Where's My Routine?

We are back in Georgia from a summer up north!

This is bittersweet, as I had to say a temporary goodbye to my side of the family...but then, a hello again to Jim's side of the family!

We spent a great July traveling to Washington, spending 10 fun-filled days with the Bailey Bunch, and traveling back Shell lake, MN. I can see myself living in Washington, or closer than we are now, being able to be a part of the lives of my daughter, Robin, her husband, Ted, and our grand-children: Natalie, Will, and Lydia. But, I truly can see us living anywhere we have family, be it Moorhead, MN, Alexandria, VA, Lexington, KY or right here in Georgia. I can't be in five places all of the time but I can be in five places some of the time.

I have learned that it's hard to and I can no longer make promises. The best I can do is say...., God willing! Last winter, we'd planned to be in Washington around Christmas, and ended up in Isanti, MN. This August, we'd planned to attend Robin's triathalon in Seattle, WA but Tracy gave birth to Briggs!!! YAY!!! And Aunt Robin even ditched her tri to be with Tracy! I had also said yes to watching Robin's kids while she and her husband go on a 10 day missions trip to Cambodia in January...but that, too, is on hold as Briggs may have heart surgery around that time and Tracy may need me too. The Lord knows I want to BE THERE for my kids when they need me...so, I don't understand, but I will pray. And I will go where I can, according to God's timing.

Briggs was born a very special baby in many ways. He was so loved and prayed over before he was born and then the news came, a few hours later that he was a Down's baby. That took nothing away from who he is or the joy over his birth...it just added an element of concern about something we didn't know or understand. Then a little later, the same day, that he had a significant hole in his heart and would need an operation within 6 months, probably. Here, the concern deepened. Surgery is scary even when you are grown. Briggs Benjamin is such a sweet child and so loved. He has an attentive, gentle big brother who will be his teacher and protector and wonderful parents who would move the earth for him. God is so good and I believe He will see us all through any crisis we imagine. Our God can do anything! I kept telling Briggs to memorize my face so he knows me next time!

I thank Him that we had time to spend with Tracy, Jeremy, Owen and Briggs before Sarah Mae's baby, Temperance Grace Parham was born. Tempie is just a doll! She has a beautiful skin tone and nice ricebud lips that I think Sarah Mae called juicy. Tempie has the longest fingers I have ever seen on a baby and I am sure this means something for her future vocation or hobby. She seems quite calm in a home with 2 inquisitive dogs who also vie for attention. She appears to have a laid back disposition, which speaks of her Mom and Dad. Their cozy little home now seems complete. Sarah's Mom, Carrie, is staying with them for 2 weeks to help out. Bert's mom, Lynn, is on her way. We only stayed a day but will go back when others have cleared out for a bit, although I know Hiway 75 will be torn up all the way to Lexington with 3 sets of granparents traveling back and forth.

We had time to spend with Rachel in Alexandria, VA before going to Lexington and I have to say that I felt like I had gone back in time to the time I had my first apartment and was on my own in a place where I knew no one, Glen Burnie, MD...almost 10 years ago. As I walked into her apartment, I smelled my own and wondered if all apartment owners use the same brand paint, carpet, and cleaners. Rachel has a knack for "decorating on a dime" and the place looked like a million bucks, to me! She loves her job at Nordstroms and is a successful salesperson. She has met and sold to several popular people, such as American Idol David Cook, Senator Gephart, Atlanta Braves baseball players, Manager Joe Torres, and others I cannot recall. She is bubbly and happy and filled with joy as she begins her new life and we are so proud of her!

Yesterday, James and Jamie stopped by for an early supper of Minnesota-caught fish and a new ice cream dessert I tried. They were on their way back from a Bulldogs game and it was so nice to see them in their matching Pamama City, Florida T-shirts. Jamie said they have got to start checking when they pack for a trip, but it was so cute! We had such a nice visit but they did have more driving yet to get home and get ready for the work week, as they are both teachers. I think they are up to 7 dogs and 2 cats and has ready-family members nearby to help watch them so they can travel occasionally. Lexington and Tempie will be their destination for fall break, which is the same time Rachel will be going. Something tells me that Bert and Sarah Mae will not have many 'alone' weekends.

So now, we have got most of our cleaning done, most of our laundry done, and are trying to settle into our old routines. Normally, we would be on the lake and fishing before or right after breakfast, break for a late breakfast or lunch, go out and fish some more...or take a nap first. Make supper then go out again, or the other way around. Now we are floundering...ok, pun intended. What WAS our old routine? We are slowly finding our way, as Jim looks for work and I attempt starting a new volunteer job at church with a new pastor (new to me). After Briggs has his surgery and recovery, I will also be looking for work. And in this process, we seek His face and His blessing, and His plans for our day, every day.

Lazybones

I Love to write and I love to share my thoughts with others, so what is the problem? Why can't I keep up a blog? Well, here I go again...my daughter has given me some of her steam...let's try again, shall we?

Since the last time I've written, we have a new president, we am living at the lake, Belle was deathly ill and is now recovered, I lost 20 pounds and gained alot back...ladedadeda.

What's going on now? We fish, eat, read, and sleep. Life is rough. Should we go to town and do laundry or wait for a rainy day? That's one of our biggest weekly decisions.

We worship at a great place called The Northwoods Harvest Barn Church at 6 pm on Sunday evenings. It's called Cowboy Church. We open with the Pledge of Allegiance and close with Happy Trails to You. The local talent is a mixed bag, sometimes the singing is hard to listen to, but their hearts are sold out to the Lord and that comes through beautifully! They play the spoons, guitar, bango, a washtub base and we all have a wonderful time. The part-time preacher, Brian Erickson, is truly annointed. He shares a Cowboy Poem, gives heartfelt prayers, and preaches a message that can strike a chord with all. They have a potluck meal before and after you are invited to come on down to finish it off and have dessert. This place is found between mile markers 48 and 49 going east on Highway 34 out of Detroit Lakes. Come on out...you will love it!

Oh, I caught a 6.5 pound walleye...check out the photo. Have to go wake up sleeping beauty so we can get back on the lake...oh, did I mention that we nap?

Surviving the Snow

Yes, hello, we do have snow! Here we are in Minnesota for Christmas...not our plan, but we do have joy in following God's plan! I never know what will happen next but right now we are in Minnesota for a few months keeping company with some amazing relatives. Jim is helping an uncle with his business while he take radiation and chemo, possibly surgery. Now we know how hard he has always worked! I am helping do what I can to be a bonus for my aunt and maybe lighten her load a little.

I am getting used to the cold again and driving on snow and ice. Poor Jim is just plain being a good sport. I don't think he will ever enjoy winter in Minnesota like we do...but he does like summer here! No one has to worry that Jim will leave the south...that will never happen, rest assured. But Jim does have a heart for people and an ear for God. He is obedient. He is my role model.

Our dog, Belle, thinks snow is okay if it's above zero with no wind. Otherwise, she starts to freeze before she is half done with her business and hops around on two legs until she can't take it then lays in the snow until I scoop her up. She has gotten quite attached to my uncle and cuddles and gives him comfort. She defends us all from the dreaded dryer timer..that's when she gets some exercise.

I've sewn a couple quilts and have gotten in some reading, but I want to be more useful to my aunt and pray for her to get an idea on something I can do for her when she is at work. I am still losing weight on Weight Watchers, but expect to have a little set-back from Christmas. I will step up the exercise when we get back.

We are staying with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson over Christmas and really had fun watching him open gifts. Christmas is so special with children around! Original plans were to be in Washington, I thank Him that we have such understanding children! We are where we need to be right now. On this Christmas when we celebrated Jesus's birth, we also celebrate a new baby in the family! Tracy announced her pregnancy by having Owen wear a T-shirt that read, "I am going to be the best big brother in the wole world!"

Tonight we pack up and will leave after breakfast tomorrow. As much as we love to see and spend time with family, it will be nice to get back to our warm little bedroom in Isanti county.

Back From the North

Jim retired a year ago. What a big change! We decided to travel, staying in Minnesota for the summer and home to Georgia for the winter. It was working quite well, until this current financial crisis. Now, we are in God's hands, as we wonder and pray if we should be returning to the workforce.

That aside, we had a great year. We stayed in our 5th wheel at Shell Lake in Osage, Minnesota, where we are not directly on the lake but in the 2nd row of a 14 campers in three rows at Wilds Resort and Campground. The lake is 3,140 acres and shallow, with deepest areas of 18 feet. There are several weed and wild rice beds, which are perfect places to catch pan fish.

We were blessed to have some company: Jim's sister, Joy, and her hubby Kenny from Kathleen, GA...my daughter Robin, hubby Ted, and children, Natalie, Will, and Lydia from Olympia, WA...my sister, Kat from Horace, ND...my sister, Gayle, and her secial friend Al, from East Hampton, CT...and my daughter, Tracy, hubby Jeremy, and little boy, Owen from Moorhead, MN.

Besides staying at the lake, we took the RV on the road to Washington for a 2-week stay at Millersylvania Park for Will's 3rd birthday. We had such fun and pulling the 5th wheel was quite an education. We loved sight-seeing along the way and staying in different campgrounds. Belle isan also an adventurer! On the way back to the lake, we went through the Black Hills and to Mt. Rushmore...but we were on a timetable so couldnt dawdle too much.

The weekend we got back was a reunion/birthday party at Mom's on Big Cormorant Lake. Gayle and Al came from CT and Mom's brothers and sisters, from Northern and Southern Minnesota also attended. It was great to be with family more than once or twice a year.

On the way up to Minnesota and on the way back down to Georgia, we were able to stop and see Jim's daughters, Rachel and Sarah Mae. Rachel is a senior at Liberty University in Lynchberg, VA. Sarah Mae and her hubby Bert Parham live in Lexington, KY where they work and she also attends Asbury Seminary.

Now, we are settling into Dr. appointments, church and small group studies, and reconnecting with friends. We possibly won't be traveling for awhile, until next summer, but are hoping to take a winter trip to WA. to see the kids and kiddo's. We continue to make plans, and then we follow the changes in our plans as we tweak them to be more in line with God's plans for our lives. Whatever the future holds for us, we know we are in God's hands and need to consult Him first. It's great to be home!

Getting Back

It's been nearly a year since I thought of writing on this site again, but it is a good exercise for me because I am going to be serious about writing my book this year. (A year In Maryland) I have so much encouragement from my daughter and my husband, and the time to do it now that I'm fully retired.

I am getting used to having another retiree in the house, though...but that's another story! Jim is great and shares in or does most of the cooking. He plans our trips and outings and dates, keeps track of finances, and keeps me up to date on the news. He also likes to rearrange furniture. He is always trying to make room for more seating in our small living room in case all the kids come at once...but that is very rare, now that they are all in different states. I am assuming we will be able to 'entertain' more once we figure out what to get rid of so there is more room. I would love us to be able to host a life group for our church some day.

These days, we are a little sedentary. Two weeks ago, on a trip to Lexington, KY to see Bert and Sarah Mae, I fell in a utilityhole while walking the dog in Lenoir, TN. Nothing was broken but I have horrible bruises and a hemotoma. The doctor thinks it may take about 3 months to heal and believes I have tissue and muscle tearing.

I'm also in a neck brace and will start physical therapy for 4 weeks. I have a few bulging disks that are pushing against my spinal cord causing neck and ear pain, as well as hypersensitivity to cold and air flow. I am on Cymbalta to inhibit the sensors, but have not seen any effect after only 2 days except that I seem to have less pain from my 'manhole' bruises. Praise God!

In keeping friends and family up to date, I warned them not to turn 55. My Sunday school teacher from Maryland responded that she would rather be 55 than 88! I am so blessed to have so many loved ones praying for me, but I do look forward to turning 56 in July because I will be back home with much of my family and maybe even my sister from CN!!!

Back From Retreat

It's unnatural to be back. I am not myself, back here. I was gone for 3 days and they were glorious. I am feeling most un-glorious now. I was a part of something very special. But I don't feel a part of anything OR very special now. Why do I feel like I have lost something, here...when I felt I had found so much, there? I must be coming down from an emotional, spiritual high. I am back in the real world and can't find my way. I feel like I need to be rescued, but I don't know what is pursuing me.

When I was 16, I was rescued...saved by God's grace and His only Son's shed blood on Calvary. I saw a movie, "For Pete's Sake", and was read the 'Romans Road' by a college student at the movie exit, by flashlight. I recently found that movie on the Billy Graham website, Grayson. I ordered it and watched it and, although it was dated and somewhat corny, the message was the same and I cried like I did when I was 16 years old, accepting the Lord. I am back in the real world.

My job now is to bring the retreat into my real world...not retreat from my real world. I must remember my salvation. I was saved for a purpose. God was pursuing me. I must daily die to self and take up the cross. I must always be prepared for battle because the closer I get to God, the more threatening I am. "Get thee behind me, satan!"

Encouraged

I just spent a 3-1/2 hour lunch with two of my best friends who, though they may not know it, are a powerful force in my life.

The time flies when we are together. We pray and eat and talk, talk, talk! We talk about how good the Lord is. We give testimony and witness to each other. Sometimes we need to vent a little, but there is always one in the group who can help us re-focus and turn that "mourning" into dancing.

We lift up the Lord and each other, in the process! Even a small compliment is a big thing from these women, because I R-E-S=E-C-T them so much. I learn from them and when I leave their company, I am ready to do battle in the world, again...refortified in God's word through my good friends, my sisters in Christ.

Sometimes I wonder why I am tolerated among these godly women. I am always in awe that someone wants to spend time with me or even cares to get to know me better. Today they told me: I make them laugh! Well, that is certainly a "special" niche, isn't it? It's not my wisdom? No wise counsel here! It's not my biblical knowledge radiating all over the place? (Don't ask.) No, I make them laugh... and that is something.

I'll take it. Thank you, ladies! I guess just being myself is fine with my good friends and I wouldn't have it any other way.