tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43656544597031056412024-03-13T20:45:12.059-07:00Nana's NestDonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-80535486721942271662012-01-22T07:15:00.000-08:002012-01-22T07:49:29.865-08:00Has it really been this long?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u34ypiqQqbU/Txwv1661jBI/AAAAAAAAA_w/8duSkmxvP50/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 168px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u34ypiqQqbU/Txwv1661jBI/AAAAAAAAA_w/8duSkmxvP50/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700483831739812882" border="0" /></a><br />Me, with Ginny and Liam on their visit "down south".<br /><br /><br />Alright, I know I have been a blogger slacker or a slacker blogger. I have not posted since September 17, 2011. Wow! I did change the title of my blog....Nana's Nest.<br /><br />Since I posted last, I turned 50 years old. Sweet, dear friends from church came over with pizza and cupcakes to help me celebrate. I had calls from all my children. Sarah and Greg gave me a gift certificate for a massage at Scarborough's. I went and had it during Thanksgiving break. It was heavenly. Turning 50 was not a big deal, just a number. I would not be who I am without being 50 years old, so it is all good.<br /><br />Sarah and babies came down in October/November. Some highlights of that visit: We had a family BBQ here at the house. There was good food, family, laughter, lots of Liam and Ginny kissing, and visiting. The next day my sister has a Halloween party. I dressed as a Hyatt High School cheerleader. Ginny and Liam were adorable as a gingerbread man and a gingerbread girl. Bonus: My oldest son Jacob and family came in that day just in time to go to the party. Sarah was here a week, then spent a week in Gonzales with her in-laws. I went down the following weekend for Ginny's baptism. It was a great day, and I enjoyed the ceremony and time spent with Greg and is family. I am so grateful to them for their love of my Sarah.<br /><br />Speaking of Jacob and family. They are my temporary boarders. I have enjoyed their presence and company. Alia kisses everyday is a great thing. They had moved to Missouri for about a month, but did not find it to their liking. Jacob is now working for the electrical union. He is presently at Conoco, and there appears to be lots of work in the future. I am glad for them, but will hate to see them go when they fly this nest to live in their own.<br /><br />Christmas came and was spent with family. It was great having Alia in the house for Christmas so that Santa could come. We spent a great Christmas Eve. It was a Mexican Christmas Eve spent with Jacob, Alesha, Alia, Daniel, and Randy.........yes Randy. I missed my Sarah and family. We shared Christmas by Skyping. Christmas Day was spent at my parents, again enjoying the company of my family. We play "dirty Santa". I left with a Fleur de Lis watch and candles. Buffalo Wild Wings gift cards were very popular this year and the fight was on for those. Tim Tebow's book was also popular. (I bought two of those as Christmas presents, but have not read it. I also bought the same people the Drew Brees book).<br /><br />A new year has come. I have learned to count my many blessings every day. Some days, I count them by the hour. I still yearn for a life I use to have. I am grateful that anger is not a part of my life. I am hopeful for the future. I am grateful for all the people placed in my life that help me to cope with life. I truly feel they are all heaven sent. I am grateful for the awesome people I work with. We have a professional and spiritual bond that I know can not be found every where. We never start a grade level meeting without prayer. We truly ask God to lead us in our interactions with the children every day. I am grateful to my family who has acknowledged my desire to deal with the changes in my life in my way. I am grateful to my children who offer love and support from both near and far, and respect the decisions I have made about personal feelings. I am grateful to church family who happen to just "come by" invite me to join them, or call. You do not know what an impact you have made in my life by reminding me I am loved. I am grateful to my therapist...yes a therapist. She is my "paid" friend that has helped me cope with my life changes. She has helped to keep me "in the game". Although I know I have to do all the work, she has been sincere in her efforts to guide me in my latest life journey. Some times it is not pleasant, but she jolts me into thinking about what would be best for me or at least accepting the decisons that I have made or were "made for me".<br /><br />I am grateful for my life and all of those in it. I am grateful to God for the life He has given me for I know it was chosen for me. I hope that I am worthy of the jouney.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-28399676814060420262011-09-17T18:54:00.000-07:002011-09-17T19:24:55.237-07:00Another reason to go to Tennessee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXA8RYsByno/TnVUbZ6bBQI/AAAAAAAAA_k/MTtb7c5G9i4/s1600/tennessee%2Bkids.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXA8RYsByno/TnVUbZ6bBQI/AAAAAAAAA_k/MTtb7c5G9i4/s400/tennessee%2Bkids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653517737022653698" border="0" /></a><br />Although I had a great time exploring the mountains, I had<br />another reason for going up to Tennessee. My step daughter,<br />Jade and family live in Athens,<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tennessee</span>. I got to spend a<br />few days with them. In fact, I got to spend time with the kids<br />while Jade hosted a Mary Kay party. We went to a jumping<br />house place, we ate at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Arby's</span>, and then did a little shopping at<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Walmart</span>. At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Walmart</span>, we bought giant marshmallows, ice cream,<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">root beer</span>, some movies, and a game. We spent the rest of the<br />evening snacking, watching movies, and playing the game. <br /><br />One evening, Morgan and I made supper. We decided to use<br />what ever was in the house, no trips to the store. We had<br />spaghetti, squash, and cake. I had a fun time with Morgan in<br />the kitchen. Morgan is Jade's oldest. She is 11. Miami is 6 1/2,<br />and Daniel is 2 1/2. There was lots of snuggle time that went on<br />with all three kids. They are sweet, sweet, sweet. <br /><br />I took a few pictures at the jumping place, but decided to just post<br />the above picture of all three. I miss you Jade and Phillip, Morgan,<br />Miami, and Daniel. I hope to see you soon.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-91612568216473221292011-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:002011-09-16T20:33:16.655-07:00The Journey Continues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eie9NoaztqI/TnQTd_9y7dI/AAAAAAAAA_c/v0ODG6kUv14/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eie9NoaztqI/TnQTd_9y7dI/AAAAAAAAA_c/v0ODG6kUv14/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653164838364573138" border="0" /></a><br />After I did not get to go on the one way road, I went to the<br />Cherokee Entrance to Smoky Mountain Nation Park. They<br />have a great living museum there. There are old buildings<br />and even some farm animals. I walked around the grounds,<br />visited the center and gift shop inside. I love to read local<br />stories, so I bought a book called, Tall Woman. It is a tale<br />of life there in the mountains. I enjoyed it.<br /><br />When I left the park center, I traveled back to Maggie Valley,<br />where I was staying. I did a little shopping, mainly just looking.<br />I did buy a dress at one of those glorious "junk" shops. I will<br />post pictures later. I also had a Bluebell coconut shake at an<br />ice cream store.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hq1yXRNiJU/TnQTG6o4gNI/AAAAAAAAA_U/L0_MK2YOYDk/s1600/083.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Hq1yXRNiJU/TnQTG6o4gNI/AAAAAAAAA_U/L0_MK2YOYDk/s400/083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653164441797689554" border="0" /></a><br />Those straight rows would drive me nuts. I have my<br />classroom set up in groups.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2g4zqmakMs/TnQO6YMjyoI/AAAAAAAAA_E/Vmzmz7GrUbs/s1600/096.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2g4zqmakMs/TnQO6YMjyoI/AAAAAAAAA_E/Vmzmz7GrUbs/s400/096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653159828347144834" border="0" /></a><br />I love to visit old school houses. I already been to one there<br />in Smoky Mountain National Park when I was up there<br />last November. I found out about this one in my research<br />of the park. It is in Chatalooche Valley. This area is where<br />they have re introduced elk. That is another reason I went<br />there. It was raining when I got to the valley where the<br />elk were. I have seen elk in Colorado, so I did not feel<br />impressed to sit in the rain and look at elk. There were plenty,<br />and the drive to that valley was gorgeous. After I left the<br />elk, I stopped by the Beech Grove school. As you can see<br />by the sign, it was built in 1903.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBom6dgfB3I/TnQOhYIJPBI/AAAAAAAAA-8/5Z9OXXPpClA/s1600/095.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBom6dgfB3I/TnQOhYIJPBI/AAAAAAAAA-8/5Z9OXXPpClA/s400/095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653159398831897618" border="0" /></a><br />It was raining, so I put a garbage bag over me, took off my<br />shoes, and plodded through the soggy grass to the school.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxtBaX7M30M/TnQOXVSX3tI/AAAAAAAAA-0/xPlCyNrn-JQ/s1600/090.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxtBaX7M30M/TnQOXVSX3tI/AAAAAAAAA-0/xPlCyNrn-JQ/s400/090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653159226270801618" border="0" /></a><br />The teacher's desk at the front of the room. As messy as<br />I keep my desk, this would not have worked for me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMKu67owTyM/TnQOLujJzqI/AAAAAAAAA-s/KV8hz8SAWfI/s1600/110.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMKu67owTyM/TnQOLujJzqI/AAAAAAAAA-s/KV8hz8SAWfI/s400/110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653159026893639330" border="0" /></a><br />This a church just up the road from the school.<br />I believe it was built around the same time as<br />the school.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kfiRV-Jv4c/TnQOAF-48oI/AAAAAAAAA-k/SLk5ec-DSUo/s1600/112.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kfiRV-Jv4c/TnQOAF-48oI/AAAAAAAAA-k/SLk5ec-DSUo/s400/112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653158827025560194" border="0" /></a><br />This stream runs right outside the front door of the church.<br />I know they must have done their baptisms there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSr0CK5LSKk/TnQN13lzgdI/AAAAAAAAA-c/J9oknq1Y_jM/s1600/140.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSr0CK5LSKk/TnQN13lzgdI/AAAAAAAAA-c/J9oknq1Y_jM/s400/140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653158651363557842" border="0" /></a><br />This was one of the last scenes I saw that evening. It is so<br />beautiful and peaceful.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-39591517273463167672011-09-04T06:13:00.000-07:002011-09-04T06:52:16.545-07:00And There was Peace in the Mountains........<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8CG2xJaitw/TmN6zA98KFI/AAAAAAAAA-U/QAw1I2Aba0U/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8CG2xJaitw/TmN6zA98KFI/AAAAAAAAA-U/QAw1I2Aba0U/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648493374504446034" border="0" /></a>
<br />A few years ago I bought a wall hanging that says,"You are
<br />closer to heaven in the mountains." I also have a picture
<br />frame that says,"And There Was Peace in the Mountains."
<br />Since the first time I saw the green mountains of
<br />Arkansas to the first time I breathed in the splendor of the
<br />majestic Rockies, I have loved the mountains. There is
<br />such a peace there, and you really are closer to heaven
<br />in ALL sense of the words. The Smoky Mountains also
<br />hold that peace, and that is what I sought on a beautiful
<br />day in July this summer.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bmnvTL2OdQ/TmN6rrPea8I/AAAAAAAAA-M/_pEA51B6Egg/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bmnvTL2OdQ/TmN6rrPea8I/AAAAAAAAA-M/_pEA51B6Egg/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648493248413330370" border="0" /></a>
<br />I stopped at each over look, got out, and just breathed in
<br />that sweet, clean air. The view gives me a sense of
<br />eternity that can not help fill me with peace. The day
<br />before I had stood at the bottom of those falls, and felt thunder
<br />rumble through the mountains and through my body and soul.
<br />I felt as though God met me at the bottom of those falls. As
<br />I gazed at the mountains...HE WAS EVERYWHERE! All of my
<br />senses were heightened and each breath seem to cleanse my
<br />soul. There was peace on the mountain.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMyOPHS5Dkc/TmN6hwNXOwI/AAAAAAAAA-E/nROe0QaZVTM/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMyOPHS5Dkc/TmN6hwNXOwI/AAAAAAAAA-E/nROe0QaZVTM/s400/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648493077947955970" border="0" /></a>
<br />Now, my goal for the day was to travel this one way unpaved
<br />mountain road. The speed limit is 10, and I had nothing but
<br />time. In fact this road was my prize of this trip. Even more
<br />than Chimney Rock, I desired to travel this mountain road. I
<br />once again loaded up my trusty ice chest and set out for
<br />my adventure of the day. There would not be much hiking
<br />done today for my boots still were soaked!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo2HV-iBDNk/TmN6U7tnkcI/AAAAAAAAA98/9XO3jpQ7gg0/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo2HV-iBDNk/TmN6U7tnkcI/AAAAAAAAA98/9XO3jpQ7gg0/s400/020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648492857697735106" border="0" /></a>
<br />Ahh... isn't that inviting? What? What does that sign say
<br />at the beginning of the road. Closed? Closed? Closed with
<br />a gate blocking the road? Now this was not part of the plan.
<br />I found out later from rangers that the road was closed due
<br />to bridge damage from the torrential rains of the day before.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPU4su1N0pc/TmN6KVU_0rI/AAAAAAAAA90/VNV2YM3ZI3A/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPU4su1N0pc/TmN6KVU_0rI/AAAAAAAAA90/VNV2YM3ZI3A/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648492675595227826" border="0" /></a>
<br />I decided to walk down the road for a little while. Oh gosh,
<br />it was so beautiful, so lush, so green, .......so looking like a
<br />bear could jump out at any minute.! I wanted the comfort
<br />and safety of my little Toyota. I did not mind seeing a bear, in
<br />fact I wanted to. I just wanted to see it from the inside
<br />of my car. I decided that this road would have to be
<br />traveled another time.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nH4W4Zqw0nQ/TmN5__5OTwI/AAAAAAAAA9s/8kiGBstrwuc/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nH4W4Zqw0nQ/TmN5__5OTwI/AAAAAAAAA9s/8kiGBstrwuc/s400/023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648492498042900226" border="0" /></a>
<br />I know. God was on this road too. Look at the Light. It
<br />looked surreal.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZS26Ql7fJA/TmN52onIRUI/AAAAAAAAA9k/MyIXwjzalUM/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZS26Ql7fJA/TmN52onIRUI/AAAAAAAAA9k/MyIXwjzalUM/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648492337174168898" border="0" /></a>
<br />On my way up to that road, I passed this creature. Elk were
<br />on my agenda for the evening for they are in another part of
<br />the park. I suppose this one yearned to travel "my road" as well.
<br />DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-79906559505532210582011-08-25T16:49:00.000-07:002011-08-25T19:43:08.548-07:00Appalachian Journey ContinuesI had done some research about places to visit. I discovered
<br />Chimney Rock a couple of days before I left. I was watching
<br />the movie,"The Last of the Mohicans" and was curious as to
<br />where it was filmed. Imagine my delight when I found out
<br />it was right in the area I was going to be staying. I stayed
<br />in a small town named Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Chimney
<br />Rock State Park was less than an hour away. I got up the
<br />next morning, prepared my little ice chest, and grabbed
<br />my back pack. Remember, I had thrown my
<br />hiking boots into my car.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8E-jNCwpMo/TlbmMyZe5nI/AAAAAAAAA9c/bashLmhrv90/s1600/255.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8E-jNCwpMo/TlbmMyZe5nI/AAAAAAAAA9c/bashLmhrv90/s400/255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644952290316969586" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is Chimney Rock. It was my goal of the day. There
<br />are 500 steps leading up to it. I just took my time, and
<br />rested frequently at platforms.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmpDIsfZOG4/TlbmBnvc23I/AAAAAAAAA9U/7_-BRLnJKOY/s1600/264.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmpDIsfZOG4/TlbmBnvc23I/AAAAAAAAA9U/7_-BRLnJKOY/s400/264.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644952098477759346" border="0" /></a>
<br />After you climb Chimney Rock, you can go on up above. I
<br />had all day, plenty of water, and food.
<br />This is a rock called Devil's Head. If you look closely, you
<br />can see the resemblance.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDpifFBi9HE/Tlbl4BMZi5I/AAAAAAAAA9M/mX2tg80HByo/s1600/254.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDpifFBi9HE/Tlbl4BMZi5I/AAAAAAAAA9M/mX2tg80HByo/s400/254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644951933511371666" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is looking across the other direction. It is called The
<br />Opera Box. It was one of the coolest places I have ever
<br />been to.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3s8lPYV_UQ/TlbltkOe1KI/AAAAAAAAA9E/4o1rgANP5DA/s1600/263.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3s8lPYV_UQ/TlbltkOe1KI/AAAAAAAAA9E/4o1rgANP5DA/s400/263.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644951753936786594" border="0" /></a>
<br />This young man works for the park system. He said he could
<br />see everywhere up there, it was cool, and his cell phone
<br />worked up there. I told him he had the best job on the
<br />planet!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8IsH24bXc8/TlbljdzfDkI/AAAAAAAAA88/kTRFPH4Qq6k/s1600/293.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8IsH24bXc8/TlbljdzfDkI/AAAAAAAAA88/kTRFPH4Qq6k/s400/293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644951580414250562" border="0" /></a>
<br />I could have sat there all day. There was not much room for
<br />sitting, and people were waiting to get in there. I visited it
<br />on the way up and down.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoBFzStWuS0/TlblNbRlMBI/AAAAAAAAA80/tZ1tL3oPvp4/s1600/285.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WoBFzStWuS0/TlblNbRlMBI/AAAAAAAAA80/tZ1tL3oPvp4/s400/285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644951201778053138" border="0" /></a>
<br />Just another rock shelter.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdiiLKrddBg/Tlbj6bxlVDI/AAAAAAAAA8s/KZ96e8kpCZY/s1600/307.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdiiLKrddBg/Tlbj6bxlVDI/AAAAAAAAA8s/KZ96e8kpCZY/s400/307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644949775983137842" border="0" /></a>
<br />When I learned that part of The Last of Mohicans was filmed
<br />at Chimney Rock State park. The last 17 minutes in fact.
<br />If you know the movie, one of the most dramatic moments
<br />is when the son of the older Indian is killed and pushed off
<br />a water fall. The younger British sister then jumps off
<br />as well. I wanted to see those falls. The picture above
<br />is the stairs leading down to the trail to the falls. Down is
<br />a key word. My knees did not like going down. Once I got down
<br />the stairs, the trail is rather mild going to the falls. It began
<br />to rain, but I thought it was just a short shower...........
<br />WRONG!!! It was a deluge. I was soaked from head to toes.
<br />I had gotten so hot going up to Chimney Rock and above.
<br />My head was already wet from the sweat. The rain
<br />felt so cooling at first. As it ran into my eyes, it burned.
<br />After a while the rain rinsed my hair clean. I was so wet,
<br />even my shoes were over flowing. When I got to the
<br />falls I sat at a picnic table. That is when I remembered
<br />my phone. I put my pack under the table and took
<br />out the phone. The screen was already clouded up. I
<br />thought it would dry out. WRONG AGAIN!!! I put it in a
<br />ziplock with some cheese I had. My camera was still
<br />working, thus I did get these pictures.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7WdWCuiTms/TlbjtH6QCDI/AAAAAAAAA8k/gi_L9hhEpfQ/s1600/311.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7WdWCuiTms/TlbjtH6QCDI/AAAAAAAAA8k/gi_L9hhEpfQ/s400/311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644949547312482354" border="0" /></a>
<br />If you look closely, you an see the platform at the falls
<br />was a torrent. The steps leading to that were mini
<br />water falls. I am suprised I made it without falling.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekr_4oLL6mU/TlbipNXgkTI/AAAAAAAAA8c/eKFHcXu17yY/s1600/324.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekr_4oLL6mU/TlbipNXgkTI/AAAAAAAAA8c/eKFHcXu17yY/s400/324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644948380546273586" border="0" /></a>
<br />The picture does not do it justice.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyA1xS4_JhI/TlbicIG2_8I/AAAAAAAAA8U/93x6-zoWfGo/s1600/336.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eyA1xS4_JhI/TlbicIG2_8I/AAAAAAAAA8U/93x6-zoWfGo/s400/336.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644948155795963842" border="0" /></a>
<br />Remember the scene with the body sliding down the
<br />mountain side?
<br />
<br />My visit to Chimney Rock turned out to be one of my
<br />favorite things I have ever done. I was not done yet,
<br />though. The Great Smokys held much more for me.
<br />DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-78549409012744002532011-08-13T21:54:00.000-07:002011-08-13T22:33:23.403-07:00Solo SojournAbout 3 weeks ago, I decided to take a trip to the Great
<br />Smokey Mountains. I really love mountains, and those
<br />are more approachable than the Rockies. I researched
<br />different places I wanted to see and do. I decided to
<br />make North Carolina my focal point.
<br />
<br />I took off on a Monday. I reserved a room in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ringgold</span>,
<br />Georgia. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ringgold</span> is just a few miles from Chattanooga,
<br />Tennessee. I enjoyed the drive there, going through
<br />Mississippi and Alabama to get there. I went through
<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tuscaloosa</span>, Alabama. Every time I go through there
<br />I always call it Satan's town because former <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">LSU</span>
<br />coach Nick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Saban</span> coaches there. I am sorry that
<br />a tornado tore up their town and killed so many people,
<br />but I still hope Alabama loses.
<br />
<br />I got to my motel about 10 that night. It had been a
<br />long drive. I just wanted to go to bed. I opened up
<br />the back of my car and could not find my
<br />suitcase that I had so carefully packed the night
<br />before. I had brought food, water, hiking boots, and
<br />other needed supplies. My suitcase with clothes,
<br />underwear, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">toiletries</span> was sitting by the
<br />back door where I had left it. I set the
<br />alarm on the house before I left. It beeps
<br />as you are going out the door for you
<br />only have so long to get out the door or
<br />it will go off. It always puts me in
<br />panic mode. I guess in my panic
<br />I forgot the suitcase.
<br />
<br />I was so tired that I just washed my
<br />teeth with a washcloth and decided to
<br />find a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Walmart</span> the next day. I did
<br />have my GPS with me, so I got
<br />to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Walmart</span> with no problem. In fact,
<br />it was just 3 miles away. Now, all
<br />I had was the clothes and flip flops I
<br />was wearing. I bought a couple of
<br />T-shirts and a pair of shorts. I got
<br />a pack of underwear, toothbrush and
<br />tooth paste, and a few other necessities.
<br />I decided to just become a mountain
<br />woman for the next several days.
<br />
<br />I had scheduled a train ride in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Bryson</span> City,
<br />North Carolina. I hit the road to get there
<br />in time to ride the train. It was a 4 hour
<br />round trip. The train goes through the
<br />mountains to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dillsborough</span>, North Carolina.
<br />
<br />I have ridden many trains in several different
<br />states. This one was great and I am glad I
<br />did.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7NmVFExaE8Y/TkdYjOc2RJI/AAAAAAAAA8M/X8HHanu_saI/s1600/194.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7NmVFExaE8Y/TkdYjOc2RJI/AAAAAAAAA8M/X8HHanu_saI/s400/194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640574420502594706" border="0" /></a>
<br />This stream went along our route many times.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HNnQ_rJmOkg/TkdYTOm6WFI/AAAAAAAAA8E/sGyBPaKXna4/s1600/200.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HNnQ_rJmOkg/TkdYTOm6WFI/AAAAAAAAA8E/sGyBPaKXna4/s400/200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640574145666898002" border="0" /></a>
<br />What is a train ride without a tunnel?
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L96ZCRq1n0w/TkdXrC22o9I/AAAAAAAAA78/xaSDZnWmgHY/s1600/197.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L96ZCRq1n0w/TkdXrC22o9I/AAAAAAAAA78/xaSDZnWmgHY/s400/197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640573455317771218" border="0" /></a>
<br />The bad guy wearing a black hat. He robbed the train!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9m9Mozvah0/TkdXaXGlw3I/AAAAAAAAA70/6lin4tD6UCQ/s1600/212.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9m9Mozvah0/TkdXaXGlw3I/AAAAAAAAA70/6lin4tD6UCQ/s400/212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640573168694707058" border="0" /></a>
<br />The Lone Ranger after he saved the day!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I found out while I was riding the train that the movie,
<br />"The Fugitive" with Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones
<br />was filmed along the train route. After they finished filming,
<br />they just left the train/bus wreck there. Also, the movie, "My
<br />Fellow Americans" with Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Lemmon</span> and James Garner
<br />had scenes filmed on board the train I road.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIGiLkcXCFw/TkdWbwcGLBI/AAAAAAAAA7s/DnpBzwiyuXo/s1600/210.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIGiLkcXCFw/TkdWbwcGLBI/AAAAAAAAA7s/DnpBzwiyuXo/s400/210.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640572093164039186" border="0" /></a>
<br />This kind of shows how "real" movies can be.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-2c_yB9Yvw/TkdV_kNhmRI/AAAAAAAAA7k/10k3RY4EH_4/s1600/222.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-2c_yB9Yvw/TkdV_kNhmRI/AAAAAAAAA7k/10k3RY4EH_4/s400/222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640571608845359378" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is the bus Harrison Ford was riding on when he "escaped".
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkzDq-MjxpQ/TkdVXJuj8UI/AAAAAAAAA7c/RbQgMqDFlUI/s1600/228.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkzDq-MjxpQ/TkdVXJuj8UI/AAAAAAAAA7c/RbQgMqDFlUI/s400/228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640570914541400386" border="0" /></a>
<br />All along the route there were many farms. It looked like
<br />they were growing tomatoes, peas, and there were even some
<br />that had nothing but flowers. There were acres of Zinnias.
<br />
<br />
<br />I enjoyed the train and the peacefulness of the ride through
<br />the mountainous woods. I looked forward to the next few
<br />days exploring the area.
<br />DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-82437416123349203852011-08-12T03:04:00.000-07:002011-08-12T03:38:44.786-07:00Finish My Course With Joy<span class="verse-num">Acts 20:24 (King James Version)
<br />
<br />24</span> But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might <span style="font-weight: bold;">finish my course with joy</span>, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
<br />
<br /> Yesterday, Bible Baptist Church, hosted a lunch for all the employees of the schools in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DeQuincy</span>. I work at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DeQuincy</span> Elementary. Anyway, they prepared a wonderful chicken spaghetti lunch for us. It was waiting for us when we got there. They served all of us in a matter of minutes. This was our third day to sit through meetings, so lunch is the most exciting part of the day!
<br />
<br /> The food was blessed, and then we enjoyed the meal while some civic leaders of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DeQuincy</span> spoke to us. The mayor spoke and our school board member did as well. Both men reminded us that teaching was a calling(a statement I have always believed). Both men expressed the fact that we had the future leaders of the world in our classroom.
<br />
<br /> Next, the pastor of that church spoke. He talked of the Apostle Paul and then read the scripture I have quoted above. The wonderful thing about God's word is it gives us what we need at that time. What I got from his talk was this: Find the joy at the end of each day. Find the joy in every event in your life. When the day is done, find the joy.
<br />
<br /> In the past year, this is something that I have had to remind myself of daily, sometimes I had to remind myself of it by the minute. Find the joy. It is hot and dry outside......<span style="font-weight: bold;">I don't have to mow as often</span>. I am missing my children and grand children......<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Skyping</span> is the next best thing to being there</span>. Welcome to the future, with its "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jetson</span>" video phones. I can't sleep or wake up super early......<span style="font-weight: bold;">I got to see the day break with its silent beauty and I got to hear that still small voice that fills us with joy and wisdom.</span> Finish my course with joy. At the end of each day, find the joy.
<br />
<br /> Getting back to the lunch at Bible Baptist yesterday, after the pastor spoke a group of young people performed for us. I guess you could call them a "praise" band. They sang a song that spoke of God's Grace. I think I even heard echoes of U2 in the music. They had us stand and the words to the song were on a screen. The message was pure: God's Grace abounds even during the mysteries of our lives.
<br />
<br /> After the song, the pastor asked us all to hold hands and join him in prayer. He even took prayer requests and mentioned these names in his prayer You know it is true....whenever 2 or more are gathered in his name.........I have no doubt we were all of one mind and one purpose. The Spirit swept through that baptist church, and I swear that I could not stop smiling on my way to the car. My steps were light. Three other teachers had ridden with me, and they all seem to have received Joy as well.
<br />
<br /> I am so grateful to that church who honored us as educators. I am grateful that they chose to remind us that we have a wonderful Teacher in our lives everyday. I know that this new school year will not go perfectly, but I am determined to find the joy at the end of the course.
<br />DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-73713539848893879932011-08-06T17:59:00.000-07:002011-08-06T19:12:10.567-07:00What? They shut the state of Minnesota down?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pvmm1_0y9o/Tj3xFQehzTI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Y9KqGSs58oU/s1600/nana%2Band%2Bbabies.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4pvmm1_0y9o/Tj3xFQehzTI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Y9KqGSs58oU/s400/nana%2Band%2Bbabies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637927381162380594" border="0" /></a><br /> I arrived in Minnesota on June 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> after a non eventful,<br />non stop flight from Houston. Sarah and kids picked me<br />up at the airport. I was so glad to see all their faces.<br />Sarah had asked me what I wanted to do while I was up<br />there. I mainly wanted to just enjoy them. That is a good<br />thing for the state of Minnesota solved its budget problems<br />by "shutting down" the state. We had planned to visit a<br />couple of state parks.<br /><br /> First, let me explain my lack of pictures. I remembered<br />to bring my camera and extra battery. I did not<br />remember to bring the battery charger or charge the<br />battery in the camera. So, I only have pictures I got<br />with my phone. My phone.....that is another story in<br />another blog. Here is some of the things we did<br />while I was there:<br /><br /> There is a free zoo in St. Paul that we visited. It is a great<br />zoo that has polar bears. We were so close to the polar<br />bears that they rubbed their butts on the glass. We also<br />watched a sea lion show. It was great. All free.<br /><br /> Also, part of that park is a place called Como Town. It is<br />an amusement park for ages 3 to 12. It was so much fun<br />watching Liam ride the rides. He is a trooper. If you<br />read Sarah's blog, you have seen the video of him<br />riding The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Frogger</span>. On the way back from there, we<br />had lunch at Famous Dave's BBQ. It was good stuff!<br /><br /> Sarah took me to several resale shops in Eden Prairie.<br />I LOVED THEM! Great, quality stuff for cheap, cheap<br />prices. That is where I picked up all of those AR<br />books for so cheap.<br /><br />We went hiking one day. It was pretty hot the first few<br />days I was there. I enjoyed the scenery on the hike, though.<br /><br /><br />One night I got to do something I have never done before.<br />I got to babysit Liam and Ginny while Greg and Sarah<br />went to a movie. I was one happy Nana!<br /><br />One of the books I got at the resale shop was for Liam. It<br />was The Gingerbread Man...the old one where the fox<br />eats the Gingerbread Man. Liam and I made gingerbread<br />men, gingerbread bears, gingerbread cars, gingerbread<br />dinosaurs, and what ever cookie cutter Sarah had. I think<br />I read The Gingerbread Man at least 6 or 7 times.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6H1O7UbIW4/Tj3pVZoi_II/AAAAAAAAA7M/4OMlDQEs_lg/s1600/minnesota%2Blake.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R6H1O7UbIW4/Tj3pVZoi_II/AAAAAAAAA7M/4OMlDQEs_lg/s400/minnesota%2Blake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637918862405205122" border="0" /></a><br />Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes. Here is one of them<br />we viewed on our hike.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyg6CjbyZQM/Tj3pEn9W3hI/AAAAAAAAA7E/IykuYDzCS-U/s1600/liam%2Bat%2Bspring.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyg6CjbyZQM/Tj3pEn9W3hI/AAAAAAAAA7E/IykuYDzCS-U/s400/liam%2Bat%2Bspring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637918574192811538" border="0" /></a><br />At the beginning of the trail was a natural spring. It was<br />pure, sweet, and cold!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cY2rKwlsOHc/Tj3o0ZD7pBI/AAAAAAAAA68/-VK45mlht0I/s1600/liam%2Btree.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cY2rKwlsOHc/Tj3o0ZD7pBI/AAAAAAAAA68/-VK45mlht0I/s400/liam%2Btree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637918295315948562" border="0" /></a><br />This tree was just begging for a little boy to sit in it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pscvxKS5AM/Tj3oUO5QoyI/AAAAAAAAA60/PvCPEBUvBro/s1600/toes.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pscvxKS5AM/Tj3oUO5QoyI/AAAAAAAAA60/PvCPEBUvBro/s400/toes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637917742831018786" border="0" /></a><br />Sarah took such good care of me while I was there. She<br />painted my toe nails a beautiful red. She made sure my<br />plate was half veggies. She let me nap with the kids, and<br />she fixed me great afternoon snacks that were healthy<br />too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Juavbj34gKI/Tj3nkb_70GI/AAAAAAAAA6s/8YL2UYy9LjM/s1600/liam%2Bvolcano.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Juavbj34gKI/Tj3nkb_70GI/AAAAAAAAA6s/8YL2UYy9LjM/s400/liam%2Bvolcano.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637916921714954338" border="0" /></a><br />I had promised Liam that we would make a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cano</span>" when<br />I came. We did, and used up 2 bottles of vinegar making<br />our volcano erupt over and over.<br /><br /><br />Sarah and family is coming down October 25 for two weeks.<br />They will not be coming for Christmas. I have already looked<br />ahead to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mardi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gras</span> holiday. We get three days this year.<br />I am going to take two off and see Minnesota in the winter!DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-49174012430580803082011-08-04T19:33:00.000-07:002011-08-04T19:52:54.343-07:00The Calendar Says August....We Know What That MeansWhere did the summer go? It was just yesterday that I was looking forward to 10 glorious weeks off from work. I had committed to 7 days of school related stuff, but June 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> I was headed for Minnesota to see Sarah and family. I did go, and I spent 2 weeks. I will blog that later. The whole time I was there the state of Minnesota was shut down!<br /><br />I took a solo sojourn to North Carolina and Tennessee. It was a very peaceful journey, although there was some adversity I will also blog about later.<br /><br />The latest thing with me is a physical problem or two. My left shoulder has been bothering me for several years now. One time a couple of years ago, I could not raise my arm to even get dressed. I have a 3 day rule. If I can't fix something in 3 days, I go to a professional. My arm healed itself within the 3 day limit. The past 6 months or so my left shoulder/upper arm/fore arm has had strange aches and pains. I discovered that I had limit motion in that arm. I decided to do something about it because the past 2 weeks I have had trouble getting comfortable to sleep. I was expecting the doctor to say that it was just arthritis or some other "your getting old" diagnosis. I left the doctor's office with a prescription for an anti inflammatory that I am to take twice a day. I also left with orders to go to physical therapy 3 times a week for a month. I feel old. The diagnosis: Rotor Cuff Syndrome and shoulder impingement. In other words, my rotor cuff is being irritated because the tendons and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">deltoid</span> muscle is inflamed and irritated. I still think it has something to do with getting older!<br /><br />So, school starts in less than 2 weeks. My classroom is almost ready(pushing and pulling on desks, bookshelves, and cabinets probably did not help my shoulder). I get my class roster tomorrow. I am sure I will have quite the mixture of students.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-90304845846144082062011-06-17T20:57:00.000-07:002011-06-17T21:41:24.843-07:00Mr. Alfred<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO421ewIR9k/Tfwr71807hI/AAAAAAAAA6k/myY3d-WAvQM/s1600/mr%2Balfred%2B2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO421ewIR9k/Tfwr71807hI/AAAAAAAAA6k/myY3d-WAvQM/s400/mr%2Balfred%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619414742146018834" border="0" /></a><br />Mr. Alfred and his awards.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwZ2Yj_Hy-Y/TfwrtNcGzdI/AAAAAAAAA6c/GO3xDjWKHx0/s1600/mr%2Balfred%2B1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwZ2Yj_Hy-Y/TfwrtNcGzdI/AAAAAAAAA6c/GO3xDjWKHx0/s400/mr%2Balfred%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619414490753191378" border="0" /></a><br />Mr. Alfred with some more of his awards. I did not take<br />these pictures I Googled Mr. Alfred and found him online!<br /><br />This past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I was in Pineville, LA at a teaching conference. The conference was on whole brain teaching, but that is not what I want to talk about. We stayed Monday and Tuesday night at the Country Inn Suites in Pineville. I roomed with 2 of my fellow 5th grade teachers. It was a great room with 2 full size beds and a sofa bed. There was a separate sitting area with a TV, frig, and microwave. The motel also serves a wonderful breakfast that includes home made waffles, eggs, bacon, pastries, oatmeal, cereal, fruit, and yogurt. There were several kinds of juices, milk, and coffee.<br /><br />The first morning we walked in there, one of my co workers decided she wanted a waffle. The batter was right there next to the waffle iron. As she started to get some batter, a voice and a person appeared by her side saying, "You want a waffle, I'll fix you a waffle". He took the cup of batter out of her hand and also asked if my other co worker and I wanted a waffle. We could not refuse. He told us to sit down and he would bring the waffles to us. He did bring the waffles to us, and then came back several times to get our empty plates. As we ate, we watched him and heard him treat each and every guest with the same extreme, good natured kindness.<br /><br />The next morning he greeted us, and once again we took him up on his offer of a waffle. He brought us waffles with a flower imprinted on it, and said he picked that for us. He was very attentive to us and everyone in there. He asked if it was our last day, and said to be sure and come back and see him when we came again. As we sat there finishing up we began to notice the awards and notations on the wall were all for "Mr. Alfred". The city of Pineville, Country Inn and Suites, softball and baseball teams, LSU basketball team, police department, and military groups all had thanked him. We realized that we had been served by a celebrity! When we gave him his tip, we mentioned all of his certificates on the wall. He said he wanted to show us something else. He reached into the cabinet above the waffle maker, and brought out a magazine. He was on the cover, and had been chosen as National Employee of the Year by Country Inn and Suites. There was also a wonderful article inside.<br /><br />I love meeting people who do their job well no matter what it is. It is a understatement to say Mr. Alfred did his job well. There was an aura about him. I think he might have been an angel disguised as a breakfast room attendant. I hope I see him again.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-77077010854869060922011-05-13T17:55:00.000-07:002011-05-13T18:34:41.707-07:00What has been going on?I have been meaning to blog, but just have not made the effort. I see the last time I blogged was in March. Wow! Here are some high points of the last 6 weeks or so.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I made it through state testing week</span>. The week before, we reviewed. Some days they seem to act like they had learned nothing all year. Today, I was going over reducing fractions...ONE MORE TIME..and the child that seem to be out in left field most of the time while I was teaching it ...knew the procedure correctly. That is the moments that teachers live for! I told him he made my year. Now this is the same child that I had told earlier in the day that if he disturbed his group and the class one more time with weird noises he could not stay in my class. He would have to go to the office or go home. <br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The week after state testing I had a student pee on the playground.</span> Yes...a 5th grader. He was suspended for the rest of the day and the following day. He has had some medication issues and just ....issues. He makes the day very interesting.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The week before spring break I got a new student. </span> He is from Detroit, truly inner city. He has used inappropriate words 3 times all ready. He is not a southern child that has been taught yes mam and no mam. This is one of my pet peeves. I understand he was not taught to do this, but it just grates against everything in me to hear a child say....yeah. I now have 26 angels in my classroom...14 boys and 12 girls.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> I spent my spring break in Minnesota with Sarah and family.</span> I flew out of Houston Hobby. I had a lay over in Denver each way. I managed to finally read a John Grisham book I had had since October. I love his books, but have just had trouble concentrating enough to read. It is his latest book, called The Confession. It was typical John Grisham. I loved it.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I found Minnesota to be pleasant enough. </span> It has rolling hills that probably are beautiful when green. There was snow flurries one day I was there. The trees had not budded out yet as well. It looked like winter time and felt that way several days. I am already planning my summer trip up there. It will coincide with the Laura Ingalls Festival held each year in Walnut Grove. Sarah and I can not wait! It was so good to see Sarah, Greg, and babies. The week flew by. I played tractors and combines. I read dozens of books to Liam. I put Ginny to sleep at least once a day. I was even Woody's horse Bulls Eye. I guess I should say I was Liam's horse, Bulls Eye. I need to get in better shape for my next trip. One tends to spend a lot of time on the floor with a 3 year old. One of the highlights of my time with Liam? I took him to a local park within walking distance of their apartment. While there, Liam went up to a mom and son and said," My name is Liam and this is Nana." Where did our baby go?<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I came back from Minnesota with 4 weeks of school left.</span> There are now only 2 weeks left. May is a very busy time at school. We had DARE graduation. We went on a field trip to Heritage Village in Woodville, Texas. It was very enjoyable. Although I have not ridden a school bus for that long in several years. I had forgotten about no air conditioner and blowing hair! The last two weeks at school will prove to be just as busy. We are having Louisiana Days and Field Day next week. The kids can smell summer, and I can too.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Plans for summer?</span> I have committed to 7 days of training for work in June. Two days are in Lake Charles. Two days are at my school. Three days are in Alexandria where I learn about whole brain teaching. I guess I have not been teaching for the whole brain or with a whole brain! I plan to spend at least 2 weeks with Sarah again. As I stated earlier, we plan to go to the Laura Ingalls Festival. Other than that, we have not made a lot of plans. I just want to read many books to Liam again and make Ginny smile and chuckle.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-71450984354791405272011-03-23T18:58:00.000-07:002011-03-23T19:31:26.003-07:00Too Long No BlogIt is funny how your priorities change as you grow older.<br />My life use to be all about taking Sarah to dance or dance<br />competitions, doing Cub Scouts, or just keeping up a<br />household of 3 children. Now, with those three children<br />out of the nest, I spend a lot of time on Facebook, getting<br />the yard ready for spring and summer, working full-<br />time, and now planning visits with grandchildren....I mean<br />and my children!<br /><br />Sarah and Greg moved to Minnesota about 2 weeks ago. Before<br />she left, Sarah and the kids came and stayed about a week. Jacob,<br />Alesha and Alia came over when Jacob was off which was<br />a Tuesday and Wednesday. I took off that Wednesday!<br />I had originally planned to have some of my family come<br />up to visit the kids, but my parents pretty much<br />insisted that we come to their house for lunch on that<br />Wednesday. It was so wonderful being with my parents,<br />children, and grandchildren. One of my favorite moments<br />was when I was holding Ginny, Alia and Liam were laying<br />on the bed, and I told Liam a story. Alia and Ginny<br />went to sleep and Liam was all ears and eyes for the story.<br />For those few minutes, I was in heaven.<br /><br />While just Sarah and babies were here, I still went to work.<br />We did get to spend the whole weekend together. Sarah<br />was always glad to see me when I got home from work for<br />that meant some help with the two kiddos. Liam and I would<br />always feed the animals, sit on the tractors, sit on the lawn<br />mower, get in the horse trailer, visit the air conditioner<br />units, and we even threw rocks into the gully down the road.<br />I had told him we would have a picnic, but we never did<br />get around to that. In the evening, I would usually<br />bath Liam and he and I would go to sleep upstairs. We<br />would watch a few minutes of a movie and then I would<br />tell him stories. I would tell him the usual Three Pigs<br />and Goldilocks, but I also told him "Tractor Man"<br />stories. I will talk about them in a later blog.<br />I got to sleep early each night for I would always fall asleep with<br />Liam. I sure do miss those little pudgy hands twirling<br />my hair as he fell asleep.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lbaMgyQcWM/TYqoNz-kWvI/AAAAAAAAA5s/YMPb17c0UHU/s1600/IMG_4693.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lbaMgyQcWM/TYqoNz-kWvI/AAAAAAAAA5s/YMPb17c0UHU/s400/IMG_4693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587463242950925042" border="0" /></a><br />Sarah took this picture of Liam because the light was<br />really good and she said it just looked like Liam.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7PeMhO6vj0/TYqoCLJtXqI/AAAAAAAAA5k/W_CYQsY9Is0/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7PeMhO6vj0/TYqoCLJtXqI/AAAAAAAAA5k/W_CYQsY9Is0/s400/IMG_4699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587463043013238434" border="0" /></a><br />When you have two babies under 6 months old in the house,<br />you have to put them together. Is that not a bundle of<br />sweetness?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C4FpiVwidco/TYqnz1uI9qI/AAAAAAAAA5c/qVB7f5v3Qlk/s1600/IMG_4661.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C4FpiVwidco/TYqnz1uI9qI/AAAAAAAAA5c/qVB7f5v3Qlk/s400/IMG_4661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587462796742293154" border="0" /></a><br />When you have 3 grandchildren at your house, you have<br />to take pictures like this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLPouqgjWyM/TYqnmqiFh8I/AAAAAAAAA5U/BYa39LRbkps/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JLPouqgjWyM/TYqnmqiFh8I/AAAAAAAAA5U/BYa39LRbkps/s400/IMG_4653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587462570400647106" border="0" /></a><br />You have to try to take pictures like this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJoZRQPOrQw/TYqnQdsFtcI/AAAAAAAAA5M/d7mGTyW5-oU/s1600/192274_1949182172994_1345784746_3221158_587850_o.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJoZRQPOrQw/TYqnQdsFtcI/AAAAAAAAA5M/d7mGTyW5-oU/s400/192274_1949182172994_1345784746_3221158_587850_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587462188995818946" border="0" /></a><br />This one is just too darn cute! I had to share it. Who<br />wants Alia stew?DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-79520264438705621062011-02-19T07:22:00.000-08:002011-02-19T07:26:09.738-08:00Make Me a Channel of Your Peace<b style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I had never heard this song before until I saw on the news that Bono sang it a Sargent Shriver's funeral. Just saying the words brings me peace.<br /><br /><br /><br />Make me a channel of your peace. <br />Where there is hatred let me bring your <br />love. <br />Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord <br />And where there's doubt, true faith in<br />you.<br /> <br />Chorus: <br />Oh, Master grant that I may never seek<br />So much to be consoled as to console <br />To be understood as to understand <br />To be loved as to love with all my soul. <br /> <br />Make me a channel of your peace<br />Where there's despair in life, let me bring<br />hope <br />Where there is darkness, only light <br />And where there's sadness, ever joy.<br /> <br />Chorus: <br /> <br />Make me a channel of your peace<br />It is in pardoning that we are pardoned <br />In giving to all men that we receive <br />And in dying that we're born to eternal<br />life.</b>DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-51704187828647638512011-02-18T18:54:00.000-08:002011-02-18T19:45:45.114-08:00February FunSarah and babies made their first trip over as a family of 2<br />children last week. We enjoyed a wonderful visit. It was<br />Ginny's first time to Louisiana. It was still cold, so we enjoyed<br />a fire several days. We also did what we like to do when it is<br />cold and there is a fire in the fireplace....roasted wieners! Sunday<br />was my nephew Nick's birthday, and my sister made his day<br />really special with home cooked Italian food and a beautiful<br />birthday cake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HH83XCnNW8s/TV87xTxvf0I/AAAAAAAAA5E/5zkYzl5fk5E/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HH83XCnNW8s/TV87xTxvf0I/AAAAAAAAA5E/5zkYzl5fk5E/s400/045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575240582016499522" border="0" /></a><br />Liam is always on the go. It is rare to find him still like this.<br />He was pushing a train though. Liam slept with me every<br />night, and we even napped together sometimes. Oh my<br />gosh, I miss that little boy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llAvVo5y4ws/TV87T4tF_CI/AAAAAAAAA48/oH9wMqUlaCk/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llAvVo5y4ws/TV87T4tF_CI/AAAAAAAAA48/oH9wMqUlaCk/s400/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575240076533038114" border="0" /></a><br />Sarah took Liam outside, so I played with Ginny and a duck.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xseFdzT4Xwo/TV866s1hwlI/AAAAAAAAA40/BRndDYHKhqM/s1600/040.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xseFdzT4Xwo/TV866s1hwlI/AAAAAAAAA40/BRndDYHKhqM/s400/040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575239643850457682" border="0" /></a><br />We sure love our Ginny girl! It seems like she came here<br />smiling!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5iDHue_YAE/TV8581zkDCI/AAAAAAAAA4s/55yz5nqkr44/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5iDHue_YAE/TV8581zkDCI/AAAAAAAAA4s/55yz5nqkr44/s400/047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575238581106248738" border="0" /></a><br />My sister fixed Italian for Nick's birthday party. It was as<br />good as it looks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODqn61dBWQY/TV85mdq9LaI/AAAAAAAAA4k/R6MWF58NlLc/s1600/062.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODqn61dBWQY/TV85mdq9LaI/AAAAAAAAA4k/R6MWF58NlLc/s400/062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575238196670573986" border="0" /></a><br />Momma and her 3rd great grand child, Ginny.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwIoB5xudqg/TV85HzsVL9I/AAAAAAAAA4c/EQzH2x_--C0/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwIoB5xudqg/TV85HzsVL9I/AAAAAAAAA4c/EQzH2x_--C0/s400/051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575237670005977042" border="0" /></a><br />Is that not the most awesome birthday cake you have ever<br />seen? Nick loves Coke and my sister found a place that makes<br />these neat cakes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0sf02BC2fU/TV83aoxoQWI/AAAAAAAAA4U/nftR3IUBamM/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0sf02BC2fU/TV83aoxoQWI/AAAAAAAAA4U/nftR3IUBamM/s400/058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575235794469667170" border="0" /></a><br />Sunday was my nephew Nick's 16th birthday. The day<br />before was my sister's birthday. She and the kids got into<br />a "could have been serious" car wreck. No one was seriously<br />injured, but Nick was bruised pretty good by the seat belt<br />and air bag. My sister hit the steering wheel and now has<br />a Nissan emblem in a "special" place. We are grateful they<br />were not seriously hurt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IASzcCgivlA/TV82WbiFr4I/AAAAAAAAA4M/iUig-mAyEqk/s1600/060.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IASzcCgivlA/TV82WbiFr4I/AAAAAAAAA4M/iUig-mAyEqk/s400/060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575234622683721602" border="0" /></a><br />For two days, Liam talked about going to Nick's birthday<br />party. My sister relit the candles so Liam could blow them<br />out too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVgM3zUuGfM/TV81ulT1KOI/AAAAAAAAA4E/8QZ_PJzY94Q/s1600/074.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVgM3zUuGfM/TV81ulT1KOI/AAAAAAAAA4E/8QZ_PJzY94Q/s400/074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575233938113505506" border="0" /></a><br />Me and two of "my girls"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7hALBf0Los/TV808VQ2hAI/AAAAAAAAA38/w5KiID01Wv4/s1600/076.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7hALBf0Los/TV808VQ2hAI/AAAAAAAAA38/w5KiID01Wv4/s400/076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575233074812584962" border="0" /></a><br />Skylar and Sarah and Liam played some kind of dance game<br />on their game system. I forget which one it is, but it has<br />no controllers and is cool!DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-64151480714653980012011-01-22T05:57:00.001-08:002011-01-22T06:22:51.968-08:00SnowmenAs some of you know, I have a thing for sheep and lighthouses.<br />I think I even did a blog on my sheep collection. I think my<br />love of sheep and lighthouses are spiritually related, but I<br />know they are two of my favorite things. My other little quirk<br />is for snowmen. It might seem odd that a Louisiana native<br />has a thing for snowmen,but I do. As soon as Christmas is over,<br />I pull down my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snowmen</span>. Although, some of them get to<br />hang out all year.<br /><br /> Perhaps my love of snowmen comes from the absence of snow<br />in my life. I have made very few snowmen, and they were<br />not very big. The few times it has snowed here though, I love<br />that quiet falling of that beautiful white stuff. It seems to put<br />an icing on the landscape that only nature can do.<br /><br /> So, to all my "Yankee"(I mean born above above the Mason/Dixon)<br />friends...yeah I know, it doesn't really snow here. Our snow can<br />not ever compete with your "real" snow, but ours is magical.<br />It does not come very often and we get to stop time and enjoy<br />this magnificent show of nature. It fills me with peace and as long<br />as the electricity stays on I say: LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjo6PRyAI/AAAAAAAAA3w/5py8SCFUoZg/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjo6PRyAI/AAAAAAAAA3w/5py8SCFUoZg/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565010581537277954" border="0" /></a><br />My snowmen get to hang out above the fireplace with no<br />fear of melting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjicB5SVI/AAAAAAAAA3o/x5yXbNFK6lY/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjicB5SVI/AAAAAAAAA3o/x5yXbNFK6lY/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565010470348867922" border="0" /></a><br />This year I added cowboy snowmen to my collection. I think<br />it was their big carrot noses and boots that got me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjapLai1I/AAAAAAAAA3g/l0670EMg6fc/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjapLai1I/AAAAAAAAA3g/l0670EMg6fc/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565010336439503698" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you 75% off at Hobby Lobby. I like my snowmen<br />to be cute, yet cheap!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjQVm-4XI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/Xx3nORMIZwE/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjQVm-4XI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/Xx3nORMIZwE/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565010159387730290" border="0" /></a><br />Even one of the couches becomes a winter wonderland.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjIJqVy2I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/nZNyZH9-CTQ/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrjIJqVy2I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/nZNyZH9-CTQ/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565010018741635938" border="0" /></a><br />This little family hangs out year round. I added them last<br />fall before we even began to dream that our Saints would<br />bring home the "big one".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTri8x6ZeVI/AAAAAAAAA3I/8kVrASaV5qg/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTri8x6ZeVI/AAAAAAAAA3I/8kVrASaV5qg/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565009823387973970" border="0" /></a><br />This also stays out all year. I just like what it says.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTripyvtgnI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Al8xo6Xuwfw/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTripyvtgnI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Al8xo6Xuwfw/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565009497194070642" border="0" /></a><br />There are always a variety of throws in the living room. This<br />one comes out at Christmas and stays through February.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrigSqMdCI/AAAAAAAAA24/krlqpotZC-c/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TTrigSqMdCI/AAAAAAAAA24/krlqpotZC-c/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565009333962175522" border="0" /></a><br />I even like my hot chocolate in a snowman cup. Yes, I did<br />have cookies with that hot chocolate. I had better watch it<br />or I will begin looking like my friend on the cup!DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-91757785745220318052011-01-09T08:14:00.000-08:002011-01-09T08:39:41.930-08:00Nana Again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnkjVU-gLI/AAAAAAAAA2w/OmtmzjZ4gRU/s1600/059.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnkjVU-gLI/AAAAAAAAA2w/OmtmzjZ4gRU/s400/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560226510637269170" border="0" /></a><br />Miss Ginny is here!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnkNOaCT6I/AAAAAAAAA2o/XUcfTRB8XYQ/s1600/040.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnkNOaCT6I/AAAAAAAAA2o/XUcfTRB8XYQ/s400/040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560226130822320034" border="0" /></a><br />He had not wanted to hold her until we<br />got the basket out, then he climbed in.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnj9uh3TCI/AAAAAAAAA2g/PeiNs8m5tiY/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnj9uh3TCI/AAAAAAAAA2g/PeiNs8m5tiY/s400/020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560225864567180322" border="0" /></a><br />Sweet baby girl...both of them are beautiful.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnjv1FbWSI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/hAtBGygCs30/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnjv1FbWSI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/hAtBGygCs30/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560225625808787746" border="0" /></a><br />Proud father....blessed little girl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnjHuJ0GfI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/-0MaeB80O6g/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 353px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSnjHuJ0GfI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/-0MaeB80O6g/s400/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560224936753371634" border="0" /></a><br />Liam and Ginny's other Nana...Becky.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSniyDpASdI/AAAAAAAAA2I/ntaEx4jJwKk/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TSniyDpASdI/AAAAAAAAA2I/ntaEx4jJwKk/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560224564564216274" border="0" /></a><br />My first time to hold Ginny.<br /><br /><br />Our newest grand daughter, Ginny-Elizabeth Audrey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mabile</span> was born Thursday, January 6. She weighed 7lbs. 7oz. and is 20.5 inches long. She was born at 12:38 P.M. I thought I was going to miss her birth. Sarah called at a little after 5 that morning to say that the induction was a go. Although I was not packed to go, I knew it would not take me long. Unfortunately, I sat back in the recliner(having been awake since 3:30), and fell asleep. I slept until almost 7. I got up, took a shower, and got ready. I threw some things together in a bag and was out the door at 9. I was thinking I was leaving later than I wanted to, but with plenty of time to get there for a birth I figured was not going to happen until 2 or 3. Was I wrong?! Greg text about 9:20 that the drip was started and the doctor said baby by lunch <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">time</span>. I was not even to Beaumont. I picked up my speed and arrived at the hospital at 11:45. Jenny came at 12:38. I made it, but just barely.<br /><br />I was, of course, present for the birth of my 3 children, but I have never really witnessed a birth. Sarah and Greg gave me permission to be there for Ginny's birth. It was a wonderful experience to see Ginny take that first breath of life. She responded loudly! I watched Greg cut her cord and the doctor handed her to Sarah. My first thought was,"she looks like Liam." I can truly tell Ginny I have known her since the day she was born.<br /><br />I have been blessed with 2 grand daughters the past 3 months.....Life's blessings!DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-13583418157792205612010-12-28T17:04:00.000-08:002010-12-28T17:53:24.187-08:00Liam visitsI went and got Liam on Sunday, December 19th. I took him<br />back on Wednesday, December 22. Rather, I met Sarah and<br />Greg each time around Winnie. We were busy the whole time<br />he was here. We climbed on the trailers. We hid in the horse trailer.<br />We climbed on the horse trailer. We sat on tractors, lawn mowers, and<br />4 wheelers. We have lost the key to the 4wheeler, so we can only<br />sit on it. We fed the animals. We rode in the wagon(rather Liam rode,<br />I pulled. When Randy was here, he rode on the lawnmower(or as he<br />calls it...the longmower) and went for a ride in Pawpaw's big truck.<br />We went to the synchronized light show at the railroad museum in<br />Dequincy. You put your radio on a certain station and the music is<br />synchronized to the lights on and around the museum. Liam loved<br />the Polar Express song the best.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqPd3ebaaI/AAAAAAAAA2A/NB2rsd4L6yM/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqPd3ebaaI/AAAAAAAAA2A/NB2rsd4L6yM/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555910833585482146" border="0" /></a><br />Liam had helped put up the big tree the last time he was<br />here, but he wanted the lights on first thing every morning.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqO-0xST1I/AAAAAAAAA14/FEyQEAYiOv8/s1600/060.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqO-0xST1I/AAAAAAAAA14/FEyQEAYiOv8/s400/060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555910300283326290" border="0" /></a><br />I always put up a second tree in the kitchen that is snowflakes,<br />lighthouses, and pointsettias. Liam helped with the snowflakes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqN9nCsOxI/AAAAAAAAA1w/zPuhll1l3VM/s1600/095.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqN9nCsOxI/AAAAAAAAA1w/zPuhll1l3VM/s400/095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555909179906734866" border="0" /></a><br />One day while Liam was here, we went to the post office to<br />mail some Christmas packages, went to the park, and then<br />had lunch at McDonalds. While we were at the park, a train<br />came through. Liam, who loves trains, was frightened by<br />the large, close, real train. He jumped into my arms from the<br />slide. He said, "Choo Choo scare me. Liam cry". If you look<br />closely, you can see how close the tracks are. We had a good<br />time at the park. We went home and both of us took a<br />two hour nap!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqM__LTjRI/AAAAAAAAA1o/qPEWKZEvG8M/s1600/114.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqM__LTjRI/AAAAAAAAA1o/qPEWKZEvG8M/s400/114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555908121233427730" border="0" /></a><br />This is Liam with Christine and John Profito. Christine was<br />Sarah's best friend in high school, a room mate in college, and<br />is Liam's god mother. They were down from D.C. visiting<br />her parents here in Fields. When they found out Liam was<br />here, they had to come see him. Liam was glad to see his,<br />"Nan" and John. They brought books and M&M's which<br />made their visit even better!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqLuenU5lI/AAAAAAAAA1g/OWqqSUwY0GY/s1600/119.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqLuenU5lI/AAAAAAAAA1g/OWqqSUwY0GY/s400/119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555906720923182674" border="0" /></a><br />Hooking up the bushhog to the blue tractor. Liam loves<br />tractors and combines so that is what he got for Christmas<br />at the Brooks house;<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqLaEiEhsI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0vutFJPGPPs/s1600/128.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqLaEiEhsI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0vutFJPGPPs/s400/128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555906370324432578" border="0" /></a><br />Waiting for Pawpaw to get the combine out of the box. When<br />he opened this combine, he said,"Oh my gosh!" If you have<br />a tractor/combine loving boy....go to Tractor Supply.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqKlCTSdLI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/1dZQFBiWjYw/s1600/141.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqKlCTSdLI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/1dZQFBiWjYw/s400/141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555905459192493234" border="0" /></a><br />I forgot that if you get busy doing something that a toddler<br />will make their own fun. As was brushing my teeth and<br />washing my face, Liam found something to do. He took<br />the papason apart and got in the base. This was after<br />he locked the door to the toilet, then closed it. It took<br />2 days to finally get it open.<br /><br />Sarah, Greg, and Liam are moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota. <br />Greg will go up the end of January. Sarah and babies will go<br />up sometime in March. I am trying to savor all the time I<br />can with them. The new baby will be here any day. I will<br />try to spend as much time as possible with her before they<br />leave. I wish I could retire and become a professional<br />Nana...traveling between all the babies all the time.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-2088520793654379502010-12-28T16:48:00.000-08:002010-12-28T17:01:50.365-08:00Sweet StudentsWhen the 1st bell rang at 3:03 on Friday, December 17, I<br />was literally pushing students out the door. I was ready<br />for the Christmas break. As I turned back into my classroom<br />and surveyed the damage from the class party, I saw that my<br />desk top was ultimately covered with gifts from my<br />students. They had all insisted I open them that morning.<br />I received a variety of gifts ranging from home made goodies<br />to candles to mugs and socks. One student knowing that<br />Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author, gave me the<br />newest book. I already have it, but there was a gift<br />receipt inside. One student brought me two gifts. One the<br />day before party day and one the day of. The first gift<br />was priceless...her own books(her name was in them). Teachers<br />are always getting gifts that are like that, students personal<br />items. I have received slightly stained stuffed animals. I<br />know a teacher who got a partially used tea bag. It comes<br />from their hearts and it is priceless.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqF4rGUwdI/AAAAAAAAA1I/27YnFw1tcKw/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRqF4rGUwdI/AAAAAAAAA1I/27YnFw1tcKw/s400/057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555900299003347410" border="0" /></a><br />My array of students gifts for 2010. 5th graders still have<br />enough innocence to give you gifts. I love them....students<br />and gifts!DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-40830856521496413072010-12-27T18:27:00.000-08:002010-12-27T18:55:38.455-08:00Getting Ready for ChristmasA few weekends ago, Sarah and Liam came over for her last<br />visit before the baby is born. We had a full weekend of<br />activities that included going to Sha Sha's with my sister<br />Carla, nephew Nick, and niece Skylar.<br /><br />We also went to a Christmas parade in my home town<br />of Starks. Liam enjoyed it very much, leaving with a<br />sack full of candy.<br /><br />The last thing we did was to go to the Christmas train in<br />Dequincy. It was wonderful and I highly recommend this<br />activity that is free of charge.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlPj3bPK9I/AAAAAAAAA1A/_nEGLyShl-U/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlPj3bPK9I/AAAAAAAAA1A/_nEGLyShl-U/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555559092930423762" border="0" /></a><br />A visit to Sha Sha's was part of the fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlObfOrZnI/AAAAAAAAA04/x-WLufOcFok/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlObfOrZnI/AAAAAAAAA04/x-WLufOcFok/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555557849484715634" border="0" /></a><br />Waiting on the parade to start<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlOCG4Zz5I/AAAAAAAAA0w/8DZ44RzFw4U/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlOCG4Zz5I/AAAAAAAAA0w/8DZ44RzFw4U/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555557413452107666" border="0" /></a><br />Volunteer fire department of Starks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlNzf2RgQI/AAAAAAAAA0o/gOLqd2WbHPg/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlNzf2RgQI/AAAAAAAAA0o/gOLqd2WbHPg/s400/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555557162456023298" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing like a small, home town parade.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlNZRAoSHI/AAAAAAAAA0g/dBde3coKNdI/s1600/041.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlNZRAoSHI/AAAAAAAAA0g/dBde3coKNdI/s400/041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555556711796328562" border="0" /></a><br />First stop on the Christmas train..Santa! Although he looks scared<br />in this picture, Liam was more in awe of the big guy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlNFfto-BI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/RXeteLVFwog/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlNFfto-BI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/RXeteLVFwog/s400/047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555556372145829906" border="0" /></a><br />On board the Christmas train...there was lots of Christmas<br />and lots of trains!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlM1QgTLrI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/8enk4Bts6fI/s1600/052.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TRlM1QgTLrI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/8enk4Bts6fI/s400/052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555556093185437362" border="0" /></a><br />The Kansas City Southern Christmas TrainDonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-45830663099047555142010-11-29T15:44:00.000-08:002010-11-29T16:08:05.218-08:00Thanksgiving 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ_nYB4FQI/AAAAAAAAA0E/qkgFf1fYU4w/s1600/155324_180160821997821_100000117139300_688850_5575866_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ_nYB4FQI/AAAAAAAAA0E/qkgFf1fYU4w/s400/155324_180160821997821_100000117139300_688850_5575866_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545126986897691906" border="0" /></a><br />Sarah and Greg won the sauce contest. Don't<br />you love the crown?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ-ByfwG-I/AAAAAAAAAz8/JbSZsRt1phM/s1600/095.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ-ByfwG-I/AAAAAAAAAz8/JbSZsRt1phM/s400/095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545125241655663586" border="0" /></a><br />Liam loves all machines, but tractors are one of his favorites.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ93-rgJsI/AAAAAAAAAz0/mkHPA0orxIc/s1600/116.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ93-rgJsI/AAAAAAAAAz0/mkHPA0orxIc/s400/116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545125073127483074" border="0" /></a><br />My sweet bundles of joy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ9uFDQqII/AAAAAAAAAzs/xFC33vRDDNM/s1600/106.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ9uFDQqII/AAAAAAAAAzs/xFC33vRDDNM/s400/106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545124903039051906" border="0" /></a><br />Cousins.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ9i_VJDII/AAAAAAAAAzk/kQEJ2LD-JkQ/s1600/073.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ9i_VJDII/AAAAAAAAAzk/kQEJ2LD-JkQ/s400/073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545124712524876930" border="0" /></a><br />Barefoot, pregnant, and roasting wieners.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ9US1z31I/AAAAAAAAAzc/lBnkO8ffyvI/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TPQ9US1z31I/AAAAAAAAAzc/lBnkO8ffyvI/s400/031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545124460064137042" border="0" /></a><br />Is that just not the sweetest thing?<br /><br />All my children were home for Thanksgiving. We had not all been together in our home since Easter, I think. Then, we did not have Alia who was born in September. By Thursday evening, everyone was here. Friday we roasted hot dogs in the fireplace for lunch. Sarah fixed roasted tomato soup for supper. I made bread in the bread maker. Saturday, we took Liam to the Christmas tree farm in Grant. Feeding goats and riding in a hay wagon behind a tractor were Liam's favorite activities. I found the trees to be a little pricey and the wait in line to pay for one and pick it up was very long so we did not get a tree. Saturday evening, my sister hosted a "Paula Deen" party. Most of the recipes were Paula's. My sister did most of the cooking. The rest of of us provided desserts and sauces. The sauces were for the chicken strips and there was a prize for the best sauce. I know I have eaten a lot of junk in the past week, but the sweetest part of the week was my children and grandchildren.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-65946945076441883752010-11-14T04:36:00.000-08:002010-11-14T05:26:04.800-08:00Nicholas Sparks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_iReV0-YI/AAAAAAAAAzU/qLQAPN72Oic/s1600/11-12-10_1408.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_iReV0-YI/AAAAAAAAAzU/qLQAPN72Oic/s400/11-12-10_1408.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539394856519268738" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, he is that handsome, but I could see the gentleness<br />of his soul. No wonder he writes such wonderful stories.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_iGQKCtpI/AAAAAAAAAzM/VdPuKWfflQc/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_iGQKCtpI/AAAAAAAAAzM/VdPuKWfflQc/s400/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539394663733180050" border="0" /></a><br />My Nicholas Sparks collection<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_h97ZurgI/AAAAAAAAAzE/H5nWH3Uj_IU/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_h97ZurgI/AAAAAAAAAzE/H5nWH3Uj_IU/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539394520722877954" border="0" /></a><br />This is the book I brought to be signed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_hy9vK3SI/AAAAAAAAAy8/1Q0_Z3AdBqk/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_hy9vK3SI/AAAAAAAAAy8/1Q0_Z3AdBqk/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539394332371115298" border="0" /></a><br />Handsome man, gentle soul, and great handwriting!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_hMMV9skI/AAAAAAAAAy0/OI6o0FNp49w/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TN_hMMV9skI/AAAAAAAAAy0/OI6o0FNp49w/s400/020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539393666277028418" border="0" /></a><br />While I was standing in line, someone offered me the bag.<br /><br /><br />If you did not know, I am a hopeless romantic. I mean, Gone With the Wind is my favorite book and movie of all time. I know, Scarlett married her sister's man and she pined for another man while married to 3 other men. Scarlett was also a survivor. You have to admire that, and who has not dreamed of wearing a hoop skirt?<br /><br />Anyway, I say all this to say that my favorite modern day author is Nicholas Sparks. You know, he wrote The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, Dear John, and The Last Song just to name few. I have been reading his books since The Notebook came out about 14 years ago. This man seems to be able to write the way a woman feels. He has a new book out every September which also is the month of my birthday. I have been celebrating my birthday with him for many years. His books make me cry and smile. There is always tragedy, but there is always triump with love and romance winning every time...well most of the time. Sometimes the tragedy wins, but isn't that how real life goes?<br /><br />My wonderful daughter found out that he was going to be speaking at a fund raiser for The John Cooper School in The Woodlands. There would be a luncheon and then his talk. It was going to be at The Marriott in The Woodlands which is where my son-in-law, Greg, works. Sarah gave ths information to her dad, and made it happen for me. The way I found out was not really romantic, but I appreciate the effort. I got an email saying that,"Sarah thought I would like this". Attached was the receipt for the ticket to the event. I appreciate the thought.<br /><br />Friday, November 12, was the date of the event. I was off for Veteran's Day on Thursday and took off that Friday. I got to spend some time with Sarah and Liam before and after the event. On a hopeful whim, I grabbed one of my books in case there would be opportunity for me to get it signed. My very favorite book of his is The Notebook, but someone in my family lent it to a friend and they never gave it back. I would have liked for him to signed that one. I mean I had a hardback copy, not the movie version paper back. Anyway, I chose The Bend in the Road. The main female character in it is a school teacher, so I relate to her in some way.<br /><br />My hopeful whim turned into reality for he agreed to sign books until he had to leave to catch a plane at 3:30. I did not even have to wait in line that long, maybe 30 minutes. Not only did he sign my book, but we had a brief conversation. He told the woman in front of me that he like to support any young athletic team. and said, "so go _________, some team name. I could not help myself and said, "Go LSU Tigers. He thought I said FSU and tigers, and said that he knew Clemson was playiing FSU this weekend. There was not time to explain the confusion, and I could not bear to correct Nicholas Sparks. His eyes were sparkling and full of life. I had just heard him speak about where the ideas for his books came from and about his learning disabled child. I had never heard his voice before, but it was every bit as kind and gentle as the characters in his books. He is a warm, gentle soul with a talent for expressing what we all(especially women) feel inside.<br /><br />There was even someone there to take your picture. All I had was my phone camera, but it did a pretty good job. I was too busy talking saying Go Tigers, and did not turn toward the camera. The picture of him is great though, and that is my book he is signing. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet one of my favorite authors and hear him speak. I am grateful to my family for giving me this opportunity. The lunch was fabulous, his talk intriguing, and I now have Nicholas Sparks' signature in one of his books. It was a good day.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-16398894633099426622010-11-03T18:58:00.000-07:002010-11-03T19:10:10.306-07:00Alia Comes to Fields<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TNIU2UhnnrI/AAAAAAAAAyk/GI4WpF8UHFU/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TNIU2UhnnrI/AAAAAAAAAyk/GI4WpF8UHFU/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535509815446970034" border="0" /></a><br />Jacob and Alesha came home and of course, brought Alia<br />with them. She is so sweet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TNIUi8ygmaI/AAAAAAAAAyU/B_8hZDvB6X0/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TNIUi8ygmaI/AAAAAAAAAyU/B_8hZDvB6X0/s400/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535509482657847714" border="0" /></a><br />Paw Paw met her.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TNIUWA8l2YI/AAAAAAAAAyM/aGoAb061TXU/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TNIUWA8l2YI/AAAAAAAAAyM/aGoAb061TXU/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535509260435577218" border="0" /></a><br />Maw Maw met her 2nd great grand child.<br /><br />Nothing is more healing to me right now than holding that<br />little girl.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-31178229279925816202010-10-23T16:26:00.000-07:002010-10-23T16:45:08.442-07:00That boy does love a tractor!Liam stayed his first weekend here without his mom and dad.<br />He sat on every tractor. We played chase around every<br />tractor. He actually rode tractors and PawPaw's "big<br />truck". We fed the animals and watered flowers. It was a<br />great weekend, and he was fine. The first thing he said when<br />he saw his mom was....NO! I love you little man. I can't<br />wait for you to come back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNxpx4lJpI/AAAAAAAAAx8/ykqxhYmkbHU/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNxpx4lJpI/AAAAAAAAAx8/ykqxhYmkbHU/s400/058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531389729920329362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNxWPwd5PI/AAAAAAAAAx0/lAEyN5pCMq8/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNxWPwd5PI/AAAAAAAAAx0/lAEyN5pCMq8/s400/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531389394341979378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNwxB0nIiI/AAAAAAAAAxs/JFsL8PJxIdw/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNwxB0nIiI/AAAAAAAAAxs/JFsL8PJxIdw/s400/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531388754946105890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNwaqXgx9I/AAAAAAAAAxk/SpD84WmWNjs/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNwaqXgx9I/AAAAAAAAAxk/SpD84WmWNjs/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531388370692917202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNvYu55FtI/AAAAAAAAAxc/oQbZ5O2_t6s/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TMNvYu55FtI/AAAAAAAAAxc/oQbZ5O2_t6s/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531387238039492306" border="0" /></a><br />A guy gets really thirsty and has to drink his water out of<br />a "mater" bottle.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-57821880257134641692010-09-30T18:41:00.000-07:002010-09-30T20:06:47.039-07:00Heaven Sent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TKU8vErsUJI/AAAAAAAAAxU/IBzLVhzGvvI/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TKU8vErsUJI/AAAAAAAAAxU/IBzLVhzGvvI/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522887297448300690" border="0" /></a><br />Is there anything more pure than a new born? The picture<br />above is of my son Jacob and our newest grand daughter, Alia.<br />I have loved her since I found out she was coming, but to<br />finally lay eyes on her...well, that sealed the deal.<br /><br />In the picture above, she had been in this world about 4 hours.<br />I noticed she had her eyes open so I took the picture. I wish<br />I would have captured the look on Jacob's face too. She just<br />seems to be thinking...so you're my daddy.<br /><br />When I held her for the first time, I thought to myself I was<br />holding the cleanest, purest thing on Earth. I somehow felt<br />unworthy to do so. As I was thinking that, she opened up<br />her eyes and I felt like I was looking into the eyes of a<br />heavenly being....such innocence, so clean and pure. I am<br />so grateful for this new little life and the purity she brings.<br />I hope I can live up to her expectations.DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4365654459703105641.post-72612313055484644652010-09-05T05:12:00.000-07:002010-09-05T05:56:22.559-07:00Satellite Farm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TIORpvv9OOI/AAAAAAAAAxM/TWVjIwEGlzg/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TIORpvv9OOI/AAAAAAAAAxM/TWVjIwEGlzg/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513410515209894114" border="0" /></a><br />A view of all three members of our farm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TIORSB2IRVI/AAAAAAAAAxE/neRLVTlwAcc/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TIORSB2IRVI/AAAAAAAAAxE/neRLVTlwAcc/s400/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513410107750761810" border="0" /></a><br />My Internet savior...it looks like a spy device or laser gun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TIOQ4Jq7CBI/AAAAAAAAAw8/1vZLWE6blAI/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hxjKW3MyeoQ/TIOQ4Jq7CBI/AAAAAAAAAw8/1vZLWE6blAI/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513409663174641682" border="0" /></a><br />The new dish that allows us to have local channels.<br /><br />Living rurally, as we do, there are advantages and disadvantages. One disadvantage is not having decent Internet service. We had dial up. That reached the point where you could barely check your email. We then got a Sprint air card. That seemed so much better than the dial up that we were happy for a while. When we heard that the newest tower out this way was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ATT</span>, we decided to switch our phone/Internet service to them. It was great for while, much better than Sprint. I mean, watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Youtube</span> was an exercise in patience. You would have to wait 10 minutes or more to watch a 3 minute clip. Having 3 bars of service was cause for celebration.<br /><br />If you are friend of mine on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span>, you are acquainted with my Internet troubles this summer trying to take a class. Not having taken a college class in about 16 years, I was introduced to Blackboard. Everything is done through Blackboard: assignments, messages, grades, and anything related to the class such as articles to be read, discussed, and wrote about. I knew this through my children, but I was personally introduced to the this modern concept this summer. On about my second day of class, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ATT</span> decided to go nuts on me. It first started out with spotty service, and then went to no service what so ever. I spent a total of at least 10 hours on the phone trying to find out the problem. I was told anything from they were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">integrating</span> towers to they did not know what the problem was. I was reduced to stopping at my local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">McDonalds</span> to use the free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wifi</span>. After several weeks of that craziness, we decided to just bite the bullet and take a step toward 2010. We got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hughesnet</span>! For $10 less per month than we were paying for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ATT</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">aircard</span>, we now have wireless Internet service via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hughesnet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">satellite</span>. I can blog, Google, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Facebook</span>, read the newspaper, and watch grandchildren videos from anywhere in the house. Up to six computers can take advantage of this modern technology. I am happy with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hughesnet</span>.<br /><br />We started out with the least package you can get. When I told the guy what we use the Internet for, he told me that package would work for us. It does, except when Daniel comes home and tries to download a movie(this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">aint</span> Baton Rouge). Through the fair usage act, you are only <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">allotted</span> so much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">usage</span> per day. If you go over, the service slows down to a crawl. Daniel was unaware of this and tried to download a movie. I called the automated service number and learned that you get one free service restore a month. Within minutes we were back in business and I did not talk to a human being, just a series of me punching phone button and hearing weird beeps and noises on the other end. Modern technology never ceases to amaze me.<br /><br />To continue our voyage into the modern world of technology, Randy decided to take advantage of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Dishnetwork's</span> many offers of free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">HD</span> for life and free local channels. This is a complicated story in itself. We did not have local channels through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Dishnetwork</span>. Randy's brother told us to tell them we used the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">satellite</span> at a camp up at Toledo and we could get local channels there. I mean we paid for the service. We had local channels...out of Shreveport! We could watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">LSU</span> football though and we were happy. Although our TV is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">HD</span> capable, we did not have the box for that because they wanted to bring it to the camp. When Dish offered local channels a couple of months ago, we took them up on the offer. We no longer have service " at the camp". We do have local channels here though. It is so great to watch Channel 7 news! As far as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">HD</span>, I honestly do not see a big difference, except now we have a new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">satellite</span> receiver and remote.<br /><br />Now the reason for my devoting a blog entry to this subject. We now look like a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">satellite</span> farm here at 316 Bruce Hyatt Road. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Hughesnet</span> is a much bigger dish than the TV dish. It is also pole mounted, as it would not be hurricane friendly. The new TV <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Dishnetwork</span> dish had to be pointed at the southeast sky rather than the southwest sky, so it was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">pole mounted</span> as well. Our old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Dishnetwork</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">dish</span> is mounted on the side of the house. We were told to leave the old dish on the house to make sure the new one was going to work properly. We do not have any problems, so hopefully we will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">ge</span>t the old one down before long......Randy?<br /><br />So, if you drive up to our house and feel like you have just stepped onto a military installation, feel at ease you are welcome here. We can search the Internet, watch John Bridges on Channel 7, and watch anything in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">HD</span>. Our next moves into modern technology is possibly dropping our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">land line</span> and I am also thinking about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Skyping</span>....too many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">grand babies</span> to keep up with!DonnaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13278305263927975490noreply@blogger.com0