What a week!

This has been a really busy week - dentist appointment, 2 doctor's visits, a greatly needed haircut, a good visit with a friend, and now, today my girls' come in to town!! Gregg follows on Friday, then Bekah's reception on Saturday. Whew - I'm exhausted already, but it's all from such good stuff!!

I'm just getting started on Facebook, and it's a trip! Two really neat things have come out of it already - I'm getting reaquainted with my brother Gary's daughter whom I haven't personally talked to in over 20 years! Her life has been apart from ours for a long, long time, and mom kept me up to her whereabouts through Gary, but since Mom died, she's been aol (absent without leave to you older readers!). It's been nice to hear from her!

Also, old classmates are approaching me to see if it's really "me", and that's been fun. I had to laugh out loud yesterday when one asked me if I still walked on my "tip toes." It's odd to me the things we remember about each other! By the way - I don't. I don't know that we will continue long conversations along these lines, but it's been fun to run across their names and catch up.

Well, I'd best go prepare for the girls to arrive. Andy stayed up late to do his part in "Liz - proofin" the place, but I've got chores to do.

Poverty at it's most evident

After leaving Ouray, with it's wonderfully expensive Swiss architecture, we headed South. All through Colorado, we enjoyed the beautiful villages and towns along the way. Even when we went through areas not so economically blessed, they were still - well, attractive in their own way. I guess mountains, streams, and green grass do a lot to "fix up" a joint.

Then, we entered New Mexico and it's Indian Reservations.

Growing up in South Texas, I've seen poverty; I've taught children of poverty, and my own family has known poverty in my parents' past. But not like this.

I tried to explain it to Dana today on the phone; the hovels plunked down with no seemingly rhyme nor reason, surrounded by dirt, dirt, and more dirt. No trees, bushes, plants of any nature other that a weed here and there. The people live in clumps of humanity or solely in the middle of nowhere, where it looks like there is no water for hundreds of miles. Sometimes the doors were open, as if trying to let any semblance of air inside, and sometimes a poor, starving animal would be wondering around as if searching for a drop of water or morsel of food.

On the highways, we would see in the distance a huge casino, calling travelers to come in and try their luck; Andy wouldn't indulge me, but I would have gone in in a heart beat. Those buildings, along with the state-of-the-art schools within the boundaries of the reservations, made me almost sick to look at. A couple of the schools has astroturf football fields, and other niceities. It made me feel like a person coming upon a horrific auto accident; I didn't want to look at these places, but I had to. It was beyond my understanding that people in America could live like these people did. It almost made me ashamed to go past them in my nice, air-conditioned car wearing decent clothing. It mad me sad.

I know that having "things" does not determine happiness or success. I know that people are people no matter their status in society. I know that people can pull themselves out of a situation if the desire is within them. I just had a very hard time fathoming their lives in those conditions. It broke my heart.

Home again

All week, I've been trying to remember the interesting points of our trip to include in this post; not just "stuff" to share, but what made this trip any more special that any other. Here goes:

I never knew the earth was so many colors! New Mexico especially - I saw soil and rocks in every shade known to man almost - not green except for algae - but black, brown (duh!), orange, coral, white, gray, purple. I truly understand why New Mexico is the "Land of Enchantment" with all these colors and textures. The Valley of Fires was very impressive with it's black rock covering mile after mile of ground.

Sometimes, just sittin and watching the folks around you is the best entertainment. In Ouray on Tuesday, a rain "shower" hit as we were going from shop to shop. Luckily, we found an alcove between some buildings that had a place to sit. For 20 minutes, we watched first the rain, then hail fall out of the mountains. The temperature dropped by 20 degrees at least, and the people were a blast to watch. One guy was actually out in it catching it in a cup - must be a fellow Texan!

Ouray, Colorado had 2 places that were "chains" - a Best Western, hidden way off the beaten path, and a Conoco station on the edge of town. Every other shop, market, hotel, or restaurant was local. Not one drive-thru beverage barn to be found; not even a DQ! No pharmacy, no Wal-Mart, no Blockbuster. You are FORCED to take in this quaint, historic little town and make do. Poor us!!

I don't think I would have survived in those mountains during the mining days. Life was just plain hard, and you died young. Going anywhere and getting anything done was a big process, and there wasn't any timed to be bored or in mischief.

The second part of our trip was totally unplanned. We had a little car trouble, and so we needed to get to a dealership. This cut our time in Ouray one day short, and we headed to Durango. Luckily, the car was fine, and so we headed back to Albequerque. Soon, Andy decided we needed to go to 4 Corners; the place where 4 states meet. It is a LONG, slow drive, through some dirty, poor little towns to the Navaho Indian Reservation where 4 Corners is found. When you turn in to this desolate place, you have no idea what is ahead. It was full of folks from all over, laughing and playing; taking pictures of everyone, seeing just how many ways the human body can get itself into all four states at once. A great place to observe people and to call your daughters to share your discovery!!

We went then into Gallup. Ate at Cracker Barrel and slept in white, white sheets at the Hampton Inn.

Next day; the VLA. Very Large Array - the satellites used to look for ET. Again - a long, long drive through more Indian Reservations (another post on another day!) to a spot filled with people. (I kept thinking of Field of Dreams - "If you build it....") It was awesome to see what God has created and allowed His creation to study.

Smoky the Bear Monument. They actually had to smuggle his dead bear body in at night and bury him at 3 am because of all the threats to steal his body! Early Michael Jackson hysteria!!

Back to Roswell; back to home. Tired. Dirty laundry in many bags, some souvenirs and lots of pictures to develop. Lots and lots of miles - 2,400 I believe - in a car with the man I love. Lots of talking, lots of silence as we took it all in. The brain can only hold so much before the facts begin to run together.

It was a good trip.

So far, so good!

Our trip to Colorado has been great, so far. I am posting from a little internet cafe where we had a delicious breakfast. I find this very interesting since this little town has no DQ, drive-through beverage barn or any "Stop and Go' kind of places!

We have met folks from all over, even some Amish - it's a very touristy kind of town, with lots of history and flavor. Yesterday, we took a jeep trip to the top of Imogene Pass (13,113 ft.) and had lots of fun. The roads were treacherous at some points, but our guide was great.

More details later - Andy is ready to move on.

Ready, Set - Go!

Well - Lord willing, tomorrow we head off for our Vacation!! I'm washing and gathering, and listing things we need to remember; battery charger for the camera, phone charger, hotel confirmations - all necessary to make this the wonderful, relaxing get away I've so been anticipating. Andy works all day today, then we'll finish putting things together so we can head out early.

Won't have access to a computer for 8 days; or so I think. I'm selling off my animals and harvesting my plants on Farmtown so it can sit and wait on me, then I'll buy all the animals back when I return. I can only imagine my email after that many days!!

So, until we return, take care! Andy has his cell for emergencies, and maybe a call or two to check in with the girls; otherwise, we will "talk to you later!" Try to stay cool -

Memories of the past

I love my sister-in-law, Christine. She is an amazing mother, wife, and daughter. Her home is welcoming and happy; even when things are hectic, she is calm. She is one of the only things I love about going to Houston, and we never seem to have time to just visit.

A couple of months ago, she began a project that is daunting; she is asking each family member (about 22 of us, not counting Liz!) to answer questions about our childhood. We answer them, and then she plans to put them in a book for us all! I cannot wait to read all the answers, and I look forward to each question.

Here are this week, and next's:

What is a favorite tradition you had in your family?

What is one thing that your parents taught you that you will pass on to your children?

Now, some of these take a while for me to decide, and some come instantly. What I'm looking forward to seeing is how siblings recall the same event or teaching!

How would you answer the questions above?? Share, if you please!

Enough, already!!

It's pretty bad when the thing you look forward to most is not having to cook dinner in a kitchen in July in Texas!! It doesn't matter that the a/c is blowing, by the time I'm finished, I look like I just got out of the shower, and want to get in the shower!! I'm keeping a close eye on the temperature in Colorado; the high today was 79!! I think I can do a few days of that!! Add some majestic peaks and a waterfall, and I just may stay there permanently!! One week to go!

Dana's visit

We've had a nice, long visit with Dana this past week! She came in on Sunday night, and is heading back to Houston in a bit. She's gotten to sleep in, relax with me on the couch, watched a movie or two, had lunch with Jackie, and played Wii with her buddies. It's been so nice to have her here - I never tire of being with her and talking, talking, talking. Andy wonders what it is we talk about - but it's more what don't we talk about. I'm so grateful she and Erin still want to come home!! She is in a good spot in her life; content and optimistic, and that's such a good thing for a mom to see!!

I love the summer for this reason; Dana is here now, then all the group will come in about 3 weeks for a reception, and then I hope to journey back with them to Houston for a few days before the new school year begins. I want a few lazy days with Liz before she outgrows this marvelous stage that she is in right now, and before my ability to just go as I please is replaced by work.

Life is good right now -

Good, good news!!

Dr.'s office called today - all the results are benign!!! Jackie said she knew it, and I wanted to know it, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious when the phone rang!!

So, thanks be to God for His loving care, and thanks to all of you who've been with me through the ordeal!! Now, I can plan on that trip to the mountains with nothing hanging over me!!

Happy Birthday, America!

The year I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Stinson was my teacher. I remember her and that year like it was yesterday. Two pivitol things happened that year that changed my path forever; my sister, Marsha, was born, and I had my first traumatic visit to the dentist. But that's not the reason for this post.

Mrs. Stinson taught me everything. What I mean by that is, she was my only teacher - we did not change classes, so what I learned that year, I learned from her. I remember her physical prescence; stout, plain dresses that buttoned down the front; short, curly hair, glasses. I have no idea her age; people I thought were old at the time I learn now were only in their late 40s.

Why I think of her today is the songs we sang while in her class. She was ahead of her time; "crossing the curriculum" combining handwriting, Social Studies, and music appreciation. We had these yellow folders (Social Studies; Texas' yellow roses!) filled with page after page of all these patriotic songs in our best cursive handwriting. Now, being 4th grade, a lot of them were songs about Texas, but a lot of them were about our nation. We would open them up, and while she led us, we would sing with all the gusto 4th graders could produce.

One of my favorites was, "This is my Country":
This is my Country,
Land of my birth -
This is my Country,
Grandest on earth!

I pledge thee my alligiance -
America, the Bold!
For this is my Country -
To have, and to hold!

Mrs. Stinson was a great teacher - she filled us with a love and respect for this great land that has only been impacted throughout the rest of my schooling. I
honor her today, as we celebrate this great land once again.

Up and moving

Andy and I got home about 10:30 last night... the whole episode taking about 12 hours from pulling out of the driveway to pulling back in. The main things that hurt today are NOT what I went in for at all; it's my tailbone from sitting in the bed all day and my throat from the tube they put in. All in all, the rest was/is pretty painless. Have mammo after mammo to make sure the wire went into the exact spot was unpleasant, but if it guided the surgeon, then I could handle it.

One thing I know is, the people at Methodist are some of the nicest I've ever had to be around. Those people truly act like they love their job and serving people. It makes the nastiness of being in a hospital bearable.

One comical note: while getting registered, they asked if I wanted the chaplain to come and pray with me before the procedure, and I said, "Sure". 8 hours later, just before they put in my IV, I told the nurse to just forget the prayer; let's get this done! She laughed, gave me my pre-surgery "margarita", and out I went. I was not in the mood to wait for one more person - chaplain or not!!

Now, if my head will just clear!! :)

Out of pocket

Well, Andy and I are about to go up to Methodist for my lumpectomy. Today, I feel apprehensive; told Andy I'd just like to change my mind, but that's not an option. So, please pray, and I'll post all about it soon -

Jim Lassiter

Andy and I met Jim and Faye Lassiter in Huntsville during our dating/newlywed days. Their daughter, Theresa, ran in our Bible Chair group, and they were always around, or we were at their house. He was a grumpy, complaining sort of guy; Faye the charmer of the group. At first, he scared me.

Heart trouble ran in Jim's family, and we soon learned that Jim had retired because his cardiologist basically told him to "go home, sit down, and wait to die." Right. That was 1975ish. Now, he didn't run marathons, or eat crazy stuff with lots of fat, but he certainly didn't sit down. They served in everyway he could, loved his two daughters and grandson with all his - pardon the pun, - heart, and even outlived dear Faye.

After we left Huntsville, they began Soujourning with their camper. Faye began having strokes; small at first, becoming more incapacitating each time. We kept in touch with Christmas cards and on visits to Huntsville. And then, we heard that Faye died. Now the man she took care of all those years was alone. He kept going on Soujourn trips, and met and married Delores in 4 days.

We ran into them in Tulsa right after they married; they showed us pictures of the wedding; his two girls and her four boys. One happy family, and Jim was not alone anymore. They later moved to Kerrville, and we saw them a couple of times afterwards; they came to Gregg and Erin's wedding. People from Pleasanton that visited in Kerrville would meet them, and they'd always ask about us.

When their Christmas card came back this year, I got worried, but not enough to investigate, and I learned this weekend in Huntsville that Jim has died. They moved to Phoenix to stay with Delores' son, and he died there. We never heard.

While I wasn't truly surprised, it made me so very sad to learn we've lost Jim here on this earth. He always loved strongly, and told things boldly. I felt like his daughter when I was with him. I know he is at peace, but I will miss not seeing him again.

Andy has 5 men he considers mentors in his Christian walk; Jim was one of the first.

A weekend of remembering

I know, that title is a lot like the last one; but it fits the past few days for Andy and me. The 45th reunion of the Bible Chair was very nice - we felt very welcomed and very loved, if not very far removed from our years there. The group was small, if the couples that live in Huntsville had not been there, it would have been very, very small!

Our arrival in Huntsville brought back lots of good memories; once we checked into our hotel, we drove around the city and took in lots of old haunts. Our little duplex where we first lived is still standing, but the barbeque place next door is shut down. We had dinner where we had our rehersal dinner 33 years ago; I think the same curtains were still hanging, and the waitresses had definitely not been born yet!! The food was okay....

Saturday brought lots of familiar faces and stories. I told the one about meeting Andy in the funeral home, he told the one about me "stealing" the donuts on a weekend trip to Dallas. We talked about those not there, and gave the new director some interesting facts about the groups that came before him. That night, we had a nice banquet at the church building, and two of the three elders who began the BC were there! Our sweet Brother Ray King has recently passed away, but we recalled his influence on getting things running. It is amazing the lives these men impacted with their decision - elders, deacons, ministers, Godly husbands and wives, and so on are the result of their desire to touch young Christians on a college campus.

Sunday, the alumni conducted services, so Andy served on the Lord's table, along with the others. We sang great songs, visited with those we had not seen yet, and then had lunch with the Taylors. It felt really good to be back. Of course, everyone asked about Dana and Erin, and I'd come prepared with lots of pictures, so that was an added bonus!!

Leaving Huntsville is always sad for me; I have such good memories of living there. I just hope that those who were not able to be there can make it next time -

Back where we started

Tomorrow morning, Andy and I leave for a reunion in Huntsville. We met in the Fall of 1973; he a Sophomore, me a Freshman at Sam Houston State. To say we fell in love fast is an understatement; I was only there two months before I met him, so all my college memories have him in them. This weekend, we will travel back to visit with our Bible Chair group and attend worship with the saints.

Huntsville is so many things to us; the Tissues, getting married, graduating from college - my dad so proud I thought he would pop! - having Dana there. We always said we would go back there to retire... don't say that anymore, but it will be so lovely to see that place again!

Andy grew to love the church in Huntsville. It was his first exposure to the Body of Christ, and so many loving people taught him about the Christian family. A large number of those have gone on to Heaven; Brother Kramer, Faye Lassiter, Betty Waldron - sweet people who just made it known that we were a part of their lives. Some have moved on to become elders, some have divorced, some have stayed right there and lived out their lives in the tall pines and rolling hills.

While I am a little apprehensive about going, since I don't quite look the same as they last remember me, I'm going to put on a brave face and enjoy myself. I'm sure we all have changed some, and it's our inner self that matters, right?! So, we'll talk about the past, share photos of past adventures and new grandbabies, and hug each other tights when we leave. Not a bad way to spend a weekend, right?!

A change in plans

Way back in December, when the board funded our little bonus, I mentioned that I was wanting to take a trip with the "discretionary income" I'd been afforded. Right away, I knew I wanted to do something different - something Andy and I had not done before; a new place.

All Spring, I'd banked on Philadelphia. Got the brochures, scoured the internet for sites, found the hotel on Hotwire; the works. (I learned a long time ago that, for me, the planning is one of the best parts of the trip!) Then, came the mammogram. The decision to wait to book the trip was a good one, now in hindsight.

So. Our plans have changed. With my procedure July 1, it will be in end of the month before I will feel like traveling, and then the walking and standing in Philadelphia's heat (while not Texas, still very warm!) became ominous to me. I decided that - for now, anyway - we need something cool; relaxing; peaceful.

Our plan is to leave for the Southwestern part of Colorado the 19th of July and head to some unfamiliar mountains, with their brisk air and majesty. I am once again on the hunt for lodging, activities, and routes, and have even booked us on a jeep trip high up into the mountains of the area. The only thing I am dreading is the long, long days of driving it will take to get us there, but it is a means to an end. I really need this adventure, and while it is not new and different, it will be wonderful. Nothing like the mountains to refresh this couple, and I'm banking on coming home rested and joyous!

A weekend to remember

What a wonderful, wonderful weekend... congratulations to Gabi and Caleb on their marriage, which was celebrated in grand fashion!! So many friends, past and present, were there, and so many little ones of the next generation to meet! Erin said wouldn't be great if they all ended up at A&M together in about 17 years; Liz, Cy, Pearson, Julie, Abbie... the Pleasanton connection, one generation removed!! That was an amazing youth group, and their lives now show they are still living their faith, which makes me so proud of them all! We missed Robbie, David, and Sean, but they were in our thoughts.

The Royals' yard looked like a glorious garden all dressed up for the party; lights around and in the massive trees, flowers blooming everywhere, pretty tables in their white finery with candles and flowers on top. It was a fun, romantic, God-filled wedding, and I can't imagine one thing that was missing!! We stayed until the happy couple left, then headed home. I was so glad the girls got to see and visit with their friends!!

I have to say; having Liz here for a nice, long visit was tops! I honestly could not take my eyes off of her - afraid I'd miss something cute. She got in good play time with both Andy and me, and her aunt Dana took more than her fair share of cheek kisses! It's so magical to me to try and figure out what she is thinking, and to watch her think things through - but the best is to see her with her mother. Erin finds every opportunity to teach her and to show her God in everything. I'm so proud of her.

And then, it was Father's Day. Andy had a nice one, proudly wearing his tie from Liz. I think he showed everyone at worship the tie (it has her 6 mo. footprint on it) and told them the story of getting it in Austin. So fun to watch him. Then, we went to eat at a new restaurant in town so he could have shrimp on his special day. The wait was long, but worth it. We'll be back.

So, that's my weekend. My sweet family, except for Gregg, surrounding me for a wonderful couple of days. Dana and Erin's good cooking to treat me, and lots of cuddles all around. I am so blessed.

I hope your weekend was a good one!!

An amazing realization

Today - and yesterday - have been so amazing.

Let me back up to Sunday - it's all been this wash of love flowing over me (and Andy, too) about this biopsy. Kisses, hugs, pets, rubs, eyes glistening with tears from men - what a humbling, reaffirming feeling I have received these past days while my friends and family have worried and prayed over my results. Am I truly so dumb as to not have known what I was facing that I wasn't as worried as they were !?! The sounds of concern and fear in the voices on the phone until I say "no cancer!" - then the obvious sounds of relief and thanksgiving. It's almost as if I have been watching this from a distance happening to someone else.

I know that I was scared; I watched Marilyn Tello die of this merciless disease, and that has always been my fear; along with being lop-sided in my clothes - but this time, I dodged the bullet. By the grace of God and the love and prayers of my family. Iwill never be able to thank them all enough for how they've loved me through this -

God is good!

Finally - news and a plan!

Good news - no cancer cells!! YIPPEE !!
Other news - however, there were "a-typical" cells that need to be removed so that they do not become cancer.

Plan - July 1st, a lumpectomy (goofy word!) at Methodist. Day proceedure - should be home in time for bed. Hopefully. I've learned that, if you're going to be cut open, Methodist is the place to be. They are amazing at their care for you.

Thank you for all your prayers while I was waiting through this. It's a big deal to go from nothing to the thought of cancer, and so many people have taken time to love on me and include me in their prayers. Yesterday, the elders surrounded me and prayed, then they all hugged me and told me they love me. I know they do; it's just so nice to hear the words.

God is good.

Something to think about...

At the congregation where I worship, we sing with the words and music projected onto a screen; lovingly called singing "off the wall." It was a big change when we put it into play; some folks did not care for this new innovation, but it's come to be a matter of practice now. The song leader posts his song selection numbers on the board as usual, for the song-book-hangers-on, and off we go!!

Now, we have several men in our congregation who rotate leading singing. They all are giving their best, and try to make worship as meaningful as possible. But today, the leader accidently looked at his other list, and as we sang, faces upturned and voices in tune, he started another song! The screen went blank, and those of us recognized the other song sang. As the first verse came to an end, he stopped us, apologized, and turned us to the correct number. Everyone kinda chuckled, we got the correct song up on the screen, and off we went. Worship went on, without a hitch.

So here's what filled up my head the rest of the time (I know, I should have been concentrating on the sermon!). Why can I chuckle and go on when the leader I like so much messes up totally on a song, but when it's another leader, I get angry and think he should be taken out of the rotation due to lack of ability?! Why am I unforgiving of some, and yet blow off the same "error" done by another? This is something that bothers me about myself, and I need to work on my attitude. Perhaps now this realization today will stay forefront in my mind the next time another leader makes a miscue. I hope to be more loving!!