A Merry Christmas to all of you!! We are have a lovely first Christmas in our new home in North Carolina. Bill will need to go to work this evening, but we will first eat Christmas dinner with our lovely neighbors.
I have sadly neglected this blog the last couple of months. It is not because there was nothing to write about. In fact, there were many things to write about--I was quite busy.
One of the big things on my mind has been my mother's health. She was in the hospital about a month--during November and December. She had an aortic valve replaced and also had a by-pass done. We wer there for about a week over the time of the surgery. PTL--she is making progress--a bit slower than we had hoped, but nonetheless, progress.
The thing I have been thinking about a lot this Christmas season is Jesus being the light of the world. Have you ever noticed how bright one little light is in a very dark place? Somehow, this world feels darker all the time. But Jesus' light shine brighter--the darker the surroundings!!
May you feel His light and love and direction in 2009!!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Our Healer
Our sovereign God is the ultimate Healer!! We are so grateful to Him for showing us His healing powers this past weekend. On Saturday evening Ken, my brother-in-law, suddenly collapsed. Since his breathing stopped, CPR was performed several times before he was air-lifted to a hospital. They fully expected to find a blood clot, but none was found. They finally concluded that he had an anaphylactic reaction to a mimosa tree he was cutting down. It still about gives me goose bumps when I think of how many times in that scenario he almost died. We were all pleading with God for his survival. He walked out of the hospital on Monday afternoon!!
As I am writing, Jeremy is in surgery, having the part of his brain removed that has caused him countless seizures and lots of misery. In his early twenties, he is unable to drive, hold down a job, operate any tools, etc. because of his seizures. His family and friends are praying for a miracle so that he can lead a normal life. I am so glad that God is a Healer!!
As I think of others with complicated and sometimes devastating illnesses, I simply must trust in God's grace, sovereignty, and healing abilities. If God does not choose to heal in this life, may He send immeasurable grace to persevere.
As I am writing, Jeremy is in surgery, having the part of his brain removed that has caused him countless seizures and lots of misery. In his early twenties, he is unable to drive, hold down a job, operate any tools, etc. because of his seizures. His family and friends are praying for a miracle so that he can lead a normal life. I am so glad that God is a Healer!!
As I think of others with complicated and sometimes devastating illnesses, I simply must trust in God's grace, sovereignty, and healing abilities. If God does not choose to heal in this life, may He send immeasurable grace to persevere.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
This and That
The gas shortage continues in our little town. Bill is able to get gas in Asheville, however, so we are okay. If any station has gas, there are usually long lines. You just hope that the station doesn't run out of gas just before you get there after waiting in line for maybe an hour. I saw an interesting sight the other day. The poor "smuck" waited a little too long. He and a buddy had to push his vehicle through the line . At least he made it into line.
Bill's truck let him down. He got to work, but couldn't turn off the key. Since he just filled it up with gas, he really didn't want to leave it running until it got empty. So he drove another hour home, disconnected a wire, and then took the van to work.
Have a blessed day!!
Bill's truck let him down. He got to work, but couldn't turn off the key. Since he just filled it up with gas, he really didn't want to leave it running until it got empty. So he drove another hour home, disconnected a wire, and then took the van to work.
Have a blessed day!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Gas Shortage
On Bill's way home from work, he noticed only a couple of gas stations with gas. Those stations had long lines of people waiting to fuel up. He didn't see any stations with gas in our town of Brevard. He told me not to go anywhere unless it is necessary. They hope the fuel shortage will be alleviated by the weekend. We need to save our gas so Bill has enough to get back and forth to work--a one hour drive each way.
I guess the pansies I was going to buy today and the gallon of milk we need can wait until we need to go out for something else. It feels kind of weird, this is the first I can remember a fuel shortage. I think it is good for us, but if it keeps up indefinitely, people won't be able to get to work, and transporting goods will come to a halt. I'm glad that God is ultimately in control!!
I guess the pansies I was going to buy today and the gallon of milk we need can wait until we need to go out for something else. It feels kind of weird, this is the first I can remember a fuel shortage. I think it is good for us, but if it keeps up indefinitely, people won't be able to get to work, and transporting goods will come to a halt. I'm glad that God is ultimately in control!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Idyllic Camping
UCMC--the church we are attending, went camping this weekend. The weather could not have been more perfect. It was cool enough that you could enjoy sitting around the fire, but warm enough that a light jacket could keep you warm in the evening and early morning.
We stayed in a cute little cabin--basic but clean. Wonder of wonders--the showers were relatively clean and private.
Backs rubs and foot rubs by Ada, paddle boating, fishing, canoeing, wading in the creek, and just a lot of shooting the breeze took place. A talent show provided us with fun evening entertainment. A "gorilla" suddenly appeared--much to the terror of some of the children. Even when the head piece was removed, and they saw Paul's smiling face, it didn't calm them down much. They begged him not to put it on again. "Henrietta"--a very tall midwife showed up, with her medical bag under her arm, inquiring if Cindy was around. Cindy was there--that day was her due date. In "her" real life he goes by Henry--(also Cindy's father).
We came home by way of a folk art festival. It was fun to see folk artisans at work--carvers, weavers, spinners, etc.
The mess of getting ready to go and coming home and unpacking is always the least favorite part of the whole experience, but it too must be done. I spent most of the morning putting things away and doing laundry. It was, however, well worth the effort.
We stayed in a cute little cabin--basic but clean. Wonder of wonders--the showers were relatively clean and private.
Backs rubs and foot rubs by Ada, paddle boating, fishing, canoeing, wading in the creek, and just a lot of shooting the breeze took place. A talent show provided us with fun evening entertainment. A "gorilla" suddenly appeared--much to the terror of some of the children. Even when the head piece was removed, and they saw Paul's smiling face, it didn't calm them down much. They begged him not to put it on again. "Henrietta"--a very tall midwife showed up, with her medical bag under her arm, inquiring if Cindy was around. Cindy was there--that day was her due date. In "her" real life he goes by Henry--(also Cindy's father).
We came home by way of a folk art festival. It was fun to see folk artisans at work--carvers, weavers, spinners, etc.
The mess of getting ready to go and coming home and unpacking is always the least favorite part of the whole experience, but it too must be done. I spent most of the morning putting things away and doing laundry. It was, however, well worth the effort.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
THINGS THAT MADE ME SMILE
I haven't posted in awhile. Nothing weighty enough to post. Let me give you a few things that made me smile the last while.
I had to smile when I invited a 79 year old lady for brunch. She is no ordinary 79 nine year old. Last Sunday in church she taught a ladies' SS class and in the evening gave her life story. She decided she could come for brunch because it had rained and it was to wet to mow her yard. That made me smile.:)
I was not smiling this morning when I discovered that two credit card bills that I was waiting to pay until the due date, (I like to pay online) were due yesterday. After breathing a prayer for mercy (I knew I deserved judgement)--I called and very sweetly asked if they could ignore any finance charges or late fees. They both assured me that if I paid today, everything would be okay. That made me smile.:) Thank you, Lord!!
Yesterday one of my neighbors came over and we had tea and a wonderful gab session. That made me smile.:)
My brother, Lowell, and his family came to visit us. Judy's parents--Sanford and Martha--were travelling with them. Other then that the visit was way too short, it was hard to improve on it. That made us all smile for a long time.:)
I had to smile when I invited a 79 year old lady for brunch. She is no ordinary 79 nine year old. Last Sunday in church she taught a ladies' SS class and in the evening gave her life story. She decided she could come for brunch because it had rained and it was to wet to mow her yard. That made me smile.:)
I was not smiling this morning when I discovered that two credit card bills that I was waiting to pay until the due date, (I like to pay online) were due yesterday. After breathing a prayer for mercy (I knew I deserved judgement)--I called and very sweetly asked if they could ignore any finance charges or late fees. They both assured me that if I paid today, everything would be okay. That made me smile.:) Thank you, Lord!!
Yesterday one of my neighbors came over and we had tea and a wonderful gab session. That made me smile.:)
My brother, Lowell, and his family came to visit us. Judy's parents--Sanford and Martha--were travelling with them. Other then that the visit was way too short, it was hard to improve on it. That made us all smile for a long time.:)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Things
Excuse me while I rant for a bit. I have said many times that things are to be our servants, not our masters. For the past several months, I feel like I am a servant to my things. Maybe, largely, because we moved this summer. This was our third move in three years. Two of those moves were from one state to another. You may think we enjoy I the process. I confess--I never do very well with this sort of thing.
We left a bunch of stuff in storage in SC three years ago. We were planning to be in VA only one year, so we decided not to move everything. Well, it ended up being three years. We finally traipsed down there last weekend with both our van and pickup to bring the stuff back. While it was wonderful to see all the folks, I am still dealing with the stuff we brought back. It had been in a storage shed. Anyone from the South knows those big roaches love boxes. So the boxes had to be emptied before being brought into the house. A lot of the stuff had to be cleaned up and packed back up in clean boxes until I get a china closet.
I get overwhelmed with lots of stuff. There are some things that just have to go. I came across this ugly green bowl someone gave me thirteen years ago. I felt obligated to keep it because it was a gift. We have moved eight times since I got it. I have not used it one time. Do I need to keep it? I have decided--quite awhile to late--that I do not keep it. I have seen the lady maybe two or three times since she gave it to me. I am sure she does not remember she gave it to me. There are too many things in my life like that.
How many times do you regret getting rid of stuff? Most times, I feel so great after dropping a box off at the thrift store. I do remember one baby dress of Maria's I regretted giving away. It was sooo cute. That is a pretty good track record--and worth taking the risk again.
You may think I am not sentimental. I am a paradox. Certain things are very difficult for me to part with. When I opened some of the boxes, the things inside made me smile--There was a box with some of the drawings and cards Maria made for me over the past number of years. I would have an awfully hard time pitching those. I found all my old report cards. I also found my grade school and high school diplomas. I was actually looking for my high school diploma. I need a copy of it to legally homeschool Maria. I also found a bunch of papers from my school days.
I guess I feel like I need balance--It would be so easy to get pitch happy because I am so tired of dealing with things. On the other hand, we aren't to be wasteful. I often think, however, of what God told us is going to happen to this stuff when He returns. So if we don't need it, we won't miss it, and it won't give me or anyone in my household pleasure, it needs to go to someone who will use it or enjoy it!!
We left a bunch of stuff in storage in SC three years ago. We were planning to be in VA only one year, so we decided not to move everything. Well, it ended up being three years. We finally traipsed down there last weekend with both our van and pickup to bring the stuff back. While it was wonderful to see all the folks, I am still dealing with the stuff we brought back. It had been in a storage shed. Anyone from the South knows those big roaches love boxes. So the boxes had to be emptied before being brought into the house. A lot of the stuff had to be cleaned up and packed back up in clean boxes until I get a china closet.
I get overwhelmed with lots of stuff. There are some things that just have to go. I came across this ugly green bowl someone gave me thirteen years ago. I felt obligated to keep it because it was a gift. We have moved eight times since I got it. I have not used it one time. Do I need to keep it? I have decided--quite awhile to late--that I do not keep it. I have seen the lady maybe two or three times since she gave it to me. I am sure she does not remember she gave it to me. There are too many things in my life like that.
How many times do you regret getting rid of stuff? Most times, I feel so great after dropping a box off at the thrift store. I do remember one baby dress of Maria's I regretted giving away. It was sooo cute. That is a pretty good track record--and worth taking the risk again.
You may think I am not sentimental. I am a paradox. Certain things are very difficult for me to part with. When I opened some of the boxes, the things inside made me smile--There was a box with some of the drawings and cards Maria made for me over the past number of years. I would have an awfully hard time pitching those. I found all my old report cards. I also found my grade school and high school diplomas. I was actually looking for my high school diploma. I need a copy of it to legally homeschool Maria. I also found a bunch of papers from my school days.
I guess I feel like I need balance--It would be so easy to get pitch happy because I am so tired of dealing with things. On the other hand, we aren't to be wasteful. I often think, however, of what God told us is going to happen to this stuff when He returns. So if we don't need it, we won't miss it, and it won't give me or anyone in my household pleasure, it needs to go to someone who will use it or enjoy it!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
BMA Convention
We are slowly, but surely getting settled in. We finally have living room furniture, and Maria has bed to sleep in. She actually had a queen-sized mattress on her floor before, but it took up most of the room. A single bed fits much better.
The church we are attending is a part of BMA. BMA had its annual convention in Due West, SC--actually about 2 hours "Due South" from where we live. We decided this was too good an opportunity to pass up. The preaching was so full of "meat". The singing made you wonder how the singing in heaven could be better. Imagine close to a thousand people putting there whole hearts into singing "606"--It was enough to send chills up and down my spine--even in a very warm building. Lyle did an awesome job of leading the singing. They had a children's choir. In only two practices, Wendy did an amazing job with the children. It was beautiful!!
The ladies' sessions were a real treat for me, personally. Dorcas Smucker spoke on relationships. She is one of my heroes. I've been trying to analyze why I like her so much. I have both of her books, and I faithfully read her blog, and I always read her articles. I think one big reason I admire her so much is that she is so Godly and yet so human. She struggles with a lot of the nitty-gritty things I suspect a lot of us struggle with. Then she deals with those things--telling us exactly how she is processing them, often with a lot of humor, but always with honesty. In short--I can relate, even though our lives are very different in many ways.
In a workshop, two ladies from the mission field--one from Mexico and one from Bangladesh shared the hearts as they talked about the joys and struggles of being in missions with their families. There were few dry eyes in the audience as they talked about--not only the proper missionary stuff, but the times when they really struggled with being where they were--the loneliness at Christmas time--how the children their children were associating with were affecting their lives--We need to pray for these families...
One of the huge blessings of the event was all the people I knew. I wasn't expecting to know so many people. Bill's cousin--Bill and Mae (she went through the treatment for breast cancer about the same time I did. Our hairdos were about the same:) ), Lisa, Lorie, and Darlene--three little girls I went to church with as a child, have now grown up, married and have children. I hadn't seen them probably in over 15 years. It was so easy to connect with them. Cousin Joyce and her family of six girls and one boy--Maria and two of her daughters took up right where they left off when we moved away from SC three years ago, Phil--a minister and leader in the conference--I hadn't seen him in about 20 years. Simon, a former pastor, preached a great sermon on Friday evening. It was nice catching up with someone from Catlett. Harry and Arlene, a family I had lived with for a year when teaching school in In PA, and their daughter Cathy and her family were there. Talk about trips down memory lane. Three of Bill's former students were there--William, Daniel, and Jennifer. It was great connecting with them. We got to meet Daniel's fiance', and we got to see where Jennifer and her new husband, Ellis live. Danny and Benita were there on Sunday to enable his mother to catch a ride to PA. It was mighty good to see them as well. I believe I am especially homesick for the Barnwell folks since we have moved further South again. I could go on and on...the Mungs, Dustin, Joyce, Nadene's sister, the man that knew Uncle Jesse and Aunt Ruth, and whose parents grew up in KS and who knew so many people we knew, Pat and Patty...You get the picture--the Mennonite game.
I think one of the reasons these connections meant so much is that they were connecting me to my past. Since we have just moved, we really don't have a history here yet--that all takes time.
We have now gotten back into continuing the settling in process. There is still much to do, but as I said, it is coming.
The things we do today are making our history or story for the future. Live it well!!
The church we are attending is a part of BMA. BMA had its annual convention in Due West, SC--actually about 2 hours "Due South" from where we live. We decided this was too good an opportunity to pass up. The preaching was so full of "meat". The singing made you wonder how the singing in heaven could be better. Imagine close to a thousand people putting there whole hearts into singing "606"--It was enough to send chills up and down my spine--even in a very warm building. Lyle did an awesome job of leading the singing. They had a children's choir. In only two practices, Wendy did an amazing job with the children. It was beautiful!!
The ladies' sessions were a real treat for me, personally. Dorcas Smucker spoke on relationships. She is one of my heroes. I've been trying to analyze why I like her so much. I have both of her books, and I faithfully read her blog, and I always read her articles. I think one big reason I admire her so much is that she is so Godly and yet so human. She struggles with a lot of the nitty-gritty things I suspect a lot of us struggle with. Then she deals with those things--telling us exactly how she is processing them, often with a lot of humor, but always with honesty. In short--I can relate, even though our lives are very different in many ways.
In a workshop, two ladies from the mission field--one from Mexico and one from Bangladesh shared the hearts as they talked about the joys and struggles of being in missions with their families. There were few dry eyes in the audience as they talked about--not only the proper missionary stuff, but the times when they really struggled with being where they were--the loneliness at Christmas time--how the children their children were associating with were affecting their lives--We need to pray for these families...
One of the huge blessings of the event was all the people I knew. I wasn't expecting to know so many people. Bill's cousin--Bill and Mae (she went through the treatment for breast cancer about the same time I did. Our hairdos were about the same:) ), Lisa, Lorie, and Darlene--three little girls I went to church with as a child, have now grown up, married and have children. I hadn't seen them probably in over 15 years. It was so easy to connect with them. Cousin Joyce and her family of six girls and one boy--Maria and two of her daughters took up right where they left off when we moved away from SC three years ago, Phil--a minister and leader in the conference--I hadn't seen him in about 20 years. Simon, a former pastor, preached a great sermon on Friday evening. It was nice catching up with someone from Catlett. Harry and Arlene, a family I had lived with for a year when teaching school in In PA, and their daughter Cathy and her family were there. Talk about trips down memory lane. Three of Bill's former students were there--William, Daniel, and Jennifer. It was great connecting with them. We got to meet Daniel's fiance', and we got to see where Jennifer and her new husband, Ellis live. Danny and Benita were there on Sunday to enable his mother to catch a ride to PA. It was mighty good to see them as well. I believe I am especially homesick for the Barnwell folks since we have moved further South again. I could go on and on...the Mungs, Dustin, Joyce, Nadene's sister, the man that knew Uncle Jesse and Aunt Ruth, and whose parents grew up in KS and who knew so many people we knew, Pat and Patty...You get the picture--the Mennonite game.
I think one of the reasons these connections meant so much is that they were connecting me to my past. Since we have just moved, we really don't have a history here yet--that all takes time.
We have now gotten back into continuing the settling in process. There is still much to do, but as I said, it is coming.
The things we do today are making our history or story for the future. Live it well!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Moving
Well, it is official--We now live in WNC (Western North Carolina). Early Tuesday morning the caravan started south. Tony drove Steve's truck and trailer laden with our earthly belongings. Bill drove the pickup. Maria, Elsie, and I got the best ride in the van. Elsie surprised me at the last minute, adjusted her work schedule and rode along. Wonderful!! It made the hours fly by. We could visit for eight hours straight without any guilt!
We got everything unloaded by Wednesday noon. Tony and Elsie left shortly after that. It was sad to see them go, but it had to be. The living room is still full of boxes. There is still soo much to do, but it feels really good to be settling in rather then pulling up stakes.
We already had two sets of visitors. Our next door neighbors--the former owners of the house stopped in last night. They are a wonderful Christian couple, and already have blessed our lives. Our new pastor and his wife stopped in today. They arrived in a convertible sports car. Almost the first sentence out of his mouth was that this was not his car. A patient of his wanted him to borrow it so he and his wife could go on an anniversary outing. I wish I would have gotten out the camera. It looked like a blast!
A friend of ours who has also moved a lot, summed up my sentiments very well. He said that moving is way over-rated. In spite of everything, things went smoothly. We appreciate all the good help we got!!
We got everything unloaded by Wednesday noon. Tony and Elsie left shortly after that. It was sad to see them go, but it had to be. The living room is still full of boxes. There is still soo much to do, but it feels really good to be settling in rather then pulling up stakes.
We already had two sets of visitors. Our next door neighbors--the former owners of the house stopped in last night. They are a wonderful Christian couple, and already have blessed our lives. Our new pastor and his wife stopped in today. They arrived in a convertible sports car. Almost the first sentence out of his mouth was that this was not his car. A patient of his wanted him to borrow it so he and his wife could go on an anniversary outing. I wish I would have gotten out the camera. It looked like a blast!
A friend of ours who has also moved a lot, summed up my sentiments very well. He said that moving is way over-rated. In spite of everything, things went smoothly. We appreciate all the good help we got!!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Nantucket
We had the fabulous opportunity to take a vacation on Nantucket Island. Some dear friends of ours let us use their vacation home on the island. We met Marvin and Lois and family there as well.
A few highlights--the ferry ride to and from the island, bike trails, beautiful and forsaken beaches, cute shops, the Whaling Museum, and Portuguese bread. The locals were very friendly!! The history of the island is intriguing--Quakers and whaling were two important parts of their history. Three things the island does not have--neon lights, traffic lights, and fast food restaurants.
We went to a Congregationalist church on Sunday morning. We had wanted to climb their bell tower as a tour, since it is the highest point on the island, but it was closed due to construction. One of the moderators at church offered to take us up after church anyway. Twice, after the church service, we ran into people that remembered us from church. I'm afraid we were more memorable then they were. Perhaps being a group of nine Mennonites had something to do with it.
I would love to post some pictures, but since I am over forty years old, and don't have a teenager in the house yet, I am still not able to do it. I spent the last half hour trying to figure it out, but still haven't conquered it.
We got home around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. We made lots of great memories. Bill was glad, however, to have one day to recuperate from his vacation before he had to go back to work.
A few highlights--the ferry ride to and from the island, bike trails, beautiful and forsaken beaches, cute shops, the Whaling Museum, and Portuguese bread. The locals were very friendly!! The history of the island is intriguing--Quakers and whaling were two important parts of their history. Three things the island does not have--neon lights, traffic lights, and fast food restaurants.
We went to a Congregationalist church on Sunday morning. We had wanted to climb their bell tower as a tour, since it is the highest point on the island, but it was closed due to construction. One of the moderators at church offered to take us up after church anyway. Twice, after the church service, we ran into people that remembered us from church. I'm afraid we were more memorable then they were. Perhaps being a group of nine Mennonites had something to do with it.
I would love to post some pictures, but since I am over forty years old, and don't have a teenager in the house yet, I am still not able to do it. I spent the last half hour trying to figure it out, but still haven't conquered it.
We got home around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. We made lots of great memories. Bill was glad, however, to have one day to recuperate from his vacation before he had to go back to work.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
NEED TO RELAX? TRY FISHING
On Bill's way to and from work, he always crosses the Rappahanock River. The shad are running right now. The heron, osprey, and humans are out fishing in hordes. Of course, as every true fisherman knows, it is past time to join the fun!!
Thursday evening we went fishing. The man beside us was reeling in a fish about every five minutes. It took me that long just to get my pole ready to cast. You have to understand, putting a worm on a hook is not my idea of how to spend my day in the park. By the time Bill got our poles baited, and our lines untangled from the bushes, he had very little time to fish. I decided to fish with a lure so that that baiting the hook with worms was no longer a problem. I managed to catch an eel, and about a four-inch sun fish--both returned to the water. Bill caught about four fish that he returned to the water as well. Maria caught two fish that were worth saving. We thought we would probably have them for breakfast the next morning.
When Maria was carrying the tackle box back to the van, it spilled, not being latched correctly. I helped her return the contents to the box. I did not realize until later that one of lures (this one had six little hooks attached to it) had snagged the hem of my dress. The harder I tried to get it out, the more entangled it became. I was feeling rather sick by this time, since I have a crises in the dress department already, and this was my best in-between going away dress. Bill tried valiantly to help me out of this pickle. The pliers he was using didn't work. In fact, it got stuck on the lure. Great!! Now I could walk around the rest of the evening with a lure and a pliers hanging from my hem. He finally pried lose the pliers, unbent the hooks, and released me from my prickles. What a guy!!
You may wonder--how did the fish taste? That is something we never know. Unfortunately, when we got home and were unpacking our gear, we discovered that we had the left the cooler with the fish in them on the dock back at the river.
What a relaxing way to spend and evening!! We really did have fun, in spite of everything. And we had some really good laughs. I am wondering, however, if this may not be one of the times that Bill secretly wishes that there would be at least one other male in the household to kind of help him through some of these trying times.
We have to go again. Somehow, I need to redeem the money I spent on my fishing license.
Thursday evening we went fishing. The man beside us was reeling in a fish about every five minutes. It took me that long just to get my pole ready to cast. You have to understand, putting a worm on a hook is not my idea of how to spend my day in the park. By the time Bill got our poles baited, and our lines untangled from the bushes, he had very little time to fish. I decided to fish with a lure so that that baiting the hook with worms was no longer a problem. I managed to catch an eel, and about a four-inch sun fish--both returned to the water. Bill caught about four fish that he returned to the water as well. Maria caught two fish that were worth saving. We thought we would probably have them for breakfast the next morning.
When Maria was carrying the tackle box back to the van, it spilled, not being latched correctly. I helped her return the contents to the box. I did not realize until later that one of lures (this one had six little hooks attached to it) had snagged the hem of my dress. The harder I tried to get it out, the more entangled it became. I was feeling rather sick by this time, since I have a crises in the dress department already, and this was my best in-between going away dress. Bill tried valiantly to help me out of this pickle. The pliers he was using didn't work. In fact, it got stuck on the lure. Great!! Now I could walk around the rest of the evening with a lure and a pliers hanging from my hem. He finally pried lose the pliers, unbent the hooks, and released me from my prickles. What a guy!!
You may wonder--how did the fish taste? That is something we never know. Unfortunately, when we got home and were unpacking our gear, we discovered that we had the left the cooler with the fish in them on the dock back at the river.
What a relaxing way to spend and evening!! We really did have fun, in spite of everything. And we had some really good laughs. I am wondering, however, if this may not be one of the times that Bill secretly wishes that there would be at least one other male in the household to kind of help him through some of these trying times.
We have to go again. Somehow, I need to redeem the money I spent on my fishing license.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Harley in Heaven?
We have been studying Revelation in a Bible study I am a part of. During one of our breaks we got into a discussion about whether there are pets in heaven. My friend said that there had to be dogs in heaven because Harley, her recently deceased dog, is going to be there.
Is she right? I don't know. I do know that the Garden of Eden had animals. In my mind, heaven will be a lot like the Garden of Eden--only a lot better.
Of one thing I am sure--everything will be there that I need to be eternally happy!!
Is she right? I don't know. I do know that the Garden of Eden had animals. In my mind, heaven will be a lot like the Garden of Eden--only a lot better.
Of one thing I am sure--everything will be there that I need to be eternally happy!!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Ten Years Ago & Last Week
It's a girl!! Ten years ago today I arrived at the Fauquier Hospital to give birth to our daughter, Maria. I can hardly comprehend that it has been ten years ago. Parenting is one of the most satisfying things I have done. It has also stretched me in ways I hadn't been stretched before. As Dr. Dobson says, "Parenting isn't for cowards."
We plan to take her to a restaurant of her choice (within a budget:). Then, maybe at a later date we will have a few friends over to celebrate at the house.
I never wrote about last week. We so enjoyed having Marvin and Lois and family back in Virginia! Maria just loved having her cousins (adopted siblings) back to play with. The hours in their days were just not quite long enough. I felt like the time just flew. I told Bill that Lois and I never really got caught up.
My cousin, Ellis and Mary and their children were also here last week. That was such a special treat as well! It was great getting reacquainted with Ellis and Mary and getting to know their wonderful family. We enjoyed the late nights of chatting and playing Boggle. They spent three days touring D.C. I think their feet got tired before the sites all were seen. But they had nice weather, for the most part, and saw lots of things.
We headed up to SMBI for a couple of hours to celebrate graduation with my nephew, Hans. Follow his worldwide adventures at hansmast.com.
On Saturday afternoon we went in with Dave and Vonnie to a kite festival in D.C. We weren't the only ones there enjoying the hundreds of kites and the cherry blossoms, but we had a lot of fun. A highlight was running into some other friends, Tim and Brenda.
Now we are bracing ourselves for another busy and fun weekend at the Byler Reunion.
We plan to take her to a restaurant of her choice (within a budget:). Then, maybe at a later date we will have a few friends over to celebrate at the house.
I never wrote about last week. We so enjoyed having Marvin and Lois and family back in Virginia! Maria just loved having her cousins (adopted siblings) back to play with. The hours in their days were just not quite long enough. I felt like the time just flew. I told Bill that Lois and I never really got caught up.
My cousin, Ellis and Mary and their children were also here last week. That was such a special treat as well! It was great getting reacquainted with Ellis and Mary and getting to know their wonderful family. We enjoyed the late nights of chatting and playing Boggle. They spent three days touring D.C. I think their feet got tired before the sites all were seen. But they had nice weather, for the most part, and saw lots of things.
We headed up to SMBI for a couple of hours to celebrate graduation with my nephew, Hans. Follow his worldwide adventures at hansmast.com.
On Saturday afternoon we went in with Dave and Vonnie to a kite festival in D.C. We weren't the only ones there enjoying the hundreds of kites and the cherry blossoms, but we had a lot of fun. A highlight was running into some other friends, Tim and Brenda.
Now we are bracing ourselves for another busy and fun weekend at the Byler Reunion.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Day-brightners and Curls
I had two day brightners in the recent past. My cousin and his family are coming to see us (and the sights in D.C.) over spring break. We are excited about that! He told me in the course of conversation over the phone that he was training to participate in a bike run as a fundraiser for American Cancer Society. He and his wife are giving a donation to the organization in my name. Thanks, Ellis and Mary!! You don't know how that blessed me!
Accountability goes a long ways in helping me to accomplish goals. So I signed up for an online exercise training program. I told them my goals--how often I wanted to exercise and how much weight I wanted to lose. They sent me a heart moniter, some DVD's, and are giving me online support. I report to them when I exercise, how much I weigh, etc. I had a question about how to use the heart moniter, so I e-mailed the owner of the company, and got back an immediate response from him. We had discussed the fact that I had just completed treatment for breast cancer. He told me that he had lost his mother to lung cancer when he was twelve years old. In April he plans to run in his 11th Boston Marathon. His main sponsor is the Dana Ferber foundation, which is is a cancer treatment center where his mother was treated when she had cancer. He asked for permission to run a mile in my honor in the Boston Marathon. He puts everyone's name on his shirt who he honors but running for them. For more details about this exercise program go towww.momentumfs.com.
Curls--Who would have thought that I would have ever have curls. But my hair is coming back curly. Yes--it is even more gray then before--But it is honest to goodness hair, and I am grateful. I have just enough to keep a veil attached if it isn't too windy. I still reach for something more secure if I am outside too much. I am guessing the curls will leave when it gets longer, but it is kind of fun for a change.
Accountability goes a long ways in helping me to accomplish goals. So I signed up for an online exercise training program. I told them my goals--how often I wanted to exercise and how much weight I wanted to lose. They sent me a heart moniter, some DVD's, and are giving me online support. I report to them when I exercise, how much I weigh, etc. I had a question about how to use the heart moniter, so I e-mailed the owner of the company, and got back an immediate response from him. We had discussed the fact that I had just completed treatment for breast cancer. He told me that he had lost his mother to lung cancer when he was twelve years old. In April he plans to run in his 11th Boston Marathon. His main sponsor is the Dana Ferber foundation, which is is a cancer treatment center where his mother was treated when she had cancer. He asked for permission to run a mile in my honor in the Boston Marathon. He puts everyone's name on his shirt who he honors but running for them. For more details about this exercise program go towww.momentumfs.com.
Curls--Who would have thought that I would have ever have curls. But my hair is coming back curly. Yes--it is even more gray then before--But it is honest to goodness hair, and I am grateful. I have just enough to keep a veil attached if it isn't too windy. I still reach for something more secure if I am outside too much. I am guessing the curls will leave when it gets longer, but it is kind of fun for a change.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Marathon Completed
I talked about a marathon in my last post. I realize it is high time to post again. That marathon is completed. My last radiation treatment was on Friday, the 22nd of February! It seems so strange to actually be able to stay home all day long. That fact did not really sink in until yesterday since I had spent a lot of time running the last number of days.
I am extremely relieved to have it over--chemotherapy, surgery, radiation--No more watching the machine drip poison into my body--knowing that it would make me sick, hoping desperately, that in the long run it would make me well. I remember so well the uncertainty of going into surgery--not knowing what he find, and the relief of the results that no lymph nodes were involved. No more watching the radiation machine pass over my chest, slowly burning it into a painful burn that is now healing and feeling better every day. "The benefits outweigh the risks and the pain," I would tell myself almost daily.
I expected to be immensely relieved to have life go back to normal. It suddenly hit me about Monday--full force that normal will need to be redefined from here on out. There is no going back to the innocence of life before cancer. I am forever changed. I struggled with a paradox. I felt a lot of sadness for the things to return like they were before. On the other hand, I treasure life, relationships with people, and most of all my relationship with God in ways I felt incapable of treasuring before. Do I want life to return to normal in that sense? Absolutely not. Again I need to tell myself almost daily, "The benefits outweigh the risks and the pain."
In an e-mail to my supporters, I hinted at the terror that wants to consume me when the ugly head of recurrence wants to taunt me. The emotional toil of scans and additional Dr. visits can almost paralyze me. Rosie, a dear friend, responded like this, "I will pray that you live gratefully rather then fearfully." Thank you, Rosie. Those were the exact words I needed to hear.
Today is a gift. Have you remembered to thank God for it!
I am extremely relieved to have it over--chemotherapy, surgery, radiation--No more watching the machine drip poison into my body--knowing that it would make me sick, hoping desperately, that in the long run it would make me well. I remember so well the uncertainty of going into surgery--not knowing what he find, and the relief of the results that no lymph nodes were involved. No more watching the radiation machine pass over my chest, slowly burning it into a painful burn that is now healing and feeling better every day. "The benefits outweigh the risks and the pain," I would tell myself almost daily.
I expected to be immensely relieved to have life go back to normal. It suddenly hit me about Monday--full force that normal will need to be redefined from here on out. There is no going back to the innocence of life before cancer. I am forever changed. I struggled with a paradox. I felt a lot of sadness for the things to return like they were before. On the other hand, I treasure life, relationships with people, and most of all my relationship with God in ways I felt incapable of treasuring before. Do I want life to return to normal in that sense? Absolutely not. Again I need to tell myself almost daily, "The benefits outweigh the risks and the pain."
In an e-mail to my supporters, I hinted at the terror that wants to consume me when the ugly head of recurrence wants to taunt me. The emotional toil of scans and additional Dr. visits can almost paralyze me. Rosie, a dear friend, responded like this, "I will pray that you live gratefully rather then fearfully." Thank you, Rosie. Those were the exact words I needed to hear.
Today is a gift. Have you remembered to thank God for it!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Marathon
We had a wonderful Christmas-New Year holiday season. It flew by much to rapidly. I expected to have things calm down to a nice slow crawl, as they are supposed to after the holidays. So far, we are still waiting for that to happen. There have been dinners to go to, dinners to host, hunting season to wind up, stomach bugs to deal with, and yes, Dr. appointments.
2008 has started out with a bang!!
Oh yes, the marathon--I started my radiation treatments yesterday. I am scheduled for 33 treatments, going five days a week. That means I will be done in 6 1/2 weeks! It doesn't take long when you get there--maybe 15 or 20 minutes. It takes me a good twenty minutes to get there. So I need to figure a good hour out of each day. So far, they have quite pleasantly uneventful.
2008 has started out with a bang!!
Oh yes, the marathon--I started my radiation treatments yesterday. I am scheduled for 33 treatments, going five days a week. That means I will be done in 6 1/2 weeks! It doesn't take long when you get there--maybe 15 or 20 minutes. It takes me a good twenty minutes to get there. So I need to figure a good hour out of each day. So far, they have quite pleasantly uneventful.
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