Random Thoughts

1. I'm tired, but no so much as yesterday. The office was at a slower pace today;
2. I walked with Ramona this afternoon and am feeling it even now - cold out there, too!;
3. Another friend called me tonight (Connie) about the Destin conference in February;
4. I've begun preparing the Sunday School lesson for this coming Sunday - "Being Yourself;"
5. Ramona gave me some homemade chili for supper;
6. My hair needs washing, which means I get up earlier tomorrow morning - ugh!
7. Angela and I are having a yard sale the last weekend in January. My kitchen is piled!;
8. Looking forward to being off Friday - have a gift card I need to use. ha;
9. So thankful for heat in the winter and air in the summer;
10. Hooked on Diet Coke and Green Tea - think I'll go have one or the other.

Aren't you glad I shared all of that! Until next time...Wanda.

Dropped the Ball!

Yes, I've already dropped the ball on my good intentions to post something every day. But you must agree that I'm doing much better. It seems I come home from work every day wiped out and just don't have the energy to put my thoughts down. Since I'm the only staff person in the office, I have a lot more responsibilities besides the regular work keeping up with the three attorneys. I made three trips to the post office today and one trip to the courthouse. Since I'm at the front desk, I have to answer the phones, take care of visitors, make coffee, switch out backup tapes from server, supervise the runner, teach her how to do different things, and still get all the regular work done. I've even reniged on walking in the afternoons but MUST get back to that.

I spent this past weekend in Columbus with my three youngest grandchildren while Jawan and Mitch went to Macon for a church meeting. They were so good, and I enjoyed my time with them so much. Andrew said he wished I could just live with them forever or at least be their neighbor. ha. It is sad that families are not in close proximity with each other like in the "olden" days. But I'm thankful for telephones and computers to stay in touch.

My four-day work week began this month, so I now have Fridays off. That I like; the salary cut I don't like. However, I'm not gonna worry about that. I'm going to enjoy the long weekends and take mini vacations. There are a lot of places I want to go (Texas to see Linda and Crystal; Mississippi to see old school chums and long-time friends; Florida in February to a women's seminar; etc. etc.) and plan to hit the road on Thursdays after work to start working on my list.

It's bedtime so until next time...Wanda.

WM/Men's Ministry Meeting

The men's ministry invited the women's ministry to have a joint meeting with them tonight, so we accepted the invitation. There was a good turnout, and the food was delicious. The men cooked the meat, and the ladies provided side dishes and desserts. Yum, as usual. One of the men gave a short devotional on Romans 13:11-14 - "Wake up, time is short!", and we all left encouraged and stuffed. Those men eat well at every meeting; we just have finger foods. ha. But you know that the wives probably have to fix most of the food at home and let them take credit for it at the meeting, which is why we only have finger foods at ours. However, we always have plenty. I got lots of pictures of the men cleaning up, washing the dishes, drying them, carrying out garbage, etc. Gotta keep my scrapbook going! Our regular meeting is usually a week later than the men's, which normally would be next Tuesday. Now I'll have plenty of time to plan for the February and March meetings. I know you are thrilled with all this chatter, so I won't bore you further. Just had to post something! Until next time...Wanda.

My Tribute

I received in the mail today from my sister a copy of the funeral program and tribute booklet for my brother-in-law, Gwin Turner. All of their children and grandchildren, as well as a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter-in-law, wrote tributes to their father/grandfather/father-in-law. What a wonderfully sweet gesture that was -- it brought tears to my eyes -- and I began to think about what I could say about him.

Gwin and Norma (my sister) got married when she was only 15 years old and had been married for 57 years. I don't know if Gwin ever dated anyone else or not (he was 20 when they married), but I know Norma had not. In fact, the two of them never dated. We all went to the same church, and he would come to our house on the pretense of visiting with my older brother who was his age. Then he and Norma would sit together on the couch in the living room watching their manners lest one of our parents should walk by. Anyway, I was only 9 years old at that time, so I never felt very "close" to Gwin. They always lived in another state while getting their education (seminary in New Orleans, LA and further seminary in Fort Worth, TX), and I didn't get to spend any time with them.

One incident that has stuck with me through the years is when I went to stay with them for a few days after their first two children were born. By then I was about 12 or 13 years old. When either of the children misbehaved or didn't mind as he thought they should, Gwin would spank. That was ok, but it was what he did next that made my blood boil. He wouldn't let them cry and made them stand in front of him and smile at him before they could walk away. I yelled at him and he then threatened me and said if I didn't hush I would be next. Would you believe that as much as I love him today and as well as his children have turned out, I still get mad when I think about that!!!???!?!!!!!!! Is that unforgiveness or what?! We've talked about that incident several times in the recent past, and they (he and his children) think it's funny. Needless to say, I didn't and still don't. Maybe one day I can turn that loose. ha.

Besides being one of the best preachers I ever heard, Gwin was one of the sweetest, kindest men I've ever known. One thing that no one else has mentioned is the fact that he loved my sister with all his heart. He was a wonderful provider (not only for her but for the whole family), gave her lavish gifts, and made it known that she was his inspiration and joy. I've visited with then on several occasions, and Gwin always went with us wherever we went (Disneyland, Universal, California Adventures, etc.), took a book/Bible with him, his cell phone, found him a spot to sit close to a concession stand and told us to go have a good time for as long as we wanted. How many men do you know that would do that? I truly wish I could have known him better, but distance prevented. He had a beautiful voice and could play the accordion, too. After reading his family's memories, I see there was a lot about him I didn't know or get to see. I do know his family loved him dearly, and he will be missed by everyone, including me.

My sister has a long hard road ahead of her adjusting to life within Gwin, but her faith is strong, she has family support, knows where he is, and will be fine. I wish I could have gone to be with her during this time, but that just wasn't possible. Maybe in a month or two we can visit. In the meantime, she's in my heart and prayers. I love you, sis!

Until next time...Wanda.

My Favorite Day

This has been a bitter sweet day. I look forward to and love going to church, which I did today. However, three couples have decided to look for another church home, so my heart has been heavy in that regard. It's a long story and one I won't discuss, but I'm praying that hearts will be convicted, forgiveness asked for and granted, and that we'll pick up the pieces and go on with God's help. My pastor and wife came by my house tonight after to church to feel me out to see how solid I am. ha. I assured them I wasn't going anywhere. Other than that, it's been a good day.

For some reason, I couldn't go to sleep last night and stayed awake until around 5:00 a.m. this morning. I got up around 2:00 a.m. and cleaned part of my bedroom and scrapbooked some pictures. I finally got about 2 hours of sleep before having to get up and start the day. After lunch I decided I would come home and take a nap on the couch. Just as I got in a comfortable position and was about to doze off, Angela and Emily came by to use the computer. I love having them and it probably was best that I didn't soundly sleep. I always feel horrible when I wake up. However, Emily entertained herself with the TV in my bedroom, Angela was on the computer, and I sat in my recliner and napped. Needless to say, I'll be heading to bed in a few minutes.

The holidays are over and it's back to work tomorrow. From now on, however, I'll be having a four-day work week and plan to make use of Fridays off. Have a great week! Until next time...Wanda.

Uneventful Saturday

Yep, it's hardly worth writing about, but I'm trying to do better at posting. Emily spent the night again last night, and we stayed up until about 2:00 a.m. this morning watching movies and playing Phase 10. She slept until 12:00 noon today. I've washed clothes, which is about the only productive thing I did all day. Emily was picked up by Angela and Steve about 6:00 p.m., and I'm listening to the Falcon/Cardinal game as I sit in here and post. Even though the day was uneventful, it was safe, pleasant, and I always enjoy my grandchildren. So, I'm thankful for God's protection and provisions for not only me but my entire family. I'm looking forward to being in church tomorrow and hearing God's Word taught. Until next time...Wanda.

Day 2 of '09

Bet you can tell that Emily and I have spent the day together, and she's also spending the night with me. Angela and Steve had to go to Tallahassee to be with a church member who had surgery this morning and dropped Emily off with me. I had been invited to a surprise birthday get together for my friend Dottie tonight, so when I got ready to take Emily home, she did not want to go. So what did I as a grandmother do? I took her with me to the party and intended to take her to her house afterwards. She set in to spend the night with me so that's what we are doing. She is watching Tinkerbell and eating a pot pie while I post. Next weekend, I'll get to be with three of the other grands. Aren't they all wonderful!!!

I got my Christmas tree and decorations down and put away today, as well as some cleanup from Christmas. Floors vacuumed, mopped, dusted, etc. I'm not done, but it looks a lot better. I plan to do more tomorrow if there is time, but have promised Angela that I will help her move the rest of their stuff from the "temporary" house to the new house. It shouldn't take long, I hope. I need a haircut, and I have a gift card that I would like to spend. ha. So much to do; so little time.

I'm so thankful for my family and friends. I talk to all of my children every week - sometimes they call me, sometimes I call them - and we always express our love for one another. Then there are my friends who, although they are all married, ALWAYS include me in their activities. That means so much, and I hope this coming year that I will reach out to them and others they way they have done for me. I was thinking today of what I was going through one year ago in January 2007. Clinical depression so severe I thought I was losing my mind. I am so thankful for the love, support, medication and grace of God that got me through. I still struggle a bit but not nearly like it was a year ago.

I'll check in tomorrow. Until then...Wanda.

Happy New Year!

This is my little family of children and grandchildren that I got to enjoy during the Christmas holidays. We had beautiful weather (as you can tell from the short sleeves) and had a wonderful time together.

The only "downer" to the holidays was the death of my brother-in-law, Gwin Turner, in California. He and my sister (Norma) had been married for 57 years (married when she was only 15) and had been together day and night for all those years. I wanted to go to be with her and the family but, under the circumstances of being Christmas, all my family at my house, getting an airline ticket on the spur of the minute, and the weather elsewhere, I just couldn't make it work. Sis understood and assured me it was ok. My heart was there with her, and I'm staying in touch often. It will be a long, hard, lonesome road for her for a long time, but her faith is strong, she knows Gwin is with Jesus, and she has her children/grandchildren for company and comfort. However, there will always be an empty spot in her heart for her mate, but it will ease somewhat as time goes on. She knows she is loved! I'm hoping to be able to go and spend a few days with her sometime soon.

Christmas has been wonderful in a lot of ways. I had five of my friends over for a night of food, fun and fellowship a couple of weeks ago. We ate, made Christmas ornaments, exchanged gifts, and just had a great "girlfriend" session. Then last night, New Year's Eve, eleven of us got together (five couples and me) at one of the couple's homes and ate and played Pictionary. What fun!!! I've spent all day today at Angela's. We ate the usual New Year's Day meal (black eye peas, ham, etc.)and then went shopping. What's a day off if you don't go to Walmart?!

I have tomorrow off from work also and plan to spend most of it cleaning house. I haven't touched this place since everyone left after Christmas, so there's lots to be done. I guess my new work arrangement starts this next week, so just pray that I can adjust to the changes. I will enjoy having every Friday off, but the pay cut will still take some getting used to. God knew seventeen years and a half ago when I was initially hired that this was going to take place, and He has promised to meet my needs. Therefore, I trust Him to do just that.

I've made no resolutions for this coming year, but I do hope I'll be better at posting. We'll see. Until next time...Wanda.

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.