New House!

Angela and Steve closed on their house today and are now officially homeowners! They are having their first dinner in their new home above.ha. Had to bring in patio chairs to sit in and eat off plastic storage boxes but, hey, it worked! .Their plan for tomorrow is to start painting. I am so happy and excited for them and can't wait for them to get their stuff in there and start decorating. I'll get a picture of the outside this weekend and post it for you to see. So, until next time...Wanda.

Deck the Halls!

What does that have to do with my blog? Nothing. Just had to give it a title; however, I do have my tree up and a few Christmas touches sitting around (I believe I've already said that). Anyway, it's Sunday, my favorite day of the week, and it's been wonderful. We had a live nativity at church tonight in the sanctuary put on by children and adults, and it was really good. Afterwards, we had finger foods in the fellowship hall and I came home stuffed.

I actually have three gifts wrapped and under the tree!!! Several more are hiding in the closet waiting to be wrapped. Angela plans to come over one night and we'll wrap together since some of hers are in my closet as well. We'll have to remember which gifts each of us bought for who and see what's left to do. I fear I'm not even half through yet. She and I made a quick trip this afternoon to Belks and Walmart for a couple of items. Seems Sunday afternoons are so short that we didn't accomplish a lot but it was fun being together for an hour or so.

Grandchild No. 5 (Luke) has a birthday coming up next Sunday (the 14th) and has a party (3 years old!) this coming Saturday. I'm planning to go to the party and spend the day to help him celebrate. I think Emily (Grandchild No. 3) is going with me. It just doesn't seem possible that Luke is turning 3 - seems like only yesterday that he was born!! But, it's that way with all of them. They just grow up too fast.

We have Victorian Christmas this Thursday and Friday night here in Thomasville. I think Stuart and Kristi are coming down for that, so we'll probably go on Thursday night. That is always a fun time with the streets blocked off, all the stores open, Christmas music playing, horse and carriage rides, entertainment up and down the streets, all kinds of food concessions, seeing people/friends you haven't seen in a long time, and just getting into the Christmas mood. Hope all of you have a wonderful week.

Until next time...Wanda.

Christmas Joy!

Angela and Emily came over tonight and helped me put up my Christmas tree and other do-dads. The tree looks a little bare with no gifts under it yet, so I must get busy and wrap the ones I have bought. They've been riding around in the trunk of my car for four days and I can hardly remember what's there. Oh well, now that there are no children around I can get them out and wrap away.

Speaking of Angela, they had the inspection yesterday on the house they are buying and got a good report. Would you believe they are closing on the deal this coming Monday!!! Wow, that was quick but an answer to prayer. I am so excited for them and can hardly wait to help them move and get settled in before Christmas.

The next few weeks are going to be really busy -- shopping, wrapping, going to Victorian Christmas, going to Columbus for Luke's birthday party, preparing for Christmas Day, etc. etc. So, I don't know when I may get to post again. Until next time...Wanda.

Holiday Blessings!

I had a super wonderful Thanksgiving week. Why?

1) I had three days off work (usually just have two);

2) My son came home and brought his girlfriend (Kristi) whom I had never met (Shhh--I loved her!);

3) Both of my daughters and their entire families were here;

4) I had all six of my grandchildren here at the same time (see picture above);

5) We had Thanksgiving lunch at my mother-in-law's house (43 people in all);

6) I got started on my Christmas shopping;

7) We took the children to see the Christmas lights at the Flowers Bakery corporate offices (that's always a biggie for Thomasville);

8) Angela and Steve bought a house!!!! (It's beautiful and the first house they have ever owned. Well, they haven't closed the deal yet, but that should happen in a few days);

9) Had wonderful services at church Sunday morning and Sunday night;

10) All of my children had safe trips home (prayers were answered);

11) I had out-of-town guests overnight on Saturday (my grandson's girlfriend, her dad, stepmom and little brother). I loved them as well despite the fact James (the dad) beat Angela and me at Phase 10 (why is it when I teach someone how to play they always beat me?!!!);

12) I had 15 people for dinner on Saturday night, so it was quite noisy but wonderful;

13) I had lunch Sunday with my usual bunch of church friends; and

14) God is good, and I'm so thankful for family and friends.

On another note, the last time I blogged I listed several people who were on my prayer list.

1) First of all, good good news! My brother Paul has been taken off his feeding tube, the doctors were able to stretch his esophagus, and he's eating again! He says he is eating everything in sight and then going to the fridge to see if he missed anything. ha. Wow, what a miracle!

2) Second, and not good news, my brother-in-law (Gwin) in California has been diagnosed with colon cancer. However, God is in control and we are praying for another miracle. My sister is so strong in her faith and is believing and expecting that miracle. It will be exciting to see what God does. Whatever HIS decision, it will be for the best. As the song says, if I stay, I win and if I go, I win. Gwin has been preaching the gospel for 57 years and has been so faithful, so I know he would be on God's "favorites" list if He had one, which He doesn't.

I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to an exciting and blest Christmas season. Until next time...Wanda.

Unpredictable!

You see, you were surprised when you clicked on here and there was something new! Wish I were more like my daughter and do it daily - don't know who she got that from. I'm just glad God made her the way she is --- GO JAWAN!

I did get the terms of my employment nailed down this week and will give it a try for two or three months (unless something better comes along) to see how I handle it. My salary will be cut but I'll be given a four-day work week. That part I like. Also, my vacation and sick leave remain as they are now, so I won't have to give any of that up. Maybe in a few months things will change at the office and we'll grow instead of shrink. In the meantime, I am still checking with different firms to see what's available. Two of my former co-workers who are at two different firms now have said they will see what they can do to help me. They are both male attorneys that I worked with for years, so they know my capabilities. In fact, I was secretary to one of them, and we got along beautifully. So, we'll see. In my devotional this morning ("Dear Jesus" by Sarah Young), it said: "...You can say, "I trust you, Jesus" regardless of how you are feeling...Then rest in the knowledge that I am taking care of you and all that concerns you." So I have found myself saying those four words many times today, and I believe with all my heart that HE will take care of me.

I know Thanksgiving is next week and we all have so much to be thankful for. However, there are still so many needs even in my own family:

(1) My brother is still on a feeding tube due to throat cancer,

(2) My brother-in-law (Gwin in California) has been in the hospital this week, came home today, but they still don't know what his problems is/was. Last week they took a quart of fluid from his lungs, today they took another quart, and 6 liters from his stomach. It is so unusual for him to be sick (he's been on a health kick for years).

(3) Angela and Steve have not zeroed in on a house yet and are really squshed (is that a word?) in the little house they are hanging out in. Meredith, of course, stayed in Florida to finish her senior year of high school and is staying with the Mom and stepdad of the boy who is staying with me to go to school here. (We just swapped kids!) Ethan, being best friends with my house guest, is also staying at my house at night. So, I have two teenagers again. Boy can they eat!!!

(4) There are several other things that are too personal to put in writing for the world to see that I continue to pray about. God isn't on my time table, so I know HE will take care of those in his own time.

But in spite of the listed things that are not taken care of yet, there are so many more that are totally right that I can thank God for. They are too numerous to list but I have named them to myself and the blessings just continue to flow. I'm looking forward to next week when all of my children and grandchildren will be here. We always have such a good family time. Stuart is bringing his girlfriend, so I'm really looking forward to meeting her.

You just never know when I'm going to post something, so please don't stop clicking in. Until next time...Wanda.

Job Dilemma!

I've known for about a month that there was going to be some changes made at our office by the end of the year. I knew my main boss planned to retire and had heard that two of the other three were going with another firm, with the third going it alone. Well, this week, I learned that the two that had been offered positions with the other firm had turned down the offer and plan to stay right where they are. However, they talked with me and said that the only way they could keep the doors open was to make some drastic changes, one of which involved me. They said they would like for me to stay but, if I decide to do so, it will mean a huge cut in salary (about $13,000 a year) but that they would also give me a four-day work week.

After giving it lots of thought and prayer, I decided to check out the job market here in T'ville, hoping the pay scale has gone up in the 17-1/2 years I've been working in Florida. So, tomorrow morning, I have an interview with a law firm here. The idea of working back in town is very appealing to me and, since I'd have to take a salary cut where I am, I'd probably make that much here. So, why drive 72 miles round trip a day for the same amount?! I do still have a job, if I want to keep it, but am going to check out my options. Here's my list of pros and cons:

Pros:
I have a job;
I love my job;
I have a very easy job;
I love my bosses;
I love the atmosphere at my office;
I make a great salary (at the moment);
I have four weeks vacation per year;
It's very laid back - no pressure;
Could have a 4-day work week, which would be nice;

Cons:
Cut in salary
Still have the 72 miles round trip drive every day;
Price of gas;
Wear and tear on car;

Hmmmmm, seems the pros outweigh the cons. Oh well, after tomorrow, I'll have more information that could shift the balance. Psalms 15:22 says: "Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success." (LB) So, any input from anyone?

After my interview tomorrow, I'm heading to Columbus to see Jawan and family. Tomorrow is her 34th birthday, so I'm going to take her shopping! It's been several months since I've seen all of them and can hardly wait to get my hands on those three grandbabies!! Andrew and Luke are excited about my coming, but Abigail hasn't been with me enough to know who I am. I'll be there just long enough for her to get comfortable with me and then have to come home. But, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and they'll all be coming to my house.

Tomorrow is a special day for another reason as well: Angela and family are making the move back to T'ville. Sunday is Steve's first day at First Newark Baptist as their new pastor, and I plan to be at the service. That is a beautiful church and I pray that he will be there for a long time as pastor. They haven't found a house to buy yet so will be hanging out in a little house close to the church for a couple of weeks or so.

Ok, I don't blog very often and then when I do I just go on and on. It's hard getting started and then hard to stop. ha. So, until next time...Wanda.

Random Facts

I caught up on reading a few blogs today, Heidi's being one of them. Between her blog and Jawan's, I decided I could think of a few random things about me that some of you might not know. Those who know me well will agree to all seven. ha. Here goes:

1. I am a procrastinator and tend to put things off but once I know I have a limited amount of time to get it done, I can ever more move!

2. I will not (unless providentially hindered) be late for anything;

3. My pet peeve is a slow driver who gets in the passing lane and won't move over, as well as those drivers who won't keep up with the traffic or go at least the speed limit! UGH!!!!!

4. I have a house guest that is not blood related;

5. I struggle with bouts of depression but medicine is helping;

6. Chicken is my favorite food;

7. I am a very insecure person in a lot of respects.

8. I don't feel my age - I'm only maybe 30 in feelings which proves that age is just a number.

I could probably go on and on, but don't want you to think I'm a total mess. If you need to question me about any of the above, feel free. Hope you enjoyed my confessions. ha. Until next time...Wanda.

Attitude, Aging, Agility

Today was my mother-in-law's 90th birthday!!!!! I went out and visited with her for about an hour and am still amazed that she is so sharp. I told her that I hoped to live to be 90 and be as clear minded as she is. Her only limitation now is that she is paralyzed from waist down due to back surgery about a year ago. No one knows what happened to cause it, and, in my opinion, she is handling the situation really well. I know nobody know what goes on inside a person, and I'm sure she has many lonely hours, frustrations, and depressed feelings at times. I asked her if she thought she would make it to 100 and she very adamantly said, "No, please. I don't want to live 10 more years like this. I'm ready to go, so whenever the Lord is ready for me, I'll gladly give this up." She is totally dependent on someone else for everything and for her that's totally out of character. We know that "all things work for good to those who are the called according to His purpose." I know she is a Christian, so this will work for her good. She has a wonderful attitude, is aging gracefully, and is still mentally agile. So, I think her attitude has a lot to do with coping ability. The family found a wonderful black lady, Juanita, to move in and be with her around the clock. I met her today for the first time and just fell in love with her. She says she thinks she's found her niche and Grannie seems to really like her as well. God is good!

Would you believe that I actually turned the heat on tonight for a while!!! Our temperature has dropped considerably from last week, and I'm just naturally cold natured. The heat felt wonderful and will probably feel even better in the morning when it's supposed to be 32 degrees.

Until next time...Wanda.

I Know, It's About Time!!

Just proving to you I am still here. ha. I'm surprised my blog still exists since it hasn't been updated in so long. Since I wrote last, my sister from Los Angeles flew in, she and I went to Mississippi and stayed a week and reconnected with my friends I hadn't seen in 45 years (one of which is in the picture with me above - Gayle), Angela and family are moving back to Thomasville, I have a house guest for about three months, and my Ladies Retreat with my niece, Sharon, has come and gone. Wow, how time flies when you're having fun! Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, too! I just got home from having dinner at the Plaza with some friends (ate too much as usual) and am sitting here listing to it drizzle rain outside. It has been kinda cool today, so I think summer is on its way out.

My walking buddy (Ramona) has chickened out on me, so I've had to walk by myself this week. That was ok, as I can walk faster alone, but I miss her company. Maybe she'll miss it too and want to start again. She and I usually yard sale shop on Saturday mornings, but with the weather cooling off, there probably won't be enough to bother with. There are other things going on, however, so I'll take advantage of those. The Boston Marathon is this weekend, Old South Day is in about two weeks, Calico Days are sometime in November, etc. etc. etc. See? There's lots to keep me busy!

I've found out in the last two weeks that my office is closing at the end of the year. One attorney is retiring and two of the other three are going with another firm. Where does that leave me? I don't know. The two that are going with the other firm may or may not be able to take me along, so I may or may not have a job at the end of the year. I'm just praying for God's guidance because I know HE will take care of me. I'll keep you posted.

Until next time (whenever that may be)....Wanda.

Finally found it!

I've been looking for two years for a black entertainment center and finally found it this past weekend at Turner's in Moultrie. The pictures are posted mostly for the benefit of my children, but I'm kinda proud of it and don't mind showing it off. However, my TV looks rather lost and may force me to buy a bigger flat screen more the size of the cabinet. I'll put that on my "want" list and see how long it takes for that to happen. ha. As for the living room, I think this finishes all I wanted to do (except for pictures on the wall). I'm working on the pictures and hope to have them up soon. I found seven black frames at a yard sale that already had the matting in them, so they will look really good once I get them filled. Three are done - four to go! I still have a long list of things I want to do (new window coverings for my bedroom, crown molding for bedrooms, two new bedroom suits, new storage building, landscaping, etc. etc. etc.). I suppose there's no end to that kind of thing, but it's fun to actually be able to accomplish one or two and dream about the others. Who knows!?! I just may get them all done. Oh well, enough of that.

I had another doctor's appointment today for a pap smear and breast exam. Of course every time you go, you have to get weighed. I just was there last Thursday for a "re-establish" visit and was weighed then as well. Guess what!?!?!? Between last Thursday and today I lost another 2 pounds! Wow, was I excited! On the way home from church tonight, I went by the grocery store and bought salad fixings to take to the office for lunch. I've been eating quite a bit of salads and walking my 2 to 3 miles several times a week and think it's beginning to pay off. Gotta keep it up for my trip!! I have another appointment in about two weeks for a mammogram (ugh!) and bone density test and will probably get weighed again. Hopefully, I'll have more good news after that.

Ok, I've posted two nights straight and am give out! ha. It's getting close to bedtime, so, until next time...Wanda.

AHA!

Although I don't have much to report, I thought I better put something on here for my faithful few who click in each day. Sorry I've disappointed you in not writing before now, but.....

Angela, Steve and Emily came this past weekend and spent the night on Sunday and went home yesterday afternoon. Neither Jawan nor Stuart got to come, but I'm hoping they both had a good day. I made good use of having Steve and his truck here as I had purchased a new entertainment center and needed help getting it home. It couldn't have worked out better!

It's only a week and a half before my trip to Mississippi and I can hardly wait. Norma is coming as well, so we three siblings will get to spend two or three days together. And, as I've already told you, I'm getting to reconnect with a couple of childhood friends as well while there. I'll have lots to talk about when I get home (hopefully with lots of pictures).

We survived Hurricane Fay with nothing but rain, wind and a lot of limbs everywhere. Well, there were several big trees uprooted around town, but my little piece of property only got lots of rain and limbs. It seems that Hurricane Gustav missed us also, and I've counted my blessings. I just hope Hurricane Hannah calms down and goes on her merry way with no effects as well. Gee, I'm ready for some "normal" weather!! However, I know God is in control so I'll just be thankful for His protection thus far and pray that He will continue to do so in the future.

Ok, that's all I can think of for the moment, so until next time...Wanda.

Blahs and Blessings

Those two don't seem to go together, do they!? Well, I seem to experience both of them quite frequently at the same time (or maybe simultaneously). I know where the blahs come from, so I begin to count my blessings. Maybe that's the reason - to keep me coming back to God and depending on Him for everything, including my feelings. However, I must admit that I feel blessed much more often than having the blahs, so maybe I'm winning this battle!!!!

My weekend was pretty much the same old same old, i.e., Friday night dinner with two friends, Saturday yard sale shopping, breakfast with my friend, running errands, grocery shopping, Sunday church, lunch with the bunch, and back to church tonight. I'm thankful for the privilege of doing all of those normal things, for friends to do them with, and for protection in all my flitting around town.

I just got off the phone with my son and love it when we get into those heart-to-heart talks that we seem to gravitate to every time we talk. He is still single, in business with a friend, and doesn't live close to family, so I pray for him daily that God will keep his hand on him, protect him from harm, provide all of his needs, bless the busines and draw him closer to HIM every day. I can see God working in his life, and for that I'm so thankful. I know the struggles he goes through are working for his good to make him stronger in his faith. That's the same with all of us - if only we will remember that when we are in the midst of trials. I still struggle with my emotional battle several times a week, but am relying on God to pull me through.

I'm looking forward to my trip to Mississippi in September and am already trying to put together pictures to take with me to show my long-lost friends that I'm going to visit while there. I really think anticipating the trip, preparing for it, and day dreaming about the "what if's" of the trip are as big a part of the enjoyment as the actual trip. However, I can hardly wait to see not only my brother, sister-in-law, nephew, niece and their new baby, and my other niece, but to see the friends I haven't seen in 45+ years.

Hope I haven't bored you to tears with my ho-hum rambling. So, until next time...Wanda.

Time!

Can you believe it is August already?! I do declare that the older we get, the faster the time flies. Guess I better start Christmas shopping.

It seemed kinda strange today going to work without Emily. I know last week was long for her, but it seemed to fly by to me. I caught myself today thinking I need to go check on her (she watched her movies in another room last week) when I remembered she wasn't there. So, Emmy, if you read this, I really missed you at the office!

My weekend was full and wonderful. My friend Ramona and I did our usual thing on Saturday morning and yard sale shopped. We were really big spenders - she spent $6 and I spent $1.25! Then we met a couple of friends at Ryan's for breakfast, went out to their house when finished to see what she had done to "stage" her house for sale, then went to look at some new condominiums and came away thinking that's what I wanted to do - sell my house and buy a new condo. I have since changed my mind and intend to stay put and continue to do little things to the house to make it more enjoyable. Saturday night Herman, Ramona and I had dinner at Fallin's; Sunday was the usual - church, lunch, back to church. So, it was a great weekend.

I didn't walk at all last week because of having Emily here. Today is a new week and we're back at it. It's really hot out there even at 6:30 p.m., so maybe between sweating and walking a few pounds will begin to disappear.

Hope all of you have a wonderful week. Until next time...Wanda.

Emily!

Emily has been with since last Friday and will be with me until this Friday. She's gone to work with me three days now, and you can see how she spends her time. She has drawn pictures, read books, played on the computer, ate, and today took a couple of movies to work and watched them in our small conference room. I think she watched both of them about three times each, so she had an overdose of tv. As you can see from the third picture, she sprouted nails today.ha. She found my old press on nails and just had to try them out. You should see her using them to scratch, trying to pick up things, etc. I may be in hot water with her mom, but they do come off pretty easy and she's having so much fun.

It has been (and still is) fun having her here. We went to a movie on Saturday and saw "Wall-E" - such a cute movie; to church on Sunday and out to lunch with the bunch; back to church Sunday night; work yesterday; stayed home last night and listened to it rain, played on the computer again, read stories, got baths and hit the bed. It was kinda tough getting her up this morning. She's now wanting us to go to Wal-Mart (and I really do need to go), and I'm getting the impression she is so proud of her "nails" that she wants to show them off. ha. So, I guess we'll go.

The only bad part of the last few days is the fact that I scraped an iron post with Steve's truck and dented the passenger door. He and Angela took my car to Tennessee and left me his truck. Emily and I went to Subway for lunch last Friday (the very first day I drove the truck), and, in the process of trying to give another truck room to get in the parking lot, I pulled over too far and scraped the iron post. My heart just sank, and I wanted to badly to be able to get it fixed before even telling them about it. However, after consulting with several friends, the decision was made that I should confess so Steve would have a week to cool off. ha. So, I did just that. I didn't get to talk to Steve as he was not close by when I called, but Angela was a sweetheart and assured me that it was just a truck and was fixable and that Steve loved me more than he loved that truck. Boy was I glad to hear that!!!! ha. I felt like a kid that was in trouble and was about to be punished, and then felt the relief after confessing. I still intend to pay for having it fixed. I thought about how this was so like our heavenly Father. Until we confess our sins and ask and accept His forgiveness, we are weighed down with guilt. But once confession and repentence has taken place, what a light, happy, joyful feeling we experience.

I haven't been able to walk this week yet as it rained yesterday afternoon, and I was so tired today that I didn't even give it a second thought. I'm not sure Emily would hold out for three miles anyway, so I'll probably forego this week and try to get back into the swing of things next week. I can tell I haven't done well with my food choices, and it's beginning to show.

Ok, Emily says it's time to go to Wal-Mart, so guess I better close this out. Until nezt time...Wanda.

At a loss!

Why is it so hard to think of a title for a blog? If you blog, then you can relate. If you don't, you should try it sometime! I'd probably do this more often it I didn't have to name it. ha.

My weekend was wonderful - yard sale shopped with my friend Ramona (neither of us bought a thing!), ate breakfast together at Hardee's, dropped off clothes at consignment shop for Angela, went to Belk's and Bealls, and then home for lunch. The afternoon was spent vacuum-ing (?), dusting and mopping, etc. Yesterday (Sunday) was a blessing as usual. Went to church, had lunch with my usual group of friends, spent most of the afternoon doing nothing until about 5:30 when Jawan, Andrew, Luke and Abigail arrived on their way to Angela's for the week. What a joy it was to have all those little arms wrapped around my neck giving Gami a good dose of sugar. I even think Abigail remembered me as it didn't take her but a couple of minutes to hold up those tiny arms wanting me to pick her up. They stayed about two and a half hours before heading on down to Angela's. I just know they are having a great time. Of course, if I let myself (and I'm trying not to - but instead just turn them over to the Lord) I could worry about their safety as I know they will go swimming, fishing, etc. So, I've already covered them with prayer and know that God will do the rest.

I had a really busy day at work but came home and walked my three miles anyway. It was overcast, thundering and looked like it might rain any minute, so we carried our umbrellas. As it turned out, we didn't need them as it never rained. I guess the weather scared a lot of people because there weren't many folks out walking today. It was a much cooler walk today with a breeze blowing and no sun. Oh, how I want to get rid of some more pounds and pray that all this walking will make a difference.

All of the family except for Stuart and Mitch will be back to my house on Thursday of this week. On Friday, Angela and family are having to head back to Nashville, TN to pick up Ethan who has been at the Stamps Baxter School of Music for two weeks and Jawan and children will head back home as well. However, I get to keep Emily for a whole week while they are gone as they (Angela and family) will be going to camp with the youth from their church after they pick Ethan up in Nashville. So, I'll get to take her to work with me again next week at least a day or two. Hopefully, we can arrange for her to spend a night or two with one of her friends to keep her from being bored at my office.

Ok, enough yaking. Until next time...Wanda.

Decided to try again!

Yes, it really is me! I almost decided never to blog again, but aw, I couldn't resist. It's been so long that probably no one ever checks in any more. Anyway, let me see if I can fill you in my "doings" since the last time. I've had the joy of celebrating grandchild #6's (Abigail) first birthday which meant I got to be with Nos. 4 (Andrew) and 5 (Luke) as well. Then this past weekend, we had our homecoming at church at which son-in-law Steve preached and we got to sing as a group again. This meant that I got to spend a little time with Nos. 1 (Meredith), 2 (Ethan) and 3 (Emily). They left shortly after lunch to take No. 2 (Ethan) to Nashville for a two-week Stamps Baxter music school, and left No. 3 (Emily) with me until they returned on Monday night. I took Emily to work with me on Monday, and she seemed to have a good time between playing with her Nintendo DS, drawing pictures for me, helping me with copying, filing, etc. The picture above was also taken over the weekend when Steve's sister invited us all out to her house to grill hamburgers. If it weren't for these Georgia gnats and mosquitos, it would be enjoyable to sit outside.

Oh, another exciting thing that's transpired is that I reconnected with another childhood friend from Mississippi (did I already tell about that?). I'm planning a trip in September to see my brother, Paul, and visit with this friend while there. She only lives about 25 miles from him, so I'm excited about the visit. Bless his heart, on top of having throat cancer, almost no voice, and a feeding tube, he fell about a week ago and broke his foot. The treatments he's had to take have made him so weak it caused him to fall. I'm praying that things will start to improve for him and Millie. She's such a trooper and loves that hubby with all her heart and takes really good care of him. But, there's not much she can do to restore his strength, so we'll have to rely on the Lord for that.

As I read my daughter Jawan's blog today - www.themcginnismessage.blogspot.com - I was again reminded of how blessed she is with friends. Even when she was in high school and college, that child had more friends than anyone I've ever known. She's such a people person and so down to earth that others just can't help but love her. She's like a magnet that draws people to her and I'm so glad that her life is filled with loving friends. Of course, being just a little biased, I think everyone should love her!

My oldest, Angela, is the same way. She has many, many friends as well. Of course, both daughters are preachers' wives, so that may have a little to do with it. But they are both loving, caring ladies with such sweet spirits. They are both wonderful wives, mothers, and daughters. Hopefully, they got a little of those traits from me. ha.

As for my youngest, Stuart, he never meets a stranger, can talk to anyone about most anything, and is a nut! ha. The sweetest nut you ever want to meet! He was a 4.5 pound preemie at birth but is now a 6' 1" man. His two sisters love him dearly, as does his mom, but just don't get to spend enough time together. He's still single as God has not led him to "the one" yet. But, we are still praying that that will happen. He loves to aggravate, tease and wrestle his sisters when they do get together, loves to play with his nieces and nephews, and shares his heart with all of us. He and his best friend have their own business and are both having to work hard to get it established.

Heidi (my sweet nephew's wife, which makes her my niece), if you read this, yes, I'm okay. Just been lazy about blogging. I've checked in on yours as well to keep up with Baby B and everything that's going on in yours and BB's lives. When I come in September, I plan to pop down your way to see the house transformation as well as Baby B (I'm sure she'll have a name by then - ha). I'll keep you posted when I get details worked out.

Ok, when I came home from work today, I promised myself that I was going to work on cleaning up this house. Well, I got the dishes washed, went for my 3-mile walk, came home and ate, and here I sit - not accomplishing a whole lot! So, gotta go and see if I can force myself to do something. Until next time...Wanda.

A "Grand" weekend!

It truly was a "grand" weekend. I drove to Albany on Friday afternoon after work and met Jawan and family and brought Andrew (grandchild no. 4) home with me for the weekend. On Saturday, we went to the lake, fed the geese, looked for turtles, and played on the playground. Came home, ate lunch, watched a movie, and then went to the pet store to see the animals. After that, we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream and on out to Grannie's and surprised her with our visit. Came home, ate supper, watched "Water Horse", got baths and went to bed. Today, we went to church, and Andrew went to his own class and then to children's church. The last time he spent the weekend with me, he wanted to stay in my class and even sat on the piano bench while I played. I can see him growing up! After church, we went to What-a-Burger for lunch, came home and packed his suitcase, drove back to Albany where I had to give him back to his parents. It was such sweet time spent with him, and I hope to be able to do the same with Luke and Abigail eventually. So, my time this weekend was spent playing with and entertaining Andrew. Do you think the yard sales missed me? Nah. Hope all of you have a wonderful week. Until next time...Wanda.

Another "Found" Friend!!!

Gee, I'm so thrilled right now because I just got off the phone (a two hour conversation) with a childhood friend that I have not seen in probably 35 years. Her voice didn't sound the same, but mine probably didn't to her either. We really got caught up on children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, jobs, etc. etc. etc. I found her son on the Internet week before last, called him, told him who I was, got his mom's contact information and proceeded to try to reach her by phone. After three attempts, I finally gave up on that and just wrote her a letter. Well, when the phone rang tonight and I discovered it was her, I just knew she had gotten my letter and was calling because of it. But, no, she had not received my letter but had talked to her son! Now when she gets the letter it will be all "old" news. Oh well, a lot of facts will be in writing that she can refer back to if needed. Now I just need to talk to her sister, which should be happening in the next day or so. Friends are so precious, and I'm so glad to reconnect. This is twice this year that I've found someone from bygone days that meant so much to me. I must not let them get lost in the shuffle from now on as they still mean much to me.

I know I haven't posted in a while but have been busy with Vacation Bible School and other activities. Just haven't stopped or been motivated to sit down and write. I'm not even going to promise to try to do better as I never do. I'm still walking in the afternoons three times a week, yard sale-ing on Saturday mornings, attending church, planning Women's Ministry programs, working every day, finding "lost" friends (ha), reading, and whatever else comes along.

Happy Monday to everyone and have a wonderful week. Until next time...Wanda.

The Flowers of Life

I love flowers but just have to admire them from afar as I DO NOT have a green thumb to grow my own. But the flowers I treasure most are the family and friends that have been placed in my life -- some to bless me and some for me to bless. I've had a wonderful weekend doing just that. On Saturday morning, my friend Ramona and I went yard sale-ing as usual. Guess how much we spent!? $.0 How many women do you know that can go shopping and not spend a penny? We did go to breakfast afterwards but that didn't count in the shopping. I came home and did a couple of loads of laundry and then went to Mrs. Sons' (my mother-in-law) and sat with her from 1:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. It was a wonderful visit. We talked, played Scrabble, looked at scrapbooks, watched the golf tournament, ate, talked, etc. She seemed so pleased that I came and stayed with her, and I know I came home thanking God for my blessings. She is paralyzed from waist down since her back surgery a year ago, so she's dependent on someone else for all of her needs.

Today being Fathers' Day, I received a call from my oldest wishing me a Happy Father's Day since I'm the only parent she or Steve have left. ha. I've never gotten a Happy Father's Day wish before!! I hope my sons-in-law, Steve and Mitch, both had good days with their wives and children. Hopefully, one of these days Stuart will have a family as well.

Heidi, in case you read this (as you usually do), I am way behind on thanking you for all the comments you leave for me. You are precious and I appreciate your sweet words and thoughts. I am so anxious for Baby Girl Brasher to arrive, the house to get done, and you three really settle in. We'll just have to make a trip out to see all of your "new" things. ha. I love you and Brian, so be sure to give him a hug for me.

Lora Gail, you also read my posts, and I thank you for commenting as well. You are so good about calling me and I appreciate your following though when you think to do so. I'm ashamed of myself for not calling you. I love you and hope all is well with you.

Until next time...Wanda.

One of Six

It gets harder and harder to think up titles for these posts, but hopefully you'll get the drift by the time I'm through. I was blessed this weekend to have one of my six grandchildren spend the night with me on Friday night and all day Saturday. Steve had a wedding to perform on Saturday night, so he brought Emily with him to hang out with me while he took care of business and visited with his siblings. On Friday night, we went to McDonalds and got her some dinner, grocery shopped, and came home and watched a movie. On Saturday morning, I took her yard sale shopping with Ramona and me and everything I bought was for Emily. ha. Imagine that! After shopping, we went to Waffle House and had breakfast; then took her down to Cherokee Lake and walked once around it and saw five turtles on a log, several squirrels, and about four families of geese; came home and took a walk around my street; came home and watched another movie; played outside until the heat got to us; played on the computer; went out to her Aunt Sherry's to see her house renovations; ate a late lunch/dinner; got her bath; washed her hair; and had her all ready for dad when he returned from the wedding. They had to drive back home, and Emily left in tears. It was a bitter sweet moment -- I'm so glad she loves to come to my house and loves me so much, but it breaks my heart for her to leave crying. I'm sure by the time they were at the end of my street she was fine, as dad had promised her they would stop for ice cream. I love the one-on-one time I get to spend with whichever grandchild we can work it out with. My next one will be Andrew (age 4) sometime in July (I think) and maybe we can talk Luke (age 2) into a weekend before long. Today being Sunday, I have thoroughly enjoyed being in God's house, having lunch with the gang, coming home and napping, and back to church tonight. And, I'm looking forward to a wonderful week at work. Hope all of you had a great weekend. Until next time...Wanda.

Drawing a Blank

You guessed it, I can't think of anything interesting to write about. I do know that God is good and has blessed in so many ways this week:

(1) Jawan and family had a safe and fun trip to Missouri for a week of vacation;

(2) Angela and family made it through another school year, Steve's trip to Chili, and all the activities she is involved in;

(3) Stuart's work is picking up and he got to attend a Braves game with a friend;

(4) I've had a wonderful week as well working, walking with my friend, attending church, etc.;

(5) History has been made this week in politics, and I have to remind myself that God is in control; and

(6) Tomorrow is Friday and the weekend is upon us (yard sales!!!!!). ha.

We have much to be thankful for, and I plan to express my thanks to HIM before retiring for the night. I hope you will count your blessings and offer your thanks as well. So, until next time...Wanda.

Summer is here!

It's been in the mid to high 90's here all week, which tells me that in another month or two it will probably be hotter. Wow, walking in the afternoon really is a lot harder but I guess sweating can take off a pound or two as well. I've noticed they are installing beautiful decorative light poles around the lake on the wooded side, so I'm assuming there will be a lot of night walkers when it is cooler.

My week has been good - just really busy. Two bosses will be out tomorrow and one the next day, so it should slow down a bit. However, keeping up with four attorneys has not been too bad so far, and I love the challenge. As long as I can do it, they'll let me, which means job security, right?

I had another birthday this past week, and I'm thankful for every one of them. I got lots of cards, hugs, and gifts, which made me feel very special. God is so good for blessing me with a wonderfully sweet family and a bunch of crazy loving friends. The phrase "age is just a number" is so true. We can't do anything about our age number wise, but we don't have to give in to it. I certainly don't feel my age - may look it but don't feel it. Guess that's why so many people stay 39 for so long. ha.

Time to go something else so, until next time...Wanda.

Home Again!

Wow, what a weekend in Nashville! My friend, Dianne, and I (top picture) left on Thursday afternoon after work and drove to Montgomery, AL and, since it was already dark, got us a motel room and spent the night. We drove on in to Nashville on Friday morning (actually it was Friday aftrernoon before we got there). The sessions started Friday night and ended on Sunday.

The second picture above is Christian comedian Ken Davis, me, and Janet Paschal. Dr. Charles Stanley was there also, but I was not able to get a picture of or with him. Ken is so funny yet so inspiring. He did his comedy on Saturday morning and then brought the Sunday morning sermon. He is awesome! Janet brought the house down as well. She's always on the Gaither videos and can really belt out a song. I knew she had been battling cancer, but she shared with us that she had just gone to the doctor last week and got a clean bill of health! Praise the Lord!

The bottom picture (the man in the middle with the dark coat and blue shirt) is Lt. Col. Oliver North (click on the picture and enlarge so you can see him better). I actually got to shake hands with him, and he signed his book for me. What a testimony he has! I have a deeper respect and admiration of him after hearing him speak.

The music was fantastic: The Pfeifers, Voices of Lee, Greater Vision, Janet Paschal, Dennis Wilson and, of course, Legacy Five. It was entertaining, inspirational, and VERY patriotic. Before every session, a salute to the armed forces scrolled by on the screens with the National Anthem and other moving songs being played in the background. The veterans in the audience of 2,000 were recognized and applauded for their service to our Country for our freedom.

Besides the blessings from the sessions, just staying in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel was amazing. This was our second time to experience this, but it was just as exciting as before. You can hardly imagine so much being under one roof. We didn't leave the hotel the whole weekend as everything we needed was there -- restaurants, shops, boat ride (yes, right there in the motel!), pool and spa, etc. etc.

This was the last "trip" planned for the year (until I think of another). I am so thankful God has allowed me to do all I've done so far this year and has protected me from harm. He is so good!! It has been a quiet Memorial Day for me just running errands, stopping by a friend's house to visit a few minutes, and hanging around the house. I now have to face my bedroom where suitcases are still in the floor and the bed covered with "stuff". Yuk! I hate unpacking. Oh well, it's gotta be done. So, until next time...Wanda.

Out for Weekend

Since I'm gonna be gone for three days, I knew I better put something on here or I'd get reprimanded. ha. I just realized that some of the people who remind me I haven't blogged in a while don't blog themselves! What's wrong with that picture? You know who you are. ha.

I am in the midst of packing for the weekend as Dianne and I leave tomorrow after work for Nashville. Of course, we won't reach Nashville tomorrow night but will get about half the distance behind us. Besides it being helpful to break it up, it's fun to get to spend time with a friend with no distractions. We live two houses apart and hardly ever see each other and never visit. Most of that has to do with our jobs but it's still a shame that we don't see each other more often. It takes a trip to get us out of town to do that.

Why is it when you plan a trip that you either overdo or under do the packing? I always fall into the overdo category "just in case." This only creates more stress as you have to remember shoes to go with outfits, jewelry, purses, etc. etc. etc. At least I have made progress in the last year -- I now wear sandals with the toes out and without hose/knee highs. I still don't have pretty feet, but, as my sweet sister told me, nobody cares about my feet so be comfortable. I have discovered that there are uglier feet out there than mine, so I'm going for it!!!!

Since I won't be home until late Sunday night, there won't be anything else on here until at least Monday. Just letting you know that I'm not procrastinating - just won't have access to a computer. Until next time...Wanda.

Conference

I just got back last night from the Women of Faith conference in Jacksonville with my five other buddies. We had a blast being with each other and were wonderfully blessed by the speakers. It seemed to be better this year than last or maybe I just needed to hear what was said this year more than last. Whatever the case, it was great. Three of my friends had never been and are just raving about how good it was, how blessed they were, and how they can't wait for next year. Yes, it's going to be in Jacksonville again next year, so I hope we will have a much bigger group to go. With speakers like Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Mehberg, Sandi Patti, Sheila Walsh, Nicole Johnson and Max Lucado, how could you NOT be blessed. Plus, the music of Nicole C. Mullen was awesome. Not my kind of music but awesome anyway. It was geared more to the young set - very upbeat and loud. ha. But when she sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," wow, I got chill bumps!! Of course, Sandi Patti and Sheila not only spoke but sang as well and I love both of them. I came home tired and went to bed about 10:15, which is very early for me. However, when I got to church this morning, the rest of the group said they were dragging. Not me! I was rested.

Okay, the weekend is almost over and I have to shift gears and go to work tomorrow. I don't mind and even look forward to it. It will be another short work week for me, as Dianne and I go to Nashville this coming weekend for the Legacy Five annual Memorial Day celebration at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The hotel is a treat in itself - like a whole city under one roof! After that trip, I have no other travel plans. Gee, I'll have to think of somewhere else to go!

Hope all of you have a great week. Until next time...Wanda.

Packin'

Six of us leave tomorrow morning for Jacksonville for the Women of Faith conference, so I'm washing, drying, ironing, and packing my little bag for the overnight stay. Everyone is meeting here at my house at 7:30 a.m., we're loading in the van, going to Hardee's for breakfast together, and then head out. It's only about a 2-1/2 to 3 hour drive, so we should get there, find our hotel, check in, have lunch, and still have an hour or two before the session begins at 7:00 p.m. We are all excited and should come home knowing a lot more about each other. Three are going that have never been before, so I'm really excited for them. Hopefully, they will come home with so much spiritual food and fun memories that they will share with others who showed no interest in going and maybe some of it will rub off. We won't be back until late Saturday night, so this will be my last post until probably Sunday. Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and are in church on Sunday. Until next time...Wanda.

Tuesday Blessings

It's been another great day, although I'm pooped. I was in a dress and heels from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. I had to play piano for Kerry's mom's funeral this morning, so I had to go dressed up to work. Then, tonight was my Women's Ministry meeting and I didn't come home after work but went straight to the church to decorate, etc. We had 13 ladies there, which disappoints me as we should have had 25 or more. However, my sister-in-law, Marge, did a demonstration of flower arranging using every day items (vegetable cans, weeds, pool noodles, cheese grater, etc.) and we all enjoyed that. We drew names to see who got to take home the arrangements and, believe it or not, I won one. I picked the top one one with the least amount of flowers as I am not good at keeping them alive. When the flowers in this one wilt, I'll replace them with artificial ones. ha. I think we all left inspired to do some on our own but, as I say, mine will be with artificial ones. It was fun and Marge did a great job. Until next time...Wanda.

Monday Praise!

I really feel that I don't have anything to write about that would be of interest to anyone, but I hate for you to click in and nothing be there. ha. I had a wonderful Monday and have had a very happy heart all day today just thinking about how blessed I am. It being Mother's Day weekend, I naturally thanked God for my children and the grandchildren they have blessed me with. I thank Him for life, for healing, for His presence, for His guidance, for extended family, for friends He has placed in my life, and a myriad of other things that make life so wonderful. However, at the moment, I know I am not pleasing Him very much as I should be in the other room having my Bible quiet time. It seems every time I head that way I think of something (see how Satan works?!) else to do and it keeps getting put off. I really prefer having the quiet time in the mornings before going to work, but I overslept this morning and didn't get it done. It makes such difference in getting the day started off right and on the right track all day. So, I must close this out and go do what I am being prompted to do - spend time with my Lord and Savior! Until next time...Wanda.

Here I Am Again!

I told you I'd get back to this soon, so here goes. This was Mother's Day weekend, and I've had a very good one. Stuart surprised me and came home for the weekend, and I've talked to both Angela and Jawan today. They are such sweet, wonderful children, and I am so blessed that God gave them to me. Last night Stuart and I watched some old home movies from 24 years ago, some made at Grandma and Grandpa Brasher's house in Mississippi and some made at Terry and Sharon's in Marietta, GA. Wow, how we have all changed! But it was so sweet to see on film my parents, brother and sister-in-law who are all in heaven now and reminensce about those special visits. It was fun to see the children who were then only 3, 6, 8, 9 and 15 years old who now have children of their own. Kinda made me feel old! ha. I'm sure there's a lot more that I could tell you here, but I'm gonna cut this short. I didn't get my Sunday afternoon snooze, so I'm feeling droopy. Just wanted you to know I'm still around. Until next time...Wanda.

A Day Early!

I said it would probably be Monday before I checked in again, but just had to do this while it was on my mind. I went to Angela's this weekend and had a wonderful time. The above is her family (minus Emily who hasn't joined them in singing yet) at the sing at their church Saturday night. I was privileged to sing with them as well but got no pictures of that. Today has been wonderful as usual. I drove back from Angela's early this morning so I could be in SS and church at my own. Had lunch with the usual bunch and then joined the friend who was supposed to have gone to church with me this morning and saw the TOSAC play. The friend's brother came into town unexpectedly, so she had to cancel out on church but has promised to go next Sunday. We thoroughly enjoyed the play and had a great visit catching up on mutual acquaintances. After church tonight, we surprised one of the youth who is graduating tomorrow from home school with a party in the fellowship hall. He is such a sweet, quiet, boy and was presented a really nice study Bible from the church. (He's the one who does my yards.)

I was so afraid I wouldn't wake up in time to drive home this morning that I hardly slept any at all last night. So, I'm about the drop. I'm cutting this short so I can head for bed. Hope all of you had a good weekend and are looking forward to the coming week. I am!! Until next time...Wanda.

AHA!

Bet you thought I had lapsed back into my old ways of procrastination, didn't you?! Just been busy at work, walking in the afternoon, and other things that had to be done (not to mention just resting). Keeping four attorneys happy at the office getting all their work out without any of them feeling like I'm showing preference to one of the others can get a little pressured sometimes. Needless to say, they keep me busy. One of them is about to be gone for two weeks, so I'll get a bit of a breather.

I'm excited about going to Angela's this weekend (leaving tomorrow from work). We will be singing at their church on Saturday night, and then I'll drive back here early Sunday morning in time to play piano for my church. It's been a while since I've gotten to sing with them and I'll probably be a bit rusty. But, Angela, Steve, Meredith and Ethan will probably do most of it anyway, which will be a real treat for me.

I have a friend/former co-worker who is going to church with me Sunday, and I'm excited about that. Her husband died several months ago, her only child lives in Atlanta, and she's alone. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a renewal of our friendship. After church, we'll have lunch and then go to the T'ville On Stage theater production in the afternoon. I have forgotten the name of it but have heard raves about how good and funny it is. It will be a full day!

Until next time (which will probably be Monday)...Wanda.

Friends

I was blessed today to hear from another friend in Mississippi that I haven't talked to in a long time. What a joy! I have three friends from Mississippi who are truly that -- it doesn't matter how long we've been apart or how long its been since we talked, we just pick up where we left off. That is a real blessing.

When someone pops into our minds and we think of them several times during the day, that probably means we should call and chat. Friends are too few and far between to let slip through our fingers, and it only takes a few minutes to reconnect. I'm talking mostly to myself, because a lot of times I'll intend to send a card, visit someone, or call and just keep putting it off. The result? I've cheated both of us out of a blessing. So, I'm going to do better!!!!

My local friend and I walked our three miles around the lake this afternoon, so I'm tired. I still have a couple of projects to work on before bedtime and better close this out. Until next time...Wanda.

Chatter

For lack of a better title, as I have nothing in particular to report on tonight; just didn't want to break my chain of blogging. Today being Sunday and my favorite day of the week (besides those ending in "y"), it was a good one! Church this morning was very good, lunch with the church bunch was enjoyable as usual, and my afternoon was spent putting pictues in my Women's Ministry scrapbook. I really should have walked but the pictures were calling me, so I gave in. Tonight was another good service at church, and I came home and ate too much and am miserable. Guess that means I'll really have to walk lots this next week. Hope all of you had a wonderful day and look forward to a great week. I love my job, I love Mondays (and each day thereafter), and look forward to being busy. I have some folks I want to send cards to, calls to make, plans to be made, housework to be done, activites to participate in, etc. What else is new?! Until next time...Wanda.

Women of Influence

That's the name of the ladies' function I attended today with Debbie and Ramona at Angela's church. I came home inspired and encouraged to be more conscious of my influence on others. We all are, you know, whether for good or not so good, so it's very important that we remember that we are God's children and let others see Jesus in us through our words, actions, body language, attitude, integrity, dependability, punctuality, thoughts, etc. etc. Get the point?

The only part of the day that I wish would have been different is to have been able to spend more time with my daughter and family. Emily had a softball game and I only got to be with her about 10 minutes. Ethan, of course, couldn't attend the ladies' thing and I only got to be with him for about the same amount of time. However, Meredith and Angela thrilled my heart - Angela is such a wonderful pastor's wife, mother and daughter that I'm always brought to tears when I'm with her. Meredith sang a solo ("Come to Jesus") and that really brought my tears. I love her so much and am so proud of her testimony. I'm going back down there next weekend (Friday after work and stay until early Sunday morning and then drive home in time to be at my church service) as they are having a sing and we are the program. ha. It's been a while since I've sung with them, but I can hardly wait.

Ok, I have things to do - like pop some corn and watch "Water Horse" that I bought at the Christian bookstore this afternoon. Until next time...Wanda.

So Excited!

These are my buddies - Debbie and Ramona (always has her eyes closed in pictures - ha). They are going with me tomorrow to Angela's.

As I mentioned in my last post, a long-lost friend was found today. We talked for 30 minutes on the phone and would have talked longer but I had to get back to work. It was as though the years just melted away and we picked up right where we left off. Now that's a friend! She now lives in Texas, so I can't pop over and see her anytime soon. However, she's coming over this way sometime in the next few months, so we will work it out somehow to get together for a few minutes or a day or two of visiting. In the meantime, we'll keep the phone lines hot. She still talks 90 miles an hour, so there's never a lull in the conversation. That's one of the things I love about her - never at a loss for words. ha.

Hope all of you have a great Saturday! Until next time...Wanda.

It's a habit!

(Can you tell I'm still reminiscing about my California trip? Mickey let me try out his car!)

Well, it didn't take three weeks of doing this for it to become a habit. It seems that I'm drawn to this computer every night to write something! However, I really don't have anything to share tonight except that as I walked my three miles this afternoon, I counted my blessings and thanked God for his work in my life.

There is one thing I've very excited about. A dear friend that I had lost contact with over the years is about to be found!!!! Her daughter and my oldest were best friends when they were little, and the mom and I were as well. The daughter saw one of my children's picture/name on My Space and contacted them. So, tomorrow I plan to make contact with the mom and do some "catching up." These computers are wonderful!

I'm planning to go to Angela's on Saturday for a tea/brunch with her church ladies and am looking forward to that as well as seeing the three grandchildren I haven't seen in a while. Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and honor God with the way you live! Until next time...Wanda.

Secretary's Day

Much to my surprise, when I walked into my office this morning there was a pretty pink plant and an envelope on my desk. It had not dawned on me that today was Secretary/Administrative Asst. day, but my bosses remembered. There was a gift card to Outback in the card, so I'll have to see about putting that to use soon. Of course, one of them had written a note of thanks for all that I do in the card, and that was also appreciated. I love my job!

We had a wonderful crowd at church tonight and a good lesson as well. It was on spiritual growth, and that's been one of my desires the last few months. So, I'm looking forward to this series of Wednesday night lessons and even have some homework to do. Guess I should quit this and go get started. Until next time...Wanda.

Fish in the Lake

Yes, Stuart, there are fish in the lake. I saw three people pull some out today. One fellow decided his was not big enough, so he threw him back. The other two were good size and went into their coolers. I had to walk by myself today as my buddy was sick. I didn't mind, however, as I saw friends I hadn't seen in a while and just enjoyed being outdoors. There was a wonderful breeze, and I saw the world in action (firetruck with siren blasting, police cars, ambulance, and a train that crossed over our walking path). When I got home, I had two caramel rice cakes with peanut butter. YUM! (That one was for you, Kim! HA) That's all I've had, so I'm hoping the exercise and cutback on eating will get a few more pounds off. Will keep you posted on that (as if you are really interested). Hope all of you are having a wonderful week. Until next time...Wanda.

Cherokee Lake

This is my new favorite place to walk. It's exactly one mile around the lake, so three laps and I get in my three miles. It is beautiful and a perfect spot for walking, fishing, picnic-ing, or just taking a lawn chair to sit and watch the people or read. I can hardly wait for my children and grandchildren to come visit me so we can enjoy this together. I apologize for all the space between pictures on my blog - Wannie will have to show me how to correct it on her next visit. I'm tired, so this will be short. But aren't you proud of me for blogging so often!?!?!? Until next time...Wanda.

Saturday Doin's

You know I was expecting another beautiful day today. Well, when I got up this morning and looked outside - you guessed it - it was raining. Not hard, just enough to need an umbrella. I didn't let that stop me. I went to the beauty shop at 8:30 a.m., was out by 9:30 a.m., and the rain had stopped. The rest of the day was gorgeous; thank you, Lord. Got my errands done - CVS for vacation pictures, Ambers Two to drop off donations (consignment shop), etc. Came home and cleaned house, made lunch, and had a nap. The phone woke me (yes, Jawan, I was dozing when you called but didn't want to admit it - ha) and I chatted with Wannie. Hadn't much more than sat down when it rang again, and it was my friend Connie calling to see if I could have dinner with her tonight as her husband was otherwise engaged. So, she came and picked me up and we went to Applebees for dinner and was joined by a friend and former co-worker, Nancy. It was a wonderful spending time with both of them, especially Nancy. I hope all of you had a great day and will be in God's house tomorrow. Until next time...Wanda (see, I'm trying to change from "Mom").

It's me again!

I have so many pictures from my trip that I just had to post another or two. Bet you didn't know Billy Graham had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, did you? I didn't. The next picture is of Kim and Shane's daughters - Jamie and Tiffany (Jamie is the oldest - that's Kim in the background). The last picture is Renae and Paul's oldest daughter, Kristi, with her new flame, Tai. This one was taken at Medieval Times, which, if you've ever been there, explains the crown she's wearing. We all had to wear them.

They say if you do something long enough, it becomes a habit. Well, I'm working on making a habit of daily blogging. Bet that's shocked a few of you! I have nothing in particular on my mind to write about except that it's Friday and the weekend is before me. Today was in the 80s, so I'm hoping tomorrow will be that way too as I have errands to run (nails, hair, CVS to check on pictures, consignment shop - thanks to my daughter, etc.). My Friday night dinner buddies had their grandbabies at their house, so I went to McDonalds (drivethrough) and then shopped for my secret sister a gift.

Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. I'll chat with you soon! Until next time...Mom. (I really shouldn't sign off that way as more folks read this than just my children. Ok, I'll think of something for next time.)

California family

It's been years since my own children have seen their cousins in California and longer than that since the Mississippi portion of my family has seen them. So, I thought I'd at least post my sister's children (Renae and Paul; Terry and Sharon; Kim and Shane). Renae and Paul live in Fullerton, CA, Terry and Sharon live in Roswell, GA, and Kim and Shane live with Norma and Gwin in Los Angeles. They are all so special to me, and I had so much fun visiting with them last week.

We have a beautiful lake just one street over from my house, and I've just this week discovered what a treat it is. A sidewalk has been put in all the way around it, bridges have been built over the water, benches are placed here and there, picnic tables, a children's playground, and the rose garden are all there as well. Lots of people were there walking, some were fishing off the bridges, and families were strolling their children. Ramona and I walked there day before yesterday, and I went by myself this afternoon. I asked someone how far it was around the lake and was told it is exactly one mile. I was on my third lap around when I asked, so I got in three miles before coming home. Think I'll head for bed as soon as I finish this.

Ok, this is my third day in a row to blog, which is some kind of record for me. Don't get excited for I'll probably lapse back into procrastination mode soon.ha. Until next time...Mom.

Afterthought!

Just a shot of Norma and me with some actor outside of Grauman's Chinese Theater. There were bunches of these people dressed in costumes wanting to have their picture made with you. Then, after the picture was made, they asked for a tip. That's the way they made extra cash when not rehearsing or acting. I gave him $1 - do you think it was worth it? ha. I learned my lesson quickly and didn't take pictures with anyone else in costume.

This is what I really wanted to blog about tonight. I wish I had a picture to prove this, but I don't have it yet. I forgot to tell you that I got to play the piano on Main Street in Disneyland while on our trip!!!!! There was a ragtime pianist playing while people ate in the outdoor part of the restaurant. Some lady from the crowd asked the pianist if she could play, and he said yes. She played beautifully - ragtime just like he had been doing. While she was playing, Renae and Debbie decided they would ask him if I could play. They did, he said yes, and I played - not ragtime but southern gospel! They got my picture so I'll have to wait until they send it to me to prove that I really did! Don't know how I forgot to tell you about that as I felt quite honored. Ok, that's told so don't you feel better? I do. ha. Would you believe I've just tonight unpacked my suitcase (home on Sunday and here it is Wednesday). Talk about procrastination! I don't know what U.S. Air did, but they ruined my suitcase. The fabric was torn off on one corner and the frame was all bent out of shape. Oh well, I do have another smaller one so I'm not going to worry about it. Guess I could have filed a claim but they gave us a safe, smooth flight so we'll call it even. Enough for now. Until next time...Mom.