TRICK OR TREAT

This year I didn't even have to go out the treats came to my door last night.

MAD SCIENTIST or CRAZY AUTHOR?

It's so hard to tell when they all look alike.

FROM A PRINCESS TO A QUEEN

I really believe that 'dressing up' is an art. Anna has it in her blood and does it very well. She didn't have to be coaxed to do it she found joy in it. If you will notice in the photo on the right she also included Cokie in the fun.

Another example of knowing how to dress up is this next photo. These are not any of our family members but these guys do it so well that I just had to give them the credit due them.

GODZILLA

Halloween was always such a fun time for me. As a kid getting the chance to get all dressed up and go around the neighborhood getting candy was a real treat. We didn't have candy readily available all the time like our kids and grandkids. It was not only an excitng evening but it was fun deciding what to wear and planning your route so that you would always get more candy than the year before.

With my kids and grandkids you had to be more careful with the actual Trick or Treating part because of all the crazys you heard about putting things in the candy but I enjoyed creating costumes and seeing them dress up.

This brings me to the point of the actual costumes. You can definatly tell when the child starts using his/her own imagination and getting in to the fun of creating. That is when they choose what they are going to be. This photo is Maison's first real choice. He went from the cute little lion cub, which he had no say in; to a cute little dalmation(photo to come later), that he had little in the decision process but agreed to on to Godzilla. Yes, this was all his ideal!

ALOHA

When you love to swim and enjoy the sunshine you might want to dress like this when your this size...


or like this...

and like this when you grow up

FAMILY RESEMBLANCES

If you just look you can find a lot of family resemblances. Sarah and I share a birthday. Anna and Bryce do too. I always thought Anna was my only grandchild that looked like my baby pictures but when posting these costumes this month I realized that Hunter has my smile:)

THE TEA PARTY

My computer was off yesterday so I couldn't post my phots but I'm back on today. Yeah!


I was fortunate to have tea with these lovely ladies one afternoon. One of them was yesterday's Birthday Girl and the other is her sister Mrs. Nesbitt. The costumes were provided by the Tea Room, which I am sorry to report was taken out by one of our hurricanes a couple of years ago. We enjoyed tea, scones, muffins and tiny little sandwiches that were followed by tiny little deserts. There were also a few other charming ladies at the event but those photos may show up at another time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHLOE

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

I would enjoy baseball games if they had players that looked this cute. This was a recycled costume. Todd wore it in the 70's. Josh is wearing it here in the 80's and I really am not sure if it was ever worn again but doesn't he look cute in it.
Josh is all grown up now but if you are reading this blog post today please pray for Josh. He is a wonderful person and God has big plans for him!

Sometimes LARGER is better

I learn many things from trial and error and trial again. I just hope I remember how I did this.

Baby Bird Brycie

This wasn't really a baby bird costume and it only took a few seconds to remove the lid form a silly little box and set it on her head but it is a typical Bryce look that I love. She has been giving us that "all knowing look", especially when looking at the camera, for almost 6 years now. She is certain that everyone is put on this earth to make her life a better place. She knows she is loved and it shows.

MAISON THE LION CUB

I have made my share of costumes over the years but this was one of my all time favorites. It probably took longer than any of the others but I started early and had plenty of time. It even probably cost more than any of the others and more than one we could have bought, but I had fun sewing on every one of those little ribbons (by hand). Maison not only looked like a cutie with it on, he seemed to like it or maybe it was just all the attention that came his way when he wore it.

THE PRINCESS

The question is....Is this a princess costume or in reality a true princess?

THE PUMPKIN PATCH

Did you ever wonder why kids just think that they were 'found' in a pumpkin patch?

'SWEET PEA'

This little Sweet Pea was an answer to prayer. I remember 3 months before this photo was taken I got to see her tiny little heart beating on an ultasound screen. The doctor even pointed out all of the chambers of her heart. She had a rapid heartbeat and they had to give her Mommy medicine to slow it down until she was born. She still seems a little quicker than the rest of us but they did slow down the heart until all of the 'wiring' was in place.:)

OCTOBER MEANS AUTUMN TO ME

I think autumn is my favorite season. I really like hot weather and beautiful spring. Winter is okay if you live in Florida but I hate cold weather. I get homesick for Kentucky every year when it is time for these beautiful leaves. For the last several years I have planned trips north during October to try to catch a glimpse of it. This year my trip will be a little later so I am happy that the leaves have not turned yet. I won't be leaving for 3 weeks though and a lot can change in that amount of time. This photo was from a few years ago but it is full of things I love.

ONE YEAR LATER

Since I pulled an old photo out of my picture file when I posted my Back to School blog these kids look younger than they really are. Look at the difference a year makes.

FALL MEANS 'BACK TO SCHOOL'

'Back to School' was always a good time for me. When I was in elementary school and even middle school I was glad to see my friends that didn't live next door or go to my church because I never got together with them in the summer. In high school, I was happy to go back because of all the social events that went along with school. After high school graduation I moved to Lexington to go to Fugazzi and with that back to school season came the excitement of my own apartment and a new city.

When my kids were in school I was glad to get back to a routine that kept us all busy. One thing that went with this time, no matter what my age was shopping for new shoes, clothes and supplies. I just loved that!!!

SUNNY SUNDAY

I just love sunny Sundays. The first ray of sunshine came before the sun even came up down here in Florida. We got to see Todd, Christa, Anna and Sarah while we talked to them. Todd and Christa looked great and the girls were all dressed up in fancy dance dresses. They were so cute and had big smiles on their faces.

We went to the gym and finished our workout before 8:30. It is always a good feeling when that is over.

We went to Sunday School and Worship Service at church. Our preacher is doing a great job on this series of 'Being Free'. Dave told him he looks like he is going to bust up there if he doesn't get his message out. His excitement is contagous.

Natie came over after church. We ate lunch and headed to the pool for fun in the sun.

She loves the freedom that she gets as a result of those swimmies and the gate around the pool. The swimmies don't do much for the hula girl image but she is so cute it doesn't matter.

Tonight it is pouring down rain so I guess that means the weekend is coming to a close.

LABOR DAY 2006

When it gets daylight I like to look out of the living room glass door at the birds hanging around the lake. This morning was a little different. When I looked out I saw this on the #3 tee between me and the lake.



He hung out in our lake all day and needless to say the birds kept their distance.

Dave and I did see a bald eagle fly over when we were walking this afternoon, that was neat. Hope you all had a nice Labor Day!

SCHOOL PICTURES ON A BAD HAIR DAY

Everyone has had a school picture taken on a bad hair day but only a sister would save one of these photos to show the world 47 years later.

ISN'T SHE THE CUTEST THING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?

Those pictures that we hated the most when we got them are the ones we love the most many years later. The wild hair, the sweet smile and ...those bangs are just precious. There is nothing false or pretentious there. Carol was picked on for years because she is a shorty but, good things come in small packages and we love her dearly. If you have any doubts about it just ask Bricie.

SUCCESS - FUN - BUSY WEEKEND

This was a very good weekend. I was in Louisville with two of the "Ottersbach Girls". If we had just planned on Robin coming too it would have been perfect.

I flew up on Friday and we spent the weekend cleaning out the 'BIG' clothes and making room for the 'smalls' in Mom's closet. For the first time in her life she is smaller than all three of her daughters.

We got a lot of work done, laughed a lot and were all so sore we could hardly move by Saturday night. Ofcourse, we did have to go out to eat a couple of times (because that's just the way we are).

I AM OFFICIALLY AN EARLY BIRD

As I have gotten older I have begun to get up earlier and earlier. I remember when I use to be able to stay in bed past noon. Even when my kids were small (before school age)I would sleep until 10 or 11am. I purposely put them in afternoon class for kindergarten because morning wasn't my favorite.

When I had to get them up for regular school time I learned to enjoy coffee and slowly over the last 20 some years I have not only been able to function in the morning, I now prefer morning.

The proof of this is that Dave and I have been getting up at 4:30 to 4:45 to have a cup of coffee, read our daily devotional and make it to the gym by 5:15. This really does make the day much better. The old 10:23 bed time may move up a few minutes too, we will see.
Yours truely,
The Early Bird

JANET IS HOME

PRAISE GOD FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS! JANET IS HOME THE SURGERY WENT WELL AND EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD!

Please Pray for Janet

My friend Janet is having a medical procedure tomorrow. Janet is the person I would chose to be more like, if I got the choice. She is everything I admire in a person. She has a wonderful relationship with God and shows it in everything she does and says. I think that God has her in the same catagory as King David in the Bible, a woman after his own heart. She told me that "this is all in God's hands" and whatever happens she is in his hands.

WOW!!!

This is what I call EXCITING! This coming from a woman who doesn't really like surprises. This was totally unexpected. Todd got his book published and sent me 3 copies. The title is Titan's Tail As told by a Muse.

Page 3 says: For my mother, who knows the muse behind the Muse all too well and loves him anyway.

I read this book and love it and can't wait to read it again. I not only know an Author but I have had a book dedicated to me. I could have never ever imagined that. I am so Exicited!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SARAH

I know you all thought that this was one person that I would never be late wishing her a happy birthday. Well, I really wasn't late with my wishes but my computer was giving me fits when I tried to publish this blog. I think it's OK now.

Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE SARAH! I hope you had a wonderful day and were as anxious to see your Daddy as he was to get to see you. We love you very much.

KRISTIN JOHNSON GETS A HAIRCUT

On July 22nd I posted a photo of 'Cousins" in that photo Kristen is the dark haired little girl with the pink stuffed animal in her hand. She is holding hands with Brycie, her new best friend and cousin she met for the first time.

These two were inseperable once they met and after just 2 days they went back to their own homes. Bryce went back to Virginia and Kristen went back to Ohio to pack all of her belongings because her family is moving to Texsas.

Back to the hair cut. This was not her parents idea. You can see Kathy, Kristen's sister in the photo with the long dark hair. When those curls are wet they hang half way down her back. Yes, as you have guessed Kristen did the cutting herself. When her mother asked her why she had cut 6 inchs off the back she replied that she liked Brycie's hair she thought it looked nice.

We never know what impression we are going to have on the people we meet but I have a feeling that if these two girls lived near each other they could give their parents fits. (Even before they hit the teenage years.)

Natalie's goes to church

Yesterday Tara got Natalie up and got her all dressed up for Sunday School but when she got there they told her that the class was full and that she couldn't stay. Tara said that there were a lot of kids in the room so she asked if they could put her in another class. The answer was "NO".

Tara just took her to chuch with her which wasn't the end of the world but when I heard about it it mad me feel very sad. It reminded me of a story I heard in Sunday School when I was little about the Deciples turning the little children away when they wanted to see Jesus. I have never heard of a church turning away a child that wanted to go to Sunday School. I think that if we, as Christians turn our chuches into big business multi-program establishments and fail to welcome little children into a Sunday School class Satan will be delighted.

BLESSINGS...

Helen Johnson is now in Heaven but her life made such an impact on so many people. As I sat at the Funeral and looked at her children and grandchildren I thought how happy she would be to see how her family had grown. This photo of 4 of her great granddaughters.

There were two grandsons missing. Todd wasn't able to come because of a good reason. He is in Asia following God's direction for his life but it made me very sad that Matt wasn't there. The last we heard from Matt was earlier this year. The letter was postmarked 'Oregon', but that is all we know. He isn't even aware that his grandmother was ill much less that she died.

I know that God loves Matt even more than any family member possible could so please pray with me that God will get hold of Matt and bring meaning to his life.

PRAY FOR HELEN

Helen's health seems to be getting worse. She is begining to experience pain and can no longer take even a drink by mouth. She feels very sick to her stomach much of the time but only has dry heaves. She is in the bed most of the time but has trouble sleeping (She only naps for short periods). They have taken her to Hospice to try to regulate medicine. She has told them that she would like to be sadated during the day (due to pain) and have sleeping medication at night to sleep. She may not come home at all because she now needs more care than Carolyn is capable of giving her, but she is fine with that. Please remember her in your prayers. She is ready to go on to heaven but God's timing is perfect.

EMAIL FROM VICKI

I got this little story in an email from Vicki today and I just had to share it...


A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner,
the people were in and out of the cold.

The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell
many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said,
"Mister,
you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could
find a warm place to sleep tonight would you?

You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and
down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight.

Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."



The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You
go down the street to that big white house and you knock
on the door. When they come out the door you just say
John 3:16, and they will let you in."

So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the
door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said,
"John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son."

She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom
rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went
off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself:
John 3:16...I don't understand it, but it sure makes
a cold boy warm.



Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?"
He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of
days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food,"

The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table
full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat
any more. Then he thought to himself:
John 3:16...Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure
makes a hungry boy full.



She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub
filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a
while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16...
I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy
clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my
whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in
front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.
The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room,
tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers
up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out
the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the
window at the snow coming down on that cold night,
he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but
it sure makes a tired boy rested.



The next morning the lady came back up and took him
down again to that same big table full of food. After he
ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom
rocker in front of the fireplace and
picked up a big old Bible.

She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face.
"Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He
replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it
was last night when the policeman told me to use it,"
She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain
to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace,
he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there
and thought: John 3:16 -- don't understand it, but it sure
makes a lost boy feel safe.



You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either,
how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how
Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand
the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as
they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense
love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end.
I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

This is our country's day to celebrate our independence. People will go to the beach, have picnics in the back yard and grill a lot of hamburgers and hot dogs.
David had to work today so he did his grilling on Sunday. Our grills at the pool are gas so since he wanted that charcoal taste he bought a small disposable one and used it.
I thank God that I live in this country with all the freedom and advantages that he has provided!

NATALIE GOES TO THE MOVIES

Natalie went to the movies this weekend with Dave and me. We went to see Cars. It wasn't quite as good as Shreck for David and me and not as good as Toy Story for Natty but we all enjoyed it. She did throw 2 not just 1 but 2 pacifiers down (that we couldn't ever find) but she watched the whole movie and was very good.

I think that I will probably enjoy the movie even better the next time I see it because I won't be so busy figuring out who everyone is. My favorite was Mater (his voice was Larry the Cable Guy). His company was TOW Mater. You just couldn't help but love him.

LIFESTYLE INTERIORS HAS A NEW OWNER

Cheryl sold her business. The new owners are younger than my children and seem very nice. Cheryl will remain as President of the company for at least a year to help them learn the business. She will continue to oversee all the designers and sell (that is what she likes to do and is best at). Jodi and Greg will take over all the business ends of the company and HR responsibilities. It's like having a new job but working at the same place with the same coworkers (and a few new bosses)

I am so happy for Cheryl. We have been praying for this ever since we were in our prayer group with the Ryan's and Stedcke's. God's timing is perfect!

Jasiahs

This is Jasiahs. He is the son of one of my friends at work. Isn't he a cutie?

THANK YOU TODD-CHRISTA-ANNA-SARAH

It's Friday morning and we still feel fine.

We also had a confession from China that it was a Father's Day gift from them. It is delicious. I would show you a photo but by the time I get my camera out to get a decent photo I know it will all be gone so you can just Google the company for photos.

DAVID'S FUDGE DELIVERY

Well, what do you do when the UPS driver deliveries fudge to your door and you don't know who sent it?

It could be from some psyco out there that picks people at random to send them some kind of tainted sweets just for fun. After all there wasn't a note inside saying who it was from. I even checked the box inside and out to see if there was a clue.

The return address was Tony Arndt's Fudgery, LLC, 106 West Washington St, Newton, IL
I don't even know where Newton, IL is and all the people I know in Illinois would surely send it to ME not DAVE if they were going to send fudge.

I called the 800 number on the sticker on the candy box but the company was closed until 8:30 (9:30 my time) tomorrow. The sticker sealing the box was the kind "Hallmark Cards" gives to seal their cards, you know the ones with the gold crown. I thought that seemed strange.

Well, I guess the smart thing to do would just be not to eat it since we didn't know where it came from or at least wait until I could reach the company tomorrow but, anyone who knows Dave and me know that just didn't happen. We tried it. It was absolutely DELICIOUS and we feel just fine...so far.

MAISON'S NEW DO

Maison is a very active 11 1/2 year old. How can a boy this age look so much like his Mom (and not look like a girl) and look so much like his Grandfather at the same time?

LAZY, RAINY SUMMER DAYS ARE AHEAD

The last of our 'snowbird' friends headed back to Canada on Sunday. We are beginning to get daily showers and the temp. is in the 90s with the humidity going up, up, up.
Dave and I will start spending more time in the pool and he will spend more afternoons on the golf course between showers.
He is working at a Assisted Living Home with Ziada (she was at the hospital when he first moved down here)
Lifestlye is busy as ever and as always things are changing.
I have used all of my vacation time until late July when I get my annual review so we will just be working all week and pretending we are vacationing in Florida on the weekends. As you can see everything seems calm......for the moment.

DAVID - BORN IN 53 - HAPPY 53RD BIRTDAY -

Happy Birthday to my best friend of 37 years.
You may not look like this 17 year old guy but you look darn good and I think your getting better all the time. I could never list all the things I like about you but I sure am grateful for them. (And that doesn't even count for the fact you are the only one that can put up with me and like me anyway). I LOVE YOU!
Happy Birthday and I hope you have lots more.

Happy 6th Anniversary!

Todd and Christa have had a very busy married life! What a blessing to see two people, best friends, with a wonderful daughters on an exciting adventure doing what God has directed them to do.
WE LOVE YOU!

CARISSA ROBINSON

This past week Carissa graduated from High School. I have been remembering all kinds of things about her ever since I received the Open House Invitation in the mail. We met Cary, Vicki, and Josh before Carissa was even born. We got to keep her and love on her when she was only a few weeks old and we have watched her grow in to an exceptional young lady. She is an exceptional athelete, student, hard worker and most important a wonderful christian. How happy Jesus must be to have someone like her to represent him in this world!

Chrissa will be going to Florida Gulf Coast University and will probably have her AA degree by Christmas 2007. She and two girlfriends are moving into their own condo shortly and I know we will be hearing more good things from her in the years to come.

'CONGRATULATIONS CARISSA DAWN'

CARISSA ROBINSON GRADUATES

MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM

I LOVE YOU

HAVING FUN DOING AN OLD TASK

Last Friday Cheryl and I went to MyDinnnerFactory.com. It was a fun way to make different entrees in about 1 1/2 hours. Cheryl went on line and made our reservations for the workplace and selected 8 menus we wanted to prepare. Since each recipe serves 6 people we just prepared it and then divided it in half.

We didn't have to shop for the ingredients, slice dice or clean up. It was like we were the chefs on some cooking show.

When we were finished we brought it home ready to freeze or cook. Last night Dave and I tried the first dinner. We had Stuffed Manicotti. I just made some spinach w/garlic to go with it and it was easy and delicious.

Marci, the president of this place was a collage student working in the cosmetic dept at Burdines when I worked there 18 years ago. It was fun seeing her and her daughter and making new dishes without having to clean up the mess so I am sure I will be doing it again soon.

Pictures......as promised

There were more i would have liked to show you more but it took me a very long time to get these on. None of the pictures are half as sweet as Hunter really is.

I love you, Hunter!
Good Luck at your Talent Show

April 24th was Hunter's Birthday!

Hunter turned 9 years old on Monday. Happy belated birthday, Hunter. I am looking for some of my favorite pictures to post of Hunter later this week so be sure to check back.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. TLB

I have a picture of Todd from 1993 hanging in the hall that has that verse under it.

This picture is from Todd's lecture in China April 22, 2006.


In our daily devotional one day last week Charles Swindoll said "Who would have guessed 5 years ago that you would be doing what you are doing right now?"

Time seems to pass so quickly as we get older but we still cannot predict what will happen next.

Who would have ever thought that Todd would be in China giving a lecture on Ameican customs.

God knew and he is seeing his plan being fulfilled.
MORE ABOUT THE LECTURE AT http://yetispeak.blogspot.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTA MAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

to a lady

that has enough faith to trust God enough to plan an outdoor wedding in Seattle, Washington...

that gives her Mother-in-Law a beautiful baby girl on her 50th birthday...

that trust God enough to follow when he leads her and her family to a communist country to share his love...

that shares a love for history with her Father-in-Law...

that her husband cherishes, loves and is willing to defend because she truely makes him a better person.

We love you and respect you for all your are. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Kathy and Dave

FT MYERS, FLORIDA TO LOUISVILLE, KY

On Tuesday April 11, 2006 Helen and Carolyn flew from Ft Myers to Louisville. They made the trip okay and are safely back home in Kentucky. Please pray that the familiar surrounds of the place that was home for so many years will be a comforting change for Helen. She has faught a hard fight and just doesn't seem to have any more fight in her.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ....
BLEEP - BLEEP - BLEEP (The name has been omitted to protect his identity)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I hate to have to admit it but we love you and are very proud of you! Happy Birthday

Which one is the real Didabaloney?

One of these baby rabbits has been known to wear sunglasses and carry a protest sign. His name is Didabaloney.

I am not sure which one it was and I really can't remember what his sign said but I never look at this little mother rabbit with her three little babies in her pocket that I don't remember those days.

SWEET BABY JAMES

Since 1969 I have been enjoying the mucic of James Taylor. That is saying a lot when it comes from a person that knows next to nothing about music. I wouldn't qualify as one of his fans because I honestly didn't care enought to even know much of his story but, I like his singing.

David on the other hand could probably tell you facts and trivia about him that you have never heard. He could recite the veses of his songs to you. He would sing them but you wouldn't recongize the tune...just kidding.

Well, Thursday night we went to see him in concert. He still sings very good and we were glad to hear some of the old songs we have enjoyed over the last 35 years but James like all of us has gotten older
.

I am not sure if it has to do with the traveling schedule or the life style but he doesn't seem to fight the weight like the rest of us.

When looking for his photo online so I could put it on this enty I discovered that he was born March 13, 1948.

Happy Birthday, James, you now have a new fan.

FABULOUS FIFTIES

SARAH CHADHA TURNS FIFTY...that just doesn't seem possible but it's true. Teiji and the girls gave her a surprise party at the Sanibel Harbor Resort last night and it was wonderful.

When we arrived we were served tiny little hamburgers and hot dogs on the balcony over looking the back bay and the Saibel Causway. Then we went inside for popcorn and drinks while we waited for Sarah to arrive.

We had a delicious dinner. Then the DJ played songs and the dance floor was full all night.

At our table were the Robinsons, Stedckes, Elmquist, and the Wheelers (from ECS). It was a fun evening and Sarah is such a special friend!

JUST LIKE VACATION

Yesterday was a beautiful day. It began a little gloomy but as the morning past it was wonderful. The sun came out and the wind blew and all I had to do was to enjoy it.

My neighbors, Jan and Phil Gautchey, were playing golf and so was Dave. The Gautchey's daughter Sharon was visiting from Chicago. Sharon is a "Linda Moss" kind of girl. She is so much fun to be with. She is 38 years old, lives right in the city and starts a wonderful new job on Wed. Flat Hunter will be traveling home with Sharon and then on to Penn. with her for a business trip. She is the same girl that tried to take Flat Maison to the Cubs game a couple of years ago.

We really didn't have anything special to do so we put some chairs in Dave's truck and headed for the beach.

While we were at the beach I saw this cute young woman in a bikini that looked like she was going to have a baby in March.

I remembered the 1st time I was pregnant (I didn't look that good) Dave and I went on a little vacation to Oprey Land. Dave had to keep stopping all the way down so I could stick my head out the window and I had to keep getting out of the lines so I could get sick. There was only one other thing I remember about that trip and David remembered it too. While we were sitting outside watching one of the shows there was a little boy about 6 and a little girl about 4 that had left their parents a few rows back and were sitting together near the front. Every once in a while they would get excited about the show and just hug each other. It was such a precious love. Many times after that I would pray for children with that same love for each other. Now, I also pray for that for my grandchildren and thank God for my own sisters.

When we decided that Sharon's white skin had all the sun it needed we headed to Naples for a delicious lunch at P F Chang's. We just shared our meal. That's the best way to get an appetizer, main course and desert and not feel like you are going to explode. I love that place.

Today it is cloudy and raining a little.

POOR DAVE IS SICK

It is really sad when a health care professional in the family is sick. He is the one that is sympathetic to the sick person and seems to know what to do to at least to make them feel better while they get through it.

Well Dave is sick. It is not a life threatening illness but he really is feeling bad. He sounds even worse. I insisted that he stay home today. Those little old people that he has for patients do not need to be introduced to whatever it is that has this healthy physically fit man in his 5o's, sounding like a frog.

He is having so much trouble breathing that he was up a 3:30am sitting in the bathroom with the shower running. He mentioned that he wished we still had the vaporizor we used to keep Todd breathing for his first 6-8 years.

On my way to work today I decided to go to Target to buy him one. Well when I got there I had the choice of buying the inexpensive one that I am sure worked fine or one shaped like an elephant or one that was a very cute light blue penguin (that brought back memories of some postal workers that I once read about) that ofcourse was more expensive. Well the decision was an easy one.

Even as I am writting this there is a 52 year old man laying in bed in the next room watching TV (breathin rather poorly but better than last night) with a cute little blue penguin spitting a mist of cool moist air in his face.

I wish you could see it. It would make you laugh!

FEBRUARY

WELL, MID FEBRUARY IS HERE. IT IS ENTIRELY TOO COLD FOR S W FLORIDA BUT THE 50'S DON'T SEEM QUITE SO BAD WHEN YOU SEE ALL THE SNOW FALLING IN THE NORTHEAST SECTION OF OUR COUNTRY.

I HAVE BEEN WEARING A SWEATSHIRT ALL DAY AND IT WAS STILL COLD OUT IN THE WIND.

I THINK TOMORROW NIGHT I WILL HAVE TO DRAG OUT THE OLD 'JACK GARNER' SWEATSHIRT. IT IS IN HONOR OF HIS 53 BIRTHDAY. THAT SHIRT IS 38 YEARS OLD BUT FOR SOME REASON I THINK IT HAS GOTTEN SMALLER OVER THE YEARS. AGE HAS A WAY OF CHANGING THINGS. HEE HEE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TODD TODD

I really wanted to post a few pictures and mention a few embarassing things that happened in the past but my limited computer skills kept me from it. I am sure Todd is glad about that.

Since he called himself Todd Todd a few times when he was barely old enough to talk, it is a fond memory Dave and I will always remember.

Yesterday January 22, 2006 Todd turned 32. He is not only our first born child, only son, tall dark and hansome but he is someone we love, are proud of, excited about his future and wonder how he can possible be our child.

Todd, we hope your birtday was a good one and this will be the best year yet. We pray that God will lead you and bless you in all that you do.

ME ...JUST CHECKING IN

Life in Ft. Myers has been very normal for January. All of our friends have returned for the season. The days have been beautiful and we have had a few (4o's) cooler nights.

Every night seems to be busy. This past weekend Natalie came to spend the night Fri. Saturday we went to a Pizza Party at one of the neighbors and Sunday we went to the Weslyan church at the end of our road. The pastor is in his 30's and seems very nice but both times we visited they had a guest speaker. The first time was actually a trumpet player and this week was a church planter going to Germany.

I really don't remember the church planters name but he said that only 3% of the male population in Germany attend church and that when he went there he had to register that he was a Christian. They had more witches registered that Christians. I was quite sick about that.
The man had 3 children that are all now in the mission field. His daughter was a graduate from Asbury College. She had met and married a guy from Haiti when she was in college.

4 DAY WORK WEEK

I like the idea of a four day work week. If I had my choice I would work four ten hour days and have 3 days off, but I like my job and it is a 5 day a weeker.

I have had three straight 4 day work weeks in a roll. One for Christmas, one for New Years and one next week because I have to have a test on Mon.

The test is only a precaution, due to my father's medical history. I have been blaming his bad choices (smoking and working with fiberglass) for me having to take this test. But to be honest, I would take this test monthly if he could have lived a longer life.

My dad was a very good man. I loved him and never doubted that he loved me and my sisters. He was honest, hard working and he was never a person that thought having a lot of money would make things perfect. I thank him for passing that on to me.

I would not say my dad was soft spoken, in fact, he spoke very rough and harsh but he was hard working and could make, fix or do anything he wanted to do. He and my Mom taught me about loving and investing all that is important in your spouse and your family. I wish I could visit with him this afternoon. (He probably would not be any happier with me moving to Florida than my Mom is because he wanted to keep us all close too)

WARNING

Do Not ... let me repeat ... Do Not Ever Ever - Ever eat Yak Jerky!

Tonight we thought we would try something new so we got out the package of yak jerky that was sent to us from central China.

We thought that it was probably a "free range yak" since we had never heard about any stockyard in China that had yaks that they had fed with their own fecal matter and harmone infested feed like the beef in this country. We also hoped that it had not been processed in a meat packing plant that added these things to the jerky to make more at a lower cost. (Now that was probably a foolish assumption on our part but, whatever).

Let me come to the point quickly, it not only smelled like dog food it tasted like dog food. Most of us who had dogs as children have actually tasted dog food. It was nasty!

Todd, thank you for the thought but don't send any more.

2006

January 1, 2006
This is the beginning of a brand new year. Last year was a pretty good year for me but it wasn't too good for some.
Just last week it was Christmas night. This past week I got to see Mike and Carrie Mateja and their boys. Those boys are so good looking I will post a picture if I can get Tony to Email one to me.
We took inventory at work. I went to my friend Karen's 40th Birthday party and last night Natalie spent the night. She was here most of the day today and it was fun.
I called Hunter this morning. She got a new cell phone for Christmas. She answered the phone "Hey Granny Kakky" I asked if she was still sleeping when I called. She said "No, I am at Sunday School with my mom and Carol" - Talk about feeling bad. I said "Goodbye" very quickly but could not help laughing about it later. What kind of 8 year old takes her cell phone to Sunday School.

Christmas Season

Well, Sunday night was my Lifestyle Interiors party at Stonewood Grill. The food was delicious as usual. The service (or I should say, one of our waitresses) was uncommonly terrible. We did have a good time though.

I got $100 worth of free gas and a little kit that you bake cakes in coffee cups.

Earlier that day we went to Dave's friend, Del's open house.

In the morning we had gone to church and before that we went to the gym. I am not sure why I just recounted my day in reverse order but that is just the way I think sometime.

Saturday was the 4th annual Christmas cookie bake at Cheryl's. There were a few changes in the type of cookies and candy but as usual we ended up with 12 different kinds and I think 16 different trays to distribute among our friends.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Dec 12, 2005
Who would have ever thought that on this day in my life I would have two beautiful, happy, intellegent granddaughters celebrating their own birthday on each side of the world. God is so good. I pray that he will bless each of them today and throughout their life.

FUN

It isn't cold but it does seem like Christmas. Natalie spent the night Saturday night and she was so good. We took her out to eat with us after Dave finished with his golf game. All of the people in the restraunt just kept going on about how cute she is and she would wave and flirt with everyone that would watch her. She slept from 8pm to 8am and I checked on her several times just to be sure she was still breathing. Dave and I had her out on a cart ride when Tara came to get her. Tara was a little disappointed that Natalie was too busy waving to strangers to notice her.

Dave went to see Helen again today. She has been eating yogurt, mashed potatoes and a few other things and they are staying down. He said she even seemed a little more like herself today.

Mike, Carrie and the boys will be coming down for Christmas. I think I will fix Dave a Turkey dinner with all the fixings. I will have a 4 day weekend but he will only have Sat. and Sunday.

Anna looked like she had a fun party. She looks so much like a girl Todd. I never could have imagined her being such an entertaining dancer but the video proves she is. Sarah looks like a little Christa with those precious dimples. Who could refuse sharing their KFC with her.

Bryce is becoming quite an artist. She and Maison will be celebrating their 5th and 11th birthdays wearing stinky shoe and bowling.

Keep sending pictures and videos we love them down here.

CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT LOVE

Well, just as expected a lot of things are going on that only happen at Christmas. Last Sunday we decided to visit First Assembly Church. It was the first time I had been there, except for a funeral. The service was very good. Homework assignments were evern given. Everyone was to say "Merry Christmas" to over 500 people this week. As much as I talk, I don't even think I will complete the assignment.

They had a keyboard festival that night and Dave, Cheryl and I went to that.

Monday night Natalie came over. She spilled chocolate milk on her shirt so I had to let her open a present so she would have a clean outfit to wear when we went walking to see all the Christmas lights.

Tuesday was Bingo night and they were all in a good mood. The room was packed.

Wednesday night, Cheryl invited The Stedcke's, Michelle, Dave and I to her Clubhouse for a Christmas Buffet. They even had a big fire in the fireplace and roasted chestnuts. There was hot apple cider, eggnog, pasta bar, and a large buffet line. It was very good.

Tonight is back to the gym. We have been walking every morning before we go to work. It is a good way to have our prayer time before we start our day. Vicki got me a devotional book that we read after we get back.

Oh yes, Dave started at a new nursing home this week. It is the same company he was working for just closer to home. His buddy Del and several of the other employees left the company so the guys that stayed got a raise and Dave got to go to a new location of his choice. So far so good.

Mom had her 81st birthday Mon.

Helen is a little better and Tony came down to be with Carolyn until she goes home in March.

Thanks for your prayers, I am praying for you guys too.