Merry Christmas to all!

This picture is not the best, but it was taken from the CNN website yesterday as the wreaths were laid at the gravestones in Arlington National Cemetery. Say a prayer for these soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and for those past an present, serving the country for their safety, and a safe return home to their families.

I want to wish each and everyone a Very Merry Christmas! I hope part or all of your day is spent with the special family and friends that are close to your heart and those whom you can not be with, please give them a call and let them know you are thinking about them. I know I have many phone calls to make today.

I spent a wonderful day and evening with my family. Everyone got such beautiful gifts, but being together, I think, was the best gift of all. The kids had so much fun. Of course, as kids do, they wanted to play with everything they received. Joseph was the primary photographer for the evening, I really did not have a good vantage point and was helping to get many of the boxed toys out of the packaging, while watching everyone open their respective presents. I had a lot of fun watching and helping the kids, it really made me feel useful. John was also taking photo's and I will have to get pictures from him as well. All in all, I think everyone had a good time and received excellent gifts, I know I did and appreciate the gifts tremendously.

I got up early this morning and have been reflecting on everything that has happened over the past 24 hours. It just warms my heart to think; I feel very blessed to have such great family and friends, people that care about me. Kiersten got up about 7:15 and has been playing quietly. I think she, like me, is use to getting up early. I have been gathering all my stuff together because I will be traveling home later today. Everyone that will be doing any traveling today, please drive safely. I know my cousin Karen and her son Zach, will be traveling down to the Island to have Christmas with her whole family.

I am going to let everyone go and spend the day with those special people in your lives. I care about you all and wish you the Merriest of Holidays.

Love to all. You all will always remain in my heart, mind, and prayers.

Until next time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Christmas Eve

This being Christmas Eve, I would like to share the true meaning of Christmas with all of my precious family and friends. You are all so dear to me and I wish I could spend Christmas with each and every one of you. Just remember, I may not be able to be with you physically, but I am there in spirit. You all are always in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.

We should also remember all those precious people who have come and gone in our lives. Christmas has a very special meaning to me, not only for the birth of Jesus, but it was special for me because my family always got together on Christmas Eve. This was the most special day for my mom. She loved Christmas so much, as do I. Everyone has special reasons for this day and it remains in your heart as a special memory, and that memory will always remain with us for the rest of our lives. Our lives have become so busy and families have grown with other responsibilities, that trying to spend Christmas together has be come hard. Though you may not be able to be together, give those special people in your lives a call, just to say Merry Christmas or even to say hi. This will truly warm your heart, as it will theirs. Everyone just likes to know they are being thought of every once and a while, especially at Christmas time. Love to all.

This is a passage from Luke 2: 1-20, which I hope will help us to remember why we have Christmas and how important this day truly is. This passage is read every Christmas Eve when I am together with the family.

Luke - Chapter 2: The Christmas Story

From the KJV Holy Bible

1 AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Other things happening today were:

I am in Pennsylvania with family. These 2 days mean so much to me being close to the ones I love and care about. The drive was uneventful. I hope all those who will be driving over the next few days make it to their destinations safely.

The snow is almost gone. We still have some, but not much. There is ice every where and you have to watch were you walk. The ice is from the standing water. Here is a picture of the river by the house, as you can see it is up to the top of the bank.

As you can see by the picture, there is still some snow, but the river in the background is up at the top of the bank. It has started to recede though and should be back to normal with in about 24-48 hrs.

My love to all. I will write again tomorrow.

Hi to everyone in Florida and on Long Island. Safe driving.

2 days before Christmas

This is Chris and Kimberly's tree. Merry Christmas to all!

Here it is 2 days before Christmas and it is going to rain. Out of the 14 inches of snow we had totally on the ground, only about 5 remain. Many Icy spots in the driveway will have to be salted before the heavy rain starts. Drains have been cleared, garage doors cleared of snow, now I think I will be ready for the rain tonight. Tomorrow it is suppose to turn colder and have some snow showers. This is going to be my traveling day to Pennsylvania, Christmas eve day.


Today I am cooking up the Swedish meatballs and getting them ready for travel in the crock pot. I will be having Christmas with Sue, Roger and Shelly this afternoon when she gets home from work, Shelly that is. All presents are already in the car and I just have to wash a few clothes and pack. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone. Christmas is so special to me as it was to Mom.


I spoke with Alice today and she and all the kids are going to Alan's for Christmas. Karen will be making it down on Christmas Day and will be spending the rest of the week down there. I wish them all a Very Merry Christmas. It has been a while since I have seen anyone from the Island, but I do converse with them through e-mail.


Amy is doing well, all of her blood tests on the baby came back negative for Downs, etc. I do not know all the tests that they preformed. Diane and Michael are having Christmas at their house with all the girls and the grandkids. I am so glad for this, Christmas should be spent with family and friends. Amy and Jason will be spending their first Christmas as Husband and Wife.


Well, I will say good bye for now. I will be posting a special blog tomorrow. Please, everyone who needs to travel, travel safely.


As always, you all remain in my heart, mind and prayers always.

Awaiting another round of snow.

Here we go again. Snow storm warning are up again for Saturday night to Monday am. It seems that the weather experts are saying that 2 lows will be coming together tomorrow and moving up the coast creating a Noreaster. On the Syracuse station, Dave Eichorn is saying we may have up to 2 feet of snow depending on whether we have sleet mixed during the Sunday part of the storm. It also depends on how close the low pressure comes to the coast. We may just get an icy mix. If it does mix, the snow amounts will be less. At least I do not have to work this weekend, it will be Monday that I worry about. I am going to try to get some Christmas shopping done tomorrow in the am, before it starts.


This week has been a painful week. With all the changes in the barametric pressure, it seems everyone has been aching really bad, including me. This happens everytime before a major storm comes in. We have all learned to live with it, it becomes part of life when living in a 4 season area.


At work we had our holiday luncheon. It was great, with good food and deserts. We all received a flash light and long sleeve Covidien shirt, light blue in color. Monday they will be drawing tickets for the center peices on the table during the 2 days of the parties (they broke us down in to 4 different luncheons due to the large number of employees).


Today I took Shelly down to the dentist in Vestal. They ended up pulling an extra tooth. I feel so sorry for her, she is so pale and had general anesthesia for it. It will be a while before she starts to feel better. Please say a prayer for quick healing for her.





In His Hands
The Hands of our Creator
Lord and King of Heaven above
Are the Saviors Hands,
Forever reaching out to us with love

In His Hands

The Hands that made the world and gave the sun and moon their light
And the tiny Hands of a baby born one cold December night….
The Hands that stilled the wind and tamed the furry of the sea
And the calloused Hands of a carpenter who lived in poverty…
The Hands that held the power to break the binding chains of sin
are the gentle Hands that washed the feet of the tired and dusty men…
The Hands that cleansed the leper, healed the blind and raised the dead
Are the praying Hands of the one who cried, “Not My will, but Thine instead…”
The Hands that shaped the universe and flung the stars in space
Are the nail-pierced hands of a dying man who suffered in our place…
The Hands of our creator, Lord and King of Heaven above
Are the Saviors Hands, forever reaching out to us with love.




I received this in an e-mail and thought you might get a good feeling from it, I know I did. The email was about love and friendship. Everyone would love to have someone go to this length to show they are cared about by someone, be it for a friendship or relationship.

I would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You all are in my thoughts an prayers always. Please say an extra prayer for those in need, including the soldiers both past and present.


My love to all!

A Chilly Friday afternoon

It is a bit chilly here. Yesterday morning it was 1.8 degrees, man is that cold. My car doors were frozen shut temporarily. I was able to get them opened after a few seconds, my fingers nearly froze though.

I have been receiving such good emails lately, and I would like to share one or two with you, at least a picture or two. The two pictures below are from Arlington National Cemetery. Please take a minute to say a prayer for those service men/women, both past and present, who have/are serving our country and those who lost their lives for us. Remember, we are a free and proud nation because of them.

I received this email from one of my friends, Ron. As he reminds us, today is when Pearl Harbor was bombed and many service men/women lost their lives. It was also the beginning of us being drawn in to WWII, of which my father and uncles served in the Navy for our country.

Return to Naval Historical Center home page. Return to Online Library listing

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARDWASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:-- EVENTS -- World War II in the Pacific --
Pearl Harbor Raid, 7 December 1941 --Overview and Special Image Selection

The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant.

Eighteen months earlier, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had transferred the United States Fleet to Pearl Harbor as a presumed deterrent to Japanese agression. The Japanese military, deeply engaged in the seemingly endless war it had started against China in mid-1937, badly needed oil and other raw materials. Commercial access to these was gradually curtailed as the conquests continued. In July 1941 the Western powers effectively halted trade with Japan. From then on, as the desperate Japanese schemed to seize the oil and mineral-rich East Indies and Southeast Asia, a Pacific war was virtually inevitable.

By late November 1941, with peace negotiations clearly approaching an end, informed U.S. officials (and they were well-informed, they believed, through an ability to read Japan's diplomatic codes) fully expected a Japanese attack into the Indies, Malaya and probably the Philippines. Completely unanticipated was the prospect that Japan would attack east, as well.
The U.S. Fleet's Pearl Harbor base was reachable by an aircraft carrier force, and the Japanese Navy secretly sent one across the Pacific with greater aerial striking power than had ever been seen on the World's oceans. Its planes hit just before 8AM on 7 December. Within a short time five of eight battleships at Pearl Harbor were sunk or sinking, with the rest damaged. Several other ships and most Hawaii-based combat planes were also knocked out and over 2400 Americans were dead. Soon after, Japanese planes eliminated much of the American air force in the Philippines, and a Japanese Army was ashore in Malaya.

These great Japanese successes, achieved without prior diplomatic formalities, shocked and enraged the previously divided American people into a level of purposeful unity hardly seen before or since. For the next five months, until the Battle of the Coral Sea in early May, Japan's far-reaching offensives proceeded untroubled by fruitful opposition. American and Allied morale suffered accordingly. Under normal political circumstances, an accomodation might have been considered.

However, the memory of the "sneak attack" on Pearl Harbor fueled a determination to fight on. Once the Battle of Midway in early June 1942 had eliminated much of Japan's striking power, that same memory stoked a relentless war to reverse her conquests and remove her, and her German and Italian allies, as future threats to World peace.

This page features a historical overview and special image selection on the Pearl Harbor raid, chosen from the more comprehensive coverage featured in the following pages, and those linked from them:

Pearl Harbor in 1940-1941;
Japanese Forces in the Pearl Harbor Attack;
Overall Views of the Pearl Harbor Attack;
"Battleship Row" during the Pearl Harbor Attack;
Attacks off the West Side of Ford Island;
Attacks in the Navy Yard Area;
Attacks on Airfields and Aerial Combat;
Other Raid-related Events;
Damaged Ships after the Attack;
Raid Aftermath;
Post-Attack Ship Salvage.
Remembrance of the "Day that shall live in Infamy".

Today Amy is going to the Dr. to have the babies heart checked, regular checkup. She is hoping to have the ultrasound done today to see what the sex of the baby is. I don't think that she will be able to have it done today, too short of a notice. The Dr. will most likely order the test to be done another day, but we will see. Please keep Jason, Amy and my future great neice/nephew in your prayers.

I am going to be going to a Christmas Tea and craft party tomorrow afternoon from 2-4. It will be fun, it always is. Good food, crafts, and company, wish I could bring you all with me.

As Christmas gets closer, Please keep all your family and friends in your prayers and heart. Friends and Family are part of the reason for the warm feeling you have inside, especially at this time of year.

I am going to close now, but always remember I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, especially this time of the year. I really miss my friends and family that are so far away.

Love to all.

Remembering those far away!

My Christmas List of Blessings

My Christmas List is more
Than just a way to keep track of
The special people God has brought
In to my life to love.

It’s like a treasured scrapbook
Filled with pleasant memories
Of all the times God’s answered prayer
Through friends and family.

Every name’s a touchstone
That leads to a place and time,
Where God has used another’s heart
To reach out and touch mine.

It may have happened years ago
Or even yesterday,
But every person on my list
Has changed my life some way.

Through simple conversation,
A warm hug or a shared meal,
Every person on my list
Has helped me grow or heal.

Or laugh or love or learn or smile…
The blessings never end
As God allows our paths to cross
As family and friends.

So please know that this greeting
Is more than a Christmas wish,
It’s a “thank you” card to God
For putting on my list
Each and every one whose name
I’ve come to hold so dear…
Those who’ve shown me Christmas joy
Each day of the year.

To each and every person in my life, I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season. You are all in my thoughts and prayers always!

Baby it's cold outside!

This is a photo from the beach I took on vacation.

Today has started off very cold. High today will only be 24, with snow showers from today until the end of next week. I also see there is a winter storm watch in effect for Sunday afternoon until Monday at noon. It is going to be a mixed mess, dangerous driving. I will have to get up early Monday to head for work and take my time. Right now we have a dusting of snow on the ground. It was dark when I went out for the paper and the lights on the trees were still on. With the snow covering the trees and the lights on, it looks so peaceful.

Today is Amy and Jasons big day. They will be getting married at the Davenport Fire House at 1 pm. I plan on attending and taking some photos, which I will post later today. Everyone please say a prayer for a long happy marriage. Also, please say a prayer for their baby due in May, that it will be healthy and happy. Photo's of the wedding are in my photo gallery.

I am really missing my Florida family. It has been nice and warm down there. I miss having someone to talk with and sharing things with. Today it will be a week since I left and I felt like I left my heart there. I hope to go back soon and see everyone.

Otherwise, not much else is happening up here. Right now it is snowing out making everything look white and pure.

As always, I will remember all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Have a Very Happy Christmas Season.

My first Vacation in a long time!

This is a photo from my seat on the flight from Ohio to Orlando.

Hello everyone. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Myself, I had a fantastic Thanksgiving, I missed my family, but I was in Florida for the holiday! I had my first airplane flights. They were a lot of fun. The only surprise was the first takeoff, after that it was fine. I had to ride on 4 different flights on the round trip and trying to find my way around the airports was interesting. I would love to go back soon!


It was so warm in Florida. I met Jenny, Ron and Andy at the airport. It was so good to see Andy again. A quick welcoming kiss and hug along with introductions to match the faces with the voices. What fantastic people Ron and Jenny are, they quickly became family to me. Jenny and I found out we like and enjoy so many common things. It is like looking at myself in a mirror. They have 2 dogs, Mojo and Shilo and beautiful birds. They are so much fun and I miss them so much. I hope to return to Florida on another vacation soon if I can swing it.


Andy cooked Thanksgiving dinner, what a spread and a fantastic cook! He can cook for me anytime, the food was unbelievable. I went to the beach and I got to walk in the waves. The water was still pretty warm and it felt so good to have the water on my feet and legs. It brought back so many memories of Long Island and of Jones Beach when my Mom use to take us to the beach every weekend as we grew up. I always loved the beach and living upstate NY, we do not have any beaches here.


Just spending time relaxing was well worth it. I really needed a rest and a vacation from NY. The last time I took a vacation was with my mom back in 1996 and that was for just a few days to the Island. If I have my chance, I will definitely go back in a heart beat. Photos of my vacation are on the photo gallery.



I seem to be very behind in my cards for Christmas. I usually have them out by black Friday, not this year. I really need to get them out as soon as I can, I will not feel right until I get them sent out.


Well everyone, I have a very talented nephew. You need to check out some new pictures I downloaded from his blog site. Here is a sample:

Please check out other photos that Joseph has taken, they are located in my photo gallery or you can link to his photos from his blog.

Amy and Jason are getting married on Saturday. Please everyone say a special prayer for them for a long and happy marriage and for their future child.

As always I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas season, may it be safe, healthy and happy. I wish everyone safe travel for all those that are going to family and friends homes.

I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Please, everyone stay safe.

Good Sunday Morning Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Life is wonderful! Went to a beautiful wedding yesterday. Jesse and Ruth were married at the Mt Vision Baptist Church. What a beautiful bride. She wore her mothers veil and her dress was beautiful, the whole wedding party looked great! I have a few photos, my camera batteries died when the pastor and Ruth were walking down the isle. Pastor had a few good giggles added to the ceremony. The cake was really nice and had their monogram on it. Photos are on the gallery.


It is another cold morning here. The day time highs have only been about 35 or so. This morning it is a blue birdy day, with some dots of clouds in the sky. A nice frost on the ground just makes everything shimmer.


Amy and Jason's wedding is the next on the agenda. They will be married on December 1st at the Davenport Fire Hall with a small gathering to follow. Amy and Jason are getting so excited and I can not blame them with 2 happy events going on in their lives, the wedding then the birth of their first child in May. Everyone please say a special prayer for the happy couple and for a healthy and happy baby.



Well, Thanksgiving is this week. I am going to Chris and Kim's for Thanksgiving. We have really good cooks preparing the meal, and I know we all will be full when the dinner is over. I am looking forward to being with my family and wish everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving". I hope all that have to travel any distance, have a safe trip. I see the weather forecast here for Thursday, is not good. Looks like we are going to have a mix of rain and or snow showers. The temperatures are forecast to be in the low 40's during the day and in the 20's at night. I am planning on coming home from Chris and Kim's that night so I will have to drive with caution for interstate 81/88 may be slippery in spots with black ice.


To my new friends in FL, I know for sure that you will be having a good dinner, you have a fantastic cook. I wish I could be there to enjoy it with you. All of you will be on my mind and I will be there in spirit, especially if Ron happens to set a place for me again by accident, lol. Love to all of you! I am only a phone call away as you know will miss you guys.


Nothing else really happening here today. I wish you all again a "Happy Thanksgiving".


As always, you all are always in my thoughts and prayers!

BURRRRR it's COLD here!

This is Joseph and one of the photo's he took. He is very talented when taking photo's. I do have a link to his site and some of his photo's on my gallery page. Hope you enjoy them, they make good desktop photo's, I know, I use them often.

I woke up this morning about 5:30, the temperature was 18.1, the sky was clear, the stars were out and beautiful. I knew it was going to be the coldest night yet, but did not expect it to get that cold. There was fog hanging over everything too. Talk about frost, anything that survived the past frosts, surely did not survive this one. After the snow yesterday, I think I will pull the snow blower out and put it beside the stoop, just in case. I really don't expect to have any accumulating snow in the near future, but it does not hurt to be ready.

The birds are at both my bird feeders. I even see the Cardinals are here too, both male and female. The blue jays are here as well as a variety of small birds. I wish I could share this time with you, they are so beautiful.

I was kind of blue yesterday, but that changed when I heard from my special friend. I have been trying to get my class done so I can concentrate on getting my projects done for school and graduate. I just found out the university has periodic graduation ceremony's. I just may find out when the next one will be after I complete my semester and fly down and have an official graduation ceremony.

I heard from Kim yesterday. She wants to see how much the downstairs of the fire hall will be to hold Amy's wedding there. She asked if I would be willing to put in some money for the rental of the hall. I told her I needed to know how much first. My money is very tight right now. I think it is very nice that she is willing to do this for her sister. Amy has invited about 20 people to the wedding and she wanted to hold it in her mom's house. I do not think you can fit that many people in a trailer. I hope Diane understands why Kim wants to do this and I hope Kim and Diane can put their differences aside and start talking with each other on the wedding.

Not much else is really going on today so I will close now. I will have more news next week with Ruth and Jesse's wedding on Saturday.

My love to all. As always, you all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

The First Real Snowfall

I woke up this morning to a blanket of snow on the ground and about an inch or more on my car. It is not much, but it is white. I have included the pictures in my gallery. I really hope you all enjoy them.

I had my hair cut yesterday. I hope you enjoy the photo, it is a little windblown.

Life has been very uneventful here this week. Amy had her ultrasound and they have photos of the baby. Jason was present when they did the ultrasound and was very excited too. I wish them both the best. Amy picked out her crib, but has nothing else. Diane is buying little things, but Amy and Jason are really starting from scratch. Their wedding is coming up quickly, December 1st.

Ruth and Jesse are getting married on the 17th of November and I am looking forward to going to the wedding. Jesse is due to come up this Monday and Ruth is so excited. It has been months since she saw him. Her face just lights up when she speaks about him.

Next week is Thanksgiving. It is going to be a busy week for me. I have my blood work that has to be done on Wednesday, I have to get stamps for my Christmas Cards, and I think I may drive down to Chris's that night and stay over. I plan on coming home on Thursday night. On Friday I want to get the Cards out. I know that Black Friday is a day I don't want to go near any stores, too many people. If I don't get the Christmas tree up on Wednesday, I will be putting it up on Friday. I will put the lights on it and Nancy will decorate it when she gets home. I am really going to enjoy having Wednesday to Sunday off. Unfortunatlly, I have to make up an hour on Monday or Tuesday for the hour I will be missing on Wednesday, a job thing.

This Thursday and Friday, the plant will be giving out turkeys to all the employees. The turkeys will be averaging about 22-24 lbs. They are usually pretty tastey. Mine will be going in the freezer.

Since Christmas and snow are my favorite times of the year, I found this poem and thought you may enjoy it.

In His Hands

The Hands that made the world and gave the sun and moon their light
And the tiny Hands of a baby born one cold December night….
The Hands that stilled the wind and tamed the furry of the sea
And the calloused Hands of a carpenter who lived in poverty…
The Hands that held the power to break the binding chains of sin
are the gentle hands that washed the feet of the tired and dusty men…
The Hands that cleansed the leper, healed the blind and raised the dead
Are the praying Hands of the one who cried, “Not My will, but Thine instead…”
The Hands that shaped the universe and flung the stars in space
Are the nail-pierced hands of a dying man who suffered in our place…
The Hands of our creator, Lord and King of Heaven above
Are the Saviors Hands, forever reaching out to us with love.

I am going to close this blog for today. I may write some more tomorrow, we will see.

As always, you all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Another damp day.

Well, today was suppose to be sunny, but it is not meant to be. The weather has taken a sharp change over the past few weeks. We now have normal average highs with a few degrees below the average some days. We are expecting some flurries Wednesday and Friday. I should see them because they will happen while I am driving to work at 5 am.

I am getting like a little child. Christmas is coming and it is my favorite time of the year. I really hope we will have snow for Christmas. It has gotten so commercial, which is sad. It still will not dampen my spirits. I know the season does not officially start until after Thanksgiving, black Friday. This will be the 7th year with out mom. I do need to get up to the cemetery and put her wreath on the stone before the cemetery closes.

Things have been going very well up here. I am very happy. I really think I may have found someone that I can be happy with. Keep your fingers and toes crossed.

Amy will be going for her ultrasound this week. She and Jason want to know the sex of the baby. Their wedding is coming up quick also. December 1st will be here before you know it.

I imed with Joe the other night, he sounds good. He was at work so we could not talk too long. I told him I was looking forward to him coming back for Christmas. I am looking forward to my trip to Chris's for Thanksgiving. I miss them a lot and it has been since Kiersten's birthday since I saw them. It will be here before you know it.

We had craft day with Evie and Gertrude. We did a simple picture frame with a fall theme. They both seemed to enjoy themselves so much. I know that their daughter and son, respectively could enjoy the afternoon off to do what they want and not have to worry about their moms. Everyone, including Sue Ellis and Ruth had a great time. A few sticky fingers fromt the glue and sparkles, but it was great. I so look forward the the next time.

I met some new friends, Ron and Jenny. They are friends of Andy's and now mine. Jenny and I are becoming good friends.

As always, you are always on my mind and in my thoughts and prayers.

Another birthday come and gone

This is my birthday cake from yesterday. It was such a great day. I felt special all day long. I woke up early and did my usual Saturday thing. When I was going over to Wal*Mart, I received my first birthday call, from Andy. What a great surprise. We spoke for a while during the shopping trip. It was great hear from him. Next, when I got home, Nancy was up and wished me a happy birthday as I unloaded my grocery's from the car during the rain. I then saw John and he also wished me happy birthday. I saw my phone had a call and returned the call. Sue said Shelly was looking for me, but she had already left for work and I will most likely see her later. I went back over to Diana's house across the street and spent some time with Evie and the dogs watching some movies.

I went to the mail box that morning and got a nice surprise card from Chris, Kim and the kids. It was so nice that Kiersten signed the card and so did David, with help. The gift was appreciated too. They really did not have to do that either. I love and miss them so.

I told Evie that I was going over to my house about 3 and going to go to dinner with John and Nancy and I would see her later. When I got home at 3, I decided to go and get gas before the weather got any colder (Sunday night a killing frost is predicted). When I got home, the Rizzo's had returned from the reunion and I needed to retrieve my tea cup from over there. I filled Diana and John in on what had transpired Friday and Saturday. Came home and went to dinner with John and Nan. Dinner was great. Good food and company. I told John and Nan that they did not have to take me out, but they wanted to. I had such a great time!

When I got home I wanted to just flake out. When I came in the house, there was a card lying on the counter. It was from Shelly telling me she just missed me. The card was beautiful and she also gave me a gift card, which was much appreciated. It had been a busy 24 hours and I needed some down time. I went upstairs and got changed and just hung out watching some shows that I copied the week prior. It was then I received a call from Joe. He always remembers my birthday and gives me a call. We spoke for a while, it was so good to hear his voice and it reminds me how much I miss him. I will see him at Christmas though.

When I came downstairs later on. John told me to chill for a few minutes. Out came a few presents and a cake. I told them dinner was enough. I received a beautiful bird feeder, which is hanging up already with the birds just loving it and a kitty fleece with the cat staring at gold fish. It is so nice and warm. The ice cream cake was so tasty too.

I want to thank everyone who sent cards and all the phone calls. It is so nice to know you are loved and cared for. Just knowing that you all took time out of your day to remember me was so heart warming. Just thinking bout it brings tears to my eyes. You will never know how special each and everyone of you means to me. Thank you for sharing my Birthday with me.

It it Sunday now and cool out. It is suppose to rain today and have a killer frost tonight. The means no hitting the snooze alarm in the morning. I will have to get out and scrap the window, like I had to do on Friday. I really think this frost will be heavier, so I will start the car and let it run for a few minutes. Then it is back to work again.

I just want you all to know that you always remain in my thoughts and prayers. Please everyone stay safe, healthy and happy. Until next time.

Autumn Photo's

I really hope you enjoy the following photo's. While driving home today I noticed the color of the tree's had come to life.

This was taken at the corner of 205 and 23 looking north on 205.

This is the entrance to the Soccer Hall of Fame, Oneonta, NY. This complex is about a mile and a half from the house.
This is the Hall of Fame. The trees in the backround are really blooming. This picture does not do it justice.
You can see the mountain in the backround and the color just jumping out. Meanwhile, the kids are practicing on the Bettiol field on the soccer complex.

I hope you enjoyed some of the photo's. I have them in my photo gallery for downloading if you wish. I hope to get some more tomorrow on my way home. I saw a grouping of trees that will take your breathe away.

Best wishes to all. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.

Happy Birthday Shelly

"Happy Birthday Beany"

Well, today is Shelly's 20th birthday. It is hard to believe, I remember when she was born. So small and tiny. Time flew by so fast, now she is a woman out of her teens. It is too bad she had to work today, but that is life in the working world.

Yesterday I went to Ester's Birthday party. It was so much fun. We bowled and had pizza and cake. Today I am a little sore, can hardly move. I think I used muscles I have not used in years and they are crying out, ouch. John, Nancy and I haven't bowled in years and did not do too bad. John needs to find a new groove and what will work for him since he can not bend over too well. He did not do to bad though, kept right up there. Nancy did fantastic. She broke 100 twice, I can not say the same for me. I told Nan that we should just go over on a Saturday afternoon early and maybe bowl a couple of games, we will see what happens.

The weather is cool here, in the 50's during the day and in the 30's and 40's during the night. What is funny is that I expect that one day I will wake up and be on my way to work at 5 am and it will be snowing. Hopefully the weather is back on track again. The rain has been great, everything is so dry and we needed rain so badly.

I spoke with Amy last week and she told me she was getting married on December 1st which is a Saturday. She wanted to marry on a Saturday so she could invite a few people to watch. The wedding is going to be at Diane's house. They are still planning a church wedding in June. Their baby is due on May 14th according to her Dr. They are so excited! Diane and Michael are painting a babies room at their house with pictures of Winney the Pooh sketched on the wall by Jay. Apparently he is a very good artist. Amy and Jason can not do anything to their trailer because they rent it. Amy will be having an ultrasound next week and she told me that she and Jay want to know the sex of the baby when they are able to tell them; right now the ultrasound is for the babies heart beat. Please keep them in your prayers.

It was been a while since I spoke with Joe. I read his blog and for some reason it seems down. I do not want to pry as to what is going on, when he is ready, he will tell me, meanwhile I will say an extra prayer that the Lord guides him with what ever he needs help with. I still miss him very much.

I spoke with Andy a few days ago. Tried to give him words of encouragement. He will be going through some rough times over the next few weeks. To top it all off, his sister Ro is not doing well with the Chemo. The dr's may be stopping it and just let nature take it's course. Please say an extra prayer for them.

Well, this is going to be a short blog and I wish you all the best. As always you all remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday Kiersten!

Happy Birthday Kiersten!

I drove down to Chris and Kim's for Kiersten's Birthday Party on Saturday. She had such a great time and Kim what a party planner! Everyone was helping to get the final things ready when I arrived. It took me 3 hours to get down there, because of all the road construction. I was only 9 miles short of Chris's exit and was going 10 miles per hour.

I helped do what I could to finish things off before all the kids arrived. It was not 15 minutes later that all the kids started to come. Kim had planned many fun games. Making photo frames, dog bone digging and burying bones in the dirt, bean bag toss. Then it was time for Cake! What a cake too! Then she opened presents. She received a lot of nice things too. It was getting toward the end and all the children were getting tired, and that includes mom too. She was up til after 2am finishing up the cake. Kim, I give you all the credit in the world, you did a great job.


Not much else was really happening this weekend. I was so glad to go down and see Chris and his family, and I think that they were glad I came too. I love them all so much and miss seeing them.

I am going to sign off for now. I wish everyone the best in life.

I leave you with is photo of some of the colors. This was taken on my way home from PA. It was taken on I-88 just below Afton.

As always, you all remain in my thoughts and prayers. Stay happy, healthy, and safe. Safe driving to all those who need to travel.

What an Air Show!

As you can see, even Rocky and Bullwinkle attended!

What a great Air Show! Everyone who came out to see it, thank you. Those who did not come out you missed a fantastic show.

John's friend from school (he grew up with) was there again. It was so good to see Chris Brown. He use to live on Washington Street when we lived on Jefferson Street. Chris has been flying planes for over 20 years now and has quite the collection.

The air show had a great day to fly, the sky was so blue. Only one major crash though today. It was a B-25. The wings were not damaged too bad, but the body of the plane can be used as kindling wood it splintered so badly. There was quite a bit of wind blowing, but the heavier planes did not seem to have too much of a problem flying. I have some photos from the show that can be seen in the Joanne's Photos section. Please check it out.

This will be a short note and I will post some more later in the week, depending on what is happening.

Love to all. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay safe.

I am going to leave you with this picture of some of the trees turning. This photo was taken on my way home from the Air Show. This was taken on County route 8 between Gilbertsville and Otego. Hope you enjoy it.

It's been a while.

Well, there is happy news from Amy and Jason. They just found out they are going to have a baby. It was unexpected, but both are very happy!

Amy is due the end of April or the beginning of May. She is only 7 weeks along. The baby looks very healthy on the ultrasound they did in the ER. She is going to see the GYN sometime soon for further information.

Amy and Jason plan to marry in a private ceremony in December and then have a regular wedding in June. The baby just came unexpectedly and altered their plans a slight bit. Everyone please wish the happy couple their best for a safe, full term, healthy baby boy or girl. Please keep them in your prayers.

Again Friday is here and another short day at work! The weekends seem to be too short! The day light is getting shorter too. It is dark in the morning when I go to work at and remains dark until about 6 or 6:15, then is dark at night at around 7:30, where is the daylight going?

I guess it is fall, but you would never know it by the weather outside, it is more like late spring.

The trees are really turning on the hills over by work, but in our backyard, the leaves are still green? I want to post some pictures, but I will have to take some on my way home from work. We will see what happens, the nights are in the high 40's and low 50's, so it should trigger some changing here too. I did notice that next week, it is suppose to be only in the 60's, maybe we will be getting some frost then too.

Shelly has a new job at Arbys. I think she is enjoying it, but I have not really spoken to her yet. Sue said she only started last Monday and has not really had time to take it all in yet. I wish her may best. When she was working at Dunkin Donuts, she really did enjoy the paychecks she received and missed them when she left there. Good luck to her and I hope she enjoys her new job and the people she is working with.

This afternoon John and Nancy asked me to go over to the plane show. While there I took some great pictures. Everyone should go and see these planes. There were all different styles, sizes, etc. The big show will be tomorrow afternoon (Saturday) starting at 12. Come over and check it out. They will also be flying on Sunday afternoon. There is a $3 donation going toward The Oneonta R/C Flyers. Bring a chair, you can buy food there.

Well, this is going to be a short post, not much is really happening here.

As always, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay safe, healthy, and happy!

Happy Birthday Shannon

Kiersten on her first day of school.

Today is Shannons Birthday and I wish her the best. She is a girl I work with.

Well, it is rainny here today. We really need the rain too. It does not help that I am trying to dry my clothes on the line, but I will take them upstairs and put them on a hanger and let them dry there. They should be dry by morning.

What a race last night. I really think that DEI and RCR should go back to the drawing board with their engine program! Last night may have cost JR his chance to win, again. It will never be known if he would have gotten in to the chase or not, it was really close, but another 5 laps to go race and the engine blows again....

Kiersten started school and she loves it. By the end of the day David is asking where Kiersten is. Kim took him to school to pick her up and as he ran to her, he called her name and when he reached her, gave her a big hug. Otherwise he is doing well.

I have not heard from Kim as to how Michael and Mackenzie did on their first day. I will eventually hear, I am sure.

Nothing really has happened this week to really write about, so this is going to be a short blog.

Please, all ways remember, I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Happy Labor Day to all!

Happy Labor Day to everyone.

This Photo was taken by Joseph. What a great picture.

It has been a very productive 4 days off. Pool is closed, trees are trimmed, grass is cut, laundry is done. I am tired today. I trimmed some grass I did not get a chance to do on Saturday. I have had to water plants also, because it has been so dry here. Plants are still dying off and the trees are starting to turn yellow now. Next weekend I have to get the filter and heater apart and put away, as well as all the pool things.

Well, it is back to work tomorrow. I guess vacation has to end sometime. At least it is only for 3 1/2 days then the weekend off.

It has been a beautiful day today, about 84.5. Last night it was in the 40's. Looks like the next week will be in the 80's during the day and in the 50's at night. Is this FALL, or are we still in summer. I kind of understand if we are still in summer since winter was so late to leave this year. It has been good to barbecued every night. Just a quick hamburger with cheese. Something quick.

I heard from Amy today. She had to change her wedding until June 14th. Her Maid of Honor could not come in this February (she lives in MN), so she and Jason decided that a summer wedding would be best all the way around. This way there is only 1 party not 2, and it gives them more time to save up. She said her dad is going to get married in May. Mary is do back in NY tomorrow. She will be living in Utica.

A special Happy Birthday to Kady Jo. Tuesday is her birthday. She is my goddaughter and I speak with her as often as I can on line. She is in college in Utica and will be graduating in December. Then she will be off to RIT in Rochester. I wish her all the best in the world. Luke is out in CO doing very well also. Mary and Bruce have a nice vacation spot to visit if they wish. Love to my special family.

Pastor called on Sunday and invited the Rizzo's and me to a corn dog roast, unfortunately, John and Diana were out 4 wheeling and a picnic, their usual Sunday thing, and I was watching Evie for Diana. I called and thanked him very much for inviting me, but I had to decline.

School starts this week! Please say a special safety prayer for Michael, Mackenzie, and Kiersten as they start school. May the Lord protect them and keep them safe.

I finished Accounting, but I still need to do my project. I am going to try to complete it before the weekend, then start my last class!

Well, I am going to let everyone go, it is getting late and I need to get my dishes cleaned up.

As always, everyone remains in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all.

Something I need to share with everyone.

I received this from Alice today and was very moved by it. I think everyone needs a little lift in spirit, so here it is. Instead of sending this email, I felt as many people can benefit from it being posted on my blog.

This has been around a few times but it's always good to be reminded and to pray for each other. The prayer has changed some since I first read it...I like this one better!!!

Psalm 55:22 --- you really need to read this.

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die -

I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart " building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes.

She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel. At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying " don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now.

So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back a away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fuelling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City. Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there. So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there. I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road.

As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people." It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless, especially for the months in 2007 , and I picked you. Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed.

Here is the prayer:

"Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends, relatives, blog and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit in a special way this very moment. Where there is pain and suffering, grant them healing. May they enter into Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. And dear Lord, help us to remain close to your precious heart so that when someone needs an angel, we would be happy and ready to stand in the gap for them. LORD God, make your face to shine upon us eternally. In Jesus' precious and holy name. Amen."

Happy Beautiful Saturday Morning!

It is a beautiful morning. Only 50 degrees this am. Great sleeping weather.

Well, I did not get the pool closed yesterday. I will get it done this am. I have to vacuum it and then put the pillow in it, then the cover. I am not going to drop the water until I get all the chemicals, still short winterizer.

Spoke with John this am. Plans on flying today. It should be a nice day for it. I hope the kids enjoy seeing grandpa fly his plane. He also plans on swimming again today. I am jealous about the swimming. I would love to relax swimming, but it is too COLD.

I hope to get the grass cut today so I do not have to do anything for the next few days, except maybe wash, wax, and vacuum my car for the fall.

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!

As always, everyone remains in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay happy, healthy, and safe.

Friday, and a day off.

Today is Friday and I have the day off! It has been a very busy day. I took the solar cover off the pool and began washing it, boy is it dirty. I am only washing half the cover at a time. I am letting one half dry before I wash the other half. There are a lot of leaves in the pool, which I need to vacuum out before I put the cover on, then I will drop the water level down and winterize the water. Come to think of it I do not have the winterize, aka antifreeze, for the winter, all I have is the algicide, oh well I guess the final closing will have to wait until I get the winterizer.

It has been sunny here since about 11 am. They say the weekend is going to be beautiful. Very sunny and in the low to mid 70's. My kind of weather. The leaves are changing a bit quicker now. September is tomorrow already. How time is flying.

Well, there have been men working on the bridge all day long. I have no idea what they are doing to the bridge, they are working underneath it, but there has been a lot of cutting, etc.

I spoke with Andy today, his sister Ro has started Chemotherapy on this past Monday. They do not expect her to have too long, even with the chemo. I pray God gives her the special time she needs to get everything done she wants to do. I am glad she has Andy to help her and to lean on. Please say a special prayer for her and her family.

He sent me an email I would like to share with all of you.

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? A: Psalms 117
Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible? A: Psalms 119
Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? A: Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118

Add these numbers up and you get 1188
Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?

A: Psalms 118:8
Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word!

Psalms 118:8

"It is better to trust in the LORD, than to put confidence in man."

Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?
Before sending this, I said a prayer for you. Got a minute? 60 seconds for God? All you do is say a small prayer for the person who sent you this........

"Father God bless my friend in whatever it is that you know he/she may be needing this day! And may his/her life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with You.”

Amen

This is so true. this is why I decided to pass it on to those who read this post. Having the Lord in your life will make a difference.

Diana and John went to the State Fair yesterday. They had such a good time. I watched over Evie for Diana. We had dinner together after I got home from work. I took the dogs out and then watched the news with her. We had a good time.

I talked with Diane (my sister) the beginning of the week, and nothing is new with her.

Chris, Kim, and Kiersten went to school this week to meet her teacher. Kim said that she met the teacher and spoke with her for a short time, then went and played. Kim and Chris both spoke with the teacher asking her many questions. From what I gathered, they all had a great time. I honestly think Kiersten will enjoy school very much.

David will have a lot of mommy time when she starts school. He will miss his sister so much, but he will enjoy the extra mommy time.

I hope that John and Nancy are having a good time in PA. Love to everyone there.

I am going to close now, the solar cover must be dry by now and I have to vacuum the pool and get the cover on before dark. As usual, it is windy again. It never fails, it is always windy when I close the pool. This has happened every year since '89.

As always, everyone remains in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay happy, healthy, and safe.

Another Short Weekend

Have a cup of happiness and love.

Here it is, another weekend that just feels too short. Yesterday, as always, I only worked a half day. I did some running around and picked up Shelly. She wanted to come down and work on her computer putting in applications for jobs. Apparently, she had some problems with a worker/trainer at Dunkin Donuts and her boss did not want to do anything about it. Her boss apparently lets quite a bit slide, including complaints from customers about this worker. So she decided rather than keep herself in a bad situation, she would leave. She gave her 2 weeks notice on Tuesday, and by the time she left on Friday, her boss told her she did not have to come back, that she hired her new replacement already. Nice way to run a business, maybe her boss should know how her managers are running their stores.

More leaves are turning it seems. When I leave work, I can see the changes in the trees. Of course they are more apparent over by Hobart than they are here. Our trees in West Oneonta are just starting to get the yellow and red hews to them. It is suppose to be 90+ here today and they are saying this is our Indian Summer, which means that fall is just a stones throw away!

I am looking forward to next week, it is only a 4 day week and a LONG weekend.

I am still trying to get caught up with school and trying to get my house cleaned. I got a small jump on it on Friday when Shelly was here, but there is still so much to do and a lot of unloading of things I DO NOT NEED! My garbage men will not be happy with all the stuff I plan on getting rid of.

I need to check on the chemicals I have for the pool to close it. Temps this week, from Tuesday on, will be getting lower and night temps will be in the mid 40's. This is not enough to keep the temp up on the pool for swimming. Right now the temp in the pool is 67, cold. Maybe I will just throw the winter cover on until I get all the chemical together, at least that will keep the leaves and apples out of the pool, but we will see. If I throw the cover on without doing the chemicals, I will still need to filter it until the chemicals are added in. I still need to talk with John first and get his imput since it is his pool.

Diane and Michael celebrated their 1st month wedding anniversary at the Tally Ho restaurant. She got the wedding party together and they all went to dinner. I hope they all had a good time.

Amy and Jason have finally decided to get married on February 16, 2007. She decided that trying to do a wedding on a Thursday was crazy, especially since everyone had to work on Friday. I still think she should do a small intimate family wedding then have a party in the summer for extended family and friends, but it is up to Amy and Jason how they want to do it, no one else.

Well, cars sure do get expensive for regular maintaince. I had a noise in the front end and John thought it might be CV joint, brakes, or tires rubbing. Well, it turned out to be brakes. I called Otsego Automotive and they were able to get me in today at 1. When the tech looked at the brakes, there was the problem. Rust corrosion -rotors-Pads worn, sliders seizing. What they did is replace disc rotors, remove caliper slides, clean them, freeup pins. Cost me 280.63, but at least the car is safe. I do not know how long it has been that way, but now it is done.

Other wise, it has been a very uneventful week. My gladiolas are looking beautiful. I cut most of them and put them on the coffee table in the living room. Everyday, I try to add to them.

This was a short and to the point post for this week. I hope everyone has a good weekend. Safe traveling for Chris and Kim, and John and Nancy.

As always, you all remain in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all.

Happy Birthday Mackenzie & David!

Happy Birthday to David and Mackenzie. Today Mackenzie is 5 years old and David is 3 years old. Boy, are they growing up fast. Mackenzie will be going in to Kindergarten in September.

Yesterday David had a family birthday party. It was fun and he received a ton of great things. Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Jo, Nanny and Poppy, and Brandon all came down for the party. Kim made a fun cake. It had lots of monster trucks on it.

I hope Mackenzie is having a good time for her birthday also.

My garden out front has beautiful gladiolas in it. Everything is starting to die off. We are having nights in the low to mid 40's. I noticed the trees are getting a yellow hue to them now. It will not be long before they start to change. As soon as they do, I will start to include them in my blog.

The weather is going to be around 69 degrees today and partly cloudy. Looks like a chance of rain every afternoon this week. We may even get up to 82 by Friday, but cool nights.

The pool is down to 66 degrees, and I do not think we will have enough warm weather to keep the temperature up at night with out using the heater every day. I am thinking about when to close it, Labor Day weekend, but it will be up to John as to the final decision. My neighbor already took hers down. Her pool is in the picture on the left. She has a smaller pool and could not keep the temperature up without a heater and her pool is in the direct sun all day long. Days are definitely getting shorter. Now the shadows in the evening are on the garage at 6:30 pm. We are definitely heading for fall. The stores have all their fall stuff out and they are getting ready for Halloween, can you believe it! Next they will have a small section for Thanksgiving, and by the end of September I would not doubt that they will have Christmas out (which is definitely too early).

September is going to be a good time for a wedding. Best of wishes to the couple who is getting married in the month of September. Take lots of pictures! I promise I will not spill the beans of who is, but everyone already knows. I hope you both have a long, happy and loving life together. This is suppose to be the Happiest time of your life. Enjoy it and remember I am your friend, whether you want to believe it or not.

I just heard from Andy, he just found out his sister has terminal cancer. They only give her 3-6 months. She had no prior warning. The Dr. thought she had pneumonia and when that did not clear with antibiotics, the did some follow-up testing; that is when they found it. Please say a prayer for her and her family.

The shower was great. I got to see many people I have not seen in a long time. The barbecue was delicious! The shower was so much fun. Ruth got so many wonderful gifts. I really think everyone had a great time.

As always, you all are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love to everyone and stay happy, healthy and safe.