The Lazy J Journal

Adam Jerger- Hall of Famer

2011-10-12T12:26:00.000-04:00

What an exciting time in Boca Ciega swimming history... After the conference meet in October, some of the headlines read..."BOCA CIEGA SWIMMERS SET THREE CONFERENCE RECORDS" AND "BOYS' SWIM TEAM LOOKS BETTER THAN EVER" " WARHAWKS WIN, BOGIE BOYS STAR" These were the first signs that Bogie was going to have a special year. With Adam, Dustin Bengston, Erik Farr and Jarrett Sanchez posting PCAC records in the 100 yard Breaststroke(Adam), 100 yard Butterfly(Dustin), and 200 yard Medley Relay, and then adding three more wins in the 200 yd. Medley(Adam), 200 yd. Freestyle (Dustin) and 200 yd Free relay in which they were both a part, Boca Ciega coach Tom Scott noted that "This has been a really special meet. The boys set their goals from the start and took one race at a time."

This was just the beginning for future Hall of Famer, Adam Jerger in his quest for helping his team achieve greatness in his Senior year at Boca Ciega.

Here are the three Seniors at their first dual meet of the season...one month before their emergence as a contending force in the Class 4A State Swimming world...calm and collected, they set their sights on two things...swim hard and have fun!!

Adam began to gain attention as an up and coming force in the state. A couple of days later, at the Rotary Invitational, he delivered a strong message to some of the best swimmers around the state. By winning two individual titles and helping the Pirates finish third in two relays, Adam showed why he would now be a favorite at this year's Class 4A state meet. His performance was most impressive, because it came against swimmers from other classifications. Adam was the only Pinellas County swimmer to win an event, and he won two!

Adam and teammates surpassed more expectations...After so much success at the Conference meet, the "Bogie Boys" came into the District with targets on their backs. No longer a surprise, Adam was now EXPECTED to win...and win he did. the 200 yd. Individual Medley, and the 100 yd. Breaststroke, he also helped in the Medley Relay win, to lead the team to a District win.

In November, friends and family gathered in Orlando to watch the State meet.
Adam did not disappoint. Winning the State Title in the 100 Breast, second in the 200 IM and helping in the Title swim for the 200 Medley Relay...we cheered as Boca Ciega High took fourth place at State. Keep in mind, they took a grand total of 5 swimmers and finished only 8 points out of first place!!

This high school experience catapulted Adam into a whirlwind of college offers and visits......his choice? most of you know...but will save for another blog.

For now, Dean and I are remembering how all of this led up to our son being selected as a Hall of Fame inductee at Boca Ciega High School. We will always have the memories of those times when he first began swimming, as his confidence grew, as he realized dream after dream in the pool. We were so proud of him then and continue to be proud of the man he has become.

Congratulations, Adam for your well deserved place in Bogie's Hall of Fame.
We Love You, Son!!!

Alaska, Mom and Dr. Charles Stanley

2011-08-11T13:45:00.000-04:00

In July, Dean and I picked Mom up from the lake and headed to Seattle. After a few days in that beautiful COOL city, we joined about 1400 others and cruised with Dr. Charles Stanley and friends to Alaska. While in Seattle, we toured, ferried and of course, ate the most delicious seafood!!

Then it was onto the Amsterdam to begin our voyage to Sitka, Alaska. We cruised for a day, enjoying a Bible Study with Dr. Stanley, and music, music, music with a variety of Christian groups...Karen Peck and New River, Mark Trammel Quartet, Greater Vision, The Specks, and others. I think we all fell for the Acappella group, Voices of Lee, from Lee College in Tennessee. This group had been on the accappella TV competition last season...

Sitka is a very old town with much Russian influence. Mom and I spent the few hours we had on an excursion to hunt for wildlife. YES!!! we left the boat to get in a smaller boat and hunt down the elusive wildlife of Sitka!
We did see this humpback whale, early on in the trip...and try as I might, though the fluke was exposed several times, I only got this shot of its dorsal fin!

Undaunted, we continued on and saw sea otters, bald eagles, and sea lions. All in all, it was a good day...Mom never once slowed down....and SHE was the one who wanted to climb the staircase to the TOP of the boat!!

Dean spent the day fishing for salmon. Since he did not have the camera, the only evidence is the silver salmon packaged in our freezer!!

We said goodbye to Sitka, and headed for Juneau.

Mom's 90th Birthday

2010-10-26T19:51:00.000-04:00

Free scrapbook design generated with Smilebox

Dean and his brothers planned a wonderful cruise for their mother on her 90th birthday! We began in Boston and loaded onto a ship, The Jewel of the Seas, to head north. With stops in Portland Maine, Rockland Maine, St. John and Halifax Canada, we cruised, ate lobster, shopped, ate lobster, saw Reversing Tides, ate lobster... You get the picture.. I will attach a scrapbook to give you a clearer picture. What a wonderful time with the most precious of memories.

After the cruise, many of her grandchildren and great - grandchildren surprised her in Georgia. She had a great time!

We are so blessed to have her in our lives and have the chance to spoil her...

One Halluva Weekend

2010-07-12T13:46:00.000-04:00

Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

The games began early Saturday with golf and basketball events. I must admit, Bill and Johanna attacked the competition with a vengeance, or at least, great outfits and attitudes!! They picked up so many spirit points they were hard to catch!!

Golfing events started the morning off.... The closest to the fountain event produced an unexpected winner with a most unusual technique...Greg, who had never played golf, copied Sonia's (Johanna's sister), who had also never played, ball skipping technique. In the long drive, David's golfing expertise showed through, even with his pirate eye patch handicap!(Note the judge hiding behind a tree!!) Another surprising winner came in the chipping (tossing) event..Aliah, Sonia and Aladeen's daughter, used excellent form to take the medal!

The group moved to the basketball court for the next session, along with their cheering section. One of the most amazing things to me was how many competitors there were in all events..from golf to scrapbooking. The basketball event was shooting to 29 (92 reversed, for Daddy's birthday). It was a close competition with Greg winning, and David and Bill placing and showing!

Then, it was up to the house for lunch and cooling off, plus the start of the indoor events. These included scrapbooking pages, orange slice sculpting, and WII target shooting. Greg came in strong for WII shooting, Diana won the scrapbook page, and Sonia, Aladeen and Ameer won the Diana Miller honorary orange slice medal!!

Daddy also had a book "signing" while we were up at the house. For those of you who have spent time around our Daddy, you know that he is a virtual king of limericks and jokes..for instance, Daddy once promised Mama that he would make her famous...she wasn't exactly thinking of her caricature on a sack of fertilizer!! The book is full of all the stories and limericks that made his grandchildren laugh until they cried!!

Then, it was off to the pool, where we had an underwater swim, diving for smurfs...a cousin favorite, treading water, and a dress and pose competition ( inspired by Adam's famous gymnastics dismount pose). Though we had to postpone the last couple due to lightning...Bill, Johanna, and David finished up the events strong!!

Finally, the cooks went to work. There was so much food, I haven't had to eat again, yet!! From a Peruvian potato dish, by Sonia...to an okra dish cooked by our resident "Yankee", Ted...to Mim's Banana Pudding (a real Hall Reunion favorite)...to Susan's bean casserole (her mother's recipe)... to Bill's special ribs..to Margaret's grape salad...to my Potato sald..to Karen's veggie platter..to Johanna's carrot cake( her friend's)..to...well, I could go on and on, but it is making me full again..

After a wonderful dinner, we presented the grand prizes for the events. As you can tell from the pictures, we had a great opportunity to recycle some trophies, and one toilet seat for this occasion! Though rain had taken away the other outside events, we went back to our first family gathering at Bill and Johanna's...Karen definitely had the participation, wins, and attitudes for that trophy. Though the competition for the overall was fierce, David Miller walked away with the "trophy"!

So, our celebration and reunion ended with exhaustion from so much FUN!!! We hope we will be able to meet again, soon....Thank you Bill and Johanna for putting into action, a plan to get this family together more often!! We do have so much fun. AND Happy Birthday, Daddy...a magnificent 92!!

One Halluva Weekend

2010-07-09T22:21:00.000-04:00

Mim, Margaret, Susan, Andie, and Dianna

Day 1 of the Hall reunion/Daddy's birthday celebration (92)...we voted froma wonderful list of names on the title of the event. We chose from : 1. Sweet Willie Palooza 2. Willie Wanna Games 3. Wild Willie's Weekend or W3 4. One Halluva Weekend 5. The Hall olympics 6. Sweet Willie's Teaberry Shuffle 7. Willie Nillie Weekend 8. Willie's 92nd Bash.

Da da Da!!.. The winner, with 11 out of 13 votes is (drumroll) .... One Halluva Weekend. This was submitted by grandson, David Miller, (Mim's son). Soo.... David has one the first event of many games...Let us hope that he does not boast nor brag...as that will cost him dearly in Spirit Points!!!

Dean, Jack, Ted and David

We will almost all of us together tomorrow...Bill and Johanna, Johanna's sister, Sonia, husband and two children (from Tampa) will be here tonight, and Greg and Karen will be here tomorrow (from Tallahassee). Let us not forget the dogs of the family....ours: Baxter....David and Dianna's , Lloyd...Bill and Johanna's, Lola, and Greg and Karen's two..Jake and Kora!!!

Tomorrow....Let the games begin for One Halluva Weekend!!

Holy Land Day 7

2010-06-29T19:42:00.000-04:00

Photo album generated with Smilebox

This day started earlier, as we were headed to the lowest area on Earth..The Dead Sea, which is 1200 feet below sea level. On the way, we passed by the city of Jericho. Jericho's distinction, other than the stories we know about from the Bible, is that it is the oldest inhabited city in the world. It has been inhabited by someone from over 7,000 years ago through present day. Next visit, I hope we will be able to stop in Jericho.

Then, we proceeded to the farthest point, the historical site called Masada. This place is a disconnected mountain with only two ways up..the winding snake path, and a cable car. We took the cable car!! At the top, you will find ruins of another fabulous palace built by Herod. This would have been a home used in the winter to protect his family from his many enemies.

Masada, however has a much more interesting story. Seems that over 900 Zealots from Jerusalem and surrounding areas made their last stand against Rome in 73 AD. They escaped Jerusalem and made their way to this isolated and protected fortress, which had been a well designed palace, complete with an intricate water system, large cisterns, storerooms, and supplies.
With only one way up the mountain, they were able to spend months, if not years, keeping the large Roman Legion who followed them there at bay. The story is told that when the Romans finally completed a "ramp" which breached the fortress, the group decided to draw lots; fathers would kill their own families, and 11 men would take care of the rest. They did not want to become slaves and decided that dying would be a better answer.
The Isareli Army, today, still gives their oath of service on the top of Masada. The oath basically says that they will fight to the death, so that they will never become slaves to anyone again. Patrick Henry must have even heard about Masada...

We left Masada and headed for Qumeran. This is the location of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Imagine a Bedouin shepherd, tossing a stone into a cave, hearing a breaking sound, and discovering the scrolls. Thankfully he took them to the shoemaker I described earlier, who knew what to do. The Isaiah scroll was found almost completely intact. Note to self...on our day off tomorrow, we will go to the museum which houses the scrolls.

Finally, many of our Pilgrims got to float in the Dead Sea. Andie was not one of them, but Dean just had to get his swimmer self in that salt water. The Dead Sea has no life, because it is around 33% salt. It was the first time I have seen Dean float, and his feet were not under water. There are 28 other minerals in the sea, and even Cleoptra noticed the skin secrets in these minerals. There are still products produced today that are in great demand from the Dead Sea...yes, I did get a lovely Lavender Scrub. Dean says I have to carry and pack that 8 pound jar of salt!!

Though this day was hot, and we were in the lowest of lows, once more, the learning continued. I loved the story of Masada, and completely understood why a young man was having his Bar Mitzvah at the top of this intiguing mountain.

We passed many Bedouin villages on our way back to Jerusalem.

They live such an austere existence...

Holy Land Day 6 Jerusalem

2010-06-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

This photo slideshow made with Smilebox

The "old city" is divided into three sections...a small Christian section,
the Jewish section, and the Muslim section, which houses the beautiful Dome of the Rock.

We began this day at the West Wall of Herod's Temple...at least what is left of this magnificent temple. You know this better as The "Wailing Wall" or the Jews' Holy of Holies. Immediately the ladies separate from the men and each pray and tuck prayers into crevices in the wall.

Though the Israeli control this land, the Muslims hold the prominent structures atop the uppermost part of the area. One is a mosque left when the Crusaders were driven out of Jerusalem. This left many questions as to what happened to the Ark of the Covenant. Non- Muslims are not even able to visit the Mosque at this time.

Neither is any non Muslim able to enter the Dome of the Rock. This beautiful sctructure is not a mosque, but a Muslim Holy Place that commemorates where Abraham ascended into Heaven. Jews also recognize this place as where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, and the large rock is covered by this structure. They are saying that next year, the Dome will open its doors to visitors.

From there, we walked to the Pools of Bethesda, which have long since been dry. In Jesus' time it was a large spring area and pools for cleaning of animals, purification for people, and healing waters for the sick. This is where Jesus performed the Miracle of healing the man who had been afflicted for over 38 years. Here, at this site, Pastor Sydney annointed those of us who were asking for healing for ourselves and others. During the annointing 3 Nigerians walked up to Dean and asked if they could also be annointed by our Pastor...what a moment for all of us...especially, Dean. I believe this was his God moment on this trip.

We went into St. Anne's Church, to sing like angels. I have never heard acoustics like that place. After a visit down into the ancient pools, and ruins of the church that once covered them...it was on to the Via Dolorosa.

We passed the Triumphal Arch which has been completely sealed by the Muslims, and by St. Stephen's Gate, which was the site of the stoning of Stephen. Through this smaller gate, the Christians of today can enter the city on during their Palm Sunday celebrations.

Then, it was the Via Dolorosa, or at least where we are to remember His walk. I must admit, that the narrow road could definitely have been the path, but it was so hard to continue remembering, because of the noise of the Muslim marketplace, and the extravagances of the churches that cover the spots. The Holy Sepulchchre Church housed the stone that was supposed to be the one where they laid Jesus, when he was taken from the cross. It is annointed each day with oil, and can be touched and prayed over by visitors.

When we arrived at the Garden Tomb, it was easier to visualize this spot as Golgotha. It would have faced the Damascus Road, which would have been extremely busy at that time. The Romans would have wanted the crucifixions to be very visible, and this place would suffice, plus the mountain resembled a skull.

Also, the garden tomb was the right distance away. With the existence of the wine press, and a large cistern, the "working" garden (vineyard) could point to this being the actual tomb. We held communion there, and meditated in this beautiful spot.

The most memorable moments of today came at the Pools of Bethesda. Jesus asks us, "Are you ready to be healed?" Well...are we? Are we ready to leave behind the things that hold us to this world? All we have to do is say.."Heal me, Lord"...He will, and our lives will never be the same, again.

Holy Land Day 5

2010-06-22T16:05:00.000-04:00

Make your own free slideshow

Pictures will tell the story.

Important thing learned today..3 major religions view the Mount of Olives as the beginning of the last days:
Christians believe that Jesus will appear here the second time.
Jews believe that the Messiah will come the first time.
Muslims believe that Mohammed will appear here.

My Father let this cup pass from me...Yet not my will but Thine be done.

Holy Land Day 4

2010-06-21T15:33:00.000-04:00

Create a photo album

I will not be able to come up with enough words to express the overwhelming emotions we are feeling as we continue our tour. Plus, we continue to read more and more scripture, hearing the traditions, which help us to understand even more about this place...

We began the day in Cana of Galilee...you know the story. The site of Jesus' first miracle was at the wedding, probably of one of his relatives, as he was approached by his mother to handle the problem of not enough wine.

Six couples renewed their vows in this place. I must admit that after 40 years of being married to Dean, I have never felt any more blessed, than to be able to repeat that I would love and cherish him...forever.

We then left Galilee, drove the hills of Samaria and into the hills of Judea. We stopped in Nazareth and visited many churches and museums. Churches are generally built over or near the sites that are believed to be important places in the life of Jesus. Nazareth was no different. We visited Mary's Grotto (her home as a child), where Gabriel informed her of her future. Artifacts and even ancient grafitti (Carvings in the stones) are all ways that archeologists make these sites a probable match. The huge Church of the Anunciation is the largest church in the Middle East. It's property covers (literally) most of the village of Nazareth. Excavation, continues, and we visited what could have been Jesus' childhood home after the family's return from Egypt.

We piled back on the bus and headed for Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel is HUGE!!! 1 million residents..80% Jewish and 20% Muslim (holding Israeli passports). We decided to go on to Bethlehem for a lunch and a short shopping opportunity, before returning to our hotel in Jerusalem. There is a border complete with soldiers and guns at the checkpoint...one way in..one way out. You leave the beauty and affluence of Jerusalem to enter the poverty of Bethlehem. The unemployment stands between 30 and 40%. Sam has Christian friends who have a great sandwich shop (The Christmas Tree??), where I had my second delicious Falafel. Then Bassam and Sam have friends who operate a shop specializing in jewelry and olive wood carvings.

After the shopping, we were greeted by independent entrepreneurs, ladened with bags and shawls and beads and fluffy camels and flutes. Though they were not allowed to enter the bus, they would pass their bargains up to one of the riders, and we would sell for them. What a hoot...We ended up with more wonderful bargains, which we of course, did not need...

As we crossed back over the border to Jerusalem, two young, smiling, gun toting soldiers glanced at our passports and we got to go on to our hotel.

The lessons remembered from today?? They come from Cana and Jesus' first miracle. The guests who came late to the wedding feast received the very best wine..not the tradition. The message? It is never too late to accept Jesus' amazing love and grace...you will still get the very BEST!

Holy Land Day 3

2010-06-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

Personalize a slideshow design

Holy Land Tour Day 3 June 20, 2010

What an absolutely amazing day...It began with a ride on a boat to the middle of The Sea of Galilee. At first we noticed someone swimming in the Sea. I said, " Well we certainly know who that is NOT!" Then Dean replied, "Hello, Peter " :)

On the way, we sang the Star Spangled Banner, as the crew raised the flag. Our Israeli crew stated the quote we have been hearing, "Do not worry America, Israel is behind you."

We sang hymns, Pastor Sydney Tomkins preached, and the services culminated with the spreading of a dear lady's ashes on the Sea of Galilee. I am sure she was there to comfort her friends, as was my Mama as we sang "How Great Thou Art". When I closed my eyes, I could imagine our Savior walking right up to me, taking my hand and pulling me up from the depths of my doubts...just as Peter's faith allowed him to walk with Jesus, his doubts allowed him to sink. It is the same with me...this is such a journey.

As we landed on the opposite side of The Sea of Galilee, we arrived at the city of Magdala, where Jesus first met and saved Mary Magdalene from stoning. Sam, our guide, explained the Kibbutz that operated the businesses at this spot. These "communes" were given land to develop and not charged with taxes. Of course, if they begin to be too successful, trouble arises and now, tax exemptions are being battled over.

Our bus climbed the next mountain to the Mountain of the Beatitudes. This is definitely the site of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus introduced the beatitudes. We had another scripture lesson at this beautiful spot and visited the church that sits as a reminder of this important moment in Jesus' ministry. Of course, I had to re-visualize this sermon, because I had a picture of Jesus at the top speaking down to the throngs of followers. Actually, the opposite was probably true. As we learned in Caesare, water acts as an amplification for sound. Jesus probably stood on the shore and spoke UP to the people. Anyway, praying and meditating in the spot where Jesus, Himself, spent time alone in prayer with the Father...an awesome way to spend Father's Day.

We traveled down the hill and stopped at the church that is located on the site where Jesus fixed breakfast for his disciples after His resurrection. This was also the site where Jesus directed Peter to be the Rock on which His church would be built. That is why this church was built out of a rock, as you can see in the pictures. Dean and I gathered shells and stones from the Sea of Galilee. As we left, on our left, was the site where Jesus fed the 5,000 with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread.

Then, it was back on the bus and on to Capernaum. Jesus traveled there from Nazareth, where he selected his first disciples, Andrew, Peter, James and John. He even resided in Peter's home for awhile, taught in the synagogue there, and performed many healings, including the lowering of the man through the roof of Peter's house. We observed the ruins of the synagogue and Peter's home. This was an extremely hot day, and there was little shade, so we did not remain long there.

Lunch was a little late today, but we stopped at a restaurant that was known for its St. Peter's fish. It is a delicious fish, that we call Tilapia....the same fish that Jesus' disciples caught those many years ago. The Sea of Galilee flows into and is fed by the Jordan River, and due to large water use and the diversion of water from the River Jordan, in Jordan, and the shortage of rain, it has receded far from the shores in Jesus' time. It is also summer here, and there will be no rain until December.

Finally, it was time to actually visit the River Jordan, and those pilgrims who wished to do so, rededicated their baptisms. One young man was baptized for the very first time. I cannot explain to you the emotions we were feeling as we were immersed...yes, my Baptist friends and family, IMMERSED in the Jordan River. This was the perfect ending to a most perfect day.

Now, we are back at the hotel, wishing that we had more time here in the places where Jesus spent His last three years on earth. Just riding on the Sea of Galilee and seeing all the important places we have read about, visiting the sites of many of His miracles and important teachings, reviewing the scriptures, praying where Jesus prayed, well the old hymn means so much more than ever before.."I walked today where Jesus walked and felt Him close to me."

Holy Land Tour Day 2

2010-06-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

Personalize your own free digital slideshow

Day Two started out in Caesare. This city was built in 22 BC by Herod the Great in honor of Augustus Caesar. The harbor had to be "built" as there was no deep water. Herod devised a way to build walls "under the sea", and the city flourished. It is midway between the trade routes of Damascus and Egypt. The Crusaders also "used" Caesare, after the Roman Empire fell, and many earthquakes, and conquerors put an end to this city's importance, not to mention destroying its man made harbor.

The amphitheater, hippodrome, and aqueducts are the large remaining structures. The amphitheater has been refurbished, and in good weather, is used as the ancients did..concerts, rallys, etc.

We saw the courtyard where Paul appealed to Agrippa, as to why he was being arrested, and what he had done. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he left for Rome from Caesare and was beheaded for his "crimes". Roman citizens were killed quickly, so as not to suffer.

The aqueducts were built to bring water from Mount Carmel (10 miles)and we got a good look at them on Caesare Beach. Many people were spending their Shabatt enjoying the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean.

We then traveled to Mount Carmel, where we visited the City of Haiffa and the beautiful Bahi'a Gardens. We also visited a small church called Stella Mares. The supposed site of Elijah's Cave is in this church, surrounded by beautiful adornments commemorating Elijah's important roles as a prophet. It is believed this is the cave in which he hid after challenging, defeating, and then killing the prophets of Baal on the top of Mount Carmel.

We had lunch at a little "cafe" nearby. The Falafel was excellent!!

As we left Haiffa, Sam told us about the Hezbollah missiles that actually landed in this city. We saw the restored house that had been completely destroyed.

It was then a short trip to the Jezreel Valley and the ancient city of Meggido. This city had a 7000 year history of human settlements..26 to be exact. Each one was built on top of the other. A few layers have been uncovered, and excavations continue on. This place was fascinating, and I would love to visit again and spend more time. As you stand atop the city, and view the Jezreel Valley, you can understand why John's revelation saw this as the site for the final battle of Armeggedon. Here is this valley surrounded by Mount Carmel, where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal, the mountains of Samaria, Mount Tabor, where Jesus went through His Transfiguration, and the mountains of Nazareth.

It was almost my Armeggedon, when we had to walk down 186 steps to the springs, and then back up 80 some steps to the top....PHEW!!!

Back on the bus we went for our trip to Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee. We checked into our hotel which is right on the Sea, which really is more of a very large lake, fed by the Jordan River.

After another wonderful dinner, we have retired to our room, ready to embark on a wonderful day revisiting some of Jesus' miracles, teachings, and the calling of the first twelve disciples. Until tomorrow....

Holy Land Day 1

2010-06-19T14:33:00.000-04:00

Holy Land Tour Day 1

Though we arrived late in Atlanta, we made our connections to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

There were many, many children on this flight, leaving at 10:30 PM for an 11 hour flight, which arrived in Tel Aviv at 5:30 PM. After a short ride we arrived at our hotel, The Blue Bay which sits directly above the Mediterranean in Netanya. The sunset was stunning as was the dinner buffet.

The hotel accommodates the orthodox Jews at the opening of their Shabbat. Religious ceremonies were held and they joined us in the buffet, for traditional prayers and celebration. On an interesting note, since this is their Sabbath, no work can be done, even the pushing of elevator buttons. Sooo there is an elevator designated as the Shabbat elevator..if it is on the ground floor you get on and it stops at every floor going up, then reversed going down.

We met our tour guide Sam, and our bus driver Bassam. They are delightful. Sam is a young Christian Israeli who lives in Jerusalem. He is knowledgeable, scriptural, and spiritually prepared for his job. We are so looking forward to tomorrow, as we track the Mediterranean Sea northward to Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Meggido, and ending up in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee.

Key Spots today:

1. Lod - the Airport

2. Tel Aviv- Israel's commerce center and largest city

3. Joppa (Jaffa)- Jonah's seaport to the whale, and

the harbor where Solomon received the Cedars

of Lebanon for the temple.

The Holy Land

2010-06-17T08:54:00.000-04:00

Dean and I are joining 30 more pilgrims from Pasadena Community Church to tour the Holy Land.

We leave today from Tampa. We will land in Tel Aviv, journey north to Tiberias and then south to Jerusalem during our 10 day stay. I will edit this blog as we go, and try to include pictures.

We can hardly wait to walk in the steps of Jesus and His disciples... until tomorrow.

Red Man

2010-06-01T20:27:00.001-04:00

Here is our Big Red.

When we first came to Monticello and this beautiful property, we decided that like the Cartwright's, we NEEDED horses. Margaret already had her Sunny, so Dean and I went about looking for our horses. I got the cutest little Paint, and named him Jazzy. Dean decided on Big Red, a Tennesee Walker, who was around 14 years old.

It did not take long for Red to endear himself to his new owner. While Dean and I were riding the property one sunny fall day in 2001, I was thrown from that cute little paint and lay lifeless on the ground. Dean was panicked, when I was not breathing, but as soon as I began breathing, he knew that just yelling in the middle of the pasture was not going to get me any medical help. Red was standing calmy by. Dean only had to give him the simplest "nudge", and off he galloped, taking Dean to the cabin to get help from none other than the Orkin man!! After this mishap, we returned the cute little paint, and chose a more reliable horse.. Salty.

Needless to say, we developed a great confidence in our big red horse, after this experience.

Red became a favorite with the grandchildren, because he loved to be groomed by all the tiny hands. Each grandchild rode him, except for Ellie. She did sit on his back, but was a little nervous about striding out on this big boy!! One year, Ruthie and Rusty rode double on the big red horse.

He and Sunny and Salty became the closest of friends. They stood in the shade during the hot summers and frolicked during the cooler months. Then, a new friend was added, when Woolly Bully, the donkey, joined the crew. Our "Men on Hooves" continued enjoying each other and their world.

Now, Red Man is short term, due to his liver problems. Big Red will remain long term in our hearts.

I Certainly Learned My Lesson

2010-04-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

I have been hearing these words from the mouths of adults a lot lately. They are usually used in anger towards someone who has not done what one has expected. It has really made me start thinking about that concept... "I have learned my lesson" Really?? Have I?? Or have I actually UNLEARNED a lesson or two.

You see, I believe the most important lessons in life are learned very early on when we are so close to our God...We love unconditionally as little people...we give without expecting something in return...we trust those around us. I believe we begin to unlearn these lessons as we "mature"and the world hurls pain at us from so many unexpected places.

My mother used to point out to me that I could never go anywhere without bringing something back to my family...it was something I always did as a little girl. I gave...with no expectations. It made me so happy, and still does.
When Adam was a youngster, he was like that...He took his hard earned money at Christmas time and bought "special" gifts for each of his cousins and grandparents. He was so proud, as he passed them around to each family member. Though I cannot remember what he gave to all...he picked out what he thought would make them happy. My mother's cat figurine was so very special to her, because Adam had picked it out for her.

Then, later, Dean and I got to spend some "bonding" time individually with the grandkids on their birthdays. We felt that maybe the kids would remember the experiences with their grandparents, more than they would remember the "presents". We had some great experiences at Chuck E. Cheese, Celebration Station, Putt Putt Golf, Mosi, and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa.

Each time, we successfully encouraged each grandchild to bring something home to their siblings. They got a kick out of that...Ruthie and Rusty, being older, quickly picked things out for the others, and then spent time choosing for themselves. BUT...when Flip turned 5, and we were allowed to take him to the Aquarium.....well...he taught us a lesson. It was so natural to him, and he thought very hard about each present..for Rusty, a "snow globe", which Rusty collects. For Ruthie he carefully chose a stuffed animal, which he knew she would love. Then, not even thinking about picking something out for himself, he proceeded to go straight to the toys, which he knew his Dad would enjoy and play with him. Then, it was over to the emery boards that he felt his Mom would love and use....He was so involved in picking things out for others, that he had to be encouraged to get something for himself. At that moment, he reminded me so of Adam, as a little guy....

No, I think we have already learned the lessons we need, as little people. It is so sad that we have to UNLEARN those lessons and not remember the joy in giving ourselves to others...loving others more than ourselves...and treating all people with the same love and grace that God has heaped on us..Oh, to be 5 again!!!

Springtime FSU

2010-04-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

Create your own free photo book

April 10 brought some Springtime fun to Tallahassee. The main course was the annual spring football game. It began at 5PM. BUT the whole day was filled with sports, food and fun! Mike and Adie Price came to join in with the crowd!

The weather was beautiful...sunny but cool. We parked at the football stadium and walked to the track. There was an Invitational that began around noon. We watched the men's triple jump, and then headed back past the Tennis Complex. The ladies were hosting Boston College, and we watched some of the doubles. Then it was volleyball in Tully Gym. The ladies were hosting an Invitational. We watched a little Georgia vs Georgia Tech and some FSU vs the gators. Rivalries are such fun. There was also a water polo match and a ladies' softball game,and a men's Lacrosse which we did not have time to watch.

We got some lunch at the Seminole Village and went to the FSU Flying High Circus. Adie had never been...Dean, Mike and I had last attended while we were in college. FSU's circus is the only completely collegiate affair! Students perform, rig, make costumes...you name it the students do it. We talked with a young lady who is a Junior..she performs on the trapeze and also works with the riggings. This year, there were over 300 students who tried out for 100+ positions. What a unique group..they receive 1 college credit for hours upon hours of training. They do however get to have a summer job at Callaway Gardens, where they perform throughout the summer and hold summer camps for kids. Katie said that she had been in gymnastics, as a youngster, and those skills helped her tremendously.

After the circus, we headed for the Seminole Booster Box to watch the Seminoles' spring football game. I must admit, it was nice to know that we were going to "win" the game. Our new coach, Jimbo Fisher, asked for 50,000 fans to show up. After the final count we had over 51,000 fans and 1 horse!! I think that was the largest crowd in awhile. The most fun was watching the halftime garnet and gold scrimmage, with former FSU players. Brad Johson and Casey Weldon led their teams which included some names that FSU folks would recognize...Peter Warrick, Terrell Buckley, Darnell Dockett, Kirk Caruthers, Alfonso Carreker,and many others.

After a busy day, which seemed a lot longer than when we were in our twenties, we returned home. What a wonderful day with good friends, beautiful spring weather, great food, and a sports, sports, and and circus adventure!!

Hall Girls' Memories

2010-01-05T15:18:00.000-05:00

OK....we Hall Girls have a new assignment....actually, Daddy is an "old" assignment...Mama left him with us 14 years ago. So, we have made him walk, we have taken away his car keys, we have taken him to Vegas, Biloxi, and Hard Rock to play some games, we have fed him, made him take showers, taken him to church, read the Bible with him, prayed with him, made him drink water, made him take his pills, nursed a broken rib and broken eye socket, loved him, loved him and loved him. Of course, Margaret, who lives with Daddy in the cabin has had the lion's share, but his entire family.. Dean and I, Mim and Ted, Karen and Greg, Adam and Lori and the "Greats", Bill and Johanna, David and Dianna, and Bill and Mary Lillian Baldy have all contributed to these tasks over the last few years. So, our new assignment??? Listen, Listen, and Listen. We want to get as many stories from Sweet Willie, as we can make him remember. Today, Mim drove up from Eustis, and we sat for hours, just talking and sharing stories, and laughing and laughing and laughing! For those of you who knew our Mama and know our Daddy....you KNOW that the Hall family has stories filled with laughter and love....just like yours. We actually heard a new story today....Mim remembered it and Daddy vouched for her....here goes.

When Mama and Daddy lived on the farm in Fitzgerald, Daddy and "others" tried there hand at "distilling" what we Southerners know as Moonshine!! They put their shine in Pepsi cola bottles, corked and stored in the barn. One cold morning, Mama was hanging clothes outside, when Daddy left for work. She got very cold....Mama weighed about 98 pounds, soaking wet, and was REALLY feeling the cold...so she thought she would take a little sip of moonshine to warm her up. Well, I guess one sip did not do it, and she drank the whole pepsi bottle of shine.

Remember, Daddy left her hanging clothes on the line...when he returned for lunch..she was "Hung over" the line...feeling warm enough to enjoy her unexpected nap!!!

The moonshine experiment ended abruptly one morning, a little later, when they thought they were under attack.....shooting guns and such...No, it wasn't an attack, it was just the remaining bottles of moonshine popping their corks. Oh well, Mama would just have to figure out some other way to stay warm, while hanging out her clothes.

We had such a good time today...Mim is going to come back as much as possible to tell and retell the old stories. I will write and share as Daddy remembers. Thanks, Dr. Scoles, for reminding us that at 91 years of age, we do not have to make Daddy walk, take him out in the cold (which he hates so much), or take him away from home to have a good time. All we have to do is sit with him, talk, laugh, and listen....get him to eat and drink his water...take his pills...and then go right back to just loving on one of the sweetest human beings to ever walk this earth.

There is a country song that fits our Daddy to a T...He's an angel with no halo, and one wing in the fire..... Hopefully, I have figured out how to play this one, with this post!

The End of An Era....Thanks to Bobby B.

2010-01-02T14:38:00.000-05:00

OK...this may be a tough one...you see? Bobby Bowden has been a part of our lives for a long time. He was an assistant coach, under Bill Peterson, Margaret's freshman year at FSU, when the Noles beat the gators for the first time, and Fred Biletnikoff caught pass after pass from Steve Tensi, and ended up winning the 1965 Gator Bowl, while Margaret marched her heart out at halftime with the Chiefs! As a junior in high school, I got to go to both of those "historic" wins!!

Yes, he left to go be the head coach of West Virginia...but returned to FSU as head coach in 1976. Dean and I were not in attendance for those games in '76, as Adam was born on September 1st. ( We were a little BUSY!!)

BUT..the very next year, we began many years of home game attendance, staying with Margaret and Karen and Bill, in Tallahassee during the Fall weekends! The kids grew up knowing how to spell Florida State, watching Renegade and Bobby Bowden on the sidelines. Their very first game...Charlotte Williams, Margaret and I held the three little ones on our laps in the end zone. Karen cried when the crowd yelled, but she and Adam fell fast asleep, by the second half....while Bill remained wide awake...big blue eyes on Bobby and the horse...never uttering a sound, except for two words.....Bobby Bowden.

Over the next 16 years or so, we repeated that trip for every home game. The kids got old enough to have their own seats, in the end zone. They made promises to stay put until halftime, when we came to "feed and water" them! They were so good....and became some of Bobby's biggest fans. David Miller became old enough to join the crowd..and the cousins started some lifetime memories that few cousins can share! Our best memory, was before a Wake Forest game, we went to visit the "new" rooms and offices built under the North End Zone...we quietly waited outside Bobby's office, just to get a glimpse of him as he left to go to the game...When he came out of his office, he stopped, knelt down to those three kids, shook their hands, wrote his autograph on a piece of scrap paper, smiled, made them feel important, as their awestruck parents just smiled and nodded, too impressed to speak!

As Adam and David Valenzano (Adie Price's oldest) became good friends, David joined the cousins at the games. Dean would lead the troup to the practice field, before the games for passing and receiving skills. I think the kids would have spent the whole time there, if we had let them. But, then to the game...and again, they no longer sat in the end zone...but had their own seats above ours. They waited patiently, whether the Seminoles won or lost to take part in another tradition...wait for the stands to clear...the field to empty...drop to the field and run their own touchdowns....a few times, Dean would even get to meet a couple of the players, (Leroy Butler...Eric Hayes...others), as they would wander back out of the dressing rooms for their own reasons...Sadly, that tradition ended too soon for us, as the practice field was locked up, and noone could get on the game field after the game...Our memories remain!

Even later, Adam and Lori would come up occasionally, for a Miami or gator game. I gladly gave up my ticket, to watch the game at home, or spend a day with the grands, when they came up with their parents. After this year...I was glad NOT to be at the stadium..Do you know we had rain for almost every home game? I think God was even shedding a few tears for Bobby's last year at FSU!

So many memories, both for us as a family, and for all of FSU. Ann Bowden was the one who came up with the idea for a new vision of what people would think of, when they heard the name FSU. In 1978, Renegade and Chief Osceola became household words, and wonderful TV and photo opportunities. They even allowed the duo to stay on the field at this year's Gator Bowl! Grandson, Rusty likes the Appaloosa...he would call him Chalky!

Soooo, the Gator Bowl of 2010 was so much more than Bobby Bowden's last football game. This is truly the end of an era, for him and his folks, for FSU, and for our family and friends. We will all have our own personal memories of Bobby...mine will be that golf tournament in St. Pete, where I was the only "girl" playing. Someone came up behind me and slapped me on the back...I wheeled, ready to lay into whomever...it was Bobby Bowden. After just a few minutes, he made it seem like he had known me for years..learned I was from Eustis, FL and discussed WITH ME all the good players he had from our area like Howard Ehler, Billy Rhodes and Billy's sons. I told him of how my Mama was so proud of FSU when they hired him...how she wrote a letter to him...and how she still had his reply...he said, he remembered and appreciated the support. When we parted, and he went on to the next fan...I will always remember how kind, how personable, and how I felt like he really knew me and WANTED to get to know me better. I am sure that is how he treated everyone....like family!

So, like a member of my family, I will always be grateful to have had little snippets of time with the Legend. And like a member of my family, I will miss not seeing him at every home football game. I will miss how he seemed to irritate the fool out of Steve Spurrier and many of the gators. I will miss the class and caring that he brought to College football. As a teacher, I will miss the loss of another great teacher for young men, who need a good, loving male role model so badly. But, like a member of my own family, I will always have the memories of the happy times, the times when he was there...the head coach of my university... the man who gave so many a reason to be proud. I thank you, Bobby Bowden, for being the man you are....for loving your extended family, even when they made mistakes, when they didn't seem to like you much, when they wouldn't listen to your sage advice...when all you really wanted to do was help and love and teach and learn. You treated us all like you would your own family.

Bye, for now, Bobby Bowden. Thanks for sharing him, Ann. And thanks for all the memories...they can never be taken away! WE LOVE YOU, BOBBY

Christmas Memories 2009

2009-12-31T14:14:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

THIS PLAYBACK TAKES A LONG TIME TO LOAD...MAYBE READ BLOG FIRST!!

Dean and I headed for New York City this year for Christmas. Dean had missed two big trips this year, because of his back, so I thought this would be a great Christmas present for both of us. Though we missed all of our wonderful family and friends, I know they forgave us, and we talked to all of them through Facebook, phone on Christmas, and now this blog.

We booked our room at the Doubletree at Times Square. The room had a terrific view, and the hotel is convenient to everything. Our first day was spent walking, riding in a carriage at Central Park, "shopping" at FAO Schwartz and Saks 5th Ave, watching the skaters at Rockefeller Center and Central Park, and topping the day off with the show, Jersey Boys. Of course, the music was great, and the actor for Frankie Valli had a great voice...loved the show.."Walk Like a Man......"

Day two brought a bus tour, one of those double decker, "Hop on and off", that saved us a few years back, when we went with Adam and Lori and the kids, during the transportation strike. We hopped off at the South Street Seaport, and had a wonderful lunch...then continued on the Brooklyn Loop and back to Downtown. We ended the day at the show, Wicked. A wonderful new story of Oz...the sets were amazing and the singing was fantastic..."Defying gravity.."

Day 3 was Christmas Eve, and after a morning of walking around Times Square and Toys R Us, we went to see the remake of White Christmas. WOW!!! It was just what you would expect from my favorite Christmas production and then some. The singers and dancers and costumes were just fantastic..David Ogden Steiers (Major Winchester from M.A.S.H.) played the General, and he was also wonderful.."We'll follow the old man..." We walked to the Presbyterian Church on 5th Ave and enjoyed their Christmas Eve service of lessons and hymns. As you would expect in NYC, talented singers and musicians gravitate to the choirs of the local churches...we were not disappointed...great sopranos, tenors, and the organist was incredible. As we walked back to Times Square, we stopped off at the Stage Deli...the very BEST pastrami sandwich ever!!

Then, Christmas day...we grabbed a taxi to Madison Square Garden for a Knicks game. They played and lost to the Miami Heat. The crowd was typical New York and so much fun! Dean talked to all the family at Mom's house during halftime..and I got a voice mail and text from Adam and the kiddos...not our typical Christmas morning, but still loads of fun! Dean had left my "present" to open in Monticello...I told him not to fear, "Tiffany's" is just a walk away!! :)

Christmas dinner was a special meal at the Doubletree, and we ended the day at the Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes were indeed the stars, and our friend, Kelly King, is still a member of this prestigious group.

Our final day in NYC was filled with rain..so we taxied to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We, and about a million others!! We got the audio tour "stuff" and had a great time. We viewed the old masters, the American exhibit, the beautiful Christmas tree, the armor.....and so on and so on. We spent 5 hours and probably saw a 5th of the exhibits...what a wonderful place!

Before our final show, we dined at Ellen's Stardust Diner, and were completely entertained by the waiters and waitresses, who are aspiring Broadway performers. It is so much fun to watch them, sing, dance and deliver food..all at the same time. Our waiter had just returned from a 3 month tour...back to Ellen's to be "rediscovered". Our final show was Mama Mia...a terrific show with, again, some great songs, thanks to ABBA!! " I have a dream....."

The next day...back to La Guardia and our trip home...what a fantastic Christmas trip. Something about NYC.... Dean and I both agree, it was and will be a favorite trip of all times!!

Christmas Memories (Really Old Ones)

2009-12-17T15:04:00.003-05:00

Today, the ladies and gentlemen of First Methodist Church were making and wrapping up fruit baskets for the more "experienced" members of our church, for Christmas. As you might expect, fun was had by all, and over 40 baskets were made and delivered this morning. What I did not expect was some of the memories of Christmas that came flooding back today....

Here are Andy and Mim, with Scooter the cat in front of our traditional Christmas tree...Yes, an evergreen, still in can, (to return to the nursery for selling), with ornaments all near the front and middle, because of the numerous times Scooter climbed and knocked it over before Christmas. The Halls never chopped down a tree for Christmas, we just carefully used and returned them to the nursery stock...see??? we were "green" even way back then!!

I know my sisters and I were so embarrassed, as we took our "nursery" plants to our school teachers....we never got to buy our teachers presents, we just had to take them poinsettias, or those little miniature trees that we decorated, or some other such plant. Of course, we did find out as adults, teachers really like that stuff...even better than the candles and perfumes!!

Speaking of those little trees...that was one of my favorite "chores" during Christmas...See? on the bench next to Mama? Those are some of our beautiful trees!! I just know they made special gifts for some teacher or mailman, or milkman, or friend!

Some other special times were given to us by Dick Livingston, Daddy's best friend from childhood. He owned Russell's department store in Eustis, and gave us Hall girls a real paying job during the Christmas season. We made about 20 cents an hour wrapping presents purchased in the store. During the beginning of the week, it was a real cinch...somebody buys a blouse, you go back in the back, find the blouse box, pack with tissue, choose a wrapping paper, pick white or red or green ribbon, curl the ends of the ribbon and return to customer. No problems....BUT by Christmas Eve....big problems arose. Boxes became scarce, tape was running thin, only white ribbon may have been left, to go with only one kind of paper!!

I think Margaret and I made have pulled off the best wrapping job in history. Can you guess what someone bought? An overcoat...kind of like a thick trench coat today...we went back to find the box...HA! Not only did that box not exist, the largest box we could find was a square shaped "underwear" box. Somehow, we folded and folded and folded, 'til we got that big coat in that little box...one of us held down the box as the other wrapped the paper and taped and taped and taped. We were so proud, when we handed the customer that beautifully wrapped box, and assured her that yes, indeed..it was her overcoat!!

Christmas hold many delightful memories from those simpler days....Nanny Tom's sugar cookies, our beautiful nursery Christmas trees, Mama's and Daddy's sacrifices for that new bike, singing Christmas carols with the church youth, decorating miniature trees at the nursery, and wrapping presents at Russell's department store...just to name a few.

Bethlehem In Monticello

2009-12-13T17:35:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Here is a small part of Bethlehem in Monticello, a labor of love for our community, presented by members of several congregations in our little town. Though we were rained out on our first night, over 500 people came on Saturday to walk the streets of Bethlehem, follow Mary and Joseph through the town, interact with the townspeople, here the "rest of the story", watch the shepherds in the fields, hear angel tidings, and follow the wisemen to the stable.

This has become a very important tradition for our community....a wonderful way to prepare for the Season!

After visiting Bethlehem, people are treated to cookies, hot chocolate, apple cider, and wonderful entertainment and fellowship. Here are just a few faces in the crowd...

Merry Christmas to all!!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-28T17:52:00.001-05:00

Grandpa and David

When Mim and husband Ted, said they would be joining us for Thanksgiving, and that nephew, David and wife Dianna would like to come, as well, we were so excited!! Not only was Daddy, who has been recovering from a broken rib, going to get to see some of his Grandkids, we were going to enlist more helpers for our newest Thanksgiving tradition.

2009 brought the 4th year of our church's Community Thanksgiving Dinner. This began as Dean's brainchild, and was adopted by the church missions team and, of course, a large percentage of our church. Many people work, donate money, and, oh yes, homemade pies for the occasion.

Dean and his cook crew began Tuesday, cooking turkeys. On Thursday, 40 folks, from our church, our community, and even neighboring communities came to finish cooking, delivering take-outs to shut ins, serving those who join us, fellowshipping, and finally joining in on the eating, and of course, cleaning up.

Last year, the total folks served were around 200. So Dean planned for around 240 this year. We realized, after niece Karen and I made several trips to Winn Dixie, that the number was going to be greater. When the turkey feathers had settled, the numbers this year, grew to over 300. Again, we are not sure which group of people are more blessed...which groups are more thankful.... or which group gives more to the other...the Servers or the Servees. God's Love is so great.

The added treat for our family, is the opportunity we made to go to Barnaby's on Wednesday night to gain sustenance and pepperoni for the following day's work. The special time also gave Daddy reasons to smile, as the cousins shared memories of nursery work days, painting houses, "eggings", and of course, Daddy's wonderful grandfatherly stories... :)

We missed Bill and Johanna (in Peru), Adam and Lori and the kiddos (visiting friends), and hope that Thanksgiving was a wonderful time for all our family and friends.

The Big 60 Final Chapter

2009-11-12T20:48:00.001-05:00

Well, on November 9th, the big day arrived. It started with e-cards coming in from Adam, Adie Price, Karen and Greg, David, and even one from Peru...Bill and Johanna. Then, Dean whisked me off to a wonderful lunch at Carmelita's. I still find that some of the best Mexican faire anywhere.

We then headed over to Tampa and the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel. My sister Mim and her hubby Ted joined us that evening, and they were going to stay through the 11th, Mim's birthday. Dean and I were surprised that evening with a fruit and cheese tray and a bottle of champagne. Thanks again Larry, we enjoyed it all!

Dean had to leave the next morning, but I got to stay another day. Margaret and Daddy got there, and the Hall girls got to celebrate their birthdays with their "good friend" Bill Hall. The celebration was certainly enhanced by Glenda, the good witch of the North. For those who know The Wizard of Oz slot machine..she visited me and rewarded me with $700+.

Unfortunately, we had a bit of a mishap Tuesday night. Daddy took a fall in the room. We found out when we got back to Monticello, the next day, that he has a broken rib. I guess we will have to "tone down" next year's celebration. Please keep our Daddy in your prayers.

So, the Big 60 came and went. I loved spending time and celebrating with my family and friends. To think...in high school, I didn't even think that "1984" would ever get here!!

Part 2 The Big 60

2009-11-08T19:27:00.000-05:00

While Bobby Bowden celebrated his 80th birthday, I celebrated Part 2 of the big 60, the day before my birthday. After church, Dean and I and his Mom headed for Largo, where Ruthie was competing in another gymnastics meet.

Ruthie had quite an audience for this meet. Her mom, two grandmothers, her Grandpa Dean, her Great-Grandmother "TuTu", and her 4th grade teacher Mrs. Rasmussen. She put on quite a show! The first pictures are a few shots of their warm-ups...This is what I meant by getting tired just watching warm-ups!

You see how it hurts just to watch?

Ruthie began her rotation at the beam. This one gives her and a bunch of others their greatest challenge. Imagine, spinning, doing handstands, and other such activities on a narrow piece of wood above the gym floor!! Ruthie's determination and skill gave her the highest score so far...9.175.

AWESOME!!

Ruthie entertained us royally on the beam, on the floor, on the vault, and on the bars. 3 of her scores were 9.1+, and the vault was 8.8. She finished fifth Overall, in her group! Thanks, Miss Ruthie, for helping me celebrate Part 2! Enjoy some parting shots....

Be very careful when you put your hand on top of your head during a gymnastics meet...That can be some sticky stuff!!

How To Celebrate The Big 60 Part 1

2009-11-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

OK, 60, by anyone's standards is getting right on up there in the age brackets. You begin looking in the mirror and seeing your mother staring back at you!! So how do you actually celebrate this birthday?? Well, part 1 happened today...just two days before my birthday.

We made my birthday trip from Monticello to St. Petersburg for the big football games.. Yes, Rusty and Flip played their final football game of the season. We missed our two biggest cheerleaders, Ruthie and Ellie, but we added their great grandmother, AKA TuTu, as a very qualified cheerleader!! After all, she raised three boys and attended baseball, soccer, and swimming meets...then had four boy grandkids, attending the same. She commented that this was fun, because "We didn't have football back in our day!"

We will start with Flip's game. Here he is with Matthew Stofer, discussing the strategies of the game..Hey, let's run fast and score more than the other team!! I think we get medals for this one!

Here are some of the action shots for the game...Flip pulled two flags and ran for a long gain. He had a great day, and enjoyed the cool weather. Though his team came up a few points short, they played with "determination" and did pick up some medals for their outstanding play!

Next, we move to the Rustmeister's game.

This weekend, the results were reversed. Where Flip picked up a couple of quarters from Grandpa, Rusty almost broke the bank. With blazing speed and dogged determination, Rusty rushed the quarterback, chased down the running backs, and showed excellent speed on the offense. His team won the game, and Rusty walked away with 7 quarters!!!! I know, and so does Adam, that there WERE sparks coming off those shoes , at one point!!

Yes, this was a great start to my birthday celebration. I even chased the two of them down for a big hug!

Dean's mom and I left the game to meet up with good buddies and newly retired, Elaine, Janet, and Charlotte, to wander around the Dunedin Art Festival. It was a beautiful afternoon, filled with great talk, great art, and great Kettle Korn. I do believe Mom enjoyed that the most!!

Turning 60 is a lot more painful than 30, but surrounded by loving friends and family, makes the journey easier. So, thank you my dear friends and loving family for making 60, Part 1 a little easier.

Fall on Lake Burton

2009-10-24T17:31:00.000-04:00

Dean's mom has a birthday today, the 24th of October..she will be a beautiful 89. It has been 10 years since she could celebrate her birthday on Lake Burton. As soon as we arrived, all of us breathed in the crisp fall air and settled back to watch the leaves begin turning bright yellow, deep crimson and orange.

Baxter, who had been a howling "basket case" in the motel, settled right down and enjoyed his stay at the lake, and his ride on "Evie's Porch".

Isn't my coat just precious?? Thanks MOM!!

Yes, we had to bundle up for our boat ride, but it was worth the effort. As usual Evie's Boat Tour was a huge success, as we checked out the latest construction projects, and gave thumbs up or thumbs down to the newest creative endeavors. We don't quite understand the lighthouse or turret or observation tower on the newest house...but someone with a bunch of money must have liked the idea.

We still like coming back to the Jerger place. Just hope that the generations to follow will appreciate having this beautiful place to come. Though Lake Burton is 95% Georgia Power Leased property, Dean's Mom and Dad purchased their 3 lots from long time resident Knox Bynum. With their foresight, and Dad's love of a challenge, our family will never have to worry about leases...Up Yonder will belong to the family as long as we wish to have it. After 40+ years, it still looks great and is such a peaceful place to come.

Ruthie's Gymnastics...The Beginning Chapters

2009-10-19T16:42:00.006-04:00

Wow! were we ever impressed on Sunday. Ruthie was participating in only her second competitive gymnastics meet. For those of you who know, she is a Level 4 in experience, and so much higher in perseverance, dedication, and drive.

Her team is "beautifully" outfitted in TuTu's (Ruthie's great grandmother, Evelyn, from whom she received her first name.) favorite color...PURPLE!!

They began their rotation at the bars, where Ruthie twisted and flipped and muscled her way into the number one position. It was a great start to the meet.

Then, they moved to the beam..I still have no comprehension of the courage it takes to spin, hop, and do handstands on that teeny little board, high above the ground. But, Ruthie did it and with style and grace.

Thirdly, the girls approached the floor exercises. Everyone does the same routine, to the same music. So, by the time Ruthie got there, we kinda knew what to look out for. Though she fell short of the perfect 10, which I was awarding on every event, the judges rewarded her with the highest score of her age group. 9.375. I think if they would just review the tape, they would see it was really a 10! Again, Ruthie took top honor for that rotation.

Finally, she made her way to the vault, and again did a magnificent job on that apparatus, as well!

Then, Adam and Lori led us off to the rewards room, where all the "hardware" was presented to the highest scoring level 4's according to ages. Ruthie walked away with the two first places (Bars and Floor) plus a 7th in the vault. This propelled Ruthie into the #1 Overall gymnast in her age group! She got medals and a plaque, and she helped her team finish in 3rd place!

I don't know how, but she was able to muster up a smile and didn't seem the least bit winded by this unbelievable day of competition. I personally was exhausted, and had to rest my back after WATCHING the warm ups!

Way to go Miss Ruthie!!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2009-10-17T15:57:00.003-04:00

NFL?? No, it is not our favorite football league. NCAA?? This year, with FSU playing so poorly, again, not our favorite football league. Club Sports Kids?? YES...with two superstar grandsons playing, by far, our favorite football league.

Dean, Baxter and I headed for the fields, for an exciting morning of flag football. Rusty and Flip provided two hours of thrilling, hard "non" hitting action that any fan of the gridiron would have loved! Their fans went WILD!!

First it was Flip's team..Flip played with reckless abandon..grabbing flags right and left, running for a touchdown (which was called back due to the erroneous ref's call that he stepped out of bounds), and chewing his mouthpiece into submission. When it was all over, his team had won, and Flip had garnered 5 quarters from Grandpa, based on the 4 flags pulled and the "touchdown", and he was awarded with the "MPE". That is how Flip explains the, perhaps more commonly used, MVP of the game.

Next, it was the big "Rust". His team had yet to win a game. Today, Rusty helped his teammates change that outcome completely. Rusty, as usual, was the thorn in the opposing quarterback's side, as his blinding speed provided little time for picking out receivers. Rusty pulled 3 flags and had a great day on offense, rushing for a key first down! At the end, his team counted their first win, and Rusty garnered 4 quarters from his Grandpa!

We had a great time watching the boys play and playing with the girls. Baxter is still taking a nap after all the walks he took with Ellie and Ruthie.

United Way

2009-10-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Yes! This handsome United Way volunteer is none other than, Dean Jerger. Dean is the co-chair of the United Way campaign in Jefferson County. He and Nan Baughman begin this month, visiting or calling businesses in the area, schools, and others to contribute to this worthy organization. The two of them are spearheading this fundraising for the third or fourth year.

When I was an employee of Pinellas County Schools, I resented the fact that the county first took money (not much) for United Way. Finally, I opened my eyes to the kids in my classes who actually benefitted, in some way, from the United Way organizations. Then, I quit griping, and actually increased the nominal contribution. In a large county, like Pinellas, it is so easy to raise the big bucks!

Since we moved to Jefferson County, we have come to understand, not only the unmet needs of a small county, but also the fact, that the good folks and businesses get "tapped" time and time again for so many causes. The most fascinating thing to me is that these folks just keep giving and giving and giving. Even in these tough financial times, they understand that the needy keep getting needier, and that joining their small contributions can make a difference to the organizations in the county that serve those folks.

Jefferson, along with Madison County, are a couple of the smaller counties in the Big Bend area. So, United Way, up here, is called United Way of the Big Bend. The larger county, Leon, is able to raise money much like Pinellas, so the "Big Bend" shares a little of that wealth with the smaller counties. Our county raised $50,000 last year, but distributed over $70,000. Again, I see the generosity of people helping people...

Yes, I know, there are administrative costs in the United Way. In the Big Bend it is 17.5%. As you can see, the "little guys" do not pay any of that percentage,technically, as they distribute more than they raise. Without the organization, I believe many of the needs in a smaller county would continually go unmet.

So, thanks to Dean and Nan, for all the hard work they do for, as you can imagine, many, many causes in Jefferson County. And thanks for Jefferson County residents for "Living United".

Angels again

2009-09-29T09:12:00.007-04:00

OK, Mim reminded me that I had not mentioned another angel who would probably be attending the gymnastics meet, our Lillie. She was definitely there; she's always looking after "her girls". I thought this would be a good time to introduce you to Lillie Walker, who next to our parents, taught us Hall girls many valuable life lessons.

We moved to Eustis when I was 3 years old, and Mama was very pregnant with Miriam. We moved into a house right next door to Dr. Debo, who became our family doctor and introduced Lillie into our lives. She was, for lack of a better word, our "Nanny". Mama carried Miriam into the 11th month of her pregnancy, and Lillie took care of Margaret and me, and then later, Miriam, when Mama returned to help Daddy with the nursery business.

Lillie was "colored"...she insisted on that term, even when the world became "enlightened", and the "word" became black. "It took me a long time to not be a "N....." and be "colored", I don't need no more changes." Lillie was born on a plantation in Tallahassee, and was never formally educated. But that lady knew that a "N....." was not just black, she used that term on black and white folks alike. Anyone that received one of her notes, though the spelling was not up to par, valued it for the love it contained.

Some lessons:
1. When you go out to pick your "switch", there are some decisions to be made...the little skinny ones, stung like the dickens, but the big ones could leave a lingering pain..maybe 30 seconds or so. Funny, I cannot remember the "switchin", but I DO remember the decision making on the "switch".
2. If you get an invitation to a party, and you weren't invited, at first, but only after the other little girl couldn't make it...you do not go. "You are nobody's second choice."
3. When a restaurant makes one of the family eat in the kitchen, you better believe that the younger members of the family cannot understand the "prejudices" and "rules" of the day. You might just lose a customer, or worse still, have to deal with a screamin' youngun', who is completely dependent on that wet dishrag that Lillie so lovingly supplied after every meal. Nope....even the whitest, fanciest, cloth napkin could not replace the love from her hands.
4. Santa Claus will NOT come while you are still awake!

Lillie, along with Mama and Daddy, taught us all so much, during times that prejudice and hatred ran rampant. There were separate drinking fountains, racist sheriffs, back doors and separate waiting areas for the doctors' offices, "invitations" from the KKK, ad nauseum, ad nauseum.....

We three Hall girls grew up learning respect and love for our Lord and our fellow men and women, regardless of race, or any other labeling system, the world threw out. We were "poor" in material things, but rich in love; no one was "better" than us AND we were "better" than no one else; nothing was more important than giving and receiving love..... just check your selfish, ornery, attitudes at the front door OR be ready to "Pick out your switch"!

Angels Part 3

2009-09-22T06:01:00.005-04:00

I am going to end my "angel" series talking about one of Dean's and my earthly angels. We have 4, you know, Ruthie, Rusty, Philip Dean"Flip", and Ellie, our grandchildren. We share these "grand" angels with Gwen and Joe, and Phil and Susan. I also want to share a little something about 3 angels from above.

This weekend, Ruthie competes in her very first competitive gymnastics meet. We got a sneak peek this weekend, as she showed some "moves" on the front yard. When she set that jaw and pushed those lips tightly together...I could see Adam standing up at the plate, getting ready for the pitch. Thankfully, when she began her routine, I could see Lori's beauty and grace. Don't get me wrong...anyone who has seen Adam's Olympic "dismount" will say "it is a thing of beauty " :)

So after years of hard work and practice and the recent recovery from a stress fracture...our little earthly angel is taking center stage.

Now, here is my take on our angels above. I believe that God lets them take a break every once in awhile and lets them take in an earthly show..Well, I know at least three that will be taking a jaunt over to Daytona for a beginning gymnastics meet.

First, my mama, Grandma Frances Hall, who left us 13 years ago in October. I believe her "steady" job is protecting the travelers... she did that while she was on the earth...she wanted to know whenever we were on the road or in the air...so she could concentrate her prayers at that particular time. I believe her most noted success was getting Adam all the way from Auburn to Eustis, by himself, in the dark!!

Next, two years later in May, we said goodbye to Uncle Rusty. I believe his "steady" job is being able to speedily and with great strength, get to the emergency situations and cushion the blows. I know that an angel was there to cushion Flip's fall from the front stoop; and one was there to guard Ruthie on the seawall until Lori could get there...A couple of Rusty's assignments?

And lastly, Dean's dad, PaPa. His steady job has got to be flying with those pilots in Iraq, Afghanistan, and anywhere else that young men are in the air facing great peril... He literally has his own "wings", and doesn't have to worry about anymore crash landings! Dad left us two years ago, this weekend. Coincidence?? No, I don't believe so...10 years ago, December, after heart surgery, he made his way from the floor above to hold his new great-granddaughter, Ruthie. So, this weekend, he will "pilot" the others coming from above, to watch one of their earthly angels "strut her stuff"!!

So, do angels get to sometimes call their own assignments?? Does God let them come back and visit and cheer at a gymnastics meet?? Did our God create this entire cosmos?? Did he hang the stars?? Does He love us that much?? I know what I believe...

Angels Part 2

2009-09-21T07:46:00.002-04:00

I went back , wayyyyy back for this story about angels in my life.

I was about 10, and had spent the night with a friend in Umatilla. I was dropped off at our house earlier than Mama and Daddy expected, 'cause the rest of my family was at a rodeo, which left me alone with just this pitiful grasshopper, that my sister, Mim, had closed up in a glass jar. Obviously she intended to let the poor insect die a cruel and grisly death, so I was going to do something about THAT. No, NOT because I truly cared about the life of that yucky grasshopper, I had ended many a beautiful butterfly's life in a similar fashion, for my "collection". Don't get excited, this was way before the "green" movement. No, I was just being my normal mean self. I knew Mimmie would be really mad that I had SAVED her grasshopper.

So, I went to the drawer and pulled out a butcher knife. I know folks my age remember how easy it was to pop holes in the metal lid of a jar, with a knife. And, I, too was creating many air "slashes" until..ooops, I missed the jar, and the knife went in between the thumb and first finger of my left hand. I was too young to know what I had done, but it was bleeding in a very "funny" way. It seemed to be spurting up out of the wound.

I went to the bathroom to get some gauze to wrap up and stop the bleeding, but it just bled right through. I unwrapped that gauze and wrapped another "package" around the wound..still no luck. So what else was I to do?? I went out to the "Florida" room and sat and cried while I held my hand.

Then, my angels... My neighbor, across Windemere St., just happened to be walk outside to get something...he could hear my cries, because in the days of no air conditioning, all the jalousie windows were open. He came in, swooped me up, and took me to the Emergency Room.

By the time my frantic Daddy, who had found all the blood, when he came home ahead of the rest of the family, got to the Emergency Room, I was stitched up and ready to go home.

My angels were certainly watching over me that day!!! Hey Mim, did that grasshopper ever get his??

Angels?

2009-09-20T06:49:00.004-04:00

A friend asked me recently, do you believe in angels and would you care to share a story?? So, here is one story that came flooding back.

The year was 1994, and Adam had started his freshman year at Auburn. Thanksgiving was coming up, and as has been the practice since Dean was swimming,the swimming team could not take time off for Thanksgiving to come home.

Dean and I decided to ask Lori if she would like to join us, and bring Thanksgiving to him. So, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we loaded up and headed for I-75 and the 8 1/2 hour trip to Auburn. I was driving the first leg, Dean in the front passenger, and Lori in the back.( No, Pinellas County Schools, I wasn't really sick that day).

As we approached "Malfunction Junction",that wonderful area of road in Tampa where I-4 (the high road)and I-275 (the low road) clumsily try to meet up, the traffic was pretty heavy, as usual. "Something" made me look up, as we started to go under I-4. A truck was scraping and bouncing along the side of the highway above us, and I actually observed it "hopping" up and one wheel hanging over. I knew that truck was coming over.

Most first instincts would be to hit the brakes, but I hit the accelerator, and for those of you who know me, closed my eyes!! I began slowing down, because something was being dragged under the car, and Dean was gently nudging my arm and telling me to pull over. So I opened my eyes and did that. Behind us, in the exact place where we had been, was a large truck, upside down and flattened on the highway. Behind it were three lanes of cars, all stopped and stacking up. We were the only car to make it through, along with a vehicle that had been a few seconds ahead of us. Under the car was a round piece of metal that had come off the truck as it fell, or after it hit. That is just how close the three of us came, to joining the driver of that truck (the accident was not his fault) as fatalaties on that Thanksgiving weekend.

All I could think of, as Lori and I walked back to the stillness of that scene, was how devastated Adam would have been if his whole "world" had left him that day. Someone else's whole "world" had left in that moment...arm in arm, lost in our prayers and thoughts, Lori and I walked back to the car, which Dean had cleaned up and started up, and we continued on to celebrate Thanksgiving with Adam.

Why do I attribute this to angels and God's intervention? 2 things... I hit the accelerator instead of stomping on the brakes, which would have been anyone's, including my, first instincts. OK OK..I still probably shouldn't have shut my eyes, but as you can tell, we were being guided. The second thing, if something had not made me look up, no telling... I do not go under any "overpass" since that day, without thanking God for giving us a few more days, and praying that he is looking out for that man's family.

So yes!!! Emphatically, I say, "I believe in angels!"

Bill Hall's 91st Birthday at New Smyrna Beach

2009-07-06T15:03:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

This year, we took Daddy to New Smyrna Beach for his 91st birthday celebration. New Smyrna Beach holds so many memories for the Halls. Daddy was born and raised in Orlando, FL...long before Disney. His father would take the kids (7 of them) to New Smyrna for the day, and get in some good swimming, while the kids played. As the "boys" (6 of them) got older, they would swim the inlet between New Smyrna and Daytona for a challenging swim...Funny, there were sharks back then,as well, but that did not seem to deter the Hall boys.

Later, when Daddy had a family of his own, living in Eustis, FL, it just seemed natural to take his girls to New Smyrna during the summer. We stayed in a motel run by a Greek family, and got to stay for free, as Mama and Daddy would run the units while the family took their own vacation....We also stayed longer as Daddy would "hustle" golf to keep us there...While he commuted to Eustis for the week to work the nursery, Mama and us girls would stay at the beach. That motel became, and is still, the main lifeguard station on the beach.

As Mama also loved the beach, we continued to travel as a family to New Smyrna, even into my college years and afterwards, when we were all married with kids of our own. The family met, as a whole in 1980, and we introduced our kids to body surfing, riding the floats, dreamcicles, snow cones, Norwoods, the inlet, shells, and all the other activities associated with the quieter beach...New Smyrna.

So, it was so natural to take him back for a trip for his birthday. Adam and Lori came over for the weekend with his great grandkids. Though the waves were mild, we still got in some boogie boarding and crab hunting. The kids, old and young, loved all the sand and surf.

Margaret, Miriam and Ted, Mim's friend, Sherry, and David and Dianna came over on Sunday armed with 91 Orange slices and a variety of sweet treats. We ate at Norwoods, one of the only restaurants Daddy wanted to eat at....he used to know the owner, and even helped him clean green turtles, before they became endangered. Norwoods used to make a mean "green"turtle soup! They also had the coolest tables with glass tops and a variety of shells and sea "stuff" on display beneath. Though the old restaurant sign is the last remaining reminder...the new Norwoods has the same excellent seafood.

Margaret spent the night, and began searching for the old White Sands Motel...we think it is the new massive condo, The Pelican, . We all had lunch at JB's Fish Camp...great food and still has the charm of "old" New Smyrna. JB's Marina was where Mama and Daddy outfished Dean and I when we all took off one stormy afternoon to fish the Halifax River! Margaret returned to Monticello.

We met up with a couple, Jack and Joanne Yelvington, who were good friends with Mama and Daddy. Had a nice lunch on Wednesday, visited, laughed, and Dean and I took Daddy to the New Smyrna Golf Course...many memories for him.

On Thursday, Mim came back and we all headed for that main lifeguard stand to search out those cool hydra-wheelchairs. I don't know who was more excited, when we wheeled him down to the surf, where he could smell the salt air, hear the surf, and even put his feet into the sand and surf. Talk about full circle...the first motel now housed the wheelchairs that provided him with the access to the beach, that would not have been possible without them. I know Mama was smiling down on that scene!!

Mim stayed until Friday, and in came Mike and Adie Price to celebrate a little more before they went to visit David and Heather and Emily for the 4th. We ate at a restaurant on the river...The same location that we would pick up fresh shrimp brought in by the shrimp boats the night before, so many years ago.

All in all, Daddy had a most exciting time....ate well, slept hard, remembered so much. He and I dropped Dean off in Daytona, to meet up with Adam, who had tickets for the Coke Zero 400. Daddy still remembers when part of the race was run on the beach.... Happy Birthday, Bill Hall...We all love you so much!
LOVE,
YOUR FRIENDS..... YOUR FAMILY

Friends, Retirement,Memories

2009-06-15T11:39:00.005-04:00

What a grand time...good friends Elaine and Janet enjoyed a joint retirement party. These two, along with all the other Bardmoor folks, have taken another step in our journey together. You see, Bardmoor, back in the 1970's was a brand new school, filled mainly with brand new teachers, with only a year or two of experience under our belts.

You would not think this young group of women could handle the likes of a chauvinistic, basically mean principal; an open space school of kids forced into a wall-less, overcrowded environment; AND raising new families in a not so friendly world. But, TOGETHER, we accomplished it all.

Along with the VFMB, we handled that principal; we constructed walls and used very loud voices to maintain discipline and actually TEACH; AND with parties for the "Couch Kids", softball ,bowling and volleyball teams(we were the jocks, weren't we??), and babysitting each other's kids we helped each other wade our way through the maze of the do's and dont's for raising the most perfect children!

Ladies, I thank you for those times.... and KNOW that you will enjoy these times as much as I do. And Matt, I thank you for that wonderful CD of memories that you shared. Though I so miss you "little" guys and gals...I love you big guys and gals even more!

Our Newest Addition

2009-05-05T20:49:00.002-04:00

The Lazy J welcomes a new addition...Isn't he the cutest thing??? OK Grandkids..put your heads together for a new name!! He is about a year old and still a little nervous, but I am sure will be at home in no time! Until he receives his formal name from the grandkids, WB will have to do...We already love you, Booger!!

St. Anthony's Triathlon

2009-05-02T09:55:00.007-04:00

On April 26, the most prestigious St. Anthony's Triathlon was held in St. Petersburg. Men and women from all over the country come to participate in this, as individuals, and teams. Adam, had , in the past, been a part of a team, where he had swum the first leg, .9 of a mile in the Gulf off Spa Beach and the Vinoy Basin. One of his teammates would then ride the 25 mile bike portion, and another teammate would run the 7.5mi portion. This year, Adam trained to do the individual triathlon.

For the first time in the history of the St. Anthony's, we awoke to the news that the "rescue" kayaks could not handle the rough waters, and the swimming portion was cancelled to all participants except the pro athletes. Of course, for the triathlete who excels on the bike and running portion, this was great news! But to those, like Adam, who excels in the swimming portion...not too great.

I met up with Adam and Lori around 6:30 and watched, in awe, as these wonderful athletes, including, my son, proceeded to bike and run around the Northeast section of St. Pete. Kudos to all who participated... I used to think basketball players were the athletes who had to be in the best shape, what with all the running, jumping, etc. for a long period of time.....No Longer...The triathlete cannot be surpassed in physical conditioning and mental toughness. I was truly IMPRESSED!!

CONGRATULATIONS #510...YOU 'DE BOMB!!!

Easter Sunday

2009-04-17T07:55:00.007-04:00

Wow! What an exciting Easter morning! At sunrise, our granddaughter, Ruthie was baptized in the Gulf, with our son, Adam assisting, and the youth of our church were leading a sunrise service here on our property, down by the lake. Dean and I had to split up for the morning...he remained here and I packed up all his grandfather's love to take down with me to St. Pete.
My Daddy, loves Sunrise services, so he had to choose which one to attend. He went with me to Ruthie's baptism. At almost 91, he chose to head for the beach with. I know God was taking care of us, as before we trekked all the way across the sand to the water, a bench, appeared, where he could sit and enjoy the service. Most of you know that macular degeneration has robbed him of most of his sight, but so many memories abide for him at the beach.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

As a child in the 20's, his father took the family often...it was a short distance from Orlando, where he was raised. Later, he attended the Daytona 500, which originally was raced on that same beach. As a husband and father, he took his own beach loving family....he would go back and forth from Eustis to New Smyrna...while we would spend weeks, sometimes, depending on his golf game( He could really "hustle" our local undertaker!), and vacations for the owners of the motel. (Mama and Daddy would run the units, while they vacationed, in exchange for a week.) Our mother truly loved the beach, as do I....

Dean reports that the Sunrise Service in Monticello was also spectacular, as nearly 70 worshippers enjoyed songs by our youth, the beautiful pink sky behind the pecan trees, and sausage biscuits for breakfast.

Thank you God, for your Son and your beautiful world filled with beautiful people.

Springtime

2009-03-23T11:43:00.003-04:00

I have a couple of things to update...the ACC basketball tourney and the Las Vegas trip......BUT Baxter insists that I welcome springtime with this picture of him enjoying the beauty of all the spring blossoms!! So I will update later..

Disney's Princess Run

2009-03-09T06:26:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, I ended up in Orlando, with my "bud" Elaine, to watch the Disney Half- marathon....the Princess Run! Janet Lynn was going to be there, but ended up making a "Grandma Run" to South Carolina, to watch grandson Jackson, while his parents got over the "flu"! So, Janet, Thanks for letting me take your place!

First of all, let me say...I am in awe of all the young and older ladies who participated....over 7500, with almost 200 "Princesses". Yes, over 200 of the runners were dressed in some type of "Princess" running garb!! As you can see, Elaine and I just HAD to get Tiaras, as well....Those got turned over to Granddaughter, Ellie at lunchtime!

We were part of the chEARing squad for Elaine's daughter, Erica...my daughter-in-law, Lori, and Becky Stoutamire's daughter, Casey. I think we did a great job...although we missed getting any GREAT pictures, because of their blinding speed...and our inability to pick them out of the BIG crowd...Alltel kept us informed with text messages as they passed the various waypoints in the race!

They all had a "Royal" Race and finished strong and proudly, the 13.1 miles that wound through the Magic Kingdom known as Disney!

I was thoroughly impressed with the entire experience... We spoke to folks in the chEARing squads...husbands from Michigan and West Palm Beach, mothers from Canada, Texas and Florida so on and so on. Heard stories about their runners, who like ours, were students, professionals, moms, wives....all wonderful ladies, who had the courage to begin the journey which led them to this race!

Elaine and I met up with Adam, Lori, Rusty and Ellie for lunch at Arby's on their way back to St. Pete, and mine back to Monticello....You see, during this spring forward time, the race began at 7AM, and we were all safely back home by the same afternoon!!

Again....I salute Lori, Erica, Casey and all the wonderful ladies who had the courage to begin this journey.... and the Disney crew, who always puts on a great event....and the Fairy Godmother, who with a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, sprinkled Fairy Dust...and to all the vendors in the Expo who showed me more running apparel than I even KNEW existed !! My favorite shirt????? the one that said, "Does this shirt make my butt look FAST?"

Day on the Farm

2009-03-02T14:11:00.005-05:00

You are looking at two of the three deer that love to graze in the pasture behind the cabin...actually, the field that Dean planted for them...on any given day, you can spot the deer AND the resident turkey that feeds nearby...however, this past weekend when Margaret was gone and Dean was in St. Pete, Daddy and I had the place to ourselves. We spotted some animals that were not where they belonged....the COWS!!

You see, they normally frolic and play in the fenced pastures to the east of the house....well, I glanced out my window, and noticed a couple of cows and babies who were contentedly grazing on the clover in the back yard, near the pool. I was on the phone with Dean who had just arrived safely in St. Pete, and I asked him to call Gary Tuten, the cows' daddy, and I would try to herd them back in through the gate that they had appeared to "crash" through, until Gary could get there.

It was warm that day, and I jumped into the "mule" ready to gather in a few cows.....when I backed out of the garage, I was shocked to see that it wasn't just a few cows, but most of the herd that were grazing all over the front, back, and side yards..stretching up to and around the barn. For a fleeting moment....I pictured myself saddling up Salty and corralling the group...driving them back through the gate...Thankfully, that was all that was....a fleeting moment..

I did spend about 15 minutes racing foolishly around small groups of cows and babies...waving my hands and shouting "YeeHaw", but they were not even mildly interested in my display of cowgirl skills!! In that time, I actually managed to drive 6 of them back into their pasture, with only about 80 more to go...At this rate, well, sundown was coming!!

At last, I spotted Gary near the other gate, where he had parked, and was now out of his truck, on foot, displaying his cowboy skills of waving his hat and shouting "Hoop...Hoop" or some such cow lingo!! Seems they appreciated his skills much better...and the whole herd at ONCE came down the fence line and back into the pasture! I leaped out of the parked mule and closed the gate behind them...this is when I learned the most valuable lesson of the day.....never, I repeat, NEVER go cow herding barefooted. Those of you have been around cows KNOW why!!

Gary fixed the gate, reprimanded his "children", and the day ended without any more incidents!!! I returned my cow herding "mule", to the garage and spent the next 15 minutes sterilizing and cleaning my "stinking" feet!!

Adam, I just wanted to ask you...when I stepped in it, I said "CRUD"!! Is that OK to say...kind of like "Oh Jimminy?"

St. Augustine

2009-02-11T06:35:00.003-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

For Dean's birthday, this year, we took a trip to St. Augustine. We had seen the city as children, but of course, those memories were rather "old". We stayed on St. Augustine Beach, and though it was cold, we walked everyday. This beach is wide enough for cars to drive on, and it was the first time I can remember walking on the beach in a trenchcoat and furlined boots!!!
The "oldest town" in America provided us with lots of "touristy" moments. Of course, I had to visit the oldest school house. I didn't realize friends, they had a time out room back in those days...It was a little room under the stairwell!! I think the most interesting buildings were the museums and Flagler College...They used to be magnificent hotels across the street from each other...You had to rent your room for 90 days, whether you stayed that long or not! Flagler built one...they had spas, pools,restaurants, etc.... They were quite the showplaces in their day, and still beautiful today!
There were many good places to eat...even the Columbia has a restaurant there. A local favorite was also ours...Osteens...great shrimp!!

Flip's Birthday

2009-02-01T15:06:00.003-05:00

For the last couple of years, Dean and I have tried to take each grandchild on an individual birthday "bonding" excursion. You really get to know each one in a special way, when they are one-to-two...AND the little "beggars" are so much easier to control!!!!

This year, the grandfolks seem to be getting older???? When did that happen? Dean's back was out again, and rather than disappoint Flip...Grandma was on her own..OK..first mistake..."Where would you like to go, Flip?" (He's five) "I want to go to your house in Monticello." Well, that is, a bit of a drive so I suggested a couple of other maybes..maybe Busch Gardens, maybe Mosi, maybe The Florida Aquarium, maybe Chuck E. Cheese.... after a small debate, (Flip wanted to spend the entire 5 hours in C.E. Cheese...just shoot me now!) we settled on the Aquarium and then the Cheese palace!!

When we got over to Tampa, there seemed to be a larger than normal group of folks at the Aquarium...I am not kidding, it took me until the next morning to put together the answer as to why....The Super Bowl!

Flip really enjoyed the Aquarium, though I don't believe he trusted my suggestion at first. He liked lying on top of the glass floor, pretending to swim with the sharks, the black lights, that made his socks look "purple", the really "BIG" fish that Papa (Joe) would like to catch, touching the starfish and the anemone, AND the "Dipping Dots". Before we left, we completed another tradition of picking out a "prize" for the others...You will have to ask the other kids, but I think he picked out special things for his brother and sisters...Flip also picked out a lovely emery board for Lori, and a hammerhead shark "grabbie-thingie" for Adam.

Then, it was back over the bridge for a lovely pizza meal and games at Chuck E. Cheese. For the life of me, I do NOT see (or taste) what kids see in Cheese pizza.
We got really lucky on a couple of machines, (actually, there are workers wandering around, helping bedraggled grandparents win tickets for the little ones!)and Flip and I ended up with over 900 tickets! ("If Grandpa had been here we would have over a thousand.")Anyway...that's a lot...but, since he had already gotten prizes for everyone at the Aquarium, he settled on some "big" things for himself! Lori, I am SO sorry about the Spiderman foam gun thing...I didn't know what it was 'til I opened it up... I told him that if he pointed it at any human child or beloved pet, I would take it away..oh well, I'm sure it's history now, anyway...

I am complete agreement with Lori, Flip is a real sweetie!!! BUT...they are just getting too old too quickly!

God's World

2009-01-17T04:42:00.002-05:00

When I was working, I agreed with my friend Elaine's observation: "Independently wealthy means never HAVING to see a sunrise!!" Since retirement, I have found that I am still an early riser. I still enjoy the quiet times of the morning...and though I don't HAVE to see the sunrise...I think you can tell why I took a picture of this one!! God has certainly created a beautiful world for us..and you know?..I really believe that He was walking with me that particular morning and enjoyed this sight as much as I did!

Happy New Year

2009-01-07T11:47:00.004-05:00

And...finally, I catch up with my "blogging"! Yes!! I stayed up for my second annual New Year's Eve. For those who know me well....I just have NEVER stayed up...My routine has been...go to bed at my normal time..Dean wakes me up 2 minutes before midnight..and we watch the ball drop on TV...listen to fireworks..kiss and wish each other a Happy New Year. That is, UNTIL last year...We attended the First Annual Monticello Opera House,"New Year's Eve Gala". This year it was repeated, with the theme of the "Roaring Twenties". We repeated, along with Mike and Adie Price (From Debary, FL) and Dave and Katrina Fitzsimmons (Chicago, IL). This year, the band was "Encore", aka The Purvis Boys! Mike and his brothers can play anything from Gospel to Rock to 20's era...you ask it, they can play and sing it! In between sets, a DJ spun some records...oh I doubt they were records, just aged myself!! Dinner was prime rib with all the "fixins"...There was a wonderful stage show( local talent) upstairs in the Opera House...and Dancing dancing dancing back downstairs. Our table vows to meet back here again next year!!!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Ruthie's Birthday

2009-01-06T05:42:00.003-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Backing up again...we took Ruthie for her Birthday a little before Christmas. She turned nine on December 8th. This year, she asked her friend Emily to join us on a trip to the "Theatuh". The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center had performances of Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang,
After a wonderful lunch at Ya Ya's (One of Ruthie's favorite), we headed for Tampa. Our pre-show snacks consisited of pretzels and water...MAN these girls are healthy. Of course, both have sinced advanced to Level 4 in Gymnastics...This is the level at which they began actual competition.
The show was a little slow in the first segment, and we offered them a change of venue at intermission....Thankfully they wanted to stay and see the second half, as it was much more entertaining!!
Before delivering dinner to Adam, the girls finally had some "good" snacks!! Ruthie admitted her "addiction" to ice cream, Emily concurred, SOOOOOOO two Wendy's Frosties capped off the afternoon!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-05T09:36:00.013-05:00

Christmas, 2008...I am blogging well after the fact, as it has been a busy season. We began on Christmas Eve, attending a most delightful service at the Northside Baptist Church. Ruthie sang a solo in the children's portion of the service. I have yet to figure out how to post the "clip"..so, just know it was the most beautiful sound, sung by a beautiful young lady...poised and talented! I know there were angels all around and tears of love flowed freely! Ellie took a picture of me and one of her Daddy before the service.

We had Christmas Eve dinner at Chili's and then opened presents with Adam and Lori and the grands. I think Ellie's dolly and Flip's dinosaur provided great entertainment to all! Dean and I especially enjoyed the handcrafted ornaments that now adorn our tree. We also loved the beautiful picture that Gwen made, with many pictures of "Our Jerglets", and especially enjoyed our new slippers!! We will also be enjoying our fruit shipments for the next few months...we can celebrate Christmas for a little longer!!

The next morning, we had Christmas Brunch at Mom's house.
This was the second Christmas she has spent without Dad. She also lost another dear friend at the beginning of the week. Dean really provides her with great strength and comfort, and I know that she also helped him through this difficult time with lots of memories and stories. While I napped, the two of them headed to the cemetery with poinsettias....wonderful bonding time.

On Friday, we got to go over and play with the grands and their new toys! Mom went with us and also enjoyed playing with, and trying to understand all the new gizmos!!

On our return from St. Pete, Karen and Greg invited us to enjoy a traditional Polish dinner. We joined Margaret and Daddy, and Bill and Johanna, in a lovely dinner, rousing games of Taboo, and wonderful company. Daddy had a wonderful visit with his grands and as usual, "My best Christmas, ever!" Daddy has spent 12 Christmases without Mama....we miss her smiling face and love for this special season and her family.

Bethlehem In Monticello

2008-12-09T17:09:00.010-05:00

This weekend marked the busiest weekend for us in December. We have a live Nativity, commemorating the birth of Jesus. Over 60 church members participate as actors, musicians, and workers in this two night production. Margaret and I work with our friend, Lynn, in costumes. Dean works before, with many men from the church, setting up the town; he is a "wise guy" during the production, and then, he and the "crew" tear it all down on Sunday. Over a thousand people traveled through the road, along with three wise men, two camels, and Mary and Joseph,on a donkey, looking for a room in the Inn. There are carpenters, marketplace sellers, a census taker, shepherds, angels, a story teller, an innkeeper, women at the well,townspeople, a beggar and a star over the manger, where the baby sleeps.

This labor of love continues in our Family Ministry Center, where ladies of the church have spent weeks collecting cookies and then serve them with love, and hot chocolate or hot apple cider. While our visitors are eating and sharing, they are "royally" entertained by guitarists, pianists, flautists, clarinetists, violinists, and singer"ists" !

On Sunday night, we all go out to the Finlayson's house for their Christmas "Sing"! This tops off a great weekend, that prepares our hearts for the season to come.

Here are some of the things that will be in my memory from Bethlehem 2008:
1. Maddie Powell, our young friend who loves the horses, transformed from a
"cow girl" into a beautiful angel.
2. Bob Freeland, age 97, singing Ave Maria.
3. Marjorie Finlayson, the hostess with the "mostest" singing O Holy Night.
4. My friend, Sheila and I, staying in tune on our clarinet duet
5. Seeing our friends from St. Pete, Fred and Joanne and Laurie Harrison,enjoying the camels and donkeys.
6. Our friends, Ed and Sylvia Russell, who have now moved to Monticello,enjoying
their first Bethelehem.
7. Dean Jerger, my most favorite "wise guy".
8.Caroline Mueller ...she rode in her homecoming parade, as a first time contestant,and she rode on a donkey as a first time Mary...beautiful both times!
9. Sitting next to Daddy, as he sang along with " I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
10. Watching the entire Finlayson Family share their love for each other and their God, with the entire community.
11. All the children's faces, as they traveled the torchlit streets of Bethlehem.
12. The costume ladies, as they tried to fit all kinds of bodies into a variety of costumes...Margaret, kind of reminded me of wrapping Christmas presents at Russell's :)
Finally, the Cook family, our pastor Wayne (storyteller), his wife Janet(towns person), son, John(Joseph, leading the donkey) and daughter, Lindsay....what a wonderful addition to our church family...they are always there, adding hope, faith and love to every "family outing"...Thank you, Cooks!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-28T13:52:00.006-05:00

For the third year in a row,the Monticello community enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving Day dinner....completely free of charge.Through the efforts of over 50 church and community volunteers, with Dean's leadership, the numbers grew even more. The first year, we served 100+..last year 140+...this year, over 200. All food is donated, and the diners are served in a beautiful atmosphere, on "real" plates, served by willing and grateful "servants".

This year, I was particularly moved by our children...the Powells, the Hanks, and many other of God's littlest heroes. They did not come to eat or play, but to serve their fellow men and women! From decorating the Angel tree, to setting up tables, to seating, greeting and serving..they, alongside their parents gave so much...and on Thanksgiving Day!!! I know their parents wanted to teach them something special, and they DID; they also gave all of us an insight into how much love still exists in this world.

Some of our diners rode on a van from the Senior Center..These beautiful people dress up in their finest, and even sing our blessing. Some saw our flyers and walked right from their homeless worlds to change ours. Some were grandparents, brought by loving grandchildren. Some were aging couples, who showed us the love that carries one through...through wheelchairs...walkers...and Alzheimer's. One diner was a dear friend, who with her husband, has suffered immeasurably in the health department this year. She lamented that it was the first time in forty years that she would not be cooking Thanksgiving Dinner...I told her it was my third year NOT cooking...she was going to LOVE IT!!! And she did.

I thank my dear sweet husband for not giving up on this idea...pushing all of us around him to look around and hear God's whisper to take care of His people...In doing so, we invariably take care of ourselves. My prayers go out to our friends who are suffering with a spouse they are losing to Alzheimer's...and to their loving spouses...especially to my friend, who is missing her own mother, as I am mine...

So enjoy the pictures of one lovely Thanksgiving Day in the little town of Monticello, Florida....

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Our Nephew's Wedding

2008-11-25T20:33:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, the family gathered for the happy occasion of David and Dianna's wedding. David is my sister Mim's son. It was a grand occasion, and it was such fun. Enjoy the Smilebox presentation...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Birthday Grandma Frances Hall

2008-11-20T19:49:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday, Mama! November 20, 1919

For those of you who never met my mother....she was the strongest, most beautiful, most Christian woman I ever knew! This only child left an easy life behind to "dig in the dirt" with my Daddy, and raise three rather headstrong girls! I know that Margaret, Mim, and I inherited her strong will and determination...that attitude of believing that we could accomplish anything we put our mind to. Mama worked side by side with Daddy in the Nursery Landscape business to provide us with a wonderful home, where, though we didn't have a lot of things....we never lacked a sense of belonging and safety, accompanied by a huge dose of love. We learned early that responsibility was always before any "rights" that we earned...that nobody owed us anything...and that Mama expected us to be our best...no she demanded that. She sacrificed so much to make sure that every one of her "girls" got a higher education.. She believed that women were equal to men, but that education was a necessity to accomplishing equal footing! She was a woman who was NOT able to stay at home like the June Cleavers of her time....but we did not stay at home either. We worked at the nursery in the ways that we could, from very early ages. She believed that the nursery was a family business, and after school that is where you could find us all! Every Sunday you could find us in Sunday School and church...there was no excuse for missing worship.
Mama, we all love you and miss you every day. We thank you for all you gave up for us. Yes, we know you are laughing "up a storm" as we try to accomplish, as a "village", taking care of the man you handled all by yourself!! He IS quite a challenge, but we know you want us to do a good job..and we will!

New Car

2008-11-19T19:40:00.004-05:00

Well, we just bought a new car...It is a Toyota Highlander. It is supposed to get really good mileage, and it has great goodies! I was a little guilty over not buying American, but if the "Big Three" don't join the rest of our country, and get some bailout money, their warranties might not be the best!!

Speaking of bailout money...I have an idea where I would like some of mine spent. Daddy still owes about $1,500 to the VA for a loan taken out in the 70's. Since he has turned 90, and brings in about 600 a month from SS, and no longer works in the nursery business....well, I just thought that the government could use some of my bailout contribution, or Margaret's or Mim's...in that original 700 billion we each contributed $450,000....I think they could just send a mere $1,500 to The VA to forgive a WWII veteran's business loan...what do you think??

Anyway..back to the new car..Friends...I DO NOT have to locate my keys in the bottom of my purse anymore. Really...I just have to have them in my purse...reach out, grab the handle and unlock and open the door...that simple..NO KEYS..then, I put my foot on the brake (I am having the hardest time remembering that step!!)...and push a button on the dash..NO KEYS... when I get to where I am going, I push the same button to turn off the car, get out, close the door, and push a button on the door, and all the doors lock...NO KEYS... Wow! I will never have to dig in my purse for my car keys again...Of course, I WILL have to remember to put my "thingie that is not a key" in any other purse that I might carry...or my pocket....Ain't Technology Grand??? Ain't...according to our third graders..that is a proper contraction for the two words "A Not"...I hope I used it properly!!

God's Smallest Heroes

2008-11-13T11:21:00.003-05:00

Leave it to Him, right in the middle of me..me..me, He places another of His children in my heart...another one, who makes me question the world's climate of hate, when do we change, what will it take? He places another story in my life, that again makes all of my petty concerns pale in comparison.

I want to introduce you to a beautiful little girl, Jakeria. Like our new President, her mother is white and her father is black. She lives within walking distance of the school... her mother has a job at Applebee's and her dad is in the service of his country in Iraq.

I just met Jakeria last week, because she has not been in school for the past 6 weeks. She was the victim of a brick hurled in hate, by a 14 year old boy who took great exception to her heritage.... you see, racism exists, even in black communities.

This little 8 year old hero needs our prayers, as well as the boy who threw that brick. She has forgiven him....she told me, so...so shall I. She says that God has plans for her...she had a dream, and Jesus told her so! I believe that is true...but that doesn't stop my heart from cracking in two, as I sit quietly with her, waiting for her mother to come pick her up, because the headache has become too great to bear. You see, the brick hit Jakeria in the back of her head, which required hours of brain surgery to save her little life.

I continue to pray for our littlest heroes...the smallest of God's children, as they must walk through this hate filled world..and I praise His glorious grace, as He places us in the midst of it, to bring His love to His heroes.

Lazy J Showing Her Fall Colors

2008-11-03T14:28:00.004-05:00

Dean, Baxter and I took our afternoon walk and came upon some fall colors on the Lazy J. We picked up and ate pecans as we walked around, which is one reason Baxter loves to come along on our walks :)! This is one of my favorite times of the year up here; the weather is beautiful, the birds are beginning to migrate, the alligator(s) are beginning to "hunker down", so the otters are showing up. I just hope to have my camera with me at the right time, so I can get some pictures of these cuties!

I did get some pictures of the fall colors...and the beautiful sunsets with our friend, Salty!

Halloween

2008-10-31T19:00:00.009-04:00

Today is Halloween, and I am blogging some old memories that make me smile. The first one is Adam at 3 years old. Yes, those are "Underoos"....though my mother was a great seamstress, I must admit to complete failure with a sewing machine! So, poor Adam had to put up with a lot of "store bought" thrown together costumes. So Batman was it that year!

The next picture was in Mrs. Savitsky's Kindergarten class at Kreative Kids. Adam and Erica were the best of buddies. As you can see from this picture, Spiderman was the "Target" special in 1981.

The third picture leads me to one of my most precious Halloween memories. This "dracula" outfit was my first attempt at make-up!! Adam was so excited as he headed off to school for his big Halloween Parade!! Didn't he look scary??? I decided at the last minute to take a half day from school, got someone to cover my class, and made it over to school for the parade.... He did not look nearly as happy as he hastily made his way across the platform...of course, he might have just been trying to look scary...ooooooohhh!!!However, when I walked back with him to Miss Graves' class, he was very sad..he said, "Mommy, my friends don't know me, and they are afraid of me!" Miss Graves let me take him into the restroom, and I washed all that scary make-up off. I am so thankful that I went to his parade!!

My next attempt at a "make-up" costume was when he and David Valenzano decided to go to middle school as monsters! This time, no one was afraid of him...However, Adam developed a case of impetigo the next day....must have been bad make-up!! All because his mother couldn't sew!!! I think he has forgiven me for that one...

The final picture that I have, is one of he and Lori in college...Lori can always bring the biggest smiles from the "boy"!! Such a "Joker" !!

I thank my "little dracula" for giving me so many happy Halloween memories...We used to decorate his bedroom with spider webs, and skeletons, and ghosts, Oh My ... and yes, Adam, you even shared your Reese's Peanut Butter cups...oooops...maybe you didn't "remember" that part :)

The World Series

2008-10-26T18:57:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Wow...The Rays in the World Series! Would you ever have believed it Sports Fans??
Dean headed down to St. Pete to take his 88 year old mom to the World Series Game 2. Coach Ray Hughes, from Aucilla Christian Academy, who coached Bobby Thigpen in high school, and our good friend from church, went with Dean. As did a contingent of baseball fans from Monticello, including another birthday celebration for Ricky Finlayson, who celebrated his tenth at the Trop.

Ray actually caught a foul ball, and the usually reticent, shy coach from ACA, went absolutely wild!! He brought the picture to church this morning to show EVERYONE!!
Next to Dean's mom, Lori and Adam, and the long suffering fans in St. Petersburg, Ray wins the award for Rays mania!!

Dean had an absolutely wonderful time, as he checked off another bucket list item...It is the 3rd one in this year...We saw a Yankees vs. Red Sox game in Fenway Park....we went to the College World Series in Omaha, and now he actually got to the World Series....Thank You Tampa Bay Rays...... HOOOO RAYS!!!

Teachers, my friends, my heroes

2008-10-21T06:49:00.006-04:00

As most of you know, I spent 30 years in a classroom of either 2nd graders, 3rd graders, or 4th graders. It was in those classrooms that I met my dearest friends... some were and are still teachers, some were and are parents of my students, and some were students. This continues today.... What you may not know, friends is that I have returned to the classroom...well, on a voluntary basis for three days a week.

My friend, Anita is teaching her final year of third grade, preparing for a wonderful retirement. She has had some health issues that would have forced anyone else into an early retirement, but she perseveres. Now, before my friends, who are colleagues, shake their head in wonderment....she had finally been assigned that dream class...the sweetest and smartest.....enough said!

So, Anita has graciously allowed me to share in her good fortune...I get to come in 3 days a week and just help her do whatever she needs me to do...I've been grading papers, collecting candy money and forms and getting them into the right hands, taking lunch choices and count, re -explaining directions, making lists, passing out Pizza Hut reading award certificates, re - explaining directions, helping with computers...and so on and so on...trying to do those things that would give her a chance to just TEACH! That is something that most teachers would love to have the time to do....:)

The children are awesome...God gave me the talent...But, my friends....after 8 years of retirement, a full three days a week in the classroom is TIRING! I HAVE kept my retirement promise, so far...I DON'T do Mondays and Fridays!!! I'm sure I will get used to once again getting up in the "wee" hours of the morning, travel to Thomasville (not much further than my commute to Bardmoor), spend my day with the MOST creative thinkers, drive back home, collapse on the couch....get the picture? The only scary part is that Mr. Rodemoyer, the principal, wants me to get on his substitute list, so that I will be able to sub for Anita, when she has to be out...something about continuity....

So to my friends, my heroes....you know I love you and appreciate all you do for the kids. They are lucky to have you and so am I. And to my friends who are not classroom teachers...you know I love you and your kids....you ARE teachers and parents and grandparents.... If you have a moment, and your child or grandchild is in a school with that special teacher...appreciate that teacher for all the love and work it takes to travel with your child for this year.

One More Celebration "Station"

2008-09-28T08:23:00.003-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Dean and I added one more celebration to Rusty's birthday. We picked him up after school and traveled to Clearwater's Celebration Station. During the week, in the early afternoon, you pretty much have the place to yourself. Plenty of good visiting and playing time is available!

We had a great time riding in the race cars, playing the games, and eating pizza. Rusty beat his Grandma handily in Air Hockey, while his Grandpa and he are tied one game apiece!

In holding with tradition, Rusty won enough tickets to get his brother and sisters some great prizes (So sorry about the Play Dough for Ellie, Lori :))and for himself.He ate a ton of pizza, and we had him back home for an exciting round of homework!

Happy Birthday to you, Rusty!!!

Swim FSU

2008-09-26T05:20:00.012-04:00

This is how they looked in college and in high school. I am talking about Dean and his swimming buddies, as they met up with each other again at the Pool Dedication for the FSU Swimming and Diving Teams. For the first time in FSU's history, the swimming and diving teams have a facility that they can call their own. They do not have to share their locker rooms with the entire student body, anymore. With the help of former swimmers and interested boosters, this facility, located near the FSU Golf Course, will become the new home of the SWIMNOLES !

Mike and Adie, and Dean I were first met by Allen Orendorff and his wife, Jane. Allen and Dean were both swimmers for Boca Ciega High School, and later teammates for FSU. They are in that color picture...can you find them? We had not seen Allen since graduating from FSU in 1971. Turns out that Allen and Jane visit his mom every Christmas...in St. Pete...needless to say, we will be touching base again this Christmas.

We then met up with two more swimmers, Chester Miltenberger and "Little Dickie Hosford". Chester was two years behind Dean and swam Breaststroke for FSU. He is now a heart surgeon, and stays in shape with Masters Swimming. Dick Hosford was a high school swimmer who was allowed to train with the FSU team. He is now the head Swim coach for Leon High( in Tallahassee), while his son, who also swam for Auburn (after Adam), is the head coach for rival Lincoln High. For those of you who did not know, Mike Price was a trainer for the swim team...and was Dean's first college roommate and "bestest" friend!! In this picture they are left to right...Dean, Chester (Chet the Jet), Dick, Allen and Mike. In the team photo from Dean's Jr. year, can you find Dean, Mike, and Chester?

And finally, Dean is standing near the diving platforms, named for his friend and teammate, Phil "Flip" Boggs. Flip was an outstanding FSU diver, who went on to win Gold in the Olympics. In their Sr. year, at NCAA's, Dean and Flip had so many points between them, that FSU actually made the leader board. Since this was an unexpected development, a sign had to be hastily "hand written", so That FSU could join the ranks of Indiana (Mark Spitz's school) and the other elite swimming schools of the time. Flip died in his late thirties from cancer. I know he was with us that day!

New Seasons

2008-09-12T05:57:00.007-04:00

Football Season 2008 has begun. FSU is beginning a new season of football, with some new faces and some old expectations and hopes for a return to the "Glory" days. We shall see about all of that.

Anyway, Mike and Adie and Dean and I were ready to assume the position for the first game of the season against the "Daunted" Western Carolina, Catamounts. To our dismay, rain and lightning delayed the game for nearly two hours...we were troopers, and waited out the first delay, filed back in our seats, and saw the first FSU touchdown..However, on the second delay, we "wimped out"...I should say Adie and I "wimped" out...left to watch the game in a dry living room. I guess the hearty souls of 1967- 1971, who watched many a game in the rain, without those handy dandy
rain ponchos, well, let's just say we've "aged up"!

Another new season began Tuesday, with our Hands and Hearts for horses. This is the therapeutic riding classes that we volunteer for on Tuesday mornings in Thomasville. The Thomas County schools allow their special ed. classes for autistic, downs and other learning disabled kids, to attend, and Tuesday morning is the younger age group..what would be elementary education.

This year, we lost one of our favorite kids, as he aged up to Middle School. David is autistic, and really hit it off with Dean..we will miss working with him. The two oldest boys, Christian and Dante will be with us at least one more year..Christian is also autistic, and Dante..well Dante has a host of special needs..autistic + he has extreme visual problems. They have grown physically, as well as "emotionally"...plus these two ride well.

We have two new kids, Georgie and Colby, both have Downs Syndrome. I can tell already, that Dean and Colby will be another "match made in heaven". Though Downs presents a completely different set of challenges, the horseback riding still gives the kinds of movements that help them relax and open up. Unfortunately, our Colby opened up a little too much this time. Some of his new schoolmates have taught him some "potty mouth" expressions...That sweet smile reminds you that he is simply "parroting" what he has heard. His teacher, Miss Sue, will quickly get that under control...Sue is a real blessing to her kids! And her kids are true blessings to us!!

Labor Day, Birthday,Grandkids

2008-09-05T12:31:00.012-04:00

On Labor Day weekend, Adam ,Lori, and the grandkids came up to celebrate a birthday, and the beginning of college football season. Flip also came up to receive his new set of "wheels"...Those vehicles got a ton of use this weekend. A couple of problems were noticed this time,one, Ruthie's legs are getting so long, she is rapidly outgrowing her "Princess Jeep", but she drove her sister, Ellie, around and still had fun with it. Flip's new wheels were great, but he likes to watch the wheels go round and round, rather than the path in front of him. We had one collision with Rusty's tractor, and one with a small tree....vehicle and grandchild continue to "keep on ticking".

Well, my "baby" turned 32 on September 1st..Wow, he's really OLD!!!And as my 4th graders always said, "Yes, but what are you?" OK so I am REALLY, REALLY OLD.
We celebrated with a "traditional" cookie cake, a trip to Barnaby's Pizza, horseback riding, football watching, laughing, playing and loving! Also, Dinah..Lori wanted me to take a picture of the wrapping paper. Seems, you are notorious for wrapping like this?? Makes perfect sense to me!

Great Grandpa, Sweet Willie, loved "seeing" and visiting the kiddos... Plus, he always loves to visit with his Grands...Adam and Grandpa shared and caught up with some of their favorite "stories".

It was soooo much fun, watching Ellie...she loved "grooming" the horses. She especially liked combing their tails and manes. The only down part of that experience was informing her that the comb was for the horses' tails and manes, NOT her pretty blond hair!! She wanted to get on the horse( she thought)..So, we picked out a blanket and put her up on Red's back...She looked around, realized how high up she was, and quickly reached out to get down..Then, picked up trhe mane comb, gave her hair a little swipe, and back to grooming!! The others had their ride, groomed and fed the horses and the goats each morning and evening.
Grandpa's favorite activity was hide and seek with Ellie...She would go into the family room, and Dean would hide in one of two places. Ellie would call out "Gpaw, back to the family room giggling. It doesn't take long for the granddaughters to wrap their Grandpas around their precious little fingers, does it?wheah ah oooo?" Then she would find him , squeal, run quickly in place, and head

Of course, there was the pool, Houser and Salty facing off, eating pizza at Barnaby's, Baxter and Houser tolerating each other, walking, spider watching, bird watching, exploring, playing...what a great weekend. Lori and I are officially announcing that we WERE here all weekend, however, we appear in NO pictures. AND I want to thank Miss Lori again and again...she always washes sheets and towels, dishes, and makes the kids clean up their toys....I don't have nearly the clean-up when I finally get out of bed DAYS after they have left!!

Jefferson Election 2008

2008-08-27T08:55:00.003-04:00

Ah, the unique joys of living in a small town...during an election year! First, for months..there have been signs of all sizes and shapes plastered along each roadside, extolling the virtues of each candidate. I think the road department may have removed our street sign, because it covered some of the signs!!!

Ah, the joys of having an "old southern" courthouse circle. It got a little dangerous, yesterday, voting day, as at least 8-10 sign waving people were gathered on all 4 entrances of the circle, seeking our votes. It wasn't dangerous for them...only those of us who had to wave at all our friends, shout words of encouragement, and NOT run into the car (or school bus) ahead of us, as, of course we had to make the complete circle, so we wouldn't miss anyone.

Ah, the joys of living in a mostly Democrat county, when you are a Republican. Since many of the important races have no Republican candidates, the Democrat who wins the Primary goes on to serve in that position. I didn't even get to vote for my School Superintendant or Sheriff :(

Ah, the joys of living outside the Tallahassee newspaper coverage. As I got up this morning, we heard snippets of results...but not complete...So......checked the paper.NOPE...every county in the big bend EXCEPT Jefferson! Not to despair..got on the computer google searched Jefferson County election results...they had some listings from 2004...then got on the Tallahassee newspaper website...went through all the headings clicked "more", and got terribly excited when I saw Jefferson County news! However, the article explained that at 2AM this morning, a state trooper couldn't see two completely black cows, who had escaped their pasture off US 19 S. Fortunately, the trooper escaped with minor injury, his cruiser totaled, and the two cows are now grazing in greener pastures. Sooooo, as I was driving this morning, through the circle at the courthouse, there were people with signs standing and waving??? They were the WINNERS...thanking their supporters for the victories!!! Who needs the paper OR the internet...I should have known to go to town to find out who won!!

I did not include pictures this time, because I left my brand new camera in the float boat on Lake Burton. Ah, the joys of "Senior Moments"!!

Concerts

2008-08-01T09:59:00.010-04:00

Reading Meagen's blog about The Jonas Brothers' concert brought back some cool memories. Don't get me wrong, Dean and I were NOT big concert goers. So, when Meagen asked if we could remember our first concert, well, I can count them all on one hand!

Our first concert was at FSU, as were two of the others. They usually accompanied Homecoming activities. The Lettermen came our Sophmore year. We loved their song, "Unchained Melody" and our favorite of theirs, "Goin' Out of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off of You". This was such a great concert, I couldn't wait until the next one!

I was so excited to hear that Paul Anka was coming to campus. Of course, this is how I remembered Paul Anka from the 60's. A REAL heartthrob, along with Frankie Avalon, and Bobby Darin. I couldn't wait to see him in person, and hear "Puppy Love". This was a "comeback" tour for him, and I wondered what his new songs would be like, as well. Dean and I got there, all excited, and then this "OLD MAN" walked out on the stage...what happened to that gorgeous head of hair????

He did sing "Puppy Love", and his new song, "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" was a big hit!!

I couldn't really brag to my friends about his concert, because, he later came out with the all time "sexist pig" hit, "Having My Baby"!! No self respecting women's libber ever drooled over Paul Anka, again!! Besides, he had lost all that beautiful HAIR!!

The last concert at FSU was the BEST!!! It was again, Homecoming...Seminole Pow - Wow. We even invited Dean's parents to attend...The emcee was Richard Pryor, and after the litigy of "Blue", Dean's parents politely left!! They missed the concert, but that probably didn't matter to them. Out on the field came The Ike and Tina Turner Review. That was the first time I had actually seen the group, but had been listening to their tunes. Well, let me tell you, I was physically exhausted,especially after "Proud Mary". Miriam and I had a half way decent imitation of that dance!!! We were a LOT younger, so don't ask.....

Our last concert was another comeback tour. The Righteous Brothers got back together in the 70's and appeared at Busch Gardens. Though they were indeed "older", the sound was magic! I could listen to Bill Medley's mellow bass voice forever!! They had one new hit, "Rock and Roll Heaven", which I love, but , as Top Gun afficionados will agree their best..."You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" can still bring down the house!

The very last concert I attended, Dean did not even go. My friend, Adie and I took our boys to a concert in Tampa....the group? A very popular and entertaining group that sang and danced across the stage to such tunes as " Blame It On The Rain" and "I'm Gonna Miss You". I believe this is the group that influenced Adam and David to transform our living rooms into "recording studios", as they "performed" for hours at a time, when they got together...Yes, this was the group, Milli Vanilli, who were later exposed as "frauds", because they actually Lip-synched all of their songs, not just on stage, but did not even sing their songs on their first records. I DO remember that they were extremely entertaining and LOUD! I guess, when you don't have to actually sing, they can pump the volume up as loud as they want!!

So, except for one other appearance by Kenny Rogers...I guess it can count as a "concert", though it was a small venue with assigned seats, that is the extent of our concert going... "Aging Boomers" enjoy going to Broadway shows, or Vegas venues, where we are inside, cool, and NOT too far from a comfortable BATHROOM!!

New to Ranching?

2008-07-15T12:29:00.002-04:00

As many of you know, we lease part of our land to the Tuten's. They are a ranching and farming family who have lived in Monticello for awhile, now. They raise beef cattle, and keep about 100 "Mamas" on our property. The bulls come in to do their "job", but do not "live" on the property. The Mamas have their babies in December, after about a 9 month pregnancy. This is truly an exciting time, as the babies are such fun to watch. They struggle to their feet, wobbly at first, and then playfully kick up there heels and do what all youngsters do...PLAY!!!

The Mamas are truly caring and protective of their calves. Aside from the nourishment, they protect their calves from predators. I have yet to see or hear of a calf lost to coyotes, as we experienced with the goats on our property. They appear to work as a unit in this protection, as they also share the "calf-sitting" duties. We have noticed on many occasions, one or two Mamas with many of the young ones, while the others are away grazing. Those six months are such fun to watch and observe, not only the antics of the young ones, but the "loving" nature of the Mamas.

This is the very saddest part of the year. The calves are now big enough to sell and take to market. Gary and his crew, ride their horses on the property, separate the calves and Mamas, and load the calves in a trucks to send to their next stage. I believe they take them to the midwest, where they are grain fed and grow to a " marketable" size.

Left behind, the now pregnant females, prepare to deliver their new babies in December. But, the sad part is, they loudly mourn and search for their "babies" over the next two or three days! Every time you drive near them, it is almost like they are asking you for help in locating their errant "kids". They literally bellow and "scream" for them for days...I know that steaks and hamburger are a large part of our diet...and that these cows are raised for that specific purpose...but still...the Mama in me suffers with them.

Welcome to America... Happy Birthday

2008-07-10T10:28:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Friday, July 4th, Lori and Adam had a party with friends and family to celebrate America's and Ellie's birthday. What a wonderful day we had! The weather was perfect and the company was grand. Great Grandpa, "Sweet Willie", met Ellie for the first time. His impressions?? Remembering that he does not see too well (macular degeneration) " She certainly is a strong little girl!" He told all his prayer group in Monticello about the party, and what a great time he had. He also bragged about how well Adam and his friends took care of keeping him out of the sun!! He is so proud of Adam and Lori....he thinks they are doing everything right.

Grandpa and Grandma spent a ton of time in the water with the grands. Though prunes look a lot better than we did, we had a great time! We saw fish, found shells and sand dollars, dove, acted silly and played like kids. I heard a great saying the other day, that applies to us.... "Growing old is necessary, but growing up is optional."

It was wonderful celebrating with friends and family! A great time was had by all!!

Daddy's 90th Birthday in Biloxi

2008-07-02T13:25:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We all had a great time with Daddy in Biloxi. Though no one "struck it rich", we were rich in love and family memories. It had been a long time since the cousins had all gotten together with their grandpa at the same time.

Daddy thought that he would never make it to fifty years, much less ninety. He has said, "If I had known that I would make it this long, I would have taken much better care of myself." Though he couldn't see well, his smile stayed on for days, as he visited with everyone.

Our Friend, Bill Hall......Happy Birthday to you

Watermelon Festival 2008

2008-06-21T18:20:00.010-04:00

Today, June 21st was the 58th Annual Watermelon Festival Parade. There were queens, Grand Marshalls, Volunteers, and because of the election year....politicians, politicians and politicians!

Dean drove the little car, and the Grand Marshall, his wife, two kids, his mama and a few extra nieces and nephews. I don't know how they all got in there, but they became a close knit group. For those of you who do not recognize Super Bowl cornerback for the New York Giants, Sam Madison, he is a local football hero, former 4X Pro Bowler with the Miami Dolphins, who was the Grand Marshall for the parade. Dean says his Super Bowl ring was huge.

This is our Altrusa Float. We won for the best Civic Group float. Yes, that is me as the "Reader"..I got that position on the float for two reasons...after 8 years in Monticello, I am still the new kid on the block and I taught school soooo...I was in charge of the little ones riding. My friends know, that I intentionally NEVER taught below the second grade, but as usual, I learned a thing or two from these little ones, especially Gabbie, who is my new "Best Friend"!

This is Gabbie holding, "David", a snail she picked up in the parking lot before climbing up onto the float. For the life of me, I could see no snail, but since I had no glasses on to see, I guarded him with my life throughout the parade, while holding on to crawling, kicking, and hitting little cuties, who were SUPPOSED to be listening to a "story" and waving to their parents and grandparents. While we were waiting for the parade to begin, we were in the shade, so it was cool...as soon as we were in the sun for 5 seconds the little ones began getting a little grumpy!! Gabbie, started holding her head, complaining about the heat, and asking when she was going to get to ride the float. When I told her that we were on the float, she asked "But where is the water?" See parents?? Children don't always understand, even though they hear??!! I explained that it was a "dry" float...the parade would last a few minutes, and we could get some "drinking" water when we got off the float. Oh NO, I just remembered...I think I lost "David" ! :(

The next pictures are examples of the politicians with their floats, tractors, horses and mules!!

After the parade, I went home to pick up Dean, since he did not want to park the little car downtown. We attended the Children's Theater production, "Don't Trash Mother Earth". Many of the children in the production were part of our church family, and it was a precious show!

All in all, it was a great day...after the parade and theater production, downtown was filled with blue grass bands, cloggers, food vendors, and artisans lining the streets. In a small town, with a big celebration, food is cooked by everyone or anyone with a grill..you can get the best barbecue, fried fish, and of course fresh watermelon all over the town!! This evening, there will be ghost tours in the "Most Haunted" small town in America....And all day there will be seed spitting contests, food eating contests, face paintings, and music ,music , music.

For those of you getting "jealous", or just "curious"...the Watermelon Festival is held on the third weekend of June...The Lazy J has rooms...the "caretakers" may be in the parade...and if you get here early enough so may YOU!!! :)

College World Series/Father's Day

2008-06-17T11:46:00.002-04:00

Dean spent Father's Day without his dad for the first time this year. Adam called to wish his dad a happy day and to remind him that he is loved. Adam sensed the significance of this particular Father's Day and kept his dad in prayer. Thank you, Son.

We spent the day wandering around the Old Market in Omaha, and finished up with the 6PM game at the College World Series. All in all, it was a good day.

We met a couple, Lennie and Deb Risner, who were also completing a "Bucket List" item for Lennie. We just started talking to this couple from Ohio....Deb shared why, though they had no team in the Series, they were making this trip. You see, 4 weeks ago, they arrived in Omaha for a liver transplant that Lennie needed to save his life. A week prior to Father's Day, 3 weeks after the transplant, Lennie had a heart attack. This was the first heart attack that this clinic has had with a transplant recipient. God had them in the right place at the right time.

And here they were, this lovely couple, smiling and looking forward to a College Baseball Game at the College World Series. Please keep them in your prayers, as Lennie has a long way to go. But Sunday, his children and grandchildren could celebrate the blessings of having him a little longer and for one more Father's Day.

College World Series

2008-06-12T07:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I will be away from the blog for a few days...no my computer has not crashed AGAIN. Dean and I are scratching one more thing off the "Bucket List". We've always wanted to go to a College World Series...and we will combine the FSU Seniors' Bucket List with ours...Hopefully, They will be able to stay a little longer than us. GO NOLES!!
We will be returning on Wednesday. You see....we have "obligations" for the Watermelon Festival. At least, Dean's cute little car has obligations..Dean's driving the Grand Marshall for the parade..Last year, Daddy and I drove the former Watermelon Queen. The "car" has a new identity in this little town... Someday, it will be a classic, with low mileage and memories of parades and homecomings!
See you all in a few.........

Buster Posey's Dad

2008-06-09T14:49:00.000-04:00

For those of you who did not know. Buster Posey is the best College baseball player for the year 2008; he plays catcher for FSU, and has the perfect baseball name. Echos throughout the stadium of " Bust One , Posey" and " Bust it out of here, Buster" have now become commonplace at Dick Howser Stadium.

I would like to clear up one thing, however, Dean is not Buster's dad!!! For most of you, who did not or do not watch ESPN College Baseball during this time of the year...FSU was playing and losing to Wichita State in the first game of the Super Regionals on Friday. Adam called us in the middle of the game to tell his dad that he had been on the big screen many times, and to have us ask if it was true what the announcers were saying, that " Mrs. Posey, Buster's mom was sitting behind us." Well, yes she was ,and so were some of the other players' family members...we had not recognized that fact until then.

Later on that evening, we got a call from our nephew, David, who told us that the ESPN crew showed Dean again, right after a rather controversial umpire call made on Buster's younger brother, Jack. (Can't you hear the crowd, when he gets to be a SR.? "Jack it out of here, Posey")

The ESPN announcer said, something like, "Look, even Mr. Posey is upset about that call!!

Well, we laughed and Dean made a vow, right then and there to control his attack on the umpires, just in case the TV cameras kept too close a watch on him for the remainder of the tournament. Of course, I wasn't the least bit concerned over the fact that they might not know who that lady was next to Mr. Posey...I just figured that they would think I was Buster's slightly older sister :)

The funny ending to this story? aside from my sister Margaret's new nickname for me...Rosie Posey... Sunday morning at church, a sweet lady came up to Dean and said, "Dean, you will never believe how much you resemble Buster Posey's dad. Both of you are tall, blond hair, and thin." She had to rush over to her husband, after Dean assured her that it was him on the TV, punch him in the arm and say "See I told you that looked like Dean on the TV!!"

So Dean had his 15 minutes of fame on someone else's time...Such a "Poser"!!

Now, he will have to go back in his memory to 1971...Ames, Iowa...NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships...50 yard Freestyle...championship heat...announcing the swimmers on Wide World of Sports...In Lane 5 "Dean Jerger, FSU" Dean had just picked up a handful of water and was spitting into the pool!!!!

Mars vs. Venus/ Scrapbooking vs. Hunting..etc.

2008-06-07T18:57:00.000-04:00

I must admit, ladies, I took some heat from Dean for some of my comments on my last blog...First off, he says that a great guy will read your blogs, or listen to it if you read it for him, or tape it so he can play it back after the ball game, if you remind him.....:) AND, he would like to clear something up for all guys!!
We were at the ball game, today, and I was making my normal female complaint about the lack of parity in facilities at the ball park, or football stadium, or other such male dominated places..
He pointed out to me that guys have real problems with their facilities, especially at the ball park, as well. You see, there is no place to put anything down in their facilities....so, if you have bought your hot dog and then remembered you needed to make a stop...what in the world do you do with that hot dog?? AND the really embarassing part of all of that is..are you ready????
Everyone knows when that happens, because...you ivariably get mustard all over the underarm part of the shirt sleeve that you have stuck it under!!!
See ladies? aren't you ashamed of yourselves?? Well, now, at least you know why some guys just appear so messy with mustard on their shirts!!

Soul Mate

2008-06-06T10:51:00.000-04:00

Today, I am going back to something easy. I have read the incredible love that has been deservedly heaped on your husbands...I just hope they all know how much they are loved! But remember, they are guys....they are probably NOT reading your blogs...if they do, they will most likely be so overwhelmed they might run out and buy some flowers!! So...if you want those flowers...TELL them.... oh, and yes, tell them how much you like flowers, what color, what kind....you know the drill....

The love of my life, my soul mate, Dean. No, I did not recognize God's attempt to put this wonderful person in my life. As a matter of fact, I tried to get him to date my friend.....It seemed perfectly logical to me...He was very tall, she was very tall..He was a swimmer, she was a former swimmer.... He had blond hair and blue eyes...she had blond hair and blue eyes...you get the picture, With a human heart, I looked at both of them, and thought that would be a great match.
With a divine heart, that can see the inside of a person, God consistently went about making the perfect match .

Dean says that he was sure I was going to ask him to the Bryan Hall ( my freshman dorm) Christmas Party ,when I walked up to him and started talking to him about the event. When I asked him to ask my roommate, instead, he graciously did exactly that. You see, I know now, that God had already spoken to him. We didn't know each other very well at that point, but he already knew?? I finally began noticing the hints at the event. The short, but extremely "handsome" guy I had asked to this event, wouldn't even get his hands dirty, as we papered our RAs' room. For those of you who are young and may not connect those dots; RAs were, I think the initials stood for Residence Assistants, upperclassmen who had a room at the end of the hall to "keep an eye" on us young girls!! Papering the room consisted of balling up newspapers...filling an area directly behind the door, so that when you opened your door it all spills harmlessly on top of you. Hey, don't laugh...we thought that was pretty rebellious!!
Anyway....Dean dove in happily and suddenly, I actually noticed this tall, blond hair, blue eyed swimmer.

I've always said that his height is what keeps short people from knowing the "Real" Dean. After all, the tallest boy I had ever seen to that point was another swimmer, isn't that odd? He was , maybe, 6"1"...Dean was 6' 5"...doesn't seem like a lot, but when you are 5'3"....well that is really tall!!

We went on our first date, the day after Spring Break...we spent the entire afternoon, after swim team practice, at the pool. Did I mention that he was a swimmer??
Did the fact that he wanted to dirty his hands let me know that he was my soul mate? That should have been enough, but no, God has been developing all of this over 41 years, thousands of fears, and millions of tears, both happy and sad. Soul mates are not our priorities, but God's.
As Lori put it in her blog...Sometimes priorities may be the same...and that would be an individual's choice. I believe that Adam is happy that we heard the message.... He would have been a lot shorter, with darker hair, and not much of a swimmer!! :)

Thank you , Lord for allowing me to see your will. Thank you for not letting the "world" get in the way .... Please let me see the perfection of your will in all things, as you have in the choice of my soul mate .

2008-06-05T08:34:00.000-04:00

OK, all you bloggers....I started easily....showing off my grandchildren...cute pictures... beautiful creatures...full of love.... how hard of a task is that? So, I am taking a hint from all of your blogs...I will make this a little more difficult for me, I will venture into a deeper side of blogging, which requires, thinking and a higher degree of vocabulary than my thirty years of teaching elementary age children prepared me for...See, I already goofed...ended that sentence with a preposition...oh well, I hope that, even if some of you are teachers, you will be able to read through my inevitable errors in spelling and grammar to see the message. If you see references pulled from your own blogs, and I did not give you credit for them, I'm not taking credit for them, and will try to remember to put hose pesky " " around the words if I use them verbatim. Then you will all have to go back and reread everyone's blogs to see where they came from. Hey this could be a new game of "Tag"!!

Alright, you noticed that I did include pictures..that is my visual self, if I were more auditory, I would have included a song. The first picture is the best one I could fine right now, that was a good distance away, and does not accent the aging process...except for all those stinking brown spots...I've been watching my Daddy closely at almost ninety...if something isn't "sluffing off him", some new more grotesque thing is growing on him! Oh the joys of aging, not a good spot for sissies!

The next picture is me at age 5 or 6, it's been so long ago, and Mama forgot to include the date on the back! Cute, huh? This is the picture that shows how I truly see myself right now...no I'm not blind, yet! This is how I see myself in my journey with God. A willing, happy little girl, ready to listen and please my loving Father.

During my experiences at the time of my mother's death, I began "noticing" God's attempts to really get my attention. Sometimes these attempts were kind and gentle, the ones I've always had. Other times, they were painful, not so kind and gentle, and not so well received. The most recent ones have been like sledge hammers, but suprisingly not painful. That is because, I finally allowed Him to take control and I finally listened!!

At this time, can you believe, I signed up for a Bible Study concerning prayer...Do you think that was a coincidence? I did not do my first week's work, making one excuse after another. I don't have time ( or was it "not a priority" ?)and I can hear what others are thinking and I will figure out the week's work. This was not a good choice on my part, as He woke me up at 4:15 two mornings in a row to "discuss" some things with me. I know my walk with Him is maturing, because for the first time in a very long time, I actually listened and heard His voice. I know that my walk is maturing, because I can see so many events He is placing in my sight, that I know are not coincidence. I know that my walk is maturing because.....well, I will consider making a list of top 10 reasons I know my walk is maturing on another blog. If each blog is this long, they may start charging me for space..

I now know that my quiet time with Him must be in the morning??? Uh, I wonder where I got that? So now, I am getting up early, and spending that very important quiet time with my best friend in all meanings of that word.

Thank you Lord, for not letting me believe I had You in my back pocket, so all I had to do was pull You out and wave You around when I "needed" you. Thank you for not giving up on me and breaking through the obstacles I had put in between us. I now stand with all of Your children who wait on You. I might not be as "patient" as I should be...but I will begin today....and I will begin tomorrow, if I fail today...and I will begin again the next day, if I fail tomorrow...I will never give up , as You will never give up on me.

Grandchild #4 Ellie

2008-06-03T15:27:00.001-04:00

Our fourth grandchild is Ellie. She just turned two in March. God has truly blessed our family with her addition. Though she has only been with her "forever family" a short time, it seems like forever.

Great Grandfather Bill Hall says a prayer for her every night...He prays that God will make sure that his family treats her well!

I know that she is smart and talented, as all of Lori and Adam's kids are..I wasn't sure I had mentioned that before.

When my sister, Margaret worried about the birth of her second child...my mother, who was an only child, told her that she would have plenty of room in her heart for another child. Lori and Adam have proven that point, well!

Grandhild #3 Flip

2008-06-02T14:59:00.000-04:00

Flip...what can I say about this cutie? He has the sweetest smile (dimples) and can make you laugh with just that grin! He is the redhead in the group....and I don't know if he is a "typical" redhead, he just constantly keeps you on your toes.

He doesn't seem to get too flustered, if you scold him...He reminds me, in that way, of a second grader who had colored his duck on his worksheet purple...I was a young teacher, had no children, so remarked....is that really the color you want to make that duck??? His response?

"You don't like it? I like it?" One of these days, I expect to hear something similar, if I ask that kind of silly question.

Flip is a smart and talented 4 year old. Have you noticed that Lori and Adam produce a lot of smart and talented kids?? Flip is named after his Grandpas, Philip and Dean. I knew another Flip, in college. He was a diver for FSU and later won Olympic gold for the US. Lt. Philip Boggs.

I know that our Flip will excel in anything he tries.

Grandchild #3, Flip Jerger...All you little girls out there??? Be ready...he is a cutie!!

Grandchild #2 Rusty

2008-06-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

Rusty is almost 7 . (in September) He just finished Kindergarten, with another special teacher...Robyn Decresie. Ah, Kindergarten...I once substituted in a Kindergarten class, covered the class while the teacher had an evaluation...it was the longest 20 minutes of my life!!!

Rusty's class is typical...energetic, smart, helpful,energetic, and energetic!! Ms. Decresie sent me over to the computers with some of the boys, I think she saw the fear in my eyes, and let me have one of the more peaceful activities!! Thank you Robyn!

Along with being smart and talented...seems all the grandchildren share those attributes..Rusty is a sensitive child, who likes to help others...as Lori put it in her blog, "defender of all things weak". Wow is that ever a blast from the past...He is so much like his father,down to his newly developed "smurf" collecting! Lori might check in his desk drawer, and see if there are collections of other types of valuable things.....gum wrappers, rubber bands, aluminum foil, gum wads...

When Rusty visits up here, he loves to go around and visit the cows, ride in his "jeep", and hang with the guys!! He is a great big brother, someting I am sure is father would have loved as well.

Next post...grandchild #3...the redhead!

Grandchild #1 Ruthie

2008-05-31T10:16:00.000-04:00

I thought I would highlight some of the highlights in my life, today, since most of my little known facts came from the past. I told you my life was an open book, so I had to go way back to find things that most people didn't know...Of course, Adam has heard them all..over and over again.

So I'll start with grandchild #1, Ruthie. She is 8 years old and about to leave second grade and Mrs. Johnson, her 1st and second grade teacher. Mrs. Johnson is retiring this year, or I am sure she would put in for another year with this class.

I visited their class this year, and spent a few hours with a fantastic class of second graders, and a teacher who still cares about what is important for her students. And this fine lady brought out the most from Ruthie....thank you, Linda. As a Grandmother, I could not be more appreciative...as a retired teacher, I could not be prouder to have gotten to know such a fine teacher!
Back to Ruthie....Turns out she is not only the smartest and most talented second grader in the entire world ( not to mention the cutest!!!), she was pronounced the best writer in her class, by Mrs. Johnson. I am attaching the copy of a story she wrote in August of 2007.

Needless to say, I was thrilled with her choice of topic; even prouder of her budding talent in writing.

Ruthie is also a wonderful gymnast...Actually, I think she would be great in anything she tackled, because of her dogged determination. Dean and his mom and I visited one of her practices in April....we were completely exhausted!!!

Ruthie is the first of our 4 beautiful grandchildren. We are so proud of them all. And we love them BUNCHES!

Tag

2008-05-27T19:24:00.000-04:00

I started this blog as a result of a tag from my niece, Karen. Here goes...7 things that most people do not know about me..This is truly hard, since my mother always said that I was an open book!

1. As a middle child of three girls, I probably had more brushes with danger than the other two.I survived a runaway horse (twice), a fall from a neighbor's porch ( I loved to climb, glad it wasn't a fall from the tangerine tree), an almost yearly tetanus avoidance( I stepped on a nail every year we went to the beach), a bout of pneumonia ( Mama was afraid it was TB, as my nurse had that disease) , and finally, except for my loud crying, I would have bled to death the time I nicked an artery in my hand, trying to put holes in a jar in which my sister, Mim, had placed a grasshopper without any air holes (Thank you Mr. Peters for hearing me!)

2. I could always get my younger sister, Mim, to do the things I was afraid to try. She was fearless. For instance, I always wondered, what could they do at the dentist office if you wouldn't open your mouth. Yep, told Mim about the "huge needle" and four trips later, an elephant ride, and a valium prescribed by Dr. Debo...she finally opened up!

3. When I am sick, with a fever, I invariably dream about a huge tidal like wave! I am sure there is a dream interpreter out there somewhere that could help me with that.

4. Even though I didn't feel very attractive as a teenager(I have battled weight, ever since being given iron pills to fight the anemia, which caused my pneumonia at age eight),I won a couple of contests that I felt you had to be popular to win. The most socially significant was,being elected the very first female Student Council president in the history of Eustis High School. It was in the year 1967.

5. Dean never had cleaner clothes, than when we were seniors in College. We had married,and the laundromat sat in between our apartment and Krispy Kreme!!(Chocolate Glazed)

6. I was the fastest runner in my fifth grade class, won the Spelling Bee to represent my school in the Lake County competition, got picked first for "Red Rover"(every time), and had a beautiful butterfly collection in the third grade.

7. I truly love to give, more than I like to receive... My Mama once said that I could find something to bring home for others, even if I only went to the 7 Eleven.

OK, now I have to tag someone...I will tag Cori and Sherry...they are young enough to quickly figure out this Blogging!! I will also tag Adie and Miriam, but it will take them some time to respond...I'll help ladies!!