Angels in the Room

 Today I walked into a bedroom of our daughter's house where I have come since the loss of my husband, Howard.  I remembered it was the room where we always stayed when we came to visit, which was only a few months ago. Then it hit me! This is where Howard saw the angel! He told me that as he entered the room, an angel passed by, not speaking, but giving him a warm smile!

"What did he look like?" I questioned, to which Howard described that the angel was wearing ordinary clothes, a tall handsome figure as he walked away.

I was reminded that during Howard's illness when I was so worried and exhausted, I had a beautiful dream. He was standing beside me, tall and youthful in perfect health. I was so happy, then I went back to sleep and had the same dream again! I woke up full of joy and relief, only to find him still in the hospital bed where he slept fitfully.

One night as his time was drawing nearer, some of the family was gathered in his room as we sang hymns accompanied by the strums of a guitar from a grandson. A few minutes later, Howard aroused, and said, "Who is that standing over there?" We looked, seeing no one but the family. He insisted there was someone there.

It reminded me of when our daughter, Julie, was hospitalized from a horrific accident as a teen-ager. She told us someone was standing in the corner of the hospital room and asked who it was. We saw no one, but she insisted there was someone there.

In both incidents, I know there were angels in the room.

In Remembrance of Me

At the close of the pastor's message Sunday, he came down from the platform and picked up a Communion tray from the table in front of the pulpit. It seemed a little different, with no tray for the bread. Then I saw congregants receiving a tiny cup with what looked like a sealed cover which was being pulled open.

I was even more surprised when the neighbor in front of me showed me how to peel back the cover, to discover a small, white disk. The communion bread! Under that was the cup of the covenant! Tasting the paper-like disk, which dissolved quickly, I thought about the broken crackers that had served as bread forever in our churches past.

We followed the communion ritual, as the words of Jesus were being read, Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you,  I will  not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

I read a story of a young girl who was so excited about her First Communion. She was nervous as she sat by her father, awaiting the passing of the communion. Finally, her turn came, and her hands shook as she took the cup, only, to her horror, to drop it and spill it all over her special dress.  Looking at her father, she didn't know what to expect. Then he passed his own communion cup to her, enabling his daughter to have her first communion. No doubt she felt God's love for her, even as her own father loved his daughter.

Outdoor Pleasantries

We were having lunch yesterday at our favorite restaurant in historical downtown Jonesboro. Sitting outside under the protection of patio umbrellas, Howard and I had a perfect view of the street and passersby. Others were served in the bricked alley beside the eatery, courtesy of closed doors due to safety precautions.

Across the street was a historical building, a log cabin moved there many years ago and previously frequented by such illuminaries  as Andrew Jackson and other dignitaries of the age. Anyway, the mortared logs and wood steps made a perfect place for picture-taking.

At first, we noticed random couples getting snapshots as they strolled by, then a veritable entourage floated down the slope to the cabin's lawn. Obviously, it was a wedding party, the bride and groom seated smilingly for photos in in their attire, the groom in dignified coat and tie, and the bride in her array.

I couldn't keep my eyes off the lovely frocks the dozen or so attendants were wearing, none of them the same, but all attractive and appropriate for on outside wedding. Ruffled tops, off-the-shoulder designs, long gowns or short skirts, pastel, summery long sleeves--all were eye-catching and fluttering with the soft breezes that had sprung up after an earlier rain.

And suddenly they were gone, in mass strolling up the hill where we had parked our car, near the church where the wedding obviously took place. We finished our lunch and climbed the hill ourselves, riding home with pleasant memories of a beautiful day.

Tiger by the Tail

Peanuts. That was the name of a large, friendly dog given to us many years ago. Her size, shape and color did look like a peanut with her tan, brindled coat. Peanuts was a pleasant enough bull dog, as she often lay on the porch under a shade, panting and drooling and keeping her eye on activities in the street. Her only enemy and foe was motorcycles! She hated the pop-pop noise when the newspaper boy swooped down our street on his motorcycle, tossing the paper to our porch.

Peanuts was big and pregnant, carrying a litter of little bulldogs. That didn't stop her from rising clumsily, baring her teeth and letting out a ferocious roar, as she chased and barked after the fleeing paper boy.

One day, Peanuts got her prey, sinking her teeth into the back wheel of the motorcycle, causing the paper boy to have a shredded tire! The poor guy shot out like a bullet to avoid Peanuts. The next day I was surprised to see the newspaper carrying the heading,  "Local Newsboy has a Doggone, Deflated Day By Bull Dog."  I was mortified!

Reflecting on this fuzzy memory, I recalled a picture of our then 3-year-old son, Mark, grinning and  firmly holding a bulldog puppy of her litter. I found the photo in an album, baby Julie on a pallet with the puppy between them. Our dog may have looked like a peanut, but  I think she could grab a tiger by the tail!

Our Summer Adventure

"My money was not any good over there," my husband announced when we returned from visiting our four sons and families recently in Texas and Oklahoma.  It was true! They wouldn't let us pay for a thing!

Our youngest son, Jamie and family were here for a few days after visiting the Biltmore mansion. We enjoyed them so much, lunching out, eating at Cracker Barrel, (where they bought Howard a Stetson hat), getting all 20-plus family members together for a Pizza Parlor feast, then they flew with us before we separated at Charlotte, NC.

Our son Mark appeared the moment we were collecting our luggage as we deplaned in Texas. Not only were we treated with home-cooked meals, but shopping in favorite stores for things they insisted we just couldn't do without!

A highlight of our visit there was traveling down the beautiful drive to Marble Falls, where we ate in an outside patio with beautiful wrought iron tables and chairs, chatting with other visitors sight seeing and enjoying the shade of a massive oak near the Colorado River. Sunday worship was amazing, in a gorgeous church and a great message from an elder statesman. Mark would preach the next Sunday.

Son Trevor and Jennifer's lovely home was next, which awaited us with slabs of barbecue prepared and enjoyed beside their pool. What a wonderful, fun evening sitting there reminiscing, laughing, and listening to the tale-spinners until dark.

Same scenario about shopping. These boys were brought up right! Selecting and picking out stuff and not letting us pay! A little excitement occurred when their beloved dog found and ate a pill dropped on the floor, necessitating  an all-day stay at the vet, treatment and a large tab! No doubt worth every penny for a pet they've had for probably 14 years.

Finally, we reached our final destination: Ponca City, Oklahoma, where son Greg and family live. As Howard says, "Say it's good to be back home again." We had moved from there to Tennessee last summer, and it was great going to our former church, seeing old friends, and of course, shopping with family. It was my birthday, so Greg insisted I pick out something at a shop we don't have at home. He also generously got his dad something, too.

The flight home was smooth, except for the crowded local plane, but all was well, with granddaughter Bethany meeting our plane. So thankful for all of our family!


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Protection

We needed a screen for our front door. Not a screen door, but one to hang from the top of the door. A granddaughter heard of this and immediately ordered one on line. The innovative mesh screen, divided in the middle, mesh curtains held together by magnets, is very useful in preventing flying insects. No longer does a bee, wasp, or housefly sail inside when a door is open.

I'm reminded of how we must screen out many things in life. Presentations on television or movies often must be prevented in being viewed.  We scan books or magazines that are deemed improper and screen them out. Just as we don't want spiders, dirt, or insects intruding into our homes, neither should we allow unseemly thoughts, ideas, or actions enter our lives.

When our screen was delivered, Howard and I eagerly unwrapped the carton and examined all the pieces to install the screen. Things went okay until we realized that neither of us could reach high enough, nor stand on something safely enough to hang the screen. We put it aside for a few days.

Then the other day our grandson, Caleb, a tall young man, came over, looked at the material, and in the matter of a few minutes, our screen was in place! What a blessing it is! The fresh air floating inside is so refreshing.I can keep an eye on Howard as he sits at a table on the porch studying books or Bibles, or I can easily take him a glass of iced tea.

I can't help but think of another young man who lived on the earth until he was 33 years old, then bore all our sins and sorrows by giving His life on the cross. He is our ever help in time of need: Jesus! I can only imagine the mishaps, dangers, and frailties He screens for us!

MASKED!

EVERYONE MUST WEAR A MASK,  the sign on the window of the doctor's office stated. "Oh, no, Howard," I said, "We forgot our masks!" We explained to the receptionist at the window, and she silently handed us two masks.

They were a little tricky to put on, and a little lopsided as we were called in for his appointment. I couldn't wait to take them off in the car. Granddaughter Bethany was our driver, and our next decision was where to get lunch.

"How about Cracker Barrel?" I suggested, for which all agreed, since it was way past lunch time. I had received a Cracker Barrel gift card from son Mark, and this would be a good time to use it. While we were browsing around, waiting for our name to be called, my eyes fell on the perfect purchase!

A mask!

Not the ordinary face mask, but a beautiful sleep mask! I had to have it! It was pink, edged in satin ruffles with a stretchy satin band to insure a comfy snooze. I loved the embroidered phrase,"Let's Sleep In" stitched on the front.

No more putting the pillow over my eyes when the bedroom window heralded morning so bright and early! My usual solution to daylight's arrival was to put my pillow at the foot of the bed where I could manage a few more winks.

I happily ate my lunch, knowing my mask, sleeping variety, was safe in my purse. When the waitress brought the check, I was amazed that a delicious, satisfying meal for the three of us was only 80 cents above the amount on Mark's card!  Something to dream on!

June is Busting out all Over!

Wow! It will be June 1st in a couple of days! The month for celebration at our house! Howard's birthday is June 15, our 62nd wedding anniversary is June 20, and my birthday is June 27! What were we thinking!Well, as kids, who knows?

When we lived in New Orleans, many of Howard's customers celebrated June 19 as Juneteenth. I really never knew what that meant until I looked it up. It was held annually as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day when the United States celebrated the end of slavery.  Abraham Lincoln's General order on June 19, 1865 in Texas, announced the freeing of slaves.

With all the social-distancing and rules in place these days, we were glad to finally go to Cracker Barrel for a meal. Our son, Mark, had sent me a Mother's Day card with a generous amount to be used at The Old Country Store, which had been swamped with customers waiting outside when we went there on Memorial Day. But we so enjoyed eating there yesterday in a spacious environment with our granddaughter, Bethany, our chauffeur!

A special treat is coming up in a few weeks as we plan to visit our kids in Texas and Oklahoma, airline courtesy of our children! Meanwhile, Howard has a new venture. He is planning a newsletter to be sent to friends and family, for which he has bought a printer. Besides his own contributions, he is collecting thoughts and articles from others who like to share.

Wishing all a beautiful day, Thelma June!

As I See It:

Hey, it's good to be back home again! Since living in Tennessee, I've thought of my past and have been reminiscing over the 82 years that I am today. Emblazoned on my conscience are the words of a plaque that hung over the desk of  Mrs. Brawley, the office secretary when I was a student in Junior High school:

                    "Only one life, 'twill soon be passed, Only what's done for Christ will last."

David says in Psalm 37:25 "I have been young, and now am old: yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

Yet, I have seen tornadoes in Oklahoma, hurricanes in Louisiana and Mississippi, and only one  pandemic! Following Hurricane Katrina, I was standing on the corner of Winn-Dixie parking lot in Picayune, Mississippi. Winn-Dixie was still standing, but damaged.

I was standing with a small group of kids, when we heard a Semi-truck, a big 18-wheeler filled with ice! It was Mississippi hot, and we needed the ice! The young people I saw near Winn-Dixie looked worried and despondent. I felt as if God spoke to me and said, "This is what it will be like following the Rapture, and as if they missed the Rapture!"

I am reminded of hymns of hope: "Coming again, Coming again; Oh what a wonderful day that will be, Jesus is coming again!"

                      I Thessalonians 4:17, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds ,to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

Attached: Words from Trevor Summers and Mackenzie Stockstill.

                  Supper's on the stove! God bless, Howard Summers

The Joys of an Ordinary Day

"Mimi, I will take you to Paw Paw's doctor appointment," sweet granddaughter Bethany offered.

We accepted,  but first, a favorite, special-order drink from Dunkin' Do-nuts was enjoyed and fortified for the road by our driver and a coffee for our special patient.

Pretty soon we arrived at our destination, although with all the various medical buildings on both sides of the street, it was a little hard to remember which one it was!  The visit didn't take long, however, with everything looking good, so we set out for Walmart for a few things.

By this time, lunch pangs were setting in, and after suggesting and ruling out various eateries, Bethany suggested Royer's, the mountain top store/deli/meat market that we had visited once previously.

We ordered roast beef sandwiches with sour dough bread, lettuce and tomato. Sitting out on the porch with a spacious table, we dived in and couldn't believe how delicious everything was, washed down with ice-cold bottles of pop.

Just when we thought we could not eat another bite, our adventurous guide pointed out a do-nut and pretzel trailer nearby.  "The do-nuts are this big!" she told us, measuring a good six-inches across. Sure enough, they were huge and tasted like Krispy Kreme do-nuts with the sweet, delicious coating.

We all had to try out the unique, curvy, handmade, wooden rocking chairs sitting side by side on the porch, each of us in turn exclaiming in surprise at the comfortable, perfect fit for relaxing.

The afternoon, cloudy and cool earlier, had turned into puffy white clouds and blue skies by the time we got home, luring us to a porch of our own, perfect for examining mail and poring over scriptures in the Word, the best news of all!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day! What a blessed day I had yesterday! We arose early and got ready for church, eager to be there since we were away last week, visiting daughter Amy and family in Georgia. We were pleased to see so many out for this special day of worship, and honoring mothers as well. The interior of the church has recently been renewed and tastefully decorated with paint of a soothing, calming shade of grey and new carpeting, with comfortable, padded chairs being ordered.

Driving in from church, we saw our granddaughter, Bethany, and kids visiting with family in the yard in the beautiful, glorious, sunshine. I hurried in to fix lunch, inviting Beth and kids to eat with us. It was so good to have family on Mother's Day! I had been getting presents and remembrances through the week, but being together in person makes the day special.

Soon, the phone calls came from our children living far away: Amy, from Georgia; Trevor from Waxahachie, Texas; Mark from Austin, Texas; Greg from Oklahoma; and finally, Jamie, from Cypress, Texas. Of course, daughter Julie, living close, comes by, too.

Our great-grandsons, Jaxon and Mason, asked if they could watch TV while we were getting lunch ready, and picky eaters as they are, mostly explored and examined Mimi's surroundings. A photograph album was brought into the kitchen to peruse and identify the photos of kin folks, most of which they didn't recognize. Almost-4-year-old Mason entertained himself by lying on the porch, enjoying the sun, and dropping things through the cracks of the plank floor.

The sunshine brought us to the porch, too, where we visited, and Howard and Bethany discussed biblical truths, preachers they liked, and the goodness of the Lord, while I listened appreciatively. 

The kids brought me gifts of special hand creams, jewelry, thoughtful mementos, wall and kitchen decor, a special card with a 4 year old's drawing and a generous gift card for Cracker Barrel from  our first born, Mark! Now if Cracker Barrel would open up, my happiness would be complete!

A Day Out

Yesterday was a cold, rainy day, but that didn't stop our granddaughter Bethany's plan to take us for an outing.   She bundled her boys, Jaxon, 7, and Mason 3, in the back seat beside me while Paw-Paw sat by the driver.

It was around noon by the time we left, so a drive-in lunch at Sonic was in order. We had been enjoying the ride to town on unaccustomed roads, but Bethany knew the twists and turns on every one of them. It was fun just relaxing and enjoying the scenery, everything in emerald green with new leaves blanketing the roadside.

After our orders of choice, burgers or corn dogs and plenty of onion rings and much conversation going on in the front seat as well as the back, our driver wheeled us down the road to get milk shakes, which were half-price by 2:00 o'clock. At some point, Howard needed coffee, so a stop at Dunkin' Donuts filled the bill.

I liked sitting by Jaxon, who pointed out sights along the road, keeping me busy looking out the window, while young Mason busied himself with a toy and singing loudly at times.

Bethany was taking us to a place we had never been, called Troy's.  We didn't know what to expect, although we had heard it was a good place to buy meat and/or things you might not see in other stores.

Wow! We were blown away at the building! I'd thought it was an ordinary, unremarkable store, but it was huge! Gigantic even!  A mountain-cabin looking structure with heavy beams and a spacious front porch where some sat at a big, round table eating lunch, while others from dozens of cars mingled or went inside.

Turns out it was an Amish-type store, the young cashiers wearing Amish-style bonnets and longish print dresses. They were pleasant and friendly and quite hospitable.  We couldn't wait to explore the mammoth store, and wandered back to the meat market. The prices! This was not your ordinary supermarket!

We did find some of their specialty items and got a gallon of milk to take home. The interior was impressive with framed art work and decor with catchy sayings in artistic black print on white backgrounds.

Finally, the children were tired, and the rain was getting heavier and colder, so we ended our excursion, happy to get back in the warm house with warm thoughts of our hostess and her kindness. Thank you, Bethany!

Four Days Away:

Home again after our wonderful visit to see daughter Amy and family in Georgia! We had a great time seeing granddaughter Rachel and their little grandson, Kaden.  What a busy, active little two-year-old! Later, we went to see our other granddaughter, Laura Corrin, and her husband, David, the newly-weds who live in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Everything was so enjoyable, from supper on the deck at Amy's when she made a festive spread on the table with candle light, to the tasty schis kabobs of steak, chicken and veggies.  Everyone enjoyed a couple of them,  but there were two left over, so Howard brought his total to four!

The weather was beautiful, and sitting on their wrap-around front porch, visiting, enjoying Kaden, and just relaxing was our main activity. The craziest thing happened when we arrived at their house late on Thursday evening! We were walking up the steps, Howard and I behind Amy, when suddenly we were falling! Howard lost his footing, and I was holding on to him, when instantly I hit the paved driveway at the foot of the walk!

I got a bump on my head and a scrape on my leg, but thankfully, a quick recovery. Howard was a different story.  When we got into the house he kept asking how we had got there! He was disoriented for 15 minutes or so, as we kept explaining things. Soon he was his old self and had a restful night after our long trip.

Corrin had asked us to come to their house for lunch before we hit the road for our return trip. She made a delicious meal of salmon, brussel sprouts, a rice dish and luscious dessert of ice cream with all the toppings.

After lunch and conversation, David, who is a gifted pianist, filled the room with his amazing skill from the piano he had in childhood, recently re-located and returned to him. We had time for a tour of their campus where both had met, graduated and got engaged, followed by their gorgeous wedding last fall.  A trip to remember!

Homespun Wisdom

The fresh insight and input of  my children into my day is almost a guarantee against boredom around home. For instance, today Jamie is making yogurt. No, he didn't get a yogurt-making machine for Christmas, but he did check out a book from the school library before Christmas entitled, "Recipes for Science Fun." Although he looked high and low for it to return it before Christmas vacation, his efforts failed to unearth it. Of course, it did turn up for that two-week stint at home, and has been driving me up the wall ever since.

First, he wanted to make butter--simple enough, but I'd bought the modern, pre-whipped version of the cream he wanted as I made my Christmas dinner purchases. And he tried for weeks to assemble the ingredients for making mayonnaise. Mom again turned out to be maddeningly forgetful in the supermarket. (It called for dry mustard.)

But today he prevailed upon me to get the necessary starter carton of yogurt, whole milk, (I usually buy low-fat), and dry milk for his project. ("Did you notice me reading the label on the yogurt in the store, Mom? It had to be the kind with the live yogurt culture in it.") He'd done his homework, I had to admit.

First he poured the special quart carton of milk he'd bought into a pan, along with the powdered milk. Without a cooking thermometer, he could only guess when it reached the required 180 degrees. ("I know it's 32 degrees below the boiling point,") he reasoned. So when a scum had formed, he decided it was long enough.

"Mom, get me a clean jar, rewash it to make sure it's very clean, or the bacteria won't grow," were his instructions to me.

"That's funny, I thought that's when they grew best," I mumbled under my breath. "Why aren't you doing this yourself?" I asked as I rinsed out the jar.

He stirred furiously at the stove. "Can't you see I'm too busy? Now warm it up under the hot water again."

Just now the phone rang as he called from his friend's house. "Did you remember to turn the heat on under my yogurt for a few minutes at 5:00 o'clock?" he asked urgently. "No, but I'm doing it right now," was my guilty reply. 

When he called again to see if I was tending his yogurt, I asked how long this was going to go on. I smiled as his terse reply made me realize how important this was to him. "Until 7:40."

So now I'm baby-sitting a very large pot of water containing a quart of yogurt-in-the-making. Tomorrow, that book's going back to the library.

Later, when Trevor came in, I was telling him about some trouble we'd had with one of the office phones. "You can hardly hear on it," I told him. "If you really want to hear, you have to turn off the typewriter, turn off the copier, and close the door on the sound of the vacuum cleaner . When they deliver the computer we ordered, we'll have to turn that off, too, I guess."

"That's called low-level noise, Mom," he said. "It's very harmful. It can induce hypertension."

"Well, I do feel tense sometimes," I ventured.

"Well, it might not bother you consciously,  but your subconscious picks it up and it causes stress."

"How do you know all this?" I questioned.

"I saw a documentary on it the other night. The stress level on people in offices has picked up considerably since the advent of the computer," he went on knowledgeably.  "It affects animals, too. It puts out vibrations that drive mice crazy."

"How?" I laughed.

"They pick up the computer noise as a mating signal: it confuses them and they chew up the wiring."

Thankfully, we don't have mice. (I don't think.)

When I thought about these seemingly unrelated incidents, I realized they had something in common. They are both dealing with the small, the seemingly insignificant. The noise factor: nothing big--just a little racket here and there. A hum, a whirr, a buzz--but adding up to a creeping, insidious lethal-ness. Like the Bible says, "It's the little foxes that spoil the vines."

I could easily recognize as noise pollution the loud music teenagers listen to, or as sins the ones listed in the "Thou shalt not's".  But what about the jibes, the unkindness's, the white lie, the exaggerations--the petty sins?

On the other hand, the tablespoon of yogurt culture reproduced itself as a whole quart of yield after the prescribed time had elapsed. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."  Here, however, the effect was good. It changed the milk sugar into lactic acid, retarding spoilage and creating a changed milk product that would keep without refrigeration.

This is how we should leaven the lives of those around us. The shared light of the Gospel in our witness, however small, can germinate and grow, changing for all eternity the fate of others.

It Won't be long Now!

"It won't be long now!" I remember reading this on a billboard advertising the opening of a new bank in the town where I grew up. A picture of a young girl holding a pair of scissors over one of her blonde braids was artistically displayed on the billboard, no doubt catching the eyes of those driving past who couldn't miss the message.

I was reminded of this when I read a text from my granddaughter, Sarah, the picture showing a handful of blonde hair which could only come from her 4-year-old daughter, Liannah. Yep, she had cut her hair in Sarah's absence while her mom was at the store, and daddy was not looking!

It almost seems like a rite of passage, since many kids get the scissors and start whacking when the urge strikes them. My granddaughter, Bethany, then 4 or 5, altered her bangs right before she was to be a flower girl in her aunt's wedding! Thankfully, her blonde curls helped camouflage her hair-do.

When asked why she scissored her bangs, her response was, "My hair was getting in my eyes, so I cut it, that's why!"

I remember when grandson Reid was about that age and cut his hair in front. In love with the magic of scissors, I realized he got carried away when I found slashes on garments in my clothes closet, and re-designed dust ruffles on my bed!

More recently, grandson Isaac, 3 at the time, found a thread on his sock, so he cut it off. When his dad asked him about it, and if he had also cut his hair. Isaac's response was, "Yes, but I didn't use a knife!"
Evidently, he had been cautioned about knives, so he chose something that would work both ways!

Kids!  Gotta love 'em, and what would we do without them!

Roots

When my phone died awhile back, son Greg blessed me with a new, fancy phone that I am still getting used to! Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I still can't figure out some of it's quirks. Yesterday Greg called and was trying to instruct me on Face time calls, to no avail, until granddaughter Bethany showed up.

In no time, she clicked to the right feature, and I was immediately seeing our son! What a great discovery! Suddenly we were right at home in his house! How heart-warming to see his familiar kitchen, with grandson Adam coming in from an errand, and even the family pet, Pebbles, looking hale and hearty despite her 13 or 14 years and having lost her hearing!

Soon Greg was showing us his guitar room, with all his beloved instruments displayed on the wall of sturdy hooks attached firmly to a base.  Some guitars were unique in size and shape, and others he was working on to restore like new.

Today I see a picture of granddaughter, Beth, holding a pair of baby turkeys! Something tells me the place will soon be home to more critters, but what's a farm for? We loved being there when Greg and his dad raised pigs, chickens and a pasture full of goats!

It is beautiful here in Tennessee, but I can't help missing Oklahoma, "In the Oklahoma hills where I was born!"

Things that go Bump in the Night

Was I dreaming? Coming back to wakefulness, I heard a muffled sound. Then, crash! What was that? I woke my sleeping husband so he could listen.  It must have been 2:00 in the morning, but we lay quietly listening for a long time.  Then we crept out of bed to see if anything was amiss.  Everything was in place, with no disturbance, so we went back to sleep.

This morning, I surmised it was probably a cat on the porch, maybe knocking over a feeding dish or jumping from a chair, making a noise. Anyway, we slept through, even getting up a little late.

Looking back, I thought about how the uncertainty of night can make us fearful. If a child gets sick, it is often in the night. Worries of this and that may seem insurmountable and can keep us awake. Recalling the song, "I Met the Master" which tells the story of a blind man who walked in darkness until he met the Master,  and, as the song says, "He walked no more in the night."

Yesterday had been a blessed day, with our Drive-In worship service, some social-distancing from other cars and listening to our pastor's message. The skies were iffy with dark clouds, but someone had thoughtfully erected a smart, blue canvas tent cover over posts on the truck platform to keep the preacher dry in case of rain, which thankfully, didn't happen.

Later, the sky became clear for our ride home as we traversed the picturesque, rolling roadway.  Cheered and refreshed by the church service and looking forward to the meal waiting in the Instant Pot, followed by phoning kids, we were walking in the Light!

A Day in the Life

Well, Howard and I wore our new masks to Walmart today. He had to get a prescription, and I needed Band-Aids. We were surprised that more people didn't wear the protective masks. Mostly employees, such as pharmacists and grocery checkers wore them, with occasional shoppers wearing  everything from a nose mask to a make-shift covering.

Wearing my reversible green/khaki mask, I was sitting on a bench waiting for Howard, when a man walked by and smilingly said something to me. Later, I realized he had said, "Did you make it yourself?"  Then as he  walked on he said, "I like it; it looks good!"

I didn't get the chance to tell him a thoughtful friend from Texas sent one for me, and one for Howard, too!

Placing the stretchy, comfortable Band-Aid around a scrape on my finger, I read on the box that washing your hands would not make the Band-Aid come off. It seems that this small strip of bandage has come a long way, since it's invention by a man named Earl Dickson, who worked as a cotton buyer for Johnson & Johnson many years ago.

Reading about the making of the Band-Aid, I learned that Mr. Dickson's wife was always cutting or burning her hands when she cooked. Her thoughtful, inventive husband experimented with various bandages, gauze squares, and other possibilities to help her. Finally, after much experimenting, he came up with one that pleased his wife very much. And I guess the rest is history!

Another reason we had ventured out to Walmart was because Howard had lost his cane. Somehow he left it somewhere, and today he bought a new one. The old one was a polished, wooden cane that he liked very much, but he was pleased with the adjustable, metal cane he got today. It really does fit him better than the one he lost. All's well that ends well!

Our Father's World

"Let's walk down to see the donkeys," I suggested to my husband. It would be good to get out of the house for some fresh air. He agreed, and we walked to the back of the property where they are fenced in.

The donkeys were nowhere to be seen, but we were enjoying the outdoors anyway, also admiring the blossoms on the dogwood trees.  I decided to try to get the cute animal's attention by calling them. So I did a donkey impersonation, yelling, "Hee-haw!" To our surprise, they came wending their way through the trees and were soon looking up at us. They were a little reluctant to being petted, though.

"Look at the cross on their backs!" I pointed out to Howard. Sure enough a black stripe went down their backs, and another streak crossed their shoulders. I had read somewhere that donkeys have a cross on their back, representing Jesus's death on the cross.

I also thought of Jesus riding on the donkey in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and the donkey that carried his mother with the growing secret inside her.

I plucked a beautiful dogwood blossom, examining it and thinking of the legend that the four petals represent the cross, and the reddish-brown smudges at the tip of each petal represents Jesus' shed blood. The one at the top for his crown of thorns, the ones on each side for the nail prints, and the lower petal calling to mind the spike in the feet of our Lord.

In any ordinary year, this past Sunday would have been celebrated in churches as Palm Sunday, as the crowd back then waved palm branches to welcome Jesus.  Next Sunday, Easter Sunday, our church will celebrate His resurrection! Not everyone can be in or at a church, probably watching online. Weather permitting, plans are that our church will worship outside in a Drive-In service. Wherever people meet, the theme will no doubt be, "He is Risen!"

From Ear to Ear

I never post two blogs in one day, but this is an exception. Getting the mail out of the box earlier today, I puzzled over a very large, manila envelope with a Texas postmark. Probably just something for teenage granddaughter Mackenzie, who is always sending off for things, I reasoned.

Then I saw the sender's name, addressed to us!   My son's wife, Tammy's, mom!  I couldn't imagine what was in the light-weight envelope and wasted no time to get it open.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw two professionally made, cloth face masks! One reversible brown and tan, the other forest green and tan, with of course elastic ear fasteners!

I didn't know if she had seen some of my posts about our wearing bandannas, or if she was just being her always generous, thoughtful self! I thought back to the time of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when this lady sent bags of supplies, including first-aid items, medicines and other necessities to us and our daughter's family in Mississippi.

In no time at all, they sent a truck with a barrel of fuel for the vehicles, tools, flashlights and, if I remember right, a generator!  Tammy and Jamie had driven through the night from Houston, Texas to deliver the load to our devastated area and our daughter Amy's damaged property. We will never forget this.

Now it seems that we are undergoing something more devastating in a different way than Hurricane Katrina. Many are volunteering help in our medical community, and professionals are working madly to find a way to stop this plague.

Thank you, Deloris Shaw, for your thoughtful, helpful gesture. We will wear them!

Praises!

From one of the songs we sang at our Drive-in Church service yesterday:

Eye Of The Storm

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control,
In the middle of the war, you guard my soul,
You alone are my anchor, when my sails are torn,
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm.

What a great outdoor service that was! More cars than ever were parked and filled with people eager to hear God's word. Our pastor's sermon was so uplifting and moving; it seemed he gained more anointed strength as he brought forth his message.

Another moving song that brought unexpected joy and comfort to hearts, including to my brimming eyes, was as follows:

Lord I Need You

Lord, I need You, Oh, I need You, Every hour I need You,
My one Defense, My Righteousness, Oh God, how I need You.

We were granted a beautiful, no rain sky for the outdoor gathering! Puffy clouds floated serenely above us as we enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air.  There is just something about being out in God's marvelous creation that is refreshing and spirit lifting!  The words to the next song says it all:

Great Are You Lord

It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise,
It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only.

Amen! See you next Sunday!

Today's Thoughts

Running an errand to the nearby convenience store this morning, we donned our bandanna masks. No other shoppers seemed to be wearing any. When we wore the scarves a few days ago, the manager joked that he was afraid he was being robbed! Today, though, I was surprised to see he was wearing a bandanna mask himself!

The store aisles had undergone changes, too, with a taped-on X every six feet, complying with the  social-distancing rules.

A little later, we were relaxing on the porch in the beautiful, warm sunshine, Howard even bringing part of his lunch to eat outside. Meanwhile, I had been eyeing some kind of animal that was dashing furtively across the drive, then under a car, and waiting before it shot out again. I couldn't figure out what it was: bushy hair all over the low-slung torso, orange-brown coat, long tail, and quite large! I knew it wasn't a raccoon, easily identified by it's coloring and mask of it's own!

Turns out it was a ground-hog! I had never seen one, except in pictures where the ground-hog sees its shadow, or not, guaranteeing whether or not we would have six-more weeks of winter weather. It had come from a ditch beside a space that is used for a garden every year. Must have been looking for goodies that spring up in tilled soil!

Time goes slowly, staying home so much, and Howard was craving coffee and do-nuts from Dunkin' Do-nuts. To be safe, he inquired at the corner restaurant/filling station for curfew info. Turns out the curfew begins at 12:00 A.M. , so we indulged and enjoyed the ride to town and back, seeing couples walking and enjoying the balmy weather.

Tomorrow is church, which will be held outside with cars spaced as required.  We are so looking forward to the service and seeing friends, even from a distance, and worshiping on the Lord's day!

God's World

Sitting outside on the porch in the late afternoon tranquility yesterday, Howard and I were entertained and amazed at the little creatures enjoying the sparkling grass and pleasant temperatures. Young goats were grazing lazily, pulling up mouthfuls of purple flowers on green stems, wandering as far as their tether allowed.

Our attention was caught by two brown rabbits merrily chasing each other back and forth across the yard and driveway. One might disappear for a while, soon to be discovered by the determined, flop-eared playmate. Over and over, they dashed in their play as if for our amusement.

Next, our eyes were captured and entertained by two robin redbreasts hopping along, the harbingers of spring obviously enjoying the cool evening and an occasional worm pulled from the earth.

"Oh, look!" I pointed out to my husband as the glowing sky was suddenly filled with scads of birds!  Not just any birds, and not eagles, which I first took them to be. They gracefully sailed and swooped, wings outspread and feathers caught in the evening sun, looking exactly like the white undercoat of eagles!

Shortly there filled a dome of the dashing fliers, some rising higher and higher, only to dive gracefully back until, by some unknown signal, they all disappeared, leaving us awestruck at nature's unexpected performance.

Soon dusk  and evening chill drove us back into the house, the kitchen warm and inviting, and the promise of supper a comforting thought. The worries and concerns of the day were erased for awhile at the joy of God's creation. He is still in control, despite what men may think, and at our best, we trust in Him!

Masked!

Well, we did it. Howard and I wore masks to the store. But not your everyday, usual mask, we wore bandannas! Since no other protective masks were available, I remembered some new, never used, red and blue bandannas purchased at some time for some reason, I don't remember why, now, but they had lain new and folded in a drawer for a year or two, at least.

"I feel like a cowboy or a robber," my husband remarked as we rode along in the car, the pointed end of the scarf tucked in the neck of his shirt.   I followed suit and did the same with mine.

"Here we are," I announced, as we drove up to the convenience store. I got out wearing my bandanna, but he promptly lowered his "handkerchief".  We got some grinning looks and friendly remarks, but no one said anything, only ducking into another aisle as we passed. Social-distancing, you know.

I had seen a news announcer hold up a colored bandanna and demonstrate it's ease and convenience as a mask. That's when I thought about the bandannas and searched them out.

The cashier at the register looked at us with an inscrutable expression, but I could see he was "masking" a smile. As I reached for a pack of paper towels I hadn't seen, I heard my genial husband telling the manager of  one of the two store robberies he survived when he worked in New Orleans many years ago. I don't know if the intruders wore masks, but they left indelible memories, non the less.

Sailing down the road toward home in the fresh air and sunshine renewed my spirit from being closed in all week, as prescribed for health and safety by authorities, considering the  COV-19 virus. I will be glad when all this is over, with nothing left but indelible memories, which  will doubtless never go away.

To Market, To Market

We were getting low on some food items, so Howard and I set out to do some grocery shopping today. I definitely didn't want to go to Walmart, where there was likely to be many people, and where the store is so big and tiring.

We decided on a supermarket in the nearby town of Gray, Tennessee. As soon as we stepped in, we knew we had found the right place. Shelves were fully stocked, the produce looked wonderful, and best of all, it was not crowded. The people we encountered politely kept their distance, concentrating on their own necessities.

This store has the feature of offering a selection of five items in the meat case for $19.95, which we found to be a bargain! I especially wanted strawberries, finding theirs fresh and offering a sale price for three cartons of the beautiful berries. Our banana supply at home depleted,  we couldn't pass up a large, yellow bunch, one of which we shared on the way home!

Stopping for a burger at lunch time before we shopped helped us keep are grocery tab in check. Howard ordered a Big Mac and a regular burger for me. "I see they have a Little Mac, too!"  I pointed out.

"We didn't know you had a Little Mac," my driver said to the window clerk, to which she said, "Yes, we just made them today!" she smiled. So hubby switched the order to my specifications!

The beautiful drive up the curving, picturesque road and the immaculately mowed pastures and well-kept homes, whether large or small, made for a pleasant excursion in itself. The sky is full of fluffy clouds in the blue, and it will soon be April!  God is good!

Church!

Oh, no! I grumbled. Rain! It was thundering and pouring when I woke up early this morning. It would ruin our outside Drive-In service at church! The past several days had been gloriously filled with sunshine and balmy weather. Now this!

We went ahead with breakfast and began our routine of getting ready for church anyway.  Looking out awhile later, I was relieved to see that the rain was gone, clouds were scattered, and the air was pleasantly warm!

Hurriedly getting things prepared for lunch later, I filled my Instant Pot with a small roast, potatoes and carrots. I set the dial, and we left for church. Worried that we would be a little late, what with my lunch fixings, the smooth ride and beautiful drive soon calmed my mood. We drove into the church driveway only 5 minutes late!

What a pleasant scene we viewed of all the cars lined up in front of the church, folks sitting on tailgates, looking out car windows and people smilingly acknowledging us as we found a place to park. The music from the keyboard on the front patio and the inspiring worship leader made us welcome. The first joyful, inspirational selection was followed by two more  worshipful songs, enthusiastically received by faithful parishioners.

Soon the velvet offering bag was passed around by two youths, followed by appreciative remarks from our pastor before he gave  his message. What an inspiring atmosphere for the attentive congregation to enjoy! Everyone was thankful for the nice weather for the outside service, and it was obvious that all were enjoying this novel arrangement in automobiles.

Turns out that many other churches were having outside services, too!  As much as I enjoyed the internet services last Sunday, it was so refreshing to be there in person in the company of others of like precious faith. Makes me look forward to next Sunday!

Observations

Spring! It's busting out all over! Riding into town a little while ago, I was fascinated by the roadside scenery. Old broken down stumps were coming to life with feathery green fronds sprouting up from their depths!

I had seen red bud trees in cultivated yards before, but nothing like the beauty of those springing naturally and helter-skelter in the woods, their branches waving skyward with pink and purple blossoms, really a lavender shade of variegated buds!

All this with a backdrop of hills and valleys of a technicolor green that defies description! Black-and- white cows grazed peacefully on their dew-dampened treat and sustenance. An occasional calf was spotted nestling close to its mother to feed.

Our road was largely deserted, except for an occasional speeding vehicle that couldn't wait to get past us. We sailed along, enjoying the views and the swooping, up and down curves that straightened now and then for a short swath.

I again noticed a  beautiful country house that has been under construction since we moved here months ago. A smaller house was built right next to it, evidently a mother-in-law cottage or maybe a guest house.

Thinking of the old stump that sheltered new growth, the calf with its mother, and the carefully built and finished home, I noticed a comparison. Jesus can bring new life and vitality into a repentant soul, lifting one out of sin and degradation. The young believer can be guided and spiritually fed just as the mother shelters her calf.

Jesus said he is preparing a place for us. "In my Father's house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2. No doubt a house unequaled by any on earth!

Under the Umbrella

"Where is the umbrella?" I asked in alarm! It all started when my hubby was sitting on our small deck yesterday, enjoying the beautiful weather and sunshine. But it was getting a little hot out there, although he was reluctant to come in.

Meanwhile, two of our granddaughters came by with their tots and decided to fix Paw-Paw a shade. They propped up our large umbrella and attached it to the porch railing. Nevertheless, the umbrella slid and slipped and wouldn't stay up. After their repeated attempts of using books and other things to steady it, I remembered the heavy book-ends I had, polished from heavy, varnished stones. That worked amazingly!

The kids went home, and I went inside to watch TV news.  Soon Howard came in to relax also.  Much later in the day, I stepped out on the porch to find my wonderful, favorite umbrella missing!

"What happened to my umbrella?" I demanded in front of the television program he was watching, to which he said, "It fell down." What? I had already looked all around for it, but it was no where to be found.

Then it occurred to  me to look in the side yard down the slope.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it, fully opened and stuck to the fence of a neighbor's pasture where the wind had taken it! I scrambled down, grabbed it and hiked back up to the porch, taking it inside to hang on a coat rack.  Now I could relax!

Today is a much better day. I saw two robins this morning, a true harbinger of spring! After checking the mail, we walked out to see the donkeys. I heard their trade mark  "Hee-haw," but they were hidden by the trees. Animals and wild life are so amazing. They are mostly self-sufficient, happy and free, but under God's umbrella of safety!

"Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them," Matthew 6:26.

Where There's a Will There's a Way!

Well, we are going to the Drive-In. Not done that since I was a child and Daddy took us to the drive-in movie. We had speakers on the car windows, and I still remember getting close to them and listening to the mellow voices right in my ear. Sometimes Daddy took us to the movie in the farm pick-up truck, and the kids all watched from seats in front of the projector room.

But this Sunday, our drive-in will be in the church parking lot! Something many innovative churches have decided to do in this social-distancing phase of protection we are in. Maybe we can at least wave to our friends and neighbors through the window! I wonder if there will be a song service?

We have been enjoying video chats, messages and words of encouragement from pastors and churches at home and from friends far away. Last Sunday, we worshiped in our living room during services via television.  Although it was a cozy, intimate setting, invoking the feeling of being in church, it wasn't like being with fellowship of  Christian brothers and sisters.

The last time I went to a drive-in movie was a few years ago in Ponca City, Oklahoma. We saw the film, "God's not Dead!" While Howard was walking to the refreshment stand for snacks and waiting for the movie to start, the driver of the car next to me struck up a conversation about the movie. When Howard got back, the conversation went on long and talkative.  The next day at church, there he was! I had never seen him before, or since, but evidently the movie left an impression on him.

The old outdoor theater was giving it's last performance, as it was to be demolished the next day. Afterwards, the film was shown at the historic theater in town, used only for events and special occasions. We saw the show again there, where it was packed. Evidently "God's not Dead" had quite an impact on the community!  The title is still true!

Shut-in with God

After a quiet and restful Sunday at home yesterday, a day in which we were favored with several sermons given on line by favorite pastors, we were feeling housebound and went for a drive.

It was a little late, but before dark, and we met very few cars on the road. Evidently, folks were staying home as prescribed by health experts. Never had we felt like we had the road to ourselves, sailing along on the picturesque curves, hills and valleys.

We saw no people outside, except for a man standing on his porch,  staring inscrutably at the road. A time of puzzlement for everyone.

Our chosen destination was Dunkin' Donuts for a cup of coffee, Howard's favorite hang-out, but only service from the drive-through window, now. Our route leading home through downtown Jonesborough revealed an empty street except for a couple of stragglers. We had so enjoyed exploring this historic place with son Greg and family when they were here for a few days last week.

Being more or less confined to the house is very testing and trying for everyone these days, but these scriptures are comforting:

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." Psalm 42:11.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob  is our refuge." Psalm 46:10-11.

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful in situation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King." Psalm 48:1-2.

Beats a cup of coffee anytime!

The Lord's Day

Well, today is Sunday, so of course, we went to church! I'm sure many others went to the same church we did--the living room! We were privileged to watch and enjoy the songs and sermon from Encourager Church in Houston, Texas, the church of our son Benjamin and family for many years.

We even took Communion after the pastor's exhortation and explanation of the Passover, where the children of Israel were spared after applying the blood to the door posts and of their safe escape from Egypt.

Thankfully, I had grape juice on hand, and of course, crackers, for an impromptu participation of Jesus's words, "This is my body, which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."

Plans were that our local church would give an on-line service, but a glitz occurred, preventing the presentation. Diligently, we waited and looked forward to a service from PCA, our former church in Ponca City, Oklahoma, but evidently there were electronic problems there, too.

Some of our family are self-quarantined, and others locally are staying home, so we are having a relaxing, quiet afternoon as we wait for the culmination of our Instant Pot's delivery of a tasty meal.

Thankfully, the sun is shining today, after intermittent rain for several days. The first day of Spring was yesterday, I think, and the landscape is rising to the occasion! The grass is an emerald carpet, naked trees are now swathed in wedding gown-white blossoms, and tiny blue flowers cover the yard.

Even though we are in very troubled times, I can't help but think of the words of a poem:

"Morning's at seven, the grass is dew-pearled, God's in His heaven, All's right with the world."

If only!

Meandering

We splurged on groceries yesterday, stocking up for staying home. When an employee saw us examining our list, she offered to get the items for us so we wouldn't have to go through the store.  Since we needed more than what was on the list, we declined.

Granddaughters Bethany and Sarah had already made forays for us, picking up things from a list last week.  Although I had recently bought a huge bag of pinto beans, they brought home four bags of black beans! Among other things.

So on this rainy day of isolation, it seemed like the right time to cook a pot of the pintos. Well, I couldn't have beans without cornbread, so I stirred up a batter. Since our oven is having problems, I used my ingenuity, putting the cornbread mix in a skillet, stove-top! Flipping the giant pancake was a challenge, but it tasted delicious! Then I thought of the head of cabbage in the fridge, so coleslaw was a must. I will admit, everything tasted great (I hadn't cooked beans in months), including the sliver of lemon meringue pie resting in the fridge!

I had been concerned about a planned special service at our church on Sunday when a guest speaker was scheduled. It would be  the 25th anniversary there for our pastor and his wife. A dinner was to be prepared by the church ladies for everyone, and I was deliberating about what to bring, a little uneasy about even attending. Thankfully, everything was called off, in view of the virus situation!

It is pouring rain outside currently,  and the steady drumming on the window is getting on my nerves. A little while ago, I rode with Howard down to the mailbox, and thankfully, I carried an umbrella, as it had started sprinkling when we stepped out. By the time we got back, trying, but a little unsuccessfully to stay dry, we were glad to get inside.

Our visiting family is journeying home today, but they came by pre-dawn to share good-byes and hugs for the road. We miss them already, cherishing the fun times and praying for their safety all the way home.

Makin' the Best of It!

We had so looked forward to our son Greg's family visiting. We had planned for weeks of things to do when they came. At the top of our list was to take them to "The Birthplace of Country Music" in Bristol, Virginia. A couple of calls assured me they would be open. But when the date rolled around, like so many places, they were closed.

The kids arrived late one evening, and we enjoyed our visit so much, especially since we hadn't seen them since we'd moved from Oklahoma several months ago. They loved our digs, and we spent the evening reminiscing, even viewing a home movie from when everyone was little and even the grandparents were young.

Meeting for lunch the next day, we found our favorite place open, and thankfully not many diners were there, due to the virus scare. Taking in the sights of Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town, kept us busy until they invited us to see their AIRBNB where they were staying. Their accommodations were beautiful and luxurious! Everything was spacious and spotless and very tastefully decorated!

 Visiting the next day, we enjoyed Granddaughter Allison's  tasty lunch of chicken 'n' noodles with diced cantaloupe and green grapes. With the local great-grands out of school, they added to the chatter and camaraderie, even taking a walk where photos were snapped and admired. Pizza and conversation followed, Howard woke up from his nap, and soon we were on the way home, stopping for Dunkin' Donuts to sustain us until the next adventure tomorrow!

Home Movie

I can't stop looking at a home movie that I had never seen! It was taken some 48 years ago when Howard and I were in our early thirties! The movie was no doubt made by my sister-in-law, Karolyn, who was concentrating on her little girl, Jennifer, featured in most of the shots and responsible for sharing this treasure!

I was amazed to see family members, bursting with youth, and my parents in good health and vigor! Daddy was energetically throwing snow balls like a kid, handsome and youthful looking, and the very picture of our own son, Mark,who is now in middle age!

Memories fade, and it was a while before I realized I was looking at my own children, the head of curly red hair unmistakingly on winsome little Trevor, sitting with handsome big brother Gregory! Then I noticed myself, holding a baby, then not realizing until I started to dress her, that it was my own baby daughter, Amy!

Seeing Mama in her kitchen wearing her apron brought back so many memories! Standing beside her at the kitchen sink was my beautiful, oldest sister, Christine, so young and vibrant. Sitting at the table was undoubtedly big sis Pauline, having a piece of pie, looking so youthful I at first didn't recognize her.

Astounding was how young and handsome and beautiful everyone looked! My brothers, Johnny, Jimmy and Bobby were there in the youth of life. I could easily recognize Howard, sitting on the sofa and dapper as usual. then a quick glimpse of young Mark wrestling around on the floor with cousins.

I just couldn't get over seeing so many loved ones, and others that I haven't even mentioned. I can't help but think of the glad reunions we will have in Heaven! No doubt everyone will be young and perfect then, including the precious ones who have passed away since the years of the home movie.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing! 

Hee-Haw!

I finally went with Howard out into the country to see some raved-about donkeys. I was immediately smitten! Two young donkeys, looking like toy stuffed animals, stood beside the fence. A wide, white band encircled each of their muzzles against their dark brown coats, making them even more appealing.

This made me think of a verse in a cantata  that my husband and I participated in one Christmas many years ago. I remember some of the words, which were something like this:

"The little donkey's feet so small went down the narrow road, so filled with people every where, they noticed not his load."

Of course, it referred to Mary, who was with child, traveling to abide with her cousin, Elizabeth, whose husband was the priest, Zacharias. No doubt the little donkey was tired, but steadfast, as it stepped carefully and purposely over the sharp, protruding rocks or slippery stones on the narrow road.

Donkeys must have been the main mode of transportation then, as even Jesus rode on the foal of a donkey in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He had previously directed two of his disciples
where to find a colt with its mother to bring to him, fulfilling  the prophecy in Matthew 21:5, of the King, meek and sitting on a donkey, when the multitudes cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."

A story in Numbers 22-33 tells of a donkey that recognized an angel carrying a sword which would have killed his master had the animal not protected him.

Obviously, donkeys have their place in the world, and my husband wants a couple of them to have a place close by!

Repeat Performance

What? Again? My spouse looked at  me in alarm and said, "My car keys are gone!" How could that be?  This time, it wasn't his spare key, but those with other important keys on them!

Though frustrated, I began the search. Clothes hamper, nothing. Under and around bed. Not there. Remove sofa cushions from where we had sat watching TV the night before. Useless. Not only once did I do that, but later went through the routine again!

Re-checking pants pockets was futile. By this time, I had worked myself into a frenzy and was exhausted. Finally I gave up and collapsed on the sofa. Just then Howard came in with an incomprehensible look on his face. What now, I wondered.

"My keys were in my jeans pocket!" he announced flatly. The ones he was wearing!

Exasperated, I exclaimed, "How could that happen?" He explained they were in the bottom of the pocket under a packet of cards he carried.

"Would you like to go out to eat?" Howard offered as a consolation. No, I already had supper planned, and if we ate at home we could make it in time for church tonight.

We rarely get out after dark on the curvy roads, but the daylight was lasting a little longer now, so we got to church just in time. We were so glad we came, leaving refreshed and thoughtful of the pastor's message as well enjoying seeing friends.

The solar-powered light on our porch flashed on in greeting as Howard inserted the key in the door!                                                                                                 

Fortuitous Find!

Today Howard finally got to go see the donkeys! I stayed home and caught up on some chores, including doing laundry.  One load in the dryer kept making a metallic noise that thumped every few minutes. A metal button on a pair of my husband's jeans, I figured. Finally tired of the racket, I went to remove the offending noise-maker.

Then a thought struck me. Could it be? No, probably just a hopeful wish. Quickly I pulled out the contents of the dryer, though, and there it was! The lost car key! The one we'd been searching for for days! Apparently it was in the pocket of a pair of jeans!

It looked like the other key, but it had a metal tab snapped on it. Howard's key was like that, I remembered,  except for a short cloth tab. I lost no time in calling my spouse, who was obviously at the coffee and do-nut shop by now, judging from his muffled response.

"Do you have your car key with you?" I questioned, since he was riding with Steve, our son-in-law. I wanted to make sure the one from the dryer wasn't his regular key.

"Yes, why?" he answered over his do-nut.

"Because I think I found your lost car key in the dryer!" I exclaimed.

He about choked, then. He couldn't believe his ears! He laughed and thanked me over and over! Even exclaiming that he would bring me a do-nut!  Seriously, though, a replacement key would have been quite expensive, and we had searched for it for several days, calling lost and found at Walmart, checking with our local manager at our neighborhood store, and going through every pocket in the house. (Except for one at the bottom of the laundry hamper!)

"I prayed for that this morning!" my relived husband exclaimed when he got home. Yes, we had prayed for it many times, searching between the car seats, in door pockets and all over the car. Thank you, God, for the lost is found!

The Road not Taken

Feeling under the weather yesterday, I missed church, much as I wanted to go. I went back to bed, and later, my hubby made lunch! He made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. (He never cooks!)

Still feeling wobbly, I lay down after lunch and went to sleep for a long nap, only to be awakened by my spouse saying, "Get up! We're going to see the donkeys!"

Somewhat reluctantly, but feeling better by this time, I got ready for the ride. Usually, my wanna-be farmer husband goes out to this magnificent farm he raves about with our son-in-law, Steve, but he was not available. It seems the  owner has two little donkeys he wants to give away, and Howard wanted to show them to me.

The ride on this beautiful afternoon was refreshing, as along the route we saw children going out to play on swing sets, throw balls, or just meander around in the March 1st sunshine! Mesmerized by the scenery, I was enjoying the outing, but getting a little tired.

The roads on this mountainous, Tennessee terrain are as winding as a snake and never ending, only to lead to other winding roads. Unfortunately, we were obviously on the wrong road (s)! After at least two hours of endless curves and adjoining roads, we finally came upon a residence with people getting out of a car.  At last, maybe someone would give us directions! By this time, we only wanted to know how to get home, which we finally did!

I was reminded of the poem, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And be one traveler, long I  stood; Looked down on one to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, though just as fair, and having perhaps the better claim, because it was grassy and wanted wear. Though as for the passing there, had worn them really about the same. And both that passing equally lay in leaves no step had trodden black. Oh I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

Well, since Steve took Howard  to see the donkeys today, I doubt if he will ever come back! 

Ups and Downs!

I was on a roll this morning! Fixin's for a good lunch of chicken gumbo on the stove, and then the bright idea to make a lemon meringue pie!

I had a couple of lemons on hand, a pie crust, and plenty of eggs for the pie and topping. Getting organized, I sat down at the table to squeeze the juice from the lemons. They were very juicy and their pungent scent made my mouth water.  Finished squeezing, I was carrying the juice to the counter when I dropped the bowl! The kitchen was engulfed in a cloud of lemony fragrance! So much for the pie!

Settling my nerves while the gumbo bubbled, I sat down at the computer. Looking at vignettes of cute kids' activities and videos I wanted to share, I was disheartened that my computer was not audible! No sound came out no matter what I did! My phone was the same way.  This was not turning out to be my day! Giving up on the computer, I had to admit that lunch was delicious, however.

Still frustrated, I thought of the feature on my phone that gives all kinds of information, and searched it. Sure enough, several helps were given, but none uncomplicated enough for me. Disconsolately glancing down at my keyboard I noticed tiny buttons with a speaker motif. Pushing one of them I couldn't believe it when the sound came on! I was back among the living!

The only thing still hanging over our heads now is the disappearance of Howard's spare car key! No amount of searching or contacting lost and found possibilities have been successful. It's discovery will be the key to family harmony!

The Walking Stick

"Where is my cane?" my husband queried as we got out of the car after grocery shopping. I helped him look for it, but it wasn't in the car or the trunk.  Not again! Had we left it in a shopping cart while unloading?

The next  morning Howard called Walmart to see if his cane had been turned in. It hadn't.  We couldn't believe his favorite cane was lost again! He held on to my arm as needed until he could get to the store to buy a replacement.

He was due for a check-up at the doctor's office a couple of days later, and afterward we had to go to the pharmacy to get a prescription filled.  "Do you sell canes?" I asked the pharmacy clerk, to which he answered, "There may be a few left back there," directing us to the handicapped accessibility area.

We checked and were soon examining and trying out different metal, adjustable canes. They were not too suitable, and quite expensive, too.  Resignedly putting one in our cart, Howard said, "On second thought,  let's go back to Lost and Found and ask once again if my cane might have been turned in."

We waited behind interminably slow customers, as they shifted positions while the attendants took care of refunds and returns. Finally it was our turn, and Howard asked if his cane might be there. After describing it to the clerk, she wordlessly headed to the back and came back with a shiny, highly-polished wooden cane! Our cane! Praise God! We quickly handed over the one from our cart that we would not be purchasing!

What if we had not gone back there? I thought of the scripture in the Bible that says in Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;

"For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth ; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

A good object lesson for us, and a great scripture Jesus taught from "The Sermon on the Mount"!

Spring Awakening

Rat-a-tat-tat!  Rat-a-tat-tat! I heard from a tree in the yard. A woodpecker! "Its a sign of spring," my husband said as we got into the car. Maybe so, I'm so ready for spring!

I do love woodpeckers! Their resounding staccato  in the trees or posts are like a signal to the forests that they are here.

 I once saw a large, white bird with red. black and white feathers on a telephone post as we passed by on the highway. I realized it was a woodpecker, but the biggest I had ever seen.  It looked like the comic book character, Woody Woodpecker!

Later, I learned it was a pileated woodpecker, referring to the crest on top of its head. These interesting birds are useful in God's creation. When hammering out a cavity in a tree, they are leaving a nesting spot for birds who frequently make homes inside a tree. The woodpeckers, however, do not nest there.

Thinking of birds bring back memories of when I was a little girl, maybe 4 or 5.  A nest of blue-jays was in a tree in our front yard, and as the little birds were learning to fly, several dropped to the ground. Attracted by the cute little birds, I picked them up one by one and lined them up on the fence. I was so proud of my treasure, when mama bird flew down and flogged me on the head! Not like a woodpecker drilling, but pretty close!

Years later, my husband and sons built a deck attached to our house, leaving an opening for a sapling in the corner. As time went by, the sapling grew and harbored a bird nest. Soon, little blue eggs filled the nest from which I later heard tantalizing little cheeps.  Curiosity got the best of me, so I put a folding ladder on the deck and climbed to peek in the nest. Wrong! Mama bird got me again! I was just glad it wasn't a woodpecker!

Stamp of Approval

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday was gray, snow falling thick and fast, transforming the landscape and roadside woods and trees! But today has cleared off beautifully, with hardly a trace of snow, except from our walkway.

We wanted to go to the  mailbox for the mail, so we went out through the back porch, avoiding the slippery, still snow-covered walk.  Walking on the driveway toward the car, Howard reached in his pocket, then announced that he didn't have the car key! Since he needed the prescribed exercise anyway, he decided to walk with me down the considerable length of driveway to the mailbox.

The whole episode was created because my husband couldn't locate a book of stamps he bought last week.  We had gone to the post office to mail a birthday present for our little great-grandson, Kaden. (Much as I fretted that the box I had fashioned might not hold together, it was received intact exactly on the little guy's  two-year-old birthday!) I distinctly remember that Howard had bought a ten-dollar book of postage stamps from the  Postal agent that day, but it was no where to be found today, when he wanted it for some correspondence.

Well, we missed the mail-out, but there's always tomorrow.  I got to thinking, though, about the importance of postage stamps. About how things were sealed in yesteryear, with the stamp of a ruler's ring embedded in wax for confirmation.

It's as if when we receive salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we receive His stamp. His stamp is embedded in our heart, mind and spirit. Just as a bride receives a ring when she is married, one day we will be "stamped" eternally with our heavenly bridegroom.

Revelation 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." Revelation 19:8.

May we always carry His stamp in our hearts and His image in our person!

Marvels of the Snow

A beautiful snow fall is covering everything outside today! Earlier, we debated on whether to go to town to pick up a prescription, but there were only little melting drops then, and when we got back, it was a winter wonderland!

Now the trees are loaded with a mantel of white, the evergreens scalloped like a lacy scarf, and the bare limbs of the forest outlined in perfect symmetry. Graceful cedars are holding out their arms in welcome, as they are draped in shawls of lace. Every branch and twig of a humble bush or sapling is white-coated and transformed into a tangle of wonder!

Earlier, we had thought to eat in town, but the increasing fluff falling from the sky made us reconsider; we would have lunch at home. We found the steps to our door were covered in the deep white stuff and  looked forbiddingly risky, so we went in the back under the shelter of the porch. Of course, we'd made the mistake of picking up too many groceries, but we were glad when I served a delicious, home-made repast in the warmth of our kitchen.

Kids love snow. Every time  it snows here in Tennessee, our little great-grand kids ask in excitement, "Is it Christmas again?" or they announce happily, "It's Christmas!

 I remember when our youngest, Jamie, about 12 at the time, came in and remarked: "Snow is my favorite kind of weather. You can play in it, make a snowman, throw snowballs, and when you come in, you feel like you've been swimming!"

Job 38:22, asks, "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?"

In Psalm 147:16-17, it is written, "He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. (17) He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?"

I do love snow, but I hope this is the last one for this season!

T for Trevor

What a blessing and great time we had when our son, Trevor, came from Texas for a few days'  visit with us and his sister Julie's family in Tennessee! Squeals of delight echoed as Uncle Trevor tickled and rough-housed with the little ones, our great-grandchildren. The granddaughters had prepared a wonderful meal for all, over which conversation and laughter ruled, followed by guitar-pickin', singing. and a ukulele performance by the teenage daughter in the family.

The next day, Trevor was introduced to the historic district of Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, where, after a pharmacy visit for Howard, we met up with Julie's family for lunch in our favorite eatery, Main St. Cafe. By then, the sun had come out, perfect for a foray into the mountains, courtesy of our driver, son-in-law Steve.

As always, the scenery was breath-taking the higher we went, wending our way to steep elevations of  mountain crags and thick forests, trees standing tall and denuded of leaves except for the evergreens and pines. Back into civilization, sights were pointed out, especially the imposing church where Julie and Steve had served so many years, teaching, preaching and serving the needs of the community.

We were especially excited the next day to introduce Trevor to  "The Birthplace of Country Music" in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia. After spending an impressive few hours in the Smithsonian Affiliate Museum, we had a great lunch at a unique restaurant called "Quaker Steak and Lube," followed by donuts and coffee at the "Black Bird Bakery," all recommended to us by granddaughter Bethany.

Today was Trevor's last few hours with us before catching a plane back to Dallas. But first, he took us to a wonderful breakfast at Cracker Barrel, where Howard bought me a beautiful wall plaque of the song, Amazing Grace, with every verse written on the staff. Now, every time I look at it, I will be reminded of our son's sweet visit here!

The Box Saver

Venturing out despite the misty, disagreeable weather yesterday, we were  determined to go to the Post Office to mail a birthday present for almost-2-year-old great-grandson, Kaden. The gift of a toy car was a little awkward to get into a box, just tall enough to not fit into any of my selected cardboard array.

Finally, I constructed a container of cut-down shoe boxes with plenty of wide plastic tape, looking like a taped-up accident victim. Seeing the U.S. Mail professional-looking boxes being carried in by others at the P.O. made me wish I had simply bought a box!

By this time, Howard and I were hungry and headed for Burger King. Howard waited at the counter while I got our drinks. The food was good and satisfying on such a dreary day, and the big-screen TV with all the political news got my attention. I glanced up when the manager approached our booth.

"Here," she said, "A man asked me to give this to you." She handed us a gift card for $10! When asked why, she said she didn't know! Later, Howard thought maybe the man overheard or saw him giving a scripture card to an employee, which he said he did while I was getting our tea. Any way, the card was a nice gesture. One never knows who might be paying attention unobserved!

Back to the boxes. I have always been a box-saver, stashing them away for various uses, but since we moved several months ago, nothing as superfluous as collected boxes came along. My husband is a saver: he saves mail, magazines and fliers that come in the mail. But most importantly,  as a retired pastor, his main interest is reaching out to people, endeavoring to save souls!

Lost!

Jesus was gone. At first, they were not worried, but Mary and Joseph had become increasingly alarmed when their casual inquiries only brought blank looks among their friends and acquaintances. No, they had not seen him. Try Manassa's tribe. A group of youth had been seen straggling behind the caravan, skipping stones into the shallow water standing in ditches along the roadside. Like all the others, though, this lead had resulted in a dead end. And so it had gone all day, as the frantic parents worked their way through the motley crowd of travelers back toward Jerusalem.

What could have happened?  Mary agonized in her thoughts. Mentally she berated herself for not checking closer for all the children. Even though her hands were full with the small ones, she should not have assumed for young Jesus's safety. After all, he was only twelve, just recently a tousled tot under her feet like the others. It was only of late, since he had shot up tall in a growth spurt, that she had begun thinking of him as older. And he had been acting older, more mature and responsible. She had entrusted him many times lately for the care of the littler children, especially during the harried preparations for this journey, and he had proved most capable and dependable.

But lost in Jerusalem! There were thieves, child snatchers, and evil men lurking in cities.  Even now, he could be sold as a slave and be miles from here. Her thoughts ran away as she thought of the other Joseph who was sold into slavery.

Yes, Jesus was technically a man now, as all Jewish boys who had reached their thirteenth year. But in her heart he was not. The round, childish face of his babyhood was fresh in her memory. This special closeness with her firstborn was a bond partly explained by the mysterious circumstances of his birth. But who could fail to love such a child, miraculous or not? And everyone did, it seemed. He never knew a stranger, and he was welcomed in any house in the village.

Mary loved all her children, each in a different way, but Jesus was uniquely different. They could communicate in ways that even she and Joseph could not. Even though the predictions of the angels, prophets and prophetesses seemed hazy at times, pushed far back in the daily routine of living, they surfaced at times like this. Surely nothing could happen to Jesus in his childhood! He was destined for some kind of greatness in his adult life. Still, clutching Joseph's hand, she forced down the panic rising in her throat as they reached the city and fought their way through the milling throngs.

First, they searched the marketplace. The tantalizing aromas of the food vendors wafted toward them, and they rushed to where a hooded Bedouin sat roasting a lamb over a spit. Jesus would be hungry. Several urchins were nibbling strips of meat they snatched from the fire of the dozing Bedouin. But Jesus was not among them.

Next, they pushed through a crowd of people gathered in a knot where the high, tinkling notes of tambourines, bells and a flute were audible above shouts of laughter and sounds of dancing. Jesus loved music and fun. Maybe he would be there. The inner circle of children watching the comical show was minus the face of Jesus, they realized in disappointment as they scanned the onlookers.

Sobbing by now, Mary cried, "Joseph, we'll never find him. He's lost. We've lost the gift God gave to us and entrusted us to care for. Help us, God!" Joseph wiped her face on his sleeve and held her close, trying to ignore the lump of pain choking him in his throat.

"It's getting late, Mary. We've searched all day. Let's go to the temple to pray. It may be that God will have mercy on us for our carelessness. It's all we have left to do," he finished quietly.

"But I've been praying!" she protested. "Prayers haven't ceased from my lips and heart all day! We can't stop looking!" Despite her protests, Mary was almost relieved to find herself being guided toward the temple by the strong arms of her husband. Thank God for Joseph. He was a tower of strength for her; he always knew what to do, so she relaxed and let some of the tension fall from her as she hung on to Joseph's waist.

Not more people! Mary thought as they entered the temple courts and she caught sight of a mob almost as big as the one outside. She had thought maybe they could find relief from the crowd and a quiet corner to rest and pray in the dim recesses of this hallowed sanctuary. But it must be another sideshow. People had no respect anymore, she noted through her tears as she pushed past crates of doves, bleating lambs and the carts of money changers.

"Mary, this way!" Joseph was pulling her, with a note of hope and excitement in his voice. "Listen! Do you hear that?"

As they pushed through the row of backs, legs, and shoulders, Mary gasped in amazement. Jesus stood there in the center of the crowd in an animated discussion with several priests and dignitaries. His young voice rang out confidently and easily, with not trace of the self-consciousness of a village lad. His manner was friendly, yet respectful, and his face lit up as he caught sight of his mother and father. "My mother! My father!" Jesus exclaimed as he rushed toward them.

"Son, Son, where have you been?" Mary was kissing him and hugging him as she pushed back his hair and examined his face. "We've been so worried about you!"

"Well, when I saw I had been left, I came here," Jesus said. "I knew you would look for me here. Didn't you know I would be about my Father's business?"

Mary lowered her eyes. Of course! How could she get so out of touch with her child? She had been thinking of the natural things--the food, the fun, the interests of a 12-year-old. But Jesus's heart was here. This was his business. This is what he was about, what he would be. Other thoughts began to crowd into her consciousness, vague fears mingled with a glad hope, but Mary pushed them aside.

She could not know of three days not long in the future when Jesus would again be absent from her and the world. She had no way of knowing she would be part of another crowd , searching for Jesus and seeing Him lifted up in shame for all to see, yet looking toward the safety of his mother. She took Jesus' hand, and with heart singing, she led him from the crowd. For now, at least, he was safe. She memorized every detail of his dear features as she watched him and Joseph laugh and talk beside her. Home. That was uppermost in Mary's mind as they headed toward the city gates. Soon they would be home, she thought, as the sun set over Jerusalem.

Holy Grounds

Oh, no! Our Keurig quit working! My husband broke the news to me this morning, since he arose early to make coffee. It was a Christmas gift that we had enjoyed only a little over a month! He has gone today to return it and see if the store makes it good. I won't hold my breath, though.

Feeling a little under the weather, I didn't go out into the snow with him  to town.  Actually, I am making oatmeal cookies to pass the time. We were so surprised to wake up to snow this morning! It is not much, but enough to make my granddaughters unable to exit the store lot due to the car's slipping and sliding.The hero of the family with a 4-wheel drive vehicle went to rescue them!

I noticed on a Facebook post from this date last year that I announced one word: "SNOW!" So history repeats itself! That was in Oklahoma, but now we are in Tennessee. All day, I thought today was Saturday. When my son from Texas called from his car to chat, I asked who was with the children. "They are at school!" he exclaimed.  So I won't be going to church tomorrow, after all!

I took a notion recently to share Howard's videos, made over four years ago before he had heart surgery. It was easy enough to pull up the few he made following his recovery, but for some reason, I could not locate the others on the internet! My computer-savvy granddaughter, Mackenzie, searched and searched for them, but to no avail.  I was determined to solve the mystery, but giving up in frustration,  I let it go.

Then, Eureka! Adam! My grandson in Oklahoma could find them if anyone could! I contacted him, and with a few manipulations of genius, there they were! I couldn't believe it, thinking they were lost for good! Now I am enjoying them again and sharing with those who might not have seen them. In them, Howard plays the guitar, gives scripture, and shares a song. I especially like the ones where he incorporates a story, or a testimony of God's goodness.

As the "producer," and videographer, it was my job to help select the songs, keep his dapper appearance, make sure the words were printed in large letters, and hold the "camera" steady. It was a great combined endeavor that we enjoyed very much. Now I feel like having a cup of coffee when hopefully Howard gets home with a new appliance to enjoy an oatmeal cookie with me!

The Visit

We are so excited that our son, Trevor, will be coming to see us soon! He has never been in Tennessee, and we are planning to take him to various places of interest. I know he will love seeing downtown Jonesborough, founded in 1779, in its historic beauty. Our favorite place to eat is there, to which we plan to take him.

He will only be here for part of four days, so not much can be crammed in, but he is definitely looking forward to seeing "The Birthplace of Country Music" in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia. If possible, we want to take him to see the area where my mother, his beloved grandmother, lived as a child, near Knoxville, TN.

A heart-tugging visit to our ancestors' family cemetery is on the agenda, a captivating wonderment to ponder over the old headstones, names of Great-grandparents and unknown relatives laid to rest there.

The best part of Trevor's visit will no doubt be seeing all his nieces and nephews here, their mates and the cute children, so smart and lovable. Besides all the sight-seeing, I'm sure he will  enjoy his mom's home-cooked breakfasts and/or family feasts with everyone.

We just learned that prior to Trevor's visit here, he and wife Jennifer will be in New Orleans this weekend. She will be running in a marathon, and I'm sure there will be time for sight-seeing, since Trevor was born and raised there in his early years. It wouldn't surprise me if he looked up old neighbors from when we lived there.

Our thoughtful son asked if there was anything he could bring his dad from New Orleans, and Howard asked for a bag of Luzianne coffee.  I couldn't think of anything, but since it is Mardi Gras time down there, he will probably find a trinket or two for me.

Trevor's dad is determined that we will go into the mountains, to the Cherokee National Forest when he is here. The elevation is 6,000 feet, making your ears pop, but it is very beautiful, so hopefully there will be time for that on our son's whirl-wind visit!

Trunk or Treat

What an eventful day! On this rain-free, beautiful mid-day, we set out for town.  Howard suggested lunch at one of our favorite, but rarely visited, places in downtown, historic Jonesborough. The food was great, and the walk down from our parking place on the hill was made pleasant by chatting with friendly, talkative folks we met along the way.

Then we headed for the shopping area to buy food, but first I wanted to get my hair cut at a great place in the strip mall. Then a quick exploration of a dress shop I hadn't yet visited since we moved here last summer. In no time I had found a few bargains, then at last we got our groceries.

"Do you want me to put them in the trunk?" I asked my hubby. He said okay, so I placed the considerable number of bags inside, pretty much filling up the trunk space. Then I placed the cart out of the way, and we headed home.

"It sure feels breezy in here," I commented as we drove along with zooming cars along the highway. It was noisy, too. Then I looked back and was shocked to find the wind was coming from an opening in the back! Suddenly I realized that the trunk was wide open! How did I forget to close the trunk? Dear Lord! What were we going to do in this traffic with passengers motioning toward our trunk! Finally we found a place to exit, and thankfully nothing was lost, and the trunk lid was unharmed and quickly closed shut!

I was weak from the ordeal, but my relieved husband insisted on stopping for coffee at Dunkin' Donuts. (Maybe he wanted to settle his nerves, too!) All I wanted was some cold water, as I slumped in recovery  while he enjoyed his coffee and donut.

As we drove up, our son-in-law, Steve, was in the yard and insisted on helping with the groceries. Thinking of our dilemma and the road, I remembered the scripture, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46. Amen!

De ja Vu or Raising Cane

Whew! What a lot of groceries we had bought, I thought, as we unloaded our purchases. The next day Howard was looking for his cane, which was no where to be found. I had already looked in the car for it, but not in the rear compartment, so I volunteered to search further. No, it wasn't in the back of the car either.

"Why don't you call the store and see if it was turned in?" I suggested to my concerned mate.  Sure enough, when we made the call, after describing it, we were relieved that it was held in lost and found. Howard sat in the cane-less car while I went in and recovered his favorite cane. Obviously, it was left in the grocery cart and rescued by a thoughtful employee.

Since this was the second cane we had recovered from leaving one in a cart, I thought about something my mother included in a memoir written in a letter to one of her brothers, Uncle George Jr.   Mama grew up in Tennessee until she was 12 years old, when they moved to Texas at the insistence of an uncle.

Mama wrote of the bucolic life style they enjoyed in their big Tennessee farmhouse with two fireplaces, smoke house full of meat, home-canned vegetables, apple orchard, preserved food in big stone crocks, and horses to ride to school. After school, the kids did chores such as feeding the horses, milk the cows and feed the hogs. Grandpa raised tobacco, and the kids had the responsibility to go to the field with sticks to knock the big fat worms off the tobacco plants.

Which brings me to the point of my story. Among other things, Grandpa raised sugar cane.  The children had the chore of taking sticks and whipping all the fodder off the stalks, so that when Grandpa came into the field with a big knife he would cut it all down and put it into the wagon.  The wagon load of cane was hauled to the molasses mill to cook the juice into molasses, poured into buckets when the kids got to sop the pans!

Other stories of shucking corn, taking it to the mill to be ground into corn meal, corn-shucking parties and candy pulls were written of in her letter. Those memories kept her warm until she passed in 1996, the most godly woman I've ever known, and she never used a cane!