery is inevitable. Nor did I like it when the other Dr. I went to on Monday at UVA (a pelvic floor disorder, Dr.) told me that my bladder issues are also most likely coming from my back issues.

I have to go back to that Dr. on September 16th after I do some record keeping for them and change in medication. Then we will go from there on that issue. Boy this aging is no picnic. I am doing everything I can do to keep from having surgery. But all indications are that it is heading in that direction wether I like it or not.

Now for some good news. Roger told me he was tired of seeing me struggle to get in and out of my suv. So we went in search of a new car. We did find one. And I am now driving a Toyota Venza. It is "blizzard pearl". It is very easy to get in and out of. I still say that he had the "I wanna new car blues", but how could I say no with such a sweet reason he gave me for wanting to get me a new car. Besides we do drive around a lot of shut in's and it was very difficult to get them in the car. I had been having a very hard time lately getting in the car so it was a good idea. Not to mention the car was very high on milage and needing lots of work. And no, for those of you who may be asking the question...we did not do "cash for clunkers". My car was not a clunker and I absolutely get livid over the idea of that program. Let's not even go there!

So, I am driving a wonderful new car, when I can. We only have 200 some miles on it, and have our nearest plan for any distant travel is when we go on vacation the end of September to Holden beach with Bonnie and Larry Spoon. We will keep you posted on that and how we enjoy the car then.

Hope you are all enjoying the end of the summer. Luv to all!

Our Work in Photo

Well, here is the result of our hard work. I told you that I would post a photo so what are your thoughts? As you can see, we can now sit outside and be in the shade. We are really enjoying the "fruits of our labors". It is wonderful to sit under our patio roof and enjoy the breeze and the atleast 10 degrees cooler temp. Also the thoughts of not having to shovel the steps this winter.

We joke about the possiblity of even parking the Miata under it. Hey we actually could. We look forward to you coming and sipping a cool beverage under the roof sometime...let us know when you can come!

Sarah's Elephant Ride

As Promised here is Sarah's photo from our trip to Natural Bridge to ride an elephant. At the last moment she decided Ne-Ne needed to ride with her. She was so excited. Sarah had so much fun that day at the Zoo. But the best part of the day was getting to ride and pet the elephant. She loves elephants. She has since she was a tiny baby. Not just the animated elephants but the real elephants.

Thought you might enjoy seeing her on the elephant. I will post more photos of her -trip with Ne-Ne & Pa-Paw soon.

Moving Right Along!

I promised a progress report. As of today, the gutters are back up on the main part of the house, & are complete on the new patio cover. The main wood beam across the legnth of the patio near the yard has been wrapped in aluminum and the outside of the patio "facing" is also complete with the exception of the finish moulding which we can not find anywhere! Apparently they don't manufacture aluminum outside corner moulding anymore. Roger will check with a distributor first before he has to hand make it himself from rolled aluminum. We installed the beginning rows of soffit last night (not an easy task) (after those rows I have been promised it will be a breeze) and hung the ceiling fan and light. It is finally beginning to look like I wanted it! Woopie!!!! Today we will put up J channel ... We are in hope to be almost 90% done by tomorrow night! Boy will we both be glad. It has been lots of work. But well worth it.

We have been working until way past dark each night. Last night we came inside and Roger went down to quickly check his work email. I flopped on the bed and when I woke up this morning there I was, still in the same position...you guessed it. In my clothes! Roger didn't even awaken me to get undressed. Good Grief! You will laugh, my biggest surprise was that I didn't even wake up to go to the bathroom all night. Very unusual for me!

Small Joys!

Isn't funny how little things bring joy? Well as I am posting there are 4 men above my head scraping my roof off. Yes, the time has come to replace the roof. For awhile now we have had a drip over our kitchen sink when it rains and the wind blows from a certain direction. We have known for awhile it was time to put on a new roof.

We wanted to put a permanent cover over the patio in the back of our house. We have put up several canopies over the years because Roger needs shade. He is so fair skinned and burns so easily. It gets very hot out there and he enjoys sitting out there. Each year the wind tears up the canopies and we say we should roof the patio. Well this year we decided to do something about it and Roger and Lee built one. It turned out great. Since we knew we were going to roof the house it was logical to do the patio cover and roof both at one time to match. So with the patio cover done we contracted the roofers.

We have been sitting out there even while we have been waiting for the roofing to get done and enjoying coffee in the mornings and in the evening and it is atleast 10 degrees cooler under the cover. The breeze is wonderful. I know we are going to enjoy it for years to come. We are now wondering why we have waited so long to do this. I can see us sitting out there for years to come. I am so excited about this.

Now the work is being done. and I am so excited that when I come home from work today we will have a new roof on both the house and the patio will be shingled. Then the work will begin on putting the last touches on the patio. We will put on the ceiling of the patio. We are going to put in electric and a ceiling fan & we are going to make it maintenance free by using vinyl so that we won't have to paint. I felt that we need to make it as easy to care for as possible as we age we don't want more work to keep it up.

Roger decided that he wants to even insulate the ceiling in case at some point we want to enclose it. What a smart husband I have thinking ahead. It may add a bit of expense now but if ever we or someone else does decide to enclose it, that much will be done and we or they won't have to tear down the ceiling down to do it.

So, as you can see we are having fun with our "little" addition to our back yard. I will keep you posted as to the progress.

Coming Soon!

Check back soon! There will be some photos of our latest adventures. I have had a jammed packed week. First, we are about finished with the patio cover, just contracted the roofer to re roof the whole house including the new patio cover (they say it is about a month out til they get to it). However they are our neighbor and may get to it sooner. We will see.

Then, Stephanie arrived from Boston, as I type Roger (bless his heart) is driving her back to Charlottesville airport (4:15AM) yes I said A.M. I am not going as Sarah is here visiting and for some crazy reason I did not want to wake her at that hour to take Stephanie to the airport. I don't want to have a tired 6 year old all day. Yesterday was a full day. We surprised Sarah who absolutely loves elephants, and took her to Natural Bridge, Virginia to the Zoo where she was able not only to ride an elephant but also pet the humongous elephant's ear afterwards. Talk about one excited child! We will be posting photos of her adventure. I was hoping she would ride the elephant by herself but at the last minute she decided she wanted, you guessed it....Ne-Ne to ride with her. Oh my goodness....I had to climb up on that elephant with her. Now you can imagine my delight at the thought. But you know grandma's they will do just about anything to please their grandchildren. So be watching for that photo! Tomorrow Pa-pa, Ne-Ne, and Sarah take off for Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For a long weekend full of more adventure. So stay tuned for "Sarah's Big Adventure."

Picture this!

You go to church and you look across the aisle and see this lady. She is rather "large". She is singing, with all her heart. She has this smile on her face. You think to yourself, she sure is a happy soul. Then you really look at her. You glance down and notice oh my. She has on a nice top, and a skirt, but then you see she is one of those older ladies with the support hoes that roll down her legs and funny looking shoes or perhaps sandles on. OH no, it is your relative (or friend) it is SUE!

Yes, but even funnier is picture this: Sue at home relaxing on her newly covered patio. In the privacy of her back yard. She has shorts on (only in her yard would she wear shorts these days) and compression knee highs and sandles. What a sight..now be honest you have to laugh. I do.

Hey, you do what you have to do. I was so afraid, that when I went back to the Dr.she would take me off the medication that is helping with the pain I have been having from my back. The Dr. walked in the examination room and I immediately said, "PLEASE don't take me off the Lyrica." The Dr.said, "why would I do that?". I stuck out my extreemly swollen feet from edema. The Dr's reaction was a loud "WOW". We discussed it and came to the conclusion that the benefits of the Lyrica were too great to stop taking it. The Dr. put me on a diuretic, and prescribed compression hose. I will have my potassium checked in two weeks as I had an issue with that the last time I was on a diuretic and then go back to the Dr. in a month. Whew...I was assured that we would keep watch and that I was in no danger. I got my "hose' and have been wearing them and they do wonders. I take them off and my feet aren't swollen. They are a nuisence to wear but they do the job along with the diuretic. So I am pleased about that. The Lyrica is amazing as far as the relief I am getting with my back....Life is good.

So if you see a hefty (it does add weight) women in Staunton, who is wearing a smile these day, with support hose rolling down her leggs...it may just be your relative (friend)...but hey she is up, going, and happy to be pain free these day! Praise the Lord!

What a busy beginning to the summer it has been!

Hi everyone! We have been so busy I haven't had time to blog lately. Let's catch everyone up. I am so happy to report that after almost a year I am finally getting relief with my back pain. The neurosurgeon handed me the papers for the surgery I was to have and I took one look at the list of "possible" risks and outcomes and told him I needed to think about it. He also said that there was no guarenttee it would help the pain. Ok? So why do it? I went home and prayed about it. My answer was I couldn't see going through this painful surgery and all the recovery time for something that there was a possibility of no relief and maybe even more pain or more surgery. I decided to go back to my family Dr and request we give some other medications a try that were not narcotics. She agreed with my decision and we started trying other medications. We FOUND one and it is Lyrica. It and physical therapy are doing the trick. I almost feel like my old self. I do have some side effects but hey I can live with them. I have trouble with finding words sometimes, and just recently my feet swell up like balloons, and one side effect is weight gain. But you know what, even that I can live with, the pain was so bad and I feel so good now, that I honestly don't care! Roger says, more to love!

Now let's see what has been going on. Bob came for a day to visit while Robin was in Charlottesville grading. Then we went to Charlottesville twice to spend time with Robin at family gatherings her employer gave for them for all their hard work. What a wonderful time we had and boy did they go all out for the graders! What perks they get! One night we took Trinity and she had so much fun!

Robin came to Staunton and we took her to Sydney's 4th birthday party. It was at Tara's mother and father's home and was to be a pool party. But alas it was rained out. We still managed to have a big time watching Sydney open all her gifts. We had delicious food too!

During all this, Sue was also helping out at the Gem Show at Expo Land. She worked Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She helped with a booth and had items for sale to benefit the church.

Roger and Lee started working on the patio cover. We have had several canopies we have put up over the years to provide shade but they eventually get damaged by the wind and rain. This year we are building a permant one. Progress is going along well.

Stephanie Dadiskos is coming for a visit on the 17th and will stay until the 23rd. Then We will leave on the 24th for a long weekend trip to the Dutch country in PA. We are looking forward to all the events.

Hope all of you are enjoying your summer. Sorry it has been so long since I have posted but as you can see ...it has been a very busy time.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Okay now this is getting ridiculous! Where is summer? I am so ready for it. I want to see the sun. Seems like all we have had for weeks and weeks is rain. Now, don't get me wrong,I know we need rain, but this is getting kinda crazy. Here is is June the 4th and it is only 60 degrees out, and where is the sun?

It is no wonder every joint hurts and everyone is complaining of things "hurting". We need some warmth in these old bones. We are trying to get our yard in shape, and trying to plant a vegetable garden. First it was late frost, now so much rain the ground is saturated. We did get some squash and peppers in, then a couple tomato plants. Finally the Hickman's gave us a couple yellow tomato plants and we have been trying to get them in it seems like forever!!! We finally got a full day of no rain, so Roger quickly put them in the rain soaked ground. Good thing he did though, that night it poured...we would never have gotten them in. Since then, we have had nothing but rain. Hope everything doesn't get drowned!!!

I know we shouldn't complain, because later we will be crying for rain. Thanks for letting me vent! Hope all of you are "weathering" this spring better!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day Tribute
Mother's Day has always been a day to honor ones mother. That is what I would like to do. First I would like to honor my mother who I miss so much. Betty Jeanne Hannon-Sanders Knowles. A woman who raised 6 children, who loved them more than life itself. A woman who taught them to respect others no matter what. A woman who loved her Lord, who raised her children in the church. A woman who instilled in her children to treat people they way you would like to be treated. A woman who encouraged her children to be the best they could be. A woman that asked for nothing in return, but to be respected and loved. Well, mom I love you and I miss you, I miss the times we use to laugh until we cried. I miss sharing our birthday - didn't we make them last forever? I miss our long telephone calls. I miss our shopping trips, and I miss just sitting together and talking. I just plain miss you. I love you and always will.

Now, another woman I miss. Edith Mae Culp Hilt. A woman that raised 6 children. A woman that had very little resources, very few modern conveniences. A woman that loved her Lord! Raised her children in church. A woman with a kind heart and a sweet smile. The most beautiful white hair! A woman that taught my husband to make pie crust! A woman that taught my husband to sew! A woman that raised my husband to be the kind hearted man that he is. One time someone told me that on their spouse's birthday they gave his mother flowers. I only wish I had done that for my husband's mother. What a wonderful idea. I can't imagine a sweeter thing to do to my husbands mother. To send her flowers on his birthday and simply say, "thank you" for his birth. I wish I had heard about that before she had passed on to heaven. I miss you mom! You loved me from the very first time you met me. Thank you for that. I felt the same way about you. I can't wait to see you again!

To people who are still lucky enough to have their mom's around. Cherish the time you have, all too soon these days will be gone and you will be saying how much you wish you could have them again. Give your mom a hug! I am sending two special hugs to heaven today to my special mom's!

New Method of Posting LOL

According to my brother Pete, he doesn't like the way we are posting so no longer will we be posting in the third person. We wouldn't want make it uncomfortable for him or anyone. So from the end of this sentence we will begin to post in the first person. I guess my last post got to him. Sorry. Hope from now on, it will be easier on everyone. Take care and I will be sure to use first person from now on. Luv and hugs.

"Sometimes you just wanna scream."

As you all know by now, Sue has been dealing with back issues. She has had her discogram. It was scheduled and just prior to it her family Dr. put her on a course of prednisone (6 days) and oh did she feel good for on Easter. However that day she started decreasing the strength and so did the good feelings decrease. Sue called her family Dr. to see if she could stay on the prednisone and the answer was a flat NO. Back to the discogram, it took forever to get it scheduled. It is a long story and it was frustrating to say the least but it got done. We realized that no follow up appointment was set so Sue called the neurosurgon's office and got the earliest one available which was June 5th. over 7 weeks away.

A week after the discogram (which by the way we won't go into other than to say, hope no one every has to experience one)Sue had a follow up visit with her family Dr. Sue told her that she wanted to hug her on Easter and said she was telling people how wonderful she was. The Dr replied, "so the prednisone made you crazy." Of course she was joking.

They discussed the reasons why she couldn't stay on the prednisone. Then the Dr. asked how Sue tolerated that awful test. Sue said, "well it isn't the most wonderful test in the world and she wouldn't like to go through it again, but to be honest, it isn't much worse pain wise than what she lives with each day." The Dr seemed very surprised. To which she responded, "really ?" Sue said,"yes."

The Dr asked when Sue was to go back to the neurosurgeon and when she was told June 5th she was appalled. Sue told her that was the first appointment she could get and she would have to wait until then to find out the results. The Dr. said that she had the results. So she went over them with her. She told her that her back is a "mess". Apparently there are 4 ruptures, and many tears. She also stated that there is a scale they use but that she not being a specialist doesn't know exactly what the numbers mean.

She asked what the neurosurgon was considering and they discussed it in great length. Sue told her she really wanted to avoid surgery but that she was to the point that she didn't know if she could deal much longer with the pain, but since Sue is adament about not taking pain medication there isn't much option. The Dr. said, "would you please try a medication I would like you to try"? To which Sue responded,"is it going to make me loopy?" The Dr. said it would be taken at bedtime and gradually build it up she wasn't sure of the effect it would have but taking it at bedtime would make Sue sleep more restfully and to please at least give it a try. So after thinking a few minutes Sue finally said she would try. So we are trying, and today is the 5th day and it has increased one time. There is a side effect that she does not like she is very sleepy in the afternoon but is hoping once her body builds up a tolerance to it that will go away. For now, we are trying and it seems to beginning to do something. We are praying for some relief and hoping maybe to avoid surgery.

Yesterday Sue got a voice mail on her cell phone. You won't believe this...this is where the "screaming" comes in. (the title of my blog) It was from the neurosurgeon's office. The office staff leaves much to be desired. Above we said we won't go into the scheduling of the discogram. Ok, Sue had it 2 weeks ago after a LOT of hassle to get it scheduled. The voice mail goes something like this, "Mrs. Hilt, this is Nurse.... from Dr. Young's office and we are calling because we see that you have an appointment scheduled for June 5th and when you were here in March they wanted you set up for a discogram and that the Clinic in Fishersville no longer does them so we need to set you up to have one over here in Richmond at Dr. ..... and he usually sets up a pre appointment but since you live so far away we thought maybe we could set up the pre appointment and the discogram the same day so you wouldn't have to have two trips to Richmond. We want to get this set up so we can have the results before you next visit in June." GOOD GRIEF. Sue called her back and of course got voice mail and left a message. Yet another nurse called back today and started all over again to which Sue told her she had already had the test...and her family Dr had the results and they should have them too. However Sue will go by the hospital here and get a CD of them and hand carry them when she comes June 5th just in case.

For now we are going one day at a time. We have great faith in our family Dr who has been wonderful to us and was great to Sue's mom and dad. Please keep good thoughts that this medicine will work without too many side effects and surgery can be avoided. Luv and hugs!

Circus

The Cole Brother's Circus came to Harrisonburg. Sue answered a trivia question on Channel 3 tv and won 8 tickets! A value of $138! GO SUE! So last night Sue, Roger, Tara, Sydney, Trinity and Carl and Thelma went to the Circus. Up to the "Big Top". What an amazing time it was.

Then only negative part was how cold it was. We had reserved seat with back thank goodness, however the seats were metal! Talk about chilly fannies! Poor Thelma who will be 93 this August only wore a sweatshirt cardigan. When we first got there it wasn't that cold but as the evening progressed it got colder and colder. You could even see the performers breath! Everyone was a good sport, and the children didn't even seem to be fazed by the cold.

Watching the eyes of a 3 year old light up,at the sight of the elephants and high wire acts and witnessing your grandchildren riding the pony rides, eating cotton candy, waving laser swords just makes it all worth the effort. Trinty loved the motorcycles riding dual in the ball amazed they didn't crash into each other. They laughed at the clown acts. We were so amused when Trinity was so concerned that the man being shot out of the cannon would go over top of the net. She was so relieved when he actually did land in the net. What a great time we all had. Our only regret was that our other grandchildren lived so far away. We could just see little Sarah, who adores Elephants being there, how excited she would have been! Maybe the next time. These are the times we treasure and hope will remain in our grand children's memories as they do in our children's. Lee said, I remember going to the circus when I was Sydney's age. It brought joy to our hearts. What a wonderful adventure

Wonderful News

Well it has been quite a week at the Hilt house. Sue had her discogram. That was quite an experience and one she doesn't want to go through again. She is recovering finally. A bit sore still but it is behind her and hopefully the neurosurgeon will learn from that the best course of action to take. She will go back to see him on June 5th and learn where they go from here.

Tonite Lee, Tara and Trinity came by for a visit. When they came in Lee said, "Mom do you still know how to knit?" Of course Sue responded,"yes". Then he replied, "you better get started because we are going to be having a baby." You can imagine the excitement in the house. Trinity hadn't heard until then either. We were all overjoyed. Trinity was thrilled.

What a blessing. Our 6th grandchild is on the way! Sue was just thinking today about how the youngest is almost 4 and there were no little babies. Now there is one on the way! God is so good! Just had to share our joy and excitement with you all!

We are so happy for them. Love and hugs!

Easter Blessings

Easter is here! A time to rejoice in the resurrection of the Lord. Let us not loose sight amongst the candy, eggs, baskets and decorations of the real meaning of the day.

What a joyful day it is! He is risen indeed! Without Jesus’ righteousness and sacrifice there would be no grace. Praise God for Jesus. One day we who believe in Him will see Him and will all be changed.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Matthew 28:6-10

Easter blessing! Luv and hugs, Sue & Roger

A Wonderful Weekend for Grandma!

We are so blessed! It is such a joy to spend time with our grandchildren. Saturday night Trinity spent the night and went to church with us. We had a great time just being together and she brought the movie "Marley & Me" for us to watch. A funny movie, cute but boy watch out for the ending...very sad!

We got home from church and had a wonderful afternoon! Christopher, Ginger and Sarah and of course their mom and dad arrived to celebrate Christopher's birthday. I can hardly believe that tomorrow that grandson of ours will be 11 years old. It seems just like yesterday that Kristy gave birth and I got to be the first person to hold him right there in the birthing suite. I will never forget that moment. What a joy it was. Now that little tiny baby is 11 years old. Where did all those years go?

Lee came and joined us and everyone celebrated! We even had an extra unexpected guest. Kristy and Vic brought with them their little dog Roo-Roo. Not sure that is how you spell his name but he is a cute silky terrier. So that added to the excitement.

The grandchildren have grown so much. They were all outside playing in the yard. It is amazing how they have gone from little tiny children to youngsters who get along and love to play together. It is such a joy to watch them all play. They don't get much opportunity to see each other but when they do, it is just wonderful to witness.

As for Kristy, Vic, Lee, Sue and Roger, we all enjoyed visiting too while the children were having their fun. There was so much laughing going on. Remembering stories from when Kristy and Lee were young. And I think it was so funny when Kristy mentioned something about "her" room. Lee pipped up and said, "at least you still have a room." Everyone started laughing. Lee's old bedroom was demolished downstairs and added more room to the garage years ago. He said, "above a door downstairs is sign that says "Lee's Room" and it leads to nowhere! Well it struck everyone so funny.

I was quick to point out that he had a room, he lived here for a good while after his room was demolished. He laughed and everyone just got so tickled. He said ya, I was in "Kristy's old room." I don't have an "old room" anymore. I guess you had to be here to see how funny it was.

Then there was the topic of the "yellow bucket fish" that Vic had Sarah ask Lee about. Laughter once again. We had to explain to Sarah about Lee and the "yellow bucket fish". Lee gets so adamant that one day he will prove to us there is a fish that is called a "yellow bucket fish". I know you don't know the story and if you ever want to know, just ask and we will be glad to fill you in. Or better yet next time you see Lee ask him to tell you about the "yellow bucket fish." Watch him moan and laugh. I guarantee you will get a kick out of it.

The house is quiet and everyone has gone home. But once again, we have wonderful memories of a sunny Sunday afternoon full of grandchildren, our children and lots of laughter and fun.

I wish all of you the same joy and happiness when you get together with your family over the Easter holiday. I can hardly wait til May 9th when it is Trinity, Roger and Lee's birthday and hopefully we can all be together again. Let's hope Kristy has that weekend off. What fun that will be!

Love and hugs!

Wishing Everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day

Just a short post to wish everyone a Happy St. Patty's Day! Today is a day that we are all "Irish" in spirit. So Erin Go Bragh!

"Erin Go Bragh"

Erin Go Bragh
Bring my pipe and fill its bowl,
Tthat I may puff to sooth my soul.
For it is sure to clear my brain,
And bring old memories back again!

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.


Here’s to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold beer—and another one!


Here’s to fine wine, women, and song.
And here’s to workdays that aren’t too long.
Here’s to shoes that always fit.
And here’s to you, you silly shit!


Here’s wishing you the top o’ life without a single tumble.
Here’s wishing you the smiles o’ life and not a single grumble.
Here’s wishing you the best o’ life and not a claw about it.
Here’s wishing you the joy in life and not a day without it.

Life is like a cup of tea, it's all in how you make it.

May God bless and keep in good health your enemies' enemies.

May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel,
so nothing can harm you.

May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, but never catch up.

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

May the leprechauns be near you to spread luck along your way!

May the leprechauns dance over your bed and bring you sweet dreams.


May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

May the saddest day of your future be no worse
Than the happiest day of your past.

May the sun shine all day long,
Everything go right and nothing go wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all the wishes you wish come true!

May those that love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping.

May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

May you get all your wishes but one so you always have something to strive for!

May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.


May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.


May you live long,
Die happy,
And rate a mansion in heaven.

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

May your day be filled with blessings
Like the sun that lights the sky,
And may you always have the courage
To spread your wings and fly.

May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

May your right hand always
Be stretched out in friendship
And never in want.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
May your heart be as light as a song.
May each day bring you bright happy hours,
That stay with you all year long.

May your troubles be less
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

"Mora na maidine dhuit." - Top of the morning to you.

St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.- Adrienne Cook

The light heart lives long.

The mills of God grind slowly but they grind finely.

There are many good reasons for drinking,
One has just entered my head.
If a man doesn’t drink when he’s living,
How in the hell can he drink when he’s dead?

Time is a great story teller.

Tis better by far at the rainbows end to find not a pot of gold but the heart of a friend.

Two shorten the road.

Wherever you go and whatever you do,
May the luck of the Irish be there with you.

Your My Pot of Gold!

Oh my aching back!

Well the long ride in the car has finally caught up with Sue! Yesterday Sue left work to attend a funeral, as she sat down she felt something in her back. She thought oh no, but kept saying to herself this will pass. She went back to work and after the end of work went to several grocery stores to get items for Saturday's celebration for Kristy's birthday.

Kristy and family are coming in for the day. Actually her birthday was the 5th but she has this weekend off and now has a car to get to Staunton in. So, she decided she would like to come to Staunton for the day. Well, Sue is very excited about seeing the grandchildren also (first time since Christmas). Back to the grocery store story. As she was putting the cart back at the last store she felt this terrible pain in her back. She managed to finally get back to the car and get in. She called Roger and told him she was on her way and might need help. He met her at the car and helped her in the house. She sat on the couch and Roger unloaded the car and put away the groceries. When Sue got up from the couch she let out a yelp! The pain was excruciating, but after that it subsided a bit. Roger decided what must have happened is the disc must have slipped out at the grocery store and when she got up off the couch it slipped back in. After Sue thought about it she realized he was most likely correct. So now, she is suffering from the after effects -- and the aches and discomfort.

Her neurosurgeon asked to see her when she has these episodes. This is the second one and each time she has had one, she has called. But alas as with most Dr. offices it is next to impossible to get past the office staff to even speak to the Dr. let alone see him. Not to mention he is in Richmond 90 miles away. So we wait yet again for a response. Most likely this "episode" will be over by the time we hear back. Guess we will wait and see.

Roger went to the Laity Banquet without Sue this evening and told her to lie flat and not to dare get up until he gets back from Lexington. Hopefully then together they will bake Kristy's cake. Lee is helping with her birthday meal so Sue can just relax and enjoy the children. We are glad they are old enough that they will understand that Ne-Ne can't be climbed on.

So, next year Sandy and Sue have decided no driving to FL. They will fly. It is too hard on Sue's back to sit in a car that long. This aging is no fun!!! Except for the joy of grandchildren..that is such a blessing.

How Hi Tech Can We Get?

I received an email today that struck me so funny. I know that our blog site is not normally a place to post emails but I can't resist this one. Hope you all enjoy this email. We could not stop laughing at the humor of this. Hope you don't think we are sick....LOL Here goes:


THREE WOMEN, TWO YOUNGER, AND ONE SENIOR CITIZEN, WERE SITTING NAKED IN A SAUNA. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BEEPING SOUND. THE YOUNG WOMAN PRESSED HER FOREARM AND THE BEEP STOPPED. THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER QUESTIONINGLY. 'THAT WAS MY PAGER,' SHE SAID. I HAVE A MICROCHIP UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM.


A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE SECOND YOUNG WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED, SHE EXPLAINED,'THAT WAS MY MOBILE PHONE. I HAVE A MICROCHIP IN MY HAND.'


THE OLDER WOMAN FELT VERY LOW -TECH. NOT TO BE OUT DONE, SHE DECIDED SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS IMPRESSIVE. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE SAUNA AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM. SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM HER REAR END.

THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS AND STARED AT HER.


THE OLDER WOMAN FINALLY SAID.........WELL, WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT....I'M GETTING A FAX!!

Mommy to Mom to Mother...

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Pay it forward

I have two nieces who have posted this on their blog sites and I would love to do this! Since I don't have many followers I thought I would post it on mine and hope they will comment on mine that way I can do it with them. If I signed up on theirs then no one would sign up on mine and I would be out of luck. Soooo Denise and Kim how bout it? I would love to do it. If you want to lets! If you already have enough I will understand. And anyone else that wants please sign up too! Here goes!

Pay It Forward Exchange is based on the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward”. I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on this post requesting to join the PIF exchange. All the gifts will be made and posted out ’sometime within the next year’. How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive!

What you need to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. This Exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THIS SAME ‘PAY IT FORWARD’ MESSAGE ONTO YOUR BLOG, WHICH MUST BE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO PLAY. YOU WILL PAY IT FORWARD TO 3 PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG.

Other comments are welcome, but only the first 3 will be my Pay It Forward recipients. Actually if you have any good ideas for me to make with these hands, feel free to chime in.

Back to the reality of winter!

After several days of 80 degree weather Sue and Sandy headed back north. Saturday morning Sandy and Sue woke up and left Walterboro, SC where it was raining. The further north they got the harder it was raining. The stopped just south of Petersburg, VA to get gas and noticed all the cars there had snow on them...not a good sign. As soon as they got back on the road the snow started. They got on Rt. 288 the by pass around Richmond that would get them to I64 and the road conditions were awful. All the vehicles were going about 20MPH which was good as no one was driving recklessly. We all took it slow and easy but even so there were so many cars in the medium and on the sides of the roads. Most likely due to worn tires or driving too fast. It took Sue and Sandy 3 hours to get from Petersburg to Charlottesville. In all that time and until they got home they only saw one snow plow. They were so grateful for travel mercies and glad to be home!

Their trip to Florida was a nice break from the cold winter. They had a bonus of getting Monday off from work as everything was closed! So Monday was spent unpacking and doing laundry. It has taken them all day to acclimate themselves to the change in temperature. Today was very cold! Okay, they are ready for spring...bring it on!

They arrived in Florida on Monday evening. Their accommodations were very different from what they were use to. The bathroom was 4 by 6...OK, but now you have to take out of that space the shower, the sink and the toilet. So just imagine how small it was. Hey we are not complaining but it was tiny! The cottage was immaculate but very, very small. We saw on the website the layout of the area and it showed "walkway to the beach" which we were led to believe we were beach front. Well, actually the walkway led to the street and you walked to the end of the block and then crossed a 5 lane highway to get to the beach. That was a bit of a surprise! They were in a nicely secluded area however and did have a nice pool so that was a plus. They weren't in their cottage that much anyway. They spent one day with Sandy's uncle and aunt in St. Petersburg. That was a very nice day.

They were just two block from the Famous John's Pass shopping village which provided lots of shopping and places to browse. They also went to Passa-Grille Beach which was wonderful. They had a delicious lunch and browsed down there. One of the highlights was going up to Rainbows End Quilt Shop in Dunedin FL which is the largest quilt shop in Florida with over 20,000 bolts of cotton quilt fabric. Talk about kids in a candy shop. OH my goodness. So as you can see they were not out on the beach or by the pool that much. Sue did get a "bit" of color but not that much. Actually they were only in Florida from Monday night until Saturday early morning but it was long enough to make them realize how much they long for the warm weather to arrive in Virginia!

Oh, one new thing too. On the way down they stayed at a B&B in Walterboro. It was a lovely place and for breakfast Sue ate GRITS! And believe it or not she actually liked them. When Sue lived in North Carolina she tried so hard to try to eat them and never could manage to stomach them no matter how hard she tried and how many ways they were fixed. But, at the B&B they made them in a ramakin and baked them with cheese and some how maybe with cream and they were delicious! Sue can't wait to tell Lee who also said he was going to find someway to eat them and never managed to find away.

Well now that they are home, and back at work they are counting their blessings and awaiting the warmth of spring and summer. Luv and hugs to all!

Escape To Warmer Weather

Sue is hoping to escape to warmer weather for a few days. She will be leaving Sunday after church and driving with Sandy to The Cottages at Maderia Beach FL. They will spend Sunday night at a B&B in Walterboro and drive the rest of the way on Monday. They will start their return back on Saturday February 28th and arrive back home late on March 1st. They are looking forward to some warmth and hopefully some sunshine.

Plans are to visit Sandy's uncle and take some things of her mother's to him along with a dvd made of her mother's life. Sandy will get to visit and catch up with him a little. They will rest and relax and enjoy the warmth of the south. For those not familiar with where Maderia Beach it is near St. Pete's. Sue and Sandy have never stayed there before so this will be a new adventure. They normally go to Anna Maria but did not have reservations there and you usually have to have them at least a year in advance. They will be staying in a studio and this trip will be a "shoe string trip" so it is just as well. Sue and Sandy manage to have a great time and plans are to just R&R and work on crafts and read and relax!

Hopefully they will miss some of the cold weather back home also! Roger will be at home plugging away as usual. He enjoys his time at home putzing around and doing what he wants when he wants and enjoys knowing Sue is enjoying the sun and warm weather. Plus he gets the added bonus of watching all the TV shows he likes and eating all the grilled cheese sandwiches he wants!!!! LOL

Hopefully when Sue gets back she will have some exciting blog info to fill everyone in on. Check back and see..........Luv and hugs till then!

The History of St. Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day - the popular festival of love and romances traces its origin to ancient Roman festival and has not been created by card companies as some people believe it to be. There are various legends associated with the festival along with the belief that birds began to mate from this day. Popularity of the Valentine's Day festival stems from the combined effects of all these legends, beliefs and of course the wish to glorify the unparalleled feeling of love.

Feast of Lupercalia
Historians trace the origin of Valentine's Day to ancient Roman Empire. It is said that in the Rome of ancient times people observed a holiday on February 14th to honor Juno - the Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also regarded Juno as the Goddess of Women and Marriage. On the following day, February 15th began the fertility festival called 'Feast of Lupercalia'. The festival of Lupercalia was celebrated to honor the Gods Lupercus and Faunus - the Roman God of Agriculture besides the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

An interesting custom was followed in the Feast of Lupercalia to bring together young boys and girls who otherwise were strictly separated. On the eve of the festival names of young Roman girls were written on a slip of paper and placed into jars. Each young man drew out a girl's name from the jar and was paired with the girl for the duration of Lupercalia. Sometime pairing lasted for a year until next year's celebration. Quite often, the couple would fall in love with each other and later marry. The custom lasted for a long time until people felt that the custom was un-Christian and that mates should be chosen by sight, not luck.

Defiance by Saint Valentine
The pairing of young boys and girls did set the mood of the Valentine's Day Festival as we know today. But it was actually due to the efforts and daring of a priest St Valentine that the festival got its name and clearer meaning. The story goes that during the reign of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in several bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius found it tough to get soldiers and felt the reason was men did not join army because they did not wish to leave their wives and families. As a result Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. A romantic at heart priest of Rome Saint Valentine defied Claudius's unjustified order. Along with Saint Marius, St Valentine secretly married couples. When his defiance was discovered, Valentine was brutally beaten and put to death on February 14, about 270 AD. After his death Valentine was named a Saint.

According to another version of legend Valentine was killed because he attempted to help Christians escape from the Roman prison as they were being tortured and beaten there. Yet another popular version of the legend states that while in prison Valentine or Valentinus fell in love with jailer's daughter who visited him during confinement. Before his death Valentine wrote a farewell letter to his sweetheart from the jail and signed ‘From your Valentine'. The expression became quite popular amongst love struck and is still very much in vogue.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine assumed the image of heroic and romantic figure amongst the masses in England and France. Later, when Christianity spread through Rome, the priests moved Lupercalia from February 15 to February 14. Around 498 AD, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day to honor the martyr Valentinus and to end the pagan celebration.

Beginning of Birds Mating Season
During the Middle Ages, people in England and France held a belief that birds started to look for their mate from February 14. This popular notion further helped to link Valentine's Day - celebrated in the middle of the February, with love and romance. Over the period of time, St Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and they began to celebrate Valentine's Day as a day of romance by exchanging love notes and simple gifts such as flower.

Popularity of St Valentines Day
Valentine's Day festival gradually grew in popularity amongst the masses due to the combined effect of all the above said reasons. To mark the day lovers began to exchange love notes called ‘Valentines' with their sweethearts. In the beginning the trend was to send handmade cards but this was changed in the beginning of 19th century and mass-produced greeting cards caught the fancy of the people. In the course of time, Valentine's day came to be regarded as the festival that celebrates love and not just romantic love. Today, Valentine's Day cards are gifted to teachers, parents, friends, siblings and sweethearts. Popularity of Valentine's Day has spread in countries across the seven continents and is still increasing by the year.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day! Hope you are spending it with someone you love!

25 Random Things About Me

I was tagged by my niece Denise and decided to participate if I could come up with 25things so here goes:

1. When I was a child I was on a television show called "Big Brother Bob". It was a show in Massachusetts and I sat on his lap during the entire show.

2. My friend Sandy & I earned the nickname "Mud Buds" when we were on a VIM(Volunteers in Mission) trip in Des Moines, Iowa after the floods 1993. The men in our team saw a recipe on the back of Crispix Cereal called Mud Buds and said,"That's what you two are, Mud Bud's!" Part of our work consisted of shoveling up mud and sewage, along with demolishing a porch, installing insulation, learning to rewire a house and other various jobs. The nickname has stuck all these years. We really got to know each other on this trip and have become life long friends. What a true blessing this VIM trip was both to the recipients of our work and to all who went to give of their time and talents!

3. I taught horseback riding as a Junior Counselor at Camp Adelawan Claysville PA.

4. In my chemisty class I got the "Hairy Canary Award" for growing the best crystal.

5. I use to figure skate. I now couldn't even stand on a pair of ice skates!

6. I was pretty good on the uneven parallel bars in gymnastics!

7. I was a student assistant occupational therapist at New England Medical Center through Tufts University.

8. I worked for the Credit Bureau of Dayton, Ohio as a credit reporter.

9. I was a Fuller Brush Saleswoman as a youngster! I went door to door selling Fuller Brush products and loved doing it!

10. I killed my sisters goldfish! Yes, I did! I admit it! We shared a room. She never cleaned her fish bowl. I couldn't stand it any more. So I purposely put something in the water to make the fish die. I have prayed for her forgiveness and confessed many times! The water was so green you couldn't even see the fish in it! It was so gross! I know I am a horrible person. You all know the truth now!

11. My mother would get so tickled cause I always would get fed up and say "Ann go out and do something, I need to do something" & Ann would go I would spend hours cleaning the room immaculate and surprise Ann. Mom said Ann always knew I would eventually do it cause I couldn't stand it. Ann & I loved each other so much. We were exact opposites in so many ways too. I was so blessed to spend that last week of her life with her. I still miss her to this day and wonder what it would be like if she were here.

12. When I went to my future husband's home town and stayed at a relatives home overnight, because it wasn't proper to stay in the same home as my boyfriend, I woke up to a pig walking through the bedroom. Yes, I said a pig. It was a baby pig,
and yes, I felt like I was on an episode of "Green Acres".

13. When I was accepted at Ohio State University my father was so excited! He told me, "That's where you are going!" I thought, ok? He then said, "They have a great football team!" Of course it might have had something to do with the fact he had just moved to Dayton and managed to get me in as "in state" somehow! I didn't even know they had a football team...and who cares about football?

14. My favorite vegetable is fresh asparagus - very thin and not overcooked! Oh man, I love spinach too...I guess actually it is a toss up between the two.

15. My idea of a wonderful evening is being at home on a summer's night, sitting on the front porch with my grandchildren watching the sun set over the mountain and saying "going going,gone." They all have done that since they were tiny and still ask to do it when they are here in the summer.

16. If I could go anywhere in the world I would love to visit Australia.

17. If I could have any job in the world, it would be my current one.

18. I was part of a United Methodist Show Choir called "Celebration" for quiet a few
years.

19. I am The Staunton District United Methodist Women Secretary
Secretary of Marquis Memorial United Methodist Church
Secretary of St. Mark's United Methodist Women
Also Do Volunteer Secretarial work for St. Mark's
Was volunteer Secretary of Church Council of Marquis Memorial.
Was Secretary of TOPS at one time.
and have been Secretary of International Order of King's Daughters and Sons
I think I am SECRETARY OF ENOUGH THINGS!!!!!! Might try doing something else...I might be in a rut? Think?

20. I like orange juice with lots of pulp...ok I know I am running
out of things now!

21. I have two tattoos...I know I was nuts! And regret getting the one on my hand! I love my lighthouse tattoo on my shoulder.

22. I don't like my toes!

23. I have a freckle on my lip, have had it all my life, and no amount of lipstick will cover it up. I even have had a special make up artist say she could make it so I could wear lipstick with camouflage makeup ...ha! Even she couldn't make it work. You put lipstick on and it blares right through. It looks worse. Roger loves my freckle. One time my mother when I was an adult said,"Sue, you have and ink mark on your lip." I said, "Mom, it is a freckle I have had all my life." I couldn't believe she forgot.

24. I also have a bigger one on my hiney! Ops Too much info~

25.I always wondered what it would be like to live in one place all my life. Now I am so happy I have moved lots. I have lived in 5 states. It is a blessing as I have been able to aquire such wonderful friends and have still kept in contact with them over all these years. I still email friends in MA, OH, NC and PA and of course VA. Friendships are something that I treasure! Where would we be without our friends?

This has actually been lots of fun! I tag anyone who would like to try it. Hope you have learned somethings you didn't know about me. And...don't think less of me about one thing (the fish, remember we are all forgiven when we repent). Have a great day!

A Special Weekend for Ne-Ne

Lee & Tara are away in Gatlinburg celebrating their 1st Anniversary. Actually it was a week ago Friday they actually wed. However with their work schedules this is the first they could manage a little get-away. Sydney is with her dad, and Ne-Ne picked up Trinity from after school care on Friday. So let the fun begin!

Friday evening Trinity and Ne-Ne went to the Cheese Shop (a Mennonite shop) and got some snacks for Trinity (which consisted of raspberry gummies and a box of cheese straws). Then on to the Blockbuster to try and find "Pollyanna" to watch. Trinity read the book and it just happens to be one of Ne-Ne's favorite movies. Alas, they didn't have the movie. (Never fear, Ne-Ne found it on ebay and ordered it! We will watch it another time.) Next on to the grocery store to get some non junk food and then home to fix dinner. Pa-Paw, Ne-Ne and Trinity ate dinner then headed down to the family room and watched television for awhile. Then it was time to read and go to bed in the red hat room.

Saturday, we had a leisure morning. Pa-Paw went to a lady's house to start installing a boiler. Trinity and Ne-Ne went to find some jeans to fit Trinity better! Mission accomplished! However they also managed to find a few other things too! Then a trip to the "dollar tree" to get a few necessities to put in the new purse Trinity got! Like an new hairbrush, and some antibacterial hand gel, which is always a good thing to keep in a young ladies hand bag according to Trinity. After a quick trip to Ci-Ci's (one of Trinity's favorite lunch spots)Ne-Ne was ready to head home. The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent shortening the pants they bought for Trinity and relaxing. Soon it was bathtime and reading time again.

Pa-Paw finally came home and headed down to watch the "Bud Shootout", the start of the NASCAR racing on tv. Ne-Ne decided it was time to stretch out and relax and Trinity bathed and decided to read more before going to sleep so she was rested for church in the morning.

Tomorrow will be church and United Methodist Women, and then who knows what we will find to do! Then Monday Ne-Ne will take Trinity to school and after school Trinity will go to Creative Wonders (child care) where Tara's parents will pick her up and keep her over night and on Tuesday dad and Mama Tara will be back from their trip.

Their anniversary get-away is our "joy"! While they are having some much needed one on one time together! We are enjoying some wonderful time with our sweet granddaughter! It is such a blessing to get one on one time with our grandchildren.

Hopefully soon we will get to spend time with each of our other grandchildren when school is out this summer. It is fun having them all together but individual time gives each time to feel special and time for us to get to know them as individuals. What a blessing to have this "special" time with them. Time they will each remember and we hold dear in our hearts!

Update on PROMISES, PROMISES

The weather has come & is on its way out. We ended up with some ice. The best part of all of it was we got a day off from work. Today, we are getting ready to head out to work. Roger is driving Sue to work so she doesn't have to risk slipping on the roads. She doesn't have to go in until later today but rather than risk an auto accident Roger is taking her. Ok, she is a bit of a "chicken" about ice. In all actuality she is more afraid of slipping "herself" on the ice and falling.

The city is asking residents to stay off the roads. The schools are observing the city's recommendations..yea right. They have delayed opening by two hours. Most all other school systems are closed. Since the church observes the city school closing policy as its operating schedule, Sue will head on in when Roger heads out.

Roger says he is going in today so Sue will leave when he does. (Which is about regular time for her.) Sue has lots to do anyway and will stay until his day is over.

Yesterday was so enjoyable, sitting in the family room with both a fire in the fireplace and the "new wall mounted propane heater" Roger installed. Talk about toasty warm. Whew... about toasted us out of there! We watched television and relaxed.

Hope everyone is staying in and enjoying the beauty of God's winter.
Luv and hugs!

PROMISES, PROMISES

The weather forecasters are predicting snow once again. Yea right! How many times have we heard that this winter? We can't count them all. We haven't had any yet! The grocery stores are so busy. Yes, Sue had to make a run to the store because she was called at work by a lady from the church she works at who has been home bound for a good while following surgery asking if she could possibly run her to the pharmacy to get some medications. She wanted to go to Walmart to get them. Sue picked her up and the poor woman had to wait in line forever to get them due to the number of people getting medication "in case of the snow."

Since she was out the lady decided to pick up a few things. Sue did also. People were stocking up "just in case" this time the weather forecast happens to be right. I guess only time will tell.

Roger is busy installing a wall mount heater in the family room which is going to be connected to as Sue calls it the "submarine" in the back yard. Yes, Roger finally finished installing the new heating system in the house. We now have our electric heat pump system with a propane back up for very cold temperatures. (thus the submarine - propane tank - in the back yard) We no longer use heating oil. Now it is just electric and propane for back up.

Christmas has been put away (weeks ago) and now we are fully set for the cold winter. Roger is still very busy getting everyone else warm. He made a trip this weekend to work on Kristy's heat, and has another boiler to install for a friend at the church Sue works at. Sue say the man never knows when to slow down!

We hope everyone is keeping warm and staying well. We will let you know if this storm that is promised actually happens or not...we are not holding our breath! We would not be disappointed if it passes us by!!! As many of you know we are warm weather people...