tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129642079417402942024-02-19T02:30:55.477-05:00Lessons and moreLife is full of lessons. As a forever student and a former teacher, I am continually learning and morphing. Writing random and not so random thoughts help me to focus on lessons and their meanings. Plus, I just love to write.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-7624366047966345322019-04-15T18:13:00.003-04:002019-04-15T18:13:58.033-04:00Ordinary DaysLast night while watching our favorite British show, Call the Midwife, there was a phrase used toward the end of the episode. The phrase struck me profoundly. The narrator said, "Embrace the <i>warmth of ordinary days."</i> There is comfort in these words when we are facing difficulties or unpleasant circumstances. We hope for days that are boring really when going through storms that seem too much to handle.<br />
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With Easter just a few days away, I think of the "extra"-ordinary Day that was. With Mary Magdalene finding Jesus', her Master's empty tomb, she was most likely feeling anxiety, worry, a perplexed sense of what happened to His body. Maybe she wanted the warmth of His embrace. Maybe an ordinary day was what was needed. She didn't get that until Her Master said her name, Mary. Somehow, she knew it was Him.<br />
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Looking ahead to the day that was far from ordinary, the day that shows the depth of God's compassion for all of us who do not deserve His forgiven, but are given it anyway, may we stand in awe of His appareled love and embrace Him fully.<br />
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Happy Easter!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-27806511329273021942015-10-26T15:28:00.004-04:002015-10-26T15:30:27.798-04:00Autumn ReflectionsWith the cool weather here and the brilliant fall colors bursting all about, I can't help but take a few minutes to reflect on God's abundant blessings. Yesterday, I went back in time to visit my high school for its fiftieth anniversary. In many ways, it was as if time had stopped. My locker was still there. The cafeteria, the gym, the office and much remain as I remember it when I walked the halls and went about my daily routine from 1965 to 1969. Back then, my brother, who was just 1 year behind me in school, and I would walk the short walk from home to school each day. God was good to us. Our home life was simple and satisfying. We had a dad and a mom who showered us with love and affirmation.<br />
I drove by the home we grew up in yesterday too. We moved into this brand new Levitt home rancher in August of 1964. Yesterday, as I drove by, the house has had a few upgrades, but overall, it too is the same.<br />
Today, my loving father, encouraging mother and outgoing brother are all in heaven. I think of them so much with a full heart.<br />
Next week would have been my mom's 92nd birthday. The first time in 64 years that she and I haven't been together to help her celebrate. I will miss that time of being with her, yet it is a joy to know my parents and brother are together.<br />
I know I will see them again and yes, we will celebrate together.<br />
I am grateful for my most wonderful husband, Garland, who showers me with overflowing love. I am so thankful for our wonderful daughters and son in law and joyful grandson and granddaughter.<br />
As the saying goes, Life is good! So on this autumnal afternoon, I give praise to the one who created me and makes all the pieces fit together. Thank you, God for past days, present days and all that is to come.<br />
<br />eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-49516754990936479202015-10-07T21:44:00.001-04:002015-10-07T21:44:21.230-04:00Today is October 7, 2015. It was a beautiful fall day. Fall is my favorite season for many reasons. I love the cooler weather, the changing colors of the leaves and the spectacular October blue skies. Tonight, a rocket was launched from Wallops Island. Supposedly, the colors from the launch could be seen from many miles away. My husband and I went out at the time it was said to see the greens and reds, but because we are surrounded by trees, no such sight for us. I hope to see some pictures from those who saw the colors. Even so, it was nice to be out at twilight and look up at the darkening sky. I'll keep looking up! Thank you, God, for Autumn.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-31042112103478703362015-06-05T11:32:00.000-04:002015-06-05T19:55:28.825-04:00Seven Countries in Fifteen Days<br />
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On May 7th, my husband, friend Patti and I went on quite an adventure! We left from Dulles Airport around 11:30 PM on May 7th. As we were in midair, my husband reached over and said, "Happy Birthday" and gave me a kiss. I would be landing in Sarajevo, Bosnia on my birthday. We first landed in Istanbul to change planes and continue on to Sarajevo. While waiting for our next flight, our departure gate was changed 3 times. We scurried through the maze of people and luggage to get to our newly assigned gate each time. We were about an hour late arriving in Sarajevo, but our driver, Neno, was waiting patiently for us. Sarajevo Airport is much smaller and less confusing than Istanbul. Neno is a Christian that we were put in contact with through some missionary friends from Sarajevo whom we had met in Fredericksburg about 3 years ago. He took us to our hotel, Halvat Guesthouse but picked up our second driver, Mladen on the way. Between, Neno and Mladen, we would be chauffeured around Bosnia and finally on to Croatia. While in Bosnia, Mladen took us to the Orthopedic Hospital, where David's company, Guardian Glass had donated glass after the airplane crash. There is a plaque at the hospital in David's memory. Mladen drove us on Sunday, May 10th, to Dubrovnik, Croatia with a stop for lunch in Mostar, Bosnia where he and his wife Violetta had gone to Bible College. While in Croatia, Garland, Patti and I climbed St. John's Mountain where the plane David was on had crashed on April 3, 1996. I am very thankful to have been able to pay tribute to David's life by doing this. The view of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding mountains was breathtaking! We also visited Old Town Dubrovnik where the Ronald Brown Memorial House is with pictures of David and several of the others who were on the plane. This room was a special time to view the plaques, pictures and sign the guestbook. I hope to return to Dubrovnik one day and stay for a few days. It's a beautiful and old city. </div>
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Our next stop was Rome where we rented a car and drove to Pompeii to spend the night. Pompeii requires a lot of walking. We figure we walked more than 10 miles that day. We also got lost in the ruins more than once. Then, we left for Rome to see the Coliseum, The Spanish Steps, The Vatican and St. Peter's Cathedral as well as the Sistine Chapel. By the time we were in the Sistine Chapel, we just wanted to see the Rotunda where Michelangelo painted the ceiling. It was taking too long to get there, so Patti recommended ducking under the rope. Garland did and got away with it, but Patti and I and 2 other girls were caught by the guards and made to go back under the ropes. Arrgggh! We did elude the ever-watchful guards later and caught up with Garland.<br />
It was then onto Pisa, Florence and Venice. Pisa is a quiet town with the Leaning Tower and the Basilica being the main attractions. I would go back there too as it is very lovely. We would probably stay at the Hotel Crown Victoria next time. This is where Megan and her friend Erica had stayed when they went to Pisa. We couldn't get reservations this time so we stayed at the Hotel Bologna. Our trip to Florence to see Michaelangelo's statue of David, didn't work out. We did make it to Florence, but the line to see the statue wrapped around the museum and there just wasn't enough time to wait as we had to go on to Venice. Venice is interesting too. Easy to get lost there as well, even with maps. Lovely canals and old buildings. It makes you wonder with all the buildings standing in water, how they manage to remain standing.</div>
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After Venice, we drove to our hotel near Marco Polo Airport. The hotel, Villa Braida is an old estate and I would love to go back there and just enjoy the space. We woke early the next morning, May 16, to get to Marco Polo Airport for our next flight to Paris. I slept very well at Villa Braida with opened windows as there is no air conditioning, but it was a cool night. I awoke to the sound of goat herding bells and baaaa-ing. Nice!!</div>
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Paris Airport was fun as we had an entertaining french Hertz agent. Patti said he reminded her of Tom Gordon who we knew from the Y. Patti told him she was old enough to be his mother so he better be good. That led to a whole conversation about his mother. He said, I never thought I would be talking about my mother at work!! It was fun and he gave us a car upgrade because of the interchange. Then we drove to Versailles and walked around the town. The next day we visited Versailles Palace. The line was intimidatingly long. Garland had been to Versailles in 1974 when there was no one there. We waited in line and then Garland went ahead to check out of our hotel while Patti and I were pushed along by the mass of people in the palace. We were told that about 27,000 people go through there every day.</div>
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Next stop was to the north of France to Bayeux where D Day occurred in the Normandy region of France. This is a beautiful region, very much in the country. We stayed at the Budget Ibis as we had stayed at an Ibis Hotel in Versailles. Not much in the way of frills, but for the money, it was very clean and just right. We visited the spot where the Army Rangers scaled the beachhead at Normandy, called Pointe de Hoc. We also visited Omaha Beach and the German Cemetery as well as the American Museum and American Cemetery which is where you exit as you leave the museum. It was a cold and rainy day which added to the somber feeling of the experience.<br />
The Notre Dame of Bayeux is beautiful which we toured later while Garland went back to the laundromat to put his clothes in the dryer. There's a fun story about this, but not now.<br />
After Bayeux, it was back to Paris to drop off the rental car at train station, Gare Est. By the way, if you ever have to drop off a Hertz rental at Gare Est in Paris, go to the right side of the train station to Parking Garage 2, then go to sub floor 5 to park it and then sub floor 1 to drop off the keys and get paperwork signed. The Hertz' signs are super tiny. We took the fast train to Luxembourg, where Anouk and Claude met us with a welcoming sign. They had hoped to see us as we exited the train, but somehow we didn't see each other. Our hotel, The Best Western International, was just across the street, so they surprised us there in the lobby!! Anouk and Claude walked with us around the city of Luxembourg and took us to the Cathedral and by the palace of the Grand Duke. Anouk and Claude are the BEST. They went out of their way to do everything. I might add, they live an hour out of the city too. We had dinner with David Shartz, Miriam and Jackie after a long day.<br />
The next day we went to tour northern Luxembourg and into Bastogne, Belgium where Claude went to college and where the Battle of Bastogne occurred in 1944. The Belgians love Americans. We visited Clairveux, a monastery in Northern Luxembourg. We also visited the beautiful cathedral where Anouk and Claude were married near Clairveux. After that we went to The Cactus, the grocery store David and Deb would go to when they lived in Luxembourg,. Patti and I did some shopping there and in the attached mall, we bought a couple things for our grandchildren:)<br />
Anouk and Claude surprised us with a dinner with 8 of the classmates who had come to the States in 1995 with David and their teacher, Herre Biewer. He was at the surprise party too along with his wife and Gwendy, his daughter-in-law who also came in 1995 as the female chaperon. What an overwhelming feeling I had with their outpouring of love that night. Several of the kids' (who are now 30 years old) parents were there too. Patti and I were hoisted away by Henriette to see her home and her donkeys. Her house is just a few minutes away from the restaurant.<br />
Anouk took us the next morning to the airport to catch our flight to Istanbul.<br />
On May 21, we arrived in Istanbul and found our driver to take us to The Holiday Star hotel which is in the heart of Istanbul. A stone's throw from the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. We loved where we stayed in Istanbul. The manager of the hotel was excellent and very welcoming. Garland bought a 3 x 5 Turkish carpet. I fell on Thursday evening (the last full day of our vacation) as I was looking at everything and not watching where I was going. Long story short, I did break the lower part of my ankle bone. The swelling wasn't going down after about 10 days, so I went to Dr. Donato on Wednesday. I am in an ankle brace and it should heal just fine.<br />
We toured the Hagia Sofia right before leaving for the airport on May 22. Garland got a tour guide for us so we could go quickly through this old church. Great idea, Garland!!<br />
Then, the taxi driver, (arranged for us by our amazing hotel manager) took us to the airport and we flew home. We had quite a few- maybe 4 or 5 security check points at Istanbul prior to departure. No gate changes this time!<br />
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Home Sweet Home on the evening of May 22. Thank you God, for a trip of a lifetime. A better, much better trip than we could have imagined!! Thank you to my wonderful husband for his incredible trip planning and driving us through the highways of Italy- (Italian drivers only use the lines on the highway as suggestions) and through the crowded city of Paris. Garland, you did better than good.<br />
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eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-53894335608721550012015-01-09T12:50:00.000-05:002015-01-09T12:50:32.808-05:002015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0UGYvkO-s62TFUWibds9xdu-NpFSfUF9kuzCidFpV90n7IrQ8o9nM_PZNkWyuxg5HvD93PiDTaHgoC2EBasxBL_n0xKGrfXWRUTBNHxL0flREm0ToW21M-tAHxdjVyd3PSAj-Zt2XK8/s1600/SCAN0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0UGYvkO-s62TFUWibds9xdu-NpFSfUF9kuzCidFpV90n7IrQ8o9nM_PZNkWyuxg5HvD93PiDTaHgoC2EBasxBL_n0xKGrfXWRUTBNHxL0flREm0ToW21M-tAHxdjVyd3PSAj-Zt2XK8/s1600/SCAN0059.JPG" height="320" width="137" /></a>As I write this, it is the second day of the New Year. On December 17, just a little over 2 weeks ago, Mom entered God's presence around 3:30 AM. I was with her until around 8:15 PM the night before. Her eyes did not open while I was with her on December 16th. The night nurse at Mary Washington Hospital had called me just before 7 AM on the 16th. She asked me what time I would be in to help Mom with her breakfast. When I told her that I would be in around 8:45, she said I might want to come in a little earlier. Amy, the night nurse, told me that Mom's heart had done "a weird thing" in the middle of the night of the 16th. The evening of December 15th, Mom had been able to have her oxygen mask removed and just a nose tube at the tip of her nose was there to give her oxygen. She had aspirated on some food at Hughes Home on Sunday around 1 PM and had been taken to the Emergency Room. I was on my way to see her that day and actually passed the ambulance as it was leaving the Hughes Home parking lot. I wondered who might be in the ambulance. They had called the house phone to let me know she was on her way to the ER, but I had already left the house at that point. When I arrived at the ER, Mom had the full oxygen mask on and her eyes were closed. I stayed with her until around 4:15 and then left for church which would start at 5. They were getting her ready to move to a room on the 2nd floor. When I went back Sunday evening after church, she was in her second floor room at Mary Washington. She was asleep, so I just stayed with her a short time. On Monday morning when I went to her room, she still had the full oxygen mask on and through it, she said, "Help me." I know she was claustrophobic with it on. I said, I am trying to help you mom. Around 1:00, Tracy Lunceford, the Pastor from First Christian Church where Mom was a member and where we go now (in the morning), came in to pray over Mom. I think her eyes would open briefly, but not sure. When I went in to see Mom Monday evening, her oxygen mask was off. She was able to eat a full dinner of pureed pears, peaches, applesauce, mashed potatoes, vanilla pudding and thickened cranberry juice. I helped feed her, but she took the spoon for the pudding and fed herself! I turned on TV and she watched a little Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. The night nurse, Amy, came in and Mom looked right at her and said, "Call your Mama." I sent a picture to Megan and Rebecca to see and to say that,"Grandma is amazing", thinking she was rebounding. Then on Tuesday, December 16th, our Pastor Toby Larson came in to see Mom around 1 PM. The Hospice nurse had been in to tell me that Mom was in the final hours of her life. Toby prayed over Mom and together we read liturgy as Mom's Last Rites were read and prayed. I left the hospital for a couple hours just to go home. I came back around 4 PM. Sandy Ovitt came shortly after that and stayed with me the rest of the time. Mom was being moved to the Palliative Care floor, the 4th floor from her 2nd floor intermediate care room. During that evening, Sandy and I each put on a pair of green and red Christmas fuzzy socks on Mom's feet. Sandy put her left sock on and I put on her right sock. The Hospice nurse suggested if there was anyone who might want to say goodbye to Mom then maybe now would be a good time to do that. Sandy thought so too. I called Patsy so she could go down to Uncle Noah's. Patsy and Uncle Noah said goodbye over the phone. I called Megan, Rebecca (and Gordon Lee), Katy (Debbie was with her) and Douglas and held the phone for each to say their goodbyes and comforting words. Diana, Pam, Charlotte, and Mike were also able to talk to Mom. I am thankful I did that as I hadn't planned on doing this. Thank you God for the evening of December 15th as Mom and I had such a great evening together in her hospital room. I know Mom is with God and all of her family who ventured to heaven before her. Most especially, her Mom, my Dad, and her beloved David. I'll see you later, Mom. I love you.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-3202257456627228212014-07-10T12:32:00.001-04:002014-07-10T12:32:14.527-04:00July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I think about the month of July, there are many things that come to mind. My parents were married on the 4th of July. My brother and sister-in-law did the same thing 33 years after my parents. My grandson was born in July. Such happy days. Then on July 10th, 1995, God called my dad home to be with Him. This, I am sure, was a happy day for my dad. No more dialysis, no more pain. I am thankful God called Daddy to be with him while he was at home. He was planning a trip to Lexington, VA to do a bit of business the day that He died. He loved to travel. God had a bigger and better trip planned for him that day. As a Christian, we <b>know</b>, it is not goodbye at the point of separation by death, it is merely a see you later.<b> </b>I am currently reading a book by NT Wright called Surprised by Hope. The book gives new light into what heaven may be like. I don't think anyone has half an idea of what heaven is. All I do know is that we will be in for a <b>BIG </b>surprise. Also, I do believe, we will see and recognize those we knew on earth, but I don't really understand the particulars. It isn't necessary for me to understand, because then it wouldn't be much of a surprise. Thank you, God, for the events of July. We only have today, we needn't dwell on yesterday and we can't count on tomorrow. May I (we) live today to the fullest and rest in the assurance that God is in control.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-16173908175873518592014-06-01T15:34:00.000-04:002014-06-01T15:34:03.293-04:00Bed Making 101Today is June 1, a brand new month. As I reflect on some thoughts, one jumps right out at me from the following commencement speech for this year to The University of Texas at Austin given by Navy Admiral William H. McRaven. <a href="http://youtu.be/pxBQLFLei70">http://youtu.be/pxBQLFLei70</a> He says about a third of the way into the speech that the first thing he learned in Seal Training was to make his bed first thing each morning. His point being, that as you head out the door each day, you have no idea what kind of difficulties await you. You may have a lousy day, but at the end of that day, you can come back to your bedroom and see a neatly made bed and say at least I accomplished something. My husband has made a similar comment to our daughters and me. Maybe he learned this in his army training days. My husband's point is simply, it's nice to come home to a made bed. I may not make military corners and tucks in my bed making, however I do make my bed each morning. I add two pillows in their frilly shams and a decorative pillow in between those two. My husband doesn't get the point of the extra pillows, which just get tossed off of the bed at the end of the day. I, on the other hand, enjoy this extra step in the process. What is interesting is that I was out of town a few weeks ago and came home to find he had gone the extra step by putting the shammed pillows and pretty pillow neatly in their place. Sweet!<br />
My question to you is, have you made your bed today? If so, enjoy your first accomplishment of the day. If not, go make your bed.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-19882556734142370832014-03-12T11:45:00.002-04:002014-03-12T19:58:29.588-04:00March WindsAs I write this, I just heard from my daughter of the death of an acquaintance of hers. He was a Christian who was only 32 years old, the same age as my daughter. His story is in the Washington Post today and USA Today as he had been a soccer player for DC United. His name is Shawn Kuykendall if you want to read about this young man whose main thing was trusting God every step of the way. What I appreciated most, when reading about his life and his struggle with cancer, was his sense of purpose and his sense of humor. I think when push comes to shove, we all need to have Christ first and foremost and a sense of humor runs a close second. It's more than a saving knowledge of Christ really, it's a steadfast hope that God has a purpose for each of us. Our part is to go along for the adventure. Sometimes, the adventure is one we would much rather avoid, if it were up to us. Thankfully, God IS and always will be in control. <br />
As the wind is blowing outside today, I think about how God causes things to blow across our paths. Births, deaths and all the stuff in between punctuate our lives.We don't know which way the wind will blow. Sometimes, it blows from one direction, in our favor, only to turn the next minute and blow another way, against us~ forcing us to fight. God is like that. As He says in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.<br />
We can waste time and try to figure out God's plan or we can enjoy the life He gives to us and KNOW He has it all figured out, way before we were even born. <br />
When the wind blows and I am out in it, my hair loses any style it had. When my husband goes out on a windy day, his hair stays put. It's as if the wind isn't strong enough to matter. No matter what I would put on or in my hair, hairspray, styling gel, whatever thickening junk, the wind has a way of doing it's thing. My hair is super fine and that is the way God made it. God made my husband's hair to be super thick and unmovable in essence.<br />
I guess what I am trying to convey is even though we may be fragile or we may be strong, God is at work in us. I may notice the wind more because I see how it blows my hair so easily. There are other times, when yes, we see the wind blowing, but as with my husband's hair, it doesn't seem to affect us.<br />
On this windy March day, I don't know what God has planned, but I do know He will use whatever wind He chooses, a breeze or a gust, to accomplish His will in me. All I need to do is live my life for Him with a smile, a sense of humor and enjoy the adventure. May Shawn Kuykendall's family and friends be comforted in knowing he lived a life pleasing to God and his life continues to show God's purpose.<br />
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<br />eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-49637418320667772492014-01-14T15:00:00.002-05:002014-01-14T15:02:38.141-05:00Grandson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought I would take a few minutes to write some thoughts on my grandson. He is one smart and curious fellow. His teacher told his mommy yesterday that he is so smart, she (the teacher) can't teach him anything that he doesn't already know. He is only 2, but because he is potty-trained and is a quick learner, he is in the 3 year old preschool class. Well, the teacher is being kept on her toes with him. He is very focused both visually and auditorily when riding in the car. He listens for train sounds or canspot an airplane through the window. He gets semi-quiet when in his car seat, so his mom and dad know he's either learning by seeing and /or hearing or he's on his way to sleep. <br />
Most nights, right before his bedtime, he calls me to "get on 'puter' ". I say, "Ok, call you back on the computer." I then do just that. I hold up several books for him to choose from, in order to read one to him before saying goodnight. The past few nights, he has wanted the same book, one called <u>My First Medical Bag</u>. Hmm, do we have a future doctor? When his mommy was about his age, she tugged on our doctor's coat to get his attention. She then told him she was going to be a doctor someday. I have been praying for my bundle of energy grandson to have the fruit of the Spirit~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23<br />
I am so grateful that God has blessed us with such a strong little guy in body, mind and most importantly spirit. God, please continue to instill Your qualities in his life. May I seek to find new ways to engage him and experience life through his eyes.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-91058166440267019862014-01-08T13:08:00.000-05:002014-01-08T13:08:25.700-05:002014<br />
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Welcome to 2014! We are just into the beginning of a c-c-cold January. Although we have only had a dusting of snow since the New Year began (not like the picture), the temperature has been b-r-r-r-r. Yesterday, every state registered temperatures below freezing! I don't see how that included Hawaii, but who's to question the weatherman, right? We started off the day at 5 degrees. Schools were closed due to the frigid weather. Even today, schools around here opened 2 hours late to help the kiddos and their teachers ease back into their routine of getting up and out the door. Some people were interviewed on the news last night and were asked to finish this sentence, "It's so cold that...." One response was, "It's so cold that I can't even finish the sentence." <br />
What does the cold do to us? Well, if we lived in New England or in Alaska, we probably wouldn't even consider this as that bad. I have often said that if I had been a Pilgrim in Massachusetts, I would have been a wimpy Pilgrim and probably wouldn't have survived that first blustery winter. I layered up, gloved my hands and donned a woolen hat yesterday to run errands, yes run is the key word. Our 11 pound miniature daschund bolts back inside after a 10 second bathroom excursion. So, the cold helps us fully appreciate warmth. We have warm water for showers, thermostats that register inside temps. in the 60's and 70's. Last night for dinner, I had a bowl of hot goose soup. I know that sounds silly, "Goose Soup", but that's what my husband made after our Christmas goose dinner. The sun is a welcome friend on these bone chilling days. On these bitter cold nights, looking up into the clear sky and seeing the brightly shining stars and constellations is a little gift of warmth. <br />
So here's to warm thoughts and warmer days in 2014. <br />
eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-75409275766631003192013-11-18T17:53:00.001-05:002013-11-18T17:53:36.122-05:0035 years agoOn November 24, 1978, I became Mrs. Garland Westmoreland. It was the day after Thanksgiving. He thought it was a great idea to get married the day after Thanksgiving, so that he would never forget our anniversary. What he didn't know, at the tender age of 25, was that Thanksgiving was NOT like The 4th of July, Christmas and New Years' Day. Thanksgiving doesn't fall on the same date each year. So when our very first anniversary rolled around, he nearly missed it because he was waiting until the day after Thanksgiving. <br />
I wanted to get married in the fall of the year. Truth be told, he didn't much care about the wedding, date or any of that. It was a blustery day and perfect. As I think back, it doesn't seem like 35 years have gone by. We have had 2 beautiful daughters, added one terrific son-in-law and have 1 absolutely amazing grandson! We are both enjoying this "fall" season of our marriage. Now, Mr. W. might call it the "winter" season of marriage as his side of the family tends to die off or reach their expiration date, as he says, in their 60's. My side, on the other hand, are still going strong in their 80's and 90's.<br />
To celebrate these 35 years, we will go out to dinner and then see Romeo and Juliet in our Nation's Capital on our actual anniversary. That seems appropriate, huh.<br />
I am so very thankful that God brought this soldier boy into my life. If you ask anyone who knows him, he is one of a kind, but don't have them elaborate. Love you, Garland Deen!!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-4835351919866879522013-10-02T11:59:00.001-04:002013-10-02T11:59:55.666-04:00It's Fall!<br />
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Even thought the temperature is in the 80's today, fall has officially begun. In just a few weeks, the trees will become glorious shades of red, orange, purple and yellow. The air WILL get cooler. For now, I am enjoying the transition of warm days and pleasant evenings. It's still great tennis weather or for that matter most any outdoor activity you like. I just returned from a few days with my daughter and family. My grandson loves to be outside. I took him to the playground twice while there. After being on the slides, in the tunnels, on the dirt pile and in general playing, he heard the sound of a train in the distance. He will cup his ear, listen to the sound and say, "Choo-choo wake up!!" Then he runs to a steering wheel on the platform of the equipment and turns the wheel in all seriousness. You see, it is HIS job to manage that unseen train. He can hear it on the tracks, but it isn't visible. Then he will say, "Choo-choo coming through!" When the sound of the choo-choo chugs away, his job is done, that is until the next train is heard. I do have fun playing with this boy. He is alert and so smart. His mommy told me that he made a new friend the other day on the playground. My daughter said it was so fun to watch them play well together and to enjoy each other's company. So like my little grandson and this Nana, get out there and have fun in the fall! Thanks God, for this, my favorite season of all!!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-37206576682240553032013-08-01T13:02:00.000-04:002013-08-01T13:02:07.222-04:00A Busy JulyWelcome to August. July was super busy and fun. It started off spending a few days with my daughter, son-in-law and grandson as the wonderful little one turned 2! I made us matching shirts. His said, "I'm 2, Woo-Hoo". Mine said, "I'm 62, Boo-Hoo". We were suppose to all run a 5K for the 4th of July, but 5:45 AM seemed like a terrible time to wake up.<br />
I traveled quite a bit in July. After the trip to be with the birthday boy, I traveled back to my roots. Almost heaven, West Virginia. I visited my cousin near Charleston. There, she gave me my first ever 4 wheeler ride. We rode over part of their 150 acre fish farm!! Now that's a little taste of West Virginia. Needless to say, I held on tight. The next day, we went to the town where my father was from. My cousin and I were given a tour of the home my dad grew up in. It is now owned by people who knew my dad as well as my grandparents. The gentleman was kind to show us a table in the Sitting Room that my grandfather, whom I never met, made by hand. My grandfather also built the home my father lived in. <br />
My cousin and I went on to The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs and strolled through the shops. We were surprised to see many Boy Scout Troop Leaders staying there. Aren't Boy Scouts suppose to rough it???<br />
Later, that week, we went to Lost Creek , West Virginia to have a family reunion with my mother's side of the family. My mother graduated from Lost Creek High School in 1943. It was wonderful to see my cousins again and meet some new ones too!!<br />
When I returned from WV, my husband and I took some friends who will be moving away soon, to see obscure monuments in Washington, DC. The Einstein one and the "Full Count" Baseball one are my 2 favorites of the 11 or 12 we saw that day. Then, on Saturday, July 27, my husband and I and 2 other couples took in the Nats-Mets game at Nationals' Stadium. We had super seats!!! To top it off, the Nats won 4-1!! Whoopie!!<br />
This past Monday, I took a trip to Newport, NC to visit my only living uncle and aunt and more cousins:) My Uncle Noah recently had quadruple bypass surgery and is doing very well. They have lived in Newport for 13 years and this was my first trip to see them. About time!<br />
Let's wait and see what August holds. Thank you, God, for safety in my travels and for the memories.<br />
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eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-36390936038966898032013-06-22T17:32:00.001-04:002013-06-22T17:32:24.215-04:00Quiet DaysI don't know about you, but for me, I enjoy quiet days. Today has been one of them. My husband has been on a day trip today in Maryland. So what did I do with my day? Well, I fixed eggs, bacon and toast for breakfast. I called a sweet 5 year old and wished her a happy 5th birthday! Then I pulled a few weeds from my very small vegetable garden and inspected some not-yet-ripe tomatoes. I vacuumed, dusted and cleaned countertops. I tend to be a clutterer and more often than I like to say, I need to wipe the counters and tabletops free of clutter- at least for a day:) Next on my list of things to do was to call a friend. She is unable to drive until she gets some relief from her back pain, so I went to a super grocery store called Wegmans and bought her a salad, vegetable soup, watermelon slices and some sugar-free cookies and took them to her. I then came home, put away my groceries, ate lunch and folded laundry. After that, I put away some winter clothes and laid out my clothes for church tomorrow. I read over the section of Scripture that I need to read at church tomorrow. I fixed myself an afternoon cup of coffee, looked through the mail, and checked Facebook and emails. I set the coffeepot for tomorrow morning's brew and now it's almost dinnertime. Such a lovely, quiet day. Thank you, Lord, for days like this one.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-61968938551594151292013-05-16T13:34:00.000-04:002013-05-16T13:34:56.665-04:00Who Knows, God Does!As I visited my mom today, her eyes were closed. The past couple of weeks, my mom seems to be coming to the close of her life here with me. She is still eating, so her mouth is at least open. Her food is now pureed for easier swallowing. I go to spend time with my mom, not that she is aware of my presence, but simply to be with her. I speak into her ear, "Mom, it is OK for you to go. You made me strong. I will be alright. Hug Daddy, David and Grandma for me when you see them". The truth is, I don't know if this is her time or nearly her time to depart a life of unawareness and related inabilities that come with the latter stages of dementia. I do know, that this is not the life I would choose for mom, nor is it the life she would desire to have. However, for reasons I cannot see, it is a slice of the life God has planned for her now. <br />
Her caregivers meet her daily needs, just as she did for her own mother and many other women whom she cared for in her home after her retirement from the government. Her friend, Wilma, is her constant companion, watching over her, worrying about her and being there with her. Wilma also has a type of dementia but can still walk, feed herself and hear.<br />
As I am praying for God's peace for my mom as she slips further from earth and closer to heaven and into her new life free from confusion, I have to admit a yearning to hold her close.<br />
Mother's Day just past. I was born a few days before Mother's Day 60+ years ago! The bond with my mother has been and continues to be a strong one. So God, hold my mom close as she draws near to You. I am thankful for Your love for her, for choosing her to be my mom and for the confidence of knowing that I will see her again fully whole and happy in Your Presence. Amen.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-30428174128835158182013-04-02T14:26:00.002-04:002013-04-02T14:26:27.182-04:00My Brother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I was just beginning to talk, my parents told me that I was going to have a baby brother or sister. Not that I remember, but my mother said she asked me if I wanted a brother or a sister. I was told I said, in my toddler speech, "brother". God honored my request and on January 23, 1953, I was given a baby brother. Thank you, God, for giving to me <strong>the most amazing</strong> brother I could have ever imagined. <br />
In many ways, if you looked at us, you would think, how could these two children be related? We didn't look alike, well maybe our noses were similar. David had my mom's features, where I favored my dad. David and I differed in personality too. He was out-going, I was shy. In many ways, even though he was 19 months younger than me, he was my <strong>big</strong> brother. I didn't want to talk to people, he thrived in interacting with anyone.<br />
There are siblings who don't get along with each other, not so with David and me. I loved him and I know he returned this "brotherly/sisterly" love everyday.<br />
When David was 40 years old, he became my double-brother when he trusted Christ as the Savior and Lord of his life. I had become a Christian at 18 years of age as a freshman in college and began the adventure of what it means to be a Christian. I shared Christ with my brother shortly afterwards, but God's timing for him to come to this saving knowledge came many years later in another country. David grew as a Christian faster than anyone I have ever seen!<br />
Then without warning, God took David to be with Him on April 3, 1996. This too, happened in another country away from David's homeland of the United States and his home in Luxembourg. David died instantly on a mountainside in Croatia when the plane he was in hit the mountain. I miss him to this day. More importantly, I will see him again. Although I don't understand how I will recognize him, I know that I will~instantly.<br />
Thank you, God, for David. Heavenly Father, please hug my brother for me. Thanks!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-19605467071272308342013-03-26T21:31:00.001-04:002013-03-26T21:31:15.346-04:00Wanting to read The Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a joy it is to see Gordon Lee reach for his Bible. Granted, he can't read yet, but it is neat to see his excitement when his mommy hands him his Bible. Love hearing him say, "my Bible."eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-62245607161360746952013-03-18T20:36:00.000-04:002015-02-25T15:25:52.940-05:00Bus and Bus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Grandson is becoming such a vocal observer. Yesterday while stopped at a light, he looked over to see a long line of school buses. He said, "bus". Noticing another bus in the line, he said "bus" again. Then he said bus and bus to let his mommy know there was more than just 2 buses. His mommy said, "There's a bunch of buses." After a brief moment of processing what she said, he giggled in response.<br />
This reminds me of a time when I was his age. My mom told me we were driving by a field of cows. She has told me that when I saw 1 cow and I said, "cow". Then I saw another cow and said, " a nutty cow". Again after seeing another cow, I said "a nutty cow." Apparently I said this upon seeing each cow in the field. I don't know if my mother said,"Yes, a bunch of cows" however, knowing my mom, she probably listened to me say "a nutty cow" until we were past the field. Since I lived in West Virginia as a young child, I would imagine there were many "nutty cows" to see!<br />
It's interesting to see the above video of this sweet boy observing buses and more buses and "the nutty cow" story. Thanks, God, that I am this child's grandma!!! eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-2364649735688573012013-02-19T15:56:00.000-05:002013-02-19T18:46:44.970-05:00Nineteen Months and Making Connections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just got home from being with my daughter, son-in-law and the sweetest grandson EVER in their lovely home. I helped a little with the laundry, which does pile up with an active nineteen month old!! With my daughter working fulltime, the laundry does get washed but the folding and putting away part is hard to manage on a day-to-day basis. Little Gordon Lee is a big helper though with the household chores of sorting and putting his own books and toys away. YAY!!! Which leads me to the topic of this post. While visiting, I noticed that this little bundle of energy is quick to make connections between his books, stuffed animals, pictures, and objects in general. I was amazed when he was just over a year old when my daughter showed me how he grouped a yellow star, a yellow drum stick, a yellow block and a yellow ball in a separate group. Now that he is nineteen months, he will grab his "duck duck", his duck blanket, his book about ducks and his rubber duckie and bring them for us to see. He also likes ALL of his books in one drawer. Even if that means stuffing them in there until the drawer can't shut. I observed this first hand when I tried to get him to put some of the books in another drawer so there would be more room. He is determined to make it work because this drawer MUST be the BOOK drawer. He even knows whose shoes are whose. When he wants to go outside, he will bring his mommy her shoes or his daddy's shoes to him or my shoes to me and help us put them on. In the above picture, he had fun wearing his daddy's boots;) <br />
He is in the beginning stages of the "potty connection". He is a quick learner but wants his privacy in there. My son-in-law figured out he likes his privacy, so he closed the door enough to keep an eye on him and then when he heard the "potty chair" tune, he opened the door wide and really celebrated the moment with a star on the calendar. He, (my grandson that is, not my son-in-law) would run to the calendar to watch us draw the star. It is an amazement to me to see how one so young can organize, catagorize, and internalize so many skills. Thank you God for blessing Gordon Lee with these skills and talents to be organized and to learn so quickly!!!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-19387959014191300062013-01-02T15:19:00.002-05:002013-01-02T15:24:30.299-05:00A Brand New Year2013 is only 2 days old. Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours helping my mom move to a bigger room at the Assisted Living Home. This was good because I was able to weed through some of her clothes and bid them farewell as they had served her well for many years. I bought her a new comforter set in her favorite color of green. She says she likes green because it's the color of money. Next, I came home and took down all the Christmas decorations and my husband took the rapidly-dropping needles-fir-tree outside! Tomorrow will be my husband's 60th birthday. So I am having a small birthday celebration so that his friends can crack jokes about him and eat cake. I am 18 months older than my husband. He has razzed me about "robbing the cradle" for many years. On the 3rd day of this New Year, I will spiffy up the house, set the table cafeteria-style and celebrate with my "birthday boy" husband and friends. Life is about celebrating!! Our church is called Celebration Church because everything God teaches us<strong> is</strong> something to celebrate as our Pastor tells us. Even when one is turning 6-0.<br />
Although I don't make New Year's resolutions, I do want to listen more carefully. Several times just last week, I anticipated what someone was going to say and consequently didn't "hear" what was said. I know my hearing ain't what it should be, but I do believe listening is my main problem. Happy New Year and may you see and hear in each day all that God has already laid out for you. Listen to Him.eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-86433736348214202272012-12-13T09:26:00.002-05:002012-12-13T18:52:13.756-05:00Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PLLVlD0oxwPi4c3Yu2cb0gqLhD72VQ1ykaGioOn1ek4phiRlm1PEUXxI1L_uOB_ihopg05sf77dXOEaSgaf3EAp0hGykWlcnBm2QkwUa-bzKfnHjvB-U9lRtJ-8JjzfzVxeECVbc27Y/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PLLVlD0oxwPi4c3Yu2cb0gqLhD72VQ1ykaGioOn1ek4phiRlm1PEUXxI1L_uOB_ihopg05sf77dXOEaSgaf3EAp0hGykWlcnBm2QkwUa-bzKfnHjvB-U9lRtJ-8JjzfzVxeECVbc27Y/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a>When our older daughter was in kndergarten, her class sang a song for the Christmas Program called, "Christmas is a Time to Love". As I was reflecting on the words of this song, which I am sure has many Youtube videos to watch, it reminded me of all that God's gift of Jesus means to me. Our younger daughter is currently teaching a 3 year-old class and they are busily practicing, rehaearsing, being fitted with costumes and full of joy as they prepare to present their version of the Christmas Story tomorrow for the parents. I would love to be a jingle bell in that room and hear the excitement, the words that weren't rehearsed and the expressions on their faces, their parents' faces and my own daughter's face:) <br />
I was teaching the little ones at my church a couple of Sundays ago. There were only 4 childen in the class that day. We were making Advent ornaments and I was telling the children that Jesus is the BEST gift of all at Christmas. I have one in the class that is an especially deep thinker. He said, <br />
"Jesus is the BEST gift everyday of the year." Outdone once again by someone much, much younger but much wiser than his teacher.<br />
So this Christmas, may we each hold the wonder of all that God has done for us, which truly is more than we can fathom. In the words of an old hymn, "God rest ye merry gentlemen ( and women and children), let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day...."<br />
Merry Christmas!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-53921693505865494852012-10-23T18:15:00.000-04:002012-10-23T18:30:49.958-04:00The Mattress DebateFor the past few weeks, President Obama and Mitt Romney have been debating issues that pertain to our country. They each want what is best for us. Although, there is no way anyone who is hooked on Obama or on Romney will be swayed to change their opinion of who should be the next leader of America. The die is cast as they say. However, there is another debate that is ongoing. It is The Great Mattress Debate. Today, our new extra firm Simmons Beautyrest Classic was delivered. Yesterday, when my husband and I decided to purchase a new mattress set, I had an idea of what kind of mattress I wanted. Our daughter had told me about the Westin Heavenly mattress and the one we purchased is very much like the Heavenly one. My husband said the decision was totally mine as apparently he didn't want to lie down on the numerous beds to try them out. So, I was presented with an array of mattress choices. There's your traditional mattress with coils. Some have thicker, sturdier coils. You have your extra plush <em>top of the line</em> traditional mattresses. There are pillowtop mattresses which I had been told by a friend not to get that kind. Also, there are latex mattresses made from tree sap. I think rubber tree sap, but maybe some other tree. Then there are memory foam ones. There are sleep number beds, but I don't want to plug in my bed to an electric socket to sleep.There are water beds, but the sensation of being at sea while sleeping isn't appealing. I guess I never realized what a weighty decision I had to make. I tend to be a fast decision maker, so after lying down on various ones (by the way, they all felt good), I chose the one my daughter recommended. The one that I was leaning towards prior to seeing any of them. I sure hope my night's sleep is a heavenly one tonight!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-30080543710626919142012-10-17T11:52:00.001-04:002012-10-23T17:56:50.848-04:00G. Lee 3 at 15 months<br />
<img alt="Photo: Gordon Lee nonchalantly escaping our living room barricade." class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="403" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/420864_778092798891_160260112_n.jpg" width="403" /><br />
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As I sit here waiting for a friend to visit from NC, I have a few minutes to write about this sweetheart in the picture. Last October, I blogged about a happy 3 month old who had to be propped up next to a pumpkin bigger than he was for an autumnal photo op. This October, G. Lee 3 is on the move and on the move some more. He loves to be "youtyide" as he says. He loves books, he loves his bath and loves to do lots of fine motor activities. Years ago, when my older daughter was his age, a wise friend told me to let the kids mess up the room and try not to let the constant state of disorder get to me. I have kept that advise and am happy to see that my younger daughter doesn't fret over her little guy's toys and books everywhere. Yes, she and her husband pick up the clutter when company is coming and sweet baby boy quickly makes company feel at home by bringing a ball, blocks, stuffed animals and books out of their "hiding places" to share with those who visit. Then everyone feels right at home!! They are only little once and he <strong>is</strong> learning to pick up his toys and books when we sing the "clean up" song. People, there is just so much to do and learn when you are 15 months old, don't ya know! Anyway, thank you God for this contented, well-adjusted, smart, adorable, fun and always on the move grandson of mine!!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-29688875748234678872012-09-25T16:19:00.002-04:002012-09-25T17:19:42.831-04:00An Observation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just last week, I was on a girls' vacation with 2 of my friends. We had a relaxing week at the beach. During this time, we played tennis- Australian style- meaning 1 against 2, swam in the ocean with the fishies, visited a botanical garden, did a little shopping and enjoyed every minute. One day it rained and poured, but we still went out and did non-beach things, like shopping and eating. I loved watching the fish through the waves. As the sun shone through the waves, we could see small fish playing and probably trying to out-swim the bigger more aggressive fish interested in making these little guys their next snack. On one of our days in the water, many small fish acrobated themselves out of the water dodging my friend standing in their path. It was fun to see, but a little scary for said friend.<br />
I really enjoyed just being in the ocean. I don't think I have ever been in more then a half an hour at one time in my life, but on this vacation, my friend and I went in for at least an hour on two different days. Wow! I might add in case my niece is reading this that the ocean was very,very calm on those two days and we were in no danger of being eaten and spit out! Another side benefit was I didn't get a sunburn.<br />
I loved watching the families with their young children. It was great seeing moms, dads and kiddoes relaxing and enjoying each others' company. Dodging the waves, digging in the sand, and eating gritty <strong>"sand"</strong>wiches- literally!! As the waves, birds, fish and sky declared the wonders of Our Heavenly Father, I would whole-heartedly say- Amen!!!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712964207941740294.post-40242689086332519412012-09-04T17:43:00.000-04:002012-09-04T17:47:12.918-04:00Happy Brthday to My 1st Born!On September 4, 1981, at 7:49 AM, I met my first child face to face. I won't go into any labor stories because there are more than enough of those. My first thought upon seeing her was that something magical had just happened. I clearly remember having the feeling that the doctor had just performed a trick akin to pulling a rabbit out of a hat. It was truly amazing. My husband had been with me through the loooooonnnnnnggggg labor part, but chose to skip the delivery and call my parents and his mom to let them know that their grandchild was about to be born. This were be the first grandchild for my parents and the fourteenth one for my husband's mom. I wasn't in the delivery room for very long at all. By the time baby girl and I were wheeled to the recovery room, there was my mom eager to greet her granddaughter. Her first name was a name that I carried around in my mind for several years thinking that if I ever had a daughter, this would be her name. Her middle name is her paternal grandmother's first name. So Happy 31 to a most wonderful, beautiful, caring, fun-loving, intelligent, contented, etc., etc. daughter. Thank you so very much, God!!eastlesswaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14945406367491702829noreply@blogger.com0