Mom's 90th Birthday

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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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

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.

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