Sue & Roger Hilt

Earthquake, Hurricane, What Next?

2011-08-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

It has been sometime since I have posted. It has been a very hot summer, little rain. Now we have been experiencing some unusual things as the title of this post indicates.

Praise the Lord, we were not affected too badly by the earthquake or the hurricane. I was sewing when the earthquake happened. At first I thought "what in the world did the electric men do when they trimmed that tree"? They had just finished. Then I realized it was an earthquake. It was the strangest feeling. My feet felt like they were vibrating for hours even after it was over. They weren't of course, but I had that sensation. Roger was at work in Richmond, and said he was sitting on a turned over bucket and it moved him and the bucket at least 6".

Kristy and family did have some damage from the high winds and rains. A tree fell on their house. Luckily they got it taken down and seems to be no damage to the house. Their electric was off from the hurricane for a bit, but they are alright.

My brother Pete and his wife's home was damaged from the earthquake. Their chimney lost bricks that neighbors said sounded like bullets when they fell. Quite a bit of damage and their insurance is not going to cover it. However I spoke with them today and they did not experience any damage from the hurricane. Their neighbors did loose trees.

This all leaves me wondering what we are in for next. In my last post I stated we would be going on vacation in September. As of now we have no plans for that. We are going to Ohio the beginning of Sept. to a joyful event. Our dear friends daughter will be getting married on the 10th. She is the daughter of Roger's best friend that passed away over 10 years ago. She asked Roger to give her away. What an honor. It was with the greatest pleasure he accepted.

Other than that we are also looking forward to our youngest granddaughter's first birthday this Wednesday. It is so hard to believe she will be one already. She is walking everywhere and the sweetest little thing. And I mean little. She may be tiny but boy does she have an attitude and boy is she strong!

I am praying for all those who were affected by the earthquake and the hurricane.

Summer is here in Staunton Virginia!!!!!!

2011-06-07T06:40:00.001-07:00

Hello! It may not officially be summer, but in Staunton, Virginia it is. We have had 90 degree weather for several days, visitors have been arriving and today is the last day of school for the children around here.

Stephanie is here from Massachusettes so, I think officially it really is summer. When Stephanie leaves it will be time for Robin to come and do her summer "grading" and we will be anxious for her time here and chance to visit with her. Then we will be into July. Our grandchildren from up in Northern Virginia are planning to each come spend a week with us in July...so that will take the rest of July.

Roger and I will go to the beach sometime in September. We still have a few days to take yet for vacation and haven't figured out yet when we will take that. Lee started his new job and seems to be enjoying it. Tara has been dealing with a foot issue and is struggling with that.

I still watch Ella and now that school will be out I will also have Trinity which will be nice as she can help entertain Ella. Ella has grown so much. She is a real live wire. Sydney will be at her "dad's" for the summer so she won't be able to be with us. But we will see her some weekends.

We have finished a big job...we remodeled our bathroom, completed gutted it. That was a tremendous job and learned we sure are getting older and slower! But is was worth all the hard work.

Well that is the update here at the Hilt house....

Summer is here in Staunton Virginia!!!!!!

2011-06-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

How time has flown!

2011-03-10T04:35:00.001-08:00

I can not believe it has been so long since I have posted anything. I am sooo sorry. I guess I should be ashamed of myself. I have been very busy is all I can say. Forgive me.

We had a great time on our "little vacation" to Sunset Beach, just the two of us, in the fall. Mostly just relaxing and enjoying the condo we stayed at. We didn't actually go on the beach much at all. We did visit Calablash several times and I knitted and relaxed and Roger just did what he enjoyed the most, watched "how to shows" on tv and worked a puzzle. Just quiet time and that was what he needed the most.

We had a wonderful time with everyone at the Thanksgiving meal. It was wonderful to have all my brothers here for the first time! Sorry some of the nieces and their families couldn't make it this year due to their distances but there is always 2012 right?

I started watching Ella the youngest of our grandchildren 2-3 days a week in November and I am loving every minute of it!

Christmas was wonderful with both Kristy and Lee and their families coming by. Can you believe we have 6 grandchildren now? What fun!

Ella is now 6 months old and I believe she is going to start walking any day! She would rather be up on her feet than to do anything. She loves to hold my fingers and chase our dog Lili around the room. She belly laughs while she is doing it. She and Lili are the best of friends. We call our puppy Ella's dog and keep asking Lee when he is going to take the dog home with him. He laughs and says, "ya right"!

Well, that brings you up to date and I will try and do better. Don't really know what happened with my posting, but I am again apologizing. Hope all is well with everyone and we are hoping soon spring will be here. God bless!

Lots to catch up on!

2010-08-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted a blog we were getting ready for our mission trip to Choctaw, MS. I have a lot to catch up on. The mission trip was wonderful. As with any mission trip, you receive as much if not more than you give. Those of you who have been on one know exactly what I am talking about.

The 21 of us that went headed out after a time of prayer and send off by a pastor that was a Native American himself. That was especially meaningful to us as we we sent off with sage burning incense and blessings. We loaded up all the tools, bed rolls, and supplies we would be needing and headed down the road.

We spent the night in a Day's Inn approx. half way and then headed out the next morning and arrived late afternoon the following day. After unloading and getting settled a group of us headed to get food supplies and then we unloaded all that and called it a day.

The next day was Sunday and we attended two services, and were asked to attend a wake, which was a great honor. We went to the house and sang for approximately a half hour to 3/4 hr. for the wife and immediate family members. We also made a large casserole of food to take. This was quite an honor to be asked. At the church services we were asked to introduce ourselves and what we did. Each of us did and when Roger told what he did at the larger church one lady made a noise and after the service came up to him and immediately asked for his help with conditioning. He was very popular!!! There was an appointment set right then. Also they were asked to introduce themselves to us..this was very unusual but we enjoyed learning about each one of them.

Monday, was spent at the mission itself and doing repairs on it start with. Roger re piped a leaking water line outside the mission and put in a new valve. Now talk about hot! It was 104 with a heat index of 114. Then there were others working on electrical and others doing restructure work including putting a door on the sanctuary itself. Roger helped with that also.

Meanwhile, I was working on Bible School and meals for the 21 and for the visitors we were going to have in the evenings.

Also we were planning meals to pack up for when we went "out in the field" to work.

Tues. and Wednesday were working on two houses painting the exterior of these houses. One house was a grandmother raising her grandchildren. The Tribal Council had decided that the house was not worth fixing up. Bless her heart she wanted her house painted "John Deer Yellow". The team went to the local paint store and managed to get a close color. And after two long days of hard work, they got this house done complete with lattice work and repairing the porch and gate. The grandmother was so happy that she could use her porch again. Now Roger was working on this house.

I worked on a brick house with an addition with board siding and trim and it was a woman that had raised over 40 foster children. I was glad I was not on the same house as Roger. If I had been he would not have let me do anything! Believe me the team I was with, watched out for me. But I did get to get up on a ladder and paint under the eaves and do some real work. I only actually got to work in the field one day. I was very busy with the Bible Study. But I was so happy to be able to be out there for one of the two days.

In all the time we were there we had only 3 hours free time. So we did get a lot done. I hope as some time to be able to post some photos. Keep your eyes out at a later date!

We got home and the very next day was Tara's shower. It was very nice and Millie and Sandy out did themselves. Tara is ready, boy is she ready. She can't wait for the baby to come. With Sydney now in kindergarden, she is going through "the I can't believe my baby is all grown up" stage. The baby can't come soon enough.

Two days after that, our friend Sharon and her granddaughter Payton arrived from Ohio for a visit. It was great having them here. We had a wonderful visit. While they were here, Trinity got to spend some time with Payton and they have lots of fun and found they had lots in common. They are only 4 months apart in age. Also Kristy and family came for a day and Sydney was here also so at one point there were 6 children (5 of whom were girls 10 and younger) plus Christopher 12. Poor Christopher, he was bored to tears and just wanted to be fishing! Talk about a lot of girly, girl stuff going on! Trinity, Payton and Ginger hung out together and Sydney and Sarah played together.

Also in the mix was our brand new 9 week old bichon frise puppy~ Lili Nicole Dubois.

So as you can see it has been quite a busy time lately! Hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying the end of your summer

Summer is flying by!

2010-07-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is almost the end of July, where is the time going? It is almost time for us to leave on our mission trip to Choctaw, Mississippi. Last Saturday I was blessed to take part in a Native American Sweat Lodge. No, not the type you hear on the news, where people hold them to gain profit by holding them. A real Native American one. What a blessing it was. It was an experience I will not forget and I learned so much from "Pony" who lead us in this experience. If you would like to know more about the details I would be happy to tell you. It was such a learning experience and now I feel more prepared in knowing the customs and what not to do and say when we go to Mississippi to offend the Native Americans we work with and pray with when we are there.

We are getting closer to expecting the arrival of our newest granddaughter "Ella Shae Hilt" also. We are so excited about her arrival. She is due the end of August or the very beginning of September. We really expect she will be here the end of August though. Trinity has made the move to upstairs and actually likes being upstairs after all. The nursery has the crib in it and is beginning to take shape.
Tara is doing well so far and we are praying for no complications.

It has been so dry and hot here, we sure hope we get some much needed rain! We have had some wonderful visits from family lately. Robin had been grading in Charlottesville and we had a great time visiting her and Cliff had been in Staunton so we saw him several times also. It was wonderful to see family and spend time with them. Stephanie Dadiskos was here from MA for a visit also and we enjoyed having her here also.

Three days after the mission trip our friend, Sharon and her granddaughter Payton will be arriving for a week from Ohio. Also on the day she arrives I will be picking up my new puppy, yes you read right. I am getting a puppy. I am getting a bichon frise. I have met her and have already named her. She is a pedigree and her name is "Lili Nicole Dubois". How is that for a French name? I am very excited about getting a dog. Wish me luck in getting through the training phase.

I am sure that I will have lots of photos to post once I get back from mission and of the new puppy. I hope you are all enjoying your summer, I know you have from your blogs. Continue to do so and know that we are thinking of you all. Remember family...Thanksgiving is coming...this year is it is here! Luv and hugs!

Summer's in full swing at the Hilt's!

2010-06-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

Time has swiftly passed since my last entry. Summer is in full swing. Let's see... We have had a visit from Stephanie...she was here for 10 days. It was a nice visit and hope she gets to come again soon.

Robin is in Charlottesville grading CPA exams and we will be seeing her tomorrow and Wednesday then have her here over the weekend. That will be so nice. Now that they have moved to Texas, visits will be less I imagine.

Our friend Sharon from Ohio and her granddaughter Peyton will be coming for a visit and we are looking forward to their visit also.

Then comes our Mission Trip to Choctaw, MS, where we will be working with the Native Americans. Roger and I are getting excited about that. We will be working on the homes doing repairs, holding a Adult Bible Study and a mini VBS for the children. We will also prepare a meal for them and they will prepare a meal for us. We are hoping to purchase school clothes for the children before we return. This is a very impoverished area and we hope to help by our visit.

Then in September our friends the Spoon's and we have rented a cottage at Holden Beach for a week.

In October Roger and I will go somewhere by ourselver for a week. We haven't figured our for sure where yet. We are still discussing that. So there you have it. That is what we have been up to lately. We would love to hear from you and know what you are doing this summer.

It makes one think!

2010-05-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

The past several weeks have really made me think about the blessing I have in my own backyard! I spent approx. 10 days in Ohio with my dear friends going through the worst time in their lives. They lost a 5 month old baby girl. And the circumstances surrounding the loss to this day have not been made clear to the parents, or the grandmothers. The authorities made the parents feel they were the ones at fault even though there was no evidence that there was any such thing. These are wonderful people, caring and loving. I know this because the mother is like a second daughter to me. I baby sat her as a child. She and my daughter grew up together as children.

The grandfather and Roger were best friends! I am sorry he passed away from cancer at such a young age but am grateful he was not here to see how this all was handled. I was so glad I was able to go up and be with them. Not that I could say or do much to make the situation any easier, but being there was both a comfort for them and also for me. I would have been no where else. But I can tell you one thing for certain, I have never been to a funeral of a child so young, and I hope I never have to again. Don't get me wrong, it was a wonderful celebration of her short life, but oh so sad. Her 9 year old sister Peyton, had such a difficult time accepting this. Bryana also is survived by two other beautiful sisters Jordan 21 and Sieara 18. Please keep them and her parents Nicole and Brian and grandmother Sharon in your prayers through this most difficult time.

I came home and then prepared for the "triple birthday" Roger, Lee and Trinity. I was tired and getting ready for this "party" was not what I was ready to do. I had to really struggle to get in gear. But I managed to do it. It went well, I was disappointed Kristy & family couldn't be here as they were sick. As it turned out we found out today the children have strep throat. So it was a good thing they didn't try to come. The party turned out well. There were 14 here including Tara's family who had never been to our home before. We had an age range from 14 mos. to in their late 80's. We had the party a day early as Trinity's "mother" was going to "pop" into town and see her for a couple hours on the actual day, so we couldn't have it on the actual day like we would have liked to. It all turned out ok for me, as you will see later, as I was rather busy "again". Here is where the title of my blog comes in, "It makes one think"... As I sat there I couldn't help but think of how many times, I had nearly lost "my babies". Lee with his very premature birth and then when he had that horrible accident and we were told he would never walk again. Then that horrible accident he was in in South Dakota just before he left the military. And, the almost 8 years he was in the military serving overseas in Iraq, Kuwait, Korea,Saudi Arabia and someplaces he was never allowed to even tell us he was at. I thought about the time Kristy had chicken pox and was so extremely sick they hospitalize her and she lost weight and was only 42 pounds and she was in eighth grade! We nearly lost her then. God has blessed us so many times. Sure,I was tired and worn out, but I am so blessed, compared to what my friends were going through, what was I even thinking about - thinking I was tired?

Then it was Mother's Day and the actual birthday. I was worship chair at church. I had thought ahead and ran the bulletins early so I wouldn't have to do them on the day of the party so they were done ahead of time, the flowers were ordered for the women of the church and would be ready for me to pick up that morning on the way to church. Individual flowers for each person, I had even remembered to account for visitors and each flower was to be individually wrapped. I was ready! The phone rang at 6:30 a.m. Oh, my this couldn't be good. It was my friend Sandra Garrison. She was calling to let me know her husband had died a couple hours earlier. Bless her heart. He had been ill for a couple years, but today was his day to go home to the Lord. I talked to her for awhile, then went and picked up the flowers and headed to church and then after church went by and took a deli tray (I ordered after I talked to Sandra) by to her house and we sat with her for awhile. We came home and then went to our friends the Hickman's for awhile to wish Thelma's Happy Mother's Day.

We got home around 8 p.m. and we talked about how grateful we were to be blessed with our wonderful children!

So as I close this post I say, "sit back reflect and realize how blessed you truly are, one never really realizes until you really look at what others are going through!"

Long Time No Blog

2010-04-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have had many comments about the absence of my blogging, so here goes. Let me tell you about how I have been spending my retirement. First of all most of you are probably tired of seeing on facebook that I am enjoying Farmville. Yes, I am hooked. Roger says, "You complain that every time we move, I move you further and further away from the city. Now I come home and all you do is plow up fields, and seed and harvest. You feed pigs, and harvest fruit trees." I laugh.

I don't do that all day. I am involved in several Bible studies. I am so enjoying right now a "Women of the Bible" study on Thursday mornings. Thursday evening I continue my TOPS group (Take of Pounds Sensibly) although I must say I am not taking off any pounds. I am mostly maintaining my current weight. That isn't very good. However at least I am not gaining. It is a good group and a lot of support.

Wednesday evenings Roger and I both attend our church Bible Study. I continue to do our church bulletins. I also attend several circle groups, and transport home bound people to their Doctor appointments. This is what I wanted to be able to do in retirement. I am able to help make meals for our church members that are home bound due to surgeries etc. which I was not as readily available to do working. I am busy, believe me. I attend several senior groups for fellowship during the month also. Ok, I am not actually a senior but I enjoy them.

I also am available when something comes up if my son needs me to pick up the children when Tara is working late. That happens very seldom but it is wonderful to be able to do so.

I am looking forward to a friends coming for a visit in May and another one coming in June. On Mother's Day I am hosting the annual triple birthday party as well as having Tara's extended family over to help celebrate. That will be a houseful.

Then we will be to July and the busy time for Roger's work with plant shut downs. After that will be our 40th anniversary and we leave the end of that week for a mission trip to Choctaw, MS. I am so excited about that. Roger has never had the opportunity to go on a mission trip. He will have so much to offer helping the Native American elders with much needed repairs. With my back issues I will be helping with Bible School type studies with the children and women. It will be such a joy to be on another mission trip and especially with Roger.

So as you can see, being retired, I am not letting it slow me down. Now maybe you can see why I have not blogged much. When I started this blog today, I thought what am I going to say. Guess I did have something to tell you...hum maybe I should try to write more often.

A Day To Remember

2010-03-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

Let me first start this post by saying that this may be a surprise to most people but I am very shy. I am being very honest about this. I truly do not like to be the center of attention. I get embarrassed very easily and I am very self conscious. I am also not good at being in crowds. Roger knows this and I have tried very hard over the years to get over this and have gotten some better but I am still struggling with this.

Today started as a day I did not want to face. I would have just a soon that "they" just have let things go on as they were but:

Today I went to church at Marquis Memorial where I worked for 15 years. They requested I come so they could recognize me for my years of service. Of course Roger didn't make it any easier saying this morning, "time to get up and get ready, it's Sue Hilt Day". Oh man, that just made me that much more anxious. I was so glad Lee and Trinity were able to come so I was flanked by family. I don't know why I feel this way. The people of Marquis Memorial are so sweet and kind and I love them. They have been nothing but wonderful to me. That being said I will describe my morning.

We walked into church and were greeted by many people and then we sat down and looked at the bulletins which by the way were beautiful. The new secretary is doing a fantastic job. They are using color now on the bulletins and the new format is wonderful. It was time for a change for them also. I am sure they are glad to have someone younger with more updated computer experience. The bulletin also stated that altar flowers were in my honor. They were gorgeous! The entire service was based around the theme "Thanks" and the anthem was also. After the announcements the pastor stated that today service was in honor of me and called me up and luckily Roger, Lee and Trinity. He spoke a few words about my years of service etc gave me a gift from the congregation in an envelope and then asked me to speak. He then invited everyone to remain after worship for a meal in my honor.

After the service everyone went down to the social hall for a nice lunch and people came by and spoke to us. It was a lovely day and now I am home and relaxing with Roger and Trinity waiting on Lee to get back from taking Tara lunch. So, now I am going to make Roger continue to observe "Sue Hilt Day". Hey, I might as well make the most of it, right?

A New Blessing!

2010-03-02T06:41:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we were so blessed. Tara had another scare. She and Lee went to the E.R. and were assured she was fine. Later in the day they went to her normal scheduled Dr.'s appointment. She had her regular scheduled sonogram. They heard the healthy heart beat once again, saw all kind of views of the baby and were reassured everything was fine. Of course with the last pregnancy, we are all on pins and needles but Tara is through the first trimester and she has been reassured the baby is positioned fine and things are progressing normally.

Lee and Tara saw the baby's hands and counted the fingers the baby's heart beat is strong and all chambers of the heart are formed. And........the Dr. determind that the baby is a boy...yes, Lee is getting his boy! Well so is Tara, but Lee is so excited about having a son. The Lord, has been so good to keep Tara and the baby in his care and we ask for your continued prayers as with Tara's gallbladder and her sciatica issues things are a bit complicated. It won't be an easy pregnancy for her. When she had Sydney she had pregnancy induced hypertension also. So we ask for your prayers that both she and the baby will do fine until it is time for him to make his entrance to the world. Until then we are all anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Back Home

2010-02-23T05:24:00.000-08:00

Well Sandy and I are back home from our relaxing trip to FL. I must say that we did escape the fridgid cold up north for some slightly warmer weather. It wasn't as warm as we had hoped but hey anything is better than the snow!!!

We had a nice visit with Rick and the dogs on our way down. We so wished we had a camcorder. We were enjoying a lovely supper with Rick when all of a sudden we realized how quiet the dogs were being. Rick got up to check on the dogs. He went into the den, came out with this look of panic on his face turned around went back in the den, then came back out with this look of horror on his face and went back in speechless.

Sandy and I got up and walked in. We didn't even have the presence of mind to get a camera. It was so funny! There was yarn everywhere! Their black lab had gotten into both of our "to do" bags which were loaded up with skeins of yarn. It was everywhere! It was so funny! No real harm was done mostly he wanted the labels on the yarn. Poor Rick was appalled. Sandy and I have had so many laughs over it. We kept talking about how we could have had $100,000.00 and if not that atleast $10,000 from America's Funniest Video's. Just the video of Rick would have been enough. You really had to be there. We have laughed til we have cried over it. Thanks Rick for the laughs!

I am happy to report that I can WALK on the beach again! Maybe not five miles at a time but atleast I can enjoy the walks again. It was quite cool on the beach so I didn't get to do it much but I did enjoy doing it while I was down there.

Sandy and I enjoyed shopping, relaxing and reading...lots!!! We had safe travels and a good time. Now we are home and reality has set in....there is still snow on the ground. It was good to get back and see Roger. Now it is time to start paying the bills, unpacking and getting back into the swing of everyday life.

Enoughs Enough!!!!

2010-02-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

We thought the the big storm in December when we got 30" of snow would be the "big" snow of the season and we might get another small snow or so the rest of the winter.

Boy were we wrong! This year has been exceptional. We have had two huge snows and several good sized amounts of snow in between. Seems like every weekend we have snow. This weekend was our second "big" storm. As you can see from the pictures, we got blasted again.

Now you would think we might have a break but the forecast is for more snow Tuesday night. I have had enough. Roger got called out to work today and he had to shovel out his work truck to go to JC Penney's and he got there and hit the reset button and came home. He couldn't even get the truck back up the driveway. He re shoveled the drive again and finally got it up.

Roger has for years talked about moving south...and I keep saying I don't want to move away from my family and friends, but with weather like this,I am growing weaker...

My car has not been "dug out" and he doesn't plan on doing it. Guess that is his way of "keeping me put". He is very protective of my back. However I sure hope he digs it out before next Sunday when Sandy and I head to Florida. I pray there isn't
another storm next weekend. Surely we will get a break on that....ya think? Love and hugs, Sue

"Things are really looking up"

2010-01-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

I am doing super! "My chair has been moved back down to the family room, tomorrow the "little t.v." will be removed from the living room. I will be so happy to have my living room back to being a "living room" and my family room back to being a "family room" again. I have never liked a t.v. in the living room, but I have to admit it was a comfort not having to go down those stairs when I was sore and found it hard to manipulate the stairs.

I am able now to go some without my brace on my back, but do wear it if I am having a day of heavy chores or "feeling a bit sore" which is less and less these days. My next appointment with the neurosurgeon is the beginning of March and I am sure he will be very pleased at my progress, I know we sure are. To think only four months ago I was in misery. The change is remarkable. I am so grateful. It has been a long road, but with my family and friends,it was made so much easier. Thanks!!! I appreciate all you did. I love you all.

Now I am looking forward to the warmer weather and the volunteer work I have longed to do for years. I have begun to do some but only when I feel up to it. I am joining a group of friends in a daytime Bible Study at Staunton Church of the Alliance where people from several other denominations participate also ... that begins a week from Thursday, we are all looking forward to that.

Sandy and I are planning a road trip...yes a road trip...south!!! I can't believe it. We will drive but not as far in a day. We are very excited about it and looking forward to it.

So as you can see, I am keeping busy, no sitting and watching soap opera's for me! Maybe "Good Morning America" and sipping coffee with my feet propped up before I get going....I won't say I don't do that....

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas was quite an adventure this year. It started with Kristy and Vic and the children (Christopher, Ginger and Sarah) arriving on Wednesday the 23rd. It was so good to have them here for Christmas! On Thursday we all went to the Gypsy Hill Garden Center for our friend Mary McLear's (Tootie) annual family Christmas eve dinner. It was so much fun for Kristy to get to see Tootie's grand daughter who she was friends with and who was her first boss years ago when she was only 16.

On Christmas morning, it was so wonderful being waken by the excited whispers of children. They were out in the living room peeking at their stockings and looking at the bicycles under the tree. We all got up and opened gifts and then had a delicious breakfast.

Kristy and Vic loaded up the van with most all the gifts and headed back to have Christmas dinner with Vic's mom. We kept the children here to give mom and dad a much needed break. Everyone said their goodbyes and mom and dad headed on their drive back to Locust Grove.

Saturday was a day to unwind from all the holiday festivities and relax and get ready for church with baths, hemming new pants etc.

Sunday was church, then we took the children to Applebee's to eat and stopped by the bookstore to get some reading materials for the children for quiet time.

Monday, pa-paw headed to work, and Ne-ne and the children worked in the house. The children learned how to do household chores in hopes that when they went home they could pitch in and give mom a hand. Christopher learned how to clean a toilet, Ginger learned to clean a bathroom sink, and they both learned how to clean floors. Christopher learned how to vaccum, Ginger & Sarah how to dust. Sarah learned how to help empty a dishwasher and how to rinse dishes to put in the dishwasher. Sarah also learned how to help Ne-ne fold clothes and match socks and fold them together. She became a pro at that and really liked doing that job. They all enjoyed learning and were anxious to go home and show mom what they can do now. Uncle Lee & Aunt Tara even made them chore charts to take home with their chores to do. They also learned that every morning when they get up they make their beds, and every day they put their dirty clothes in the dirty clothes hamper. Hope it makes a difference Kristy.

Monday evening Tara, Lee, Trinity and Sydney came over and we had their Christmas dinner and Christmas. The grandchildren love to get together. They behaved so well. Christopher and Ginger played Santa and handed out the gifts and Sarah gathered the gift wrapping as Tara, Lee and Trinity & Sydney opened their gifts. Here is a photo of all 5 of the grandchildren around the big horse Trinity received. The photo isn't the best but it is very hard to get 5 to all look the best at one time:

Tuesday, my friend Millie came by and brought the children donuts for breakfast and brought a special bag of fun things for them to do. One was some play foam beads. All of them really enjoyed playing with it, but Ginger really got into it. Ginger spent quite awhile making things. Before we knew it she had made a whole winter scene. She even got pa-paw's camera and took a picture of it. Here it it is:

Thanks Millie for the wonderful fun things you brought! Not only did she bring this she also brought two movies that helped entertain them too.

But, now for the best news, next year we are pleased to announce that we will have a photo of our grandchildren and when we do there will be one more in it. We just found out that Lee and Tara are expecting. We are thrilled. We are praying that all goes well. They have been told that the baby is positioned in the right place and no need to worry about an etopic pregnancy this time. They are very relieved. Tara is 5 weeks pregnant and we are praying for a safe pregnancy. We ask for your prayers as she was to have gall bladder surgery on Dec.30 and that was called off. We pray she will not have any attacks during the pregnancy.
Due date is August 28th!

Christopher, Ginger, Sarah & Trinity all had colds and I am happy to say went home feeling fine. However Ne-Ne & Pa-Paw, Uncle Lee, Tara, Kristy and Vic all have the cold now. So kids, be kind to your parents now....you gave it to them!

Oh and Happy New Year Everybody!

Love and Hugs!

"Awaiting the arrival"

2009-12-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-29T18:33:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-15T19:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-10T03:34:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-10-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-09-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-31T03:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-15T19:31:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-23T02:04:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-07-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

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."

2009-04-28T08:11:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-23T04:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-03-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-03-04T09:01:00.001-08:00

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

2009-03-04T04:38:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-03-03T18:28:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-28T04:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

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...

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T11:38:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love and hugs!

Roger and Sue

It is December! Where has the time gone?

2008-12-12T04:03:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

"Knowles Thanksgiving Celebration"

2008-11-29T04:44:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Autumn

2008-11-12T04:17:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Election Day

2008-11-04T11:13:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

I have been Tagged! My Quirks

2008-10-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Quiet and Productive Weekend

2008-10-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

The Birthday That Never Ends (according to Roger)

2008-10-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Return for Vacation

2008-10-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

We are off!

2008-09-19T04:14:00.000-07:00

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

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

We are on a countdown!

2008-09-16T03:13:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

What a special husband I have!

2008-08-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love & Hugs!

Liquid Gold

2008-08-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Love and hugs!

Witnessing a Wonderful New Beginning

2008-08-17T05:08:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Late nights, busy days!

2008-08-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

IN MEMORY OF MATTHEW

2008-08-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

Good Timber

2008-08-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Good Timber - author unknown

The tree that never had to fight

For sun and sky and air and light

But stood out in the open plain

And always got its share of rain

Never became a forest king

But lived and died a scrubby thing,

The man who never had to toil

To gain and farm his patch of soil

Who never had to win his share,

Of sun and sky and light and air,

Never became a manly man

But lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow with ease

The strong wind, the stronger trees.

The further sky, the greater length

The more the storm, the more the strength

By sun and cold, by rain and snow,

In trees and men good timber grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth

We find the patriarch of both.

And they hold counsel with the stars

Whose broken branches show the scars

Of many winds and much of strife.

This is the common law of life.

July 27, 1970 - 38 years later

2008-07-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Denise! What a great idea!

2008-07-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-07-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exciting Week - New Birth & Family Birth!

2008-06-28T15:29:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

Summer Is Here Officially

2008-06-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Be Careful What You Wish For!

2008-06-03T14:46:00.001-07:00

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

We have finally planted a small garden!

2008-05-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

A Photo At Last

2008-05-15T03:25:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

VIEW ATOP A LIGHTHOUSE on vacation

What happened to the May Flowers?

2008-05-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

Welcome to our blog!!!!

2008-04-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

We Decided to Start our Empty Nest Blog!

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

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

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

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

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